bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of supported housing for individuals with mental disorders
Authors: Lopes Francisca Vargas , Bakx Pieter , Harper Sam , Ravesteijn Bastian , Van Ourti Tom
Published: August 2022

Societies face the challenge of providing appropriate arrangements for individuals who need living support due to their mental disorders. We estimate the effects of eligibility to the Dutch supported housing program (Beschermd Wonen), which offers a structured living environment in the community as an intermediate alternative to independent housing and inpatient care. For this, we use exogenous variation in eligibility based on conditionally random assignment of applications to assessors, and the universe of applications to supported housing in the Netherlands, linked to rich administrative data. Supported housing eligibility increases the probability of moving into supported housing and decreases the use of home care, resulting in higher total care expenditures. This increase is primarily due to the costs of supported housing, but potentially also higher consumption of curative mental health care. Supported housing eligibility reduces the total personal income and income from work. Findings do also suggest lower participation in the labor market by the individuals granted eligibility, but the labor participation of their parents increases in the long‐run. Our study highlights the trade‐offs of access to supported housing for those at the margin of eligibility, informing the design of long‐term mental health care systems around the world.
Nonselective beta blockers, hepatic decompensation, and mortality in cirrhosis: A national cohort study
Authors: Serper Marina , Kaplan David E. , Taddei Tamar H. , Tapper Elliot B. , Cohen Jordana B. , Mahmud Nadim
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

Little is known about the effectiveness of nonselective beta blockers (NSBBs) in preventing hepatic decompensation in routine clinical settings. We investigated whether NSBBs are associated with hepatic decompensation or liver‐related mortality in a national cohort of veterans with Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) A cirrhosis with no prior decompensations.

Approach and Results:

In an active comparator, new user (ACNU) design, we created a cohort of new users of carvedilol (n = 123) versus new users of selective beta blockers (SBBs) (n = 561) and followed patients for up to 3 years. An inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) approach balanced demographic and clinical confounders. The primary analysis simulated intention‐to‐treat (“pseudo‐ITT”) with IPTW‐adjusted Cox models; secondary analyses were pseudo‐as‐treated, and both were adjusted for baseline and time‐updating drug confounders. Subgroup analyses evaluated NSBB effects by HCV viremia status, CTP class, platelet count, alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) etiology, and age. In pseudo‐ITT analyses of carvedilol versus SBBs, carvedilol was associated with a lower hazard of any hepatic decompensation (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42–0.83) and the composite outcome of hepatic decompensation/liver‐related mortality (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.41–0.76). Results were similar in pseudo‐as‐treated analyses (hepatic decompensation: HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.94; composite outcome: HR 0.62, 95% 0.38–1.01). In subgroup analyses, carvedilol was associated with lower hazard of primary outcomes in the absence of HCV viremia, higher CTP class and platelet count, younger age, and ALD etiology.

Conclusions:

There is an ongoing need to noninvasively identify patients who may benefit from NSBBs for the prevention of hepatic decompensation.
Does maternal empowerment improve dietary diversity of children? Evidence from Pakistan demographic and health survey 2017–18
Authors: Akbar Muhammad , Asif Atta Muhammad , Hussain Fazil
Published: August 2022

The role of maternal empowerment (ME) to improve child nutrition in patriarchal societies of developing countries remains ambiguous. This study provides empirical evidence about the impact of ME and some other factors selected under United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund theoretical framework, on dietary diversity of children (under 5 years age) in Pakistan. Partial proportional odds model is estimated to obtain varying estimates of the parameters by using data of Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18. Significant positive role of empowered mothers to improve child dietary diversity (CDD) is explored (OR = 1.135; Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.001–1.288). Moreover, positive association of maternal higher education on CDD (OR = 1.329; 95% CI = 1.085–1.628) supports the productive and allocative efficiency hypotheses of health economics. Maternal agricultural employment, paternal education, and paternal employment were not significantly associated with CDD. This requires further exploration. Positive association of household socioeconomic status with CDD (OR = 1.768; 95% CI = 1.314–2.380) and significance of some demographic variables call for social welfare programs. Positive association of mother's age and CDD demands for amendment in Child Marriage Restraint Act. The observed adverse association of family size with CDD induces effective family planning to control high birth rate in Pakistan. It may be concluded that ME and creation of awareness about nutrition security through maternal education are the important factors to overcome child malnutrition in Pakistan. Since, socioeconomic and cultural environment in South Asian countries is homogeneous, the analysis in this study might be relevant to the South Asian region. Moreover, the study provides evidence informing the debate on the role of ME to improve child nutrition in patriarchal societies.
Healthcare clinic and pharmacy chains in Kenya and Nigeria: A qualitative exploration of the opportunities and risks they present for healthcare regulatory systems
Authors: Wafula Francis , Onoka Chima , Musiega Anita , Okpani Arnold , Ogira Dosila , Ejughemre Ufuoma , Miller Rosalind , Goodman Catherine , Hanson Kara
Published: August 2022

Background

Regulating fragmented healthcare markets is a major challenge in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Although a recent transformation towards consolidation could improve regulatory efficiency, there are concerns over risks to client safety and market functioning. We investigated market consolidation through the emergence of clinic and pharmacy chains in Kenya and Nigeria and explored resultant regulatory opportunities and risks.

Methods

The study was conducted in Nairobi Kenya and Abuja Nigeria. Data were collected through document reviews and 26 interviews with chain operators, professional associations and regulators between September and December 2018. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

We characterised two broad types of chains: organic chains that started as single business locations and expanded gradually, and investor‐driven chains that expanded rapidly following external capital injection. In both countries, chains and independents were regulated similarly, with regulators failing to both capitalize on opportunities and guard against risks. For instance, chains' brand visibility and centralised management systems made them easier to regulate and more suitable for self‐regulation. On the other hand, chains were perceived to pose the risks of market dominance, commercialisation of healthcare, and regulatory capture.

Conclusion

As healthcare chains expand, regulators should build on opportunities presented and guard against emerging risks.
Impact of thermal conductivity on a horizontal absorbent isothermal wall in a porous medium with heat source and thermophoretic forces: Application of suction/blowing
Authors: Hazarika Silpi , Ahmed Sahin
Published: August 2022

The implanted porous media plays a key role in the performance of the fluid flow. To study the novelty of porous media in a two‐dimensional fluid motion associated with thermophoretic forces, viscous dissipative heat, and variable thermal conductivity over a permeable horizontal surface, we have adopted appropriate similarity transformation to convert the prominent partial differential equations to nonlinear ordinary differential equations in nondimensional form. MATLAB Bvp4c code is employed for the conservation of equations with the appropriate converted boundary conditions and this finite difference scheme is found stable. Furthermore, we have performed a comparison test for validity and accuracy test and established a satisfactory agreement with former literature. The effect of porosity and thermal conductivity in presence of suction/blowing over the fluid velocity and temperature are significant. In this study, the fluid velocity is enhanced for heat generation and thermal conductivity in presence of blowing. The importance of porous media and such study can be experienced in various branches like petroleum engineering, hydrogeology, biophysics, material science, and so forth.
Longitudinal associations of plasma metabolites with persistent fatigue among colorectal cancer survivors up to 2 years after treatment
Authors: van Roekel Eline H. , Bours Martijn J. L. , Breukink Stéphanie O. , Aquarius Michèl , Keulen Eric T. P. , Gicquiau Audrey , Rinaldi Sabina , Vineis Paolo , Arts Ilja C. W. , Gunter Marc J. , Leitzmann Michael F. , Scalbert Augustin , Weijenberg Matty P.
Published: August 2022

The underlying biological mechanisms causing persistent fatigue complaints after colorectal cancer treatment need further investigation. We investigated longitudinal associations of circulating concentrations of 138 metabolites with total fatigue and subdomains of fatigue between 6 weeks and 2 years after colorectal cancer treatment. Among stage I‐III colorectal cancer survivors (n = 252), blood samples were obtained at 6 weeks, and 6, 12 and 24 months posttreatment. Total fatigue and fatigue subdomains were measured using a validated questionnaire. Tandem mass spectrometry was applied to measure metabolite concentrations (BIOCRATES AbsoluteIDQp180 kit). Confounder‐adjusted longitudinal associations were analyzed using linear mixed models, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. We assessed interindividual (between‐participant differences) and intraindividual longitudinal associations (within‐participant changes over time). In the overall longitudinal analysis, statistically significant associations were observed for 12, 32, 17 and three metabolites with total fatigue and the subscales “fatigue severity,” “reduced motivation” and “reduced activity,” respectively. Specifically, higher concentrations of several amino acids, lysophosphatidylcholines, diacylphosphatidylcholines, acyl‐alkylphosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins were associated with less fatigue, while higher concentrations of acylcarnitines were associated with more fatigue. For “fatigue severity,” associations appeared mainly driven by intraindividual associations, while for “reduced motivation” stronger interindividual associations were found. We observed longitudinal associations of several metabolites with total fatigue and fatigue subscales, and that intraindividual changes in metabolites over time were associated with fatigue severity. These findings point toward inflammation and an impaired energy metabolism due to mitochondrial dysfunction as underlying mechanisms. Mechanistic studies are necessary to determine whether these metabolites could be targets for intervention.
Myrrhone inhibits the progression of hepatic fibrosis by regulating the abnormal activation of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Sun Zhangchi , Zhan Xiaolan
Published: August 2022

We focus on exploring the antihepatic fibrosis effect of Myrrhone (Myr), a compound extracted from myrrh, and its effective target. Mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were cultured in vitro and activated by transforming growth factor‐β induction. After Myr intervention, cell viability was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. The α‐smooth muscle actin(α‐SMA) and Collagen I levels were measured by immunofluorescence, and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the p‐Smad3 protein level in HSCs was determined by Western Blot. Small molecule–protein docking and pull‐down experiments were conducted to validate the binding capacity between Nard and Smad3. In animal experiments, a mouse model of hepatic fibrosis was established with carbon tetrachloride. Myr was administered by gavage daily to determine the serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels. The severity of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by Masson staining, the α‐SMA and Collagen I expressions were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the histopathological changes were examined by Sirius red and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Myr suppressed the abnormal activation of HSCs, inhibited the cell viability, downregulated the α‐SMA and Collagen I, and inhibited the p‐Smad3 expression. After silencing Smad3, the effect of Myr was inhibited. Molecular docking and pull‐down experiments revealed the presence of a targeted binding relationship between Myr and Smad3. In mouse experiments, Myr could inhibit hepatic fibrosis. This study discovers that Myr can affect the phosphorylation of Smad3, and inhibit the activation of HSCs and the progression of hepatic fibrosis.
Suicidal ideation and attempted suicide among cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ma Zikun , Mao Yize , Wang Yuanyuan , Duan Zhizhou , Qu Diyang , Li Chaofeng , Chen Runsen , Liu Zhuowei
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to understand the suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts among cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The data were collected from patients diagnosed with cancer while attending the largest cancer center in the south of China. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate patients' demographic data, suicidal behavior, and factors related to COVID‐19. Mental health conditions were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Comorbidities and medical conditions of cancer patients were extracted from the electronic healthcare records. Among the 5670 cancer patients, 755 (13.3%) reported suicidal ideation, and 266 (4.7%) reported suicidal attempts during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The age group with the highest risk of suicidal ideation was 20–24 years (23.9%). Lifetime history of suffering from mental disorders, longer time since cancer diagnosis, regional and distant tumor stage, depression, anxiety, hostility, having a higher frequency of worrying about cancer management due to COVID‐19, higher frequency feeling of overwhelming psychological pressure due to COVID‐19, having a higher level of barriers to manage cancer due to COVID‐19, and higher barriers to continue treatment of cancer due to inconveniences caused by COVID‐19, were all significantly associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation. We also identified the risk factors of suicide attempts. This is the first study investigating the prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts in Chinese cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that it is essential to monitor the mental health conditions of this vulnerable population, especially for cancer patients who have comorbidity with a history of mental disorders. Also, government policymakers should take action to protect cancer patients to avoid any interruption of their continued treatment. Further efforts are urgently required to develop specific psychological interventions to reduce the risk factors among cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Assessment of the cobas® HBV RNA investigational assay in the setting of nucleoside analog therapy cessation
Authors: Jackson Kathy , Bonanzinga Sara , Edwards Ros , Visvanathan Kumar , Li Xin , Hall Samuel , Kuchta Alison , Canchola Jesse A. , Thompson Alex J.
Published: August 2022

HBV RNA is used as a marker of cccDNA transcription and is applicable in the setting of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment, which suppresses HBV DNA. Traditional assays for quantification of HBV RNA rely on labor‐intensive 3′RACE assays targeting the polyA tail. In this study, the high‐throughput Roche cobas®HBV RNA investigational assay was assessed on the Roche cobas® 6800 automated platform. Of 969 samples collected for a NA treatment cessation trial, and tested on the cobas assay, 249 were analyzed for sensitivity, reproducibility, sample type applicability, and results were compared to a RACE‐based assay. Results of 97 paired serum and plasma samples demonstrated an excellent correlation of 0.98. However, 14.5% of plasma samples yielded detectable (below the limit of quantification) results, when the paired serum was undetectable, and plasma was shown to yield a statistically significant (p < 0.001) greater mean 0.119 log10copies/ml. Quantification of 152 samples showed good correlation (0.91) between the cobas and RACE assays. The cobas assay demonstrated superior lower limit of quantification, 10 copies/ml, which resulted in detection of 13.2% more samples than the RACE assay. Reproducibility and linear range of the automated assay were also confirmed. The Roche cobas assay for HBV RNA is sensitive and highly recommended.
Design of an efficient solar energy harvesting system for wireless power communication
Authors: Pay Eong Yeon , Tiang Jun Jiat , Muhammad Surajo , Chuah Teong Chee
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes the design of an efficient ambient solar energy harvesting (SEH) system with enhanced protection for low‐power devices. The proposed SEH system is designed and fabricated on a 1.6 mm Flame Retardant 4 (FR4) substrate using EasyEDA software. The harvester consists of a 3 W monocrystalline solar panel, a solar charger module with maximum power point tracking, a lithium‐ion rechargeable battery and a battery protection integrated circuit, and a DC–DC converter. Each of the SEH system component modules is optimized for better performance. The proposed energy harvester achieves a peak power conversion efficiency of 81.22% with a total output power of 2.35 W by using a CN3791 battery charger module. This approach is cost‐effective, highly sustainable, and virtually maintenance‐free. It can be deployed in various low‐powered devices such as wireless sensor network nodes and Internet of Things microcontrollers to extend their battery lifetimes, thereby achieving environmental‐friendly and sustainable energy harvesting.
Realizing supply chain agility under time pressure: Ad hoc supply chains during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Müller Jasmina , Hoberg Kai , Fransoo Jan C.
Published: August 2022

When the COVID‐19 pandemic began in 2020, the medical product industry faced an unusual demand shock for personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks, face shields, disinfectants, and gowns. Companies from various industries responded to the urgent need for these potentially life‐saving products by adopting ad hoc supply chains in an exceptionally short time: They found new suppliers, developed the products, ramped‐up production, and distributed to new customers within weeks or even days. We define these supply chains as ad hoc supply chains that are built for a specific need, an immediate need, and a time‐limited need. By leveraging a unique sampling, we examined how companies realize supply chain agility when building ad hoc supply chains. We develop an emergent theoretical model that proposes dynamic capabilities to enable companies building ad hoc supply chains in response to a specific need, moderated by an entrepreneurial orientation allowing firms to leverage dynamic capabilities at short notice and a temporary orientation that increases a company's focus on exploiting the short‐term opportunity of ad hoc supply chains.
Impact of the affordable care act's medicaid expansion on presentation stage and perioperative outcomes of colorectal cancer
Authors: Sharon Cimarron E. , Song Yun , Straker Richard J. , Kelly Nicholas , Shannon Adrienne B. , Kelz Rachel R. , Mahmoud Najjia N. , Saur Nicole M. , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

Medicaid expansion has improved healthcare coverage and preventive health service use. To what extent this has resulted in earlier stage colorectal cancer diagnoses and impacted perioperative outcomes is unclear.

Methods

This was a retrospective difference‐in‐difference study using the National Cancer Database on adults (40–64) with Medicaid or no insurance, diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinomas before (2010–2013) and after (2015–2018) expansion. The primary outcome was early‐stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage 0–1) diagnosis. The secondary outcomes were rate of local excision, emergency surgery, postoperative length of stay, rates of minimally invasive surgery, postoperative mortality, and overall survival (OS).

Results

Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in early‐stage diagnoses for patients with colorectal cancers (odds ratio [OR]: 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–1.43), an increase in local excision (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.13–1.69), and a decreased rate of emergent surgery (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75–0.97) and 90‐day mortality (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59–0.97). Additionally, patients in expansion states postexpansion had an improved 5‐year OS (hazard ratio: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83–0.94).

Conclusions

Insurance coverage expansion may be particularly important for optimizing stage of diagnosis, subsequent survival, and perioperative outcomes for socioeconomically vulnerable patients.
Recent Technical Developments in ASL: A Review of the State of the Art
Authors: Hernandez‐Garcia Luis , Aramendía‐Vidaurreta Verónica , Bolar Divya S. , Dai Weiying , Fernández‐Seara Maria A. , Guo Jia , Madhuranthakam Ananth J. , Mutsaerts Henk , Petr Jan , Qin Qin , Schollenberger Jonas , Suzuki Yuriko , Taso Manuel , Thomas David L. , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Woods Joseph , Zhao Moss Y. , Yan Lirong , Wang Ze , Zhao Li , Okell Thomas W.
Published: August 2022

This review article provides an overview of a range of recent technical developments in advanced arterial spin labeling (ASL) methods that have been developed or adopted by the community since the publication of a previous ASL consensus paper by Alsop et al. It is part of a series of review/recommendation papers from the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Perfusion Study Group. Here, we focus on advancements in readouts and trajectories, image reconstruction, noise reduction, partial volume correction, quantification of nonperfusion parameters, fMRI, fingerprinting, vessel selective ASL, angiography, deep learning, and ultrahigh field ASL. We aim to provide a high level of understanding of these new approaches and some guidance for their implementation, with the goal of facilitating the adoption of such advances by research groups and by MRI vendors. Topics outside the scope of this article that are reviewed at length in separate articles include velocity selective ASL, multiple‐timepoint ASL, body ASL, and clinical ASL recommendations.
Quasi–steady‐state amide proton transfer (QUASS APT) MRI enhances pH‐weighted imaging of acute stroke
Authors: Sun Phillip Zhe
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging measurement depends not only on the labile proton concentration and pH‐dependent exchange rate but also on experimental conditions, including the relaxation delay and radiofrequency (RF) saturation time. Our study aimed to extend a quasi–steady‐state (QUASS) solution to a modified multi‐slice CEST MRI sequence and test if it provides enhanced pH imaging after acute stroke.

Methods

Our study derived the QUASS solution for a modified multislice CEST MRI sequence with an unevenly segmented RF saturation between image readout and signal averaging. Numerical simulation was performed to test if the generalized QUASS solution corrects the impact of insufficiently long relaxation delay, primary and secondary saturation times, and multi‐slice readout. In addition, multiparametric MRI scans were obtained after middle cerebral artery occlusion, including relaxation and CEST Z‐spectrum, to evaluate the performance of QUASS CEST MRI in a rodent acute stroke model. We also performed Lorentzian fitting to isolate multi‐pool CEST contributions.

Results

The QUASS analysis enhanced pH‐weighted magnetization transfer asymmetry contrast over the routine apparent CEST measurements in both contralateral normal (−3.46% ± 0.62% (apparent) vs. −3.67% ± 0.66% (QUASS), P < 0.05) and ischemic tissue (−5.53% ± 0.68% (apparent) vs. −5.94% ± 0.73% (QUASS), P < 0.05). Lorentzian fitting also showed significant differences between routine and QUASS analysis of ischemia‐induced changes in magnetization transfer, amide, amine, guanidyl CEST, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (−1.6 parts per million) effects.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that generalized QUASS analysis enhanced pH MRI contrast and improved quantification of the underlying CEST contrast mechanism, promising for further in vivo applications.
Temporal and environmental factors interact with rootstock genotype to shape leaf elemental composition in grafted grapevines
Authors: Harris Zachary N. , Pratt Julia E. , Bhakta Niyati , Frawley Emma , Klein Laura L. , Kwasniewski Misha T. , Migicovsky Zoë , Miller Allison J.
Published: August 2022

Plants take up elements through their roots and transport them to their shoot systems for use in numerous biochemical, physiological, and structural functions. Elemental composition of above‐ground plant tissues, such as leaves, reflects both above‐ and below‐ground activities of the plant, as well the local environment. Perennial, grafted plants, where the root system of one individual is fused to the shoot system of a genetically distinct individual, offer a powerful experimental system in which to study how genetically distinct root systems influence the elemental composition of a common shoot system. We measured elemental composition of over 7,000 leaves in the grapevine cultivar “Chambourcin” growing ungrafted and grafted to three rootstock genotypes. Leaves were collected over multiple years and phenological stages (across the season) and along a developmental time series. Temporal components of this study had the largest effect on leaf elemental composition, and rootstock genotype interacted with year, phenological stage, and leaf age to differentially modulate leaf elemental composition. Further, the local, above‐ground environment affected leaf elemental composition, an effect influenced by rootstock genotype. This work highlights the dynamic nature by which root systems interact with shoot systems to respond to temporal and environmental variation.
Knowledge translation theories in fall prevention and balance control: A scoping review
Authors: Aloraini Saleh M. , Alothaim Noot K. , Alsalamah Norah M. , Aldaihan Mishal M.
Published: August 2022

Falls are a major problem all over the world. Falls may result in bone fractures, fear of falling, and reduced participation in activities of daily living and in social activities, thus, an increased cost of health care to the individual and the society. Falls occur as a result of compounding factors that combine and overwhelm an individual's ability to maintain or regain his or her balance. However, fall rates are often reported as high, suggesting the presence of a gap between clinical practices related to fall prevention and the knowledge of the best available evidence related to fall prevention. The science of knowledge translation (KT) offers a variety of theories that can facilitate the implementation of up‐to‐date knowledge among clinicians. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and review the use of knowledge translation theories, namely the Knowledge to Action Framework (KTA), Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework (PARIHS), Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), in studies related to fall prevention and balance control. A scoping review was conducted to identify studies related to fall prevention and balance control that used one of these four KT theories. An extensive literature search was performed up to January 2021. Two independent reviewers conducted a study selection process followed by data extraction of the search results. Our results identified 16 studies that were related to the scope of our review, with three studies utilizing KTA, two studies using PARIHS, four studies using CFIR, and seven studies using the TDF. Overall, it appears that the use of KT theories is helpful to guide interventions for fall prevention and improve balance control. Future efforts are needed to facilitate the use of KT theories for guiding clinical practices related to fall prevention and balance control.
Heparins mediate the multimer assembly of secreted Noggin
Authors: Heide Fabian , Legare Scott , To Vu , Gupta Monika , Gabir Haben , Imhof Thomas , Moya‐Torres Aniel , McDougall Matthew , Meier Markus , Koch Manuel , Stetefeld Jörg
Published: August 2022

Extracellular matrix proteins are most often defined by their direct function that involves receptor binding and subsequent downstream signaling. However, these proteins often contain structural binding regions that allow for the proper localization in the extracellular space which guides its correct function in a local and temporal manner. The regions that serve a structural function, although often associated with disease, tend to have a limited understanding. An example of this is the extracellular matrix protein Noggin; as part of the bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor family, Noggin serves a crucial regulatory function in mammalian developmental stages and later periods of life. Noggin's regular function, after its expression and extracellular release, is mediated by its retention in close proximity to the cellular surface by glycosaminoglycans, specifically heparin and heparan sulfate. Using a biophysical hybrid method approach, we present a close examination of the Noggin heparin binding interface, study its dynamic binding behaviors and observe supramolecular Noggin assemblies mediated by heparin ligands. This confirms previously suggested models of non‐covalent protein assemblies mediated through glycosaminoglycans that exist in the extracellular matrix. Further, structural analyses through molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to determine contribution energies for each protein residue involved in ligand binding and correlate this to disease associated mutation data. Our combination of various biophysical and computational methods that characterize the heparin binding interface on Noggin and its protein dynamics expands on the functional understanding of Noggin and can readily be applied to other protein systems.
The Interface of a Bimaterial Crossed by a Line Force
Authors: Lefi Nizar , Neily Salem , Bonnet Roland
Published: August 2022

The 3D deformation of a bimaterial subjected to a dislocation composed of two straight semi‐infinite arms is known when the two arms are placed on each side of the interface. The resolution is possible taking into account an anisotropic elasticity for both media, thanks to the use of the concept of dislocation/force proposed by Belov (1992). By generalizing the analysis of this author, it is possible to solve a similar problem having an angular geometry, but which concerns a line force crossing the interface. For isotropic media, the solution can be formulated explicitly when the two arms are continuous and perpendicular to the interface. A few numerical applications illustrate the calculations for environments with different elastic properties and for different orientations of the two arms.
Promises and uncertainties in remotely sensed riverine hydro‐environmental attributes: Field testing of novel approaches to unmanned aerial vehicle‐borne lidar and imaging velocimetry
Authors: Islam Md. Touhidul , Yoshida Keisuke , Nishiyama Satoshi , Sakai Koichi , Adachi Shin , Pan Shijun
Published: August 2022

Recent advancements in remotely sensed techniques have markedly expanded data acquisition potential in riverine studies, but the techniques' applicability must be validated and improved because of uncertainties associated with diverse field conditions. This study is the first experimental evidence of using a newly designed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐borne green lidar system (GLS) and deep learning‐automated space–time image velocimetry (STIV) for remote investigation of hydraulic and vegetation quantities of the gravel‐bed Asahi River in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. In addition to identifying bed deformation in waters shallower than 2 m, the GLS point clouds characterized the submerged infrastructure with block detailing patterns, thereby identifying positional displacement and severely damaged parts. This paper also presents a noncontact method of estimating incremental river discharge. Compared to benchmarked flow model estimates, remotely sensed discharges for three transects covering shallower, deeper, and partially submerged woody vegetation areas were overestimated by 1–11%, with 4% underestimation for another cross‐section. The STIV analysis also showed complicated flow patterns that were reasonably confirmed by flow vectors from depth‐averaged modeling. Ultimately, depth‐averaged flow model estimates validated hydraulic parameters derived remotely from GLS and STIV, and vice versa. In addition to approximating vegetation growth rates, the study using GLS attributes accurately identified riparian vegetation types as herbaceous (70%), woody (86%), and bamboo groves (65%). Finally, our findings provide insight into the management of shallow clear‐flowing vegetated rivers and remote sensing of streamflow to validate hydrodynamic‐numerical methods.
Carbon Dots‐Decorated g‐C3N4 as Peroxidase Nanozyme for Colorimetric Detection of Cr(VI) in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Goswami Juri , Saikia Lakshi , Hazarika Parasa
Published: August 2022

Carbon dots (CD) generated from biomass were fabricated on g‐C3N4 to construct a metal‐free nanozyme with inherent peroxidase mimic functions. The formation of CD/g‐C3N4 was confirmed by different characterization techniques. The CD/g‐C3N4 displays distinct peroxidase mimic activities, as evidenced by the catalyzed oxidation of TMB (3,3’,5,5’, ‐tetramethylbenzidine) in the presence of H2O2, as well as color alteration from transparent to blue. The mechanistic analysis of peroxidase activity indicated that H2O2 was catalyzed by CD/g‐C3N4 to produce reactive oxygen species. In an acidic solution, the presence of Cr (VI) accelerates the breakdown of H2O2 to ⋅OH radicals thereby increasing the rate of TMB oxidation. Hence, a visual colorimetric sensor was developed for the purpose of detecting Cr(VI) with limits of detection (LOD) 0.31 μM, based on the accelerated electron transfer between TMB and H2O2 with the assistance of CD/g‐C3N4.
Atomically Dispersed Metal‐Based Catalysts for Zn–CO2Batteries
Authors: Gao Sanshuang , Wei Tianran , Sun Jiaqiang , Liu Qian , Ma Dui , Liu Wenxian , Zhang Shusheng , Luo Jun , Liu Xijun
Published: August 2022

Rechargeable aqueous Zn–CO2batteries show great promise in meeting severe environmental problems and energy crises due to their combination of CO2utilization and energy output, as well as advantages of high theoretical energy density, abundant raw materials, and high safety. Developing high‐efficiency and stable CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) electrocatalysts is of critical importance for the promotion of this technology. Atomically dispersed metal‐based catalysts (ADMCs), with extremely high atom‐utilization efficiency, tunable coordination environments, and superior intrinsic catalytic activity, are emerging as promising candidates for Zn–CO2batteries. Herein, some recent developments in atomically dispersed metal‐based catalysts for Zn–CO2batteries are summarized, including transition metal and non‐transition metal sites. Moreover, various synthetic strategies, characterization methods, and the relationship between active site structures and CO2RR activity/Zn–CO2battery performance are introduced. Finally, some challenges and perspectives are also proposed for the future development of ADMCs in Zn–CO2batteries.
Endoscopists performance in optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps in artificial intelligence studies
Authors: Pecere Silvia , Antonelli Giulio , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mario , Mori Yuichi , Hassan Cesare , Fuccio Lorenzo , Bisschops Raf , Costamagna Guido , Jin Eun Hyo , Lee Dongheon , Misawa Masashi , Messmann Helmut , Iacopini Federico , Petruzziello Lucio , Repici Alessandro , Saito Yutaka , Sharma Prateek , Yamada Masayoshi , Spada Cristiano , Frazzoni Leonardo
Published: August 2022

Widespread adoption of optical diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia is prevented by suboptimal endoscopist performance and lack of standardized training and competence evaluation. We aimed to assess diagnostic accuracy of endoscopists in optical diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia in the framework of artificial intelligence (AI) validation studies.

Literature searches of databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus) up to April 2022 were performed to identify articles evaluating accuracy of individual endoscopists in performing optical diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia within studies validating AI against a histologically verified ground‐truth. The main outcomes were endoscopists' pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV/NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR) and area under the curve (AUC for sROC) for predicting adenomas versus non‐adenomas.

Six studies with 67 endoscopists and 2085 (IQR: 115–243,5) patients were evaluated. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for adenomatous histology was respectively 84.5% (95% CI 80.3%–88%) and 83% (95% CI 79.6%–85.9%), corresponding to a PPV, NPV, LR+, LR− of 89.5% (95% CI 87.1%–91.5%), 75.7% (95% CI 70.1%–80.7%), 5 (95% CI 3.9%–6.2%) and 0.19 (95% CI 0.14%–0.25%). The AUC was 0.82 (CI 0.76–0.90). Expert endoscopists showed a higher sensitivity than non‐experts (90.5%, [95% CI 87.6%–92.7%] vs. 75.5%, [95% CI 66.5%–82.7%], p < 0.001), and Eastern endoscopists showed a higher sensitivity than Western (85%, [95% CI 80.5%–88.6%] vs. 75.8%, [95% CI 70.2%–80.6%]). Quality was graded high for 3 studies and low for 3 studies.

We show that human accuracy for diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia in the setting of AI studies is suboptimal. Educational interventions could benefit by AI validation settings which seem a feasible framework for competence assessment.
Utility of machine learning for segmenting camera trap time‐lapse recordings
Authors: Hilton Michael L. , Goessling Jeffrey M. , Knezevich Leah M. , Downer Jane M.
Published: August 2022

Camera trap time‐lapse recordings can collect vast amounts of data on wildlife in their natural settings. Transforming these data into information useful to ecologists is a major challenge. Machine learning techniques show promise for becoming important tools in the cost‐effective analysis of camera trap data, but only if they become readily available to researchers without requiring advanced computing skills and resources. We present a new suite of software tools that reduce the amount of human effort needed to segment time‐lapse, camera trap recordings in preparation for analysis. The tools incorporate a convolutional neural network trained to detect a focal species and to generate a draft video segmentation indicating the ranges of time when the focal species is present. We evaluated the utility of our neural network by comparing manual and automatic segmentations of 64 time‐lapse recordings of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows, recorded in Pinellas County, Florida, USA between 25 November 2020 and 30 November 2020. The neural network correctly found 130 of the 145 segments containing tortoises (89.7%), whereas student graders found 135 segments (93.1%). A year of experience using the new software suite in an ongoing study of gopher tortoises deploying 12 camera traps indicates one person, assisted by machine learning algorithms, can segment a week's worth of time‐lapse recordings—11.5 hours of standard‐speed video—in under 3 hours. We concluded that the use of machine learning algorithms is practical and allows researchers to process large volumes of time‐lapse data with minimal human effort.
Present and Future of Urinary Stents
Authors: Soria Federico
Published: August 2022

Unfortunately, urinary stents are associated with high rates of side effects and complications that significantly decrease the quality of life of patients. Therefore, despite their evident usefulness in urological clinical practice, their use should be subject to an important medical evaluation to balance the benefits against the side effects, as well as the possible complications associated with current urinary stents. More than 80% of patients with ureteral stents have significant adverse effects affecting their quality of life, sex life and compromising their labor life.

So, given the clinical requirement for the use of urinary stents and their clearly unacceptable side effects, the need to improve these medical devices and the research to do so is understandable. This book brings together the experience and expertise in urinary stents of the leading researchers in urinary stents. Not only because it addresses the present of urinary stents from a clinical point of view, but also because it includes the most innovative groups and future approaches and does so in a multidisciplinary way.
Pediatric Ureteral Stents
Authors: Abbas Tariq , Ibrahim Tarek , AbdelKareem Mohamed , Ali Mansour
Published: August 2022

Ureteral stents are considered of the significant revaluations in endourological practice and have become an integral part of the contemporary urologic practice. The widespread utilization of ureteric stents in children has lagged behind that in adults because of difficulties encountered for design and sizes optimization manufacturing. However, ureteral stents are considered essential tools in the management of several pediatric urological conditions ranging from, but not limited to, ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), calculi, and ureteric obstruction. The indwelling nature of ureteral stents is complicated by several unwanted effects including a feeling of pain, irritative voiding symptoms, and/or urinary tract infection. There are several potential complications in the currently utilized urinary catheters in general and ureteral stents in particular in pediatric patients.
Methodology on Clinical Evaluation of Urinary Stents
Authors: Sofronievska Glavinov Maja , Stavridis Sotir , Bajramovic Senad , Arsov Stefan
Published: August 2022

Collecting data from patients with urinary stents during clinical follow-up plays an important role in obtaining information about the stents implanted. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop an appropriate methodology that will be used in clinical practice. We believe that a specific and practical tool is needed for that purpose, which is why we propose the UriSteRH questionnaire which is an easily accessible questionnaire related to patients with introduced urinary stents that can be distributed both as paper and e-based questionnaire. The final goal of this clinical methodology is to identify specific problems, stent-health-related quality of life indicator. Based on these findings, interventions in stent design can then be done in order to improve individuals’ quality of life.
Indications, Complications and Side Effects of Ureteral Stents
Authors: Pérez-Fentes Daniel , Aranda-Pérez Javier , de la Cruz Julia E. , Soria Federico
Published: August 2022

Ureteral stents are one of the most frequently used tools in urology. These medical devices have a multitude of both prophylactic and therapeutic indications. Among the first ones, the use of stents related to the treatment of ureteral or renal stones, in renal transplant surgery and in reconstructive surgery of the upper urinary tract by endourological, laparoscopic, robotic or conventional surgical approach. Therapeutic indications are related to urinary tract decompression in obstructive uropathy and as in the conservative treatment of upper urinary tract trauma.

Although it has clear benefits, unfortunately it is not free of side effects. Complications associated with ureteral stents can be classified as intraoperative, early complications if they appear between 2 and 4 weeks after stenting, and late complications, depending on the time of onset of side effects. The most common side effects are the development of vesicoureteral reflux, LUTS and stent discomfort. The complications with the highest rate of incidence are asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infection. There are also common events related to ureteral stent dislodgement and crystallization of the stent surface resulting in encrustation.
Methods and Materials for Drug Eluting Urinary Stents Design and Fabrication
Authors: Carmagnola Irene , Giuntoli Giulia , Ciardelli Gianluca
Published: August 2022

After urinary stenting, patients often suffer from mid- and long-term complications, such as infections, bacterial colonization, encrustations, or stent obstruction which are related to the design, materials and surface properties of the stent. Drug eluting stents (DES) is an advance technology that can reduce the morbidity associated with stenting, by locally releasing loaded drugs in a time-controlled manner. In this chapter is firstly reported an overview of the materials and manufacturing methods for conventional urinary stents, then are discussed the engineered strategies for the design and fabrication of drug eluting stents. Drug eluting ureteral stents, and in general urinary stents, were introduced to performed a drug delivery aiming to obtain a local treatment as well as to overcomes the main issues related to urinary stenting implantation. Drugs and/or active agents can be directly loaded in the stent structure or can be introduced through a surface coating. Drug-eluting technologies can then be combined with biodegradable stents in order to eliminate the need for stent removal procedure. However some disadvantages remain still unsolved. In the last decades innovative manufacturing approaches and methods, such as nanotechnologies and additive manufacturing techniques, provide to scientists new tools for the design and fabrication on smart and custom-made urinary stents, able to go towards perfectly to patient needs.
Urethral Stents. Indications, Complications and Adverse Effects
Authors: de Graaf Petra , Yachia Daniel , Soria Federico , Rako Duje
Published: August 2022

Urethral stents have been used for decades. Although this relatively low invasive treatment gave good results in the beginning, later revealed recurrence of the obstruction and serious adverse effect. In this chapter we provide an overview of the introduction of urethral stents in clinical practice and review the literature on studies using stents to relieve obstruction in the male urethra caused by benign and malignant prostatic enlargement or urethral stricture disease in the human adult male population.

For this book chapter we screened the Embase and PubMed databases for publications on stents used in the urethra. We excluded papers on stents elsewhere in the urinary system, including the bladder neck. The primary endpoint was cause and rate of complications and secondary endpoint was patency rate. After careful selection 118 publications were included in this review.

Stenting of the urethra, including the prostatic urethra, is prone to adverse effects including dislocation of the stent, dysuria, recurrence of obstruction, urinary incontinence, encrustation and patient discomfort. For urethral stricture disease, open urethral reconstruction is the treatment of choice, for prostate hyperplasia, surgical intervention [e.g. TURP] or pharmaceutical treatment are preferred over stenting. However, patients unfit for this major open surgery, may still benefit from urethral stenting as palliative solution. With this important patient population, research must continue for a better biocompatible stent.