bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normalization of Time-Intensity Curves for Quantification of Foot Perfusion Using Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging With Indocyanine Green
Authors: Van Den Hoven Pim , Tange Floris , Van Der Valk Jurrian , Nerup Nikolaj , Putter Hein , Van Rijswijk Catharina , Van Schaik Jan , Schepers Abbey , Vahrmeijer Alexander , Hamming Jaap , Van Der Vorst Joost
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) is gaining popularity for the quantification of tissue perfusion, including foot perfusion in patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). However, the absolute fluorescence intensity is influenced by patient—and system-related factors limiting reliable and valid quantification. To enhance the quality of quantitative perfusion assessment using ICG NIR fluorescence imaging, normalization of the measured time-intensity curves seems useful.

Materials and Methods:

In this cohort study, the effect of normalization on 2 aspects of ICG NIR fluorescence imaging in assessment of foot perfusion was measured: the repeatability and the region selection. Following intravenous administration of ICG, the NIR fluorescence intensity in both feet was recorded for 10 mins using the Quest Spectrum platform®. The effect of normalization on repeatability was measured in the nontreated foot in patients undergoing unilateral revascularization preprocedural and postprocedural (repeatability group). The effect of normalization on region selection was performed in patients without LEAD (region selection group). Absolute and normalized time-intensity curves were compared.

Results:

Successful ICG NIR fluorescence imaging was performed in 54 patients (repeatability group, n = 38; region selection group, n = 16). For the repeatability group, normalization of the time-intensity curves displayed a comparable inflow pattern for repeated measurements. For the region selection group, the maximum fluorescence intensity (Imax) demonstrated significant differences between the 3 measured regions of the foot ( P = .002). Following normalization, the time-intensity curves in both feet were comparable for all 3 regions.

Conclusion:

This study shows the effect of normalization of time-intensity curves on both the repeatability and region selection in ICG NIR fluorescence imaging. The significant difference between absolute parameters in various regions of the foot demonstrates the limitation of absolute intensity in interpreting tissue perfusion. Therefore, normalization and standardization of camera settings are essential steps toward reliable and valid quantification of tissue perfusion using ICG NIR fluorescence imaging.
Flutter performance of shape memory alloy-embedded 3D woven flexible composite plate under subsonic flow
Authors: Baitab Danish M , Majid Dayang L , Abdullah Ermira J , Hamid Mohd Faisal A , Jang Leong S , Halder Ishan Mitra
Published: March 2022

Recently, 3D composites have gained prominence over 2D composites due to their remarkable through-the-thickness reinforcement that enhanced performances of structures subject to multi-directional stress conditions. However, it is at the expense of reduced in-plane properties. 3D composites also increased damage tolerance due to their high impact and delamination resistance properties, which are susceptible in 2D composites. In aeronautics, both are major concerns in primary structures such as lifting and control surfaces due to high vibrational loads from the airflow. Advancements in the aeroelasticity of aircraft structures show an increasing trend in using smart materials with composite structures for improved aeroelastic performance. An example is combining shape memory alloys (SMAs) with composites for improving damping, stiffness, and vibrational characteristics by utilizing stress generation and strain accommodation properties of SMAs in response to temperature and load, respectively. Published works are mostly numerical in nature, and experimental research is noticeably lacking as aeroelasticity is multidisciplinary and involves both structural and aerodynamic methodology. In this work, 3D composites with embedded SMA wires (for improved in-plane properties) are evaluated in terms of flutter performance in wind tunnel flutter testing under low airspeed conditions. Three 3D orthogonal interlock configurations with a different interlocking pattern of yarns with SMA wire were considered. These 3D configurations are layer-to-layer (L2L), through-the-thickness (TT), and a modified interlock (MF) structure that provides the strongest grip to SMA wire than L2L and TT. The effect of SMA positioning, at mid and near to trailing and leading edges of the cantilevered composite plate, on the aeroelastic flutter properties is also investigated. Results showed that activating SMA wires embedded in 3D structures have significantly improved post-flutter properties while there is a decrement in flutter speed and flutter frequency due to increased flexibility of deflected plate in the airflow by SMA-induced stresses. Among 3D structures, L2L with SMA near to trailing edge showed significant improvement in post-flutter properties by decreasing 22.2% in twist limit cycle oscillation (LCO) amplitude while L2L with SMA at mid showed a decrement of 9.5% for bending LCO amplitude. Hence, this work showed that embedding SMA is beneficial for mitigating the post-flutter vibrations but at the consequence of reduced flutter speed and frequency of flexible composite plate.
Mechanical performance of flame retardant and antibacterial glass-carbon/epoxy hybrid composites for furniture applications
Authors: Arif Sohaib , Nawab Yasir , Shaker Khubab , Umair Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Generally, carbon and glass fibers based composites are used in high-tech end products, but these are not preferred in indoor, outdoor and hygienic furniture applications due to microorganisms attack and prone to fire. In the first section of the research, different percentages (5%, 10%, and 15%) of zirconium phosphate (ZrP) particles were added in epoxy resin and corresponding glass/epoxy composites were fabricated to enhance their flame retardancy (FR) and mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, Charpy impact, and short beam shear). In the second section, different percentages (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) of zinc oxide (ZnO) particles were mixed in the epoxy resin and corresponding glass/epoxy composites were fabricated to optimize their antibacterial activity and mechanical performance. 15% concentration of ZrP particles exhibited the maximum flame retardancy and mechanical performance in composites, and 1.5% concentration of ZnO particles exhibited the highest antibacterial activity along with improved mechanical performance. In the third section, two (02) pure glass and carbon, and two (02) glass-carbon/carbon-glass hybrid composites were made with optimized concentrations of both ZrP and ZnO particles. Carbon/epoxy (H2) composite showed the highest mechanical properties in comparison with glass and hybrid composites due to the presence of four layers of carbon reinforcement. These functional hybrid composite-based furniture products can be used in indoor, hygienic (hospitals, schools, and offices), and outdoor furniture applications.
Politicized Battles: How Vacancies and Partisanship Influence Support for the Supreme Court
Authors: Armaly Miles T. , Lane Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2022

Supreme Court vacancies are now characterized by great partisan efforts to confirm—or impede—the nomination. Amid a politicized vacancy before the 2020 election, there was cause to question the conclusion that these vacancies do not harm the judiciary in the public’s eyes. We utilize panel data collected before and after Justice Ginsburg’s death to investigate the effects of the vacancy and partisan posturing to fill it. We find that the battle over the vacancy yielded decreases in diffuse support among Democrats, particularly among those who read a story about Senate Republicans’ willingness to fill an election-year vacancy after refusing to in 2016. Support for federal judicial elections decreased across survey waves, but only among certain subsets of respondents. Finally, belief that one’s preferred 2020 candidate would nominate the next justice significantly influenced support for curbing. Elected branch politics appear capable of influencing the mass public’s level of support for the Court.
Frame Genealogy as an Approach to Tracing Ideology in Education Policy Discourse
Authors: King Kelley M. , Smits Ryan M. , Biritz Rachel L.
Published: March 2022

This article brings together discourse analysis, Foucauldian genealogy, and frame analysis to propose frame genealogy. Frame genealogy is an interdisciplinary approach that allows us to trace processes of socioeducational change and uncover relationships between the educational past and present. After outlining the approach, we present its application in a study of Christian Right educational discourse. We demonstrate that frame genealogy can be used to identify discursive regularities between current educational discourse and policy and historical discourses of White and male supremacism while at the same time noting transformations and modifications related to the historically specific contexts. Frame genealogy also supports tracing elements in current educational discourse (e.g., discourses of choice and school failure). Such work exemplifies what Foucault understood as the meticulous work of rediscovering the historical, sociopolitical struggles enacted through policy discourses.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in the Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Hemihepatectomy
Authors: Zhou Jiamin , He Xigan , Wang Miao , Zhao Yiming , Wang Longrong , Mao Anrong , Wang Lu
Published: March 2022

Background

This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hemihepatectomy.

Methods

From January 2017 to June 2019, 54 and 56 patients were enrolled into the control and ERAS group, retrospectively. All the indicators related to operation, liver functions, and postoperative outcomes were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis identified 72 patients for further analysis.

Results

The clinicopathological characteristics were well-matched after PSM, and there were no significant differences in the operative duration, blood loss, blood transfusion, hospital costs, and most postoperative indicators in these 2 groups. In the ERAS group, D-dimer and fibrin degradation product values were significantly reduced (3.57 (2.874.60) μg/ml vs 4.81 (3.948.29) μg/ml and 11.90 (10.0418.02) μg/ml vs 15.80 (11.5529.24) μg/ml; P = .002 and P = .023, respectively). The days that semiliquid diet was allowed after surgery (2.00 (2.003.00) days vs 5.00 (4.006.00) days, P < .001), abdominal drainage tube indwelling duration (5.00 (4.005.00) days vs 5.00 (4.756.25) days, P = .004), and hospital stay after surgery (6.00 (6.007.00) days vs 8.00 (7.0010.00) days, P < .001) were also significantly shorter. The proportion of patients requiring analgesic treatment was significantly lower in the postoperative day 2 and day 4 ( P < .001 and P = .025, respectively). The morbidity was significantly less (36.11% vs 69.44%, P = .005).

Conclusions

ERAS programs are feasible and safe in HCC patients undergoing hemihepatectomy. Postoperative anticoagulant therapy may be one of the necessary steps.
Challenges and opportunities in research funding for neurovascular diseases from a clinical researcher's perspective
Authors: Ospel Johanna Maria , McDonough Rosalie , Ganesh Aravind , Sehgal Arshia , Kappelhof Manon , Kashani Nima , Klijn Catharina JM , Hill Michael , Saver Jeffrey , Goyal Mayank
Published: March 2022

Background & Purpose

Neurovascular research is underfunded, imposing substantial challenges on clinical researchers in the field of neurovascular diseases. We explored what physicians perceive to be the greatest challenges with regard to neurovascular research funding, and how they think the funding crisis in neurovascular research could be overcome.

Methods

We performed an international, multi-disciplinary survey among physicians involved in the medical care of patients with neurovascular diseases. After providing their demographic data, physicians were asked closed-ended questions on their personal opinion regarding challenges in neurovascular research funding, and how these challenges could be overcome. Physicians also described in their own words what they perceived to be the biggest challenges in obtaining funding. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and response clustering.

Results

Of 233 participating physicians (70.4% male,82.8% senior staff) from 48 countries, 217(97.4%) perceived the discrepancy between required and available funding to be a problem;172(73.8%) considered it a major problem. High competitiveness (61/118 available free text responses[51.7%]), time-consuming application processes (28/118[23.7%]) and administrative requirements (25/118[21.1%]) were identified as key obstacles. Traditional big funding agencies were perceived to be most capable of closing the neurovascular research funding gap, followed by specialty-specific organizations and industry, while philanthropy and crowdfunding were perceived to be less important.

Conclusion

The gap between required and available funding was perceived to be a major problem in neurovascular research, with high competitiveness, time-consuming funding processes and excessive administrative requirements being the key obstacles to obtaining funding. Traditional funding agencies were perceived to be most capable of closing this funding gap.
Configurable simulation strategies for testing pollutant plume source localization algorithms using autonomous multisensor mobile robots
Authors: Lewis Tyrell , Bhaganagar Kiran
Published: March 2022

In hazardous situations involving the dispersion of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear pollutants, timely containment of the emission is critical. A contaminant disperses as a dynamically evolving plume into the atmosphere, introducing complex difficulties in predicting the dispersion trajectory and potential evacuation sites. Strategies for predictive modeling of rapid contaminant dispersion demand localization of the emission source, a task performed effectively via unmanned mobile-sensing platforms. With vast possibilities in sensor configurations and source-seeking algorithms, platform deployment in real-world applications involves much uncertainty alongside opportunity. This work aims to develop a plume source detection simulator to offer a reliable comparison of source-seeking approaches and performance testing of ground-based mobile-sensing platform configurations prior to experimental field testing. Utilizing ROS, Gazebo, MATLAB, and Simulink, a virtual environment is developed for an unmanned ground vehicle with a configurable array of sensors capable of measuring plume dispersion model data mapped into the domain. For selected configurations, gradient-based and adaptive exploration algorithms were tested for source localization using Gaussian dispersion models in addition to large eddy simulation models incorporating the effects of atmospheric turbulence. A unique global search algorithm was developed to locate the true source with overall success allowing for further evaluation in field experiments. From the observations obtained in simulation, it is evident that source-seeking performance can improve drastically by designing algorithms for global exploration while incorporating measurements of meteorological parameters beyond solely concentration (e.g. wind velocity and vorticity) made possible by the inclusion of high-resolution large eddy simulation plume data.
Criminal anthroposcenes 2.0: Race, racism, and breath-taking violence in the time of COVID
Authors: Lam Anita
Published: March 2022

While media attention has focused on the visceral brutality of police chokeholds, less noticed are the breath-taking effects of air pollution caused by the (in)actions of state agencies dedicated to environmental protection. To think through how race and racism are embedded in the processes that underlie the Anthropocene, I reframe three key terms of engagement to analyze with greater rigor contemporary criminal anthroposcenes (i.e. scenes constituted by the inextricable enmeshing of crime and anthropogenic climate change): (1) climate and weather, (2) bodies and environments, and (3) anestheticization. Shaping a racial geography of dirty air, a climate of anti-Blackness in the US has been quietly impacting the health and lives of African Americans for centuries, so that the deadly impact of viral outbreaks can merge with existing modes of spectacular and slow violence. From the murder of George Floyd to the establishment of sacrifice zones, the complexity and messiness of recent breath-taking scenes of injustice are formed and maintained by a dangerous mixture of racial apathy and racially-charged violence.
The same but different: A social semiotic analysis of website interactivity as discourse
Authors: Vigild Poulsen Søren
Published: March 2022

The aim of this article is to explore website interactivity as discourse. Whereas the use of writing, images and layout in web design has been explored extensively, interactivity, that is, interactions between a web user and the website system, remains an underdeveloped area of discourse studies. To analyze interactivity as discourse, the article uses data from a research project on offline and online shopping for electronics, viewing the offline-online relationship as recontextualization in the sense that webshop interactivity (together with other design elements) represents and transforms in-store shopping actions. Using a methodology that combines analytical framework for interactive sites and approach to discourse analysis, the article maps cursor resources and interactive webshop features as actions and compares them to the actions that constitute in-store shopping. On this basis, the article offers reflections on how interactivity plays a defining role in the digital resemiotization of social practices.
The annual epilepsy review
Authors: Patel Tejal , Patel Kavil
Published: March 2022

Epilepsy is a common, chronic neurological condition. New diagnoses of epilepsy and more complex cases are managed in secondary care with primary care support. However, for many with stable epilepsy, primary care is the main point of contact for care. Epilepsy management has improved, but we should remember that it is a potentially life-threatening condition and status epilepticus is a medical emergency. This article discusses the pathophysiology and types of seizures in epilepsy. The article considers diagnosis, management, pharmacological aspects and specific considerations relating to pregnancy and driving. GPs are required to establish and maintain a register of patients aged 18 years and over receiving drug treatment for epilepsy. An annual review by GPs is considered good practice, and this article outlines key areas to be covered.
Social Paleontology on Twitter: A Case Study of Topic Archetypes, Network Composition, and Structure
Authors: Lundgren Lisa , Crippen Kent J. , Bauer Jennifer E. , Bex Richard T.
Published: March 2022

Social paleontology is a burgeoning field of research that seeks to understand the natural world through the collection, preparation, curation, and study of fossils via online communities. Such a community represents an ideal case for examining scientific practice as the expression of conversation topics in relation to the people who participate. Using Communities of Practice as a theoretical framework, we consider interactions within an egocentric Twitter network over a 397-day period to identify topic archetypes within the community, examine how such topic archetypes act as expressions of behavior that are indicative of community processes, and provide empirical evidence for detecting and indicating the health of an online community. Data were collected continuously and analyzed with a combination of topic modeling and social network analysis. Four unique archetypes were characterized based on the level of activity and longevity of interest. Participants for each were diverse, but not different. Structural differences in each network were noted with high levels of inter-group information flow within certain archetypes. Archetypes were interpreted using the life cycle states for Communities of Practice; sustained conversations and piques of interest indicate healthy online communities. These findings can inform efforts to design, implement, and research online, scientific communities.
The Effects of Uncertainty in Level on Speech-on-Speech Masking
Authors: Byrne Andrew J. , Conroy Christopher , Kidd Gerald
Published: March 2022

Identification of speech from a "target" talker was measured in a speech-on-speech masking task with two simultaneous "masker" talkers. The overall level of each talker was either fixed or randomized throughout each stimulus presentation to investigate the effectiveness of level as a cue for segregating competing talkers and attending to the target. Experimental manipulations included varying the level difference between talkers and imposing three types of target level uncertainty: 1) fixed target level across trials, 2) random target level across trials, or 3) random target levels on a word-by-word basis within a trial. When the target level was predictable performance was better than corresponding conditions when the target level was uncertain. Masker confusions were consistent with a high degree of informational masking (IM). Furthermore, evidence was found for "tuning" in level and a level "release" from IM. These findings suggest that conforming to listener expectation about relative level, in addition to cues signaling talker identity, facilitates segregation of, and maintaining focus of attention on, a specific talker in multiple-talker communication situations.
Transboundary River Cooperation in Mekong Basin: A Sub-regional Perspective
Authors: Mallick Priyanka
Published: March 2022

Freshwater resource management is one of the important challenges of the twenty-first century. It becomes more complicated when the river crosses a political boundary. A country can implement water resource management policies to promote more sustainable growth and development within its borders. However, it is not easy to enforce policies in the case of a transboundary river. Mekong River basin is crucial for freshwater resources and other activities like fishing, agricultural production, transportation, diverse biodiversity, hydropower generation, and so on. In addition, the basin supports the livelihoods of more than 60 million people. The massive expansion in the development of hydroelectric plants in the upper reaches of the Mekong has had a significant impact on the basin’s ecology during the previous decade. Hydropower dams are trapping the nutrients carrying sediment load and preventing it from reaching the floodplains. China’s increasing hydropower activities is a significant concern for downstream countries. Its policies are not transparent with lower Mekong basin (LMB) nations. To limit China’s influence, the USA is also attempting to engage with the basin countries. In such a situation, effective sub-regional cooperation for the sustainable development of the Mekong basin is crucial, where all stakeholders’ interests are considered.
Pressor therapy in acute ischaemic stroke: an updated systematic review
Authors: Strømsnes Torbjørn Austveg , Kaugerud Hagen Truls Jørgen , Ouyang Menglu , Wang Xia , Chen Chen , Rygg Silje-Emilie , Hewson David , Lenthall Rob , McConachie Norman , Izzath Wazim , Bath Philip M , Dhillon Permesh Singh , Podlasek Anna , England Timothy , Sprigg Nikola , Robinson Thompson G , Advani Rajiv , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Sandset Else Charlotte , Krishnan Kailash
Published: March 2022

Background

Low blood pressure (BP) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is associated with poor functional outcome, death, or severe disability. Increasing BP might benefit patients with post-stroke hypotension including those with potentially salvageable ischaemic penumbra. This updated systematic review considers the present evidence regarding the use of vasopressors in AIS.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE and trial databases using a structured search strategy. We examined reference lists of relevant publications for additional studies examining BP elevation in AIS.

Results

We included 27 studies involving 1886 patients. Nine studies assessed increasing BP during acute reperfusion therapy (intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, intra-arterial thrombolysis or combined). Eighteen studies tested BP elevation alone. Phenylephrine was the most commonly used agent to increase BP (n = 16 studies), followed by norepinephrine (n = 6), epinephrine (n = 3) and dopamine (n = 2). Because of small patient numbers and study heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not possible. Overall, BP elevation was feasible in patients with fluctuating or worsening neurological symptoms, large vessel occlusion with labile BP, sustained post-stroke hypotension and ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis or after acute reperfusion therapy. The effects on functional outcomes were largely unknown and close monitoring is advised if such intervention is undertaken.

Conclusion

Although theoretical arguments support increasing BP to improve cerebral blood flow and sustain the ischaemic penumbra in selected AIS patients, the data are limited and results largely inconclusive. Large, randomised controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal BP target, agent, duration of treatment and effects on clinical outcomes.
Fabrication, experimental study, and 2-D finite element computational homogenization of bone scaffolds under uniaxial and biaxial compressive loadings
Authors: Khalvandi Ali , Mohammadi Aghdam Mohammad , Saber-Samandari Saeed
Published: March 2022

In this research, a novel nanocomposite bone scaffold made up of Gelatin and Polypyrrole biopolymers and Akermanite and Magnetite bioceramics was fabricated utilizing the freeze-drying method. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed. The existing functional groups and crystalline phases were identified. Microscopic images were taken, and the mean pore cell size was 165.62 µm. According to the results of the liquid displacement method, the porosity was 68% ± 3%. The fabricated scaffolds showed maximum swelling of 1012% during 140 h. The bioactivity was monitored, and the formed Apatite layers were seen in microscopic images. The MTT assay was conducted by Osteoblast cells culture, and after 3 days, 100% cell viability was recorded. 2-D porous multiphase Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) were generated employing the modified Random Sequential Adsorption (mRSA) algorithm. Afterward, we imposed periodic boundary conditions on the boundaries of the RVEs. The homogenized elastic modulus along the X-axis was 14.81 kPa in biaxial compression. In this loading state, homogenized Young’s modulus along the Y-axis was 13.7 kPa. Homogenized Young’s modulus along Y-axis direction under uniaxial loading was 12.54 kPa. According to the micromechanical modeling results, non-isotropic behavior from such scaffolds was seen.
Sinoxenic writing and Chinese minority  literature
Authors: Poupard Duncan
Published: March 2022

Drawing on examples from a range of ethnic minority literatures across south China (Achang, Hani, Bai, and Naxi), this article attempts to show how the writing of minority languages in contemporary Chinese literature may have evolved from the old Sinoxenic writing (writing that uses a borrowed and/or modified Chinese character script) of manuscript sources. I argue that all of China’s minority authors engage in Sinoxenic writing (albeit in limited forms) when they write their native languages using Chinese graphs. That is, minority authors in today’s China who write works of “minority literature” in Chinese often do not just write Mandarin Chinese, but also their native languages using borrowed sinographs. This is a literary tradition that, while having identifiable roots in the “old” Sinoxenic scripts of previous centuries, has resulted in “new” forms of syllabic writing comprised entirely of phonetic borrowings.
Mucoperiosteal Flap—A Viable Option for Floor of Oral Cavity Defects: A Case Report
Authors: Verma Gaurav , Dhingra Jatin , Gothi Bhavana , Tiwari Arunesh Kumar , Agrawal Amiya
Published: March 2022

Reconstruction of maxillofacial defects is a big challenge for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The defects of the floor of oral cavity are difficult to treat in particular. Various techniques are being used to treat these defects with variable success. The purpose of this case report is to present the use of a lingual mucoperiosteal flap for the closure of a defect of the oral cavity.
Oxygen Management in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Ramachandran Gopinath , Prasad C. H. Rama Krishna , Garre Sandeep , Sundar Ayya Syama
Published: March 2022

Symptoms of heart failure (HF) should be alleviated as quickly as feasible. Apart from standard pharmacological therapy, supplementation of oxygen is lifesaving in hypoxemic (SpO2 <90% or PaO2 <60 mmHg) HF patients. For sick patients with SpO2 <85%, respiratory distress (respiratory rate >25 breaths per min) and pulmonary edema, along with oxygen administration, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) methods, including BiPAP/CPAP or humidified high-flow nasal oxygen, should be tried to optimize oxygenation, reduce work of breathing and to reduce the venous return. If these noninvasive ventilatory support methods fail to improve hypoxemia, endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation should be instituted. Short-term mechanical circulatory support (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) devices are reserved for cardiogenic shock patients due to advanced HF associated with reversible end-organ failure and hypoxia. These temporary mechanical circulatory support devices are also useful as a bridge to long-term mechanical circulatory support or heart transplant in end-stage HF with refractory cardiogenic shock. Even though the use of additional oxygen is a standard practice for hypoxemic patients, routine use of high concentrations of oxygen via inhalational therapy or NIPPV for normoxemic HF patients may result in hyperoxemia. Hyperoxemia has been shown to have negative hemodynamic effects like increased systemic vascular resistance, reduced cardiac index, and decreased coronary blood flow. Detailed prescription by the treating physician, careful monitoring, and meticulous titration of oxygen is essential for safe oxygen treatment for HF patients.
Prediction of outcomes after second-line treatment for acute graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Vo Phuong , Gooley Ted A. , Carpenter Paul A. , Sorror Mohamed L. , MacMillan Margaret L. , DeFor Todd E. , Martin Paul J.
Published: March 2022

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) requiring second-line treatment represents a highly morbid complication of allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Recent studies have defined short-term outcomes after second-line treatment for acute GVHD, but longer-term outcomes have not been well defined. We examined overall survival (OS) and failure-free-survival (FFS) of 216 patient who had HCT who received second-line treatment for acute GVHD. Failure time for FFS was defined as the earliest of death, relapse, or implementation of third-line treatment. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify risk factors for mortality and failure, and predictive models were derived for 6- and 12-month mortality. Point estimates of OS at 6 and 12 months were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52-65) and 52% (95% CI, 45-68), respectively. Point estimates of FFS at 6 and 12 months were 42% (95% CI, 35-48) and 37% (95% CI, 31-43), respectively. Predictive models for both end points included serum albumin and total bilirubin concentrations at the onset of second-line treatment, patient age at onset of second-line therapy, and a combination of abdominal pain/stage 4 gut involvement. Optimism-corrected areas under the receiver-operator characteristic curve and Brier scores were 77.4 and 0.169 for 6-month mortality, respectively, and 80.0 and 0.169 for 12-month mortality. We identify risk factors associated with mortality and failure after second-line treatment of acute GVHD, provide historical benchmarks for assessment of FFS and OS in other studies, and propose predictive models for 6- and 12-month mortality that could be used to generate population-specific benchmarks.
Molecular hydrogen is a potential protective agent in the management of acute lung injury
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Jin , Fu Zhiling
Published: March 2022

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is a more severe form of ALI, are life-threatening clinical syndromes observed in critically ill patients. Treatment methods to alleviate the pathogenesis of ALI have improved to a great extent at present. Although the efficacy of these therapies is limited, their relevance has increased remarkably with the ongoing pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which causes severe respiratory distress syndrome. Several studies have demonstrated the preventive and therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen in the various diseases. The biological effects of molecular hydrogen mainly involve anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and autophagy and cell death modulation. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen on ALI and its underlying mechanisms and aims to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of ALI and COVID-19.
Characterization of mercerized cellulose nanofibrils prepared by aqueous counter collision process
Authors: Tatsumi Daisuke , Kanda Atsushi , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: March 2022

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) obtained by aqueous counter collision (ACC) methods have amphiphilic Janus-type properties, which appear markedly for ACC–CNFs prepared from bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) pellicles. The amphiphilic Janus-type surface is exposed because of the mechanism involved in ACC pulverizing of cellulose materials, in which the predominant interactions of the (2 0 0) lattice plane of the cellulose I crystal structure are weak interplanar van der Waals interactions. Such selective cleavage is more likely to occur for highly crystalline BNC. This study focused on alkali-mercerized cellulose samples, which are of lower crystallinity than BNC. The mercerized raw materials were subjected to ACC treatments and their fiber morphologies, crystallinities, and surface properties were compared to those of ACC–CNFs from native samples. In particular, the Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) results suggested that the cleavage was most likely to occur at the (1 1 0) plane in nanofibrils derived from cellulose II, unlike (2 0 0) lattice plane for the case of cellulose I. Accordingly, the entire results indicate that the properties of the ACC-treated mercerized CNFs differ greatly from those of conventional ACC–CNFs composed of cellulose I crystalline structure. This is presumably because ACC nanopulverization proceeds depending on the surface structure and crystalline morphology of the raw material.
Senescence-associated reprogramming induced by interleukin-1 impairs response to EGFR neutralization
Authors: Romaniello Donatella , Gelfo Valerio , Pagano Federica , Ferlizza Enea , Sgarzi Michela , Mazzeschi Martina , Morselli Alessandra , Miano Carmen , D’Uva Gabriele , Lauriola Mattia
Published: March 2022

Background

EGFR targeting is currently the main treatment strategy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Results of different clinical trials show that patients with wild-type KRAS and BRAF benefit from anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (moAbs) cetuximab (CTX) or panitumumab. Unfortunately, despite initial response, patients soon became refractory. Tumor heterogeneity and multiple escaping routes have been addressed as the main culprit, and, behind genomic alterations already described, changes in signaling pathways induced by drug pressure are emerging as mechanisms of acquired resistance. We previously reported an association between reduced sensitivity to CTX and increased expression of IL-1. However, how IL-1 mediates CTX resistance in mCRC is still unclear.

Methods

Under CTX treatment, the upregulation of IL-1R1 expression and a senescence program in sensitive colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines is examined over time using qPCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence.

Results

In sensitive CRC cells, IL-1 appeared responsible for a CTX-mediated G0 phase arrest. On the contrary, CTX-resistant CRC cells (CXR) maintained high mRNA levels of IL-1R1 and a post-senescence reprogramming, as indicated by increased SNAIL expression. Interestingly, treatment of CXR cells with a recombinant decoy, able to sequester the soluble form of IL-1, pushed CTX-resistant CRC cells back into a stage of senescence, thus blocking their proliferation. Our model suggests a trans-regulatory mechanism mediated by IL-1 on EGFR signaling. By establishing senescence and regulating EGFR activity and expression, IL-1 exposure ultimately bestows resistance.

Conclusions

To sum up, our findings point to the combined blockage of IL-1R and EGFR as a promising therapeutical approach to restore sensitivity to EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibodies.
Extending the theory of planned behavior to predict and nudge toward the subscription to a public transport ticket
Authors: Hauslbauer Andrea Lucia , Schade Jens , Drexler Corinna Emmely , Petzoldt Tibor
Published: March 2022

Introduction

To reduce pollution from motorized private cars, a modal shift toward more sustainable modes, such as public transport, is desired. A first step to achieving this is the subscription to a public transport ticket. It was investigated if an extended version of thetheory of planned behavioris suited to predict subscription to a public transport ticket, and ifenvironmental concern—the channel through which many sustainable transport modes are advertised—plays a significant role. It was further examined if nudging serves as an effective measure in convincing employees to subscribe to the offered ticket.Nudgesencourage desired behaviors by changing the information set that individuals face when taking decisions; in this paper, this includes favorabledefaultsand the manipulation of thesocial norm. Since nudges lack a coherent theory, it was tested if these nudges can be integrated into the aforementioned theory.

Method

By means of an online experiment, participants (N = 373) were randomly assigned to different nudging conditions or a control condition. The questionnaire mimicked a working contract, including the decision for or against a subscription to the ticket.

Results

Results of structural equation modeling revealed that the theory predicted the purchase decision well, yet the impact ofenvironmental concernwas surprisingly low. Most tickets were purchased in the default condition, but no nudge reached statistical significance.

Discussion and Conclusion

The limitations of nudging in the transport sector are discussed, along with the effectiveness of advertising public transport through an environmental lens.
TADreg: a versatile regression framework for TAD identification, differential analysis and rearranged 3D genome prediction
Authors: Mourad Raphaël
Published: March 2022

Background/Aim

In higher eukaryotes, the three-dimensional (3D) organization of the genome is intimately related to numerous key biological functions including gene expression, DNA repair and DNA replication regulations. Alteration of 3D organization, in particular topologically associating domains (TADs), is detrimental to the organism and can give rise to a broad range of diseases such as cancers.

Methods

Here, we propose a versatile regression framework which not only identifies TADs in a fast and accurate manner, but also detects differential TAD borders across conditions for which few methods exist, and predicts 3D genome reorganization after chromosomal rearrangement. Moreover, the framework is biologically meaningful, has an intuitive interpretation and is easy to visualize.

Result and conclusion

The novel regression ranks among top TAD callers. Moreover, it identifies new features of the genome we called TAD facilitators, and that are enriched with specific transcription factors. It also unveils the importance of cell-type specific transcription factors in establishing novel TAD borders during neuronal differentiation. Lastly, it compares favorably with the state-of-the-art method for predicting rearranged 3D genome.
Patterns of sex-biased dispersal are consistent with social and ecological constraints in a group-living cichlid fish
Authors: Bose Aneesh P. H. , Koch Lukas , Dabernig-Heinz Johanna , Grimm Jacqueline , Sefc Kristina M. , Jordan Alex
Published: March 2022

Background

Sex-biased dispersal is a common and widespread phenomenon that can fundamentally shape the genetic structure of the social environments in which animals live. For animals that live in and move between social groups, sex-biased dispersal can result in an asymmetry in the degree of relatedness among cohabiting males and females, which can have strong implications for their social evolution. In this study, we measured the relatedness structure within and across groups of a wild population ofNeolamprologus multifasciatus, a highly-social, shell-dwelling cichlid fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa. In total, we genotyped 812 fish from 128 social groups at 20 microsatellite loci.Neolamprologus multifasciatuslive at high densities, and also experience strong ecological constraints on free movement throughout their habitat. At the same time, they exhibit sex differences in the degree of reproductive competition within their groups and this makes them an excellent model system for studying the factors associated with sex-biased dispersal.

Results

Social groups ofN. multifasciatusconsist of multiple males and females living together. We found that cohabiting females were unrelated to one another (Lynch-Ritland estimates of relatedness = 0.045 ± 0.15, average ± SD), while males shared much higher, albeit variable, levels of relatedness to other males in their groups (0.23 ± 0.27). We uncovered a pronounced decline in relatedness between males living in separate groups as the spatial separation between them increased, a pattern that was not evident in females. Female dispersal was also markedly constrained by the distribution and availability of nearby territories to which they could emigrate.

Conclusions

Our results indicate female-biased dispersal inN. multifasciatus.Our study also highlights how the spatial distribution of suitable dispersal destinations can influence the movement decisions of animals. We also emphasize how sex-biased dispersal can influence the relatedness structure of the social environment in which individuals interact and compete with one another.
Proteome and Transcriptome Analysis of Gonads Reveals Intersex in Gigantidas haimaensis
Authors: Shi Yu , Yao Gaoyou , Zhang Hua , Jia Huixia , Xiong Panpan , He Maoxian
Published: March 2022

Sex has proven to be one of the most intriguing areas of research across evolution, development, and ecology. Intersex or sex change occurs frequently in molluscs. The deep-sea mussel Gigantidas haimaensis often dominates within Haima cold seep ecosystems, but details of their reproduction remain unknown. Herein, we conducted a combined proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of G. haimaensis gonads to provide a systematic understanding of sexual development in deep-sea bivalves. A total of 2,452 out of 42,238 genes (5.81%) and 288 out of 7,089 proteins (4.06%) were significantly differentially expressed between ovaries and testes with a false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05. Candidate genes involved in sexual development were identified; among 12 differentially expressed genes between sexes, four ovary-biased genes (β-catenin, fem-1, forkhead box L2 and membrane progestin receptor α) were expressed significantly higher in males than females. Combining histological characteristics, we speculate that the males maybe intersex undergoing sex change, and implied that these genes may be involved in the process of male testis converting into female gonads in G. haimaensis. The results suggest that this adaptation may be based on local environmental factors, sedentary lifestyles, and patchy distribution, and sex change may facilitate adaptation to a changing environment and expansion of the population. The findings provide a valuable genetic resource to better understand the mechanisms of sex change and survival strategies in deep-sea bivalves.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infectious disease hospitalizations of neonates at a tertiary academic hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pan Jiarong , Zhan Canyang , Yuan Tianming , Sun Yi , Wang Weiyan , Chen Lihua
Published: March 2022

Background

To investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on hospitalizations for neonatal infectious diseases.

Methods

We analyzed data for neonatal inpatients admitted at a tertiary academic hospital with a principal diagnosis of an infectious disease during January 2015 to December 2020. We compared hospitalizations in 2020 (COVID-19 cohort), corresponding with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and associated containment measures, and the comparable 2015 to 2019 (pre-COVID-19 cohort).

Results

14,468 cases admitted for neonatal infectious diseases were included in our study, with 1201 cases in the COVID-19 cohort and 13,267 cases in the pre-COVID-19 cohort. The leading causes of hospitalizations for neonatal infectious diseases remain being respiratory tract infections (median ratio = 0.461, 95% CI 0.335–0.551), sepsis (median ratio = 0.292, 95% CI 0.263–0.361), gastric intestinal infections (median ratio = 0.095, 95% CI 0.078–0.118) and dermatologic infections (median ratio = 0.058, 95% CI 0.047–0.083). The seasonality of neonatal infectious disease hospitalizations could be obviously observed, with the total number and the overall rate of hospitalizations for neonatal infectious diseases in the first and fourth quarters greater than that of hospitalizations for neonatal infectious diseases in the second and third quarters in each year (1362.67 ± 360.54 vs 1048.67 ± 279.23, P = 0.001; 8176/20020 vs 6292/19369, P < 0.001, respectively). Both the numbers and the proportions of hospitalizations for neonatal infectious diseases in different quarters of the COVID-19 cohort significantly decreased as compared with those forecasted with the data from the pre-COVID-19 cohort: the numbers per quarter (300.25 ± 57.33 vs 546.64 ± 100.43, P-value = 0.006), the first quarter (0.34 vs 0.40, P = 0.002), the second quarter (0.24 vs 0.30, P = 0.001), the third quarter (0.24 vs 0.28, P = 0.024), and the fourth quarter (0.29 vs 0.35, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Despite the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the leading causes of hospitalizations for neonatal infectious diseases remain unchanged. The seasonality of neonatal infectious disease hospitalizations could be obviously observed. The numbers as well as the overall rates of hospitalizations for neonatal infectious diseases in the COVID-19 cohort dramatically declined with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its mitigation measures.