bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Efficacy of Carbapenems versus Other Best Available Antibiotics in the Management of Patients with Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Albunayyan Ruoa , Alqurashi Bushra , Alharbi Yasser , Alshaer Aisha , Alsudais Jomana , Alghthami Ahad , Alsharif Jumana , Alabbas Lujain , Almehmadi Rehab
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Carbapenems are found in high concentrations in urine and are mainly eliminated by the kidney. Hence, they are the preferred treatment for pyelonephritis and complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria. The recent emergence of bacterial resistance to carbapenems has resulted in the need to search for alternative treatments for complicated UTIs. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of Carbapenems versus Piperacillin/tacobactam (or the best available antibiotic therapy) in the management of pyelonephritis in patients with upper UTIs.

Methods: A systematic review was carried out to compile all relevant studies on the use of Carbapenems versus Piperacillin/tacobactam in the treatment of upper urinary tract infections, namely pyelonephritis. A meta-analysis was carried out of the selected studies, including clinical trials composed of adult patients aged between 18 and 80 years old diagnosed with pyelonephritis. Primary screening of eligible studies was followed by the removal of duplicates and exclusion of non-eligible and unavailable full-text trials.

Results: This review included four studies on the treatment of complicated pyelonephritis. The number of patients included per study varied and ranged from 62 to 421 cases. Different types and regimes of carbapenems were used, including intravenous Meropenem-Vaborbactam, Meropenem, Biapenem, Doripenem, or Ertapenem. The included studies compared carbapenems to Piperacillin/tazobactam or other best available therapies, such as third-generation cephalosporin. For microbial failure, the overall risk ratio was 0.95 with a confidence interval range between 0.62 and 1.45, and for clinical failure, the overall risk ratio was 0.86 with a confidence interval range between 0.51 and 1.45.

Conclusions: According to the meta-analysis, the included studies showed that Carbapenems are not inferior to the comparators for the management of complicated urinary tract infections.
The Extent of the Efficiency of Investment Decisions in Iraqi Companies Listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange
Authors: Yousef Hashim Hayder , Ojah Dr. Hassnain Kazem , - -
Published: November 2022

The research aims to measure the impact of the efficiency of investment decisions in the Iraqi companies listed in the Iraqi Stock Exchange, and this goal is achieved by identifying the concept of the efficiency of investment decisions, by relying on the data of the annual financial reports of a sample of Iraqi companies listed in the Iraqi Stock Exchange, which numbered (27 companies represented by (15) companies from the banking sector, (8) companies from the industrial sector and (4) companies from the insurance sector for the period from (2011-2020). For the purpose of measuring the efficiency of investment decisions, a model (Mcnichols & Stubben, 2008) was used, and the research reached several results, the most important of which is that there is an efficiency of investment decisions in Iraqi companies listed in the Iraqi Stock Exchange. The most important thing recommended by the researcher is the necessity of focusing and paying attention to the factors that result in the efficiency of investment decisions, such as the quality of accounting information and reliance on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as well as the study and analysis of financial data for making investment decisions in a detailed manner and following the methods of evaluating investment projects (economic feasibility study).) to prevent making wrong (sub-optimal) investment decisions that result in huge irreversible losses.
Clinical application of a template‐guided automated planning routine
Authors: Schmidt Matthew C. , Abraham Christopher D. , Huang Jiayi , Robinson Clifford G. , Hugo Geoffrey , Knutson Nels C. , Sun Baozhou , Raranje Chipo , Sajo Erno , Zygmanski Piotr , Jandel Marian , Szentivanyi Peter , Hilliard Jessica , Hamilton Jessica , Reynoso Francisco J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Determine the dosimetric quality and the planning time reduction when utilizing a template‐based automated planning application.

Methods

A software application integrated through the treatment planning system application programing interface, QuickPlan, was developed to facilitate automated planning using configurable templates for contouring, knowledge‐based planning structure matching, field design, and algorithm settings. Validations are performed at various levels of the planning procedure and assist in the evaluation of readiness of the CT image, structure set, and plan layout for automated planning. QuickPlan is evaluated dosimetrically against 22 hippocampal‐avoidance whole brain radiotherapy patients. The required times to treatment plan generation are compared for the validations set as well as 10 prospective patients whose plans have been automated by QuickPlan.

Results

The generations of 22 automated treatment plans are compared against a manual replanning using an identical process, resulting in dosimetric differences of minor clinical significance. The target dose to 2% volume and homogeneity index result in significantly decreased values for automated plans, whereas other dose metric evaluations are nonsignificant. The time to generate the treatment plans is reduced for all automated plans with a median difference of 9′ 50″ ± 4′ 33″.

Conclusions

Template‐based automated planning allows for reduced treatment planning time with consistent optimization structure creation, treatment field creation, plan optimization, and dose calculation with similar dosimetric quality. This process has potential expansion to numerous disease sites.
Surface Decoration of Peptide Nanoparticles Enables Efficient Therapy toward Osteoporosis and Diabetes
Authors: Huang Tianhe , Wang Guan , Shahbazi Mohammad‐Ali , Bai Yuancheng , Zhang Jingrui , Feng Guobing , Asadian Elham , Ghorbani‐Bidkorpeh Fatemeh , Yang Zhiyuang , Li Yuanai , Huo Qingqing , Liu Yingxin , Liu Dongfei
Published: November 2022

A versatile surface decoration strategy to efficiently encapsulate water‐soluble peptides is developed. By assembling peptide molecules into nanoparticles, diverse physiochemical properties of these compacted molecules are equalized to the surface properties of nanoparticles. Primarily driven by the generic electrostatic attractions, the surface of as‐prepared peptide nanoparticles is decorated with charged amino acids‐grafted poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid). This adsorbed polymer layer versatilely blocks the phase transfer of peptide nanoparticles by increasing their affinity to the dispersed phase solvent molecules. Attributed to the ultrahigh encapsulation efficiencies (> 96%), the peptide mass fraction inside the obtained microcomposites is higher than 48%. The plasma calcium level has been efficiently reduced for ≈3 weeks with only one single injection of salmon calcitonin‐encapsulated microcomposite in osteoporotic rats. Similarly, one single injection of exenatide‐encapsulated microcomposites efficiently controls the glycemic level in type 2 diabetic rats for up to 3 weeks. Overall, the developed versatile surface decoration strategy efficiently encapsulates peptides and improves their pharmacokinetic features, regardless of the molecular structure of peptide cargos.
Food security status in seniors over their life course
Authors: Pezzia Carla , Rogg Magda C. , Leonard Tammy
Published: November 2022

We examine the life stories of 107 low‐income older adults to assess critical points in which to intervene and potentially prevent senior food insecurity. Participants were recruited from various social service agencies throughout Dallas county. They were asked about life experiences, food insecurity, economic hardships, and health challenges. We utilized qualitative (thematic and content) and quantitative (bivariate and multiple regression) analyses. Our data suggest that vulnerable seniors often experience multiple hardships simultaneously, which play off one another and create tradeoffs. These hardships sometimes pose barriers to receiving assistance. Prior experiences of hardship also modify expectations of hardships in older adulthood.
Synthesis and evaluation of epoxidized vegetable oleic acid as a novel environmental benign plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Feng Shan , Jiang Pingping , Zhang Pingbo , Lu Minjia , Cui Zhixuan , Pan Jie , Pan Lingen
Published: November 2022

A bio‐based plasticizers, acetyl‐oleate triethylene glycol (AOT), was successfully synthesized by using oleic acid as a raw material through esterification, epoxidation, and acetylation. Its structure was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. The plasticizing performances of this plasticizer was compared with those of two commercial ones: dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) and dioctyl adipate (DOA). This was done by blending these plasticizers with PVC, respectively. Thermal gravimetric analysis results showed that the 5% weight loss temperature of PVC with AOT was 53°C higher than that of DOA and 36°C higher than that of DOTP. The tensile results showed that the AOT plasticized PVC had excellent stretchability: its elongation at break with 50 phr AOT reached 697.7%. Furthermore, its transmittance was as high as 90%, showing better compatibility of ATO with PVC.
Effect of hardener and catalyst contents on curing and degradation of epoxidized soybean oil
Authors: Albuquerque Ananda K. C. , Almeida Débora E. O. , Barreto José V. M. , Silva Ingridy D. S. , Jaques Nichollas G. , Nepomuceno Neymara C. , Medeiros Eliton S. , Wellen Renate M. R.
Published: November 2022

Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) compounds were cured with methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) as hardener and 2,4,6‐tris (dimethylaminomethyl) phenol (DEH 35) as catalyst. To figure out MTHPA and DEH 35's influence during curing and degradation, ESO/MTHPA/DEH 35 compounds were investigated using Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry (TG). FTIR spectra of uncured resin showed the secondary interactions among ESO's carbonyl groups with MTHPA and DEH 35's hydroxyls and amines. Curing progress was followed tracking the evolution of reactive groups, that is, epoxy and carbonyl bands and corroborated with released heat of DSC scans. ESO 87:5 and ESO 87:10 compounds cured using higher heating rates presented higher released enthalpy suggesting denser reticulation, and they also displayed lower activation energy for curing, which was evaluated using the Friedman model. Increasing the hardener and catalysts contents promoted higher thermal stability and lower degradation rates, while higher for degradation was verified.
Effect of the temperature of the heat treatment of pine wood on subsequent in situ polymerization with poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Acosta Andrey P. , Diaz René H. , Amico Sandro C. , Beltrame Rafael , Barbosa Kelvin T. , Delucis Rafael A. , Gatto Darci A.
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate a two‐step Pinus elliottii modification process comprising thermal treatment at different temperatures (180 °C, 200 °C, or 220 °C) for 2 h followed by vacuum‐pressure treatment and in situ polymerization with a highly pure solution of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The treated samples were then characterized based on weight loss, weight gain, density, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, chemical constituents, thermal stability, dimensional stability, surface hydrophobicity, morphology, color changes, and mechanical properties. Thermal modification prior to impregnation increased thermal stability (~100%–150%) in comparison with heat‐treated pine wood. Furthermore, after the two‐step treatment, the color presented similar patterns and a lower level of water uptake (~40%–60%). Post‐treatment with PMMA recovered the losses in both stiffness and strength brought by thermal modification at 180 °C and 200 °C; however, the treatment at 220 °C was found to be unsuitable for the two‐step process. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The efficacy of anti‐proteolytic peptide R7I in intestinal inflammation, function, microbiota, and metabolites by multi‐omics analysis in murine bacterial enteritis
Authors: Sun Taotao , Liu Xuesheng , Su Yunzhe , Wang Zihang , Cheng Baojing , Dong Na , Wang Jiajun , Shan Anshan
Published: November 2022

Increased antibiotic resistance poses a major limitation in tackling inflammatory bowel disease and presents a large challenge for global health care. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a potential class of antimicrobial agents. Here, we have designed the potential oral route for antimicrobial peptide R7I with anti‐proteolytic properties to deal with bacterial enteritis in mice. The results revealed that R7I protected the liver and gut from damage caused by inflammation. RNA‐Seq analysis indicated that R7I promoted digestion and absorption in the small intestine by upregulating transmembrane transporter activity, lipid and small molecule metabolic processes and other pathways, in addition to upregulating hepatic steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid degradation. For the gut microbiota, Clostridia were significantly reduced in the R7I‐treated group, and Odoribacteraceae, an efficient isoalloLCA‐synthesizing strain, was the main dominant strain, protecting the gut from potential pathogens. In addition, we further discovered that R7I reduced the accumulation of negative organic acid metabolites. Overall, R7I exerted better therapeutic and immunomodulatory potential in the bacterial enteritis model, greatly reduced the risk of disease onset, and provided a reference for the in vivo application of antimicrobial peptides.
Layered manganese phosphorus trisulfides for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries and the storage mechanism
Authors: Shen Hailin , Cai Yueling , Ma Zhongtao , Wang Peng , Guo Bingkun , Cheng Jipeng , Li Qianqian , Wang Hongtao , Liu Zhongyuan , Nie Anmin , Wu Jinsong
Published: November 2022

Although advanced anode materials for the lithium‐ion battery have been investigated for decades, a reliable, high‐capacity, and durable material that can enable a fast charge remains elusive. Herein, we report that a metal phosphorous trichalcogenide of MnPS3 (manganese phosphorus trisulfide), endowed with a unique and layered van der Waals structure, is highly beneficial for the fast insertion/extraction of alkali metal ions and can facilitate changes in the buffer volume during cycles with robust structural stability. The few‐layered MnPS3 anodes displayed the desirable specific capacity and excellent rate chargeability owing to their good electronic and ionic conductivities. When assembled as a half‐cell lithium‐ion battery, a high reversible capacity of 380 mA h g−1 was maintained by the MnPS3 after 3000 cycles at a high current density of 4 A g−1, with a capacity retention of close to or above 100%. In full‐cell testing, a reversible capacity of 450 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles was maintained as well. The results of in‐situ TEM revealed that MnPS3 nanoflakes maintained a high structural integrity without exhibiting any pulverization after undergoing large volumetric expansion for the insertion of a large number of lithium ions. Their kinetics of lithium‐ion diffusion, stable structure, and high pseudocapacitance contributed to their comprehensive performance, for example, a high specific capacity, rapid charge–discharge, and long cyclability. MnPS3 is thus an efficient anode for the next generation of batteries with a fast charge/discharge capability.
Development of a Single‐Use Device and an Associated Optical Measurement Method for Automated Magnetic Bioseparation
Authors: Wommer Lars , Barth Isabelle , Ulber Roland , Kampeis Percy
Published: November 2022

In bioseparation, magnetic particles can be used for the adsorption of biomolecules. They can be selectively separated from multi‐component suspensions with high‐gradient magnetic separation (HGMS). A single‐use HGMS separation chamber has been developed to avoid cross‐contamination. As with fixed‐bed adsorption, breakthrough occurs after a certain time. Subsequently, the magnetic particles that are then still further fed, are lost together with the biomolecules bound to them. In order to stop the HGMS process before breakthrough, an associated optical measurement method was developed.
Easy Structural Dereplication of Natural Products by Means of Predicted Carbon‐13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Data**
Authors: Kuhn Stefan , Nuzillard Jean‐Marc
Published: November 2022

The present article reports the creation and usage of a general natural product database for the structural dereplication of natural products. This database, acd_lotusv7, derives from the LOTUS natural products database as the sole source of chemical structures. Database construction also relies on the commercial “ACD/C+H Predictors and DB” software for the prediction of the carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data associated with structures. The linkage of each natural compound with a Wikidata resource identifier already present in LOTUS accelerates the access to the primary literature data such as biologic origin and bibliographic references. The open source nmrshiftdb2 web interface and search engine provide a simple and free way to retrieve compound structures stored in acd_lotusv7 from carbon‐13 data and to analyze search results. Dereplication is illustrated by the easy and free retrieval of the structure of three natural compounds of low, medium, and high complexity from published lists of carbon‐13 NMR chemical shifts.
When the personal becomes political: The impact of the Dobbs decision on women with cancer
Authors: Meisel Jane Lowe , Harrington Amy , Whaley Natalie , Vitek Wendy , O’Regan Ruth M.
Published: November 2022

Approximately 6400 pregnant women are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year, and the recent decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the constitutional right to abortion will prevent many of these women from making critical decisions about their medical treatment. In many cases, lack of access to safe first‐trimester abortions may compromise these patients' cancer outcomes significantly, reducing their chances of living long enough to raise their child in the first place.
DRA‐MQoS: AnMQoSscheduling algorithm based on resource feature matching in federated edge cloud
Authors: Li Yujin , Liu Bo , Wu Enju , Li Jianqiang , Zhou Zhangbing , Zhang Wenbo
Published: November 2022

Federated edge cloud (FEC) is an edge computing environment where servers in the same edge management domain could collaborate to handle latency‐sensitive services, thus better guaranteeing users' requirements on multiple quality of service (MQoS). Traditional scheduling methods only consider whether the server meets the resource requirements of the service, without paying attention to whether their resource characteristics match. In scenarios where server's resources are dynamically changing, this may reduce the resource utilization and the efficiency of service execution. To address this challenge, a dynamic resource adaptation‐multiple quality of service (DRA‐MQoS) algorithm is proposed for service scheduling in this environment. DRA‐MQoS could dynamically evaluate the resource characteristics of servers and services from the perspectives of “individual” and “overall” by combining the historical scheduling data of services and the utilization of different resources of server clusters. By scheduling the services to servers with the same resource characteristics for execution, the proposed policy fusion algorithm efficiently responds to the dynamically changing quality of service (QoS) demands of users by changing the weight parameters of policies. Simulation results in CloudSimSDN show that the energy consumption and execution time of DRA‐MQoS are reduced by 23% and 12%, respectively, compared with existing methods.
A Phosphine‐ß‐diketiminate Nickel(I)‐Complex for Small Molecule Activation
Authors: Zovko Christina , Krätschmer Frederic , Schmidt Sarah , Seifert Tim P. , Gamer Michael T. , Roesky Peter W.
Published: November 2022

A bis(diphenyl)‐phosphine functionalized ß‐diketimine ligand (PNac‐H) was applied for the synthesis of a subvalent Ni(I) complex [PNac‐Ni]. Here, the Ni(I) center is stabilized by a tetradentate PNNP‐type pocket, forming a square planar coordination sphere. Subsequently, the Ni(I) complex was investigated with regard to its reactivity and the activation of small molecules. The reductive potential of Ni(I) enabled an activation of different substrate classes, such as CH2X2 (X=Br, I), I2 or Ph2E2 (E=S, Se). The ligand's design allows a stabilization of the reactive Ni(I) species while at the same time enabling activation processes due to a hemilabile coordination behavior and accessible axial coordination sites. The activation products have been characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis.
How to use experience‐sampling technology to understand daily functioning: A practical guide for mental health professionals
Authors: Daniëls Naomi E. M. , Verhagen Simone J. W. , van Bokhoven Marloes A. , Beurskens Anna J. , Delespaul Philippe A. E. G.
Published: November 2022

Satisfying daily life functioning is essential in mental healthcare. Standard assessments focus on symptoms and are designed to detect underlying vulnerabilities. However, they offer insufficient insight into patterns of contextual variability and resilience. Consequently, interventions are planned using incomplete information. The experience‐sampling method (ESM) is a structured moment‐to‐moment diary assessing the individual's affect, thoughts, perception and behaviour in the daily life context. ESM helps to understand variation in mental states (e.g., anxiety or sleeping problems) as adaptational processes in relation to contextual challenges (functional analysis). Although ESM has been extensively studied across psychological disorders, the adoption by mental health professionals and their patients remains limited because the ‘how to’ is unclear. This paper presents a practical guide for ESM application in routine clinical care. It integrates empirical knowledge with expert experiences and provides real‐world examples and recommendations for successful implementation. The guide comprises how to engage and motivate patients and how to customize assessments to the patient's needs. It also includes instructions to interpret results and create an atmosphere of shared decision‐making. Experience‐sampling technology has merits for patients with various mental health complaints and across healthcare settings, although the exact use and implementation may vary depending on the individual case.
Expression levels and patterns of B‐cell maturation antigen in newly diagnosed and relapsed multiple myeloma patients from Indian subcontinent
Authors: Sriram Harshini , Kunjachan Florence , Khanka Twinkle , Gawai Sangamitra , Ghogale Sitaram , Deshpande Nilesh , Girase Karishma , Patil Jagruti , Chatterjee Gaurav , Rajpal Sweta , Patkar Nikhil V. , Bagal Bhausaheb , Jain Hasmukh , Sengar Manju , Hasan Syed Khizer , Khattry Navin , Subramanian Papagudi G. , Gujral Sumeet , Tembhare Prashant R.
Published: November 2022

Background

Many novel therapies are being evaluated for the treatment of Multiple myeloma (MM). The cell‐surface protein B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA, CD269) has recently emerged as a promising target for CAR‐T cell and monoclonal‐antibody therapies in MM. However, the knowledge of the BCMA expression‐pattern in myeloma patients from the Indian subcontinent is still not available. We present an in‐depth study of BCMA expression‐pattern on abnormal plasma cells (aPC) in Indian MM patients.

Methods

We studied BM samples from 217 MM patients (211‐new and 6‐relapsed) with a median age of 56 years (range, 30–78 years & M:F‐2.29) and 20 control samples. Expression levels/patterns of CD269 (clone‐19f2) were evaluated in aPCs from MM patients and in normal PCs (nPC) from uninvolved staging bone marrow samples (controls) using multicolor flow cytometry (MFC). Expression‐level of CD269 was determined as a ratio of mean fluorescent intensity (MFI‐R) of CD269 in PCs to that of non‐B‐lymphocytes and expression‐pattern (homogenous/heterogeneous) as coefficient‐of‐variation of immunofluorescence (CVIF).

Results

Median (range) percentage of CD269‐positive abnormal‐PCs in total PCs was 71.6% (0.49–99.29%). The MFI‐R (median, range) of CD269 was significantly higher in aPCs (4.13, 1.12–26.88) than nPCs (3.33, 1.23–12.87), p < .0001. Median (range) MFI of CD269 at diagnosis and relapse were 2.39 (0.77–9.57) and 2.66 (2.15–3.23) respectively. CD269 levels were similar at diagnosis and relapse, p = .5529.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that BCMA/CD269 is highly expressed in aPCs from a majority of MM patients, both at diagnosis and relapse. Thus, BCMA is a valuable target for therapy for Indian MM patients.
Experimental investigation on maximizing conveying efficiency of belt conveyors used in series application and estimation of power consumption through statistical analysis
Authors: Jena Madhab Chandra , Mishra Sarat Kumar , Moharana Himanshu Sekhar
Published: November 2022

In this research work, different parameters have been studied which affect the energy consumption of belt conveyors. The effect of conveying distance and vertical lift on energy consumption was studied in detail by collecting energy consumption and other associated data of belt conveyors from different cement plants and analyzed with the help of different statistical analysis. The highest specific energy consumption was found to be 0.0011 kWh/Ton‐m in the smallest belt conveyor of 15 m and the lowest specific energy consumption was found to be 0.0007 kWh/Ton‐m in the longest belt conveyor of 100 m. Specific energy consumption is reduced up to 36% per ton‐meter of material conveying in the longest belt conveyor compared with the smallest belt conveyor. On the contrary, the specific energy consumption for different vertical lifts is found almost the same. Hence, it can be suggested that for horizontal conveying, the series of belt conveyors should be replaced with a single long conveyor to achieve maximum conveying efficiency and to lower specific energy consumption. The above study will be helpful for heavy industries such as cement plants, steel plants, and so forth to reduce their energy consumption on belt conveyors and achieve the environmental sustainability goals. At the last part of the study an equation is derived for estimating energy consumption in belt conveyors by applying multiple regression analysis. The proposed equation will be helpful for estimation of energy consumption of belt conveyors according to which the decision for conveyor length can be taken.
Psychometric properties of the Autonomic Symptoms Checklist in the Lewy body disease module of the uniform dataset
Authors: Waters Abigail B. , Williamson John B. , Kiselica Andrew M.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Autonomic dysfunction is an important feature of Lewy Body Dementia (DLB), but measurement of autonomic symptoms has been limited in both previous research and clinical practice. Accurate measurement of autonomic dysfunction has the potential to improve our understanding of the course and progression of DLB, given that autonomic symptoms typically precede cognitive impairment and are associated with functional impairment. The primary aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the two versions (3.0 and 3.1) of the NACC LBD‐module Autonomic Symptom Checklist (ASC).

Methods

Psychometric analyses of the ASC (internal consistency, reliability, factor structure, and validity) were conducted on data acquired from 245 individuals with DLB from the NACC database. ASC V3.0 was contrasted on these attributes to V3.1.

Results

Results suggested an underlying factor structure for the ASC, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed 3 factors, which generally aligned with discrete autonomic systems. The ASC V3.0 and CFA‐identified scales were comparable in terms of reliability, which were both improved relative to the ASC V3.1. In terms of ecological validity, CFA‐identified items related to gastrointestinal/thermoregulation symptoms were significantly more associated with functional outcomes compared to the unitary ASC.

Conclusion

Findings underscore the importance of differentiation within the autonomic system. Future research into autonomic symptom classes and lab‐based pathophysiological measurement of autonomic dysfunction in DLB has the potential to support early identification and inform treatment planning.
Hippocampus shape characterization with 3D Zernike transformation in clinical Alzheimer's disease progression
Authors: Zhu David C. , Gwo Chih‐Ying , Deng An‐Wen , Scheel Norman , Dowling Mari A. , Zhang Rong ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a transitional phase between healthy cognitive aging and dementia. Progressive brain volume reduction/atrophy, particularly of the hippocampus, is associated with the transition from normal to MCI, and then to AD. We aimed to develop methods to characterize the shape of hippocampus and explore its potential as an imaging marker to monitor clinical AD progression. We implemented a 3D Zernike transformation to characterize the shape changes of hippocampus in 428 older subjects with high‐quality T1‐weighted volumetric brain scans from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data set (151 normal, 258 MCI, and 19 AD). Over 2 years, 15 cognitively normal subjects converted to MCI, and 42 subjects with MCI converted to AD. We found a significant correlation between hippocampal volume changes and Zernike shape metrics. Before a clinical diagnosis of AD, the shapes of the left and right hippocampi changed slowly. After AD diagnosis, both volume and shape changed rapidly but were uncorrelated to each other. During the transition from a clinical diagnosis of MCI to AD, the shape of the left and right hippocampi changed in a correlated manner but became uncorrelated after AD diagnosis. Finally, the pace of hippocampus shape change was associated with its shape and the subject's age and disease condition. In conclusion, the hippocampus shape features characterized with 3D Zernike transformation, in complement to volume measures, may serve as a novel imaging marker to monitor clinical AD progression.
Depression and anxiety during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic in two large, prospective, aging cohorts in rural and urban India
Authors: Sundarakumar Jonas S. , Menesgere Abhishek L. , Hameed Shafeeq K. S. ,   SANSCOG & TLSA Study Teams, Ravindranath Vijayalakshmi
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a wide variety of adverse consequences, including disruption of long‐term, human research studies globally. Two long‐term, prospective, aging cohort studies, namely, Srinivaspura Aging, Neurosenescence and COGnition (SANSCOG) study and Tata Longitudinal Study of Aging (TLSA), conducted in rural and urban India, respectively, had to be suspended during first and second waves of COVID‐19.

Methods

We conducted telephonic assessments to screen for depression and anxiety in the above two cohorts comprising of adults ≥45 years, during the first wave (2020) and second wave (2021) lockdown periods in India. Further, we included depression assessments data from two additional time periods—pre‐COVID (2019) and the “inter‐wave” period (between the first and second waves) to compare proportions of depression in these cohorts, during four distinct time periods—(i) pre‐COVID, (ii) COVID first wave lockdown, (iii) inter‐wave period, and (iv) COVID second wave lockdown (rural: 684, 733, 458, 611 and urban: 317, 297, 204, 305 respectively).

Results

During COVID first wave, 28.8% and 5.5% had depression and anxiety, respectively in the rural cohort. Corresponding figures in the urban cohort were 6.5% and 1.7%. During second wave, 28.8% of rural subjects had depression and 3.9% had anxiety, whereas corresponding figures in urban subjects were 13.1% and 0.66%. During the above‐mentioned four time periods, proportions of depression were: rural—8.3%, 28.8%, 16.6%, 28.8%; urban—12%, 6.1%, 8.8%, 13.1%.

Conclusions

Multi‐fold increase in depression among aging, rural Indians during first and second waves, with high depression among subjects ≥65 years and those with comorbidities during the first wave, is concerning. Urgent public health measures are needed to address this added mental health burden and thereby, prevent further potential adverse consequences.
Outlining the features of nanoparticle diameter and solid–liquid interfacial layer and Hall current effect on a nanofluid flow configured by a slippery bent surface
Authors: Giri Shib Sankar
Published: November 2022

A study was executed to explore the flow characteristics of an electrically conducted, magnetized nanofluid across a curved stretching surface. This flow is accomplished in water‐based nanofluid escorting Aluminum oxide nanoparticles. The novelty of the work is primarily to capture the consequence of solid–liquid interfacial layer and diameter of Aluminum oxide nanoparticles on flow mechanism. Second, the significance of Hall‐current, nonlinear thermal radiation, and velocity slip of second order are engaged in flow and also assume that heat transmission of the flow is attained through convection. The foremost mathematical equations are reformed into dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equations through similarity performance. Then, the subsequent equations are resolved by engaging RK‐4 based shooting procedure. Inspiration of stimulating flow elements is achieved accurately through various graphs and tables. Some streamline plots and surface plots are provided to enrich the results section. Temperature circulation enhances for curvature factor and thermal biot number whereas the opposite consequences are perceived when the diameter of the nano‐sized particles enhances. Here, numerical consequences confirm that the utmost rate of heat transport is enriched by 82.79% and 78.28%, respectively, in appearance and nonappearance of radiative heat flux in the flow.
Long‐term use and risk of major adverse cardiac events: Comparing enzalutamide and abiraterone in chemotherapy‐naïve patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Chen Hung‐Kai , Su Po‐Jung , Wang Yan‐Lin , Chang Kai‐Cheng , Su Yu‐Li , Chang Pei‐Hung , Kuan Feng‐Che , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun , Kuo Yung‐Chia , Sheng Ting‐Wen , Chang Ching‐Fu , Yu Shao‐Ming , Huang Wen‐Kuan , Lin Yung‐Chang , Tsan Din‐Li , Yu Kai‐Jie , Lin Po‐Hung , Chen Hui‐Yu , Chang Ying‐Hsu , Pang See‐Tong , Chuang Cheng‐Keng , Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng
Published: November 2022

This is a retrospective cohort study by analyzing a multi‐institutional electronic medical records database in Taiwan to compare long‐term effectiveness and risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in chemotherapy‐naïve metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with enzalutamide (ENZ) or abiraterone (AA). Patients aged 20 years and older and newly receiving androgen receptor targeted therapies ENZ or AA from September 2016 to December 2019 were included. We followed patients from initiation of therapies to the occurrence of outcomes (prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response rate, PSA progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and MACE), death, the last clinical visit, or December 31, 2020. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to compare ENZ and AA groups for the measured outcomes. A total of 363 patients treated with either ENZ (n = 157) or AA (n = 206) were identified. The analysis found a significantly higher proportion of patients with a PSA response rate higher than 50% among those receiving ENZ than among those receiving AA (ENZ vs AA: 75.80% vs 63.59%, P = .01). However, there was no significant difference in PSA PFS (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.86; 95% CI 0.63‐1.17) and OS (0.68: 0.41‐1.14) between the use of ENZ and AA in chemotherapy‐naïve mCRPC patients. Regarding the cardiovascular (CV) safety outcome, there was a significantly lower risk of MACE in patients receiving ENZ, compared to patients receiving AA (0.20: 0.07‐0.55). The findings suggest that enzalutamide may be more efficacious for PSA response and suitable for chemotherapy‐naïve mCRPC patients with high CV risk profile.
Cholangiocarcinoma cell proliferation is enhanced in primary sclerosing cholangitis: A role for IL‐17A
Authors: Lieshout Ruby , Kamp Eline J. C. A. , Verstegen Monique M. A. , Doukas Michail , Dinjens Winand N. M. , Köten Kübra , IJzermans Jan N. M. , Bruno Marco J. , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , van der Laan Luc J. W. , de Vries Annemarie C.
Published: November 2022

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the biliary tree and a risk factor for development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The pathogenesis of PSC‐related CCA is largely unclear, although it is assumed that chronic inflammatory environment plays a pivotal role. We aimed to investigate the effect of inflammation‐related cytokines in PSC on the proliferation rate of cancer cells. For this, the proliferation index in PSC‐CCA and sporadic CCA was determined by Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry. The percentage of Ki‐67 positivity in cancer cells was significantly higher in PSC‐CCA than in sporadic CCA (41.3% ± 5.7% vs 25.8% ± 4.1%; P = .038). To assess which cytokines in the inflammatory environment have the potential to stimulate cancer cell proliferation, patient‐derived CCA organoids (CCAOs) were exposed to five cytokines related to PSC (Interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17A, interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha). Only IL‐17A showed a significant stimulatory effect on cell proliferation in CCAOs, increasing organoid size by 45.9% ± 16.4% (P < .01) and proliferation rate by 38% ± 16% (P < .05). IL‐17A immunohistochemistry demonstrated that PSC‐CCA might express more IL‐17A than sporadic CCA. Moreover, correlation analysis in sporadic CCA and PSC‐CCA found a significant correlation between IL‐17A expression and proliferation. In conclusion, tumor cell proliferation is increased in PSC‐CCA cells compared with sporadic CCA cells. IL‐17A increases CCA cell proliferation in vitro and may contribute to the high proliferation rate in PSC‐CCA in situ. Therefore, IL‐17A represents a new potential therapeutic target in (PSC‐)CCA, to be tested in future trials.
Target enzymes in serine‐glycine‐one‐carbon metabolic pathway for cancer therapy
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhao Erhu , Cui Hongjuan
Published: November 2022

Cancer cells selectively take up exogenous serine or synthesize serine via the serine synthesis pathway for conversion into intracellular glycine and one‐carbon units for nucleotide biosynthesis. In this process, serine‐glycine metabolism and the one‐carbon cycle play vital roles, which is named serine‐glycine‐one‐carbon metabolism (SGOC). The SGOC pathway is a metabolic network crucial for tumorigenesis with unexpected complexity and clinical importance. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that metabolic enzymes in SGOC metabolism play key roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis and resistance to therapies. In this review, we focus on the involvement of serine and glycine in the folate‐mediated one‐carbon pathway during cancer progression and highlight the pathways through which cancer cells acquire and use one‐carbon units. In addition, we discuss the recently elucidated effects of SGOC (folate cycle) metabolic enzymes in the occurrence and development of tumors and their links to drug resistance. Inhibitors of target enzymes in the SGOC pathway display promise as investigational new drug candidates for the treatment of tumors.
Screening method and mechanism of ionic liquid as extractant in fuel extraction desulfurization process
Authors: Chen Yuhuan , Sang Weihe , Li Hongjuan , Yao Guangyuan , Li Hao , Fang Jing
Published: November 2022

Background

In the production of ultra‐low sulfur fuels, the use of extraction processes to remove sulfides from the fuel has various advantages. The selection of a suitable extractant is key to the extraction process. Ionic liquids (ILs) are known as green solvents and are designable, but there is a wide variety. In this study, an IL screening method was developed based on a conductor‐like screening model‐segment activity coefficient (COSMO‐SAC) model and a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model. In addition, the feasibility of the method was verified by fuel extraction desulfurization experiments. Finally, the separation mechanism was explored through intermolecular interactions.

Results

In this study, suitable extractants were screened from 2400 ILs with 24 anions and 100 cation combinations. Based on the results of the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model, five ILs were selected; 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([HMIM][PF6]) was selected as the extractant and the single desulfurization rate could reach 72.74%. After four desulphurization experiments, the sulfur content in the model oil decreased from 1200 to 6.98 μg/g. The interaction energy difference between [HMIM][PF6] + BT and [HMIM][PF6] + OC (ΔE = ‐12.8662 kJ·mol−1) is higher than those of the other four extractants.

Conclusion

The feasibility of the screened method was verified by the extraction desulfurization experiment. [HMIM][PF6] was selected as the most suitable extractant. Furthermore, by analyzing the weak interaction between ILs and benzothiophene (BT) and n‐octane (OC), it was found that weak hydrogen bonds (HBs) and π–π interactions between [HMIM][PF6] and BT play important roles in the extraction process. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Daoism, Novelty, and Usefulness: A Philosophical Exploration of Creativity
Authors: Tan Charlene
Published: November 2022

This paper elucidates a Daoist perspective of creativity by focusing on novelty and usefulness. Drawing on the thought of Zhuangzi, it is noted that he advocates original and unorthodox views by challenging social norms and traditional practices. He also questions the prevailing notions and assumptions concerning the usefulness and uselessness of things and people. To liberate humans from conventional commitment and judgment, Zhuangzi recommends two Daoist concepts. The first is “fasting of the heart‐mind” (xin zhai) where a person empties oneself of preconceived ideas and practices. The second Daoist notion is “wandering” (you) where one responds to people, things, and situations in an open‐minded, appreciative, playful, and spontaneous manner. There are three major implications arising from a Zhuangzian conception of creativity: it contributes to an existing literature gap on the philosophy of creativity, extends the research on Eastern formulations of creativity that hitherto have centered on Confucianism, and challenges and re‐constructs the prevalent understandings and presuppositions concerning creativity and related terms.
Association of demographic and clinical factors with risk of acute pancreatitis: An exposure‐wide Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tang Qiu‐Yi , Yang Qi , Yu Xian‐Qiang , Liu Yu‐Xiu , Tong Zhi‐Hui , Li Bai‐Qiang , Chen Ya‐Ting , Yu Evan Yi‐Wen , Li Wei‐Qin
Published: November 2022

Background

The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing over years, which brings enormous economy and health burden. However, the aetiologies of AP and underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we performed a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the associations between all reported possible risk factors and AP using publicly available genome‐wide association study summary statistics.

Methods

A series of quality control steps were taken in our analysis to select eligible instrumental single nucleotide polymorphisms which were strongly associated with exposures. To make the conclusions more robust and reliable, we utilized several analytical methods (inverse‐variance weighting, MR‐PRESSO method, weighted median, MR‐Egger regression) that are based on different assumptions of two‐sample MR analysis. The MR‐Egger intercept test, radial regression and leave‐one‐out sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneities, and stability of these genetic variants on each exposure. A two‐step MR method was applied to explore mediators in significant associations.

Results

Genetic predisposition to cholelithiasis (effect estimate: 17.30, 95% CI: 12.25–22.36, p = 1.95 E‐11), body mass index (0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.51, p < 0.001), body fat percentage (0.57, 95% CI: 0.31–0.83, p = 1.31 E‐05), trunk fat percentage (0.36, 95% CI: 0.14–0.59, p < 0.005), ever smoked (1.61, 95% CI: 0.45–2.77, p = 0.007), and limbs fat percentage (0.55, 95% CI: 0.41–0.69, p < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of AP. In addition, whole‐body fat‐free mass (−0.32, 95% CI: −0.55 to −0.10, p = 0.004) was associated with a decrease risk of AP.

Conclusion

Genetic predisposition to cholelithiasis, obesity and smoking could be causally associated with an increased risk of AP, and whole body fat‐free mass could be associated with a decreased risk of AP.
VWI‐APP: Vessel wall imaging–dedicated automated processing pipeline for intracranial atherosclerotic plaque quantification
Authors: Zhou Hanyue , Xiao Jiayu , Ganesh Siddarth , Lerner Alexander , Ruan Dan , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: November 2022

Background

Quantitative plaque assessment based on 3D magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging (VWI) has been shown to provide valuable numerical markers of the burden and risk of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). However, plaque quantification is currently time‐consuming and observer‐dependent due to the demand for heavy manual effort. A VWI‐dedicated automated processing pipeline (VWI‐APP) is desirable.

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a VWI‐APP for end‐to‐end quantitative analysis of intracranial atherosclerotic plaque.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 91 subjects with ICAD (80 for pipeline development, 10 for an end‐to‐end pipeline evaluation, and 1 for demonstrating longitudinal plaque assessment) who had undergone VWI and MR angiography. In an end‐to‐end evaluation, diameter stenosis (DS), normalized wall index (NWI), remodeling ratio (RR), plaque wall contrast ratio (CR), and total plaque volume (TPV) were quantified at each culprit lesion using the developed VWI‐APP and a computer‐aided manual approach by a neuroradiologist, respectively. The time consumed in each quantification approach was recorded. Two‐sided paired t‐tests and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to determine the difference and agreement in each plaque metric between VWI‐APP and manual quantification approaches.

Results

There was no significant difference between VWI‐APP and manual quantification in each plaque metric. The ICC was 0.890, 0.813, 0.827, 0.891, and 0.991 for DS, NWI, RR, CR, and TPV, respectively, suggesting good to excellent accuracy of the pipeline method in plaque quantification. Quantitative analysis of each culprit lesion on average took 675.7 s using the manual approach but shortened to 238.3 s with the aid of VWI‐APP.

Conclusions

VWI‐APP is an accurate and efficient approach to intracranial atherosclerotic plaque quantification. Further clinical assessment of this automated tool is warranted to establish its utility in the risk assessment of ICAD lesions.