bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring fin and blue whales in the lower St. Lawrence Seaway with onshore seismometers
Authors: Plourde Alexandre P. , Nedimović Mladen R.
Published: March 2022

The Lower St. Lawrence Seaway (LSLS), in eastern Canada, is an important habitat for several species of endangered baleen whale. As we seek to reduce the hazards that these endangered species face from human activity, there is increasing demand for detailed knowledge of their habitat use. Only a sparse network of hydrophones exists in the LSLS to remotely observe whales. However, there is also a network of onshore seismometers, designed to monitor earthquakes, that have sufficiently high sample rates to record fin and blue whale calls. We present a simple method for detecting band‐limited, regularly repeating calls, such as the 20 Hz calls of fin and blue whales, and apply the method to build a catalog of fin and blue whale detections at 14 onshore seismometers across the LSLS, over approximately a 4‐year period. The resulting catalog contains over 600 000 fin whale calls and almost 60 000 blue whale calls. Individual calls are rarely detected at more than one seismometer. Fin whale calls recorded onshore often consist of multiple seismic phases arriving as a ∼2 sequence. Onshore seismometers provide a valuable, previously unused source of data for monitoring baleen whales. However, in the LSLS, the current seismometer network cannot provide high‐precision whale tracking alone, so a denser deployment of onshore and/or offshore seismometers is required.
Superior Dehydrogenation Performance of α‐AlH3 Catalyzed by Li3N: Realizing 8.0 wt.% Capacity at 100 °C
Authors: Zhao Shaolei , Liang Long , Liu Baozhong , Wang Limin , Liang Fei
Published: March 2022

The high dehydrogenation temperature of aluminum hydride (AlH3) has always been an obstacle to its application as a portable hydrogen source. To solve this problem, lithium nitride is introduced into the aluminum hydride system as a catalyst to optimize the dehydrogenation drastically, which reduces the initial dehydrogenation temperature from 140.0 to 66.8 °C, and provides a stable hydrogen capacity of 8.24, 6.18, and 5.75 wt.% at 100, 90, and 80 °C within 120 min by adjusting the mass fraction of lithium nitride. Approximately 8.0 wt.% hydrogen can be released within 15 min at 100 °C for the sample of 10 wt.% doping. Moderate dehydrogenation temperature slows down the inevitable self‐dehydrogenation process during the ball‐milling process, and the enhanced kinetics at lower temperature shows the possibility of application in the fuel cell.
Enzymatically Modified Cassava Starch as a Stabilizer for Fermented Dairy Beverages
Authors: Lopez‐Ochoa Juan David , Cadena‐Chamorro Edith , Ciro‐Velasquez Héctor , Rodríguez‐Sandoval Eduardo
Published: March 2022

Growing interest among consumers regarding sustainable food production has led to innovations in the use of cleaner additives and manufacturing methods for the food industry, such as the enzymatic modification of starches. The effect of enzymatic modification (pullulanase and amyloglucosidase) on the pasting and thermal properties of cassava starch and the quality properties of fermented dairy beverages are analyzed at the beginning and end of a 20‐day storage period and compared to beverages with chemically modified starch, native cassava starch (NAT), without the addition of starch (control), and a commercial beverage. Amyloglucosidase‐modified starch shows the highest degree of long‐term retrogradation, which can also be perceived in the quality of beverages during storage. Beverages prepared with pullulanase‐modified starch have the highest viscosity (503.56 mPa s) among the evaluated beverages and a lower syneresis (29.18 g/100 g) than control and NAT beverages. The addition of enzymatically modified cassava starch led to a significant increase in the general acceptability of the beverages compared to the control treatment. The results show that pullulanase‐modified starches have the potential to replace chemically modified starches in the production of fermented dairy beverages, enabling the development of products that meet the requirements of the natural foods market.
Regulation of mitophagy through HIF‐1α/miR‐140‐5p/PARKIN axis in acute kidney injury
Authors: Zhang Qin , Bian Zhi Xiang , Song Yanan , Wang Xiangxiang , Zhang Haili , Ren Qifang , Chen Shunjie
Published: March 2022

Mitochondria homeostasis plays an important role in acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we aimed at identifying the mechanism of mitophagy regulation in AKI. Activation of mitophagy after ischemic kidney injury was visualized with increased expression of LC3, PINK1, PARKIN expression and with a subsequent decline in p62 levels. Immuohistochemistry staining showed higher LC3 levels in ischemic kidney injury mice. Further, differential expression of PARKIN targeting miRNAs revealed that miR‐140‐5p was significantly downregulated followed by ischemic kidney injury. miR‐140‐5p mimics suppressed PARKIN expressions and their mitochondrial translocation. Further, miR‐140‐5p mimics under hypoxia prevented mitophagosome formation. These effects on hypoxia‐induced PARKIN expression and LC3/TOMM20 levels were reversed by antagomiR miR‐140‐5p treatment. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR‐140‐5p had significant interaction with 3'UTR of PARKIN. Our findings show that HIF‐1α is bound to miR‐140‐5p promoter and down regulates its expression and thereby promotes mitophagy process under hypoxic conditions. These results cumulatively show that HIF‐1α regulates mitophagy during AKI through the regulation of miR‐140‐5p/PARKIN axis.
Presence of multidrug resistant bacteria in Hurricane Ida overtop sediments in Southeast Louisiana, USA
Authors: Naquin Ethan , Boopathy Raj
Published: March 2022

On August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida made landfall as a category 4 hurricane, bringing a torrent of wind, rain, and storm surge to Southeast Louisiana. This hurricane brought several feet of sediment into the residential areas of southeast Louisiana affecting homes and businesses. The sediment contains industrial waste and sewage sludge. A study was conducted to find the presence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria (ARB) in the sediments. The results of this study show the presence of human polyomavirus BK in the sediments indicating the presence of human feces. The sediment also showed high levels of antibiotics such as tetracycline and sulfonamide. Presence of many multidrug resistant bacteria were found in the sediments along with the presence of various antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) such as sul1 and sul2 for sulfonamide resistant and tetA gene for resistant to tetracycline. The heavy metal analysis revealed an elevated presence of heavy metal contamination.
Hunting suitability model: a new tool for managing wild ungulates
Authors: Griesberger Paul , Obermair Leopold , Zandl Josef , Stalder Gabrielle , Arnold Walter , Hackländer Klaus
Published: March 2022

Rising numbers of wild ungulates in human‐dominated landscapes of Europe can induce negative effects like damages to forests. Therefore, effective wildlife management, including harvesting through hunting is becoming increasingly important. However, current hunting practices often fail to diminish those negative effects, as many ungulate species retreat to areas unsuitable for hunting. This predator–avoidance behaviour makes it difficult to fulfill the demand of reducing population numbers. Thus, there is an urgent need for innovative and effective wildlife management tools to counteract this problem. Here we provide for the first time a hunting suitability model for wild ungulate management in mountainous landscapes to visualise hunting suitability objectively and realistically. Using red deer as a model species, we modelled hunting suitability with high spatial resolution (10 × 10 m), based on remote sensing information, field surveys and expert knowledge of professional hunters. We analysed spatio–temporal habitat selection by radio‐collared deer in relation to locations of varying hunting suitability. The suitability of various locations regarding hunting influenced the spatio–temporal habitat selection by this species, consistent with our hypothesis. Red deer avoided areas suitable for hunting during daylight hours in the hunting season, but not during the night. This species seems to perceive a landscape of heterogeneous anthropogenic predation risk, shaped by locations of various hunting suitability, as we modelled it. This confirms the empirical realism of the model. Concerning wild ungulate management, our hunting suitability model provides high‐resolution predictions of where species like red deer will retreat when perceived anthropogenic predation risk increases. The model also yields useful insights regarding the hunting suitability of particular locations, which is valuable information especially for non‐locals. Furthermore, the model can serve as planning tool to inform decisions about where particular hunting strategies can be performed most efficiently to manage wild ungulates and therefore minimize human–wildlife conflicts.
Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structures, and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Y4Si3S12
Authors: Bardelli Stefano , Ye Zhengyang , Wang Fei , Zhang Bingbing , Wang Jian
Published: March 2022

A new acentric sulfide Y4Si3S12 was grown by a high temperature vapor transport reaction. The crystal structure of Y4Si3S12 was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Y4Si3S12 is isostructural to La4Ge3S12. The three dimensional structure of Y4Si3S12 is constructed by [Y1S7] augmented triangular prisms, [Y2S6] triangular prisms and [SiS4] tetrahedra through sharing vertices and edges. Y4Si3S12 is revealed as an indirect bandgap semiconductor with a calculated bandgap of 2.1 eV, which is close to 2.5(1) eV experimentally measured by UV‐Vis. The Y−S interactions and Si−S interactions are predicated to be strong ionic bonds and covalent bonds, respectively, by electron localization function coupled with crystal orbital Hamilton population calculations. Y4Si3S12 is verified by DFT calculations to have moderate birefringence, with incident 1900 nm laser, Δn=0.09. DFT calculations also predicted that Y4Si3S12 possesses moderate second harmonic generation response with χ111=15.03 pm/V. The nonlinear optical properties of Y4Si3S12 are mainly contributed by Y−S interactions revealed by DFT calculations.
Titanium Superoxide for the Oxidation of Amines: Synthesis of bis(3‐nitro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)methane and its Metal Salts
Authors: Creegan Shannon E. , Zeller Matthias , Byrd Edward F. C. , Piercey Davin G.
Published: March 2022

Bis(3‐nitro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)methane (BNTM) was synthesized in 79 % yield via the oxidation of 5,5'‐diamino‐3,3’‐methylene‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole (DABTM) with titanium superoxide in a water and hydrogen peroxide solution. BNTM synthesized by this method was characterized via low‐resolution mass spectrometry (LRMS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental analysis, and single crystal X‐ray crystallography for comparison with BNTM produced by traditional routes. The cesium, lithium, potassium, rubidium, sodium, and strontium salts of BNTM were characterized for their thermal stabilities and mechanical sensitives. Each of the salts possessed multiple hydrates, the loss of the associated water can clearly be seen by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). All the salts were less sensitive to impact than neutral BNTM and, except for the sodium and cesium salts, were less sensitive to friction. Single crystal X‐ray crystallography was utilized to analyze the crystal structures obtained for the cesium, strontium, and sodium salts.
The Framing of Gambling and the Commercial Determinants of Harm: Challenges for Regulation in the UK
Authors: Reith Gerda , Wardle Heather
Published: March 2022

This article argues that the framing of gambling is crucial for how it is dealt with at every level; from legislative, regulatory and commercial practice to the terms of media and civic debate. Whoever frames the debate has power over the ways that we can and cannot think about gambling, as well as what we can do about it.

We take the example of Britain as a case study in which, despite recent repeated calls for gambling to be regarded as a public health issue, it continues to be framed primarily in terms of economic activity and consumerism. We argue that this framing is the product of a particular political-economic model and that it is embedded in legislation and regulatory practice. We go on to describe the commercial landscape of gambling that has been produced by this framework as one which produces harm. As such, we make the point that framing is a key component of the commercial determinants of harm in gambling. The final section of our paper considers the various forms of political and commercial influence that infiltrate and shape the framing of gambling in Britain. This work was funded by Wellcome Trust through a Humanities and Social Sciences Fellowship to Heather Wardle (grant number: 200306).
Multi-donor × elite-based populations reveal QTL for low-lodging wheat
Authors: Dreccer M. Fernanda , Macdonald Bethany , Farnsworth Claire A. , Paccapelo M. Valeria , Awasi Mary Anne , Condon Anthony G. , Forrest Kerrie , Lee Long Ian , McIntyre C. Lynne
Published: March 2022

Key message

Low-lodging high-yielding wheat germplasm and SNP-tagged novel alleles for lodging were identified in a process that involved selecting donors through functional phenotyping for underlying traits with a designed phenotypic screen, and a crossing strategy involving multiple-donor × elite populations.

Lodging is a barrier to achieving high yield in wheat. As part of a study investigating the potential to breed low-lodging high-yielding wheat, populations were developed crossing four low-lodging high-yielding donors selected based on lodging related traits, with three cultivars. Lodging was evaluated in single rows in an early generation and subsequently in plots in 2 years with contrasting lodging environment. A large number of lines lodged less than their recurrent parents, and some were also higher yielding. Heritability for lodging was high, but the genetic correlation between contrasting environments was intermediate-low. Lodging genotypic rankings in single rows did not correlate well with plots. Populations from the highest lodging background were genotyped (90 K iSelect BeadChip array). Fourteen markers on nine chromosomes were associated with lodging, differing under high- versus low-lodging conditions. Of the fourteen markers, ten were found to co-locate with previously identified QTL for lodging-related traits or at homoeologous locations for previously identified lodging-related QTL, while the remaining four markers (in chromosomes 2D, 4D, 7B and 7D) appear to map to novel QTL for lodging. Lines with more favourable markers lodged less, suggesting value in these markers as a selection tool. This study demonstrates that the combination of donor functional phenotyping, screen design and crossing strategy can help identify novel alleles in germplasm without requiring extensive bi-parental populations.
Capacity and resource allocation in flexible production networks by a game theory model
Authors: Renna Paolo
Published: March 2022

In many production applications, plants that produce multiple products with random demands share the required items among suppliers. The decision of how to allocate requests between suppliers to achieve the desired level of customer service is relevant to the efficiency of the production network. The literature highlighted how the long chain has the same level of performance as the full flexible network. This research proposes a decision model based on the game theory model to improve the performance of the production network. The model uses the Gale-Shapley algorithm with low computational complexity to share the demand among the suppliers. A simulation environment allows the evaluation of the proposed model in different conditions, and the model is compared to the dedicated, full flexibility, and long chain models. The numerical results show how the proposed model improves the efficiency of the production environment by keeping the number of connections with the supplier closer to the long chain model.
Deep learning-based image reconstruction and post-processing methods in positron emission tomography for low-dose imaging and resolution enhancement
Authors: Pain Cameron Dennis , Egan Gary F. , Chen Zhaolin
Published: March 2022

Image processing plays a crucial role in maximising diagnostic quality of positron emission tomography (PET) images. Recently, deep learning methods developed across many fields have shown tremendous potential when applied to medical image enhancement, resulting in a rich and rapidly advancing literature surrounding this subject. This review encapsulates methods for integrating deep learning into PET image reconstruction and post-processing for low-dose imaging and resolution enhancement. A brief introduction to conventional image processing techniques in PET is firstly presented. We then review methods which integrate deep learning into the image reconstruction framework as either deep learning-based regularisation or as a fully data-driven mapping from measured signal to images. Deep learning-based post-processing methods for low-dose imaging, temporal resolution enhancement and spatial resolution enhancement are also reviewed. Finally, the challenges associated with applying deep learning to enhance PET images in the clinical setting are discussed and future research directions to address these challenges are presented.
Diagnostik erblicher Netzhautdystrophien. Stellenwert molekulargenetischer Diagnostik aus Patientenperspektive
Authors: Kellner Ulrich , Jansen Sandra , Bucher Franziska , Stingl Katarina
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Die Diagnose erblicher Netzhautdystrophien ist aufgrund der niedrigen Prävalenz und der Variabilität der klinischen Präsentation schwierig. Eine bestmöglich gesicherte Diagnose ist für den Patienten für die Lebensplanung und die Abklärung der Möglichkeit einer frühzeitigen zielgerichteten Therapie wesentlich.

Fragestellung

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, ein besseres Bild des Patientenweges bis zur finalen Diagnosestellung nachzuzeichnen. Dies sollte dazu dienen, mögliche Schwachstellen in der Diagnostik und Versorgung aufzudecken und Verbesserungspotenziale insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Nutzung genetischer Diagnostik aufzuzeigen.

Material und Methoden

Die Daten wurden mittels Umfragebögen und Online-Interviews von der Selbsthilfevereinigung PRO RETINA Deutschland e. V. unter Patienten mit erblichen Netzhautdystrophien erhoben. Daten wurden mittels deskriptiver Statistik ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Im Zeitraum vom 15.03. bis zum 22.04.2021 wurden 183 Umfragebögen ausgefüllt und 42 Online-Interviews durchgeführt. Die Umfragepopulation bestand aus 48 % weiblichen Teilnehmern, das Durchschnittsalter betrug 55 Jahre, erste Symptome traten im Schnitt im Alter von 22 Jahren auf. Von den ersten Symptomen bis zur finalen Diagnose vergingen etwa 14 Jahre. Lediglich 66 % der Befragten gaben an, dass mindestens 1 Gentest bei Ihnen durchgeführt wurde; weniger als die Hälfte (47 %) erhielt eine humangenetische Beratung. Die überwiegende Mehrheit (85 %) würde eine Gentherapie erwägen.

Schlussfolgerung

Aus der Patientenperspektive sind eine Verkürzung des Diagnoseweges, das Angebot einer molekulargenetischen Diagnostik sowie einer humangenetischen Beratung wesentlich für die Verbesserung der Versorgung von Patienten mit erblichen Netzhautdystrophien.
Capsule aerodynamics and shock-wave boundary layer interaction (SBLI) in supersonic and transonic flow
Authors: Gawehn Thomas , Schleutker Thorn , Gülhan Ali
Published: March 2022

Static force and moment measurements are performed on the MarcoPolo-R aero shape in the trisonic wind tunnel TMK. The static stability behaviour of the capsule is characterized in the Mach number range $$0.5\le M\le 3.5$$

0.5
≤
M
≤
3.5

reproducing the Mach and Reynolds conditions of the flight trajectory in the supersonic regime. An aerodynamic database is built based on the experimental results. The flow structure around the capsule is visualised in supersonic tests by means of schlieren imaging. Under certain conditions, development of a complex shock system on the leeward side of the inclined capsule is observed. Oil film technique is used to visualise boundary layer phenomena in connection to this shock system. Numerical simulations with the DLR TAU code are performed to support the interpretation of the flow phenomena under these conditions.

Graphical abstract

Schlieren imaging visualisation of density gradients in supersonic flow. Depending on the test conditions and angle of incidence, a complex shock system is observed on the leeward side of the inclined capsule. Analysis of the shock structure and its impact on aerodynamic coefficients is one subject of the present investigation.
Health services in older psoriasis patients before and after nursing home admission
Authors: Petersen Jana , Garbe Claudia , Wolf Sandra , Stephan Brigitte , Augustin Matthias , Hagenström Kristina
Published: March 2022

Background and objective

Demographic change confers significance to healthcare management of chronic diseases like psoriasis. There are few studies on the care of older people with psoriasis, particularly for the nursing home setting. It was investigated whether the number of psoriasis patients with specialist contact changes before vs. after nursing home admission.

Material and methods

We analyzed claims data of a German health insurance company including a cohort of newly admitted nursing home residents aged 65 years and older between 2011 and 2014, who received a diagnosis of psoriasis 1 year before nursing home admission. Outpatient care was compared between the years before vs. after nursing home admission. We conducted a multivariate regression analysis for identifying predictors for dermatological care.

Results

The study cohort included 718 insured persons (Ø83 years). Proportion of patients who had contact to a dermatologist significantly decreased after nursing home entry (44.6% before vs. 40.1% after nursing home entry). Strongest predictors for dermatological care after entry were a previously existing dermatological contact (odds ratio, OR 3.87, 95% confidence interval, CI 2.70–5.54) and prescription for topical steroids (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.14–2.28).

Conclusion

The analysis of health insurance data showed a pertinent decrease in the use of outpatient dermatological care after institutionalization. The evaluation of the adequacy of care is difficult due to the used database without clinical information. As long as no further investigations of this vulnerable patient group are available, the care of psoriasis patients of old age should be closely monitored. Dermatological knowledge of the skin in old age is an essential prerequisite for this.
Coronary artery disease, left ventricular function and cardiac biomarkers determine all-cause mortality in cancer patients—a large monocenter cohort study
Authors: Finke Daniel , Heckmann Markus B. , Wilhelm Susanna , Entenmann Lukas , Hund Hauke , Bougatf Nina , Katus Hugo A. , Frey Norbert , Lehmann Lorenz H.
Published: March 2022

Cancer patients are at risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Nevertheless, the impact of cardiovascular comorbidity on all-cause mortality (ACM) in large clinical cohorts is not well investigated. In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data from 40,329 patients who were subjected to cardiac catherization from 01/2006 to 12/2017 at University Hospital Heidelberg. The study population included 3666 patients with a diagnosis of cancer prior to catherization and 3666 propensity-score matched non-cancer patients according to age, gender, diabetes and hypertension. 5-year ACM in cancer patients was higher with a reduced left ventricular function (LVEF < 50%; 68.0% vs 50.9%) or cardiac biomarker elevation (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT; 64.6% vs 44.6%) and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP; 62.9% vs 41.4%) compared to cancer patients without cardiac risk. Compared to non-cancer patients, NT-proBNP was found to be significantly higher (median NT-proBNP cancer: 881 ng/L, IQR [254; 3983 ng/L] vs non-cancer: 668 ng/L, IQR [179; 2704 ng/L]; p < 0.001, Wilcoxon-rank sum test) and turned out to predict ACM more accurately than hs-cTnT (NT-proBNP: AUC: 0.74; hs-cTnT: AUC: 0.63; p < 0.001, DeLong’s test) in cancer patients. Risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as diabetes and age (> 65 years) were significant predictors for increased ACM in cancer patients in a multivariate analysis (OR diabetes: 1.96 (1.39–2.75); p < 0.001; OR age > 65 years: 2.95 (1.68–5.4); p < 0.001, logistic regression). Our data support the notion, that overall outcome in cancer patients who underwent cardiac catherization depends on cardiovascular comorbidities. Therefore, particularly cancer patients may benefit from standardized cardiac care.

Graphical abstract
Associations between dietary patterns, FTO genotype and obesity in adults from seven European countries
Authors: Livingstone Katherine M. , Brayner Barbara , Celis-Morales Carlos , Moschonis George , Manios Yannis , Traczyk Iwona , Drevon Christian A. , Daniel Hannelore , Saris Wim H. M. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Gibney Mike , Gibney Eileen R. , Brennan Lorraine , Martinez J. Alfredo , Mathers John C.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

High-fat and low-fibre discretionary food intake and FTO genotype are each associated independently with higher risk of obesity. However, few studies have investigated links between obesity and dietary patterns based on discretionary food intake, and the interaction effect of FTO genotype are unknown. Thus, this study aimed to derive dietary patterns based on intake of discretionary foods, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and fibre, and examine cross-sectional associations with BMI and waist circumference (WC), and interaction effects of FTO genotype.

Methods

Baseline data on 1280 adults from seven European countries were included (the Food4Me study). Dietary intake was estimated from a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Reduced rank regression was used to derive three dietary patterns using response variables of discretionary foods, SFA and fibre density. DNA was extracted from buccal swabs. Anthropometrics were self-measured. Linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between dietary patterns and BMI and WC, with an interaction for FTO genotype.

Results

Dietary pattern 1 (positively correlated with discretionary foods and SFA, and inversely correlated with fibre) was associated with higher BMI (β:0.64; 95% CI 0.44, 0.84) and WC (β:1.58; 95% CI 1.08, 2.07). There was limited evidence dietary pattern 2 (positively correlated with discretionary foods and SFA) and dietary pattern 3 (positively correlated with SFA and fibre) were associated with anthropometrics. FTO risk genotype was associated with higher BMI and WC, with no evidence of a dietary interaction.

Conclusions

Consuming a dietary pattern low in discretionary foods and high-SFA and low-fibre foods is likely to be important for maintaining a healthy weight, regardless of FTO predisposition to obesity.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01530139. Registered 9 February 2012 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01530139
The use of photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER trial)
Authors: Joy Lodewijckx , Jolien Robijns , Marithé Claes , Stijn Evens , Laura Swinnen , Hilde Lenders , Sandra Bortels , Wendy Nassen , Ruth Hilkens , Liesbeth Raymakers , Sylvana Snoekx , Sylvia Hermans , Jeroen Mebis
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer patients.

Methods

A prospective, randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER) was set up with 32 breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03391271). Patients were randomized to receive PBM (n = 16) or placebo treatments (n = 16) (2 × /week) during their chemotherapy. The modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), Numeric pain Rating Scale (NRS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group Taxane (FACT/GOG-Taxane) were used to evaluate the severity of CIPN and the patients’ quality of life (QoL). Outcome measures were collected at the first chemotherapy session, 6 weeks after initiation of chemotherapy, at the final chemotherapy session, and 3 weeks after the end of chemotherapy (follow-up).

Results

The mTNS score increased significantly over time in both the control and the PBM group. A significantly higher score for FACT/GOG-Taxane was observed in the PBM group during chemotherapy compared to the control group. Questions of the FACT/GOG-Taxane related to sensory peripheral neuropathy symptoms showed a significant increase in severeness over time in the control group, whereas they remained constant in the PBM group. At follow-up, a (borderline) significant difference was observed between both groups for the 6MWT and patients’ pain level, in benefit of the PBM group.

Conclusions

This NEUROLASER trial shows promising results concerning the prevention of CIPN with PBM in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, a better QoL was observed when treated with PBM.
Improvement in disease activity among patients with rheumatoid arthritis who switched from intravenous infliximab to intravenous golimumab in the ACR RISE registry
Authors: Tesser John , Lin Iris , Shiff Natalie J. , Chakravarty Soumya D. , Schmajuk Gabriela , Hammam Nevin , Desai Sheetal
Published: March 2022

Infliximab and golimumab are intravenously (IV) administered tumor necrosis factor inhibitors approved to treat moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with concomitant methotrexate. Owing to differences in biologic construct, patients with IV-infliximab treatment failure may benefit from switching to IV-golimumab. Utilizing the ACR’s Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE), a large electronic health records registry based in the USA, we assessed RA disease activity in patients switching from IV-infliximab to IV-golimumab. This retrospective, longitudinal, single-arm study included adults (≥ 18 years) with ≥ 1 RA diagnosis code between 2014 and 2018 and ≥ 1 IV-infliximab prescription within 6 months of a new IV-golimumab order (index date). Longitudinal assessments of disease activity using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) were calculated in patients continuing IV-golimumab for 6–9- and 9–12-months post-switch. Paired t-tests evaluated significance of mean improvements during the follow-up periods. Most RA patients with disease activity assessments during the 6-month follow-up (N = 100; mean age: 65.3 years; 81% female; 74% white) demonstrated moderate-to-high disease activity (CDAI: 73% [38/52]) at enrollment. On average, patients showed significant improvement in disease activity within 6–9 months of switching; mean CDAI scores improved from 21.3 to 14.1 (p < 0.0001) and were durable through 9–12 months of treatment. Real-world patients with moderate-to-high disease activity who switched from IV-infliximab to IV-golimumab demonstrated significant and sustained improvements post-switch as measured by the CDAI.

Key Points• This study used real-world data from the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry to evaluate the efficacy of directly switching from intravenous (IV)-infliximab to IV-golimumab to control rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity.• Most IV-infliximab patients had moderate-to-high disease activity at the time of the switch.• On average, IV-golimumab was effective in improving RA disease activity after switching from IV-infliximab as measured by the Clinical Disease Activity Index.• These data suggest that real-world RA patients with persistent symptoms despite treatment with IV-infliximab may realize improved disease control with a switch to IV-golimumab.
The Reflection Principle in the Control Problem of the Heat Equation
Authors: Egidi Michela , Seelmann Albrecht
Published: March 2022

We consider the control problem for the generalized heat equation for a Schrödinger operator on a domain with a reflection symmetry with respect to a hyperplane. We show that if this system is null-controllable, then so is the system on its respective parts and the corresponding control cost does not exceed the one on the whole domain. As an application, we obtain null-controllability results for the heat equation on half-spaces, orthants, and sectors of angle π/2n. As a byproduct, we also obtain explicit control cost bounds for the heat equation on certain triangles and corresponding prisms in terms of geometric parameters of the control set.
From aesthetics to ethics: Testing the link between an emotional experience of awe and the motive of quixoteism on (un)ethical behavior
Authors: Villar Sergio , Carrera Pilar , Oceja Luis
Published: March 2022

According to the awe-quixoteism hypothesis, one experience of awe may lead to the engagement in challenging actions aimed at increasing the welfare of the world. However, what if the action involves damaging one individual? Across four experiments (N = 876), half participants were induced to feel either awe or a different (pleasant, activating, or neutral-control) emotion, and then decided whether achieving a prosocial goal (local vs. global). In the first three experiments this decision was assessed through a dilemma that involved to sacrifice one individual’s life, additionally in Experiments 2 and 3 we varied the quality of the action (ordinary vs. challenging). In Experiment 4, participants decided whether performing a real helping action. Overall, in line with the awe-quixoteism hypothesis, the results showed that previously inducing awe enhanced the willingness to sacrifice someone (Experiments 1, 2 and 3) or the acceptance to help (Experiment 4) when the decision involved engaging in challenges aimed at improving the welfare of the world.
Early-growth results within a Eucalyptus globulus breeding population suggest limited scope for selection focused on CO2 responsiveness
Authors: Brookhouse Matthew Theodore , Bush David , Ivkovich Milos , Busch Florian , Farquhar Graham Douglas , Pinkard Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Increasing [CO2] may influence commercial crop and timber yield. While selection of genotypes sensitive to elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]) appears possible in agricultural crops, there is limited evidence for genotype-by-CO2 (G × CO2) interactions in commercial tree species. We examined [CO2] responsiveness in 124 open-pollinated Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus (E. globulus) families with the aim of assessing whether G × CO2 interactions are detectable in seedlings for early-age screening. Plants were grown in ambient (a[CO2]; ~ 405 μmol mol−1) and e[CO2] (640 μmol mol−1) and harvested 25 days after germination. Total, shoot, and root dry weights were determined for each plant. Carbon isotopic discrimination against 13C (Δ13C) was determined at the family level. We observed highly significant (p < 0.0001) increases in mean total, shoot, and root dry weights. Mixed-model equations were used to estimate the main and interaction effects of the G × CO2 for each mass trait. The main effects from the mixed-model output ([CO2] and individual-tree effects) were significant for all traits. However, [CO2]-by-individual tree interactions were non-significant for all traits, indicating little G × CO2 interaction. A secondary aim was to examine the correlation between greenhouse and mature-age growth from breeding trials that use common families conducted under ambient [CO2]. These correlations were non-significant, suggesting early growth is not necessarily indicative of later-age responses. Our results suggest that while early growth of E. globulus is enhanced under e[CO2], genotypes respond relatively uniformly to e[CO2] and little opportunity exists for seedling-based selection at the population level based upon the response of plants during the first weeks of growth.
Adaptable scaffolding of mathematical argumentation skills: The role of self-regulation when scaffolded with CSCL scripts and heuristic worked examples
Authors: Vogel Freydis , Kollar Ingo , Fischer Frank , Reiss Kristina , Ufer Stefan
Published: March 2022

Collaboration scripts and heuristic worked examples have been described as powerful scaffolds to support skill acquisition in CSCL. While CSCL scripts particularly facilitate argumentative discourse within groups, heuristic worked examples provide heuristics and worked out pathways to solve domain-specific tasks. Yet, both scripts and heuristic worked examples are often designed in a one-size-fits-all fashion. Granting learners the opportunity to adapt these scaffolds to their self-perceived needs might be a way to further enhance their effects. We tested this assumption in two experiments. In experiment 1, we compared the effects of learning with adaptable and non-adaptable CSCL scripts. In experiment 2, we compared the effects of learning with adaptable and non-adaptable heuristic worked examples. University students (N = 167) learned repeatedly in pairs with either adaptable or non-adaptable scaffolding in the context of mathematical conjecture problems. Results show that adaptable CSCL scripts were partly helpful for students with higher levels of self-regulation skills. Non-adaptable maximal scaffolding supported learning of distinctive skill components. Social-discursive components were best facilitated by maximal heuristic worked examples through content knowledge scaffolds. In contrast, CSCL scripts best facilitated domain-specific skill components by scaffolding learners’ engagement in social discourse about domain knowledge. The study provides recommendations for designing adaptable scaffolding by taking into account the relation between the targeted skill component and the activities scaffolded in the learning process. We suggest conducting future studies on adaptable scaffolding with a focus on supporting learning regulation and group awareness to improve learners’ success in CSCL environments.
Micro-segmental hair analysis: detailed procedures and applications in forensic toxicology
Authors: Kuwayama Kenji , Miyaguchi Hajime , Kanamori Tatsuyuki , Tsujikawa Kenji , Yamamuro Tadashi , Segawa Hiroki , Okada Yuki , Iwata Yuko T.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Since the 1980s, the detection sensitivity of mass spectrometers has increased by improving the analysis of drugs in hair. Accordingly, the number of hair strands required for the analysis has decreased. The length of the hair segment used in the analysis has also shortened. In 2016, micro-segmental hair analysis (MSA), which cuts a single hair strand at a 0.4-mm interval corresponding to a hair growth length of approximately one day, was developed. The advantage of MSA is that the analytical results provide powerful evidence of drug use in the investigation of drug-related crimes and detailed information about the mechanism of drug uptake into hair. This review article focuses on the MSA technique and its applications in forensic toxicology.

Methods

Multiple databases, such as SciFinder, PubMed, and Google, were utilized to collect relevant reports referring to MSA and drug analysis in hair. The experiences of our research group on the MSA were also included in this review.

Results

The analytical results provide a detailed drug distribution profile in a hair strand, which is useful for examining the mechanism of drug uptake into hair in detail. Additionally, the analytical method has been used for various scenarios in forensic toxicology, such as the estimation of days of drug consumption and death.

Conclusions

The detailed procedures are summarized so that beginners can use the analytical method in their laboratories. Moreover, some application examples are presented, and the limitations of the current analytical method and future perspectives are described.
Trajectories of cognitive symptoms and associated factors in cancer survivors after return to work: an 18-month longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Ehrenstein Johanna K. , van Zon Sander K. R. , Duijts Saskia F. A. , Stewart Roy E. , Almansa Josué , Amick Benjamin C. , Schagen Sanne B. , Bültmann Ute
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Cognitive symptoms affect cancer survivors’ functioning at work. To date, cognitive symptoms trajectories in working cancer survivors and the factors associated with these trajectories have not been examined.

Methods

Data from a heterogeneous group of working cancer survivors (n = 379) of the longitudinal “Work-Life-after-Cancer” study, linked with Netherlands Cancer Registry data, were used. The Cognitive Symptom Checklist-Work was administered at baseline (within the first 3 months after return to work), 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up to measure self-perceived memory and executive function symptoms. Data were analyzed using group-based trajectory modeling.

Results

Four trajectories of memory and executive function symptoms were identified. All memory symptoms trajectories were stable and labeled as “stable-high” (15.3% of the sample), “stable-moderately high” (39.6%), “stable-moderately low” (32.0%), and “stable-low” (13.0%). Executive function symptoms trajectories changed over time and were labeled as “increasing-high” (10.1%), “stable-moderately high” (32.0%), “decreasing-moderately low” (35.5%), and “stable-low” (22.4%). Higher symptoms trajectories were associated with older age, longer time from diagnosis to return to work, more quantitative work demands, and higher levels of depressive symptoms at baseline.

Conclusions

In cancer survivors who returned to work, four cognitive symptoms trajectory subgroups were identified, representing different but relatively stable severity levels of cognitive symptoms.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

To identify cancer survivors with higher symptoms trajectories, health care providers should assess cognitive symptoms at baseline after return to work. In case of cognitive symptoms, it is important to also screen for psychological factors to provide appropriate guidance.
Die Bayerische Kinderschutzambulanz
Authors: Dittmann-Wolf Aline , Raabe Sarah , Seckinger Mike
Published: March 2022

Die Evaluation der Bayerischen Kinderschutzambulanz hat gezeigt, dass eine landesweite Beratungsstelle Sensibilität und Handlungssicherheit auf ärztlicher Seite verbessern hilft, für Jugendämter eine wichtige Anlaufstelle ist und einen Beitrag zur Vernetzung von Ärzt_innen sowie der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe im Kinderschutz leisten kann. Hilfreich dabei sind ein Aktivitätenprofil, das Beratung und Fortbildung kombiniert sowie das Bestreben, die Beratung sowohl aus einer medizinischen als auch sozialpädagogischen Perspektive durchzuführen.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a rare disease unveiling the diagnosis of EBV-related large B cell lymphoma in a patient with HIV
Authors: Noveihed Alexandra , Liang Shiochee , Glotfelty Joel , Lawrence Ibiyonu
Published: March 2022

Background

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disease resulting from the overactivation of the immune system due to under regulation of cytotoxic lymphocytes, macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. HLH is associated with malignancies, infections, autoimmune disorders and rarely AIDS and is rapidly fatal.

Case presentation

This case report identified a 53 year old male with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who presented with neutropenic fever of unknown origin. He had two previous hospitalizations prior to the hospitalization diagnosing HLH. The first led to a diagnosis of drug fevers in the setting of treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and subsequent hospitalization led to empiric treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia after workup for intermittent fevers was negative. He was discharged but readmitted 10 days after for recurrence of neutropenic fevers. During this final hospitalization, he was found to have elevated liver enzymes, ferritin, triglycerides and soluble IL-2 receptor with persistent fevers, new splenomegaly and bicytopenia meeting the 2004 HLH criteria. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HLH as well as EBV associated large B-cell lymphoma. The patient improved on treatment with steroids, rituximab, tocilizumab, and chemotherapy but ultimately passed away due to refractory septic shock from multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Conclusion

This novel case highlights a patient diagnosed with HLH in the setting of several risk factors for the disease, including AIDS, B-cell lymphoma and EBV. Additionally, this case highlights the importance of early consideration of HLH in the setting of neutropenic fever without clear infectious etiology and search for malignancy associated reasons for HLH especially in immunocompromised patients.
Combining high resolution input and stacking ensemble machine learning algorithms for developing robust groundwater potentiality models in Bisha watershed, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mallick Javed , Talukdar Swapan , Ahmed Mohd.
Published: March 2022

The present research aims to build a unique ensemble model based on a high-resolution groundwater potentiality model (GPM) by merging the random forest (RF) meta classifier-based stacking ensemble machine learning method with high-resolution groundwater conditioning factors in the Bisha watershed, Saudi Arabia. Using high-resolution satellite images and other secondary sources, twenty-one parameters were derived in this study. SVM, ANN, and LR meta-classifiers were used to create the new stacking ensemble machine learning method. RF meta classifiers were used to create the new stacking ensemble machine learning algorithm. Each of these three models was compared to the ensemble model separately. The GPMs were then confirmed using ROC curves, such as the empirical ROC and the binormal ROC, both parametric and non-parametric. Sensitivity analyses of GPM parameters were carried out using an RF-based approach. Predictions were made using six hybrid algorithms and a new hybrid model for the very high (1835–2149 km2) and high groundwater potential (3335–4585 km2) regions. The stacking model (ROCe-AUC: 0.856; ROCb-AUC: 0.921) beat other models based on ROC's area under the curve (AUC). GPM sensitivity study indicated that NDMI, NDVI, slope, distance to water bodies, and flow accumulation were the most sensitive parameters. This work will aid in improving the effectiveness of GPMs in developing sustainable groundwater management plans by utilizing DEM-derived parameters.