bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life-cycle-thinking in the assessment of urban green infrastructure: systematic scoping review
Authors: Romanovska Linda , Osmond Paul , Oldfield Philip
Published: April 2023

Urban green infrastructure (UGI) delivers multiple social, environmental and economic benefits. A life cycle thinking (LCT) approach is proposed as a viable methodological basis for the holistic valuation of UGI. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a thorough overview of the emerging literature on LCT application for UGI evaluation. The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. A search was conducted in three databases to identify studies which employ LCT for UGI assessments. Eligibility screening and data extraction were performed by three reviewers. The review identified 164 relevant studies, published from 1992 to 2019 across 83 journals. There is a clear prevalence of theoretical UGI cases (54%) over real-life UGI assessments (20%). We also observed a large (84%) and increasing share of comparative studies, mostly comparing UGI with ‘grey’ infrastructure. Although cost-benefit-assessment methods initially dominated, recent studies apply LCT methods more and 7% combine both. The focus has primarily been on UGI types of smaller scale, lower biological complexity, and those integrated with built infrastructure. Green roofs are the most assessed type (40% of all cases), with urban farms second (15%). The assessments of more complex UGI objects lag behind. Most of the reviewed studies include one to three life cycle stages out of seven based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) standards, therefore very few identified studies can be considered comprehensive LCAs. Most studies assess fewer than five UGI benefits (out of 65 identified) and half assess fewer than three UGI disbenefits (out of 36 identified). The two most assessed benefits are energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions. The most assessed disbenefits are the monetary cost of implementation and maintenance and GHG emissions. Social aspects are the least assessed.
Acoustic wave-driven oxide dependant dynamic behavior of liquid metal droplet for inkjet applications
Authors: Jeon Jinpyo , Lee Jeong Bong (JB) , Chung Sang Kug , Kim Daeyoung
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we report bouncing and separating dynamic behaviors of a liquid metal droplet with/without the oxide layer in response to the applied acoustic wave. The oxidized liquid metal droplet is readily bounced off from the surface when it is excited by acoustic wave, while the HCl treated liquid metal droplet is fragmented into several small droplets. The bouncing height of the oxidized liquid metal is proportional to the applied acoustic wave amplitude. The number of the fragmented liquid metal droplets for the HCl-treated liquid metal according to time and acoustic wave amplitude was investigated. We also demonstrated the acoustic wave-based inkjet application to generate liquid metal droplets based on the pinch-off and the Rayleigh instability by changing amplitude of the acoustic wave. The probability for the generation of various droplet sizes with different acoustic wave amplitude was also studied.
Evaluating the use of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilization as crop management options for maize adaptation to climate change in the Nigeria savannas
Authors: Tofa Abdullahi I , Kamara A Y , Babaji B A , Adnan A A , Ademulegun T D , Bebeley J F
Published: April 2023

Poor soil fertility and climate variability are major constraints to maize production in the Nigeria savannas. The application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) as adaptation strategy may enhance maize yield under climate change. In this study, the already calibrated and validated CERES-maize model in DSSAT was used to simulate the response of maize varieties to N and P in three agroecological zones. Similarly, the model, coupled with data for representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) scenarios, was applied to simulate maize yields for mid-century and end-of-century periods and to estimate the effect of use of N and P as a strategy for maize adaptation to climate change. Results of a 30-year sensitivity analysis showed that the optimum grain yields were obtained with application of 150 kg N + 30 kg P ha–1 to the two varieties in Kano and Zaria. In Abuja, the optimum grain yields were obtained with the application of 150 kg N ha–1 + 30 kg P ha–1 to SAMMAZ–15 and 120 kg N ha–1 + 30 kg P ha–1 to SAMMAZ–16. When P is not applied, the simulation results show that across all N rates, maize yield would decrease by 25%–52% and 32%–52% for the mid- and end-of-century, respectively, under RCP4.5 for both varieties. There would be a greater reduction under RCP8.5, with a decrease of 32%–59% and 52%–69% under mid- and end-of-century scenarios, respectively. When P is applied at 30 kg ha−1, the reduction in yield due to climate change is lower. Under RCP4.5, the yield would decrease by 9%–15% and 11%–21% for the mid- and end-of-century, respectively. There would be a reduction of 12%–21% and 32%–41% for mid-century and end-of-century, respectively, under RCP8.5 scenario. This suggests that the application of optimum P could reduce the impact of yield loss due to climate change.
Expansion potential of auxetic prosthetic skin grafts: a review
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Singh Gurpreet , Gupta Shubham , Chanda Arnab
Published: April 2023

The expansion of conventional prosthetic skin grafts has been quantified to be very low and insufficient for treating large and severe burn injuries with small amounts of available donor skin. Auxetic metamaterials and structures are the new class of materials which shows expansion in both directions while stretching in one direction (i.e., negative Poisson’s effect). This property of auxetic materials offers unprecedented potential for expansions in prosthetic skin grafts, which is crucial for covering large burn injury sites. This review article focuses on summarizing the up-to-date literature on design and analysis of auxetic skin grafts, and their expansion potential. This knowledge is anticipated to advance burn mitigation research and allow for development of prosthetic skin grafts for severe burn skin replacements.
Neuromorphic functionality of ferroelectric domain walls
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Seidel Jan
Published: April 2023

Mimicking and replicating the function of biological synapses with engineered materials is a challenge for the 21st century. The field of neuromorphic computing has recently seen significant developments, and new concepts are being explored. One of these approaches uses topological defects, such as domain walls in ferroic materials, especially ferroelectrics, that can naturally be addressed by electric fields to alter and tailor their intrinsic or extrinsic properties and functionality. Here, we review concepts of neuromorphic functionality found in ferroelectric domain walls and give a perspective on future developments and applications in low-energy, agile, brain-inspired electronics and computing.
Errata to “contravariant forms on Whittaker modules”
Authors: Brown Adam , Romanov Anna
Published: April 2023

Here we make corrections to address a false statement by Brown and Romanov [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 149 (2021), pp. 37–52].
Silica deposition in plants: scaffolding the mineralization
Authors: Zexer Nerya , Kumar Santosh , Elbaum Rivka
Published: April 2023

Background

Silicon and aluminium oxides make the bulk of agricultural soils. Plants absorb dissolved silicon as silicic acid into their bodies through their roots. The silicic acid moves with transpiration to target tissues in the plant body, where it polymerizes into biogenic silica. Mostly, the mineral forms on a matrix of cell wall polymers to create a composite material. Historically, silica deposition (silicification) was supposed to occur once water evaporated from the plant surface, leaving behind an increased concentration of silicic acid within plant tissues. However, recent publications indicate that certain cell wall polymers and proteins initiate and control the extent of plant silicification.

Scope

Here we review recent publications on the polymers that scaffold the formation of biogenic plant silica, and propose a paradigm shift from spontaneous polymerization of silicic acid to dedicated active metabolic processes that control both the location and the extent of the mineralization.

Conclusion

Protein activity concentrates silicic acid beyond its saturation level. Polymeric structures at the cell wall stabilize the supersaturated silicic acid and allow its flow with the transpiration stream, or bind it and allow its initial condensation. Silica nucleation and further polymerization are enabled on a polymeric scaffold, which is embedded within the mineral. Deposition is terminated once free silicic acid is consumed or the chemical moieties for its binding are saturated.
Short human eccDNAs are predictable from sequences
Authors: Chang Kai-Li , Chen Jia-Hong , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Leu Jun-Yi , Kao Cheng-Fu , Wong Jin Yung , Tsai Huai-Kuang
Published: April 2023

Background

Ubiquitous presence of short extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) in eukaryotic cells has perplexed generations of biologists. Their widespread origins in the genome lacking apparent specificity led some studies to conclude their formation as random or near-random. Despite this, the search for specific formation of short eccDNA continues with a recent surge of interest in biomarker development.

Results

To shed new light on the conflicting views on short eccDNAs’ randomness, here we present DeepCircle, a bioinformatics framework incorporating convolution- and attention-based neural networks to assess their predictability. Short human eccDNAs from different datasets indeed have low similarity in genomic locations, but DeepCircle successfully learned shared DNA sequence features to make accurate cross-datasets predictions (accuracy: convolution-based models: 79.65 ± 4.7%, attention-based models: 83.31 ± 4.18%).

Conclusions

The excellent performance of our models shows that the intrinsic predictability of eccDNAs is encoded in the sequences across tissue origins. Our work demonstrates how the perceived lack of specificity in genomics data can be re-assessed by deep learning models to uncover unexpected similarity.
An intriguing case of scalp actinomycosis with brain and eye involvement: successful treatment with ceftriaxone
Authors: Kaur Maninder , Bains Anupama , Bhardwaj Abhishek  , Patra Suman , Kumar Deepak , Aggarwal Divya , Yadav Taruna 
Published: April 2023

We present the case of a heathy young male farmer presenting with multiple discharging sinuses over the scalp. Brain imaging suggested the involvement of the brain and ipsilateral eye. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of actinomycosis. The patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone.
Spectrally non-overlapping background noise disturbs echolocation via acoustic masking in the CF-FM bat, Hipposideros pratti
Authors: Zou Jianwen , Jin Baoling , Ao Yuqin , Han Yuqing , Huang Baohua , Jia Yuyang , Yang Lijian , Jia Ya , Chen Qicai , Fu Ziying
Published: April 2023

The environment noise may disturb animal behavior and echolocation via three potential mechanisms: acoustic masking, reduced attention and noise avoidance. Compared with the mechanisms of reduced attention and noise avoidance, acoustic masking is thought to occur only when the signal and background noise overlap spectrally and temporally. In this study, we investigated the effects of spectrally non-overlapping noise on echolocation pulses and electrophysiological responses of a constant frequency–frequency modulation (CF-FM) bat, Hipposideros pratti. We found that H. pratti called at higher intensities while keeping the CFs of their echolocation pulses consistent. Electrophysiological tests indicated that the noise could decrease auditory sensitivity and sharp intensity tuning, suggesting that spectrally non-overlapping noise imparts an acoustic masking effect. Because anthropogenic noises are usually concentrated at low frequencies and are spectrally non-overlapping with the bat’s echolocation pulses, our results provide further evidence of negative consequences of anthropogenic noise. On this basis, we sound a warning against noise in the foraging habitats of echolocating bats.
ChatGPT takes on the European Exam in Core Cardiology: an artificial intelligence success story?
Authors: Skalidis Ioannis , Cagnina Aurelien , Luangphiphat Wongsakorn , Mahendiran Thabo , Muller Olivier , Abbe Emmanuel , Fournier Stephane
Published: April 2023

Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is currently a trending topic worldwide triggering extensive debate about its predictive power, its potential uses, and its wider implications. Recent publications have demonstrated that ChatGPT can correctly answer questions from undergraduate exams such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination. We challenged it to answer questions from a more demanding, post-graduate exam—the European Exam in Core Cardiology (EECC), the final exam for the completion of specialty training in Cardiology in many countries. Our results demonstrate that ChatGPT succeeds in the EECC.
Variation in density, immune gene suppression, and coinfection outcomes among strains of the aphid endosymbiont Regiella insecticola
Authors: Goldstein Elliott B , de Anda Acosta Yazmin , Henry Lee M , Parker Benjamin J
Published: April 2023

Many insects harbor heritable microbes that influence host phenotypes. Symbiont strains establish at different densities within hosts. This variation is important evolutionarily because within-host density has been linked to the costs and benefits of the symbiosis for both partners. Studying the factors shaping within-host density is important to our broader understanding of host–microbe coevolution. Here we focused on different strains of Regiella insecticola, a facultative symbiont of aphids. We first showed that strains of Regiella establish in pea aphids at drastically different densities. We then found that variation in density is correlated with the expression levels of two key insect immune system genes (phenoloxidase and hemocytin), with the suppression of immune gene expression correlating with higher Regiella density. We then performed an experiment where we established coinfections of a higher- and a lower-density Regiella strain, and we showed that the higher-density strain is better able to persist in coinfections than the lower-density strain. Together, our results point to a potential mechanism that contributes to strain-level variation in symbiont density in this system, and our data suggest that symbiont fitness may be increased by establishing at higher density within hosts. Our work highlights the importance of within-host dynamics shaping symbiont evolution.
The Brain and Spinal Microvasculature in Normal Aging
Authors: Khaing Zin Z , Chandrasekaran Abarajithan , Katta Anjali , Reed May J
Published: April 2023

Changes in the brain and spinal cord microvasculature during normal aging contribute to the “sensitive” nature of aged central nervous system tissue to ischemic insults. In this review, we will examine alterations in the central nervous system microvasculature during normal aging, which we define as aging without a dominant pathology such as neurodegenerative processes, vascular injury or disease, or trauma. We will also discuss newer technologies to improve the study of central nervous system microvascular structure and function. Microvasculature within the brain and spinal cord will be discussed separately as anatomy and physiology differ between these compartments. Lastly, we will identify critical areas for future studies as well as key unanswered questions.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to confer turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) resistance in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa)
Authors: Lee Ye-Rin , Siddique Muhammad Irfan , Kim Do-Sun , Lee Eun Su , Han Koeun , Kim Sang-Gyu , Lee Hye-Eun
Published: April 2023

Genome editing approaches, particularly the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, are becoming state-of-the-art for trait development in numerous breeding programs. Significant advances in improving plant traits are enabled by this influential tool, especially for disease resistance, compared to traditional breeding. One of the potyviruses, the turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), is the most widespread and damaging virus that infects Brassica spp. worldwide. We generated the targeted mutation at the eIF(iso)4E gene in the TuMV-susceptible cultivar “Seoul” using CRISPR/Cas9 to develop TuMV-resistant Chinese cabbage. We detected several heritable indel mutations in the edited T0 plants and developed T1 through generational progression. It was indicated in the sequence analysis of the eIF(iso)4E-edited T1 plants that the mutations were transferred to succeeding generations. These edited T1 plants conferred resistance to TuMV. It was shown with ELISA analysis the lack of accumulation of viral particles. Furthermore, we found a strong negative correlation (r = −0.938) between TuMV resistance and the genome editing frequency of eIF(iso)4E. Consequently, it was revealed in this study that CRISPR/Cas9 technique can expedite the breeding process to improve traits in Chinese cabbage plants.
Prevalence and adverse perinatal outcomes of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Tian Mei-Ling , Ma Guo-Juan , Du Li-Yan , Xiao Yuan-Ge , Zhang Ying-kui , Tang Zeng-Jun
Published: April 2023

Background

Anaemia in pregnancy is one of the most frequent complications related to pregnancy and is a public health concern. This article examines the prevalence of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy and the associations between anaemia and adverse perinatal outcomes in Hebei Province, China.

Methods

We used SPSS software to describe the incidence of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy in Hebei Province and analysed the clinical characteristics in anaemic patients and the relationship between anaemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Results

The overall prevalence of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy was 35.0% in Hebei Province. The prevalence of anaemia in the population with a high education level was lower than that in the population with a low education level. The incidence rate in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas. After adjustment for confounding factors, anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy is an independent risk factor in terms of placenta previa, placental abruption, uterine atony, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, heart disease, postpartum haemorrhage, premature birth, laceration of birth canal, puerperal infection, caesarean section and large for gestational age.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. A comprehensive approach to prevent anaemia is needed to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Penalized weighted least-squares estimate for variable selection on correlated multiply imputed data
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Haoyu , Yu Haochen , Huang Hanwen , Shen Ye
Published: April 2023

Considering the inevitable correlation among different datasets within the same subject, we propose a framework of variable selection on multiply imputed data with penalized weighted least squares (PWLS–MI). The methodological development is motivated by an epidemiological study of A/H7N9 patients from Zhejiang province in China, where nearly half of the variables are not fully observed. Multiple imputation is commonly adopted as a missing data processing method. However, it generates correlations among imputed values within the same subject across datasets. Recent work on variable selection for multiply imputed data does not fully address such similarities. We propose PWLS–MI to incorporate the correlation when performing the variable selection. PWLS–MI can be considered as a framework for variable selection on multiply imputed data since it allows various penalties. We use adaptive LASSO as an illustrating example. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to compare PWLS–MI with recently developed methods and the results suggest that the proposed approach outperforms in terms of both selection accuracy and deletion accuracy. PWLS–MI is shown to select variables with clinical relevance when applied to the A/H7N9 database.
SARS2Mutant: SARS-CoV-2 amino-acid mutation atlas database
Authors: Rahimian Karim , Arefian Ehsan , Mahdavi Bahar , Mahmanzar Mohammadamin , Kuehu Donna Lee , Deng Youping
Published: April 2023

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly pathogenic viral infection of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resulted in the global pandemic of 2020. A lack of therapeutic and preventive strategies has quickly posed significant threats to world health. A comprehensive understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and natural selection, how it impacts host interaction, and phenotype symptoms is vital to develop effective strategies against the virus. The SARS2Mutant database (http://sars2mutant.com/) was developed to provide valuable insights based on millions of high-quality, high-coverage SARS-CoV-2 complete protein sequences. Users of this database have the ability to search for information on three amino acid substitution mutation strategies based on gene name, geographical zone, or comparative analysis. Each strategy is presented in five distinct formats which includes: (i) mutated sample frequencies, (ii) heat maps of mutated amino acid positions, (iii) mutation survivals, (iv) natural selections and (v) details of substituted amino acids, including their names, positions, and frequencies. GISAID is a primary database of genomics sequencies of influenza viruses updated daily. SARS2Mutant is a secondary database developed to discover mutation and conserved regions from the primary data to assist with design for targeted vaccine, primer, and drug discoveries.
Inferior and precordial ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to large wrap-around left anterior descending artery occlusion
Authors: Tamura Hiroto , Tobetto Yohei , Seno Akiho , Kishi Koichi
Published: April 2023

Left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion normally develops into precordial ST-segment elevation; however, we describe a case of a 50-year-old man with inferior and precordial ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction that resulted from proximal occlusion of the wrap-around LAD perfusing the anterior and inferior wall. We performed early and prompt reperfusion and were able to save the patient without any complications. A wrap-around LAD perfuses a large myocardial area; therefore, this type of coronary occlusion causes severe myocardial damage and has a poor prognosis. The rates of new-onset heart failure and heart failure rehospitalization are also high. Simultaneous inferior and precordial ST-segment elevations on electrocardiography suggest acute myocardial infarction with a wrap-around LAD lesion, which requires prompt revascularization. More careful medications for heart failure and follow-up should be also required even after discharge in such case.
The price penalty on meat substitutes—Consumers prefer reduced meat portions over novel meat alternatives and authentic vegetarian dishes—Final stage of a registered report
Authors: Lemken Dominic , Langen Nina
Published: April 2023

Due to growing health and environmental problems related to the overconsumption of meat in western diets, we investigated consumer demand for dishes that reduce or replace beef with: (1) plant-based products that mimic the functionality and taste, (2) authentic plant-based ingredients that just mimic the functionality, and (3) halved beef portion sizes. We implemented a peer-reviewed and pre-registered (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252675) conjoint experiment to elicit the WTP across three popular beef dishes and three reduction options each. The conjoint experiment includes the dish configuration, waiting time, CO2 information, and an individually adapted price vector, where the prices depend on previous choices. Consumers favoured the reduced portion sizes when faced with the meat reduction task. This reduction preference is even more prevalent among regular consumers of the meat dish, i.e. consumers with relevant consumption habits to reconsider. We discuss strategies to reformulate meat dishes that are particularly promising with the current bulk market and address regular meat eaters. Lastly, we indicate the type of consumers with high or low preferences for each dish.
P156 Evidence of Type I interferon activation during vascular manifestations of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Di Donato Stefano , Hughes Michael , Geloshi Klaudian , De Lorenzis Enrico , Kakkar Vishal , Ross Rebecca , O'Connor Philip , Kubassova Olga , Del Galdo Francesco
Published: April 2023

Background/Aims

Vascular involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is known to start even before clinical diagnosis, driving digital ulcer (DU) disease. Later in the disease natural history, it can cause pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) among other manifestations. Despite the proven immune origin of scleroderma, vascular involvement is not currently targeted by immune driven interventions. Similarly, few data are available on immune or inflammatory biomarkers and outcome measures of vascular disease in SSc. Digital artery volume index (DAVIX) has been recently proposed as an imaging surrogate outcome measure of vascular disease activity in SSc.

Methods

86 patients attending our scleroderma program were consecutively enrolled for the evaluation of serum IFN score as previously described [2]. Clinical features, including presence or history of DUs, presence of PAH and DLCO, were recorded. DAVIX of the dominant hand’s fingers was calculated using time of flight magnetic resonance imaging analysed through IAG proprietary algorithm, as previously described [1]. Medians were compared by Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test; correlation with clinical parameters was performed using Spearman’s or Pearson test, as appropriate (R).

Results

62 patients fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc (diffuse cutaneous 24.6%, limited cutaneous 75.4%), whereas 23 were classified as very early diagnosis of scleroderma (criteria score between 6 and 8). 23 patients had DU disease (history of DUs in the previous 24 weeks, presence of DUs at baseline assessment, or onset of new DUs during the following 24 weeks). 18 patients had reduced DLCO (<70) with FVC/DLCO>1.8 (suspected PAH). DAVIX showed a negative correlation with disease duration (r=-0.33 and p = 0.003) and with FVC/DLCO ratio (r=-0.34 and p = 0.009). Patients with DU disease presented lower DAVIX than patients without (p = 0.018). DAVIX showed a significant correlation with serum IFN score (r=-0.24, p < 0.032). Accordingly, patients classified as IFN-HI had lower DAVIX than those within the IFN-LO group (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

DAVIX correlated both with presence of DU disease, DLCO and disease duration. The correlation of DAVIX and serum IFN score does support the notion of innate immune involvement in vascular disease manifestations of SSc. Prospective testing in the context of randomised controlled trials will determine the value of DAVIX as a surrogate outcome measure of vascular disease severity in SSc.

S. Di Donato: None. M. Hughes: None. K. Geloshi: None. E. De Lorenzis: None. V. Kakkar: None. R. Ross: None. P. O'Connor: None. O. Kubassova: Consultancies; Image Analysis Group CEO. F. Del Galdo: Grants/research support; Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Boeringher-Ingelheim, Capella, Chemomab, Janssen, Kymab, Mitsubishi-Tanabe.
E042 The Newcastle Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) Fast Track Clinic: a clinical service evaluation
Authors: Lin Chung M , Berry Joe , Thompson Ben , Heaney Jonathan , Houghton Karolyn , Baker Kenneth , Reynolds Gary , Lorenzi Alice
Published: April 2023

Background/Aims

Patients with suspected new-onset giant cell arteritis (GCA) require urgent specialist assessment to establish a diagnosis. Early review reduces unnecessary treatment with high dose glucocorticoids in those without GCA and enhances sensitivity of temporal artery ultrasound. Ensuring patients are rapidly triaged and diagnosed poses a logistical challenge for rheumatology departments working alongside colleagues in both primary care and ophthalmology. To address this, we established a rheumatology-led Newcastle Hospital GCA fast track clinic, a service led by four consultant rheumatologists who perform clinical assessments and temporal artery ultrasound scans.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively from 2017. We performed a clinical service evaluation based on a retrospective review of clinical records of patients assessed in this service between 2017 to 2020.

Results

A total of 626 consecutive patients were assessed, with 145 (23%) diagnosed with GCA over the four-year period. Average age was 72 (range 41-96 years) and 452 (72%) were female. The cardinal symptoms of headache, jaw claudication and visual disturbance were present in 518, 103 and 283 patients respectively. The majority of referrals came from ophthalmology (42%) and primary care (34%). 614 patients had an ultrasound scan performed, returning a positive result in 121 (19.7%), negative in 415 (67.6%) and inconclusive in 78 (12.7%). A biopsy was requested for 147 patients over the four-year period; 33 were positive, 95 negative and six were inconclusive. Within this cohort, 47 patients had a biopsy performed despite a negative ultrasound scan, of which five were found to be positive for GCA.

Conclusion

Our data illustrate the key clinical, imaging and histological findings within one of the largest inception cohorts of GCA in the UK and demonstrate the feasibility of a one-stop rapid access clinical service for patient benefit.

Disclosure

C.M. Lin: None. J. Berry: None. B. Thompson: None. J. Heaney: None. K. Houghton: None. K. Baker: None. G. Reynolds: None. A. Lorenzi: None.
SIZE-SPECIFIC DOSE ESTIMATES IN PEDIATRIC BRAIN CT IN RELATION TO AGE AND WEIGHT
Authors: Fujii Kaoru , Inoue Yusuke , Itoh Hiroyasu , Sasa Ryosuke , Hata Hirofumi , Mitsui Kohei
Published: April 2023

The size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) is used for radiation dose management in computed tomography (CT) and represents patient’s absorbed dose more accurately than volume CT dose index. The relationship between SSDE and age or weight was investigated using 980 pediatric brain CT scans. Monolinear, power, and bilinear functions were fitted to the plots of SSDE against age or weight, and SSDE was estimated using the obtained functions. SSDE showed a biphasic increase with increasing age and weight: a rapid initial increase and subsequent a slow increase. Bilinear and power functions were successfully fitted to the plots, and mean estimation errors were close to 0, irrespective of the age or weight group. The standard SSDE values estimated from the obtained functions agreed well with the median values for each age or weight group. The curve-fitting method is expected to aid radiation dose management for pediatric brain CT using SSDE.
Barriers as moderators in the innovation process
Authors: de Moraes Silva Diego R , Vonortas Nicholas S , Furtado André T
Published: April 2023

This article investigates the effect of financial and non-financial barriers on innovativeness. Using microdata from Brazil, it provides a rare detailed empirical investigation of this type in developing countries. The analysis is based on a novel conceptual framework of the moderating role of barriers to innovation. Research and development expenditure and informal methods of intellectual property protection are the innovation determinants least affected by obstacles to innovation. This is in sharp contrast to company size, whose effect appeared quite sensitive to barriers of all kinds. Disembodied and embodied knowledge outsourcing interact differently with different constraints: while the former appeared helpful in working around different types of barriers in low-tech sectors, the latter was more useful in addressing financial constraints in high-tech sectors. Finally, cooperation with other firms was negatively affected by obstacles when firms seek more radical innovations, whereas cooperation with research and education organizations proved attractive for companies facing organizational constraints.
LncRNA NORAD regulates the mechanism of the miR-532-3p/Nectin-4 axis in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Kaiqiong , Chen Zhiju , Qiao Xin , Zheng Jinfang
Published: April 2023

Backgound

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, and cell proliferation and angiogenesis play an important role in its occurrence and development. High levels of lncRNANORAD have been detected in many tumors, including PC, yet the effect and mechanism of lncRNA NORAD on PC cell angiogenesis are unexplored.

Methods

qRT.PCR was applied to quantify lncRNA NORAD and miR-532-3p expression in PC cells, and a dual luciferase reporter gene was used to verify the targeting effects of NORAD, miR-532-3p and Nectin-4. Then, we regulated NORAD and miR-532-3p expression in PC cells and detected their effects on PC cell proliferation and angiogenesis using cloning experiments and HUVEC tube formation experiments.

Results

LncRNA NORAD was upregulated and miR-532-3p was downregulated in PC cells compared with normal cells. Knockdown of NORAD inhibited PC cell proliferation and angiogenesis. LncRNA NORAD and miR-532-3p competitively bound to promote the expression of the miR-532-3p target gene Nectin-4, thereby promoting proliferation and angiogenesis of PC cells in vitro.

Conclusion

LncRNA NORAD promotes the proliferation and angiogenesis of PC cells by regulating the miR-532-3p/Nectin-4 axis, which may be a potential biological target in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical PC.
Feasibility Trial of Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy to Reduce Toxicity in Anal Cancer Patients
Authors: Nelson Bailey , Meier Teresa , Zhang Yin , Wang Kyle , Mascia Anthony E. , Paquette Ian , Thompson Earl , Rafferty Janice , Snyder Jonathan , Olowokure Olugbenga , Sohal Davendra , Kharofa Jordan
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this trial was to assess the patient and physician-reported toxicity in anal cancer patients undergoing definitive chemoradiation with intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT).

Methods:

Patients with stage II and III anal cancer were treated with IMPT. All patients received 2 cycles of 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin concurrently with radiation. Toxicity was assessed at baseline, weekly during chemoradiation, and in follow-up using physician-graded common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) v 4.0 and PRO-CTCAE. The primary endpoint was to define point estimates and 95% CI for acute ≥ grade 2/3 gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), dermatologic, and hematologic toxicity. The proportion of PRO-CTCAE questions scored ≥3 for each domain was compared with the baselinse. The proportion of ≥ grade 2 and ≥ grade 3 toxicities were compared with historic intensity-modulated radiotherapy patients treated on RTOG 0529.

Results:

Fourteen patients were enrolled from 2017 to 2020. Rates of physician-reported GI, GU, dermatologic, and hematologic toxicity were not significantly different between patients treated with IMPT compared with patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Rates of patient-reported dermatologic and GU toxicity were low at baseline with a peak at week 6 (91% and 58% PRO-CTCAE items ≥ grade 3, respectively) and normalization to baseline 3 months after IMPT. In contrast, the proportion of high-grade PRO-CTCAE GI scores was 40% at baseline, which persisted through 1-year posttreatment.

Conclusions:

Clinician-reported toxicity was not improved with IMPT in the context of this underpowered trial. High-grade GI symptoms persisted for 12 months and were similar to baseline. Additional measures are needed to minimize acute and chronic toxicity related to chemoradiation.
The Social Process of Caregiving in Fathers
Authors: Rivera Ashley
Published: April 2023

The United Nation's Agenda 2030 recognizes unpaid domestic caregiving in the home as the largest barrier to gender equality. However, little research has been conducted to understanding the social process through which fathers engage in caregiving. The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to explore the social process of caregiving in fathers. Recruited from multiple community settings, 35 fathers participated in intensive interviews with the investigator. The initial interview guide was developed through Swanson's Theory of Caring and modified as themes emerged. Data analysis occurred using an iterative categorization matrix for organization and clarity. This study proposed the action-based Caregiving in Fathers Theory. The 3 main themes of the theory center on the following: (1) reconciling the past through “Reinventing the Kitchen Table”; (2) managing the present through “Creating a Home”; and (3) preparing for the future through “Discovering Empowerment.” For fathers, gender equality in society begins with accepting fathers as proficient, competent, and primary caregivers. This theory reveals the motivations of fathers in participating in unpaid domestic caregiving in the home.
Clinical outcomes and complications following intraocular lens exchange in the setting of an open or intact posterior capsule
Authors: Alsetri Hasan , Masket Samuel , Fram Nicole , Sandoval Hector , Cabang Julieanne , McLachlan Jessie
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

To assess whether there are added risks when performing intraocular lens (IOL) exchange in the setting of an open posterior capsule (OPC) when compared with a closed posterior capsule (CPC) IOL exchange.

Setting:

Private practice, Los Angeles, California.

Design:

Nonrandomized and unmasked retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Eyes undergoing IOL exchange solely to relieve optical symptoms, with open or intact posterior capsules, were included. Eyes undergoing IOL exchange due to IOL malposition or dislocation were excluded. Eyes with preexisting, uncontrolled glaucoma and inflammation and eyes with a visual potential worse than 20/40 (Snellen) were also excluded. The main outcome measures were the postoperative complications compared between the OPC and CPC groups.

Results:

90 eyes of 75 patients undergoing IOL exchange were included in this study; 38/90 eyes had an OPC, and 52/90 eyes had a CPC. 3/38 in the OPC group and 2/52 in the CPC group experienced worsening intraocular pressure control. 1/38 in the OPC group experienced chronic inflammation. 2/38 in the OPC group and 2/52 in the CPC group experienced cystoid macular edema. 1/52 in the CPC group experienced a retinal tear. Statistically or clinically significant differences in postoperative complications between the OPC and CPC groups were not found.

Conclusions:

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, IOL exchange with an OPC appear red to be just as safe as IOL exchange with a CPC; when deemed necessary, experienced surgeons may perform an IOL exchange safely in the presence of an OPC.
Approach to a spontaneously ruptured posterior polar cataract
Authors: Chee Soon-Phaik , Ayres Brandon D. , Lee Mun Wai , Vasavada Vaishali , Fram Nicole R. , Srinivasan Sathish
Published: April 2023

A 61-year-old man presented with gradual blurring of vision and glare in both eyes for a couple of years, with worsening of the vision in his right eye over the past 2 months. He had no medical history of note.

On clinical examination, his visual acuities were 20/80 in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye, uncorrected. The cornea was clear, and the anterior chamber (AC) was deep in both eyes. He had bilateral mild nuclear sclerosis with round central onion-ring–like posterior opacities. The opacities measured approximately 2 mm in diameter and were marginally larger in the right eye than in the left eye (Figure 1

JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202305000-00018/figure1/v/2023-08-19T002654Z/r/image-tiff

). In addition, there were 2 curvilinear lines across the right posterior capsule (PC), one of which passed across the lens opacity (Figure 2

JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202305000-00018/figure2/v/2023-08-19T002654Z/r/image-tiff

). Fundus examination was normal in both eyes, and the vitreous was clear. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macular and optic nerve in both eyes was normal. The endothelial cell count in both eyes exceeded 2000 cells/mm2.

He had been told by a previous ophthalmologist to have bilateral cataracts and was now keen for surgery starting with the right eye. He works as a manager in a large company and is an avid golf player. He is emmetropic and wears spectacles for near work. Optical biometry using predicated posterior corneal astigmatism did not recommend a toric intraocular lens (IOL). He had done his internet research on IOL options and requested trifocal IOLs.

What is your surgical plan for right cataract removal? Explain which IOL you would choose to implant.
Ocular nociception and neuropathic pain initiated by blue light stress in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Gao Nan , Lee Patrick S.Y. , Zhang Jitao , Yu Fu-shin X.
Published: April 2023

To elucidate the physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms responsible for initiating and sustaining ocular neuropathic pain, we created a blue light exposure model in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were exposed to 12 hours of blue or white light followed by 12 hours of darkness. Before blue light exposure, baseline tear secretion, stability, and ocular hyperalgesia were assessed by measuring hyperosmotic or hypoosmotic solution-induced eye wiping, wind-induced eye closing, and cold-induced eye blinking. At 1 day after blue light exposure, alterations in hypotonic or hypertonic-induced eye wiping and tear film abnormalities were observed. Eye-wiping behaviors were abolished by topical anesthesia. The cold-stimulated eye blinking and wind-stimulated eye closing behaviors began after day 3 and their frequency further increased after day 9. Blue light exposure reduced the density of nerve endings and increased their tortuosity, the number of beadlike structures, and the branching of stromal nerve fibers, as assessed by whole-mount confocal microscopy. Blue light exposure also increased TRPV1, but not TRPV4 staining intensity of corneal-projecting neurons in the trigeminal ganglia, as detected by FluoroGold retrograde labeling and immunohistochemistry. TRPV1 and substance P expression was increased, whereas CGRP expression deceased at the mRNA level in isolated corneal projecting neurons. Hence, our blue light exposure B6 mouse model for assessing tearing and ocular hyperalgesia is useful for studying ocular pain and its underlying mechanisms. Blue light–induced alterations in tearing and ocular hyperalgesia may be related to the elevated expression of TRPV1, substance P, or the suppressed expression of CGRP at the ocular surface.
Review of Risk Factors Associated With Biomarkers for Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Xiong Jiayue , Bhimani Rozina , Carney-Anderson Lisa
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with no cure. The number of individuals living with AD doubles every 5 years. The current clinical practice relies on clinical history, mental status tests, cerebrum imaging, and physical and neurological examinations; however, recent advances in the field of biomarkers have provided clues for the early detection of AD. High levels of tau and low levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) in cerebrospinal fluid are well-known biomarkers for AD. METHODS: A database search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL was conducted to identify relevant articles published within the last 5 years. The search was limited to articles concerning adults 65 years or older and published in the English language. Twelve articles were included in the review. RESULTS: Risk factors of sleep disruption, depression, and motor function are implicated. Cerebrospinal fluid parameters for biomarkers of tau and Aβ were universally lower among Blacks compared with Whites, raising concern that norm reference may not be accurate for all populations. Older adults are more at risk for AD. Results are inconclusive regarding whether depression is related to Aβ and tau pathology. CONCLUSION: Nurses should screen for sleep architecture, depression, and motor function in their patients and educate them on good sleep hygiene. Sleep studies should be advocated for people with suspected sleep apnea to mitigate the risk factor related to abnormal Aβ and tau pathology. Falls and decreased motor function require screening because they may be early indicators of abnormal biomarkers leading to AD.
Safety and Durability of Accelerated Infliximab Dosing Strategies in Pediatric IBD: A Single Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Gibson Meghan , Subedi Shova , Barker David H. , Masur Samuel , Mallette Meaghan M. , Lingannan Archana , Recinos Soto Aldo Alejandro , Esharif Dyadin , Maxwell Sarah H. , Riaz Muhammad Safwan , Herzlinger Michael I. , Shalon Linda B. , Cerezo Carolina S. , Kasper Vania L. , Ross Albert M. , Leleiko Neal S. , Shapiro Jason M.
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

Infliximab (IFX) is commonly used to treat children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously reported that patients with extensive disease started on IFX at a dose of 10 mg/kg had greater treatment durability at year one. The aim of this follow-up study is to assess the long-term safety and durability of this dosing strategy in pediatric IBD.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective single-center study of pediatric IBD patients started on IFX over a 10-year period.

Results:

Two hundred ninety-one patients were included (mean age = 12.61, 38% female) with a follow-up range of 0.1–9.7 years from IFX induction. One hundred fifty-five (53%) were started at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Only 35 patients (12%) discontinued IFX. The median duration of treatment was 2.9 years. Patients with ulcerative colitis (P ≤ 0.01) and patients with extensive disease (P = 0.01) had lower durability, despite a higher starting dose of IFX (P = 0.03). Adverse events (AEs) were observed to occur at a rate of 234 per 1000 patient-years. Patients with a higher serum IFX trough level (≥20 µg/mL) had a higher rate of AEs (P = 0.01). Use of combination therapy had no impact on risk of AEs (P = 0.78).

Conclusions:

We observed an excellent IFX treatment durability, with only 12% of patients discontinuing therapy over the observed timeframe. The overall rate of AEs was low, the majority being infusion reactions and dermatologic conditions. Higher IFX dose and serum trough level> 20 µg/mL were associated with higher risk of AEs, the majority being mild and not resulting in cessation of therapy.