bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal simulations of summer aerosol optical depth over the Arabian Peninsula using WRF‐Chem: Validation, climatology, and variability
Authors: Karumuri Rama Krishna , Kunchala Ravi Kumar , Attada Raju , Dasari Hari Prasad , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the climatology and variability of summer aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) using a long‐term high‐resolution Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the chemistry module (WRF‐Chem) simulation, available ground‐based and satellite observations, and reanalysis products from 2008 to 2018. The simulated spatial distribution of the summer AOD agrees well with the satellite observations and reanalysis over the AP, with spatial correlation coefficients of 0.81/0.83/0.89 with MODIS‐A/MODIS‐T/MERRA‐2, respectively. Higher values of summertime AOD are broadly found over the eastern AP regions and the southern Red Sea and minima over the northern Red Sea and northwest AP, consistent with observational datasets. The WRF‐Chem simulation suggests that the two regions of high AOD are associated with dust advected from the Tigris–Euphrates by the northwesterly summer Shamal wind in the eastern AP and from the African Sahara via Sudan by westerly winds through the Tokar Gap for the southern AP. The high AOD over the south‐central east AP is due to locally generated dust by the action of northerly winds, modulated by variations in relative humidity, vertical motion, soil moisture, and soil temperature over the desert regions. The vertical extent of this dust is primarily driven by upward motion triggered by thermal convection over the local source region. In terms of interannual variability, summer AOD exhibits significant year‐to‐year variations over the AP region. In particular, enhanced (reduced) AOD over the southern AP (Persian Gulf) is observed during La Niña conditions, favoured by stronger (weaker) Tokar westerly (northwesterly summer Shamal) winds.

Highlights

This study evaluated the long‐term simulations of AOD using high resolution WRF‐Chem model over the AP.

WRF‐Chem successfully simulated the summer AOD climatology and its variability.

Potential driving factors of summer AOD loading over the AP is explored.

Summer AOD variability in the AP is mainly driven by northern Shamal winds and westerly Tokar winds.

Enhanced (reduced) AOD over the southern AP (Arabian Gulf) is observed during La Niña conditions.
Incidence and Risk Factors for a Malpositioned Intrauterine Device Detected on Three‐Dimensional Ultrasound Within Eight Weeks of Placement
Authors: Connolly Courtney T. , Fox Nathan S.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To estimate the incidence of intrauterine device (IUD) malpositioning detected on three‐dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasound within 8 weeks of placement and identify risk factors for malpositioning.

Methods

Retrospective study of women who had an IUD placed at a large obstetrics and gynecology practice from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. All patients underwent two‐dimensional ultrasound at the time of insertion and routine three‐dimensional ultrasound within 8 weeks. Baseline characteristics and potential risk factors were compared between women with correctly positioned and malpositioned IUDs. Odds ratios were calculated by logistic regression to identify risk factors independently associated with malpositioning.

Results

A total of 763 IUD placements were included, and 127 malpositioned IUDs were identified representing an overall rate of malpositioning of 16.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.0–19.3) with 8.8% (95% CI 6.8–10.8) requiring removal. Patients with malpositioned IUD had higher rates of morbid obesity (13.4% versus 3.8%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.46, 95% CI 1.10–5.50), prior uterine window or rupture (9.0% versus 2.2%, aOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.06–7.30), copper IUD placement (64.2% versus 47.4%, aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.31–3.03), and symptoms such as bleeding or pain at follow‐up (35.8% versus 20.1%, aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.67–3.98). Parity, breastfeeding, difficult insertion, and uterine size and positioning were not significant.

Conclusions

The incidence of malpositioned IUD within 8 weeks of placement on 3D ultrasound is 16.6%, with 8.8% requiring removal. Significant risk factors for malpositioning include morbid obesity, prior uterine window or rupture, and copper IUD placement. These findings support the importance of routine follow‐up 3D ultrasound after seemingly successful IUD placement.
Two novel ectodysplasin A gene mutations and prenatal diagnosis of X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: Yu Kang , Shen Yihan , Jiang Cai‐Ling , Huang Wei , Wang Feng , Wu Yi‐Qun
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is mainly caused by ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene mutation. Fetus with genetic deficiency of EDA can be prenatally corrected. This study aimed at revealing the pathogenesis of two HED families and making a prenatal diagnosis for one pregnant female carrier.

Designs

Genomic DNA was extracted from two HED patients and sequenced using whole exome sequencing (WES). The detected mutations were confirmed in patients and family members using Sanger sequencing. The expression of soluble ectodysplasin A1 (EDA1) protein was studied by western blot. The transcriptional activity of NF‐κB pathway was tested by dual luciferase assay. The genomic DNA of fetus was extracted from shed chorion cells and EDA gene was screened through Sanger sequencing.

Results

We identified two novel EDA mutations: c.1136T>C (p.Phe379Ser) and c.[866G>C;868A>T] (p.[Arg289Pro;Ser290Cys]). Further examinations revealed that these two mutated EDA1 proteins showed completely impaired solubility, and the transcriptional NF‐κB activation induced by these missense mutant‐type EDA1 proteins was significantly reduced compared with wild‐type EDA1. Furthermore, the analysis of amniotic fluid samples from a pregnant heterozygote indicated that the fetus was a c.1136T>C mutation female carrier.

Conclusions

This study extended the mutation spectrum of X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) and applied prenatal diagnosis for the pregnant carrier, which can be helpful in genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and intervention for the XLHED family.
Ergodic stationary distribution and practical application of a hybrid stochastic cholera transmission model with waning vaccine‐induced immunity under nonlinear regime switching
Authors: Zhou Baoquan , Jiang Daqing , Han Bingtao , Hayat Tasawar
Published: September 2021

Considering the effect of stochasticity including white noise and colored noise, this paper aims to study a hybrid stochastic cholera epidemic model with waning vaccine‐induced immunity and nonlinear telegraph perturbations. First, we derive a critical value
related to the basic reproduction number
of the deterministic model. The key aim of this paper is to generalize the θ‐stochastic criterion method proposed by the recent work (Han et al. in Chaos Solit Fract 140:110238, 2020) to eliminate nonlinear telegraph perturbations. Next, via constructing several θ‐stochastic Lyapunov functions and using the generalized method, we further prove that the stochastic model have a unique ergodic stationary distribution under
. Results show that the prevention and control of cholera epidemic depend on low transmission rate and small telegraph perturbations. Finally, the corresponding numerical simulations are performed to illustrate our analytical results and a practical application on the Somalia cholera outbreak is shown at the end of this paper.
Experimental acoustic characterization of an endoskeletal antibubble contrast agent: First results
Authors: Panfilova Anastasiia , Chen Peiran , van Sloun Ruud J.G. , Wijkstra Hessel , Postema Michiel , Poortinga Albert T. , Mischi Massimo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

An antibubble is an encapsulated gas bubble with an incompressible inclusion inside the gas phase. Current‐generation ultrasound contrast agents are bubble‐based: they contain encapsulated gas bubbles with no inclusions. The objective of this work is to determine the linear and nonlinear responses of an antibubble contrast agent in comparison to two bubble‐based ultrasound contrast agents, that is, reference bubbles and SonoVue.

Methods

Side scatter and attenuation of the three contrast agents were measured, using single‐element ultrasound transducers, operating at 1.0, 2.25, and 3.5 MHz. The scatter measurements were performed at acoustic pressures of 200 and 300 kPa for 1.0 MHz, 300 kPa, and 450 kPa for 2.25 MHz, and 370 and 560 kPa for 3.5 MHz. Attenuation measurements were conducted at pressures of 13, 55, and 50 kPa for 1.0, 2.25, and 3.5 MHz, respectively. In addition, a dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound measurement was performed, imaging the contrast agent flow through a vascular phantom with a commercial diagnostic linear array probe.

Results

Antibubbles generated equivalent or stronger harmonic signal, compared to bubble‐based ultrasound contrast agents. The second harmonic side‐scatter amplitude of the antibubble agent was up to 3 dB greater than that of reference bubble agent and up to 4 dB greater than that of SonoVue at the estimated concentration of bubbles/mL. For ultrasound with a center transmit frequency of 1.0 MHz, the attenuation coefficient of the antibubble agent was 8.7 dB/cm, whereas the attenuation coefficient of the reference agent was 7.7 and 0.3 dB/cm for SonoVue. At 2.25 MHz, the attenuation coefficients were 9.7, 3.0, and 0.6 dB/cm, respectively. For 3.5 MHz, they were 4.4, 1.8, and 1.0 dB/cm, respectively. A dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound recording showed the nonlinear signal of the antibubble agent to be 31% greater than for reference bubbles and 23% lower than SonoVue at a high concentration of bubbles/mL.

Conclusion

Endoskeletal antibubbles generate comparable or greater higher harmonics than reference bubbles and SonoVue. As a result, antibubbles with liquid therapeutic agents inside the gas phase have high potential to become a traceable therapeutic agent.
Impact of early protein provision on the mortality of acute critically ill stroke patients
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Lin Zhenzhou , Xie Ling , Huang Kaibin , Ji Zhong , Gu Chunping , Wang Shengnan
Published: September 2021

Background

Stroke is the leading cause of death in China, and dysphagia is a common symptom of stroke. For acute critically ill stroke patients, whether the protein provision overwhelming calorie provision impacts the outcome still requires investigation.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospectively observational study. Acute stroke patients admitted to our neurocritical care unit between January 2013 and January 2017 were enrolled. Primary end points were short‐term (30‐day) and long‐term (6‐month) mortality, as well as long‐term poor outcome with a modified Rankin scale score ≥4.

Results

Of 208 eligible patients, 127 (61.1%) patients were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and 81 (38.9%) with intracranial hemorrhage. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the increased protein provision was significantly associated with reduced 30‐day and 6‐month mortality (P = .041 and P = .020, respectively) but not 6‐month functional outcome (P = .365), whereas calorie provision had no independent association with either mortality or functional outcome. When the protein provision ≤1.74 g/kg/day, there was a 9.37% decrease in short‐term mortality and a 9.21% decrease in long‐term mortality with each 0.1 g/kg/day increase in protein delivery. The patients were further divided into five subgroups based on the amount of protein provision, and Linear‐by‐Linear Association tests showed there was a negative linear relationship between the protein provision and 30‐day and 6‐month mortality (P = .048 and P = .017, respectively).

Conclusions

Early protein provision during the first week is an independent predictor of short‐term and long‐term mortality in acute critically ill stroke patients.
Intimate partner violence among Jordanian pregnant women and its predictors
Authors: Abujilban Sanaa , Mrayan Lina , Damra Jalal K.
Published: September 2021

Aim

To determine and compare the level of prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) at 12 months before pregnancy and during pregnancy and to identify the predictors of physical IPV.

Design

A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used for data collection and analysis.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to recruit 247 women for the study. The women's IPV experience was measured by the Arabic version of the World Health Organization's Domestic Violence Questionnaire Screening Tool.

Results

The women reported that they experienced substantial levels of different types of IPV during pregnancy: 93.1% control, 66% psychological, 31.2% physical and 8.9% sexual. The levels of psychological, physical and sexual IPV during pregnancy were statistically significantly lower than those before pregnancy. In the case of physical IPV, women's age and verbal fighting were independent positive predictors, while women's educational level, husbands' educational level and level of mutual understanding were independent negative predictors. It is therefore recommended that policymakers focus on providing marital advice and marriage counselling and on empowering women by education in order to tackle IPV during pregnancy.
Mattering perception, work engagement and its relation to burnout amongst nurses during coronavirus outbreak
Authors: Mohamed Salwa Ahmed , Hendy Abdelaziz , Ezzat Mahmoud Omaima , Mohamed Mohamed Sayeda
Published: September 2021

Aim

To assess the mattering perception, feelings of burnout and work engagement amongst nurses during coronavirus outbreak.

Design

Cross‐sectional research design.

Methods

It conducted at Zagazig fever hospital and chest hospital on 280 nurses. A self‐administered questionnaire containing four parts; characteristics, mattering at Work Scale, Burnout scale and Engagement scale.

Results

The present study reported that more than half of studied nurses had moderate mattering level and more than one‐quarter of them had low mattering. More than two‐fifth of studied nurses had moderate level and slight less than one‐third of them had low engagement. More than two‐fifth of studied nurses had moderate level of burnout, whilst slight less than one‐third of them had high burnout, and one‐quarter of them had low burnout.
Bone marrow adipose tissue content in Latino adolescents with prediabetes and obesity
Authors: Vander Wyst Kiley B. , Hu Houchun H. , Peña Armando , Olson Micah L. , Bailey Smita S. , Shaibi Gabriel Q.
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study aimed to examine whether total, regional, and organ fat predicts bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) fat content and to explore whether BMAT fat content differs by sex among Latino youth.

Methods

Latino youth (n = 86; age 13.6 [1.4] years, 62% male) with obesity (BMI percentile = 98.5% [1.2%]) underwent a dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan to assess body composition and a magnetic resonance imaging scan to determine abdominal adiposity, liver fat, and vertebral BMAT fat content in the thoracic (average of T8‐T12) and lumbar (average of L1‐L5) spine.

Results

Male youth exhibited significantly greater thoracic (male youth = 30.8% [1.4%] vs. female youth = 24.5% [2.1%], p = 0.027) and lumbar (male youth = 36.3% [1.5%] vs. female youth = 30.2% [2.2%], p = 0.038) BMAT fat content compared with female youth. Visceral adipose tissue was a significant predictor of thoracic (β = 0.434, t[86] = 3.016, p = 0.003) and lumbar (β = 0.389, t[86] = 2.677, p = 0.009) BMAT fat content, explaining 8.9% and 6.9% of the variance, respectively. Liver fat was a significant predictor of both thoracic (β = 0.487, t[86] = 4.334, p < 0.001) and lumbar (β = 0.436, t[86] = 3.793, p < 0.001) BMAT fat content, explaining 17.6% and 13.8% of the variance, respectively.

Conclusions

Male youth had significantly greater thoracic and lumbar BMAT fat content than female youth. Greater BMAT fat content is associated with greater liver fat and visceral adipose tissue among youth with obesity. Further investigation of the mechanistic underpinnings of BMAT may help to differentiate its metabolic and bone‐related functions.
Use of evidence for decision‐making by conservation practitioners in the illegal wildlife trade
Authors: Arias Melissa , Hinsley Amy , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: September 2021

There are calls to ground policies aimed at addressing the illegal wildlife trade (IWT), and biodiversity conservation more generally, on the best available evidence. However, evidence on IWT can be highly uncertain and difficult to obtain due to the illegal nature of the trade. Even when the evidence exists, there are numerous barriers to its uptake by decision makers, pertaining to the evidence itself and to the characteristics and contexts of those using it.

The surfacing of the illegal trade in jaguars Panthera onca provides an example of how evidence is, and is not, used for decision‐making on IWT. We interviewed 38 conservation practitioners in Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, who had knowledge about, or experience dealing with, illegal jaguar trade. Interviewees described their information sources and decision‐making processes, and explicitly and implicitly prioritized jaguar trade evidence, based on attributes like the evidence's source, the scale and purpose of the trade, its temporal and spatial dimensions and the nationality of offenders.

Even though interviewees stated that they use scientific evidence to make decisions, they gave more weight to evidence involving foreign actors and commercial purposes than local and non‐commercial ones, paying less attention to the potential impact on jaguars or the source of the information. They were also more inclined to favour events that were spatially and temporally closer to their own reality. Our results show that the interpretation and uptake of evidence are subject to contextual constraints and personal biases, which are common across fields and sectors, even amongst experienced decision makers.

We propose an approach for evaluating evidence and informing decision‐making within IWT and biodiversity conservation. Our approach aims to guide conservation decision makers and practitioners to assess the relevance and uncertainty of the evidence, to recognize their own interpretation biases, to identify the actions that are appropriate based on the evidence and to improve the transparency of their decisions. It can also guide evidence ‘producers’ to develop evidence that is more aligned to conservation policy and practice.

This approach can contribute towards more evidence‐based practice within the field of biodiversity conservation, with applications to IWT and beyond.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children: Multimodal treatment and long‐term outcome of 92 patients in a single center over a 28‐year period
Authors: Kebudi Rejin , Buyukkapu Sema Bay , Gorgun Omer , Ozkaya Kübra , Meral Rasim , Ayan Inci , Altun Musa
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome and late effects in pediatric patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), followed by radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

Ninety‐two children (65 male, 27 female) diagnosed with NPC between 1989 and 2017 in the Istanbul University, Institute of Oncology were evaluated retrospectively. NACT consisted of three cycles of cisplatin‐containing regimen every 3 weeks, followed by RT.

Results

The median age was 13 years (5–18 years). Most had locoregionally advanced disease (stage III/IVA/IVB) and five had distant metastases at presentation. At a median follow‐up of 108 months (3–332 months), 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates and event‐free survival rates were 87.5%, 79.7% and 82.1%, 78.9%, respectively. Three patients with distant metastasis are long‐term survivors. Thirteen patients relapsed at a median of 8 months (2–23 months). Hypothyroidism (36%) and xerostomia (25%) were the most frequent long‐term treatment‐related toxicities. Nine second malignancies developed in eight patients, eight in the irradiated field at a median of 14 years (range 5–26 years), five of whom are long‐term survivors after curative surgery.

Conclusions

Three courses of cisplatin‐containing NACT, followed by RT lead to high survival and locoregional control rate in advanced stage NPC in children. Patients with distant metastasis should also be treated with curative intent by systemic chemotherapy and locoregional radiotherapy. Patients should be followed closely for recurrences and long‐term morbidities including second malignancies, which may be treated with curative surgeries if diagnosed early.
Effect of hybridization on properties of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed nano‐powder incorporated jute‐hemp fibers reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Sahayaraj A. Felix , Muthukrishnan M. , Ramesh M. , Rajeshkumar L.
Published: September 2021

Current work aims to evaluate the effect of incorporating Tamarindus indica L. seed powder (TISP) and hybridization of hemp and jute natural fibers upon the characteristics of polymer nano‐composites by varying the content (in weight percentage) of both the natural fibers. TISP filled hemp fibers (HF) and jute fibers (JF) reinforced polymer composites were manufactured via compression molding technique and mechanical properties such as flexural strength and modulus, tensile strength and modulus, porosity, hardness, impact strength, and inter‐laminar shear strength (ILSS) were determined for the hybrid composites. Composites were also characterized by water absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Experimental results showcased that the tensile strength and modulus of the composites are 39.52 MPa and 2.648 GPa and the flexural strength and modulus values are of 89.62 MPa and 9.24 GPa respectively. The impact strength and ILSS values were found to be 2.35 J and 3.62 MPa. Composites containing 40 wt% JF and 10 wt% HF showcased reduced amount of void content because of the appreciable compatibility existed between matrix and the fibers.
Coping response and family communication of cancer risk in men harboring aBRCAmutation: A mixed methods study
Authors: Dwyer Andrew A. , Hesse‐Biber Sharlene , Shea Hannah , Zeng Ziwei , Yi Shiya
Published: September 2021

Objective

Providing genetic counseling and genetic testing to at‐risk blood relatives (cascade screening) is important for improvingBRCAcancer outcomes. Intra‐familial communication of risk is critical for cascade screening efforts yet relatively little is known about men's role in communicatingBRCArisk. We sought to examine men's coping response to theirBRCAstatus and intra‐familial communication of risk to inform the development of tailored interventions that could promote cascade screening.

Methods

We employed a sequential mixed‐methods design. First, we measured coping response (quantitative) using the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA). MICRA scores were compared betweenBRCA+ men,BRCA− men andBRCA+ women. Subsequently, we used template analysis to analyze qualitative interviews exploring coping and intra‐familial communication of risk. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) served as a guiding framework for identifying intervention targets.

Results

BRCA+ men (n = 36) had significantly higher levels of distress (p < 0.001), uncertainty (p < 0.001) and negative experiences (p < 0.05) compared toBRCA− male counterparts (n = 23).BRCA+ men had significantly lower distress (p < 0.001) and uncertainty (p < 0.001) thanBRCA+ women (n = 406). Qualitative analysis of in‐depth interviews withBRCA+ men (n = 35) identified promoters and barriers to active coping response and intra‐familial communication of risk. Mapping results onto the TPB identified targets for tailoring person‐centered approaches for men addressing beliefs/attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Conclusions

Men and women appear to have different coping responses to learning theirBRCAstatus. Developing tailored (sex‐based), theory informed interventions may help promote intra‐familial communication ofBRCArisk and support cascade screening.
The protective effects of apocynin in hyperoxic lung injury in neonatal rats
Authors: Ozdemir Ramazan , Gokce Ismail Kursat , Tekin Suat , Cetin Taslidere Asli , Turgut Hatice , Tanbek Kevser , Gul Cemile Ceren , Deveci Mehmet Fatih , Aslan Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Aim

Inflammation and oxidate stress are significant factors in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of apocynin (APO), an anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic drug, in the prophylaxis of neonatal hyperoxic lung injury.

Method

This experimental study included 40 neonatal rats divided into the control, APO, BPD, and BPD + APO groups. The control and APO groups were kept in a normal room environment, while the BPD and BPD + APO groups were kept in a hyperoxic environment. The rats in the APO and BPD + APO groups were administered intraperitoneal APO, while the control and BPD rats were administered ordinary saline. At the end of the trial, lung tissue was evaluated with respect to the degree of histopathological injury, apoptosis, oxidant and antioxidant capacity, and severity of inflammation.

Result

The BPD and BPD + APO groups exhibited higher mean histopathological injury and alveolar macrophage scores compared to the control and APO groups. Both scores were lower in the BPD + APO group in comparison to the BPD group. The BPD + APO group had a significantly lower average of TUNEL positive cells than the BPD group. The lung tissue examination indicated significantly higher levels of mean malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the BPD group compared to the control and APO groups. While the TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels of the BPD + APO group were similar to that of the control group, the MDA and TOS levels were higher compared to the controls and lower compared to the BPD group. The BPD group demonstrated significantly lower levels/activities of mean total antioxidant status, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase in comparison to the control and APO groups. While the mean antioxidant enzyme activity of the BPD + APO group was lower than the control group, it was significantly higher compared to the BPD group.

Conclusion

This is the first study in the literature to reveal through an experimental neonatal hyperoxic lung injury that APO, an anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic drug, exhibits protective properties against the development of BPD.
Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation or artichoke juice consumption on lipid profile: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shahinfar Hossein , Bazshahi Elham , Amini Mohammad Reza , Payandeh Nastaran , Pourreza Sanaz , Noruzi Zahra , Shab‐Bidar Sakineh
Published: September 2021

Accumulating evidence regarding the effect of artichoke on lipid profile is equivocal. We updated a previous meta‐analysis on the effect of artichoke extract supplementation on lipid profile and performed dose–response analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2021 using relevant keywords. Papers from identified articles were collected. Two researchers rated the certainty in the estimates using the GRADE approach. Combining 15 effect sizes from 14 studies based on the random‐effects analysis, we found that artichoke significantly reduced TG (weighed mean difference [WMD]: −17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: −23.88, −10.13, p = .011), TC (WMD: −17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: −23.88, −10.13, p < .001), and LDL‐C (WMD: −17.48 mg/dl, 95%CI: −25.44, −9.53, p < .001). No significant effect of artichoke on HDL‐C level was detected (WMD: 0.78 mg/dl, 95%CI: −0.93, 2.49, p = .371). Combining the two effect sizes revealed that artichoke juice supplementation significantly reduced TG (WMD: −3.34 mg/dl, 95%CI: −5.51, −1.17, p = .003), TC (WMD: −18.04 mg/dl, 95%CI: −20.30, −15.78, p < .001), LDL‐C (WMD: −1.75 mg/dl, 95%CI: −3.02, −0.48, p = .007), and HDL‐C levels (WMD: −4.21 mg/dl, 95%CI: −5.49, −2.93, p < .001). In conclusion, we found that artichoke supplementation may favor CVD prevention by acting in improving the lipid profile.
A fast dissipative robust nonlinear model predictive control procedure via quasi‐linear parameter varying embedding and parameter extrapolation
Authors: Morato Marcelo Menezes , Normey‐Rico Julio E. , Sename Olivier
Published: September 2021

In this article, a robust model predictive control (MPC) procedure for quasi‐linear parameter varying (qLPV) systems is proposed. The novelty resides in considering a recursive extrapolation algorithm to estimate the values of the scheduling parameters along the prediction horizon , which fastens the sluggish performances achieved with the robust qLPV MPCs from the literature. The bounds on the estimation errors of the scheduling parameters through are taken into account by the robust MPC, which solves an online min‐max problem: first, a constrained convex program is resolved in order to determine the worst‐case bound on the cost function and, subsequently, a second constrained quadratic program is solved to minimize this worst‐case cost function with respect to a control sequence vector. Since the bounds on the estimation error for the scheduling parameters are usually much smaller than the bounds on the actual scheduling parameter, the conservativeness of the solution is quite reduced. Recursive feasibility and stability of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated with dissipativity arguments given in the form of a linear matrix inequality remedy, which determines the zone of attraction for which input‐to‐state stability is ensured. The nonlinear temperature regulation problem of a flat solar collector is considered as a case study. Using a realistic simulation benchmark, the proposed technique is compared to other robust min‐max LPV MPC algorithms from the literature, proving itself efficient while achieving good performances.
Estimating cation exchange capacity from agronomic soil tests: Comparing Mehlich‐3 and ammonium acetate sum of cations
Authors: Mattila Tuomas J. , Rajala Jukka
Published: September 2021

Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) measures the capability of soils to hold and release nutrients. It is an important measure for classifying soils and planning nutrient additions, but it is not included in routine soil tests offered to farmers. In this study, we compared CEC measured with standard laboratory practices (neutral ammonium acetate [AAc]) with CEC estimated from agronomic soil test data (Mehlich‐3 and AAc). We applied previously published estimation methods to a dataset of 48 soil samples. Based on the results, traditional methods underestimate measured cation exchange capacity by 36% for Mehlich‐3 and 24% for AAc. The estimation can be improved by including aluminium (12% overestimate) or by fitting a localized pedotransfer function (3% underestimate), which offers a possibility for informing land managers about their soil nutrient holding capacity without adding costs to the analysis.
Influence of growth and urbanization on CO2 emissions: The moderating effect of foreign direct investment on energy use in BRICS
Authors: Balsalobre‐Lorente Daniel , Driha Oana M. , Halkos George , Mishra Shekhar
Published: September 2021

This study analyses the relationship between foreign direct investment, economic growth, urbanization, energy use, and carbon emissions in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS countries) between 1990 and 2014. According to the empirical results, both environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) and pollution haven hypotheses (PHH) are confirmed. Urbanization contributes to reducing carbon emissions, while energy use is one of the main driving forces of ascending carbon emissions. The main advance of this paper lies in the moderating effect of foreign direct investment and energy usage on carbon emission in the case of the BRICS. The empirical results confirm a dampening impact of foreign direct investment on energy use, generating a correction in carbon emission. Thus, structural transformations are highlighted with a positive influence on energy efficiency and sustainable growth. It is expected that policymakers must promote renewable sources and boost clean foreign industries in selected host countries.
How the adoption of feature toggles correlates with branch merges and defects in open‐source projects?
Authors: Prutchi Eduardo S. , de S. Campos Junior Heleno , Murta Leonardo G. P.
Published: September 2021

Context

Branching has been widely adopted in version control to enable collaborative software development. However, the isolation caused by branches may impose challenges on the upcoming merging process. Recently, companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Spotify, among others, have adopted trunk‐based development together with feature toggles. This strategy enables collaboration without the need for isolation through branches, potentially reducing the merging challenges. However, the literature lacks evidence about the benefits and limitations of feature toggles to collaborative software development.

Objective/method

In this article, we study the effects of applying feature toggles on 949 open‐source projects written in six different programming languages. We first identified the moment in which each project adopted a feature toggles framework. Then, we observed whether the adoption implied significant changes in the frequency or complexity of branch merges and the number of defects, and the average time to fix them. Finally, we compared the obtained results with results obtained from a set of control projects that do not use feature toggles frameworks.

Results/conclusion

We could observe a reduction in the average merge effort and an increase in the average total time needed to fix defects after adopting feature toggles frameworks. However, we could not confirm that this increase was influenced by the use of feature toggles.
Developments in the Synthesis of Mycobacterial Phenolic Glycolipids
Authors: Hessel M. van Dijk J. , van der Marel Gijs A. , Codée Jeroen D. C.
Published: September 2021

The highly lipophilic outer barrier of mycobacteria, such as M. tuberculosis and M. leprae, is key to their virulence and intrinsic antibiotic resistance. Various components of this mycomembrane interact with the host immune system but many of these interactions remain ill‐understood. This review covers several chemical syntheses of one of these components, mycobacterial phenolic glycolipids (PGLs), and outlines the interaction of these PGLs with the human immune system, as established using these well‐defined pure compounds.
STATIN trial: predictive performance of competing‐risks model in screening for pre‐eclampsia at 35–37 weeks' gestation
Authors: Döbert M. , Wright A. , Varouxaki A. N. , Mu A. C. , Syngelaki A. , Rehal A. , Delgado J. L. , Akolekar R. , Muscettola G. , Janga D. , Singh M. , Martin‐Alonso R. , Dütemeyer V. , De Alvarado M. , Atanasova V. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine the predictive performance of a previously reported competing‐risks model of screening for pre‐eclampsia (PE) at 35–37 weeks' gestation by combinations of maternal risk factors, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and serum soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) in a validation dataset derived from the screened population of the STATIN study.

Methods

This was a prospective third‐trimester multicenter study of screening for PE in singleton pregnancies by means of a previously reported algorithm that combines maternal risk factors and biomarkers. Women in the high‐risk group were invited to participate in a trial of pravastatin vs placebo, but the trial showed no evidence of an effect of pravastatin in the prevention of PE. Patient‐specific risks of delivery with PE were calculated using the competing‐risks model, and the performance of screening for PE by maternal risk factors alone and by various combinations of risk factors with MAP, UtA‐PI, PlGF and sFlt‐1 was assessed. The predictive performance of the model was examined by, first, the ability of the model to discriminate between the PE and no‐PE groups using the area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve (AUC) and the detection rate at a fixed false‐positive rate of 10%, and, second, calibration by measurements of calibration slope and calibration‐in‐the‐large.

Results

The study population of 29 677 pregnancies contained 653 that developed PE. In screening for PE by a combination of maternal risk factors, MAP, PlGF and sFlt‐1 (triple test), the detection rate at a 10% false‐positive rate was 79% (95% CI, 76–82%) and the results were consistent with the data used for developing the algorithm. Addition of UtA‐PI did not improve the prediction provided by the triple test. The AUC for the triple test was 0.923 (95% CI, 0.913–0.932), demonstrating very high discrimination between affected and unaffected pregnancies. Similarly, the calibration slope was 0.875 (95% CI, 0.831–0.919), demonstrating good agreement between the predicted risk and observed incidence of PE.

Conclusion

The competing‐risks model provides an effective and reproducible method for third‐trimester prediction of term PE. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Retrospective evaluation of 103 cases of septic arthritis in dogs
Authors: Phillips Tessa F. , Bleyaert Helga F.
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study examines inciting causes, diagnosis, treatment and risk factors for the recurrence and outcome of septic arthritis (SA) in dogs.

Study design

Medical records spanning 17 years from five referral hospitals were surveyed for presumptive and confirmed cases of SA.

Results

SA was identified in 103 cases. Spontaneous septic SA was the most common inciting cause. The most commonly affected joints were the stifle (40%) and elbow (24%). Pre‐existing osteoarthritis (OA) was present in 63% of septic joints and was associated with recurrence (p = 0.03). Treatment with antibiotics prior to presentation was associated with a negative synovial fluid culture (p = 0.014). A successful outcome was associated with early treatment (p = 0.001) and SA due to direct penetration (p = 0.04) or spontaneous cause (p = 0.003). Recurrence was more likely in dogs with unsuccessful outcomes (p = 0.004) and bodyweights >30 kg (p = 0.009).

Clinical significance

SA should be considered as a differential diagnosis in large breed dogs with pre‐existing OA presenting with either an acute or chronic monoarthropathy. In the majority of cases, a successful outcome was achieved regardless of treatment type. Recurrence rates were low, but associated with pre‐existing OA and higher bodyweight. Although treatment should be implemented as soon as possible to maximise outcome success, synovial fluid samples should ideally be obtained before empiric antibiotic administration.
Highly differential count of circulating and tumor infiltrating immune cells in patients with non-HCV/non-HBV hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Schoenberg Markus Bo , Zhu Tong , Hao Jingcheng , Bucher Julian Nikolaus , Li Xiaokang , Li Xinyu , Han Yongsheng , Koliogiannis Dionysios , Svihla Michaela , Guba Markus Otto , Werner Jens , Bazhin Alexandr V.
Published: September 2021

Background

Liver transplantation and liver resection are curative options for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The outcome is in part depended on the immunological response to the malignancy. In this study, we aimed to identify immunological profiles of non-HCV/non-HBV HCC patients.

Methods

Thirty-nine immune cell subsets were measured with multicolor flow cytometry. This immunophenotyping was performed in peripheral blood (PB) and tumor specimens of 10 HCC resection patients and 10 healthy donors. The signatures of the highly differential leukocyte count (hDIF) were analyzed using multidimensional techniques. Functional capability was measured using intracellular IFN-γ staining (Trial Registration DRKS00013567).

Results

The hDIF showed activation (subsets of T-, B-, NK- and dendritic cells) and suppression (subsets of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T- and B-regulatory cells) of the antitumor response. Principal component analysis of PB and tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TIL) illustrated an antitumor activating gradient. TILs showed functional capability by secreting IFN-γ but did not kill HCC cells.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the measurement of the hDIF shows distinct differences in immune reactions against non-HBV/non-HCV HCC and illustrates an immunosuppressive gradient toward peripheral blood.

Trial Registration

DRKS00013567
Sharpening up tumor microenvironment to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade on head and neck cancer using a CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide
Authors: Tseng Jen-Chih , Yang Jing-Xing , Liu Yi-Ling , Su Yu-Wen , Lee Alan Yueh-Luen , Chen Ya-Wen , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Luo Yunping , Hong Yi-Ren , Chuang Tsung-Hsien
Published: September 2021

Head and neck cancers are a type of life-threatening cancers characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Only less than 20% of the patients respond to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, indicating the need for a strategy to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy for this type of cancers. Previously, we identified a type B CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) called CpG-2722, which has the universal activity of eliciting an immune response in grouper, mouse, and human cells. In this study, we further characterized and compared its cytokine-inducing profiles with different types of CpG-ODNs. The antitumor effect of CpG-2722 was further investigated alone and in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in a newly developed syngeneic orthotopic head and neck cancer animal model. Along with other inflammatory cytokines, CpG-2722 induces the gene expressions of interleukin-12 and different types of interferons, which are critical for the antitumor response. Both CpG-2722 and anti-programmed death (PD)-1 alone suppressed tumor growth. Their tumor suppression efficacies were further enhanced when CpG-2722 and anti-PD-1 were used in combination. Mechanistically, CpG-2722 shaped a tumor microenvironment that is favorable for the action of anti-PD-1, which included promoting the expression of different cytokines such as IL-12, IFN-β, and IFN-γ, and increasing the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, and CD8 positiveTcells. Overall, CpG-2722 provided a priming effect for CD8 positiveTcells by sharpening the tumor microenvironment, whereas anti-PD-1 released the brake for their tumor-killing effect, resulting in an enhanced efficacy of the combined CpG-2722 and anti-PD-1.
Rigorous Derivation of Population Cross-Diffusion Systems from Moderately Interacting Particle Systems
Authors: Chen Li , Daus Esther S. , Holzinger Alexandra , Jüngel Ansgar
Published: September 2021

Population cross-diffusion systems of Shigesada–Kawasaki–Teramoto type are derived in a mean-field-type limit from stochastic, moderately interacting many-particle systems for multiple population species in the whole space. The diffusion term in the stochastic model depends nonlinearly on the interactions between the individuals, and the drift term is the gradient of the environmental potential. In the first step, the mean-field limit leads to an intermediate nonlocal model. The local cross-diffusion system is derived in the second step in a moderate scaling regime, when the interaction potentials approach the Dirac delta distribution. The global existence of strong solutions to the intermediate and the local diffusion systems is proved for sufficiently small initial data. Furthermore, numerical simulations on the particle level are presented.
Pathological neural networks and artificial neural networks in ALS: diagnostic classification based on pathognomonic neuroimaging features
Authors: Bede Peter , Murad Aizuri , Hardiman Orla
Published: September 2021

The description of group-level, genotype- and phenotype-associated imaging traits is academically important, but the practical demands of clinical neurology centre on the accurate classification of individual patients into clinically relevant diagnostic, prognostic and phenotypic categories. Similarly, pharmaceutical trials require the precision stratification of participants based on quantitative measures. A single-centre study was conducted with a uniform imaging protocol to test the accuracy of an artificial neural network classification scheme on a cohort of 378 participants composed of patients with ALS, healthy subjects and disease controls. A comprehensive panel of cerebral volumetric measures, cortical indices and white matter integrity values were systematically retrieved from each participant and fed into a multilayer perceptron model. Data were partitioned into training and testing and receiver-operating characteristic curves were generated for the three study-groups. Area under the curve values were 0.930 for patients with ALS, 0.958 for disease controls, and 0.931 for healthy controls relying on all input imaging variables. The ranking of variables by classification importance revealed that white matter metrics were far more relevant than grey matter indices to classify single subjects. The model was further tested in a subset of patients scanned within 6 weeks of their diagnosis and an AUC of 0.915 was achieved. Our study indicates that individual subjects may be accurately categorised into diagnostic groups in an observer-independent classification framework based on multiparametric, spatially registered radiology data. The development and validation of viable computational models to interpret single imaging datasets are urgently required for a variety of clinical and clinical trial applications.