bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety, biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [123I]ioflupane in healthy Chinese volunteers
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Yue , Wang Jin , Li Xiang , Li Biao
Published: April 2023

Background

[123I]ioflupane is a radiopharmaceutical used to visualise the dopaminergic neuron terminals in the striata, to aid in the differential diagnosis among Parkinsonian syndromes (e.g., Parkinson’s disease). However, nearly all of the subjects in the initial development studies of [123I]ioflupane were Caucasian.

Methods

8 Chinese healthy volunteers (HVs) received a single 111 MBq ± 10% dose of [123I]ioflupane and had simultaneous whole-body (head to mid-thigh) anterior and posterior planar scintigraphy scans at 10 min and 1, 2, 4, 5, 24, and 48 h. To estimate biodistribution, dosimetry was evaluated for the Cristy–Eckerman female and hermaphrodite male phantoms. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of the brain were acquired at 3 and 6 h after injection. Blood samples and all voided urine were collected for 48 h for pharmacokinetic analysis. The results were then compared with those of a similar European study.

Results

There were strong similarities in uptake and biodistribution between the Chinese and European studies. Excretion was primarily renal, and the values were similar for the first 5 h but diverged after that, possibly because of differences in subjects’ height and weight. Tracer uptake in regions of interest in the brain was stable over the imaging window of 3 to 6 h. The difference in mean effective dose for Chinese HVs vs European HVs (0.028 ± 0.00448 vs 0.023 ± 0.00152 mSv/MBq) was not clinically significant. The [123I]ioflupane was well tolerated.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that a single 111 MBq ± 10% dose of [123I]ioflupane injection was safe and well tolerated, and the SPECT imaging window of 3 to 6 h after injection of [123I]ioflupane was appropriate in Chinese subjects.

Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04564092.
Proof of concept for multiplex detection of antibodies against Chlamydia species in chicken serum using a bead-based suspension array with peptides as antigens
Authors: van der Wal Fimme J. , Achterberg René P. , van der Goot Jeanet A. , Dinkla Annemieke , Bossers-de Vries Ruth , van Solt-Smits Conny , Bossers Alex , Heijne Marloes
Published: April 2023

The available differentiating tests for Chlamydia are based on detection of genetic material and only give information about the actual infection status, but reveal nothing of past infections. As the use of serological methods increases the window of detection, the goal of this study was to investigate if it is possible to develop a differentiating serological test for antibodies against Chlamydia species in chicken sera. Focus was on C. psittaci, C. gallinacea, and two closely related species, i.e. C. abortus and C. avium. To enable differentiating serology, a bead-based Luminex suspension array was constructed, using peptides as antigens, derived from known immunoreactive Chlamydia proteins. For the majority of these peptides, species-specific seroreactivity in mammalian sera has been reported in literature. The suspension array correctly identified antibodies against various Chlamydia species in sera from experimentally infected mice, and was also able to differentiate between antibodies against C. psittaci and C. gallinacea in sera from experimentally infected chickens. In field sera, signals were difficult to interpret as insufficient sera from experimentally infected chickens were available for evaluating the seroreactivity of all peptides. Nevertheless, results of the suspension array with field sera are supported by published data on the occurrence of C. gallinacea in Dutch layers, thereby demonstrating the proof of concept of multiplex serology for Chlamydial species in poultry.
RNF20 is required for male fertility through regulation of H2B ubiquitination in the Sertoli cells
Authors: Lai Fengling , Wang Haoyu , Zhao Xinyue , Yang Kangning , Cai Le , Hu Mengxin , Lin Lan , Xia Xizhong , Li Wei , Cheng Hanhua , Zhou Rongjia
Published: April 2023

Background

Spermatogenesis depends on the supporting of the Sertoli cells and their communications with germ cells. However, the regulation of crosstalk between the Sertoli cells and germ cells remains unclear.

Results

In this report, we used conditional knockout technology to generate the Sertoli cells-specific knockout of Rnf20 in mice. The Amh-Rnf20−/− male mice were infertile owing to spermatogenic failure that mimic the Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) in humans. Knockout of Rnf20 resulted in the H2BK120ub loss in the Sertoli cells and impaired the transcription elongation of the Cldn11, a gene encoding a component of tight junction. Notably, RNF20 deficiency disrupted the cell adhesion, caused disorganization of the seminiferous tubules, and led to the apoptotic cell death of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules.

Conclusions

This study describes a Rnf20 knockout mouse model that recapitulates the Sertoli cell-only syndrome in humans and demonstrates that RNF20 is required for male fertility through regulation of H2B ubiquitination in the Sertoli cells.
Intravenous vitamin C monotherapy in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Lee Zheng-Yii , Ortiz-Reyes Luis , Lew Charles Chin Han , Hasan M. Shahnaz , Ke Lu , Patel Jayshil J. , Stoppe Christian , Heyland Daren K.
Published: April 2023

Background

A recent landmark randomized controlled trial (RCT) in septic patients demonstrated an increased risk of death and persistent organ dysfunction with intravenous Vitamin C (IVVC) monotherapy, which represents a disparate result from previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA). We performed an updated SRMA of IVVC monotherapy to summarize and explore heterogeneity across current trials and conduct trial sequential analysis (TSA) to guard against type-I or type-II statistical errors.

Methods

RCTs evaluating IVVC in adult critically ill patients were included. Four databases were searched from inception to 22 June 2022 without language restrictions. The primary outcome was overall mortality. Random effect meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled risk ratio. TSA for mortality was performed using the DerSimonian–Laird random effect model, alpha 5%, beta 10%, and relative risk reduction (RRR) of 30%, 25%, and 20%.

Results

We included 16 RCTs (n = 2130). IVVC monotherapy is associated with significant reduction in overall mortality [risk ratio (RR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–0.89; p = 0.002; I2 = 42%]. This finding is supported by TSA using RRR of 30% and 25%, and sensitivity analysis using fixed-effect meta-analysis. However, the certainty of our mortality finding was rated low using GRADE due to the serious risk of bias and inconsistency. In a priori subgroup analyses, we found no differences between single vs multicenter, higher (≥ 10,000 mg/day) vs lower dose and sepsis vs non-sepsis trials. Post-hoc, we found no differences in subgroup analysis of earlier (< 24 h) vs delayed treatment, longer (> 4 days) vs shorter treatment duration, and low vs other risk of bias studies. IVVC may have the greatest benefit in trials that enrolled patients above (i.e., > 37.5%; RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.54–0.79) vs below (i.e., ≤ 37.5%; RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.68–1.16) median control group mortality (test for subgroup differences: p = 0.06), and TSA supported this.

Conclusions

IVVC monotherapy may be associated with mortality benefits in critically ill patients, particularly in patients with a high risk of dying. Given the low certainty of evidence, this potentially life-saving therapy warrants further studies to identify the optimal timing, dosage, treatment duration, and patient population that will benefit most from IVVC monotherapy.

PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42022323880. Registered 7th May 2022.
Multiple-site decontamination to prevent acquired infection in patients with veno-venous ECMO support
Authors: Massart Nicolas , Camus Christophe , Nesseler Nicolas , Fillâtre Pierre , Flecher Erwan , Mansour Alexandre , Verhoye Jean-Philippe , Le Fevre Lucie , Luyt Charles-Edouard
Published: April 2023

Background

Acute distress respiratory syndrome (ARDS) patients with veno-venous extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support are particularly exposed to ECMO-associated infection (ECMO-AI). Unfortunately, data regarding AI prophylaxis in this setting are lacking. Selective decontamination regimens decrease AI incidence, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and bloodstream infection (BSI) in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that a multiple-site decontamination (MSD) regimen is associated with a reduction in the incidence of AI among VV-ECMO patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study in three French ECMO referral centers from January 2010 to December 2021. All adult patients (> 18 years old) who received VV-ECMO support for ARDS were eligible. In addition to standard care (SC), 2 ICUs used MSD, which consists of the administration of topical antibiotics four times daily in the oropharynx and the gastric tube, once daily chlorhexidine body-wash and a 5-day nasal mupirocin course. AIs were compared between the 2 ICUs using MSD (MSD group) and the last ICU using SC.

Results

They were 241 patients available for the study. Sixty-nine were admitted in an ICU that applied MSD while the 172 others received standard care and constituted the SC group.

There were 19 ECMO-AIs (12 VAP, 7 BSI) in the MSD group (1162 ECMO-days) compared to 143 AIs (104 VAP, 39 BSI) in the SC group (2376 ECMO-days), (p < 0.05 for all infection site). In a Poisson regression model, MSD was independently associated with a lower incidence of ECMO-AI (IRR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.23–0.60] p < 0.001). There were 30 multidrug resistant microorganisms (MDRO) acquisition in the SC group as compared with two in the MSD group (IRR = 0.13, 95% CI [0.03–0.56] p = 0.001). Mortality in ICU was similar in both groups (43% in the SC group vs 45% in the MSD group p = 0.90). Results were similar after propensity-score matching.

Conclusion

In this cohort of patients from different hospitals, MSD appeared to be safe in ECMO patients and may be associated with improved outcomes including lower ECMO-AI and MDRO acquisition incidences. Since residual confounders may persist, these promising results deserve confirmation by randomized controlled trials.
Even symmetric chaotic and skewed maps as a technique in video encryption
Authors: El-den B. M. , Raslan Walid A. , Abdullah Ahmed A.
Published: April 2023

The massive growth and use of digital multimedia through computer networks, including video and images, have increased the demand for protecting this digital data. To secure digital video, video encryption is frequently utilized. In this paper, a brand-new video scrambling technique based on two chaotic linearly symmetric maps and one chaotic tent map that has been twisted is suggested. The permutation procedure moves every frame pixel's position using a P-box created by permuting a linearly symmetric chaotic sequence. The diffusion technique employs both linearly symmetric chaos maps and distorted tent maps to create key streams. The keystream closely resembles simple frames because the pixels in the permuted frame indicate which of the two even symmetric chaos maps is replicated each time for the following byte. The information entropy, histogram, neighboring pixel correlation and sensitivity analysis, number of pixels changing regions (NPCR), and unified mean change intensity are used to thoroughly evaluate the recommended method's capacity to improve performance and security (UACI). Comparatively to other methods, the suggested algorithm is resistant to clipping, salt and pepper noise, speckle noise rotation assaults, and clipping. This positive outcome indicates that the plan can be successfully implemented for secure video communication applications.
Three-stage training and orthogonality regularization for spoken language recognition
Authors: Li Zimu , Xu Yanyan , Ke Dengfeng , Su Kaile
Published: April 2023

Spoken language recognition has made significant progress in recent years, for which automatic speech recognition has been used as a parallel branch to extract phonetic features. However, there is still a lack of a better training strategy for such architectures of two individual branches. In this paper, we analyze the mostly used two-stage training strategies and reveal a trade-off between the recognition accuracy and the generalization ability. Based on the analysis, we propose a three-stage training strategy and an orthogonality regularization method. The former adds a multi-task learning stage to the traditional two-stage training strategy to extract hybrid-level and noiseless features, which can improve the recognition accuracy on the basis of maintaining the generalization ability, while the latter constrains the orthogonality of base vectors and introduces prior knowledge to improve the recognition accuracy. Experiments on the Oriental Language Recognition (OLR) dataset indicate that these two proposed methods can improve both the language recognition accuracy and the generalization ability, especially in complex challenge tasks, such as cross-channel or noisy conditions. Also, our model, which combines these two proposed methods, performs better than the top three teams in the OLR20 challenge.
FitDepth: fast and lite 16-bit depth image compression algorithm
Authors: D’Amato Juan P.
Published: April 2023

This article presents a fast parallel lossless technique and a lossy image compression technique for 16-bit single-channel images. Nowadays, such techniques are “a must” in robotics and other areas where several depth cameras are used. Since many of these algorithms need to be run in low-profile hardware, as embedded systems, they should be very fast and customizable. The proposal is based on the consideration of depth images as surfaces, so the idea is to split the image into a set of polynomial functions that each describes a part of the surface. The developed algorithm herein proposed can achieve a similar—or better—compression rate and especially higher speed rates than the existing techniques. It also has the potential of being fully parallelizable and to run on several cores. This feature, compared to other approaches, makes it useful for handling and streaming multiple cameras simultaneously. The algorithm is assessed in different situations and hardware. Its implementation is rather simple and is carried out with LIDAR captured images. Therefore, this work is accompanied by an open implementation in C++.
Influence of Fe2O3 Nanoparticles on the Characteristics of Waste Marble Powder Mixed Cement Mortars
Authors: Jose Prakash Arul , Alex Alexander Gladwin , Gebrehiwet Tsegay , Murugan Srinivasan
Published: April 2023

Eco-friendly and durability of material has been the focuses of different researches; however, limited are considered both the nanomaterial and byproduct. Therefore, the aimed of this study is to investigate the influence of nano-Fe2O3 (NF) on various properties of cement mortar with marble powder (MP) as supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Fresh and hardened properties of each mix were examined. The microstructure of hydrated blended cement mortars was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy-dispersive techniques. The effect was evaluated using flow table, compressive, split tensile, and durability tests. In general, the MP dosage mixes showed increase in water content due to high fineness and NF increased the workability and rate of hydration. The refined pores and enhanced C–S–H gel formation showing better strength with NF than MP. The mechanical properties result compared to control specimens showed that (MP + NF > NF > MP > Control). The optimal value MP and NF in cement mortar's strength and durability is 10% MP and 1% NA. The findings showed that the use of MP and NF in concrete technology as partial replacement of cement is effective and enhance the properties of cementitious composites.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric emergency consultations in adolescents
Authors: So Pety , Wierdsma André I. , Mulder Cornelis L. , Vermeiren Robert R. J. M.
Published: April 2023

Background

There is growing evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic, and its associated social distancing measures, affect adolescents’ mental health. We wanted to examine whether and how the number and characteristics of adolescents’ psychiatric emergency presentations have changed throughout the pandemic.

Methods

We extracted data from the records of 977 psychiatric emergency consultations of adolescents aged 12- 19 who had been referred to the mobile psychiatric emergency services in Rotterdam, the Netherlands between January 1st 2018 and January1st 2022. Demographic, contextual, and clinical characteristics were recorded. Time-series-analyses were performed using quasi-Poisson Generalized Linear Model to examine the effect of the first and second COVID-19 lockdown on the number of psychiatric emergency consultations, and to explore differences between boys and girls and internalizing versus externalizing problems.

Results

The number of psychiatric emergency consultations regarding adolescents increased over time: from about 13 per month in 2018 to about 29 per month in 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase was tempered. In the second wave a pronounced increase of psychiatric emergencies among adolescents with internalizing problems but not with externalizing problems was found.

Conclusion

Despite the reported increase of mental health problems in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, we did find a smaller increase in psychiatric emergency consultations in this group then would be expected considering the overall trend. Besides changes in help-seeking and access to care, a possible explanation may be that a calmer, more orderly existence, or more parental supervision led to less psychiatric emergency situations in this age group. In the second wave the number of emergency consultations increased especially among girls with internalizing problems. While there has been a particular fall in emergency referrals of adolescents with externalizing problems since the start of the pandemic it is still too early to know whether this is a structural phenomenon. It would be important to elucidate whether the changes in emergency referrals reflect a true change in prevalence of urgent internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents during the pandemic or a problem related to access to care.
Basic psychological needs satisfaction of stroke patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Lu Huiqi , Tan Xiyi , Wang Xiangmin , Lin Qinger , Huang Simin , Li Jinjun , Zhou Hongzhen
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous studies have shown that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs is related to psychological well-being. Improving satisfaction will increase personal well-being, promote positive health outcomes, and improve disease recovery. However, no research has focused on the basic psychological needs of stroke patients. Therefore, this study aims to determine the basic psychological needs experience, satisfaction, and its influencing factors of stroke patients.

Methods

12 males and 6 females in the non-acute phase with stroke were recruited in the Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital. The individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted in a separate room. The data were imported to Nvivo 12 and analyzed using the directed content analysis approach.

Results

Three main themes consisting of 9 sub-themes were derived from the analysis. These three main themes focused on the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness of stroke patients.

Conclusion

Participants have different degrees of satisfaction of their basic psychological needs, which may be related to their family environment, work environment, stroke symptoms, or other factors. Stroke symptoms can significantly reduce the patients’ needs for autonomy and competence. However, the stroke seems to increase the patients’ satisfaction of the need for relatedness.
Is the meaning of subjective well-being similar in Latin American countries? A cross-cultural measurement invariance study of the WHO-5 well-being index during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Vilca Lindsey W. , Valencia Pablo D. , Carbajal-León Carlos , Reyes-Bossio Mario , White Michel , Rojas-Jara Claudio , Polanco-Carrasco Roberto , Gallegos Miguel , Cervigni Mauricio , Martino Pablo , Palacios Diego Alejandro , Moreta-Herrera Rodrigo , Samaniego-Pinho Antonio , Lobos-Rivera Marlon Elías , Buschiazzo Figares Andrés , Puerta-Cortés Diana Ximena , Corrales-Reyes Ibraín Enrique , Calderón Raymundo , Franco Ferrari Ilka , Flores-Mendoza Carmen
Published: April 2023

Background

There is an urgent need to assess changes in well-being on a multinational scale during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus culturally valid scales must be available.

Methods

With this in mind, this study examined the invariance of the WHO well-being index (WHO-5) among a sample of 5183 people from 12 Latin Americans countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay).

Results

The results of the present study indicate that the WHO-5 is strictly invariant across samples from different Latin American countries. Furthermore, the results of the IRT analysis indicate that all items of the WHO-5 were highly discriminative and that the difficulty required to respond to each of the five items is ascending. Additionally, the results indicated the presence of moderate and small size differences in subjective well-being among most countries.

Conclusion

The WHO-5 is useful for assessing subjective well-being in 12 Latin American countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, since the differences between scores can be attributed to differences in well-being and not in other characteristics of the scale.
Digitalisation in accounting: a systematic literature review of activities and implications for competences
Authors: Pargmann Julia , Riebenbauer Elisabeth , Flick-Holtsch Doreen , Berding Florian
Published: April 2023

The digitalisation of processes is a current topic in accounting. New technologies can change activities which in turn may require different skills from accounting graduates. This paper aims to shed light on the changes that digitalisation brings about in various areas of accounting by assessing the types of activities (non-routine and routine) and corresponding competences in the context of progressing stages of digitalisation. In addition, it is analysed how different technologies are used in these activities and where their execution is placed within the supply chain. The systematic literature review shows a lack of expertise in the field of digitalisation that enables graduates and employees to successfully manage respective processes in the workplace. While routine activities are continuously being automated or digitalised, non-routine activities and the corresponding skills have a similarly increasing importance for employees in accounting as the acquisition of general digital competences.
Advancing learning-oriented assessment (LOA): mapping the role of self-assessment, academic resilience, academic motivation in students’ test-taking skills, and test anxiety management in Telegram-assisted-language learning
Authors: Çakmak Fidel , Ismail Sayed M. , Karami Samaneh
Published: April 2023

Some impediments in language learning may have a detrimental impact on learners’ actual performance on the test and lead to anxiety and demotivation. Language achievement is influenced by self-assessment (SA), academic resilience (AR), academic motivation (AM), and test-taking skills (T-TS) among other factors. Considering the relevance of these factors in language achievement, the current investigation aims to delve into the probable interactions of SA, AR, AM, T-TS, and test anxiety (TA) management among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. A model was devised and evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to achieve this objective. This research collected 512 by distributing online questionnaires to fifteen approved private institutions which applied Telegram-based language learning. The study findings reflected that SA, AR, and AM could predict EFL learners’ T-TS. It was also confirmed that SA, AR, and AM modulated EFL learners’ TA. The implications of the study are presented and accompanied by some future research proposals as well as instructional consequences.
Enhancing correlated big data privacy using differential privacy and machine learning
Authors: Biswas Sreemoyee , Fole Anuja , Khare Nilay , Agrawal Pragati
Published: April 2023

Data are often correlated in real-world datasets. Existing data privacy algorithms did not consider data correlation an inherent property of datasets. This data correlation caused privacy leakages that most researchers left unnoticed. Such privacy leakages are often caused by homogeneity, background knowledge, and linkage attacks, and the probability of such attacks increases with the magnitude of correlation among data. This problem further got magnified by the large size of real-world datasets, and we refer to these large datasets as ’Big Data.’ Several researchers proposed algorithms using machine learning models, correlation analysis, and data privacy algorithms to prevent privacy leakages due to correlation in large-sized data. The current proposed work first analyses the correlation among data. We studied the Mutual Information Correlation analysis technique and the distance correlation analysis technique for data correlation analysis. We found out distance correlation analysis technique to be more accurate for high-dimensional data. It then divides the data into blocks using the correlation computed earlier and applies the differential privacy algorithm to ensure the data privacy expectations. The results are derived based upon multiple parameters such as data utility, mean average error, variation with data size, and privacy budget values. The results showed that the proposed methodology provides better data utility when compared to the works of other researchers. Also, the data privacy commitments offered by the proposed method are comparable to the other results. Thus, the proposed methodology gives a better data utility while maintaining the required data privacy commitments.
Continuous monitoring of instrumental clock errors at 50 volcanoes in Japan based on seismic interferometry
Authors: Hirose Takashi , Ueda Hideki
Published: April 2023

The correct absolute time of a seismogram is an important prerequisite for many seismological processing methods. Recently, seismic interferometry has been applied to continuously estimate instrumental clock errors in certain regions. However, previous studies have focused on estimating clock errors in only one target region for each study, and data processing methods that provide more stable results in different regions have not been explored. This study presents a new method to estimate clock errors that are more stable in various regions based on seismic interferometry with windowed cross-correlation and least absolute deviation regression. The applicability of this method was validated by its application to 50 active volcanoes in Japan. We found clock errors at 23 stations at 13 volcanoes between January 2017 and December 2021. The maximum amplitude of the clock errors ranged between 0.24 and 18.27 s. This value range is significantly larger than the amplitude of the background fluctuation in the estimated values of clock errors, which is less than 0.05 s for most volcanoes. A comparison of different approaches for the estimation of clock error shows that our proposed method that uses windowed cross-correlation and least absolute deviation regression can reduce the effect of waveform changes in seismic ambient noise cross-correlation functions, probably because of noise source fluctuations. Managing the time stamps of data using the method proposed in this study will contribute to data quality assurance and ensure the reliability of analysis using time information in various study regions.

Graphical Abstract
Susceptibility of typical marine geological disasters: an overview
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Wang Yueying , Zhang Hong , Guo Xingsen
Published: April 2023

Background

Marine geological disasters (i.e., catastrophic events occurring in marine environments) may seriously threaten the safety of engineering facilities, life, and property in shallow- and deep-sea areas. The development of marine resources and energy and the protection of the marine geo-environment are topics of intense interest globally, and these activities inevitably require the assessment of marine geological disasters, which are receiving increasing attention from academic and industrial communities. However, as a prospective analysis for the risk assessment and management of marine geological disasters, the susceptibility of marine geological disasters, referring to a qualitative or quantitative description of the type, volume (or area), and spatial distribution of existing or potential geological disasters, is still in the exploration stage.

Results

In this study, we systematically combine the theoretical basis and methods for the analysis of the susceptibility of marine geological disasters (i.e., heuristic approach, deterministic approach, and statistical approach). Taking two widely studied marine geological disasters (i.e., seabed liquefaction and submarine landslides) as examples, we review their triggering mechanism, condition factors, methodological advances, and susceptibility maps. Subsequently, some challenges in the susceptibility assessment of the marine geological disasters associated with seabed liquefaction and submarine landslides and extension to other types of marine geological disasters are briefly summarized and discussed, involving an incomplete evaluation system, poor applicability of methods, and insufficient databases.

Conclusion

Based on a literature review using the extensive literature database, we focused on the susceptibility of two typical marine geological disasters (i.e., seabed liquefaction and submarine landslides) and systematically summarized the development history, methods, results, problems, and future directions. According to the challenges of this field, we recommend that relevant organizations focus on the construction of a susceptibility system and study the triggering mechanisms of marine geological disasters. Long-term in situ observation efforts should also be supported to obtain more data to improve the disaster inventory. Ultimately, more reliable methods can help improve the credibility and usefulness of susceptibility analysis results.
Long-term response to pimitespib in postoperative recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors with PDGFRA D842V mutation: a case report
Authors: Teranishi Ryugo , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Saito Takuro , Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Yamashita Kotaro , Tanaka Koji , Makino Tomoki , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: April 2023

Background

Exon 18 D842V, which is a point mutation from aspartic acid to valine at codon 842, is the most frequent mutation in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor alpha (PDGFRA)-mutated gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). In the Japanese GIST guidelines, no standard systematic therapy is available for this type of GIST, which is refractory after recurrence. Recently, pimitespib (PIMI), a novel heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor, was approved for the treatment of advanced GIST in a phase III study. This report presents a case of a long-term response to PIMI in GIST with PDGFRA D842V mutation.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old woman was diagnosed with primary GIST of the stomach and underwent partial gastrectomy. Eight years after the operation, recurrent GISTs were identified as multiple recurrent peritoneal GISTs in the upper right abdomen and pelvic cavity. We administered tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but they achieved poor effects. After failure of the standard treatment, PIMI was administered and achieved a partial response in the patient. The highest reduction rate was 32.7%. After PIMI failed, we performed multiplex gene panel testing, which revealed the PDGFRA D842V mutation.

Conclusions

We report the first case of long-term response to PIMI in PDGFRA D842V mutant GIST. Pimitespib may be effective for treating GIST harboring this mutation by inhibiting HSP90.
Context-specific variation and repeatability in behavioral traits of bent-wing bats
Authors: Kuo Yu-Jen , Lee Ya-Fu , Kuo Yen-Min , Tai Yik Ling
Published: April 2023

Animals may show consistent among-individual behavioral differences over time and in different contexts, and these tendencies may be correlated to one another and emerge as behavioral syndromes. The cross-context variation in these behavioral tendencies, however, is rarely explored with animals in contexts associated with different locomotion modes. This study assessed the variation and repeatability in behavioral traits of bent-wing batsMiniopterus fuliginosusin southern Taiwan, and the effects of contextual settings associated with locomotion mode. The bats were sampled in the dry winter season, and their behaviors were measured in hole-board box (HB) and tunnel box (TB) tests, both suited for quadrupedal movements of the bats, and flight-tent (FT) tests that allowed for flying behaviors. The bats in the FT tests showed more interindividual and between-trial behavioral variation than those in the HB and TB tests. Nearly all of the behaviors in the TB and FT tests, but only half of those in the HB tests, showed medium to high repeatability. These repeatable behaviors were grouped into distinct behavioral traits of boldness, activity, and exploration, which were correlated to one another across contexts. In addition, we observed a consistently higher correlation between behavioral categories across the HB and TB contexts than between either of these contexts and the FT context. The results indicate consistent among-individual behavioral differences across time and contexts in wildly caught bent-wing bats. The findings of behavioral repeatability and cross-context correlations also indicate context-dependent variation and suggest that test devices which allow for flight behaviors, such as flight tents or cages, may provide a more suitable setting for measuring the behaviors and animal personalities of bats, particularly for those species that display less or little quadrupedal movements.
Correlation between hyperreflective foci and visual function testing in eyes with intermediate age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Liu T. Y. Alvin , Wang Jiangxia , Csaky Karl G.
Published: April 2023

Background

To investigate the relationship between intraretinal hyperreflective foci (HRF) and visual function in intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD).

Methods

Retrospective, cross-sectional study. iAMD patients underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging and vision function testing: normal luminance best corrected visual acuity (VA), low luminance VA (LLVA), quantitative contrast sensitivity function (qCSF), low luminance qCSF (LLqCSF), and mesopic microperimetry. Each OCT volume was graded for the presence and number of HRF. Each HRF was graded for: separation from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), above drusen, and shadowing. Central drusen volume was calculated by the built-in functionality of the commercial OCT software after manual segmentation of the RPE and Bruch’s membrane.

Results

HRF group: 11 eyes; 9 patients; mean age 75.7 years. No-HRF group: 11 eyes; 10 patients; mean age 74.8 years. In linear mixed effect model adjusting for cube-root transformed drusen volume, HRF group showed statistically significant worse VA, LLVA, LLqCSF, and microperimetry. HRF group showed worse cone function, as measured by our pre-defined multicomponent endpoint, incorporating LLVA, LLqCSF and microperimetry (p = 0.018). For eyes with HRF, # of HRF did not correlate with any functional measures; however, % of HRF separated from RPE and # of HRF that created shadowing were statistically associated with low luminance deficit (LLD).

Conclusions

The association between the presence of HRF and worse cone visual function supports the hypothesis that eyes with HRF have more advanced disease.
New neighborhood, old habits? Delivery preferences of residents in new development areas and their assessment of alternative parcel logistics concepts: a case study of Berlin
Authors: Gruber Johannes , Heldt Benjamin , Seidel Saskia
Published: April 2023

Various alternative solutions for sustainable last-mile parcel deliveries have been piloted and partially put into operation in Europe in the past decade. However, these delivery concepts have mainly been considered in inner-city areas. There are a few examples of the application of these concepts in peripheral urban areas, where new housing is being built to accommodate high population pressure. However, it is unclear whether the delivery preferences of residents in new neighbourhoods differ from those of the population average. This research conducted a case study in the western outskirts of Berlin, examining two newly built neighbourhoods and one existing residential area. Results from three survey waves of residents (N = 645) show that conventional doorstep delivery is preferred by 80% of the respondents. Nonetheless, there is a high willingness to use alternative delivery options, and respondents see benefits in climate-friendly delivery methods. This research also examines the willingness to pay for alternative parcel logistics concepts, which seems to be too low at the moment (at around €1 per shipment) to compensate for the additional costs of an operational change. However, the results also show an increasing awareness of and preferences for new delivery concepts, thus providing practical implications for planners and logistics operators alike.
Multivariate roles of litter traits on moisture and flammability of temperate northeastern North American tree species
Authors: Kreye Jesse K. , Kane Jeffrey M. , Varner J. Morgan
Published: April 2023

Background

Tree litter is the primary fuel affecting surface fire behavior in most fire-prone forest and woodland ecosystems in northeastern North America. Fire exclusion and land use changes have dramatically altered fire regimes in many of these ecosystems, shifting toward species that reinforce the continued diminution of fire. Comparative litter flammability studies provide a useful approach to identify the corresponding leaf and litter bed traits that drive the positive feedback termed “mesophication” in these ecosystems.

Results

In this study, we measured laboratory flammability and moisture characteristics of leaf litter from 17 common tree species in temperate forests of northeastern North America. Principal components analysis of flammability and moisture data resulted in species separating along a pyrophyte-to-mesophyte gradient. PyrophyticQuercuslitter was the most flammable of all species, andPinuslitter dried the most rapidly and flamed for the longest duration. The remaining mesophytic species grouped into either a high moisture retention-poor burning cluster (Acer rubrum,Betula alleghaniensis,Nyssa sylvatica,Carya glabra,C. tomentosa) or an intermediate flammability cluster (Acer saccharum,C. ovata,Tilia americana). Several litter traits were associated with multivariate factors. Leaf length, density, curling, surface area-to-volume, and litter bed bulk density were associated with the factor comprising saturation moisture content, flaming time, and consumption. Specific leaf area was related to moisture time-lag and flame height. Litter bed packing ratio was most related to smoldering duration.

Conclusions

Interspecific variability in leaf and litter bed traits explained substantial differences in moisture dynamics and flammability among the species examined. These findings extend our understanding of litter traits’ influence on the combustion environment and affirm the potential effects of pyrophytic and mesophytic tree species on contemporary fire regimes in northeastern North American forests.
A case report of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a young Egyptian female patient presenting with hyperreligiosity
Authors: Ibrahim Hamdi , Ali Attaa , Maksod Safwat Abdel , Khorshed Magdy , Wassef Mona , Alfishawy Mostafa , Rady Hanan , Mohamed Adel , Mahmod Mohamed , Ismael Khaled , Haron Marwa , Said Suzan , Adel Riham , Mohamed Noha
Published: April 2023

Anti-n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a form of autoimmune encephalitis that remains under-recognized due to the variability of the initial symptoms and can be misdiagnosed as viral encephalitis or other pathogens. This syndrome has been predominantly described in young females including personality changes, autonomic dysfunctions, and neurologic decompensation.

About half of the cases have tumors, most commonly teratomas of the ovaries; another established trigger is herpes viral encephalitis, while the cause in other cases is unclear. In case of clinical suspicion, electroencephalogram and brain magnetic resonance imaging are useful, but lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis is used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for this disease includes immunosuppression, plasmapheresis, and tumor resection when indicated. In this case report, we present a case that presented with hyperreligiosity and proved to have autoimmune encephalitis.

The main purpose of our case is to increase awareness regarding immune-mediated encephalitis, especially the anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
Evaluation of Standard Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology, Modified Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology, and Immunotherapy Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology in Newly Diagnosed and Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Youssef Gilbert , Rahman Rifaquat , Bay Camden , Wang Wei , Lim-Fat Mary Jane , Arnaout Omar , Bi Wenya Linda , Cagney Daniel N. , Chang Yuh-Shin , Cloughesy Timothy F. , DeSalvo Matthew , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Flood Thomas F. , Gerstner Elizabeth R. , Gonzalez Castro L. Nicolas , Guenette Jeffrey P. , Kim Albert E. , Lee Eudocia Q. , McFaline-Figueroa Jose R. , Potter Christopher A. , Reardon David A. , Huang Raymond Y. , Wen Patrick Y.
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

The Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria are widely used in high-grade glioma clinical trials. We compared the RANO criteria with updated modifications (modified RANO [mRANO] and immunotherapy RANO [iRANO] criteria) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (nGBM) and recurrent GBM (rGBM) to evaluate the performance of each set of criteria and inform the development of the planned RANO 2.0 update.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Evaluation of tumor measurements and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences were performed by blinded readers to determine disease progression using RANO, mRANO, iRANO, and other response assessment criteria. Spearman's correlations between progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated.

RESULTS

Five hundred twenty-six nGBM and 580 rGBM cases were included. Spearman's correlations were similar between RANO and mRANO (0.69 [95% CI, 0.62 to 0.75] v 0.67 [95% CI, 0.60 to 0.73]) in nGBM and rGBM (0.48 [95% CI, 0.40 to 0.55] v 0.50 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.57]). In nGBM, requirement of a confirmation scan within 12 weeks of completion of radiotherapy to determine progression was associated with improved correlations. Use of the postradiation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as baseline scan was associated with improved correlation compared with use of the pre-radiation MRI (0.67 [95% CI, 0.60 to 0.73] v 0.53 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.62]). Evaluation of FLAIR sequences did not improve the correlation. Among patients who received immunotherapy, Spearman's correlations were similar among RANO, mRANO, and iRANO.

CONCLUSION

RANO and mRANO demonstrated similar correlations between PFS and OS. Confirmation scans were only beneficial in nGBM within 12 weeks of completion of radiotherapy, and there was a trend in favor of the use of postradiation MRI as the baseline scan in nGBM. Evaluation of FLAIR can be omitted. The iRANO criteria did not add significant benefit in patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2023.1
Authors: Singh Navneet , Jaiyesimi Ishmael A. , Ismaila Nofisat , Leighl Natasha B. , Mamdani Hirva , Phillips Tanyanika , Owen Dwight H.
Published: April 2023

Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in recommended clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis; as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual . ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines . Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating provider and do not account for individual variation among patients. See appendix for disclaimers and other important information ( Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 ). Updates are published regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-da-living-guideline .
ASCO Policy Statement on Biosimilar and Interchangeable Products in Oncology
Authors: Rodriguez Gladys , Mancuso Joan , Lyman Gary H. , Cardoso Fatima , Nahleh Zeina , Vose Julie M. , Gralow Julie R. , Francisco Michael , Sherwood Shimere
Published: April 2023

As the voice of cancer care clinicians and the patients they serve, ASCO has taken steps to elevate awareness about biosimilar products and their use in oncology. In 2018, ASCO released its Statement on Biosimilars in Oncology which was subsequently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology to serve as an educational tool which highlighted and provided guidance on several topical areas surrounding biosimilars. At the time of its publication, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved eight biosimilar products for use in the United States, including one product for use as a supportive care agent in the cancer setting and two products for use in the treatment for cancer. This number has risen dramatically (40 approvals), with a total of 22 cancer or cancer-related biosimilar products approved since 2015. Recently, the FDA also approved the four interchangeable biosimilar products for diabetes, certain inflammatory diseases, and certain ophthalmic diseases. Given the current market dynamics and the regulatory landscape, this ASCO manuscript now seeks to propose several policy recommendations across the scope of value, interchangeability, clinician barriers, and patient education and access. This policy statement is intended to guide ASCO's future activities and strategies and serves to affirm our commitment to providing education to the oncology community on the use of biosimilars in the cancer setting.