bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The orbital evolution of resonant chains of exoplanets incorporating circularisation produced by tidal interaction with the central star with application to the HD 158259 and EPIC 245950175 systems
Authors: Papaloizou J. C. B.
Published: June 2021

We study orbital evolution of multi-planet systems that form a resonant chain, with nearest neighbours close to first order commensurabilities, incorporating orbital circularisation produced by tidal interaction with the central star. We develop a semi-analytic model applicable when the relative proximities to commensurability, though small, are large compared to $$\epsilon ^{2/3},$$

ϵ

2
/
3

,

with $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
being a measure of the characteristic planet to central star mass ratio. This enables determination of forced eccentricities as well as which resonant angles enter libration. When there are no active linked three body Laplace resonances, the rate of evolution of the semi-major axes may also be determined. We perform numerical simulations of the HD 158259 and EPIC 245950175 systems finding that the semi-analytic approach works well in the former case but not so well in the latter case on account of the effects of three active three body Laplace resonances which persist during the evolution. For both systems we estimate that if the tidal parameter, $$Q',$$

Q
′

,

significantly exceeds 1000,  tidal effects are unlikely to have influenced period ratios significantly since formation. On the other hand if $$Q' < \sim 100$$

Q
′

<
∼
100

tidal effects may have produced significant changes including the formation of three body Laplace resonances in the case of the EPIC 245950175 system.
Mitochondrial DNA Heteroplasmy as an Informational Reservoir Dynamically Linked to Metabolic and Immunological Processes Associated with COVID-19 Neurological Disorders
Authors: Stefano George B. , Kream Richard M.
Published: June 2021

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy is the dynamically determined co-expression of wild type (WT) inherited polymorphisms and collective time-dependent somatic mutations within individual mtDNA genomes. The temporal expression and distribution of cell-specific and tissue-specific mtDNA heteroplasmy in healthy individuals may be functionally associated with intracellular mitochondrial signaling pathways and nuclear DNA gene expression. The maintenance of endogenously regulated tissue-specific copy numbers of heteroplasmic mtDNA may represent a sensitive biomarker of homeostasis of mitochondrial dynamics, metabolic integrity, and immune competence. Myeloid cells, monocytes, macrophages, and antigen-presenting dendritic cells undergo programmed changes in mitochondrial metabolism according to innate and adaptive immunological processes. In the central nervous system (CNS), the polarization of activated microglial cells is dependent on strategically programmed changes in mitochondrial function. Therefore, variations in heteroplasmic mtDNA copy numbers may have functional consequences in metabolically competent mitochondria in innate and adaptive immune processes involving the CNS. Recently, altered mitochondrial function has been demonstrated in the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Accordingly, our review is organized to present convergent lines of empirical evidence that potentially link expression of mtDNA heteroplasmy by functionally interactive CNS cell types to the extent and severity of acute and chronic post-COVID-19 neurological disorders.
Cardiooncology—dealing with modern drug treatment, long-term complications, and cancer survivorship
Authors: de Wall Claudia , Bauersachs Johann , Berliner Dominik
Published: June 2021

Modern treatment strategies have improved prognosis and survival of patients with malignant diseases. The key components of tumor treatment are conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Cardiovascular side-effects may occur in the early phase of tumor therapy or even decades later. Therefore, knowledge and awareness of acute and long-lasting cardiac side effects of anti-cancer therapies are essential. Cardiotoxicity impairs quality of life and overall survival. The new cardiologic subspecialty ‘cardio-oncology’ deals with the different cardiovascular problems arising from tumor treatment and the relationship between cancer and heart diseases. Early detection and treatment of cardiotoxicity is of crucial importance. A detailed cardiac assessment of patients prior to administration of cardiotoxic agents, during and after treatment should be performed in all patients. The current review focusses on acute and long-term cardiotoxic side effects of classical cytotoxic and selected modern drug treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and discusses strategies for the diagnosis of treatment-related adverse cardiovascular effects in cancer patients.
A Law and Economics Perspective on the EU Directive on Representative Actions
Authors: Visscher L. , Faure M.
Published: June 2021

This article provides an analysis of the Directive on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers of 25 November 2020. The Directive enables qualified entities to bring representative actions on behalf of the consumer. The article uses a Law and Economics approach to stress the advantages of collective actions as a tool to remedy rational apathy and free-rider behaviour. The article therefore in principle welcomes the fact that this Directive will lead to all Member States having some form of collective redress. However, it is rather difficult to fit this Directive into the economic criteria for centralization as there is no obvious danger of cross-border externalities or a race-to-the-bottom. The article is critical of the fact that the Directive only provides for a representative action and does not mention the alternative of a group action (sometimes referred to as a class action). This is especially problematic if there are very few qualified entities that could bring the representative action. Furthermore, the fact that Member States may choose an opt-in procedure instead of an opt-out procedure is critically evaluated. The most problematic aspect of the Directive is the funding of the representative action. Punitive damages and contingency fees are rejected, and the possibility of third-party funding is restricted. It is therefore to be feared that this Directive, notwithstanding the good intentions, may not lead to much application in practice, since the question of how the representative action is to be financed is not resolved in any satisfactory manner.
Efficacy and safety of TAS-115, a novel oral multi-kinase inhibitor, in osteosarcoma: an expansion cohort of a phase I study
Authors: Kawai Akira , Naka Norifumi , Shimomura Akihiko , Takahashi Shunji , Kitano Shigehisa , Imura Yoshinori , Yonemori Kan , Nakatani Fumihiko , Iwata Shintaro , Kobayashi Eisuke , Outani Hidetatsu , Tamiya Hironari , Naito Yoichi , Yamamoto Noboru , Doi Toshihiko
Published: June 2021

Background osteosarcoma is a rare, primary malignant bone tumour with limited available treatments for advanced or recurrent disease, resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. TAS-115 is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor under investigation in a phase I study in patients with solid tumours. We report data of osteosarcoma patients in the expansion cohort of this ongoing study. Patients and methods an analysis of this multicentre, open-label study was performed 6 months after the final patient was enrolled, and included patients aged ≥15 years, with unresectable or recurrent osteosarcoma, and who had refractory to standard therapy or for whom no standard therapy was available. TAS-115 650 mg/day was orally administered in a 5 days on/2 days off schedule. Results a total of 20 patients with osteosarcoma were enrolled. The most common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were neutrophil count decreased (75%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (50%), and platelet count decreased (50%); 85% of patients had grade ≥ 3 ADRs. Long-term disease control (>1 year) with TAS-115 was achieved in three patients. The best overall response was stable disease (50%); no patient achieved a complete or partial response. Median progression-free survival was 3 months; 4-month and 12-month progression-free rates were 42% and 31%, respectively. Conclusion the safety and tolerability of TAS-115 and long-term disease stability for patients with unresectable or recurrent osteosarcoma were confirmed in this study, suggesting that TAS-115 is a promising novel therapy for advanced osteosarcoma patients. Trial registration number: JapicCTI-132333 (registered on November 8, 2013).
Immune age and biological age as determinants of vaccine responsiveness among elderly populations: the Human Immunomics Initiative research program
Authors: Goudsmit Jaap , van den Biggelaar Anita Huiberdina Johanna , Koudstaal Wouter , Hofman Albert , Koff Wayne Chester , Schenkelberg Theodore , Alter Galit , Mina Michael Joseph , Wu Julia Wei
Published: June 2021

The Human Immunomics Initiative (HII), a joint project between the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Human Vaccines Project (HVP), focuses on studying immunity and the predictability of immuneresponsiveness to vaccines in aging populations. This paper describes the hypotheses and methodological approaches of this new collaborative initiative. Central to our thinking is the idea that predictors of age-related non-communicable diseases are the same as predictors for infectious diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. Fundamental to our approach is to differentiate between chronological, biological and immune age, and to use existing large-scale population cohorts. The latter provide well-typed phenotypic data on individuals’ health status over time, readouts of routine clinical biochemical biomarkers to determine biological age, and bio-banked plasma samples to deep phenotype humoral immune responses as biomarkers of immune age. The first phase of the program involves 1. the exploration of biological age, humoral biomarkers of immune age, and genetics in a large multigenerational cohort, and 2. the subsequent development of models of immunity in relation to health status in a second, prospective cohort of an aging population. In the second phase, vaccine responses and efficacy of licensed COVID-19 vaccines in the presence and absence of influenza-, pneumococcal- and pertussis vaccines routinely offered to elderly, will be studied in older aged participants of prospective population-based cohorts in different geographical locations who will be selected for representing distinct biological and immune ages. The HII research program is aimed at relating vaccine responsiveness to biological and immune age, and identifying aging-related pathways crucial to enhance vaccine effectiveness in aging populations.
Enhancing Social-Emotional Outcomes in Early Years (E-SEE): Randomized Pilot Study of Incredible Years Infant and Toddler Programs
Authors: Blower Sarah L. , Berry Vashti L. , Bursnall Matthew C. , Cohen Judith , Gridley Nicole , Loban Amanda , Mandefield Laura , Mason-Jones Amanda J. , McGilloway Sinéad , McKendrick Kirsty L. , Mitchell Siobhan B. , Pickett Kate E. , Richardson Gerry A. , Teare M. Dawn , Tracey Louise C. , Walker Simon M. , Whittaker Karen A. , Wright Jessica , Bywater Tracey J.
Published: June 2021

Social emotional development in infancy is a predictor of outcomes in later life, yet there is little evidence of effectiveness for parenting interventions designed to enhance social emotional wellbeing in infancy. An 18-month two-arm randomized controlled pilot trial evaluated the feasibility of a definitive trial of Incredible Years (IY) Infant and Toddler parent programs delivered in a proportionate universal model, called Enhancing Social-Emotional Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years (E-SEE) Steps. Intervention families received an IY Babies book (universal dose), followed by the IY Infant and/or the Toddler group-based programs, based on parent depression (PHQ-9) and/or child social emotional development (ASQ:SE-2) scores. Control parents received services as usual. Parents from two English local authorities with a child eight-weeks-old or younger participated, and were block randomized using a web-based system. Primary endpoints for the study were feasibility parameters relating to recruitment, retention, intervention fidelity and appropriateness of measures. 205 participants were randomized (152:53, intervention:control). Our target was 288 parents. Trial retention rate was higher than expected, with a completion rate of 88% (n = 181, 137:44) at follow-up 3; equating to 94% of 192 expected participants. Intervention uptake was lower than expected. Fidelity of delivery was acceptable and measures were deemed appropriate. A definitive trial is feasible with design amendments to include: introduction of a child screener for intervention eligibility; enhanced intervention material; revised sample size and random allocation ratio. Our internal pilot became an external pilot due to these changes.
Microfibrillated cellulose films containing chitosan and tannic acid for wound healing applications
Authors: Aliabadi Meysam , Chee Bor Shin , Matos Mailson , Cortese Yvonne J. , Nugent Michael J. D. , de Lima Tielidy A. M. , Magalhães Washington L. E. , de Lima Gabriel Goetten , Firouzabadi Mohammadreza Dehghani
Published: June 2021

The effectiveness of tannic acid as antimicrobial and wound healing for burns have been shown for a century; however, uncontrolled target dosage may result in undesirable side-effects. Remarkably, tannic acid polyphenols compounds crosslinked with polymeric materials produce a strong composite containing the beneficial properties of this tannin. However, investigation of the crosslink structure and its antibacterial and regenerative properties are still unknown when using nanocellulose by mechanical defibrillation; additionally, due to the potential crosslink structure with chitosan, its structure can be complex. Therefore, this work uses bleach kraft nanocellulose in order to investigate the effect on the physical and regenerative properties when incorporated with chitosan and tannic acid. This film results in increased rigidity with a lamellar structure when incorporated with tannic acid due to its strong hydrogen bonding. The release of tannic acid varied depending on the structure it was synthesised with, whereas with chitosan it presented good release model compared to pure cellulose. In addition, exhibiting similar thermal stability as pure cellulose films with antibacterial properties tested againstS. aureusandE. coliwith good metabolic cellular viability while also inhibiting NF-κB activity, a characteristic of tannic acid.
A review on the origin of nanofibers/nanorods structures and applications
Authors: Naidu K. Chandra Babu , Kumar N. Suresh , Banerjee Prasun , Reddy B. Venkata Shiva
Published: June 2021

In this review work, we highlight the origin of morphological structures such as nanofibers/nanorods in case of various materials in nano as well as bulk form. In addition, a discussion on different cations of different ionic radii and other intrinsic factors is provided. The materials (ceramic titanates, ferrites, hexaferrites, oxides, organic/inorganic composites, etc.,) exhibiting the nanofibers/nanorods like morphological structures are tabulated. Furthermore, the significance of nanofibers/nanorods obtained from distinct materials is elucidated in multiple scientific and technological fields. At the end, the device applications of these morphological species are also described in the current technology.
Effects of ionizing radiation on surface properties of current restorative dental materials
Authors: de Amorim Débora Michelle Gonçalves , Veríssimo Aretha Heitor , Ribeiro Anne Kaline Claudino , de Assunção e Souza Rodrigo Othávio , de Assunção Isauremi Vieira , Caldas Marilia Regalado Galvão Rabelo , Borges Boniek Castillo Dutra
Published: June 2021

To investigate the impact of radiotherapy on surface properties of restorative dental materials. A conventional resin composite—CRC (Aura Enamel), a bulk-fill resin composite—BFRC (Aura Bulk-fill), a conventional glass ionomer cement—CGIC (Riva self cure), and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement—RMGIC (Riva light cure) were tested. Forty disc-shaped samples from each material (8 mm diameter × 2 mm thickness) (n = 10) were produced according to manufacturer directions and then stored in water distilled for 24 h. Surface wettability (water contact angle), Vickers microhardness, and micromorphology through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after exposition to ionizing radiation (60 Gy) were obtained. The data were statistically evaluated using the two-way ANOVA and Tukey posthoc test (p < 0.05). Baseline and post-radiation values of contact angles were statistically similar for CRC, BFRC, and RMGIC, whilst post-radiation values of contact angles were statistically lower than baseline ones for CGIC. Exposition to ionizing radiation statistically increased the microhardness of CRC, and statistically decreased the microhardness of CGIC. The surface micromorphology of all materials was changed post-radiation. Exposure to ionizing radiation negatively affected the conventional glass ionomer tested, while did not alter or improved surface properties testing of the resin composites and the resin-modified glass ionomer cement tested.
Highly absorbent hydrogels comprised from interpenetrated networks of alginate–polyurethane for biomedical applications
Authors: Claudio-Rizo Jesús A. , Escobedo-Estrada Nallely , Carrillo-Cortes Sara L. , Cabrera-Munguía Denis A. , Flores-Guía Tirso E. , Becerra-Rodriguez Juan J.
Published: June 2021

Developing new approaches to improve the swelling, degradation rate, and mechanical properties of alginate hydrogels without compromising their biocompatibility for biomedical applications represents a potential area of research. In this work, the generation of interpenetrated networks (IPN) comprised from alginate–polyurethane in an aqueous medium is proposed to design hydrogels with tailored properties for biomedical applications. Aqueous polyurethane (PU) dispersions can crosslink and interpenetrate alginate chains, forming amide bonds that allow the structure and water absorption capacity of these novel hydrogels to be regulated. In this sense, this work focuses on studying the relation of the PU concentration on the properties of these hydrogels. The results indicate that the crosslinking of the alginate with PU generates IPN hydrogels with a crystalline structure characterized by a homogeneous smooth surface with high capacity to absorb water, tailoring the degradation rate, thermal decomposition, and storage module, not altering the native biocompatibility of alginate, providing character to inhibit the growth of E. coli and increasing also its hemocompatibility. The IPN hydrogels that include 20 wt.% of PU exhibit a reticulation index of 46 ± 4%, swelling capacity of 545 ± 13% at 7 days of incubation at physiological pH, resistance to both acidic and neutral hydrolytic degradation, mechanical improvement of 91 ± 1%, and no cytotoxicity for monocytes and fibroblasts growing for up to 72 h of incubation. These results indicate that these novel hydrogels can be used for successful biomedical applications in the design of wound healing dressings.
Synthesis of sodium silicate-based silica aerogels with graphene oxide by ambient pressure drying
Authors: Cakmak Oznur Kaya , Hassan Khalil T. , Wang Jiabin , Han Xiao , Šiller Lidija
Published: June 2021

Here we study how graphene oxide affects silica aerogels and their physical and mechanical properties by examining volume shrinkage, pore volume, surface area and compressive strength of these composite aerogels. Composite aerogels were made through adding different amount of graphene oxide (GO) to sodium silicate precursor by using ambient pressure drying method. Additionally, the chemical composition of the composite aerogels was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A rougher structure was observed when the GO loading increased and the characteristic peak of GO in XRD disappeared due to the random distribution of GO within the silica matrix. FTIR spectrum of composite aerogels shows that the relative intensity of silanol groups on the silica matrix have downward tendency with the addition of GO. The specific surface area had maxima with the addition of 0.01 wt% GO surface area to 578 m2 /g. The mechanical strength of aerogels was increased, with the loading of GO from 0.0 wt% to 0.2 wt%, and the compressive modulus increased from 0.02 MPa to 0.22 MPa.
India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library and the Politics of Patent Classifications
Authors: Fredriksson Martin
Published: June 2021

This article analyzes India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) as a potential intervention in the administration of patent law. The TKDL is a database including a vast body of traditional medical knowledge from India, aiming to prevent the patenting and misappropriation of that knowledge. This article contextualizes the TKDL in relation to documentation theory as well as to existing research on the uses of databases to protect traditional knowledge. It explores the TKDL’s potential consequences for India’s traditional medical knowledge and the wider implications that traditional knowledge databases can have for the safeguarding of traditional knowledge in general. The article concludes that on the one hand the TKDL bridges the gap between the main branches of Indian traditional medicine and the formal knowledge system of International Patent Classifications. Furthermore, it has also inspired revisions of the International Patent Classification system, which makes it better adapted to incorporate traditional medical knowledge. On the other hand, critical research on traditional knowledge documentation argues that traditional knowledge databases, like the TKDL, can decontextualize the knowledge they catalogue and dispossess its original owners. The TKDL, however, also fits into a national, Indian agenda of documenting and modernizing traditional medicine that predates the formation of the TKDL by several decades and challenges the dichotomy between traditional and scientific knowledge systems that originally motivated the formation of the TKDL.
Upscaling nanoparticle synthesis by sputter deposition in ionic liquids
Authors: Meischein M. , Ludwig A.
Published: June 2021

Upscaling of nanoparticle fabrication by sputtering into an ionic liquid is shown for the example of Cu. Long-time sputtering (24 h) into a large amount (50 mL) of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [Bmim][(Tf)2 N] yields an amount of approximately 1 g Cu nanoparticles (mean spherical diameter (2.6 ± 1.1) nm), stabilized in ionic liquid without agglomerations. Extraction of Cu nanoparticles from the stabilizing ionic liquid was performed with the capping agent hexadecylamine. Extracted particles could be redispersed in other solvents, thus enabling applications of sputtered nanoparticles beyond ionic liquids.
Quantum key distribution with two-way authentication
Authors: Zheng Xiaobo , Zhao Zhiwen
Published: June 2021

Quantum key distribution uses the principle of quantum physics to realize unconditionally secure key distribution protocol. But this kind of security needs to be based on the authenticated classical channel. Although there are quantum key distribution protocols without classical channel, authentication is still needed. In the process of key distribution, authentication is not considered, which is also a problem of quantum key distribution protocol. In this paper, a quantum key distribution protocol with two-way authentication is proposed. Identity authentication is carried out at the same time of key distribution. If the identity authentication fails, the key distribution protocol cannot be carried out. If the key distribution protocol is aborted, the identity authentication is not successful. The conclusion of this paper is based on a central authentication system supported by symmetric encryption theory, which uses pseudo-random functions, multiple sets of quantum conjugate bases and Measurement-device-independent technology to simultaneously achieve two-way authentication and key distribution.
Psychological Predictors of Professional Burnout among Priests, Religious Brothers, and Religious Sisters in Italy: The Dark Triad versus the Bright Trinity?
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Crea Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Drawing on data provided by 287 Catholic priests, religious brothers, and religious sisters from different parts of Italy (130 men and 157 women), this study explored the effect of three dark psychological variables and three bright psychological variables on levels of professional burnout as assessed by the two scales of the Francis Burnout Inventory (emotional exhaustion and satisfaction in ministry). The three dark psychological variables assessed by the Short Dark Triad were Machiavellianism, subclinical narcissism, and subclinical psychopathy. The three bright psychological variables were purpose in life, emotional intelligence, and religious faith. After controlling for personal factors (age and sex) and personality factors (extraversion and emotionality), the data demonstrated that the three bright psychological factors (purpose in life, emotional intelligence, and religious faith) served as independent and cumulative predictors of higher levels of satisfaction in ministry and that the three dark psychological factors had no effect on satisfaction in ministry. Two of the three dark psychological factors (Machiavellianism, and subclinical psychopathy) served as independent and cumulative predictors of higher levels of emotional exhaustion in ministry, and purpose in life served as a predictor of lower levels of emotional exhaustion in ministry.
What is in the name? Content analysis of questionnaires on perceived quality of one’s work life
Authors: Gaucher Renaud , Veenhoven Ruut
Published: June 2021

There is a great demand for information on how workers evaluate the quality of their jobs. In response to this demand, a multitude of questionnaires has been developed, which are presented under different names and stress different aspects of work life. It is therefore difficult to see what questionnaire is best suited to one’s information demand. This problem can be solved by considering the content of the different questionnaires through the same conceptual lens, focussing on the meaning of each of the constituting questions separately. In this paper, we adapted Veenhoven’s conceptualization of qualities of life in general to the work setting, which gave us a matrix of 9 nested notions of perceived quality of a worker’s work life, and then used this matrix to classify the meaning addressed in 12 questionnaires. Some of these questionnaires appear to address a clear meaning, while others cover a mix of meanings. These contents are presented in a tabular overview here to allow users to select the questionnaire the most adapted to their needs. This approach can also be used to develop new questionnaires on perceived quality of work life.
The Influence of Latinisms on the Quality of the Judgments of Polish Courts
Authors: Kowalczyk Joanna
Published: June 2021

This article addresses the issue of linguistic phenomena which, as a legacy of the centuries-old tradition of the Roman Empire, are rooted in Polish jurisdictional texts. The study focused on foreign-language expressions and short texts in Latin, used in judicial decisions. The aim of the study was to determine the function of Latinisms as foreign-language expressions in judicial decisions and how their use influences the communicativeness and persuasiveness of argumentation. During the analysis, it was noticed that Latinisms in jurisdictional texts are used on four levels, including: legal maxims, terminology equivalence, linguistic ornaments and the description of taboo phenomena. On the basis of the identified categories, efforts were made to determine the extent to which Latin strengthens or weakens the power of persuasion of judicial decisions.
Improved single image dehazing methods for resource-constrained platforms
Authors: Yang Gengqian , Evans Adrian N.
Published: June 2021

Image dehazing is an increasingly widespread approach to address the degradation of images of the natural environment by low-visibility weather, dust and other phenomena. Advances in autonomous systems and platforms have increased the need for low-complexity, high-performing dehazing techniques. However, while recent learning-based image dehazing approaches have significantly increased the dehazing performance, this has often been at the expense of complexity and hence the use of prior-based approaches persists, despite their lower performance. This paper addresses both these aspects and focuses on single image dehazing, the most practical class of techniques. A new Dark Channel Prior-based single image dehazing algorithm is presented that has an improved atmospheric light estimation method and a low-complexity morphological reconstruction. In addition, a novel, lightweight end-to-end network is proposed, that avoids information loss and significant computational effort by eliminating the pooling and fully connected layers. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations show that our proposed algorithms are competitive with, or outperform, state-of-the-art techniques with significantly lower complexity, demonstrating their suitability for use in resource-constrained platforms.
Low reproducibility of equivocal categories of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology makes the associated risk of malignancy specific to the diagnostic center
Authors: Słowińska-Klencka Dorota , Klencki Mariusz , Duda-Szymańska Joanna , Szwalski Jarosław , Popowicz Bożena
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Equivocal categories (III, IV, V) of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (BSRTC) are characterized by high variability of the estimated risk of malignancy. The aim of the study was to analyze the reproducibility of classification of nodules into an equivocal category and the frequency of malignancy (FoM) observed in such categories.

Methods

Five experienced cytopathologists from three centers (A, B, C) independently performed reclassification of smears obtained from 213 thyroid nodules with equivocal routine cytology and known results of the postoperative histopathological examination.

Results

The interobserver agreement among all cytopathologists was poor, with a Krippendorff’s alpha coefficient equaling 0.34. The intra-center agreement was higher than the inter-center (fair vs poor). Pathologists of the center A classified smears into categories II and III significantly less often and categories IV and V more often than pathologists of centers B and C. The joint FoM of nodules classified into any of categories IV–VI (regarded as an indication for surgery) was different among centers (A: 40.0%, B: 66.7%, C: 80.6%). The FoM of category III nodules with features of nuclear atypia (AUS) in center B and C was two times higher than that of other nodules of category III (FLUS), while in center A the FoM was similar.

Conclusions

The use of published data on the risk of malignancy in nodules of particular BSRTC categories without concern for the uniqueness of the diagnostic center may lead to erroneous conclusions.
Venous Scenario in India
Authors: Khanna Ajay K. , Kumar Sandeep
Published: June 2021

Varicose veins, venous thrombosis, and other venous diseases are equally prevalent in India as anywhere else in the world. Scientific and epidemiological studies of venous diseases in India are being made but at a slow pace. It requires to be enhanced. To boost such efforts, the Vascular Society of India came into existence in 1995 but little progress has been made in advancing the speciality and care for venous diseases in India. Though Vascular Society of India also deals with the venous component but to be more specific and emphatic the Venous Association of India came into existence. In April 2007, seven surgeons met to create the organization’s bylaws and registered the Venous Association of India in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, with the aim to promote the research and study of venous disease. These initiatives have recruited many surgeons looking into new vistas of sub or super specialization to join in the folds of Venous Association of India. These efforts have surely shown some results. As, several Indian authors have published books on venous diseases.
Bio-Nanocarriers for Lung Cancer Management: Befriending the Barriers
Authors: Rawal Shruti , Patel Mayur
Published: June 2021

Lung cancer is a complex thoracic malignancy developing consequential to aberrations in a myriad of molecular and biomolecular signaling pathways. It is one of the most lethal forms of cancers accounting to almost 1.8 million new annual incidences, bearing overall mortality to incidence ratio of 0.87. The dismal prognostic scenario at advanced stages of the disease and metastatic/resistant tumor cell populations stresses the requisite of advanced translational interdisciplinary interventions such as bionanotechnology. This review article deliberates insights and apprehensions on the recent prologue of nanobioengineering and bionanotechnology as an approach for the clinical management of lung cancer. The role of nanobioengineered (bio-nano) tools like bio-nanocarriers and nanobiodevices in secondary prophylaxis, diagnosis, therapeutics, and theranostics for lung cancer management has been discussed. Bioengineered, bioinspired, and biomimetic bio-nanotools of considerate translational value have been reviewed. Perspectives on existent oncostrategies, their critical comparison with bio-nanocarriers, and issues hampering their clinical bench side to bed transformation have also been summarized.
The association between beta-blocker therapy and daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Meszaros Martina , Mathioudakis Alexander G. , Xanthoudaki Maria , Sircu Victoria , Nena Evangelia , Vestbo Jørgen , Corlateanu Alexandru , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Bikov Andras
Published: June 2021

Daytime sleepiness is a cardinal symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and a well-recognised side effect of beta-blockers, therefore patients with OSA under this treatment may have worse sleepiness. However, the interaction between daytime sleepiness and beta-blockers use has not been thoroughly investigated in patients with OSA before. We analysed the data of 2183 individuals (1852 patients with OSA and 331 snorer controls) from 3 countries (Greece, Hungary and Moldova). Medical history, including medication usage and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were recorded. Patients and controls were divided into somnolent (ESS ≥ 11) and non-somnolent (ESS < 11) groups, and the association between-blocker use with the somnolent group was investigated with multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders. Sensitivity analyses were performed in each cohort, in the severity subgroups, in patients who did not take statins and in those who had polysomnography as a diagnostic test. There was no relationship between beta-blocker usage and the somnolent OSA (p = 0.24) or control (p = 0.64) groups. These results were similar in sensitivity analyses (all p > 0.05). ESS was related to BMI (ρ = 0.25), total sleep time (ρ = 0.07), AHI (ρ = 0.32), oxygen desaturation index (ρ = 0.33) and minimum oxygen saturation (ρ =  – 0.32, all p < 0.05) in OSA, and was higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes and cerebro/cardiovascular disease and those who took statins (all p < 0.05). In general, beta-blockers are not associated with increased daytime sleepiness in OSA. Thus, the diagnosis of OSA should not discourage initiation of beta-blocker treatment, if it is clinically indicated.
Street context of various demographic groups in their daily mobility
Authors: Salgado Ariel , Li Weixin , Alhasoun Fahad , Caridi Inés , Gonzalez Marta
Published: June 2021

We present an urban science framework to characterize phone users’ exposure to different street context types based on network science, geographical information systems (GIS), daily individual trajectories, and street imagery. We consider street context as the inferred usage of the street, based on its buildings and construction, categorized in nine possible labels. The labels define whether the street is residential, commercial or downtown, throughway or not, and other special categories. We apply the analysis to the City of Boston, considering daily trajectories synthetically generated with a model based on call detail records (CDR) and images from Google Street View. Images are categorized both manually and using artificial intelligence (AI). We focus on the city’s four main racial/ethnic demographic groups (White, Black, Hispanic and Asian), aiming to characterize the differences in what these groups of people see during their daily activities. Based on daily trajectories, we reconstruct most common paths over the street network. We use street demand (number of times a street is included in a trajectory) to detect each group’s most relevant streets and regions. Based on their street demand, we measure the street context distribution for each group. The inclusion of images allows us to quantitatively measure the prevalence of each context and points to qualitative differences on where that context takes place. Other AI methodologies can further exploit these differences. This approach presents the building blocks to further studies that relate mobile devices’ dynamic records with the differences in urban exposure by demographic groups. The addition of AI-based image analysis to street demand can power up the capabilities of urban planning methodologies, compare multiple cities under a unified framework, and reduce the crudeness of GIS-only mobility analysis. Shortening the gap between big data-driven analysis and traditional human classification analysis can help build smarter and more equal cities while reducing the efforts necessary to study a city’s characteristics.
Simple method for identifying interdependencies in service delivery in critical infrastructure networks
Authors: Schweikert A. E. , L’Her G. F. , Deinert M. R.
Published: June 2021

Critical infrastructure failures from natural hazard events affect the economic and social well-being of communities. This is particularly true in lower income countries, where infrastructure may be less resistant to natural hazards and disaster recovery is often limited by available resources. The interconnectivity of these systems can strongly affect the services they deliver, and the failure of one infrastructure system can result in cascade failures with wide-reaching consequences. Unfortunately, interconnectivity has been particularly difficult to measure. We present a method for identifying service-oriented interdependencies in interconnected networks. The approach uses well-established methods for network analysis and is demonstrated for healthcare services in the Commonwealth of Dominica, a small island state in the Caribbean. We show that critical links in road networks necessary for healthcare service delivery are important for more than just patient access to a facility, but also on the supply chains that enable the hospitals to function (e.g., water, fuel, medicine). Once identified, the critical links can be overlaid with known hazard vulnerabilities to identify the infrastructure segments of highest priority, based on the risk and consequences of failure. An advantage of the approach presented is that it requires relatively little input data when compared to many network prioritization models and can be run using open-source geospatial data such as OpenStreetMap. The method can be expanded beyond road networks to assess the service-oriented criticality of any infrastructure network.
Oxidative formation of bis-N-methylquinolinone from anti-head-to-head N-methylquinolinone cyclodimer
Authors: Bieniek Nikolai , Haas Christian P. , Tallarek Ulrich , Hampp Norbert
Published: June 2021

The light-driven formation and cleavage of cyclobutane structural motifs resulting from [2 + 2]-pericyclic reactions, as found in thymine and coumarin-type systems, is an important and intensively studied photochemical reaction. Various applications are reported utilizing these systems, among others, in cross-linked polymers, light-triggered drug release, or other technical applications. Herein coumarin is most frequently used as the photoactive group. Quite often, a poor quantum yield for dimerization and cyclobutane-cleavage and a lack of reversibility are described. In this work, we present the identification of a heterogeneous pathway of dimer cleavage found in a rarely studied coumarin analog molecule, the N-methyl-quinolinone (NMQ). The monomer was irradiated in a tube flow-reactor and the reaction process was monitored using online HPLC measurements. We found the formation of a pseudo-equilibrium between monomeric and dimeric NMQ and a continuous rise of a side product via oxidative dimer splitting and proton elimination which was identified as 3,3’-bis-NMQ. Oxidative conversion by singlet oxygen was identified to be the cause of this non-conventional cyclobutane cleavage. The addition of antioxidants suppressing singlet oxygen enables achieving a 100% photochemical conversion from NMQ to the anti-head-to-head-NMQ-dimer. Using dissolved oxygen upon light activation to singlet oxygen limits the reversibility of the photochemical [2 + 2]-cycloaddition and cycloreversion of NMQ and most likely comparable systems. Based on these findings, the development of highly efficient cycloaddition–cycloreversion systems should be enabled.
Formalising trade-offs beyond algorithmic fairness: lessons from ethical philosophy and welfare economics
Authors: Lee Michelle Seng Ah , Floridi Luciano , Singh Jatinder
Published: June 2021

There is growing concern that decision-making informed by machine learning (ML) algorithms may unfairly discriminate based on personal demographic attributes, such as race and gender. Scholars have responded by introducing numerous mathematical definitions of fairness to test the algorithm, many of which are in conflict with one another. However, these reductionist representations of fairness often bear little resemblance to real-life fairness considerations, which in practice are highly contextual. Moreover, fairness metrics tend to be implemented within narrow and targeted fairness toolkits for algorithm assessments that are difficult to integrate into an algorithm’s broader ethical assessment. In this paper, we derive lessons from ethical philosophy and welfare economics as they relate to the contextual factors relevant for fairness. In particular we highlight the debate around the acceptability of particular inequalities and the inextricable links between fairness, welfare and autonomy. We propose Key Ethics Indicators (KEIs) as a way towards providing a more holistic understanding of whether or not an algorithm is aligned to the decision-maker’s ethical values.
Greater adolescent tiredness is related to more emotional arousal during a hyperventilation task: An area under the curve approach
Authors: Campbell Rebecca L. , Cloutier Renee , Bynion Teah Marie , Nguyen Annamarie , Blumenthal Heidemarie , Feldner Matthew T. , Leen‐Feldner Ellen W.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Approximately 36% of adolescents report sleep problems (Crowley et al., 2018). Understanding the relation between sleep and emotional experience is crucial in understanding the high incidence of mental health concerns during adolescence. The current study sought to expand understanding in the area by testing the hypothesis that baseline tiredness ratings would predict greater emotional arousal and negative valence across the course of emotional response elicited by a voluntary hyperventilation procedure.

Methods

A community sample of 110 youth (10–18 years; 47.8% girls) provided baseline tiredness ratings and ratings of emotional valence and arousal, 2 min before, immediately after, and 3 min after a hyperventilation task. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using the repeated measures of valence and arousal, and correlations between the response curves and baseline tiredness were examined.

Results and conclusions

Findings indicated baseline tiredness was positively associated with AUC arousal (r = 0.23), but not valence. This suggests daytime tiredness is associated with the degree of emotional arousal elicited by a psychobiological stressor. By extension, adolescents may experience more arousing emotional reactions when tired, and thus the common sleep deprivation observed during this developmental period may increase risk for mental health problems associated with elevated emotional reactivity.
Training pediatric residents in point-of-care ultrasound
Authors: Jamil Syed Furrukh , Rajendram Rajkumar
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

The use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCU) is increasing globally. However, owing to the epidemiology of diseases and local management strategies, POCU may not be universally applicable. Before developing a POCU training program, because of limited resources for medical education, it was pivotal to conduct a needs assessment and identify the training barriers.

Methods:

This study used a validated paper questionnaire. The survey instrument was distributed to 120 pediatric residents (male 60, female 60) training at our institution to assess their self-reported level of skill in POCU, and their perceptions with regard to the applicability of POCU, measured with a 5-point Likert scale. The skills deficit was measured by subtracting the self-reported level of skills in lung, car-diac, and abdominal POCU from the perceived applicability of POCU.

Results:

Fifty-nine residents participated, resulting in a response rate of 50 and 48% (n = 29) for the male group, and 50% (n = 30) for the female group. The level of knowledge and proficiency was low. Scanning for free abdominal fluid was deemed the most applicable (mean 4.2 ± SD 1.1); however, the use of POCU to detect consolidation was considered least applicable (mean 2.7 ± SD 1.3). The skills deficit was highest for an abdominal POCU (mean 2.4 ± SD 1.6) and lowest for lung ultrasound (mean 1.4 ± SD 1.6). Although the majority (n = 48) agreed that this skill was essential, 3 (5%) had no interest, and 39% (n = 23) indicated a lack of time to acquire the skill.

Conclusions:

Though pediatric residents in Saudi Arabia agree that POCU is an essential skill, large skill deficits exist, supporting the necessity to provide POCU training. However, there are several barriers to overcome to achieve this.