bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Woody Species Diversity, Composition, and Regeneration Status of Abbo Sacred Forest, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Yigeremu Alemayehu , Woldearegay Mesfin
Published: November 2022

This study was conducted in Abbo Sacred Forest in Wonsho district, Sidama Zone of Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region (SNNPR), southern Ethiopia, to investigate the woody species diversity, vegetation structure, and regeneration status of the forest. A systematic sampling design was employed to collect vegetation data. Sixty quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were laid at every 200 m interval between each quadrat and 400 m apart between each line transect following the altitudinal gradient. Quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were used to record DBH and the height of all woody plant species reaching a height of ≥2 m and a DBH of ≥2 cm. For the inventory of seedlings and saplings, five subplots of 2 m × 2 m, one at the center and the other four on each corner of the main quadrat, were used. DBH, height, seedling, and sapling density of woody species were recorded in each quadrat. The data were analyzed by using Shannon–Wiener diversity and equitability indices, and the structural analysis was carried out based on frequency, density, DBH, height, and basal area/ha−1. The importance value index was also computed. Regeneration status was computed by comparing the density data of saplings and seedlings with those of mature trees. A total of 63 woody species belonging to 56 genera and 35 families were identified. Three endemic species to Ethiopia were recorded. Analysis of selected woody species showed diverse population structures. The findings of this study revealed that small trees and shrubs dominated the forest, suggesting its status under a secondary stage of development. Some woody species require urgent conservation measures. Therefore, local and regional stakeholders should integrate and work together to develop and implement sound conservation and management strategies that encourage the sustainable utilization of forest resources.
Stability of a Nonlinear Fractional Langevin System with Nonsingular Exponential Kernel and Delay Control
Authors: Zhao Kaihong
Published: November 2022

Fractional Langevin system has great advantages in describing the random motion of Brownian particles in complex viscous fluid. This manuscript deals with a delayed nonlinear fractional Langevin system with nonsingular exponential kernel. Based on the fixed point theory, some sufficient criteria for the existence and uniqueness of solution are established. We also prove that this system is UH‐ and UHR‐stable attributed to the nonlinear analysis and inequality techniques. As applications, we provide some examples and simulations to illustrate the availability of main findings.
Zariski‐Like Topology on S‐Quasi‐Primary Ideals of a Commutative Ring
Authors: Al Subaiei Bana , Jarboui Noômen
Published: November 2022

Let R be a commutative ring with nonzero identity and, S⊆R be a multiplicatively closed subset. An ideal P of R is called an S‐quasi‐primary ideal if P∩S = ∅ and there exists an (fixed) s ∈ S and whenever ab ∈ P for a, b ∈ R then either or In this paper, we construct a topology on the set QPrimS(R) of all S‐quasi‐primary ideals of R which is a generalization of the S‐prime spectrum of R. Also, we investigate the relations between algebraic properties of R and topological properties of QPrimS(R) like compactness, connectedness and irreducibility.
Role of SERCA3 in the Prognosis and Immune Function in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Li Jiajia , Li Xionghui , Huang Hong , Tao Lijian , Zhang Chenzi , Xie Yanyun , Jiang Yupeng
Published: November 2022

The sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) 3 (SERCA3), a member of the SERCA protein family, is located at the endoplasmic reticulum. Its main function is to pump Ca2+ into the endoplasmic reticulum and is involved in maintaining intracellular calcium homeostasis and signal transduction, which are very important factors impacting cancer development and progression. However, the specific role of SERCA3 in cancer remains unclear. Our study, for the first time, comprehensively analyzed the SERCA3 expression profile in multiple cancers and its prognostic value in different cancers using bioinformatics. Furthermore, TCGA database was applied to evaluate the certain correlation of SERCA3 expression with immune modulator genes, immune checkpoints, immune cell infiltration, TMB, and MSI. The results revealed that in many cancers, SERCA3 expression was markedly decreased, which was related to poor prognosis. Additionally, we noticed that SERCA3 expression was correlated with TNM classification and WHO cancer stages in some cancer types. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that SERCA3 expression was closely associated with chemokines, chemokine receptors, MHC, immune activation genes, and immunosuppressive genes. In most cancer types, SERCA3 expression was also associated with immune checkpoints, including PDCD1 and CTLA-4. Further analysis suggested that SERCA3 was significantly correlated with CD8+ T cells, and regulatory T cells. Additionally, pan-cancer analysis confirmed that SERCA3 expression was related to TMB and MSI. In conclusion, these results offer a new insight into the functions and effects of SERCA3 in pan-cancer, and further provide some basis for considering SERCA3 as a potential cancer treatment target and biomarker.
Topological Indices of Novel Drugs Used in Cardiovascular Disease Treatment and Its QSPR Modeling
Authors: Bashir Farooq Fozia , Ul Hassan Awan Nadeem , Parveen Saima , Idrees Nazeran , Kanwal Salma , Abdelhaleem Tarig A.
Published: November 2022

A topological index is a score function that changes each molecular structure to a unique real number. It aids in determining the physicochemical and biological properties of a wide range of drugs, and it more accurately reflects the theoretical properties of drugs. The task is accomplished through the use of degree-based topological indices (TIs). Heart disease refers to a group of disorders that affect our hearts. Heart diseases include blood vessel disorders such as irregular heartbeat and heart muscle disease. In this article, Eliquis, metoprolol, valsartan, etc., and other drugs employed to treat cardiovascular disease are studied and the QSPR analysis goal will probe the mathematical relationship of properties such as (polarity, boiling point, enthalpy, etc.) and assorted descriptors associated to drug’s structure. The present study on TIs imposed on drugs was found to have a good correlation with physical properties.
Immunomodulatory Properties of Packed Red Blood Cells during Storage
Authors: Laurén Eva , Sankkila Lotta , Pettilä Ville , Kerkelä Erja
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion may affect the recipient immune system. During RBC storage in an unphysiological environment, RBC quality and function are impaired, the cells bleb extracellular vesicles (EVs), and other bioactive substances accumulate in the storage medium. EVs can carry reactive biomolecules and mediate cell-cell interactions. Thus, EVs could explain RBC transfusion related immunomodulation, particularly after prolonged storage. Methods: We exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to allogeneic RBC supernatant (SN) and EVs from fresh and longer-stored RBC units, diluted plasma, and storage solution SAGM, and studied activation and proliferation of T-cells by flow cytometry, and cytokine secretion of LPS-stimulated PBMCs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Both fresh and longer-stored RBC SN but not EVs induced immunomodulation in recipient cells. RBC SN and diluted plasma augmented the proliferation of particularly CD8+ T-cells in a 4-day proliferation assay. T-cell activation by SN was evident already after 5 h as shown by upregulation of CD69. SN suppressed monocyte TNF-α and increased IL-10 secretion while diluted plasma increased secretion of both cytokines. Conclusion: This in vitro study demonstrates that stored RBC SN will have mixed immunomodulatory effects depending on responder cells and conditions, independent of RBC storage age. Fresh RBCs containing relatively few EVs can induce immune responses. Residual plasma in the products may contribute to these effects.
Calcium Electroporation for Management of Cutaneous Metastases in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Jensen Katrine Borres , Lonkvist Camilla Kjaer , Gehl Julie , Vissing Mille
Published: November 2022

We report a case of successful treatment of cutaneous metastases in HER2-positive breast cancer with calcium electroporation (CaEP), in addition to trastuzumab, over a period of 5 years. CaEP is performed in local or general anesthesia, by injecting calcium chloride intratumorally and then electroporating cells in the area. Using a handheld needle electrode, a series of short, high-voltage electric pulses are delivered, which transiently permeabilizes cell membranes, causing toxic intracellular calcium levels. The treatment causes cancer cell death, while normal cells are less affected, making the treatment useful for local management of cutaneous lesions. This case presents a 66-year-old female, who had mastectomy surgery followed by adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy for an ER-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer on her right side in 2003, and a mastectomy followed by endocrine therapy for an ER-positive, HER2 normal breast cancer on her left side in 2006. In 2015, the patient presented local cutaneous recurrence of the ER-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer. The patient was treated with trastuzumab alone, trastuzumab emtansine (TDM1), and a combination of trastuzumab and CaEP. TDM1 was found to have a slightly better effect on the cutaneous metastases than trastuzumab, but the side effects of TDM1 were not acceptable to the patient. The combination of continuous HER2-inhibition and intermittent CaEP, when needed, has been effective in keeping the cutaneous metastases under control for 5 years, and presumably more tolerable for the patient than chemotherapy. An interesting finding was local sparing of calcium electroporated skin from new recurrences, otherwise seen in the general area, which could be a sign of local immunity. This warrants further studies investigating local immunomodulation following CaEP. The patient reported appreciation of a treatment option without chemotherapy, and satisfaction with the outcome of the combination of HER2 inhibition and CaEP treatment. CaEP treatment is currently phase II treatment, and mechanisms and possible applications still need investigation. This novel anticancer treatment could potentially benefit many patients, due to its efficacy, low cost, and accessibility. This case provides observations, which may inspire future trials with CaEP for skin metastases of HER2-positive breast cancer.
The Prognostic Value of TP53 Mutations in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qin Guoxiang , Han Xueling
Published: November 2022

Objective: Mutations of the tumor protein p53 (TP53) gene were considered to be associated with an unfavorable prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This meta-analysis aimed to systematically elucidate the prognostic value of TP53 mutation in adult patients with AML. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for eligible studies published before August 2021. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for prognostic parameters. Subgroup analyses based on intensive treatment were performed. Results: Thirty-two studies with 7,062 patients were included. As compared to wild-type carriers, AML patients with TP53 mutations had significantly shorter OS (HR: 2.40, 95% CI: 2.16–2.67, I2: 46.6%). Similar results were found in DFS (HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.88–4.38), EFS (HR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.97–3.31), and RFS (HR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.79–3.22). Mutant TP53 predicted inferior OS (HR: 2.77, 95% CI: 2.41–3.18) in the intensively treated AML subgroup, compared with the non-intensively treated group (HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.58–2.26). Among intensively-treated AML patients, the age of 65 did not affect the prognostic value of TP53 mutations. Besides, TP53 mutation was also strongly associated with an elevated risk of adverse cytogenetics, which conferred a dismal OS in AML patients (HR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.74–2.37). Conclusion: TP53 mutation exhibits a promising potential for discriminating AML patients with a worse prognosis, thus being capable of serving as a novel tool for prognostication and therapeutic decision-making in the management of AML.
11S Proteasome Activator REGγ Promotes Aortic Dissection by Inhibiting RBM3 (RNA Binding Motif Protein 3) Pathway
Authors: Xie Yifan , Gao Rifeng , Gao Yang , Dong Zheng , Ge Junbo
Published: November 2022

Background:

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disorder with high mortality and lacking underlying mechanisms or effective treatments. REGγ, the 11S proteasome activator known to promote the degradation of cellular proteins in a ubiquitin- and ATP-independent manner, emerges as a new regulator in the cardiovascular system.

Methods:

Using β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN)-subjected REGγ knockout AD mice and Ang II (angiotensin II)–treated REGγ deficiency vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to explore the effect of REGγ in AD progression.

Results:

REGγ was upregulated in mouse aorta of β-aminopropionitrile-induced AD model in vivo and Ang II–treated VSMCs in vitro. REGγ deficiency ameliorated AD progression in β-aminopropionitrile-induced mice by protecting against the switch in VSMCs from contractile to synthetic phenotype through suppressing RBM3 (RNA-binding motif protein 3) decay. Mechanically, REGγ interacted with and degraded the RNA-binding protein RBM3 directly, leading to decreased mRNA stability, lowered expression and transcriptional activity of transcription factor SRF (serum response factor), subsequently reduced transcription of VSMCs-specific contractile genes, α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin) and SM22α (smooth muscle 22 alpha), caused the switch in VSMCs from contractile to synthetic phenotype and associated AD progression. Ablation of endogenous SRF or RBM3, or overexpressing exogenous RBM3 in VSMCs significantly blocked or reestablished the REGγ-dependent action on VSMCs phenotypic switch of Ang II stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, exogenously introducing RBM3 improved the switch in VSMCs from contractile to synthetic phenotype and associated AD features caused by REGγ in vivo.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrated that REGγ promoted the switch in VSMCs from contractile to synthetic phenotype and AD progression by inhibiting RBM3-SRF pathway, indicated that modulating REGγ-proteasome activity may be a potential therapeutic approach for AD-associated cardiovascular dysfunction.
A new genus and a new groundhopper species from Nepal (Orthoptera: Tetriginae: Skejotettix netrajyoti gen. et sp. nov.) 
Authors: SUBEDI MADAN
Published: November 2022

This paper describes one new genus from Nepal, Skejotettix gen. nov., and one new species of this new genus, S. netrajyoti gen. et sp. nov. and assigns one species to this new genus, S. muglingi (Ingrisch, 2001b) comb. nov. from Coptotettix Bolívar, 1887. The genus is morphologically close to Ergatettix Kirby, 1914 from Nepal, Lamellitettigodes Günther, 1939 from SE Asia, and Hainantettix Deng, 2020 (including H. angustivertex (Zha et Peng, 2021) comb. nov. and H.  hainanensis (Liang, 2002) comb. nov.) from Hainan, China. New distribution records have been provided to Coptotettix. Endemic to Nepal, the genus Skejotettix gen. nov. shares two different habitat types (subtropical Sal forest for S. netrajyoti gen. et sp. nov., and river/stream/pond bank for S. muglingi (Ingrisch, 2001b) comb. nov.).
Using a Green’s Function Approach to Diagnose the Pattern Effect in GFDL AM4 and CM4
Authors: Zhang Bosong , Zhao Ming , Tan Zhihong
Published: November 2022

Global radiative feedbacks exhibit large dependence on the spatial structure of sea surface temperature (SST) changes, which is referred to as the “pattern effect.” A Green’s function (GF) approach has been demonstrated to be useful in identifying and understanding contributions of regional SST changes to global radiative feedbacks. Here, we explore the ability of the GF approach in quantifying the pattern effect in an atmospheric model (AM4) and a coupled model (CM4) recently developed at NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), including the impact of SST changes on global-mean and local responses of key variables important to climate. Given historical SST patterns, the GF derived from idealized experiments with SST warming patches can largely reproduce AM4 simulated global-mean and regional responses. When AM4 is forced by SST patterns retrieved from the CM4 abrupt quadrupling of carbon dioxide experiment, the same GF captures interannual variations of AM4 simulated global-mean responses but falls short of reproducing the magnitude of the responses. A decomposition of such SST patterns into global-mean values plus remaining anomalies helps reduce biases. Additional idealized experiments are conducted to examine the sensitivity of the GF to the amplitude and sign of SST perturbations and to the integration time and the confidence level of the significance test. Impacts of these factors on the performance of the GF are discussed.
Private Equity Looting of U.S. Health Care: An Under-Recognized and Uncontrolled Scourge
Authors: Geyman John
Published: November 2022

Private equity investments in U.S. health care have become very common across more parts of our health care system than most physicians and other health professionals realize. The motivation in every case is to reap short-term profits for investors regardless of the consequences on patient care. These investments range from hospitals, emergency room services, and outpatient facilities to nursing homes and home care. Physician practices have been bought and sold in a number of specialties, including anesthesiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, gastroenterology, obstetrics-gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, and radiology. After leveraged buyouts using borrowed money, the typical modus operandi of private equity is to load the acquired asset with debt, cut costs as a way to increase revenues, press for unnecessary procedures, then sell the asset typically in three to five years. This article describes that process, including the harmful impacts of private equity on health care, and summarizes what is being done to rein in the exploitive practices of private equity ownership.
Body Weight Dissatisfaction and Health Risk Behaviors in Adolescents
Authors: Gonçalves Leticia , Zanlorenci Suellem , Borges Leandro Lima , de Lima Tiago Rodrigues , Silva Diego Augusto Santos
Published: November 2022

Body weight dissatisfaction has been described as a marker for various health diseases, given its direct association with social, physical, and emotional suffering. We investigated the association between body weight dissatisfaction and health risk behaviors in adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 668 adolescents aged 14–19 years in the city of São José, southern Brazil. Body weight satisfaction/dissatisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire validated for the investigated population. Health risk behaviors included smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs, medication, non-prescription anabolic steroids, not using seatbelt, unsafe sexual behavior and not knowing how to deal with day-to-day stress. Among males, 66.1% were dissatisfied with their body weight (32.1% due to thinness and 34.0% due to overweight). Among females, 80.0% were dissatisfied with their body weight (24.5% due to thinness and 55.5% due to overweight). There were no significant differences regarding health risk behaviors according to body weight satisfaction/dissatisfaction and sex. Compared to males who were satisfied with their body weight, those who were dissatisfied due to being overweight were more likely to be using tobacco (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 2.1–4.2), alcohol (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.5–1.9) and anabolic steroids (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–5.7). Compared to females who were satisfied with their body weight, those who were dissatisfied due to thinness were more likely to be consuming alcoholic beverages (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.0) and less likely to be consuming illicit drugs (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–0.8). Interventions aimed at health education regarding the non-adoption of risk behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco use, as well as the non-use of anabolic steroids, and favoring the maintenance of general health, may be important for adolescents with body dissatisfaction. These data suggest that health risk behaviors such as adolescent male use of tobacco, alcohol, and anabolic steroids and the use of alcohol and drugs by female adolescents can be related to body weight dissatisfaction.
Situating Development in a Culture Sensitive and Eco-Conscious Framework: A Roadmap for Policy and Practice
Authors: Indira R.
Published: November 2022

Environment has entered sociological discourse, both at the micro and macro levels, as an issue that affects human wellbeing. Finding a meaningful solution to the struggle for restoring the environment, while at the same time restructuring the economy, is one of the serious challenges being faced by our times. Development policies that have ignored issues of environmental sustainability have actually destroyed livelihood bases of a large number of people who are poor and dependent upon natural resources with which they have developed a sense of affinity. This is where an understanding of the cultural beliefs and practices of people comes into the fore. In many popular debates on development, culture and development are presented as if they are diametrically opposed to each other because culture is perceived as something that blocks development. This idea needs to be contested. The cultural ethos of many groups promote practices that actually have simple and viable solutions to conserve the environment and prevent the kind of irreversible loss to human life and life sustaining resources that many development projects impose. A sensitive sociological analysis would also show how environmental catastrophes such as climate change, for example, caused by profit-centric development programmes, are actually affecting vulnerable groups more severely than the elite groups who, in reality, control a major share of the resources in all societies. Even the policies that are often totally insensitive to the kind of damage that they could do to the environment need to be re-visited and recast in a pro-people model.
Assessing Motivations for Punishment: The Sentencing Goals Inventory
Authors: Plantz Jake W. , Neal Tess M. S. , Clements Carl B. , Perelman Abigayl M. , Miller Sarah L.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of these studies was to develop a novel measurement, the Sentencing Goals Inventory (SGI), for understanding the underlying people’s motivations for punishing justice-involved individuals. Prior scales have focused on punishment motives such as utilitarianism (incapacitation or deterrence) and retribution (“just deserts”) but have not assessed a rehabilitation motive (punishment with the goal of addressing the cause of criminality) in tandem. Building on the previous unpublished work by Perelman and colleagues (2010), we conducted four new studies on the SGI. A slightly modified version of the scale emerged as a well-fitting model for sentencing goals. It displayed good reliability across samples, internal structure validity, and discriminant and convergent validity with other measures. This work provides a strong basis of evidence for the SGI as a measure of current social attitudes toward criminal justice sanctions and punishment that can be used in future research and to inform public policy.
The Emotions of Professional Learning: Considerations for Instructional Leaders
Authors: Stark Kristabel , Koslouski Jessica
Published: November 2022

Although instructional leaders increasingly acknowledge the influence of emotion on student learning, the role of emotion in teachers’ professional learning has received less attention. In this conceptual article, we draw on three psychological perspectives—cognitive, organizational, and developmental—to provide instructional leaders with an overview of the role of emotion in professional learning. Given the emotional complexities of teachers’ work, we explain how the affective aspects of learning are particularly salient during teachers’ professional learning opportunities. We provide instructional leaders with recommendations to optimize both the design and implementation of professional learning based on understandings of teachers’ emotions.
Workplace creativity and job satisfaction of academic librarians: A perspective of distributed leadership theory
Authors: Ashiq Murtaza , Jabeen Farhat , Mahmood Khalid
Published: November 2022

Distributed leadership (DL) is a less focused area in librarianship and further limited literature in the context of workplace creativity and job satisfaction. This study investigates the impact of DL dimensions (decision making, delegation of authority, and motivation) on workplace creativity and job satisfaction in the academic libraries of Pakistan. A quantitative research approach was used and data was collected through an adapted questionnaire. A purposive sampling method was used, and the data was collected from 241 library professionals. The findings revealed that library professionals favor the DL in libraries. The regression model revealed that two DL dimensions (decision making and motivation) have a significant positive impact on workplace creativity and job satisfaction, whereas the ‘delegation of authority’ did not impact workplace creativity. The library professionals considered ‘creativity’ as the core function of leadership. However, they offer suggestions and let the leadership decide to implement them. The library directors need to provide independence and authority to the middle-managers while delegating authority so that they make decisions, learn, and perform better when they ascend to leadership positions. Theoretical and practical implications were added with the context that DL provides an opportunity to utilize the potential of the team members to foster creativity and job satisfaction in the academic libraries. This study fills a gap in the research and looks at how DL affects creativity at work and job satisfaction in libraries.
The Five-Factor Career Adapt-Abilities Scale’s Predictive and Incremental Validity With Work-Related and Life Outcomes
Authors: Leong Frederick T. L. , Gardner Danielle M. , Nye Christopher D. , Prasad Joshua J.
Published: November 2022

Career adaptability, often measured using the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS), has been conceptualized as consisting of four factors (Concern, Control, Curiosity, and Confidence). However, recent research has produced evidence in support of the inclusion of a fifth factor, Cooperation. The following pair of studies intends to extend the aforementioned work, to examine how the CAAS-5 predicts a number of work and life-relevant outcomes. Results show that the CAAS-5 is uniquely predictive of a number of outcomes over and above theoretically related constructs in both a sample of students with work experience and working adults. Additionally, using a bifactor model, results suggest that many outcomes are best predicted by a unique subset of the CAAS-5 dimensions. The combination of such results provides evidence for the validity and utility of the CAAS-5 for career interventions, and we therefore suggest that future research on career adaptability explore the five-factor structure further.
Introduction to foam induced shape memory effect: non-contact loading to program shape memory polymers
Authors: Barmouz Mohsen , Behravesh Amir Hossein
Published: November 2022

The challenge to bring up new methods for programming and stimulating smart materials is an unstoppable global trend, with particularly strong momentum toward facilitating them. The external contact loading conventionally employed to induce strain (to form a temporary shape) is replaced with a non-contact loading resulting from bubbles growth during the foaming process. The obtained results confirmed that the induced internal strain during the foaming process was fully applicable to program shape memory polymer foams. It was revealed that by using this method, the significant volumetric strain (up to 80%) is attainable in the shape memory polymer foams. Executing the shape recovery process on the foam-induced shape memory polymers indicated that the higher values of the shape recovery ratios (up to 90% in the case of high volumetric strains) are achievable. Moreover, variation of programming parameters caused significant differences in volumetric strain (from 10 up to 80%) and shape recovery ratios (from 60 up to 100%). Finally, performing actuation stress measurement in different foam-induced shape memory polymers discovered that meaningful promotion (more than two times) in actuation stress is attainable as the saturation time and foaming temperature increase.
Foot and/or ankle problems following limb alignment changes in uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Güngör Harun Reşit , Bayrak Gökhan , Zora Hakan , Şavkın Raziye , Büker Nihal
Published: November 2022

Objective

Foot and/or ankle (F/A) problems may be encountered in medial uni-compartmental knee (UKA) patients postoperatively due to the limb alignment changes and alterations in weight bearing of F/A. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and the incidence of foot and ankle (F/A) problems in (UKA) arthroplasty patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent UKA between 2016 and 2019 in our clinic were evaluated and the presence of F/A problems was recorded. Radiologic evaluations included hip knee ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle, posterior tibial slope angle, talar tilt angle, talar inclination, talar dome to mechanical axis (TDMA), and talocrural angle (TCA) measured on preoperative and follow-up long-leg standing radiographs. The range of motion, Q angles, and muscle strengths were measured. Visual analog scale, physical performance limitations, and patient-reported activity limitations were evaluated for all patients. Patients with reported F/A problems were additionally evaluated with Foot Functional Index.

Results

Forty-four patients (38 female, 6 male; mean age 58.66 ± 8.6 years; mean BMI 31.30 ± 3.81, mean follow-up period 34.22 ± 18.95 months) were included in the study. There were 13 patients (29.5%) with reported F/A problems. Postoperative comparison of patients with and without F/A problems showed statistically significant differences in only WOMAC and SF12 physical health sub-scores ( p = 0.002, p = 0.003, respectively). There was no significant postoperative change in TDMA in patients with F/A problems ( p > 0.05) in contrast to patients without F/A problems ( p = 0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative TCA measurements between groups ( p = 0.79). Comparison of knee and ankle radiologic measurements between groups demonstrated significant difference only in postoperative HKA measurements (−2.82 ± 2.53 vs. −0.80 ± 3.12, p = 0.033).

Conclusion

F/A problems adversely affecting the functional status were frequent in our cohort of UKA patients. Postoperative residual varus deformity may be a risk factor for this. Therefore, if slight varus alignment is aimed at UKA patients, preoperative F/A status should be evaluated.
A novel polymer-conjugated human IL-15 improves efficacy of CD19-targeted CAR T-cell immunotherapy
Authors: Hirayama Alexandre V. , Chou Cassie K. , Miyazaki Takahiro , Steinmetz Rachel N. , Di Henna A. , Fraessle Simon P. , Gauthier Jordan , Fiorenza Salvatore , Hawkins Reed M. , Overwijk Willem W. , Riddell Stanley R. , Marcondes Mario Q. , Turtle Cameron J.
Published: November 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–modified T-cell therapies targeting CD19 represent a new treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell malignancies. However, CAR T-cell therapy fails to elicit durable responses in a significant fraction of patients. Limited in vivo proliferation and survival of infused CAR T cells are key causes of failure. In a phase 1/2 clinical trial of CD19 CAR T cells for B-cell malignancies (#NCT01865617), low serum interleukin 15 (IL-15) concentration after CAR T-cell infusion was associated with inferior CAR T-cell kinetics. IL-15 supports T-cell proliferation and survival, and therefore, supplementation with IL-15 may enhance CAR T-cell therapy. However, the clinical use of native IL-15 is challenging because of its unfavorable pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicity. NKTR-255 is a polymer-conjugated IL-15 that engages the entire IL-15 receptor complex (IL-15Rα/IL-2Rβγ) and exhibits reduced clearance, providing sustained pharmacodynamic (PD) responses. We investigated the PK and immune cell PDs in nonhuman primates treated with NKTR-255 and found that NKTR-255 enhanced the in vivo proliferation of T cells and natural killer cells. In vitro, NKTR-255 induced dose-dependent proliferation and accumulation of human CD19 CAR T cells, especially at low target cell abundance. In vivo studies in lymphoma-bearing immunodeficient mice demonstrated enhanced antitumor efficacy of human CD19 CAR T cells. In contrast to mice treated with CAR T cells alone, those that received CAR T cells and NKTR-255 had markedly higher CAR T-cell counts in the blood and marrow that were sustained after tumor clearance, without evidence of persistent proliferation or ongoing activation/exhaustion as assessed by Ki-67 and inhibitory receptor coexpression. These data support an ongoing phase 1 clinical trial of combined therapy with CD19 CAR T cells and NKTR-255 for R/R B-cell malignancies.
Vehicular Electronic Image Stabilization System Based on a Gasoline Model Car Platform
Authors: Zhang Ning , Yang Yuan , Wu Jianhua , Zhao Ziqian , Yin Guodong
Published: November 2022

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) problems in vehicle engineering are always challenging in both traditional vehicles and intelligent vehicles. Although high accuracy manufacturing, modern structural roads and advanced suspension technology have already significantly reduced NVH problems and their impacts; off-road condition, obstacles and extreme operating condition could still trigger NVH problems unexpectedly. This paper proposes a vehicular electronic image stabilization (EIS) system to solve the vibration problem of the camera and ensure the environment perceptive function of vehicles. Firstly, feature point detection and matching based on an oriented FAST and rotated BRIEF (ORB) algorithm are implemented to match images in the process of EIS. Furthermore, a novel improved random sampling consensus algorithm (i-RANSAC) is proposed to eliminate mismatched feature points and increase the matching accuracy significantly. And an adaptive Kalman filter (AKF) is applied to improve the adaptability of the vehicular EIS. Finally, an experimental platform based on a gasoline model car was established to validate its performance. The experimental results show that the proposed EIS system can satisfy vehicular performance requirements even under off-road condition with obvious obstacles.
Risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia due to multi-drug resistant organisms after cardiac surgery in adults
Authors: Wang Meizhu , Xu Xi , Wu Shuo , Sun Huiying , Chang Yan , Li Meng , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Lv Xing , Yang Zhaoxu , Ti Xinyu
Published: November 2022

Background

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections, which can cause multiple adverse events. Due to bacterial mutation and overuse of antimicrobial drugs, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) has become one of the major causes of postoperative VAP infections in cardiac patients. Therefore, this study aims to explore the risk factors for VAP with MDRO following cardiac surgery in adults.

Methods

The clinical data of adult VAP patients following cardiac surgery in the hospital from Jan 2017 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, and the patients were divided into the MDRO VAP group and the non-MDRO VAP group. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on risk factors in patients with MDRO VAP. The species and drug sensitivity of pathogens isolated from the VAP patients were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 61 VAP cases were involved in this study, with 34 cases in the MDRO VAP group (55.7%) and 27 cases in the non-MDRO VAP group (44.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that independent risk factors for MDRO VAP included preoperative creatinine clearance rate (CCR) ≥ 86.6ml, intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time ≥ 151 min, postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and nasal feeding. Gram-negative bacilli were the main pathogens in VAP patients (n = 54, 90.0%), with the highest rate of Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 24, 40.0%). Additionally, patients with MDRO VAP had a significantly longer postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) duration and higher hospitalization costs than non-MDRO VAP patients, but there was no notable difference in the 28-day mortality rate between the two groups.

Conclusion

Based on implementing measures to prevent VAP, clinicians should pay more attention to patients with kidney disease, longer intraoperative CPB time, and postoperative nasal feeding to avoid MDRO infections.
Psychometric qualities of the patient rated Wrist/Hand evaluation (PRWHE) in dutch primary care patients with wrist complaints
Authors: van Gorp Britt , Krastman Patrick , Kraan Gerald , Mathijssen Nina M.C. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.A. , Runhaar Jos
Published: November 2022

Background

Knowledge on the course, disability and functionality of wrist complaints is still compendious in primary care guidelines, despite the high prevalence in primary care. Valid questionnaires can facilitate the monitoring of patients in primary care and research initiatives. In this study, we aimed to study the psychometric qualities of the Dutch version of the Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE-DLV) among adults with (sub)acute wrist complaints in primary care.

Methods

An observational cohort of 35 adults with (sub)acute wrist complaints in Dutch primary care was established. The content validity of the PRWHE-DLV was validated by assessing the floor and ceiling effects at baseline (T0). Reproducibility was assessed by the test-retest reliability between T0 and T1 (2–5 days after T0), using the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient. The construct validity was assessed based on the correlation between the PRWHE-DLV and the Quick-DASH, Physical Component Score (SF-12), VAS-function, Physical Functioning (SF-12), VAS-pain and Bodily Pain (SF-12) at T0. Responsiveness was defined as the ability of the PRWHE-DLV to measure change 3 weeks after T0 (internal) and the relation of these changes to clinically important outcomes (external).

Results

Psychometric qualities of the PRWHE-DLV demonstrated high content validity with no floor or ceiling effects, excellent reliability (Intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.90; 95% CI 0.80–0.95), high construct validity with the validated Quick-DASH and VAS score (r = 0.85 with Quick-DASH, r = 0.75 with VAS-function and r = 0.78 with VAS-pain) and high responsiveness.

Conclusion

The PRWHE-DLV provided reliable and adequate information for primary care clinical practice.
Usefulness of discharge standards in outpatients undergoing sedative endoscopy: a propensity score-matched study of the modified post-anesthetic discharge scoring system and the modified Aldrete score
Authors: Yamaguchi Daisuke , Morisaki Tomohito , Sakata Yasuhisa , Mizuta Yumi , Nagatsuma Goshi , Inoue Suma , Shimakura Akane , Jubashi Amane , Takeuchi Yuki , Ikeda Kei , Tanaka Yuichiro , Yoshioka Wataru , Hino Naoyuki , Ario Keisuke , Tsunada Seiji , Esaki Motohiro
Published: November 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of discharge standards in outpatients undergoing sedative endoscopy by comparing the modified post-anesthetic discharge scoring system (MPADSS) and the modified Aldrete score.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 376 outpatients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy under midazolam sedation; 181 outpatients were assessed regarding discharge after sedative endoscopy using the MPADSS (group M), and 195 patients were assessed by the modified Aldrete score (group A). The clinical characteristics, types of endoscopy, endoscopic outcomes, and anesthesia outcomes were evaluated between the two groups. We compared discharge score, recovery time, and adverse events using propensity-score matching.

Results

Propensity-score matching created 120 matched pairs. The proportion of patients who had a recovery time within 60 min after endoscopy was significantly higher in group A than that in group M (42.5% versus 25.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). The proportion of patients who required > 120 min of recovery time after endoscopy was significantly lower in group A than that in group M (0.0% versus 5.0%, respectively; P = 0.03). However, significantly more patients had drowsiness at discharge in group A compared with group M (19.1% versus 5.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the adverse event rate within 24 h of discharge between the groups.

Conclusions

Patients assessed by the modified Aldrete score were allowed to discharge earlier than those assessed by the MPADSS. However, a patient’s level of consciousness should be assessed carefully, especially in patients who visit the hospital alone.
Construction of a novel cuproptosis-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and estimating tumor immune microenvironment status in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lidong , Yao Baiyu , Yang Jiapeng , Tian Zhong , He Jingni
Published: November 2022

Background

Cuproptosis, a new form of programmed cell death, has been recently reported to be closely related to tumor progression. However, the significance of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of the CRG signature in prognosis prediction and immunotherapeutic effect estimation in patients with PTC.

Methods

RNA-seq data and the corresponding clinical information of patients with PTC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Comprehensive analyses, namely, consensus clustering, immune analyses, functional enrichment, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-multivariate Cox regression, and nomogram analysis, were performed to identify new molecular subgroups, determine the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) status of the identified subgroups, and construct a clinical model. Independent verification cohort data and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to validate the expression of specific prognosis-related and differentially expressed CRGs (P-DECRGs).

Results

In the TCGA database, 476 patients with PTC who had complete clinical and follow-up information were included. Among 135 CRGs, 21 were identified as P-DECRGs. Two molecular subgroups with significantly different disease-free survival and TIME statuses were identified based on these 21 P-DECRGs. The differentially expressed genes between the two subgroups were mainly associated with immune regulation. The risk model and nomogram were constructed based on four specific P-DECRGs and validated as accurate prognostic predictions and TIME status estimation for PTC by TCGA and GEO verification cohorts. Finally, the qPCR results of 20 PTC and paracancerous thyroid tissues validated those in the TCGA database.

Conclusions

Four specific P-DECRGs in PTC were identified, and a clinical model based on them was established, which may be helpful for individualized immunotherapeutic strategies and prognostic prediction in patients with PTC.
A phase II study of carboplatin and etoposide plus durvalumab for previously untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patients with a poor performance status (PS): NEJ045A study protocol
Authors: Asao Tetsuhiko , Watanabe Satoshi , Tanaka Takahiro , Morita Satoshi , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: November 2022

Background

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 12–15% of lung cancers and has a limited prognosis, with approximately one-third of SCLC patients having a poor performance status (PS). Patients with extensive-stage (ES) SCLC and a poor PS have a poor prognosis. For this population, overall survival from carboplatin and etoposide treatment is 7–8 months, and treatment development is an unmet medical need. Recently, the combination of an anti-PD-L1 (a ligand for programmed cell death 1) antibody and platinum-based chemotherapy has become the standard of care for ES-SCLC patients with a good PS (PS 0–1). We hypothesized that the combination of the anti-PD-L1 antibody durvalumab with carboplatin and etoposide would be feasible and effective for such patients.

Methods

We initiated a multicenter phase II study of durvalumab combined with carboplatin and etoposide in previously untreated ES-SCLC patients with a poor PS (PS 2–3). Eligible patients will receive durvalumab plus carboplatin and etoposide every 3 to 4 weeks for up to 4 cycles, followed by durvalumab every 4 weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The dosages of carboplatin and etoposide for the second and subsequent cycles will be adaptively determined based on the adverse events of the first cycle. A total of 56 patients (43 patients with a PS of 2 and 13 patients with a PS of 3) will be enrolled in this study, with a 24-month enrollment period and a 12-month follow-up. The primary endpoint is the tolerability of carboplatin and etoposide plus durvalumab in previously untreated ES-SCLC patients with a poor PS. The secondary endpoints are the 1-year survival rate, objective response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, ratio of PS improvement, and safety.

Discussion

The results of this study are intended to establish the safety and efficacy of carboplatin and etoposide plus durvalumab in patients with ES-SCLC and a poor PS.

Trial registration

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT), jRCTs031200319. Registered 21 January 2021, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs031200319