bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived stress and semen quality
Authors: Lund Katrine H. , Laursen Anne Sofie D. , Grønborg Therese K. , Toft Gunnar , Jacobsen Bjarke H. , Wang Tanran R. , Wesselink Amelia K. , Hatch Elizabeth E. , Sommer Greg J. , Eisenberg Michael L. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Wise Lauren A. , Mikkelsen Ellen M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Psychological stress is prevalent among reproductive‐aged men. Assessment of semen quality for epidemiological studies is challenging as data collection is expensive and cumbersome, and studies evaluating the effect of perceived stress on semen quality are inconsistent.

Objective

To examine the association between perceived stress and semen quality.

Material and methods

We analyzed baseline data on 644 men (1,159 semen samples) from two prospective preconception cohort studies during 2015–2021: 592 in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) and 52 in SnartForaeldre.dk (SF). At study entry, men aged ≥21 years (PRESTO) and ≥18 years (SF) trying to conceive without fertility treatment completed a questionnaire on reproductive and medical history, socio‐demographics, lifestyle, and the 10‐item version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; interquartile range [IQR] of scores: 0–40). After enrollment (median weeks: 2.1, IQR: 1.3–3.7), men were invited to perform in‐home semen testing, twice with 7–10 days between tests, using the Trak Male Fertility Testing System. Semen quality was characterized by semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count. We fit generalized estimating equation linear regression models to estimate the percent difference in mean log‐transformed semen parameters by four PSS groups (<10, 10–14, 15–19, ≥20), adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The median PSS score and IQR was 15 (10–19), and 136 men (21.1%) had a PSS score ≥20. Comparing men with PSS scores ≥20 with <10, the adjusted percent difference was −2.7 (95% CI: −9.8; 5.0) for semen volume, 6.8 (95% CI: ‐10.9; 28.1) for sperm concentration, and 4.3 (95% CI: −13.8; 26.2) for total sperm count.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that perceived stress is not materially associated with semen volume, sperm concentration, or total sperm count.
Surgeon‐performed ultrasound changes surgical management in patients with thyroid cancer
Authors: Tapia Mario , Chia Clemente , Manji Jamil , Magarey Matthew J. R. , Flatman Samuel
Published: September 2022

Background

A comprehensive neck ultrasound (US) is essential in the operative planning of patients with thyroid disease. Recent literature has shown surgeon‐performed US (SUS) can be more accurate than radiology‐performed US for the purpose of surgical planning. Missed findings on radiology‐performed ultrasound may lead to inadequate surgical management.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer, with both radiology‐performed US and SUS performed by a Head and Neck surgeon. Ultrasound findings and adherence to American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines were compared, and changes in management based on SUS findings were identified.

Results

A total of 26 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection met the inclusion criteria. Preconsultation US investigations fulfilled criteria as recommended by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines in 57.7%% of cases. The central and lateral neck compartments were assessed in 57.7% and 84.6% of preconsultation US investigations respectively. Central and lateral metastatic neck metastases were incorrectly reported or not reported in 78.6% and 42.3% of cases. The SUS findings prompted a change in surgical management in 65.4% of cases.

Conclusion

SUS changed surgical management in two thirds (65.4%) of patients. Reliance on radiology‐performed ultrasound alone may result in incorrect staging. Awareness of the additional benefits of SUS is important for surgeons treating patients with thyroid disease to prevent inadequate surgery being performed.
Topical cyclosporine A 1 mg/ml for atopic keratoconjunctivitis: Five‐year case series of 99 children and young people
Authors: Dahlmann‐Noor Annegret H. , Roberts Clare , Muthusamy Kirithika , Calder Virginia , Hingorani Melanie
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To explore the effects of cyclosporine A (CsA) in the management of atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC).

Methods

Open single‐group interventional consecutive cohort study (case series) at a single eye care facility in the UK. We reviewed the electronic patient records of 99 children and young people (CYP) aged 3.4–18 years with AKC treated with topical CsA 1 mg/ml. Main outcome measures were number of prescriptions and hospital clinic visits over 12 months before and after the start of CsA and the proportion of CYP affected by adverse effects.

Results

The median number of inflammatory episodes requiring treatment with topical corticosteroids (tCS) fell from 3 (interquartile range IQR 1–4) during the 12 months prior to CsA to 1 (IQR 0–3) during the 12 months after, excluding tCS prescriptions with the first CsA prescription (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, 2 tailed, p < 0.01). In the 12‐month period following initiation of CsA 1 mg/ml with concomitant prescription of tCS (n = 66), daily dosage of steroids was reduced in 62 CYP (93.9%), and they were discontinued in 43 (65.2%). The median number of hospital visits fell from 4 (IQR 3–6) to 3 (IQR 2–5; Wilcoxon p < 0.01). Adverse events leading to discontinuation of CsA were stinging (instillation site pain; 9/99, 9%) and a transient skin rash (1/99, 1%).

Conclusions

Off‐label use of commercial preparations of CsA 1 mg/ml significantly reduces the need for concomitant topical corticosteroids and hospital clinic visits in CYP with AKC. Stinging and skin rash can lead to discontinuation.
Nudges and hard choices
Authors: Raskoff Sarah Zoe
Published: September 2022

Nudges are small changes in the presentation of options that make a predictable impact on people's decisions. Proponents of nudges often claim that they are justified as paternalistic interventions that respect autonomy: they lead people to make better choices, while still letting them choose for themselves. However, existing work on nudges ignores the possibility of “hard choices”: cases where a person prefers one option in some respects, and another in other respects, but has no all‐things‐considered preference between the two. In this paper, I argue that many significant medical decisions are hard choices that provide patients with an opportunity to exercise a distinctive sort of “formative autonomy” by settling their preferences and committing themselves to weigh their values in a particular way. Since nudges risk infringing formative autonomy by depriving patients of this opportunity, their use in medical contexts should be sensitive to this risk.
Responding to racism at school: Ethnic‐racial socialization and the academic engagement of Black and Latinx youth
Authors: Osborne Kimberly R. , Walsdorf Ashley A. , Smith‐Bynum Mia A. , Redig Samantha , Brinkley Dawn , Owen Margaret Tresch , Caughy Margaret O’Brien
Published: September 2022

Guided by the Theory of Racial Socialization in Action (TRSA; Smith‐Bynum in press), this study examined observed caregiver‐provided ethnic‐racial socialization in response to a school‐based discriminatory dilemma. Forty‐five Black and 36 Latinx caregivers (88% mothers) with low‐income and their children (Mage = 11.09, SD = 0.29; 46.3% female) participated in Dallas, Texas from 2018 to 2019. Dyads responded to a hypothetical scenario in which a school counselor makes a discriminatory comment to the child. Results of a factor mixture analysis suggested that caregivers engaged in the dialogue using one of four approaches: Low‐engaged, Legacy, Racial Literacy, or High‐engaged. Profiles were found to differ significantly by the race/ethnicity and language of caregivers and were associated with youth’s concurrent behavioral engagement (R2 = .04).
Associated congenital anomalies and syndromes of 248 infants with orofacial clefts born between 2011 and 2014 in the Japan environment and children's study
Authors: Sato Yukihiro , Yoshioka Eiji , Saijo Yasuaki , Kato Yasuhito , Nagaya Ken , Takahashi Satoru , Ito Yoshiya , Kobayashi Sumitaka , Ait Bamai Yu , Yamazaki Keiko , Itoh Sachiko , Miyashita Chihiro , Ikeda‐Araki Atsuko , Kishi Reiko ,   The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) Group
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to document the complication status of infants with orofacial clefts born between 2011 and 2014 in Japan. This was a descriptive study using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Among 103 060 pregnancies, 248 infants with orofacial clefts were included (livebirth, 239; stillbirth, 4; miscarriage, 5). The items of interest were complication status of orofacial clefts: isolated (typical orofacial clefts only); multi‐malformed (orofacial clefts with unrelated major defects); syndromic (orofacial clefts with a syndrome or a chromosomal defect). Regarding the cleft subtypes, of 248 infants with orofacial clefts, 104 had cleft lip with cleft palate (CLP) (41.9%), 68 had cleft lip without cleft palate (CL) (27.4%), 58 had cleft palate without cleft lip (CP) (23.4%), and 18 were nonclassified (7.3%). In infants with CLP, the proportions of isolated, multi‐malformed, and syndromic phenotypes were 73.1%, 15.4%, and 11.5%, respectively. In infants with CL, the proportions were 79.4%, 16.2%, and 4.4%, respectively. In infants with CP, the proportions were 69.0%, 13.8%, and 17.2%, respectively. The most frequently associated congenital anomaly was congenital heart disease. In infants with syndromic CLP, 41.7% had trisomy 13. In infants with syndromic CP, 80.0% had the Pierre Robin sequence. Congenital heart disease could be the most frequently associated congenital anomaly. The most frequently associated syndrome could be trisomy 13 in those with CLP and Pierre Robin sequence in those with CP.
Copy‐number analysis by base‐level normalization: An intuitive visualization tool for evaluating copy number variations
Authors: Kim Hongkyung , Shim Yeeun , Lee Taek Gyu , Won Dongju , Choi Jong Rak , Shin Saeam , Lee Seung‐Tae
Published: September 2022

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) facilitates comprehensive molecular analyses that help with diagnosing unsolved disorders. In addition to detecting single‐nucleotide variations and small insertions/deletions, bioinformatics tools can identify copy number variations (CNVs) in NGS data, which improves the diagnostic yield. However, due to the possibility of false positives, subsequent confirmation tests are generally performed. Here, we introduce Copy‐number Analysis by BAse‐level NormAlization (CABANA), a visualization tool that allows users to intuitively identify candidate CNVs using the normalized single‐base‐level read depth calculated from NGS data. To demonstrate how CABANA works, NGS data were obtained from 474 patients with neuromuscular disorders. CNVs were screened using a conventional bioinformatics tool, ExomeDepth, and then we normalized and visualized those data at the single‐base level using CABANA, followed by manual inspection by geneticists to filter out false positives and determine candidate CNVs. In doing so, we identified 31 candidate CNVs (7%) in 474 patients and subsequently confirmed all of them to be true using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. The performance of CABANA was deemed acceptable by comparing its diagnostic yield with previous data about neuromuscular disorders. Despite some limitations, we expect CABANA to help researchers accurately identify CNVs and reduce the need for subsequent confirmation testing.
Promoting weight‐loss maintenance among Black women primary care patients: A cluster RCT of a culturally sensitive versus standard behavioural approach
Authors: Tucker Carolyn M. , Anton Stephen D. , Wippold Guillermo M. , Marsiske Michael , Bilello Lori A. , Henry Meagan A. , Shah Nipa R. , Gautam Shiva P. , Klein Kirsten G. , Mathews Anne , Webb Fern , Desmond Frederic
Published: September 2022

The prevalence of obesity is higher among Black women (56.6%) compared to Hispanic women (50%) and non‐Hispanic White women (42%). Notably, interventions to reduce obesity typically result in initial weight loss that is not maintained. This study tested (a) the effectiveness of a 6‐month Health‐Smart Weight Loss (HSWL) Program for Black women patients with obesity implemented by community health workers (CHWs) within primary care clinics and (b) the comparative effectiveness of two 12‐month physician‐implemented weight loss maintenance programs—a Patient‐Centred Culturally Sensitive Weight Loss Maintenance Program (PCCS‐WLM Program) and a Standard Behavioural Weight Loss Maintenance Program (SB‐WLM Program). Black women patients (N = 683) with obesity from 20 community primary care clinics participated in the HSWL Program and were then randomized to either maintenance program. The HSWL Program led to significant weight loss (i.e., 2.7 pounds, 1.22 kg, p < .01, −1.1%) among the participants. Participants in both the PCCS‐WLM Program and the SB‐WLM Program maintained their weight loss; however, at month 18, participants in the PCCS‐WLM Program had a significantly lower weight than those in the SB‐WLM (i.e., 231.9 vs. 239.4 pounds or 105.19 vs. 108.59 kg). This study suggests that (a) the HSWL Program can produce significant weight loss among Black women patients with obesity when implemented in primary care clinics by CHWs, and (b) primary care physicians can be trained to successfully promote weight loss maintenance among their Black women patients.
Natural functionalisation of a traditional textile “Ehram”
Authors: Yılmaz Fazlıhan , Aydınlıoğlu Ömer , Benli Hüseyin , Gültepe Gülten , Bahtiyari Muhammed İbrahim
Published: September 2022

This study is focused on the natural functionalisation of a traditional woven fabric called “Ehram”. Which is a wool based woven fabric constituted from wool yarns that are originally coloured and used in different cities of the Eastern Anatolian Region, Turkey. Because these fabrics were originally coloured (pigmented), the study aimed to functionalise them with minimal colour changes from their original colour. For this aim; lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) which is also a natural source of pleasant odour was used in finishing of Ehram. The colour changes by the application of the lavender on Ehram and the benefits that come out from the use of lavender were then analysed and presented in the study. In this respect, antibacterial activities (against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) of dyed samples were tested within the scope of the study. In addition, colour measurements (K/S and CIE L*a*b* C* and ho) and FTIR (Fourier‐transform infrared) microspectroscopy analyses of dyed fabric samples were made and microscope images were taken. It was observed that lavender with a copper‐based mordanting agent can present antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli in Ehram.
Attention‐based vector quantisation variational autoencoder for colour‐patterned fabrics defect detection
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Qiao Guanhua , Liu Shuting , Lyu Yuting , Yao Le , Ge Zhiqiang
Published: September 2022

Defect detection is an essential link in the fabric production process. Due to the diversity of patterns and scarcity of defect samples for colour‐patterned fabrics, reconstruction‐based unsupervised deep learning algorithms have received extensive attention in the field of fabric defect detection. Among them, unsupervised reconstruction models based on variational autoencoders (VAEs) have been shown to be effective. However, there is a problem of posterior collapse in the process of modelling parametric distributions of continuous variables by VAEs. Therefore, VAE‐based defect detection methods for colour‐patterned fabrics usually produce ambiguous reconstruction results, thereby affecting the defect detection performance. In this article, an attention‐based vector quantisation variational autoencoder (AVQ‐VAE) is proposed for colour‐patterned fabric defect detection. The method adopts autoregressive modelling of discrete variables to avoid the posterior collapse problem of traditional VAEs, and utilises attention mechanism to enhance the feature representation ability of the model. AVQ‐VAE consists of encoder, embedding space, decoder and attention mechanism. The encoder is used to map the input image into multiple feature vectors. Vector quantisation in embedding space is used for discretisation and autoregressive modelling of feature vectors. A decoder is used to decode discrete variables into images of the same size as the original input. Furthermore, an attention mechanism is used to capture channel and spatial correlations, which help the model focus on important information by adaptively recalibrating feature maps. Experimental results on public datasets demonstrate that the proposed method is robust and effective for colour‐patterned fabric defect detection.
Optimization of blood pressure measurement practices for pharmacodynamic analyses of tyrosine‐kinase inhibitors
Authors: Centanni Maddalena , Thijs Abel , Desar Ingrid , Karlsson Mats O. , Friberg Lena E.
Published: September 2022

Blood pressure measurements form a critical component of adverse event monitoring for tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but might also serve as a biomarker for dose titrations. This study explored the impact of various sources of within‐individual variation on blood pressure readings to improve measurement practices and evaluated the utility for individual‐ and population‐level dose selection. A pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modeling framework was created to describe circadian blood pressure changes, inter‐ and intra‐day variability, changes from dipper to non‐dipper profiles, and the relationship between drug exposure and blood pressure changes over time. The framework was used to quantitatively evaluate the influence of physiological and pharmacological aspects on blood pressure measurements, as well as to compare measurement techniques, including office‐based, home‐based, and ambulatory 24‐h blood pressure readings. Circadian changes, as well as random intra‐day and inter‐day variability, were found to be the largest sources of within‐individual variation in blood pressure. Office‐based and ambulatory 24‐h measurements gave rise to potential bias (>5 mmHg), which was mitigated by model‐based estimations. Our findings suggest that 5–8 consecutive, home‐based, measurements taken at a consistent time around noon, or alternatively within a limited time frame (e.g., 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. or 12.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.), will give rise to the most consistent blood pressure estimates. Blood pressure measurements likely do not represent a sufficiently accurate method for individual‐level dose selection, but may be valuable for population‐level dose identification. A user‐friendly tool has been made available to allow for interactive blood pressure simulations and estimations for the investigated scenarios.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of a superficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumour, including differential diagnoses and recent updates
Authors: Rekhi Bharat
Published: September 2022

Background

Superficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumor is recognized as a distinct tumor of fibroblastic lineage in the recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of soft tissues. There is an occasional report on cytomorphologic features of this rare tumor.

Case Report

A 28‐year‐old male presented with swelling in his left thigh of 3 years duration, that was diagnosed as a pleomorphic sarcoma, elsewhere. Radiological imaging showed a well‐defined lesion measuring 2.8 cm along the anteromedial aspect of the left mid‐thigh in the subcutaneous location. Review of FNAC smears revealed a hypercellular tumor composed of spindle and pleomorphic cells with fine to more vesicular chromatin, and moderate to abundant granular to characteristic “glassy” cytoplasm including cells showing intranuclear pseudo inclusions, devoid of mitotic figures. Interspersed was pink stroma and several inflammatory cells including lymphocytes. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were diffusely positive for CD34 and focally for AE1/AE3. A diagnosis of superficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumor was finally offered.

Conclusions

This constitutes one of the first reports of cytomorphologic features of Superficial CD34‐positive fibroblastic tumor. Its differential diagnoses, molecular updates and treatment‐associated implications are discussed herewith.
Low‐trophic level fishes and riverbank trees showed similar growth responses to climate warming on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tao Juan , Huang Minrui , Ding Liuyong , Wang Jun , Ding Chengzhi
Published: September 2022

How neighbouring aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems respond to climate change in the same area remains poorly explored, fundamentally constraining our understanding of cross‐ecosystem processes, prediction capabilities and catchment management. This study simultaneously explored how the growth of three fish species at different trophic levels and one riverbank juniper species responds to the climate in the upper Nu‐Salween River. Biochronologies and hierarchical linear mixed‐effects models were used to resolve the contribution of three sources (i.e. random, fixed intrinsic and fixed extrinsic effects) to growth variations. The optimal models explained higher percentages of the annual growth variabilities for fishes (63.1%–90.1%) than for juniper (28.2%). All the growth chronologies showed temporal variations after eliminating the fixed intrinsic effects, and for fishes, extra cohort effects were observed. Age was the major fixed intrinsic factor affecting growth variations for fishes but not for trees. All females showed clearly faster growth than males for all fishes at all ages. Among fixed extrinsic effects, temperature showed a consistent significant correlation with the growth of lower‐trophic level fishes and juniper but not with that of the higher‐trophic level fish. Only one global variable (i.e. El Niño Southern Oscillation) exerted a significant negative effect on the growth of the higher‐trophic level fish. The results suggest that fishes may be more sensitive to climate change than terrestrial trees, and the similarity in the growth response across ecosystems likely depends on trophic levels, which should be highlighted in related predictions and catchment management.
Salvage haploidentical or cord‐blood allogeneic stem cell transplantation after a prior alternative allograft in hematologic malignancies: A retrospective study from the SFGM‐TC
Authors: Cavalieri Doriane , Rubio Marie‐Thérèse , Corriger Alexandrine , Pereira Bruno , Cabrespine Aurélie , Robin Marie , Labussière‐Wallet Hélène , Calleja Anne , Forcade Edouard , Chevallier Patrice , Guillerm Gaelle , Berceanu Ana , Bulabois Claude‐Eric , Maillard Natacha , Nguyen Stéphanie , Raus Nicole , Schoemans Hélène , Bay Jacques‐Olivier , Ravinet Aurélie
Published: September 2022

Background

Haploidentical (haplo‐) donors and cord‐blood (CB) stem cells provide alternative transplant options in patients lacking an HLA‐matched donor. In case of relapse or graft failure after a first alternative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), a second alternative HSCT (HSCT2) is rarely considered due to a high risk of toxicity.

Methods

A retrospective French multicentre study was performed, including patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent two consecutive HSCT from alternative donors. All data were exported from the national ProMISE database between 2000 and 2016.

Results

Forty‐three patients (61.4%) received a CB‐HSCT2 and 27 (38.6%) a haplo‐HSCT2. Indications for HSCT were graft failure (51.4%) or disease progression (48.6%). Two‐years probabilities of overall survival, progression‐free survival and toxicity‐related mortality were 18.5%, 17.8% and 55.8%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, complete remission status at HSCT2 and year of HSCT2 ≥ 2012 were significantly associated with a better outcome (with respectively hazard ratio [HR] = 0.42, p = .002 and HR = 0.5, p = .051).

Conclusions

Neither the indication of HSCT2 nor the source of stem cell was more advantageous towards overall patient survival. A salvage haploidentical or cord‐blood stem cell transplantation is a high‐risk procedure, that may be considered for patients achieving a complete remission before receiving the second HSCT.
Surgical hematoma evacuation of cortical intracerebral hemorrhage ≥10 ml reduces risk of subsequent epilepsy by more than 70%: A retrospective monocenter study
Authors: Welte Tamara M. , Steidl Josephine , Stritzelberger Jenny , Gollwitzer Stephanie , Lang Johannes D. , Reindl Caroline , Rampp Stefan , Maslarova Anna , Brandner Sebastian , Hock Stefan , Muehlen Iris , Doerfler Arnd , Kuramatsu Joji B. , Schwab Stefan , Huttner Hagen B. , Sprügel Maximilian I. , Hamer Hajo M.
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to re‐evaluate risk factors for post‐ICH epilepsy (PICHE) and examine the impact of surgical hematoma evacuation on epilepsy development after ICH.

Background and purpose

Epilepsy is a common complication after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Information on risk factors is still scarce and the role of ICH evacuation remains uncertain.

Methods

We retrospectively included patients with spontaneous ICH treated in our hospital in 2006–2019. Patients' medical records were analyzed. In addition, mailed questionnaires and telephone interviews were used to complete the dataset. Uni‐ and multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) were applied to investigate risk factors for PICHE and the impact of surgical ICH evacuation.

Results

Among 587 ICH patients available for analyses, 139 (23.7%) developed PICHE (mean follow‐up 1795 ± 1378 days). The median time of epilepsy onset was 7 months after ICH (range 1–132 months). Risk factors associated with PICHE were cortical hemorrhage (multivariable HR 1.65 [95% CI 1.14–2.37]; p = 0.008), ICH volume > 10 ml (multivariable HR 1.91 [95% CI 1.33–2.73]; p < 0.001) and acute symptomatic seizures (multivariable HR 1.81 [95% CI 1.20–2.75]; p = 0.005). Patients with cortical ICH > 10 ml who underwent surgical hematoma evacuation were less likely to develop epilepsy than those with conservative treatment alone (multivariable HR 0.26 [95% CI 0.08–0.84]; p = 0.025).

Conclusions

Post‐ICH epilepsy is frequent and predicted by large cortical ICH and acute symptomatic seizures. Hematoma evacuation reduced the risk of PICHE by more than 70% in patients with large cortical ICH. This finding could be considered in the clinical decision making on the acute treatment of ICH.
CA‐MLBS: content‐aware machine learning based load balancing scheduler in the cloud environment
Authors: Adil Muhammad , Nabi Said , Aleem Muhammad , Diaz Vicente Garcia , Lin Jerry Chun‐Wei
Published: September 2022

Cloud computing is the on‐demand provision of computing resources over the Internet, such as cloud storage, computing power, network, and so on. Cloud computing has several advantages, including high speed, cost reduction, data security, and scalability. The main challenge in cloud environment is to balance the workloads and network traffic among the available resources to achieve maximum performance. Several methods have been proposed in the literature for effective load balancing, including heuristic, meta‐heuristic, and hybrid algorithms. The performance of these techniques has been improved by combining machine learning based Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and meta‐heuristic algorithms. Most of the existing load balancing techniques are not aware of the content type of user tasks. However, from the literature, the content type of the tasks can be very effective to design a balanced workload distribution system in the cloud. In this work, a novel AI‐assisted hybrid approach called Content‐aware Machine Learning based Load Balancing Scheduler (CA‐MLBS) is proposed. The scheduling system CA‐MLBS combines machine learning and meta‐heuristic algorithms to perform classification based on file type. To achieve this, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) based classifier is used to classify user tasks into different content types such as video, audio, image, and text. A metaheuristic algorithm based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to map users' tasks in the cloud. The proposed approach was implemented and evaluated using a renowned Cloudsim simulation kit and compared with Ant Colony Optimization File Type Format (ACOFTF) and Data Files Type Formatting (DFTF) heuristics. The results of the proposed study show that the proposed CA‐MLBS technique achieved improvements of up to 29%, 29%, and 44% in terms of makespan, response time, and throughput, respectively.
The dimeric form of bacterial l‐asparaginase YpAI is fully active
Authors: Strzelczyk Pawel , Zhang Di , Alexandratos Jerry , Piszczek Grzegorz , Wlodawer Alexander , Lubkowski Jacek
Published: September 2022

l‐asparaginases from mesophilic bacteria (ASNases), including two enzymes very successfully used in the treatment of leukaemia, have been consistently described as homotetramers. On the contrary, structural studies show that homodimers of these enzymes should be sufficient to carry out the catalytic reaction. In this report, we investigated whether the type I Yersinia pestis asparaginase (YpAI) is active in a dimeric form or whether the tetrameric quaternary structure is critical for its activity. Using multiple biophysical techniques that investigate enzymatic properties and quaternary structure at either high or low protein concentration, we found that dimeric YpAI is fully active, suggesting that the tetrameric form of this subfamily of enzymes does not bear significant enzymatic relevance. In this process, we extensively characterized YpAI, showing that it is a cooperative enzyme, although the mechanism of allostery is still not definitely established. We showed that, like most type I ASNases, the substrate affinity of YpAI is low and this enzyme is very similar in terms of both the structure and enzymatic properties to homologous type I ASNase from Escherichia coli (EcAI). We extended these studies to more medically relevant type II ASNases, used as anti‐leukaemia drugs. We confirmed that type II ASNases are not allosteric, and that they might also be functional in a dimeric form. However, the determination of the accurate tetramer⇆dimer dissociation constants of these enzymes that most likely lie in the picomolar range is not possible with currently available biophysical techniques.
Transcriptional regulation of autophagy, cell wall stress response and pathogenicity by Pho23 in C. albicans
Authors: Du Jiawen , Dong Yixuan , Zhao He , Peng Liping , Wang Yao , Yu Qilin , Li Mingchun
Published: September 2022

The modification of chromatin by histone deacetylases (HDACs) has critical roles in transcriptional regulation. In this study, we identified the Rpd3 HDAC complex component Pho23 in Candida albicans and explored its role in the transcriptional regulation of physiological processes. PHO23 deletion increased autophagic activity and upregulated the transcription of ATG genes. Moreover, the deletion of PHO23 severely impaired cell wall stress resistance and reduced the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway in response to cell wall stress. Furthermore, the pho23Δ/Δ mutant had partial defects in hyphal development and protease secretion, which were associated with the downregulation of genes involved in hyphal development (e.g. HWP1, ALS3 and ECE1) and genes encoding secreted aspartic proteases (e.g. SAP4, SAP5, SAP6 and SAP9). In addition, the deletion of PHO23 strongly attenuated systemic infection and kidney fungal burden in mice, demonstrating that Pho23 is required for the virulence of C. albicans. Together, our results revealed that Pho23 regulates many key physiological processes in C. albicans at the transcriptional level. These data also shed light on the potential for exploiting Rpd3 HDAC complex‐related proteins as antifungal targets.
Do uninformed traders move prices? Evidence from the Bank of Japan's ETF purchasing program
Authors: Bouffler Luke , Kwan Amy , Liang Lantian , Philip Richard
Published: September 2022

Using the Bank of Japan (BoJ) ETF purchasing program as an exogenous shock to stock demand, we find that stocks with a higher BoJ demand experience higher positive abnormal returns on BoJ ETF purchase dates, which only partially revert in the long term. Our findings support the hypothesis that stocks have a downward‐sloping demand curve, implying that uninformed traders can cause a permanent shift in price.
Assessing nutritional status in older adults requiring long‐term care: Interchangeability of bioelectrical impedance analysis and manual methods for upper arm anthropometric measurements
Authors: Sato Ryo , Sawaya Yohei , Ishizaka Masahiro , Shiba Takahiro , Hirose Tamaki , Urano Tomohiko
Published: September 2022

Aim

In older adults, arm circumference and arm muscle circumference are common nutritional assessment tools. Bioelectrical impedance analysis devices can automatically measure arm circumference and arm muscle circumference. However, the interchangeability of the measurements made by bioelectrical impedance analysis with the actual manual measurements has not been clarified. This study examined the interchangeability of these two measurements and their relationship with sarcopenia.

Methods

The interchangeability between bioelectrical impedance analysis and manual arm circumference and arm muscle circumference measurements was calculated using Bland–Altman analysis in 112 older adults certified to require long‐term care in the Japanese system. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was used to investigate the association between arm circumference and arm muscle circumference obtained using the bioelectrical impedance analysis method and sarcopenia.

Results

The bioelectrical impedance analysis and manual methods were interchangeable, with a percentage error of <15% (arm circumference 13.54% and arm muscle circumference 13.54%) for the upper arm anthropometric measurement. In multivariate analysis, decreased arm muscle circumference was significantly associated with sarcopenia risk.

Conclusions

Values obtained using the bioelectrical impedance analysis method were interchangeable with the values obtained using manual measurement. This shows that upper arm anthropometric measurement using bioelectrical impedance analysis might be useful as a nutritional assessment tool for older adults requiring long‐term care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 938–942.
Best practices for implementing experimental research methods
Authors: Stoner Jennifer L. , Felix Reto , Stadler Blank Ashley
Published: September 2022

Experimental research methods have a long history across a number of different disciplines—including consumer research. Although experiments are just one of many alternative research methods, experiments are notable because they are the best way to establish causation. This makes experiments a powerful tool when researchers need to show cause and effect relationships. In this article, we provide best practices for implementing experimental research methods in consumer studies. Specifically, we discuss several important topics researchers need to consider when designing experiments, including developing hypotheses, operationalizing the variables (manipulated or measured), deciding on the research design (between‐subjects, within‐subjects, or mixed), selecting the research setting (laboratory, field, or online), understanding the main effect (via moderation, mediation, or moderated mediation), including manipulation and attention checks, determining the sample size, and choosing participants. We provide recommendations that researchers can use to conduct high‐quality experiments in a consumer context.
Effect of a needle‐free system versus traditional anesthesia on pain perception during palatal injections in children
Authors: Kaya Emine , Yıldırım Sinem
Published: September 2022

Background

Needle‐free injection systems can contribute to the prevention of needle‐related pain during palatal infiltration anesthesia (PIA) in children. Research on this topic in children is required.

Aim

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness and patient preference of a needle‐free system versus traditional anesthesia (TA) on pain perception during PIA in children.

Design

The study was designed as a randomized, controlled crossover clinical study with 48 children aged 6–12 years requiring dental treatment with PIA in bilateral maxillary primary molars. TA was applied on one side and the Comfort‐in™ injection system (CIS) on the other side in two separate sessions. Then, patient preference was recorded. The pain perception during PIA was evaluated using the Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (PRS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Scale. The data were analyzed for statistical significance (p < .05).

Results

There were statistically significant differences between the TA and the CIS according to the PRS and FLACC Scale scores. On both scales, significantly higher pain ratings were observed in the TA group during PIA (p < .001). There was a statistically significant difference in terms of patient preference (p < .001). Although 77.1% (n = 37) of the children preferred the CIS, 22.9% (n = 11) preferred the TA. Moreover, patient preference for the CIS was significantly higher in older children (p < .01).

Conclusions

The application of a needle‐free system during PIA ensured a decrease in pain perception in children.
Labour migration policy post‐Brexit: The contested meaning of regulation by old and new actors
Authors: Alberti Gabriella , Cutter Jo
Published: September 2022

The end of free movement of labour from the European Union represents an unprecedented form of re‐regulation of the UK labour market. This study explores how old and new actors engage with the sphere of migration, arguing that not only their economic interests but also different political agendas and meanings of regulation shape dialogue on migration regulation post‐Brexit. Our findings suggest moving away from a unilateral, positive view of regulation in work and employment as well as to overcome any artificial distinction between the economic and the social implications of international migration.
Effect of LaB6 addition on compressive creep behavior with simultaneous oxide scale growth of spark plasma sintered ZrB2‐SiC composites
Authors: Kashyap Sunil Kumar , Mitra Rahul
Published: September 2022

A study has been carried out to examine the effect of LaB6 addition on the compressive creep behavior of ZrB2‐SiC composites at 1300–1400°C under stresses between 47 and 78 MPa in laboratory air. The ZrB2‐20 vol% SiC composites containing LaB6 (10% in ZSBCL‐10 and 14% in ZSBCL‐14) besides 5.6% B4C and 4.8% C as additives were prepared by spark plasma sintering at 1600°C. Due to cleaner interfaces and superior oxidation resistance, the ZSBCL‐14 composite has exhibited a lower steady‐state creep rate at 1300°C than the ZSBCL‐10. The obtained stress exponent (n ∼ 2 ± 0.1) along with cracking at ZrB2 grain boundaries and ZrB2‐SiC interfaces are considered evidence of grain boundary sliding during creep of the ZSBCL‐10 composite. However, the values of n ∼ 1 and apparent activation energy ∼700 kJ/mol obtained for the ZSBCL‐14 composite at 1300–1400°C suggest that ZrB2 grain boundary diffusion is the rate‐limiting mechanism of creep. The thickness of the damaged outer layer containing cracks scales with temperature and applied stress, indicating their role in facilitating the ingress of oxygen causing oxide scale growth. Decreasing oxidation‐induced defect density with depth to a limit of ∼280 μm, indicates the predominance of creep‐based deformation and damage at the inner core of samples.
The role of community‐level characteristics in comparing United States hospital performance by magnet designation: A propensity score matched study
Authors: Menser Terri , Hamadi Hanadi Y. , Boamah Sheila A. , Dorsey Katherine , Zhao Mei , Spaulding Aaron
Published: September 2022

Aims

To assess the impact of community‐level characteristics on the role of magnet designation in relation to hospital value‐based purchasing quality scores, as health disparities associated with geographical location could confound hospitals' ability to meet outcome metrics.

Design

This cross‐sectional study was carried out between October 2021 and March 2022 using data from 2016 to 2021.

Methods

Propensity score analysis was used to match hospital and community‐level characteristics, implementing nearest neighbour matching to adjust for pre‐treatment differences between magnet and non‐magnet hospitals to account for multi‐level differences. Secondary data were obtained from all operational acute‐care facilities in the United States that participated in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' hospital value‐based purchasing (HVBP) program. Dependent variables were the four value‐based purchasing domains that comprise the Total Performance Score (TPS; Clinical Care, Person and Community Engagement, Safety, and Efficiency and Cost Reduction).

Results

Magnet hospitals had increased odds for better scores in the HVBP domains of Clinical Care and Person and Community Engagement, and decreased odds for having better Safety. However, no statistically significant difference was found for the Efficiency domain or the TPS.

Conclusion

Measuring performance equitably across organizations of various sizes serving diverse communities remains a key factor in ensuring distributive justice. Analysing the TPS components can identify complex influences of community‐level characteristics not evident at the composite level. More research is needed where community and nurse‐level factors may indirectly affect patient safety.

Impact

This study's findings on the role of community contexts can inform policymakers designing value‐based care programs and healthcare management administrators deliberating on magnet certification investments across diverse community settings.

No patient or public contribution

For this study of US hospitals' organizational performance, we did not engage members of the patient population nor the general public. However, the multi‐disciplinary research team does include diverse perspectives.
Gaps in the management of diabetes in Asia: A need for improved awareness and strategies in men's sexual health
Authors: Kang Waye‐Hann , Mohamad Sithik Muhammad Navid , Khoo Jun‐Kit , Ooi Ying‐Guat , Lim Quan‐Hziung , Lim Lee‐Ling
Published: September 2022

Sexual dysfunction, which is defined as ‘difficulty during any stage of the sexual encounter that prevents or impairs the individual or couple from enjoying sexual activity’, is globally prevalent in males with prediabetes and diabetes. It is an early harbinger of cardiovascular diseases and has a profound impact on one's physical, mental, and social health. Among patients with either prediabetes or diabetes, the most common male sexual dysfunctions are hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. In Asia, although sexual health is an important factor of men's health, it is rarely discussed freely in real‐life practice. Addressing sexual health in Asian males has always been challenging with multiple barriers at the levels of patients and health care providers. Therefore, the assessment and management of sexual dysfunction in routine clinical practice should involve a holistic approach with effective patient–provider communication. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and the management of hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation among males with either prediabetes or diabetes (type 1 and type 2), as well as the evidence gaps across Asia.
Characteristic changes in plasma glutamate levels and free amino acid profiles in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kawamori Dan , Kageyama Yoko , Tanaka Takayuki , Ishizaka Yuko , Hosoe Shigero , Katakami Naoto , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: September 2022

Aims/Introduction

In addition to absolute insulin deficiency, dysregulated glucagon in type 1 diabetes is considered pathophysiologically important. Previously, we confirmed the presence of dysregulated glucagon in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes, and found a significant correlation between plasma glucagon and blood urea nitrogen levels, suggesting an association between glucagon and amino acid metabolism. In this study, we evaluated plasma amino acid levels in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes in the context of their functional relationship with glucagon.

Materials and Methods

We assessed plasma free amino acid levels using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in 77 Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes, and statistically analyzed their characteristics and relationships with clinical parameters, including glucagon.

Results

Participants with type 1 diabetes showed a large decrease in glutamate levels together with a characteristic change in plasma free amino acid profiles. The network structural prediction analyses showed correlations between each amino acid and glucagon in type 1 diabetes.

Conclusions

Participants with type 1 diabetes showed characteristic changes in plasma glutamate levels and free amino acid profiles compared with controls and type 2 diabetes patients. Glucagon showed a closer correlation with amino acids than with parameters of glucose metabolism, suggesting that type 1 diabetes includes dysregulation in amino acids through dysregulated glucagon from remaining pancreatic α‐cells, together with that in glucose by insulin deficiency.
Guideline for the treatment of no light perception eyes induced by mechanical ocular trauma
Authors: Yan Hua , Yang Kehu , Ma Zhizhong , Kuhn Ferenc , Zhang Wenfang , Wang ZhiJun , Hu Yuntao , Lu Hai , Shigeo Yoshida , Sobaci Gungor , Ozdek Sengul , Forlini Matteo , Huang Bo , Hui Yannian , Zhang Ming , Xu Gezhi , Wei Wenbin , Jiang Yanrong , Park DongHo , Fernandes RodrigoAntonio Brant , He Yuguang , Rousselot Andres , Hoskin Annette , Sundar Gangadhara , Liu Yong , Wang Yusheng , Shen Lijun , Chen Haoyu , Chen Huijin , Han Gezhi , Jiang Rui , Jin Xuemin , Lin Jijian , Luo Jing , Wang Zhaoyang , Wei Yong , Wen Ying , Xie Zhenggao , Wang Yi , Yang Xun , Yu Wenzhen , Zheng Zhi , Sun Xiaodong , Liang Jianhong , Liu Qin , Yu Jinguo , Wei Shihui , Li Zhengxiang , Chen Lu , Wang Xiufen , Wei Lili , Zhang Haokun , Chen Siyue , Liu Yuming , Guo Xu , Liu Siyuan , Xu Xinhua , Tao Yibo , Chen Yixuan , Chen Yaolong
Published: September 2022

Severe mechanical ocular trauma with no light perception (NLP) predicts a poor prognosis of visual acuity and enucleation of the eyeball. Since the innovative treatment concept of exploratory vitreoretinal surgery has developed and treatment technology has advanced, the outcomes of severe ocular trauma treatment in NLP patients have greatly improved. However, there remains a lack of unified standards for the determination, surgical indication, and timing of vitrectomy in NLP eye treatment. To address these problems, we aimed to create evidence‐based medical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mechanical ocular trauma with NLP. Sixteen relevant recommendations for mechanical ocular trauma with NLP were obtained, and a consensus was reached. Each recommendation was explained in detail to guide the treatment of mechanical ocular trauma associated with NLP.