bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do standing trees affect landslide mobility on forested hillslopes in Japan?
Authors: Tsunetaka Haruka , Asano Shiho , Murakami Wataru
Published: August 2022

Landslide mobility likely changes in response to the effects of standing trees on the landslide runout. However, the properties of standing trees that influence landslide runout are not well understood. In this study, the relationships between the properties of landslides and the heights of standing trees and the runout distances of rainfall‐induced landslides (primarily 101–103 m3 in volume) in the Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, were examined to investigate whether the heights of the trees around the runout area change the landslide mobility. The results indicate that the landslide runout was constrained not only by the landslide area and volume but also by the tree height around the runout area. Tall but sparse standing trees did not prevent landslide runout, whereas dense standing trees resulted in relatively low landslide mobility, irrespective of whether the trees were broadleaf or coniferous. A comparison between our landslide inventory and previously reported landslides showed that the landslide mobility was lower in areas with standing trees than in areas without standing trees, such as under experimental conditions and for landslides in Martian and submarine environments. Therefore, differences in the heights of the trees around the runout area can result in variations in the extent of landslide‐related hazards and disturbances.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of platelet crossmatching by the solid‐phase red cell adherence assay in adult patients of a tertiary care hospital in Thailand: A retrospective study
Authors: Sinwatcharaphirom Thunnakhon , Apisawes Kusuma , Kittivorapart Janejira
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Platelet transfusion refractoriness is well aware to be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Patients with the alloantibody causing refractoriness required cross‐matched compatible products to improve the platelet number. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and availability of platelet crossmatching provided by the solid‐phase red cell adherence (SPRCA) technique in the context of a tertiary university hospital.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of the records of 214 patients with platelet refractoriness in Siriraj Hospital, a tertiary university hospital in Thailand, between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020.

Results

The SPRCA technique successfully provided cross‐matched compatible platelets to 114 patients (69.7%). Platelet crossmatching significantly improved the platelet counts, as shown by the increased 1‐ and 24‐h corrected‐count increments (p< 0.0001). No acute transfusion reactions were observed in these patients. Of the 114 patients who received cross‐matched platelets, 82 patients (71.9%) survived at 30‐day posttransfusion; whereas, 16 patients (14.0%) died within 7‐day posttransfusion.

Conclusion

The SPRCA method can provide a high availability rate of cross‐matched platelets, which is effective at stopping and preventing clinical bleeding conditions. This method is appropriate to apply for platelet crossmatching in the context of a hospital blood bank.
Theoretical and numerical study of a shell and tube heat exchanger using 22% cut segmental baffle
Authors: Kaleru Aparna , Venkatesh Sriram , Kumar Narasimha
Published: August 2022

In this present study, the three‐dimensional geometry of shell and tube heat exchanger with conventional segmental baffle is considered. A numerical and theoretical study is carried out for shell side heat transfer characteristics under the same mass flow rates with shell side mass flow rates ranging from 0.23 to 0.43 kg/s. The Colburn factor is decreasing with an increase in mass flow rate. The tube side Nusselt number obtained is in good agreement with the correlations available. The Colburn factor (js) for the present geometry was compared with Kern's equation. Tube side Nusselt number for the present study, Dittus–Boelter equations, Notter Rouse equation, Syam Sundar et al. equation, and Gnielinski equation have shown good agreement with each other. The present study is further extended with 1%, 3%, and 5% volume concentrations of Al2O3, graphene oxide, TiO2, single‐wall carbon nanotube, and MXene nanofluids. The author notices that the 5% volume concentration of each nanofluid has shown the highest heat transfer coefficients when compared to other concentrations of nanofluids.
One‐stop molecular classification of endometrial carcinoma using comprehensive next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Li Yucong , Chen Rui , Yuan Mingming , Wang Dong , Fu Chunling , Chen Rongrong , Lei Cuirong , Zhou Qi
Published: August 2022

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of molecular classification using only comprehensive next‐generation sequencing‐based techniques and its relationship with survival outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer. Paired tumor‐normal sequencing data of 1021 cancer‐related genes using tumor tissues or peripheral blood samples and clinical data were retrospectively collected from a cohort of endometrial cancers. The microsatellite instability status was inferred using the MSIsensor (v0.5) with a cut‐off of 8%. Sixty patients were classified into four groups: POLEMUT group (13.3%), MSI‐H group (20%), TP53WT group (45%) and TP53MUT group (21.7%). Patients within TP53MUT group were more common in serous carcinoma compared to endometrioid carcinoma (P = .0098). TP53WT was significantly correlated with early stage and low grade. TP53MUT group was associated with significantly worse DFS compared to MSI‐H group and TP53WT group (P = .014 and .004, respectively). Comprehensive next‐generation sequencing is a reliable and simple method to stratify the prognosis of endometrial carcinoma. It can be potentially used to guide treatment of patients with endometrial cancer in routine practice.
Atypical glandular cells and development of cervical cancer: Population‐based cohort study
Authors: Norman Ingrid , Yilmaz Emel , Hjerpe Anders , Hortlund Maria , Elfström Klara Miriam , Dillner Joakim
Published: August 2022

The effect of cervical screening on cervical adenocarcinoma has been variable, possibly because the risk associated with the precursor atypical glandular cells (AGC) is not well known. A cohort of all 885 women in the capital region of Sweden with AGC, a concomitant human papillomavirus (HPV) analysis, and a histopathology was followed until 2019. Cumulative incidence proportions of cervical intraepithelial lesion grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) by HPV type was determined by 1‐Kaplan‐Meier estimates. Hazard ratios (HR) for CIN3+ or for invasive cancer were estimated with Cox regression. After 2 years of follow‐up, the cumulative incidence proportions of CIN3+ were 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74‐86%), 58% (95% CI: 50‐60%) and 10% (95% CI: 5‐18%) among HPV16/18 positive, “other HPV” positive and HPV‐negative women, respectively. Among the 300 women with HPV16/18 positive AGC, 217 developed CIN3+ of which 35 were invasive cervical cancer. The 2‐year cumulative invasive cancer risk for HPV16/18 positive AGC was 17% (95% CI: 12‐24%). Primary HPV‐screening had a similar yield of CIN3+ as cytology screening, albeit HPV‐negative AGC is by design not detected by HPV screening. Among 241 women with HPV‐negative AGC, 11 developed CIN3+ mostly after clinically indicated samples. We found no significant risk differences depending on age or sampling indication. The low CIN3+ risk after HPV‐negative AGC implies safety of primary HPV screening. The high risk of invasive cervical cancer after HPV16/18 positive AGC implies that management of this finding is a priority in cervical screening.
Therapy resistance mechanisms in hematological malignancies
Authors: Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Trumpp Andreas , Müller‐Tidow Carsten
Published: August 2022

Hematologic malignancies are model diseases for understanding neoplastic transformation and serve as prototypes for developing effective therapies. Indeed, the concept of systemic cancer therapy originated in hematologic malignancies and has guided the development of chemotherapy, cellular therapies, immunotherapy and modern precision oncology. Despite significant advances in the treatment of leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myelomas, treatment resistance associated with molecular and clinical relapse remains very common. Therapy of relapsed and refractory disease remains extremely difficult, and failure of disease control at this stage remains the leading cause of mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies. In recent years, many efforts have been made to identify the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that drive the development of hematologic malignancies to the stage of full‐blown disease requiring clinical intervention. In contrast, the mechanisms responsible for treatment resistance in hematologic malignancies remain poorly understood. For example, the molecular characteristics of therapy‐resistant persisting cells in minimal residual disease (MRD) remain rather elusive. In this mini‐review we want to discuss that cellular heterogeneity and plasticity, together with adaptive genetic and epigenetic processes, lead to reduced sensitivity to various treatment regimens such as chemotherapy and pathway inhibitors such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, resistance mechanisms may be conserved across biologically distinct cancer entities. Recent technological advances have made it possible to explore the underlying mechanisms of therapy resistance with unprecedented resolution and depth. These include novel multi‐omics technologies with single cell resolution combined with advanced biocomputational approaches, along with artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated disease models for functional validation.
Pinoresinol diglucoside ameliorates H/R‐induced injury of cardiomyocytes by regulating miR‐142‐3p and HIF1AN
Authors: Wei Yuan , Xiao Liang , Yingying Liu , Haichen Wang
Published: August 2022

This study is aimed to investigate the effect of pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) in ameliorating myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI). Hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R)‐induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes were used to establish an in‐vitro ischemia–reperfusion injury model of cardiomyocytes. Cells were treated with 1 μmol/L of PDG. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by a 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein‐diacetate assay. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) was examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The viability and apoptosis of H9c2 cells were probed by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Besides this, Western blot and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to detect microRNA‐142‐3p (miR‐142‐3p) and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 subunit alpha inhibitor (HIF1AN) expression levels. The binding sequence between miR‐142‐3p and HIF1AN 3′‐untranslated region was validated by a dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. PDG treatment significantly reduced the level of ROS, LDH, and CK‐MB, promoted viability, and inhibited the apoptosis of H9c2 cells. PDG treatment promoted miR‐142‐3p expression and inhibited HIF1AN expression in H9c2 cells. MiR‐142‐3p overexpression enhanced the effects of PDG on ROS, LDH, CK‐MB levels, cell viability, and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, while overexpression of HIF1AN reversed the above effects. PDG ameliorates H/R‐induced injury of cardiomyocytes by regulating miR‐142‐3p and HIF1AN.
Stability of Erdős–Ko–Rado theorems in circle geometries
Authors: Adriaensen Sam
Published: August 2022

Circle geometries are incidence structures that capture the geometry of circles on spheres, cones and hyperboloids in three‐dimensional space. In a previous paper, the author characterised the largest intersecting families in finite ovoidal circle geometries, except for Möbius planes of odd order. In this paper we show that also in these Möbius planes, if the order is greater than 3, the largest intersecting families are the sets of circles through a fixed point. We show the same result in the only known family of finite nonovoidal circle geometries. Using the same techniques, we show a stability result on large intersecting families in all ovoidal circle geometries. More specifically, we prove that an intersecting family in one of the known finite circle geometries of order , with , must consist of circles through a common point, or through a common nucleus in case of a Laguerre plane of even order.
Cold spots and cold moments: The potential for sediment freezing to depress denitrification in wetland sediments
Authors: Gilmour Kimberly , Hoggarth Cameron , Williams Clayton , Baulch Helen M.
Published: August 2022

Within the north‐temperate zone, winters can be long and are associated with conditions of low temperature and potential for sediment freezing. There are critical gaps in our knowledge of biogeochemical cycling during winter and inadequate knowledge of how warming winters and changing snowpack might affect biogeochemistry. Here, we assessed the impacts of sediment freeze–thaw cycling and nitrate amendment on denitrification rates in the littoral fringe of four urban wetlands. We demonstrate the potential for experimental sediment freezing to suppress denitrification, although freezing effects were not observed at all sites. Multiple freeze–thaw cycles were assessed, and, although subsequent cycles may affect denitrification, the first instance of our experimental freezing seems the most critical. Although this work demonstrates potential sensitivity of wetland denitrification rates to changing winter conditions, we note nitrate availability has a larger impact upon denitrification rates. This suggests nitrification rates and changing nitrate loads may be more important determinants of nitrate retention than sediment freeze–thaw history. Although there has been great interest in hot spots and moments for biogeochemical cycling, we suggest there is similar need to understand cold spots and moments, as evidenced here. This is particularly important where cold moments may correspond with critical periods of nitrate transport, such as snowmelt.
Microwave‐assisted decarboxylation of 2H‐Pyran‐3‐carboxylic acid derivatives under basic condition
Authors: Mishra Uttam Kumar , Bal Chandralata
Published: August 2022

Despite the availability of several methods for decarboxylation, this area remains exploratory and requires new development. Here, we report a highly efficient microwave‐assisted hydrodecarboxylation of 4‐(methylthio)‐2‐oxo‐6‐aryl‐2H‐pyran‐3‐carboxylic acids (1a‐k) under basic condition to obtain 4‐(methylthio)‐6‐aryl‐2H‐pyran‐2‐ones (2a‐k) with >90% yield. The requirement of proton source from the solvent was observed by performing the reactions of 1b and 1e in CD3OD to obtain deuterated compounds 2 l and 2 m respectively. All compounds were characterized by spectroscopic analysis. Further, compounds 2b and 2e were analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Impact of measuring heteroplasmy of a pathogenic mitochondrial DNA variant at the single‐cell level in individuals with mitochondrial disease
Authors: Imai‐Okazaki Atsuko , Nitta Kazuhiro R. , Yatsuka Yukiko , Sugiura Ayumu , Arao Masato , Shimura Masaru , Ebihara Tomohiro , Onuki Takanori , Ichimoto Keiko , Ohtake Akira , Murayama Kei , Okazaki Yasushi
Published: August 2022

Pathogenic mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy has mainly been assessed with bulk sequencing in individuals with mitochondrial disease. However, the distribution of heteroplasmy at the single‐cell level in skin fibroblasts obtained from individuals, together with detailed clinical and biochemical information, remains to be investigated. We used the mitochondrial DNA single‐cell assay for the transposase‐accessible chromatin sequencing method. Skin fibroblasts were obtained from six individuals with mitochondrial disease and pathogenic m.3243A>G variants of differing severity. Different distributions of heteroplasmy at the single‐cell level were identified in skin fibroblasts from all six individuals. Four individuals with different outcomes showed similar averaged heteroplasmy rates with normal mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity, while the distribution of single‐cell heteroplasmy patterns differed among the individuals. This study showed different heteroplasmy distribution patterns at the single‐cell level in individuals with the m.3243A>G variant, who had a similar averaged heteroplasmy rates with normal mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity. Whether such different heteroplasmy distribution patterns explain the different clinical outcomes should be assessed further in future studies. Measuring heteroplasmy of pathogenic mitochondrial DNA variants at the single‐cell level could be important in individuals with mitochondrial disease.
Corrected MRI Pulmonary Transit Time for Identification of Combined Precapillary and Postcapillary Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Left Heart Disease
Authors: Gong Chao , Guo Xinli , Wan Ke , Chen Chen , Chen Xiaoling , Guo Jiajun , He Juan , Yin Lidan , Wen Bi , Pu Shoufang , Chen Yucheng
Published: August 2022

Background

The identification of combined precapillary and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (CpcPH) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease (LHD) can influence therapy and outcome and is currently based on invasively determined hemodynamic parameters.

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic value of MRI‐derived corrected pulmonary transit time (PTTc) in PH‐LHD sub‐grouped according to hemodynamic phenotypes.

Study Type

Prospective observational study.

Population

A total of 60 patients with PH‐LHD (18 with isolated postcapillary PH [IpcPH] and 42 with CpcPH), and 33 healthy subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T/balanced steady‐state free precession cine and gradient echo‐train echo planar pulse first‐pass perfusion.

Assessment

In patients, right heart catheterization (RHC) and MRI were performed within 30 days. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was used as the diagnostic “reference standard.” The PTTc was calculated as the time interval between the peaks of the biventricular signal‐intensity/time curve and corrected for heart rate. PTTc was compared between patient groups and healthy subjects and its relationship to PVR assessed. The diagnostic accuracy of PTTc for distinguishing IpcPH and CpcPH was determined.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, linear and logistic regression analysis, and receiver‐operating characteristic curves. Significance level: P < 0.05.

Results

PTTc was significantly prolonged in CpcPH compared with IpcPH and normal controls (17.28 ± 7.67 vs. 8.82 ± 2.55 vs. 6.86 ± 2.11 seconds), and in IpcPH compared with normal controls (8.82 ± 2.55 vs. 6.86 ± 2.11 seconds). Prolonged PTTc was significantly associated with increased PVR. Furthermore, PTTc was a significantly independent predictor of CpcPH (odds ratio: 1.395, 95% confidence interval: 1.071–1.816). The area under curve was 0.852 at a cut‐off value of 11.61 seconds for PTTc to distinguish between CpcPH and IpcPH (sensitivity 71.43% and specificity 94.12%).

Data Conclusion

PTTc may be used to identify CpcPH. Our findings have potential to improve selection for invasive RHC for PH‐LHD patients.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
A delayed resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An unpredictable outbreak in a small proportion of children in the Southwest of Iran, April 2022
Authors: Mohebi Leila , Karami Hassan , Mirsalehi Negar , Ardestani Nima Hoveidi , Yavarian Jila , Mard‐Soltani Maysam , Mokhatri‐Azad Talat , Salimi Vahid
Published: August 2022

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), an emerging disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), and strict restrictions implemented to control the infection have impacted the circulation and transmission of common seasonal viruses worldwide and subsequently the rate of hospitalizations in children at young ages. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surprisingly disappeared in 2020−2021 in many countries due to lockdown and precautions were taken because of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Herein, we showed a notable change in the rate of hospitalization and reported an unpredictable outbreak of RSV in a small proportion of children admitted to a children's hospital in Dezful (a city in Southwest Iran) in the early spring of 2022. We performed a descriptive study of hospitalized young children (aged ≤ 5 years) with acute respiratory infections. Together with clinical information, 30 nasopharyngeal swabs were prospectively collected and 3 important respiratory viruses (RSV, influenza viruses, and SARS‐CoV‐2) were tested through the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (real‐time PCR) method. The age distribution of 30 hospital‐admitted children was 1 month to 5 years old and males were the most included subjects 18/30 (60%) in this study. Although the viral genome of SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza viruses was not detected, the presence of RSV was confirmed in 16/30 (53.33%) patients. Results showed that the majority of RSV‐infected cases were males 10/16 (62.5%), within 12 months of life, and had changes in parameters of the complete blood count. Almost all patients with RSV infection had a cough as the most common clinical manifestation and had no history of past medical conditions as a risk factor. The presented study is the first investigation that documented an outbreak of RSV infection in young children reported since the onset of the COVID‐19 outbreak in Iran. Our cases highlight the potential threats of important but neglected pathogens during the ongoing pandemic as described here for RSV, which would be challenging by easing the preimposed restrictions.
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: Clinicopathological features and outcomes from the United States sarcoma collaborative database
Authors: Gusho Charles A. , King David , Ethun Cecilia G. , Cardona Kenneth , Harrison Howard J. , Tran Thuy B. , Poultsides George , Tseng Jennifer , Roggin Kevin K. , Fields Ryan C. , Cullinan Darren R. , Chouliaras Konstantinos , Votanopoulos Konstantinos , Grignol Valerie P. , Bedi Meena
Published: August 2022

Backgrounds and Objectives

This investigation described clinicopathological features and outcomes of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) patients.

Methods

EMC patients were identified from the United States Sarcoma Collaborative database between 2000 and 2016. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were calculated, and prognostic factors were analyzed.

Results

Sixty individuals with a mean age of 55 years were included, and 65.0% (n = 39) were male. 73.3% (n = 44) had a primary tumor. A total of 41.6% (n = 25) developed tumor relapse following resection. The locoregional recurrence rate was 30.0% (n = 18/60), and mean follow‐up was 42.7 months. The 5‐year OS was 71.0%, while the 5‐year RFS was 41.4%. On multivariate analysis for all EMC, chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 6.054; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33−27.7; p = 0.020) and radiation (HR, 5.07, 95% CI, 1.3−20.1; p = 0.021) were independently predictive of a worse RFS. Among patients with primary EMC only, the 5‐year OS was 85.3%, with a 30.0% (n = 12) locoregional recurrence rate, though no significant prognostic factors were identified.

Conclusions

Long‐term survival with EMC is probable, however there exists a high incidence of locoregional recurrence. While chemotherapy and radiation were associated with a worse RFS, these findings were likely confounded by recurrent disease as significance was lost in the primary EMC‐only subset.
In silico screening of off‐line comprehensive two‐dimensional counter‐current chromatography with liquid chromatography for four saponins isolation
Authors: Sun Heng‐Mian , Zhang Ai‐Lian , Bao Hong‐Lei , Chu Chu , Tong Sheng‐Qiang
Published: August 2022

Being restrained by the limited peak capacity, one‐dimensional chromatography usually leads to an unsatisfactory separation with low purity of compounds in a complex mixture. To obtain more highly pure targets for standard reference and to discover new substances for structural elucidation, two‐dimensional chromatography is more and more prevalent in many fields. As few metrics on assessment of the preparative capability of two‐dimensional chromatographic separations are reported, a methodology of in silico screening of various two‐dimensional chromatographic separations with a minimal number of experiments was demonstrated in this work, which was based on three descriptors including the occupation rate of peaks and system homogeneity of a two‐dimensional separation space, and the minimal distance of all nearest‐neighbor distances of peaks. Combining the advantages of counter‐current chromatography and liquid chromatography, we elaborated the methodology by employing off‐line comprehensive two‐dimensional counter‐current chromatography with liquid chromatography to be in silico screened for separation of four saponins from Panax notoginseng at an analytical scale to simulate the case of preparative scale transfer. The predictive results were presented by two‐dimensional contour plots and verified by experiments. The result showed that the experimental results were in general accord with the predictive results.
The efficacy of anti‐IL‐1 targeted therapy in PAPA and PASH syndrome
Authors: Challamel Chloé , Girard Céline , Misery Laurent , Touhouche Assia , Fradet Marion , Severino‐Freire Maëlla , Livideanu Cristina B. , Konstantinou Maria P. , Jendoubi Fatma , Paul Carle
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum and acne (PAPA) and pyoderma gangrenosum, acne and hidradenitis suppurativa (PASH) are rare autoinflammatory diseases. Treatment of PAPA and PASH is difficult. Conventional immunosuppressants and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists fail to control skin lesions in many patients.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients treated with interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) antagonists for PAPA or PASH syndrome. We included all PASH and PAPA treated with the IL‐1 antagonists canakinumab and anakinra in Toulouse, Brest and Montpellier, France and report on the patients' response to treatment.

Results

Four patients were treated with anakinra (one patient) and/or canakinumab (three patients) for 6 months to 10 years. Treatment was associated with sustained improvement of skin lesions: hidradenitis suppurativa in four patients including full resolution of skin lesions in three patients, acne with full resolution in one patient, pyoderma gangrenosum in three patients who experienced full resolution of skin lesions. Anti‐IL‐1 treatment was also associated with full resolution of symptoms associated with spondyloarthritis in one patient. One patient who had been receiving oral corticosteroids for years was able to stop treatment while on IL‐1 antagonist.

Discussion

IL‐1 antagonists, especially canakinumab, are useful alternatives to treat patients with PAPA or PASH syndrome, especially patients who are non‐responders to conventional treatment and TNF antagonists.
Serum MicroRNAs Predict Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder and Lewy Body Diseases
Authors: Soto Marta , Iranzo Alex , Lahoz Sara , Fernández Manel , Serradell Mónica , Gaig Carles , Melón Paula , Martí Maria‐Jose , Santamaría Joan , Camps Jordi , Fernández‐Santiago Rubén , Ezquerra Mario
Published: August 2022

Background

Isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (IRBD) is a well‐established clinical risk factor for Lewy body diseases (LBDs), such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Objective

To elucidate whether serum microRNA (miRNA) deregulation in IRBD can antedate the diagnosis of LBD by performing a longitudinal study in different progression stages of IRBD before and after LBD diagnosis and assessing the predictive performance of differentially expressed miRNAs by machine learning–based modeling.

Methods

Using genome‐wide miRNA analysis and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction validation, we assessed serum miRNA profiles from patients with IRBD stratified by dopamine transporter (DaT) single‐photon emission computed tomography into DaT‐negative IRBD (n = 17) and DaT‐positive IRBD (n = 21), IRBD phenoconverted into LBD (n = 13), and controls (n = 20). Longitudinally, we followed up the IRBD cohort by studying three time point serum samples over 26 months.

Results

We found sustained cross‐sectional and longitudinal deregulation of 12 miRNAs across the RBD continuum, including DaT‐negative IRBD, DaT‐positive IRBD, and LBD phenoconverted IRBD (let‐7c‐5p, miR‐19b‐3p, miR‐140, miR‐22‐3p, miR‐221‐3p, miR‐24‐3p, miR‐25‐3p, miR‐29c‐3p, miR‐361‐5p, miR‐425‐5p, miR‐4505, and miR‐451a) (false discovery rate P < 0.05). Age‐ and sex‐adjusted predictive modeling based on the 12 differentially expressed miRNA biosignatures discriminated IRBD and PD or DLB from controls with an area under the curve of 98% (95% confidence interval: 89–99%).

Conclusions

Besides clinical diagnosis of IRBD or imaging markers such as DaT single‐photon emission computed tomography, specific miRNA biosignatures alone hold promise as progression biomarkers for patients with IRBD for predicting PD and DLB clinical outcomes. Further miRNA studies in other PD at‐risk populations, such as LRRK2 mutation asymptomatic carriers or hyposmic subjects, are warranted. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Brain Metabolic Correlates of Dopaminergic Denervation in Prodromal and Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kim Ryul , Kim Heejung , Kim Yu Kyeong , Yoon Eun Jin , Nam Hyun Woo , Jeon Beomseok , Lee Jee‐Young
Published: August 2022

Background

It remains unclear how brain metabolic activities transform in response to dopamine deficiency in the prodromal and early phases of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

To investigate the relationship between nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation and brain glucose metabolism in patients with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) and early PD.

Methods

This cohort study included 28 patients with polysomnography‐confirmed iRBD, 24 patients with de novo PD with probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (denovoPD), and 28 healthy controls (HCs) who underwent two positron emission tomography scans with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (all participants) and 18F‐N‐3‐fluoropropyl‐2β‐carboxymethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐nortropane (except for one denovoPD patient and 15 HCs). We analyzed striatal and voxel‐wise whole‐brain glucose metabolism in relation to nigrostriatal dopaminergic integrity and comparatively investigated the whole‐brain metabolic connectivity among the groups. We also assessed longitudinal metabolic changes against progressive dopaminergic denervation over 4 years in the iRBD group.

Results

From HCs to iRBD and finally to the denovoPD, dopaminergic integrity positively correlated with metabolic activity in the caudate, whereas a negative correlation was observed in the posterior putamen. In the iRBD group, there was a metabolic increase in the inferior orbitofrontal cortex against putaminal dopaminergic denervation at baseline, but negative correlations were newly observed in the superior orbitofrontal cortex and superior frontal gyrus at the 4‐year follow‐up. The denovoPD group showed negative correlations in the cerebellum and fusiform gyrus. Intra‐ and inter‐regional metabolic connectivities in the parieto‐occipital cortices were enhanced in the iRBD group compared with the denovoPD and HC groups. In the iRBD group, overall metabolic connectivity was strengthened along with enhanced basal ganglia‐frontal connection by advancing dopaminergic denervation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest diverse trajectories of metabolic responses associated with dopaminergic denervation between individual brain areas in the prodromal and early PD stages. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Deterministic small‐scale undulations of image‐based risk predictions from the deep learning of lung tumors in motion
Authors: Teo P. Troy , Bajaj Amishi , Randall James , Lou Bin , Shah Jainil , Gopalakrishnan Mahesh , Kamen Ali , Abazeed Mohamed E.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Deep learning (DL) models that use medical images to predict clinical outcomes are poised for clinical translation. For tumors that reside in organs that move, however, the impact of motion (i.e., degenerated object appearance or blur) on DL model accuracy remains unclear. We examine the impact of tumor motion on an image‐based DL framework that predicts local failure risk after lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Methods

We input pre‐therapy free breathing (FB) computed tomography (CT) images from 849 patients treated with lung SBRT into a multitask deep neural network to generate an image fingerprint signature (or DL score) that predicts time‐to‐event local failure outcomes. The network includes a convolutional neural network encoder for extracting imaging features and building a task‐specific fingerprint, a decoder for estimating handcrafted radiomic features, and a task‐specific network for generating image signature for radiotherapy outcome prediction. The impact of tumor motion on the DL scores was then examined for a holdout set of 468 images from 39 patients comprising: (1) FB CT, (2) four‐dimensional (4D) CT, and (3) maximum‐intensity projection (MIP) images. Tumor motion was estimated using a 3D vector of the maximum distance traveled, and its association with DL score variance was assessed by linear regression.

Findings

The variance and amplitude in 4D CT image‐derived DL scores were associated with tumor motion (R2 = 0.48 and 0.46, respectively). Specifically, DL score variance was deterministic and represented by sinusoidal undulations in phase with the respiratory cycle. DL scores, but not tumor volumes, peaked near end‐exhalation. The mean of the scores derived from 4D CT images and the score obtained from FB CT images were highly associated (Pearson r = 0.99). MIP‐derived DL scores were significantly higher than 4D‐ or FB‐derived risk scores (p < 0.0001).

Interpretation

An image‐based DL risk score derived from a series of 4D CT images varies in a deterministic, sinusoidal trajectory in a phase with the respiratory cycle. These results indicate that DL models of tumors in motion can be robust to fluctuations in object appearance due to movement and can guide standardization processes in the clinical translation of DL models for patients with lung cancer.
Reassurance regarding educational messages in people with non‐specific low back pain: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alamam Dalyah , Alrushud Asma , Alodaibi Faris , Alhowimel Ahmed , Almarzouq Raghad , Alangari Raneem , Khunain Sara Bin , Alosaimi Waad , Almoheidib Sara
Published: August 2022

Introduction/Objectives

Educational messages related to Low back pain (LBP) are often contradictory and drive maladaptive beliefs, as they conflict with the latest research evidence. This study aims to examine participants' reassurance levels in relation to educational messages regarding LBP among the Saudi population with the condition compared to those without it, and to assess the association between levels of reassurance and fear avoidance.

Methods

A list of 13 educational messages about LBP was generated from LBP‐educational resources in Saudi Arabia, and from expert consensus on a set of evidence‐based key messages for people with LBP. Consented respondents with LBP of various durations and those without the condition completed a questionnaire containing questions on demographic characteristics, the absence or presence of LBP and its intensity, and the fear‐avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ). We also asked them to rate their level of perceived reassurance regarding the educational messages using a Likert‐type scale from 0 to 10.

Results

Participants (n = 1652) reported that the 13 educational messages had reassured them about LBP. However, there was no significant difference between participants with and without LBP (p ≥ 0.05). There was an overall weak association between the responses to the 13 educational messages and the fear‐avoidance questionnaire. However, reassurance levels regarding most of the educational messages were negatively associated with the FABQ.

Discussion and conclusion

We demonstrate that people with and without LBP need reassurance about the condition. Furthermore, we show that as reassurance increases, fear‐avoidance decreases, confirming the complex nature of LBP.
Shape optimization with immersed interface finite element method
Authors: Kaudur Srivatsa Bhat , Patil Mayuresh J.
Published: August 2022

Shape Optimization using conventional interface‐fitted finite element method requires either mesh morphing or remeshing, which is computationally expensive and prone to errors due to suboptimal mesh or solution interpolation. In this article, we present a shape optimization scheme which uses a four‐noded rectangular immersed‐interface element circumventing the need for interface‐fitted mesh for finite element analysis, and mesh morphing or re‐meshing for shape optimization. The analysis problem is solved using a non‐conformal, Petrov–Galerkin (ncPG) formulation. We use non‐conformal trial functions with conformal test functions. A fixed structured grid with a linear approximation for the interface within each element is used. We perform a bi‐material patch test to confirm the consistency and convergence of the immersed‐interface finite element method (IIFEM). The convergence of the displacement and stress error norms are of the same or slightly better order compared to the interface‐fitted FEM. Thus, IIFEM reduces the cost of meshing without compromising the accuracy of the solutions obtained. We then perform analytical design sensitivity analysis to obtain the gradient of the global stiffness matrix with respect to shape design variables. The sensitivities are used in the gradient‐based optimization formulation of the shape design problem. We present several ways to parametrize the design space. Finally, verification and case studies are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and potential of the approach.
Composite Anderson acceleration method with two window sizes and optimized damping
Authors: Chen Kewang , Vuik Cornelis
Published: August 2022

In this article, we propose and analyze a set of fully nonstationary Anderson acceleration (AA) algorithms with two window sizes and optimized damping. Although AA has been used for decades to speed up nonlinear solvers in many applications, most authors are simply using and analyzing the stationary version of AA (sAA) with fixed window size and a constant damping factor. The behavior and potential of the nonstationary version of AA methods remain an open question. Most efficient linear solvers however use composable algorithmic components. Similar ideas can be used for AA to solve nonlinear systems. Thus in the present work, to develop nonstationary AA algorithms, we first propose a systematic way to dynamically alternate the window size by the multiplicative composite combination, which means we apply sAA() in the outer loop and apply sAA() in the inner loop. By doing this, significant gains can be achieved. Second, to make AA to be a fully nonstationary algorithm, we need to combine these strategies with our recent work on the nonstationary AA algorithm with optimized damping (AAoptD), which is another important direction of producing nonstationary AA and nice performance gains have been observed. Moreover, we also investigate the rate of convergence of these nonstationary AA methods under suitable assumptions. Finally, our numerical results show that some of these proposed nonstationary AA algorithms converge faster than the stationary sAA method and they may significantly reduce the storage and time to find the solution in many cases.
Robust (Q, S, R)‐γ‐dissipative control of Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with interval time‐varying delay and sampling
Authors: Lien Chang‐Hua , Chang Hao‐Chin , Yu Ker‐Wei , Li Hung‐Chi , Hou Yi‐You
Published: August 2022

The robust (Q, S, R)‐γ‐dissipative control of Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy time‐delay model is considered by the developed robust control with sampling in this article. The proposed Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and inequality are investigated to improve the main results in this article. Full matrix formulation approach is present to show our proposed results by some linear matrix inequalities. Interval delay and sampling period are contemplated instead of constant delay and fixed sampling in some circulated literatures. The less conservatism of our proposed results is demonstrated by our proposed numerical examples. Finally, we illustrate a mass‐spring‐damper nonlinear system to show our developed results.
Correlation between temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and mandibular cortical width measured on computed tomography
Authors: Muraoka Hirotaka , Ito Kotaro , Hirahara Naohisa , Tokunaga Satoshi , Okada Shunya , Ichiki Shungo , Itakura Go , Kondo Takumi , Komatsu Tomohiro , Hirohata Shoya , Kaneda Takashi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Computed tomography (CT) is frequently used in the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases. However, very few studies have assessed the association between osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and mandibular cortical width (MCW), which is used to assess bone quality using CT. The present study sought to assess the correlation between MCW and presence or absence OA of the TMJ using CT.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective cohort study in which a total of 101 women with a mean age of 53.72 years (range: 20–90 years) underwent CT at our university hospital between April 2019 and July 2019. The variable “mean MCW” was evaluated as a predictor. The primary outcome comprised the presence or absence of OA in the TMJ. The other variable was age. Data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, the Mann–Whitney U test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The mean MCW values in the OA group were significantly lower than that in the non‐OA group (P < 0.01). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between age and mean MCW values (P < 0.05). Moreover, ROC analysis revealed a cutoff MCW value of 3.3 mm for predicting the association of OA.

Conclusions

These results suggest that MCW may be a useful parameter for predicting the association of OA in the TMJ.
Dressing systems based on chitosan as active transport platforms in the treatment of burnt skin: Mini‐review
Authors: de Lima Dias Boaventura Muniz Jéssica , de Menezes Lívia Rodrigues
Published: August 2022

Burns are one of the most common injuries worldwide, affecting thousands of people every year. These wounds, when more severe, can pose a risk to the individual's systemic health and lead to many hospital visits. Among the possible complications arising from cases of deep or generalized burns, sepsis, scar tissue contraction after inadequate healing, and burn shock caused by hypovolemia stand out. Burnt skin is extremely susceptible to bacteria and other pathogens, due to the loss of the protection provided by intact layers of skin, which can severely hinder its proper healing. Several strategies can be used to treat these injuries, among which, the use of hydrogel‐based dressings stands out because of the wet wound healing process. Thus, many studies have focused on the therapeutic effects of chitosan‐based hydrogels for better wound healing due to the good characteristics of this matrix, which include the high biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and ability to act as a carrier for the local delivery of actives. In this perspective, studies that explore hydrogel formulations containing chitosan showed the high versatility of these systems that have already been used as transport platforms for natural actives, biomolecules, synthetic antimicrobials, and even antimicrobial nanoparticles. The results of these studies indicate that the use of dressings based on hydrogels containing chitosan can accelerate the healing of wounds caused by burns in the animal model and achieve synergistic antimicrobial effects with some actives, indicating that chitosan hydrogels hold great promise in developing healing systems to regenerate burnt skin
Thermal characterization and hygrothermal aging of lignocellulosic Agave Cantala fiber reinforced polylactide composites
Authors: Ramesh M. , Selvan M. Tamil , Niranjana K.
Published: August 2022

The use of lignocellulosic fibers into polymer matrices gained attention of the researchers and brought substantial research. The main objective of this research work is to determine the thermal characteristics and hygrothermal aging of untreated and surface modified Agave Cantala plant fiber‐reinforced polylactide composites. Cellulosic fibers were extracted from the fleshy leaves of the plant by water and mechanical retting processes. The extracted fibers were treated with trimethoxy methyl silane and fabrication of the composites was done using matched die molding method. These composites are characterized by thermo‐gravimetry analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction study, hygrothermal aging, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. The results showed the trimethoxy methyl silane treated A. Cantala treated fiber reinforced composites exhibiting better thermal, hygrothermal, and morphological behavior.
Origin of the broad endothermic peak observed at low temperatures for polystyrene and metals in Flash differential scanning calorimetry*
Authors: Pallaka Madhusudhan R. , Bari Rozana , Simon Sindee L.
Published: August 2022

The glass transition behavior of polystyrene as a function of different cooling rates with scanning to two different end temperatures, 30°C and −80°C, was investigated for four different substrate conditions using Flash differential scanning calorimetry, a fast scanning nanocalorimetry technique. In addition, structural recovery of polystyrene was performed at 20°C for aging times from 0.01 s to 8 h with scanning to −80°C for the same samples. A broad endotherm appears to grow at low temperatures (T << Tg) as cooling rate decreases and aging time increases, which is influenced by the substrate underlying the film, as well as by the end temperature condition in the scanning experiment. On the other hand, the endothermic overshoot associated with Tg is not influenced by substrate or scan end temperature. In addition, indium and vapor‐deposited gold, both crystalline materials, show the growth of a very similar broad endotherm at low temperatures as cooling rate decreases and aging time increases indicating that the low‐temperature endotherm is an artifact and not a relaxation associated with the material under investigation. Several potential explanations are put forward.