bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CaPTS scheduler: A context‐aware priority tuple scheduling for Fog computing paradigm
Authors: Islam Mir Salim Ul , Kumar Ashok
Published: September 2022

With the increase in real‐time latency‐sensitive Internet of Things (IoT) applications, a huge amount of data is generated in the Fog‐IoT paradigm. There is a need to schedule and execute this huge workload over Fog devices efficiently to support the increasing demand of these applications. But, Fog devices are resource‐constrained in terms of processing/computing power, bandwidth as well as storage capacity which makes tuple scheduling a challenging problem. Moreover, due to the rise in IoT devices per application, a sharp increase in service response time, network congestion, and inefficiency in terms of energy consumption, and execution cost has been observed. Consequently, an efficient tuple scheduling algorithm is desirable that can reduce latency and network usage and optimize energy consumption and cost. Therefore, in this work, CaPTS scheduler: A Context‐aware Priority Tuple Scheduling for Fog computing paradigm is designed and proposed. It takes into consideration various context‐aware parameters such as task load of application, networking requirement, and data flow rate to set the priority of tuples and schedule them across Fog computing nodes while ensuring quick service response time and satisfying quality of service requirements of end‐users. The CaPTS scheduler is implemented and evaluated using iFogSim toolkit on various performance metrics such as latency, network usage, energy consumption, and cost. Its performance is validated through a case study on the smart mining industry system. The results show that on an average the latency and network usage are minimized by 35.93% and 44.20%, while energy consumption and cost are optimized by 4.55% and 30.92%, respectively, in comparison with baseline techniques.
Formulation optimization of functional wheat bread with low glycemic index from technological and nutritional perspective
Authors: Mollakhalili‐meybodi Neda , Ehrampoush Mohammad Hassan , Hajimohammadi Bahador , Mosaddegh Mohammad Hassan
Published: September 2022

Inclusion of prebiotic compounds as indigestible dietary fiber in wheat bread has grown rapidly considering the increased public awareness about their impact on health. However, through their incorporation, the technological characteristics may adversely be influenced by gluten dilution impacts. This study was done to evaluate the impacts of long chain, native and short chain inulin (L‐, N‐, and S‐type inulin, respectively) at 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, and 16% w/w as Inulin Reconstituted Wheat Flour (IRWF) with similar gluten: carbohydrate ratio of wheat flour (at 10%, 12.5%, 15%, 17.5%, 20% w/w) on technological and nutritional value of wheat bread. Results indicated that despite no gluten dilution induced by IRWF supplementation, technological characteristics were adversely influenced especially at higher substitution level of L‐type‐containing formulations which is attributed to their higher water absorption index (WAI). Reversely, the nutritional value was positively influenced in which the lowest hydrolysis index (26.64%); predicted Glycemic Index (51.93%) and fructan loss content (25.42%) were found at L‐type inulin‐containing IRWF at the highest substitution level (20% w/w). As the nutritional value of wheat bread as staple foodstuff is important, optimizing the bread‐making process to decrease all reverse impacts induced by L‐inulin‐type inclusion seems to be required.
Combinatorial targeting of G‐protein‐coupled bile acid receptor 1 and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 reveals a mechanistic role for bile acids and leukotrienes in drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Biagioli Michele , Marchianò Silvia , di Giorgio Cristina , Roselli Rosalinda , Bordoni Martina , Bellini Rachele , Fiorillo Bianca , Sepe Valentina , Catalanotti Bruno , Cassiano Chiara , Monti Maria Chiara , Distrutti Eleonora , Zampella Angela , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim:

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a common disorder that involves both direct liver cell toxicity and immune activation. The bile acid receptor, G‐protein‐coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1; Takeda G‐protein‐coupled receptor 5 [TGR5]), and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CYSLTR) 1 are G‐protein‐coupled receptors activated by bile acids and leukotrienes, exerting opposite effects on cell‐to‐cell adhesion, inflammation, and immune cell activation. To investigate whether GPBAR1 and CYSLTR1 mutually interact in the development of DILI, we developed an orally active small molecule, CHIN117, that functions as a GPBAR1 agonist and CYSLTR1 antagonist.

Approach and Results:

RNA‐sequencing analysis of liver explants showed that acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication positively modulates the leukotriene pathway, CYSLTR1, 5‐lipoxygenase, and 5‐lipoxygenase activating protein, whereas GPBAR1 gene expression was unchanged. In mice, acute liver injury induced by orally dosing APAP (500 mg/kg) was severely exacerbated by Gpbar1 gene ablation and attenuated by anti‐Cysltr1 small interfering RNA pretreatment. Therapeutic dosing of wild‐type mice with CHIN117 reversed the liver damage caused by APAP and modulated up to 1300 genes, including 38 chemokines and receptors, that were not shared by dosing mice with a selective GPBAR1 agonist or CYSLTR1 antagonist. Coexpression of the two receptors was detected in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), monocytes, and Kupffer cells, whereas combinatorial modulation of CYSLTR1 and GPBAR1 potently reversed LSEC/monocyte interactions. CHIN117 reversed liver damage and liver fibrosis in mice administered CCl4.

Conclusions:

By genetic and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrated that GPBAR1 and CYSLTR1 mutually interact in the development of DILI. A combinatorial approach designed to activate GPBAR1 while inhibiting CYSLTR1 reverses liver injury in models of DILI.
IPGA: A handy integrated prokaryotes genome and pan‐genome analysis web service
Authors: Liu Dongmei , Zhang Yifei , Fan Guomei , Sun Dingzhong , Zhang Xingjiao , Yu Zhengfei , Wang Jinfeng , Wu Linhuan , Shi Wenyu , Ma Juncai
Published: September 2022

Pan‐genomics is one of the most powerful means to study genomic variation and obtain a sketch of genes within a defined clade of species. Though there are a lot of computational tools to achieve this, an integrated framework to evaluate their performance and offer the best choice to users has never been achieved. To ease the process of large‐scale prokaryotic genome analysis, we introduce Integrated Prokaryotes Genome and pan‐genome Analysis (IPGA), a one‐stop web service to analyze, compare, and visualize pan‐genome as well as individual genomes, that rids users of installing any specific tools. IPGA features a scoring system that helps users to evaluate the reliability of pan‐genome profiles generated by different packages. Thus, IPGA can help users ascertain the profiling method that is most suitable for their data set for the following analysis. In addition, IPGA integrates several downstream comparative analysis and genome analysis modules to make users achieve diverse targets.
Ferro‐floating memory: Dual‐mode ferroelectric floating memory and its application to in‐memory computing
Authors: Park Sangyong , Oh Seyong , Lee Dongyoung , Park Jin‐Hong
Published: September 2022

Various core memory devices have been proposed for utilization in future in‐memory computing technology featuring high energy efficiency. Flash memory is considered as a viable choice owing to its high integration density, stability, and reliability, which has been verified by commercialized products. However, its high operating voltage and slow operation speed issues caused by the tunneling mechanism make its adoption in in‐memory computing applications difficult. In this paper, we introduce a dual‐mode memory device named “ferro‐floating memory”, fabricated using van der Waals (vdW) materials (h‐BN, MoS2, and α‐In2Se3). The vdW material, α‐In2Se3, acts as a polarization control layer for the ferroelectric memory operation and charge storage layer for the conventional flash memory operation. Compared to the tunneling‐based memory operation, the ferro‐floating memory operates 1.9 and 3.3 times faster at 6.7 and 5.8 times lower operating voltages for programming and erasing operations, respectively. The dual‐mode operation improves the linearity of conductance change by 5 times and the dynamic range by 48% through achieving conductance variation regions. Furthermore, we assess the effects of the variation in device operating voltage on neural networks and suggest a memory array operating scheme for maximizing the networks' performance through various training/inference simulations.

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Modulating preferred crystal orientation for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells—From progress to perspectives
Authors: Fang Zhimin , Yan Nan , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: September 2022

The perovskite solar cell (PSC) has been recognized as a promising candidate for the next generation of photovoltaics due to its excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE), potential low cost and straightforward solution preparation processes. With efforts around the world, the PCE of PSCs has reached 25.7%. As the perovskite film is the most important part of a PSC, its quality dramatically affects the efficiency and stability of the PSC. Numerous works have focused on controlling crystallization to realize oriented growth of perovskite films. Particularly, considering the photoelectric anisotropy of perovskite materials, it is very meaningful to investigate the relationship between preferred crystal orientation and device efficiency and stability. This review highlights various approaches for realizing preferred crystal orientation of polycrystalline perovskite films, including optimizing the perovskite precursor solution and film annealing process, additive engineering, and interface engineering. Furthermore, the key factors affecting oriented crystal growth are carefully discussed, which provides effective guidance to obtain highly‐oriented perovskite films for highly efficient and stable PSCs.

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Effects of an enhanced choice model of skill‐based treatment for students with emotional/behavioral disorders
Authors: Staubitz Johanna L. , Staubitz John E. , Pollack Marney S. , Haws Rachel A. , Hopton Michelle
Published: September 2022

The enhanced choice model of skill‐based treatment (ECM‐SBT; Rajaraman et al., 2021) is a package of behavioral treatment procedures with modifications designed to reduce risks associated with extinction of problem behavior. The skill‐based treatment component of this package (Hanley et al., 2014) has been investigated thoroughly in clinical settings, though fewer studies have been conducted in public schools. In this investigation, we systematically replicated Rajaraman et al.’s (2021) demonstration of the ECM‐SBT with 3 children enrolled in a public special day school for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Intervention procedures were associated with increases in targeted alternative responses (i.e., communicative response, tolerance response, and cooperation with instructions) and decreased precursor behavior relative to baseline. Severe problem behavior was rare in both assessment and treatment. Participants chose to spend most appointment time participating in ECM‐SBT, indicating preference for treatment procedures over alternative contexts (i.e., free access to a break area with preferred activities; regular classroom instruction). These outcomes suggest ECM‐SBT has promise for safely teaching alternatives to problem behavior to children with emotional and behavioral disorders in school settings.
Black student perspectives to inform actionable steps toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in pharmacy residency programs
Authors: Hamilton Leslie A. , Kiles Tyler Marie , Hohmeier Kenneth C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Pharmacy residency training is a valuable tool in the advanced postgraduate training of clinical pharmacists. Although there is literature about increasing diversity in medical residencies, there is a lack of literature about initiatives to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in pharmacy residencies.

Objectives

To describe the perspectives of Black students about pharmacy residency and to assist institutions and pharmacy residency programs in improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Methods

Four residency focus groups were conducted among Black students in the second through fourth years of a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at a college of pharmacy in the United States. Five pharmacy year 2 (P2) students, 12 pharmacy year 3 (P3) students, and eight pharmacy year 4 (P4) students participated. The average age was 25.5 years and the sample was 84% female. A qualitative analysis was conducted based on results from the focus groups using a “restorying” approach for analysis due to a lack of a pre‐existing framework to narrate Black student pharmacists' experience in seeking residency training.

Results

The Black students in this study expressed apprehensiveness about multiple components of the residency attainment process, including representation during recruitment and potential racial bias during the application and interview process. Cost was an additional concern expressed by students throughout the focus groups.

Conclusion

The results of this study can inform institutions and pharmacy residency programs as to the perception of Black residency candidates. Although increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion is important in the overall pharmacy academy, individual programs can work to improve their processes for recruitment and interviewing to improve overall equity and inclusion, not only for the pharmacy residency programs, but for the patients they serve.
Quantitative determination of concentration profiles of skin components and topically applied oils by tailored multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares using in vivo confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy
Authors: Choe ChunSik , Schleusener Johannes , Ri JinSong , Choe SeHyok , Kim PokSil , Lademann Jürgen , Darvin Maxim E.
Published: September 2022

The main components of thestratum corneum(SC), water, lipids, and proteins, are non‐homogeneously distributed throughout the depth. The quantitative determination of their concentration profiles and penetration depth of topically applied substances are urgent topics of dermatological and cosmetic research. Confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy has distinct advantages when determining semi‐quantitative concentrations ofSCcomponents and topically applied substances non‐invasively and in vivo. In this work, we applied a tailored multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (tMCR‐ALS) method to analyze Raman spectra of theSCin the 2000–4000 cm−1region for quantitatively determining the concentrations of water, lipids, proteins, and topically applied oils using substance‐related spectral loadings which were allowed to change depth‐dependently from theSC's surface toward its bottom. tMCR‐ALS makes matching of depth‐dependent signal attenuation, that is, the normalization on keratin, unnecessary and requires only a few additional experiments for calibration – Raman spectra of the pure materials and their densities.
Exposure to environmental pollutant bisphenol A causes oxidative damage and lipid accumulation in Zebrafish larvae: Protective role of WL15 peptide derived from cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 2
Authors: Guru Ajay , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: September 2022

Humans are exposed to obesity causing Bisphenol A in various ways, especially through diet and food containers. Bioactive peptides are already reported to have antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity properties, which can mimic the role of mediators involved in obesity prevention. The protective effect of a short molecule or peptide, WL15 from cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 2 of a teleost of aquatic resource on Bisphenol A (BPA)‐induced lipid accumulation in zebrafish larvae was investigated. BPA exposure disrupted the antioxidant enzymes, apoptosis, and nitric oxide and led to changes in biochemical markers including alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, lipid peroxidation, glutathione S‐transferases, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione. However, WL15 inhibited the overproduction of oxidative stress, which correlates with its lipid‐lowering potential. BPA‐induced lipid accumulation in zebrafish showed an increase in triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose level; simultaneously, WL15 treatment significantly reduced such accumulation in zebrafish. Evidenced by Oil red O staining and Nile red assay, WL15 inhibited lipid accumulation. At the same time, WL15 at 50 µM increases 2‐(N‐[7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl]amino)‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (2NBDG) glucose uptake in zebrafish. In addition, gene expression studies in zebrafish larvae demonstrated that the WL15 peptide could play a crucial role in preventing lipid accumulation by downregulating the expression of lipogenesis‐specific genes. These results revealed an interesting and novel property of WL15, suggesting its potential application in preventing lipid accumulation through the hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties.
Histone deacetylase 1 and 3 inhibitors alleviate colon inflammation by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Gu Zhengrong , Chen Xiaotian , Zhu Dandan , Wu Songting , Yu Chenggong
Published: September 2022

Background

The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is not completely clear, but its pathogenesis is closely related to T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Several histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to exert potent anti‐inflammatory effects and modulate Th17 cell polarization. Owing to the large variety and broad expression of HDACs, finding specific therapeutic targets for IBD is of clinical importance.

Methods

The proportions of Th17 cells and interleukin (IL)‐17A produced between patients with UC and healthy volunteers were compared. The differentiation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into Th17 cells was induced in vitro. Differentiated Th17 cells were treated with RGFP109 (RG), a selective inhibitor of HDAC1 and 3, to observe its effects on these cells. Subsequently, colitis was induced in mice and treated with RG. The proportion of Th17 cells, the severity of colitis in mice, and colon histopathology and immunohistochemistry were evaluated respectively.

Results

The proportion of Th17 cells and IL‐17A production was significantly increased in patients with UC than in healthy individuals. RG inhibited the differentiation of human PBMCs into Th17 cells and reduced IL‐17A secretion in vitro. RG‐treated colitis mice had a lower Th17 ratio, mild colon inflammation, and decreased expression of HDAC1 and 3 in the colon.

Conclusions

HDAC1 and 3 inhibitors can modulate the differentiation of inflammatory Th17 cells, downregulate IL‐17A levels, and exert anti‐inflammatory effects in experimental colitis mice, indicating that HDAC1 and 3 may be potential therapeutic targets for patients with IBD.
The β8 integrin EGF domains support a constitutive extended conformation, and the cytoplasmic domain impairs outside‐in signaling
Authors: Song Guannan , Meng Fei , Luo Bing‐Hao
Published: September 2022

Integrins are transmembrane proteins that transmit bi‐directional signals across the cell membrane through global structural rearrangement among three different conformational states: bent, extended‐ closed, and extended‐open conformations. However, the β8 integrin is distinctive and may adopt only one conformation, that is, extended‐closed conformation, with high affinity for ligands under physiological conditions, and may not transmit bi‐directional signals like other integrin members. It is unclear how different β8 domains affect its unique conformation and signaling. We swapped different domains of integrin β3 with those of β8 and investigated how they affected integrin ligand binding, global conformation, and outside‐in signaling. We found that the β8 epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains increased integrin ligand binding ability and contributed to its extended conformation. By comparison, the β8 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains had little effect on ligand binding or global conformation. The β8 EGF and transmembrane domains did not affect integrin‐mediated cell adhesion, cell spreading, focal adhesion formation, or colocalization of integrin with other proteins, but the cytoplasmic domain had a defective effect on outside‐in signaling. Our results showed that different domains of β8 play various roles on its unique conformation, ligand binding, and signaling, which are considered atypical among integrin members.
Preterm Birth Therapies to Target Inflammation
Authors: Pavlidis Ioannis , Stock Sarah J.
Published: September 2022

Preterm birth (PTB; defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and children aged <5 years, conferring potentially devastating short‐ and long‐term complications. Despite extensive research in the field, there is currently a paucity of medications available for PTB prevention and treatment. Over the past few decades, inflammation in gestational tissues has emerged at the forefront of PTB pathophysiology. Even in the absence of infection, inflammation alone can prematurely activate the main components of parturition resulting in uterine contractions, cervical ripening and dilatation, membrane rupture, and subsequent PTB. Mechanistic studies have identified critical elements of the complex inflammatory molecular pathways involved in PTB. Here, we discuss therapeutic options that target such key mediators with an aim to prevent, postpone, or treat PTB. We provide an overview of more traditional therapies that are currently used or being tested in humans, and we highlight recent advances in preclinical studies introducing novel approaches with therapeutic potential. We conclude that urgent collaborative action is required to address the unmet need of developing effective strategies to tackle the challenge of PTB and its complications.
Antidepressants and Antipsychotics in Human Pregnancy: Transfer Across the Placenta and Opportunities for Modeling Studies
Authors: Zheng Liang , Yang Hongyi , Dallmann André
Published: September 2022

There is limited information about the transfer of antidepressants and antipsychotics across the human placenta. The objective of the current review was to systematically screen the scientific literature using relevant keywords to collect quantitative data on placental transfer of these drugs in humans and to give an overview of current modeling approaches used in this context. The collected data encompassed clinically measured fetal:maternal (F:M) concentration ratios (ie, the ratio between drug concentrations measured in the umbilical cord and drug concentrations measured in the mother) and transfer data obtained from ex vivo cotyledon perfusion experiments. These data were found for 18 antidepressants and some of their pharmacologically active metabolites, and for 10 antipsychotics and the metabolites thereof. Based on the collected data, similar maternal and fetal exposure could be observed for only a few compounds (eg, norfluoxetine and desvenlafaxine), whereas for most drugs (eg, paroxetine, sertraline, and quetiapine), fetal exposure appeared to be on average lower than maternal exposure. Venlafaxine appeared to be an exception in that the data indicated equivalent or higher concentrations in the umbilical cord than in the mother. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were sporadically used to investigate maternal pharmacokinetics of antidepressants or antipsychotics (eg, for sertraline, aripiprazole, and olanzapine), although without explicitly addressing fetal drug exposure. It is recommended that PBPK modeling is applied more frequently to these drugs. Although no substitute for clinical studies, these tools can help to better understand pregnancy‐induced pharmacokinetic changes and ultimately contribute to a more evidence‐based pharmacotherapy of depression and psychosis in pregnant subjects.
Allograft function and muscle mass evolution after kidney transplantation
Authors: Gaillard François , Ould Rabah Mélissa , Garcelon Nicolas , Touam Malik , Neuraz Antoine , Legendre Christophe , Anglicheau Dany , Prié Dominique , Bienaimé Frank
Published: September 2022

Background

Advanced chronic kidney disease is associated with muscle wasting, but how glomerular filtration rate (GFR) recovery after kidney transplantation is associated with muscle mass is unknown.

Methods

We took advantage of the simultaneous measurement of GFR (using iohexol plasma clearance; ioGFR) and creatinine excretion rate (a surrogate marker of muscle mass; CER) performed 3 months after transplantation and at a later time point at our institution to investigate the interplay between allograft function, muscle mass, and outcome in kidney transplant recipients.

Results

Between June 2005 and October 2019, 1319 successive kidney transplant recipients (mean age 50.4 ± 14.6; 38.7% female) underwent GFR measurement at our institution 3 months after kidney transplantation. CER (CER3) and ioGFR (ioGFR3) were 7.7 ± 2.6 μmol/min and 53 ± 17.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified female gender, older donor and recipient age, reduced body mass index, coronary disease, dialysis history, proteinuria, and reduced ioGFR3 as independent predictors of low CER3 (ioGFR3: β coefficient 0.19 [95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.24]). A total of 1165 patients had a subsequent CER measurement after a median follow‐up of 9.5 months. Of them, 373 (32%) experienced an increase in CER > 10%, while 222 (19%) showed a CER decrease of more than 10%. Multivariable analysis adjusted for CER3 and other confounders identified ioGFR3 as an independent predictor of CER at follow‐up (β coefficient 0.11 [95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.16]). In multivariable Cox analysis, reduced CER at 3 months or at follow‐up were consistently associated with mortality (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] at 3 months: 0.82 [0.74 to 0.91]; at follow‐up: 0.79 [0.69 to 0.99]) but not with graft loss.

Conclusions

Glomerular filtration rate recovery is a determinant of muscle mass variation after kidney transplantation. Early interventions targeting muscle mass gain may be beneficial for kidney transplant recipients.
Single vesicle analysis of CD47 association with integrins and tetraspanins on extracellular vesicles released by T lymphoblast and prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Kaur Sukhbir , Livak Ferenc , Daaboul George , Anderson Leif , Roberts David D.
Published: September 2022

CD47 regulates the trafficking of specific coding and noncoding RNAs into extracellular vesicles (EVs), and the RNA contents of CD47+ EVs differ from that of CD63+ EVs released by the same cells. Single particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensing combined with immunofluorescent imaging was used to analyse the colocalization of tetraspanins, integrins, and CD47 on EVs produced by wild type and CD47‐deficient Jurkat T lymphoblast and PC3 prostate carcinoma cell lines. On Jurkat cell‐derived EVs, β1 and α4 integrin subunits colocalized predominantly with CD47 and CD81 but not with CD63 and CD9, conserving the known lateral interactions between these proteins in the plasma membrane. Although PC3 cell‐derived EVs lacked detectable α4 integrin, specific association of CD81 with β1 and CD47 was preserved. Loss of CD47 expression in Jurkat cells significantly reduced β1 and α4 levels on EVs produced by these cells while elevating CD9+, CD63+, and CD81+ EVs. In contrast, loss of CD47 in PC3 cells decreased the abundance of CD63+ and CD81+ EVs. These data establish that CD47+ EVs are mostly distinct from EVs bearing the tetraspanins CD63 and CD9, but CD47 also indirectly regulates the abundance of EVs bearing these non‐interacting tetraspanins via mechanisms that remain to be determined.
COVID‐19 systematic screening of asymptomatic haematopoietic stem cell donors: Less if often more
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Tolmer Elise , Hermet Eric , Ravinet Aurélie , Brebion Amélie , Lemal Richard , Rouzaire Paul
Published: September 2022

From COVID pandemic spread until now, many HSCT unrelated donor registries recommend as a precaution a systematic COVID‐19 testing for all donors during the precollection time. Literature is quite poor to support this systematic attitude. We report one sibling allogeneic HSCT which we proceeded despite a positive COVID test on related asymptomatic donor and summarize the all seven cases reported until now. We suggest to question this systematic COVID testing, two years after pandemic began, when there is no systematic testing on other blood products received during all the haematological malignancies treatment process.
Outcome of metal vs plastic stents for biliary obstruction in patients with pancreatic carcinoma undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Jena Anuraag , Sharma Vishal , Shukla Siddharth , Shah Jimil
Published: September 2022

Background

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBT) may be warranted in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma before neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) to relieve obstructive jaundice. However, it is unclear if the use of self‐expanding metal stents (SEMS) has any benefit over plastic stents in this setting.

Methods

We searched electronic databases from inception to February 11, 2022 to identify studies comparing SEMS and plastic stents for PBT in patients with pancreatic carcinoma undergoing NAT. Random effect models were used to determine pooled rates of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) and/or need for reintervention, stent‐related complications and surgical outcome.

Results

A total of 10 studies (474 patients; metal group—37.1%) were included. Pooled risk ratio of RBO and/or need for reintervention was lower in the metal group (RR, 0.23 [95% CI: 0.11‐0.45, I2 = 60%]). Pooled risks of stent occlusion (RR, 0.43 [95% CI: 0.24‐0.80, I2 = 45%]) and stent‐related cholangitis (RR, 0.37 [95% CI: 0.17‐0.78, I2 = 1%]) were lower in the metal group. However, risks of stent‐related cholecystitis (RR, 1.51 [95% CI: 0.36‐6.41, I2 = 0%]) and pancreatitis (RR, 1.52 [95% CI: 0.07‐31.84, I2 = 66%]) were higher in the metal group. The metal group was also associated with a reduced risk of delay in NAT (RR, 0.38 [95% CI: 0.18‐0.80, I2 = 14%]). Pooled risk ratio of R0 resection and postoperative complications was equal amongst both groups.

Conclusion

Metal stents are associated with reduced risk of RBO and/or need for reintervention, reduced risk of stent occlusion and cholangitis as compared to plastic stents in patients with pancreatic carcinoma undergoing NAT.
Predicting overall and recurrence‐free survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma using the MEGNA score: A multi‐institutional analysis
Authors: Shaikh Chanza F. , Alaimo Laura , Moazzam Zorays , Endo Yutaka , Lima Henrique A. , Dawood Zaiba , Munir Muhammad M. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives

MEGNA is a prognostic scoring system for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) based on tumor multifocality, extension, grade, lymph node positivity, and age. We sought to assess its predictive ability for overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Methods

Patients who underwent curative‐intent liver resection for ICC between 2000 and 2020 were identified using an international multi‐institutional database. Multivariate Cox regression was utilized to identify prognostic factors.

Results

Among 800 patients with a median age of 58 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 50–68), the majority of patients were male (n = 467, 58.4%). 5‐year OS was 40.5%, while 5‐year RFS was 27.9%. The prognostic ability of MEGNA score (c‐index = 0.60) was similar to AJCC (c‐index = 0.58) and TBS (c‐index = 0.58). MEGNA was an independent prognostic factor for OS (0: Reference; I: hazard ratio [HR]: 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.84; II: HR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.57–2.96; ≥III: HR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.33–3.06; all p < 0.05), alongside high CA 19‐9, positive resection margins, and major vascular invasion (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, although MEGNA was not able to predict RFS, high CA 19‐9 and microvascular invasion were independently associated with worse RFS.

Conclusion

MEGNA score was an independent prognostic factor for OS. However, its prognostic ability was modest and comparable to existing systems such as AJCC eigth edition and TBS.
Combination of microwave‐assisted extraction with dispersive micro solid‐phase extraction as an efficient sample pretreatment method for the extraction of some antiparasitic drugs from cow liver, meat, and kidney samples
Authors: Kochameshki Babak Khalilzadeh , Javadi Afshin , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Mirzaee Hamid , Farajzadeh Mir Ali
Published: September 2022

A simple pretreatment method based on the combination of microwave‐assisted extraction and dispersive micro solid phase extraction has been developed for the extraction of eprinomectin, doramectin, ivermectin, and abamectin from cow meat, liver, and kidney samples. The extracted drugs were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode array detector. In this method, the solid samples were mixed with deionized water and organic solvent mixture, and the resulting mixtures were exposed to microwave irradiations to accelerate the analytes’ extraction from the samples into the solution. Then, the supernatant was taken and mixed with a mixture of three sorbents optimized by a simplex centroid design. After vortexing and centrifuging, the sorbent particles were isolated and the adsorbed analytes onto the sorbent surface eluted with a natural deep eutectic solvent for more concentration. After centrifuging, the supernatant was taken and injected into the separation system. Acceptable repeatability (relative standard deviations ≤7.0%), high extraction recoveries (72%–86%) and enrichment factors (216–258), and low limits of detection and quantification (0.06–0.10 and 0.19–0.32 ng/g, respectively) were acquired. The method was successfully applied for the assessment of the analytes in the mentioned samples and ivermectin was found in three samples.
Comparing immediate‐ and delayed‐onset posttraumatic stress disorder: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions–III (NESARC‐III)
Authors: Bourgault Zoe , Ibrahim Christine , Le Foll Bernard , Hassan Ahmed N.
Published: September 2022

Delayed‐onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as a period of 6 months or more between trauma exposure and episode onset. Due to the limited research and lack of epidemiological studies on this form of the disorder, we investigated its prevalence, clinical features, and psychiatric comorbidities in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Using National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions–III (NESARC‐III) data collected from individuals who met the DSM‐5 criteria for PTSD (N = 1,980), we compared delayed‐ and immediate‐onset PTSD with regard to demographic and clinical variables, including comorbidity with psychiatric and substance use disorder (SUD) diagnoses. The overall prevalence of delayed‐onset PTSD was 11.0%. Respondents with delayed‐onset PTSD were more likely than those with immediate‐onset PTSD to report active military combat exposure, more physical and emotional difficulties, and higher levels of pain; these individuals were also more likely to be divorced and less likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for select SUDs. After adjusting for confounding variables, we found a decreased risk of delayed‐onset PTSD among individuals with hallucinogen use disorder, OR = 0.30; 95% CI [0.11, 0.87], d = 0.5. We found no significant associations between PTSD onset status and any other SUD, including alcohol use disorder, after adjusting for covariates. Further longitudinal research is required to investigate the temporal associations between PTSD onset and its clinical characteristics and comorbidities, as this could have implications on disorder progression and treatment approaches.
Predator avoidance influences selection of neonatal lambing habitat by Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep
Authors: Forshee Shannon C. , Mitchell Michael S. , Stephenson Thomas R.
Published: September 2022

To improve lifetime reproductive success, maternal ungulates should pursue behavioral strategies that reduce risk of offspring mortality. Predation is a leading cause of neonatal mortality; thus, maternal ungulates should select habitat that reduces risk of predation on vulnerable neonates. We examined selection of habitat across subpopulations of federally endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) within Sierra Nevada, California, USA, 2008–2018. Our objectives were to understand how maternal Sierra Nevada bighorn minimize risk of predation through selection of habitat and to quantify current and future potential neonatal habitat across the Sierra Nevada. Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are the predominant predators of adult Sierra Nevada bighorn; thus, we hypothesized females would select habitat that minimized risk of predation from mountain lions. We developed a used‐available resource selection function to quantify patterns of habitat selection and produced predictive maps identifying highly selected lambing habitat across the Sierra Nevada. Our top model demonstrated females selected habitat where the relative probability of encountering mountain lions was low and near escape terrain. Selection for vegetation type was dependent on risk of encounter with mountain lions; when risk of encounter was low, females selected shrub cover. This suggests that when risk of encountering mountain lions was low, females may have selected areas with dense shrubs to reduce risk of being detected by other predators such as coyotes (Canis latrans) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). As risk of encountering mountain lions increased, females avoided all vegetation types other than barren, suggesting that despite increased risk of encounter, females may have been able to mitigate overall mortality risk by selecting habitat where approaching mountain lions could be detected and avoided. Our predictive models and resulting maps demonstrate differences in prevalence and connectivity of highly selected lambing habitat across subpopulations, which may explain differences in lamb recruitment and adequacy of lambing habitat observed among subpopulations. Recolonization into historical ranges and increasing connectivity between Sierra Nevada bighorn subpopulations is an important conservation need for species recovery and long‐term viability of fragmented subpopulations.
Toward 3D‐Bioprinted Models of the Liver to Boost Drug Development
Authors: Guagliano Giuseppe , Volpini Cristina , Briatico‐Vangosa Francesco , Cornaglia Antonia Icaro , Visai Livia , Petrini Paola
Published: September 2022

The main problems in drug development are connected to enormous costs related to the paltry success rate. The current situation empowered the development of high‐throughput and reliable instruments, in addition to the current golden standards, able to predict the failures in the early preclinical phase. Being hepatotoxicity responsible for the failure of 30% of clinical trials, and the 21% of withdrawal of marketed drugs, the development of complex in vitro models (CIVMs) of liver is currently one of the hottest topics in the field. Among the different fabrication techniques, 3D‐bioprinting is emerging as a powerful ally for their production, allowing the manufacture of three‐dimensional constructs characterized by computer‐controlled and customized geometry, and inter‐batches reproducibility. Thanks to these, it is possible to rapidly produce tailored cell‐laden constructs, to be cultured within static and dynamic systems, thus reaching a further degree of personalization when designing in vitro models. This review highlights and prioritizes the most recent advances related to the development of CIVMs of the hepatic environment to be specifically applied to pharmaceutical research, with a special focus on 3D‐bioprinting, since the liver is primarily involved in the metabolism of drugs.
T2‐weighted MRI and reduced‐FOV diffusion‐weighted imaging of the human pancreas at 5 T: A comparison study with 3 T
Authors: Zheng Liyun , Yang Chun , Liang Liang , Rao Shengxiang , Dai Yongming , Zeng Mengsu
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of pancreatic imaging at 5 T and evaluate the practical improvement of T2‐weighted MRI and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) at 5 T as compared with 3 T.

Methods

Eighteen healthy subjects were recruited for this pilot study. MRI examinations were performed using 3 and 5 T scanners. MRI sequences included T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo and DWI with reduced field‐of‐view. Subjective image analysis using a four‐point Likert scale was performed by two experienced radiologists. The SNR, contrast ratio, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured in the pancreatic head, body, and tail. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the ADC was calculated. A series of paired Wilcoxon tests were used to compare the subjective image quality, mean ADC value, and CV of ADC between the 3 and 5 T measurements. p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

For T2‐weighted images, there were no significant differences in image quality ratings between 3 and 5 T. On DWI images (b = 0 and 800 s/mm2), the image quality ratings were significantly higher at 5 T than at 3 T. The SNRs of both T2‐weighted and DWI images were significantly higher at 5 T. There was no significant difference in the mean ADC values and CV of ADC between 3 and 5 T.

Conclusion

This initial study proved that 5 T MRI can be used to acquire pancreatic images with higher SNR and sufficient image quality compared to 3 T MRI.
The quality of occupational healthcare for carpal tunnel syndrome, healthcare expenditures, and disability outcomes: A prospective observational study
Authors: Nuckols Teryl K. , Dworsky Michael , Conlon Craig , Robbins Michael , Benner Douglas , Seabury Seth , Asch Steven M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction/aims

In prior work, higher quality care for work‐associated carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was associated with improved symptoms, functional status, and overall health. We sought to examine whether quality of care is associated with healthcare expenditures or disability.

Methods

Among 343 adults with workers' compensation claims for CTS, we created patient‐level aggregate quality scores for underuse (not receiving highly beneficial care) and overuse (receiving care for which risks exceed benefits). We assessed whether each aggregate quality score (0%–100%, 100% = better care) was associated with healthcare expenditures (18‐mo expenditures, any anticipated need for future expenditures) or disability (days on temporary disability, permanent impairment rating at 18 mo).

Results

Mean aggregate quality scores were 77.8% (standard deviation [SD] 16.5%) for underuse and 89.2% (SD 11.0%) for overuse. An underuse score of 100% was associated with higher risk‐adjusted 18‐mo expenditures ($3672; 95% confidence interval [CI] $324 to $7021) but not with future expenditures (−0.07 percentage points; 95% CI −0.48 to 0.34), relative to a score of 0%. An overuse score of 100% was associated with lower 18‐mo expenditures (−$4549, 95% CI −$8792 to −$306) and a modestly lower likelihood of future expenditures (−0.62 percentage points, 95% CI −1.23 to −0.02). Quality of care was not associated with disability.

Discussion

Improving quality of care could increase or lower short‐term healthcare expenditures, depending on how often care is currently underused or overused. Future research is needed on quality of care in varied workers' compensation contexts, as well as effective and economical strategies for improving quality.
Non‐Darcian flow toward an injection well fully penetrating a leaky confined aquifer with clogging‐induced permeability reduction
Authors: Li Jiong , Li Ming‐Guang , Zhan Hongbin , Chen Jin‐Jian , Xia Xiao‐He
Published: September 2022

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) using aquifer injection wells is generally developed with the validity of Darcy's law and assumption of a constant hydraulic conductivity, hence ignoring the non‐Darcian nature of groundwater flow and the spatiotemporal permeability reduction owing to well and aquifer clogging. In this study, an Izbash's law‐based analytical model is proposed for constant‐rate recharge (CRR) and constant‐head recharge (CHR) with special consideration of well and aquifer clogging using a time‐dependent hydraulic conductivity (K) function. By means of linearization approximations, variable substitutions and Hankel and Weber transforms, approximate analytical solutions for the model are derived. The early‐time and late‐time solutions and the steady‐state solutions are also derived using the developed approximate solutions. A comparison with numerical solutions indicates that the approximate solutions are highly accurate except during the short period of initial recharge stage. Then, a semi‐log graphic approach based on the developed solutions is tendered for estimating parameters associated with the clogging effect and non‐Darcian aquifer property. The proposed model offers a straightforward way for the quantitative assessment of the non‐Darcian flow dynamics in confined aquifers experiencing clogging and can be adopted for the estimation and prediction of clogging‐related permeability reduction in MAR using aquifer injection wells.