bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Window geometry and its effect on the experience of illuminated spaces – a study of three daylit architectural cases
Authors: Mathiasen N , Grønlund L , Frandsen A K , Harild M
Published: November 2022

Looking at the architecture of modern housing in Denmark, it seems to express an understanding that equals more daylight with good daylight. With coated energy glass, the windows have increased in size, making glass into a façade material. This means that windows are no longer just holes in the façade but rather make up the entire façade itself. This changes the spatial relationship between the window design and distribution of daylight within the interior space, though we seldom address this lacking a vocabulary and methods. This paper sets out to investigate and experiment with how we can describe and document this change in daylight conditions and how these influence our visual environment, using photographs to record this. The methodology focusses on observations of daylit spaces in three different housing examples in Copenhagen from the 1800s to today. By observing the three daylit spaces, it becomes clear that differences in the size, shape, and position of window apertures influence the qualities of light in a space significantly. Considering that when it comes to window apertures different designs affect the experience of light in a space significantly, it is important to take this into account when designing with daylight. It is also important from a sustainability point of view to include this awareness in future design approaches.
Energy-efficient lighting and visually impaired users in homelike environments
Authors: Mattsson P
Published: November 2022

Despite a rapid transition to LED lamps, it is still little knowledge about the effects of these light sources on users with low vision. The study’s main objective was to acquire a better understanding about how correlated colour temperatures (CCTs) of non-directional LED affect visual accessibility and perceptions of lighting quality in homelike environments among visually impaired persons. The study took place in a full scale laboratory in which CCTs of 2,700 K and 4,000 K were tested. Participants having normal vision (N=60, 24 males, 36 females, M = 25.50) were divided into three groups of 20 to assess the two lit environments with cataract goggle, severe cataract goggle and normal vision respectively. They were asked to perform everyday activities while the observer recorded the time and conducted observations, and to rate the difficulty of each activity. Thereafter, the participants were asked to rate their perceptions of lighting quality and contrasts in the room. With the same CRI of Ra80, there were no differences in the performance of everyday activities between the two CCTs whereas the differences in the perceived lighting quality and the perceived contrasts were found. The cool white CCT was found to positively affect visual accessibility and perceived contrasts however, its comfort quality remains questionable.
Rigidity Theorems by Capacities and Kernels
Authors: Dong Robert Xin , Treuer John N , Zhang Yuan
Published: November 2022

For any open hyperbolic Riemann surface $X$, the Bergman kernel $K$, the logarithmic capacity $c_{\beta }$, and the analytic capacity $c_{B}$ satisfy the inequality chain $\pi K \geq c^2_{\beta } \geq c^2_B$. Moreover, equality holds at a single point between any two of the three quantities if and only if $X$ is biholomorphic to a disk possibly less a relatively closed polar set. We extend the inequality chain by showing that $c_{B}^2 \geq \pi v^{-1}(X)$ on planar domains, where $v(\cdot )$ is the Euclidean volume, and characterize the extremal cases when equality holds at one point. Similar rigidity theorems concerning the Szegö kernel, the higher-order Bergman kernels, and the sublevel sets of the Green’s function are also developed. Additionally, we explore rigidity phenomena related to the multi-dimensional Suita conjecture.
Current Issues in Blood Gas Analysis
Authors: Korpi-Steiner Nichole , Horowitz Gary , Tesfazghi Merih , Suh-Lailam Brenda B
Published: November 2022

Background

Blood gas analysis constitutes one of the most widely used tests, especially in critical care settings such as intensive care units, emergency departments, and operating rooms. Blood gas results are key for assessing acid–base balance and ventilatory control in critically ill patients. Because blood gas analysis plays a vital role in management of critically ill patients, this testing is frequently conducted at the point-of-care by users with various educational backgrounds across different hospital departments.

Content

When performing blood gas analysis, it is important to be aware of the analytical issues that may affect the different components of this testing. With blood gas analysis, differences in test names and method changes over time have led to several controversies that might affect test result interpretations. Hence, being aware of these controversies is important in ensuring appropriateness of result interpretations. Many blood gas testing programs face challenges with maintaining quality assurance. Having practical approaches to method verification, and choosing the right blood gas analyzer type, will go a long way to ensure quality in blood gas analysis.

We review analytical issues and controversies associated with blood gas testing, as well as practical approaches to deciding on a blood gas analyzer and quality assurance.
CT contrast agents and injection protocols
Authors: Mihl Casper , Martens Bibi
Published: November 2022

Diagnostic image quality in coronary CT angiography is influenced by scan and contrast media (CM) parameters, as well as patient-related factors. Individualized CM injection protocols are aimed at optimizing scan and injection parameters tailored to the patient with the ultimate goal of achieving diagnostic image quality in all patients. This chapter aims to outline the influence of various essential CM parameters. In addition, theoretical and practical information is provided about general adverse reactions, treatment and other informative topics related to CM.
CT-based fractional flow reserve
Authors: Mastrodicasa Domenico
Published: November 2022

CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is an advanced postprocessing technique that uses coronary CT angiography (CCTA) to compute non-invasively the functional significance of a coronary stenosis and inform treatment decisions. CT-FFR applies the principles of computational fluid dynamics to the patient-specific anatomical three-dimensional model of the coronary tree obtained with the CCTA. As a result, CT-FFR can be computed and displayed at any point along the coronary vessels. This chapter includes practical information to help the physician using CT-FFR in routine clinical practice, from the indications to interpretation tips and reporting approach.
CT after valve surgery/intervention
Authors: Baggiano Andrea
Published: November 2022

After coronary artery bypass grafting, cardiac valve repair or replacement is the next most common reason for open-heart surgery. However, according to the type of prosthesis implanted (each characterized by specific durability, position, and intercurrent diseases (i.e. sepsis)), valve dysfunction can occur. Echocardiography is usually adopted for routine follow-up, but is unable to describe all aspects of prosthetic dysfunction properly. As valve dysfunction is invariably related to anatomical abnormalities affecting the prosthetic components or the surrounding structures, which result in functional abnormalities, such as increased transvalvular gradients or relevant regurgitations, CT angiography (CTA) emerged as valuable technique to describe adequately the underlying pathological processes causing the malfunction of a prosthesis. CTA with a dedicated acquisition protocol is able to characterize carefully the site and entity of the prosthetic anatomical abnormality (e.g. pannus, thrombus, leaflet thickening, and endocarditic vegetations), and can indicate the possible presence of perivalvular complications (e.g. paravalvular leakage).
Adult congenital heart disease
Authors: Giannopoulos Andreas A.
Published: November 2022

The management of the growing population of adults with congenital heart diseases (ACHDs) necessitates close follow-up wherein cardiovascular imaging holds a key role. Cardiac CT can aid diagnosis by accurately demonstrating the complex cardiovascular anatomical relationships and offering precise morphological information pre- and postsurgery, or interventional management. Moreover, CT allows for the assessment of pertinent extracardiac anatomy and for evaluation of implanted prosthetic devices. Accounting for the complexity and variability of their anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics, cardiac CT scans must be individualized, designed, and modified specifically for each patient, with the aim of answering the clinical question with the minimum radiation and contrast exposure risks. This chapter provides a quick and general introduction to CT in patients with ACHDs. However, it is by no means a complete and detailed compendium of ACHDs and their individual imaging approaches. For more in-depth information, the interested reader is referred to more comprehensive literature exclusively dedicated to this topic.
Cardiac masses
Authors: Giannopoulos Andreas A.
Published: November 2022

Cardiac masses represent infrequent findings in cardiac CT and the differential diagnosis includes normal variants, non-neoplastic cardiac masses, imaging artefacts, and benign and malignant cardiac tumours. Given its exceptional spatial resolution and by enabling tissue attenuation characterization with the aid of contrast agents, cardiac CT can provide accurate assessment of the location, the extent, the morphological features of masses, and facilitate diagnosis as an adjunct to other imaging modalities. Standard coronary CT angiography image acquisition can be employed, and modification of the timing of injected contrast agent can improve the diagnostic accuracy of the modality. The most common cardiac masses include thrombi, myxomas, and metastatic tumours. Thrombi are commonly encountered in the left atrial appendage or left ventricle, and are characterized by low attenuation. Benign neoplastic masses appear pedunculated with narrow base to the myocardium, while malignant tumours have a more infiltrative pattern with broad attachments.
Extracardiac findings
Authors: Messerli Michael
Published: November 2022

Depending on the field of view (FoV) chosen for a given cardiac CT scan, a variable number of extracardiac organs may be included in the CT images. Appropriate detection and interpretation of pathological extracardiac findings is crucial to identify alternative differential diagnoses or incidental findings with variable impact on the patients’ prognosis and treatment. The spectrum of extracardiac findings ranges from rather benign (e.g. hiatal hernia and degenerative skeletal changes) to severe/malignant (e.g. lung cancer). Certain types of scans (e.g. large FoV scan like transcatheter aortic valve implantation work-up and elderly patients) are more likely to yield significant extracardiac findings than others. Close collaboration between radiologists and cardiologists is important to ensure the appropriate interpretation of extracardiac findings.
Artificial intelligence in cardiac CT
Authors: Kolossváry Márton
Published: November 2022

The amount of imaging data yielded from cardiac CT images is very large. However, the human ability to interpret, quantify, and integrate these data sets is limited. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a general term that describes computational processes that mimic or exceed human intelligence. The main part of these processes is machine learning (ML), which takes inputs and, using novel analytical and statistical techniques, maps them to given outputs. For cardiac CT, AI techniques have been used at different levels, from image postprocessing to diagnosis and prognosis. Validated indications for AI in cardiac CT include image reconstruction and segmentation, plaque characterization (e.g. the identification of high-risk coronary plaques), myocardial tissue characterization, and prosthetic heart valve evaluation. Moreover, ML models combining imaging data with clinical variables have demonstrated to be accurate in the prediction of cardiovascular outcomes.
Molecular radiotherapy
Authors: Gear Jonathan , Pratt Brenda , Flux Glenn
Published: November 2022

This chapter, ‘Molecular radiotherapy’ covers the use of unsealed radioactive sources for the treatment of disease. The ideal characteristics of unsealed sources are reviewed and fundamental quantities and theories introduced. Dosimetry techniques based on the Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) committee schema are discussed and methods and challenges of quantitative imaging described. The chapter concludes with example calculations for two clinical cases.
Assessment of awareness on IPR activities among Indian academics – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ravi Ramya , Janodia Manthan D.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Protection of intellectual property (IP) is important to leverage its commercial potential. This study aims to examine and comprehend the level of understanding of intellectual property rights (IPR) among Indian academics. The study covers three main aspects – awareness level of IP among Indian academics, comprehending if the current state of knowledge about IP is useful for commercialization and whether the current knowledge of IP activities among Indian academics is sufficient to support their professional career and generate revenues from their inventions.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured methodology was contemplated and applied. A cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling method was adopted. The duration of the study was six months from March to August 2021. A total of 500 Indian academics were approached, of which 116 responded with a response rate of 23.4%. A structured questionnaire was administered to the participants to understand their level of knowledge about IP. Furthermore, the data analysis was performed based on descriptive analysis.

Findings

The study findings revealed that the awareness among the participants about IP was minimal. The underlying reasons could be academics did not focus on generating IP through novel research, awareness of basic knowledge about IP was considerably low and inadequate to support their professional career, primary focus was on which publications are considered as one of the important criteria for performance management, national policies do not encourage collaborative research between university and industry that may lead to potential IP generation and the Indian academic set-up expects multitasking by its faculty members.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is an original contribution, based on the study carried out by the authors to understand the awareness of IP activities among Indian academics.
It's the platform, stupid (-; the elitist nature of sport podcast listeners
Authors: Galily Yair , Laor Tal , Samuel-Azran Tal
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Despite the ability of podcasts to bring free quality content to the masses, studies found that podcast consumption have been identified mostly with the elite class, thus increasing knowledge gaps and digital divides. This study aims to examine whether this trend extends to non-elitist podcast genres by providing the first analysis of sport podcast demographics and uses and gratifications.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among Israel’s three most popular sport podcast listeners (N = 503), examining the listeners’ demographics, consumption patterns and uses and gratifications driving them to listen to the podcast.

Findings

The analysis reveals that most listeners are secular millennials males with above average income, highlighting the elitist nature of sport podcast consumers. The analysis further revealed that information-rich groups were more likely to tune in for information acquisition whereas other groups used it more for entertainment and escapist purposes.

Practical implications

For policy makers and educators who wish to promote podcast-based initiatives to narrow social gaps, the analysis strengthens the notion that the podcast platform mostly attracts those who are already information rich and thus increase knowledge gaps and digital divides. For sport broadcasters, the analysis illuminates sport podcasts audiences’ demographics and their uses of the platform.

Social implications

The study reflects that the podcast platform is identified with elitist listening even in non-elitist genres; thus it further increases the already wide knowledge gap and digital divides promoted by the advent of the podcast platform.

Originality/value

The study is the first to highlight the elitist nature of sport podcast listeners’ demographics, indicating that the podcast platform increases the knowledge gap also even across non-elitist content genres such as sport content.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-12-2021-0684
Strengthening the social performance of Indian SMEs in the digital era: a fuzzy DEMATEL analysis of enablers
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Rehman Ubaid Ur , Phanden Rakesh Kumar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In the modern digital age technologies like Industry 4.0 has revolutionized the manufacturing sector. There are many economic and technological advantages of digitalization. Along with economic benefits, manufacturing enterprises especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) need to take advantage of digitalization in strengthening their social performance. Observing the importance of social performance of Indian SMEs and availability of limited research in this direction, the current study has done a holistic analysis of social performance enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review with a series of personal interviews of experts has been conducted to identify the enablers of social performance and supportive digital technologies. A fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach has been applied to find the degree of influence and interrelation between enablers. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to validate the results obtained.

Findings

Authors observed that policies of corporate and social responsibility, support by top management, awareness of social performance issues, and ethical practices and collaboration amongst supply chain members are leading causing enablers of social performance. Preparedness for the uncertainty of pandemics, improved work conditions and ergonomics, green practices, improvement in global business and improved living standards of employees and their families are leading the effect group of enablers. Further authors also observed that social media, information and communication technologies (ICT), websites, smart surveillance, e-mails and cloud computing are few supportive digital technologies of social performance issues.

Research limitations/implications

SMEs all over the globe are passing through a transition due to digitalization and influence of pandemics. The finding of current study highlights the importance of strategic management of social performance enablers. Since the research is very limited in the social performance area, especially in Indian SMEs, this study makes a notable contribution to the literature too.

Originality/value

Novelty of this study is that social performance enablers of Indian SMEs in the digital era have been analysed holistically. The content of this research is the original work of the authors and has not been submitted for any other publication.
Sequential changes in cellular properties accompanying amniote somite formation
Authors: Piatkowska Agnieszka M. , Adhikari Kaustubh , Moverley Adam A. , Turmaine Mark , Glazier James A. , Plachta Nicolas , Evans Susan E. , Stern Claudio D.
Published: November 2022

Somites are transient structures derived from the pre‐somitic mesoderm (PSM), involving mesenchyme‐to‐epithelial transition (MET) where the cells change their shape and polarize. Using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, we study the progression of these events along the tail‐to‐head axis of the embryo, which mirrors the progression of somitogenesis (younger cells located more caudally). SEM revealed that PSM epithelialization is a gradual process, which begins much earlier than previously thought, starting with the dorsalmost cells, then the medial ones, and then, simultaneously, the ventral and lateral cells, before a somite fully separates from the PSM. The core (internal) cells of the PSM and somites never epithelialize, which suggests that the core cells could be ‘trapped’ within the somitocoele after cells at the surfaces of the PSM undergo MET. Three‐dimensional imaging of the distribution of the cell polarity markers PKCζ, PAR3, ZO1, the Golgi marker GM130 and the apical marker N‐cadherin reveal that the pattern of polarization is distinctive for each marker and for each surface of the PSM, but the order of these events is not the same as the progression of cell elongation. These observations challenge some assumptions underlying existing models of somite formation.
Feedback as dialogue for faculty: From peer review to peer‐to‐peer coaching
Authors: Margalit Noam , Pincavage Amber T.
Published: November 2022

Drawing on the themes identified by Watling et al. regarding feedback in peer review, the authors consider how their findings could be applied more broadly to faculty feedback.
Regulation of PKD2 channel function by TACAN
Authors: Liu Xiong , Zhang Rui , Fatehi Mohammad , Wang Yifang , Long Wentong , Tian Rui , Deng Xiaoling , Weng Ziyi , Xu Qinyi , Light Peter E. , Tang Jingfeng , Chen Xing‐Zhen
Published: November 2022

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is caused by mutations in the membrane receptor PKD1 or the cation channel PKD2. TACAN (also termed TMEM120A), recently reported as an ion channel in neurons for mechanosensing and pain sensing, is also distributed in diverse non‐neuronal tissues, such as kidney, heart and intestine, suggesting its involvement in other functions. In this study, we found that TACAN is in a complex with PKD2 in native renal cell lines. Using the two‐electrode voltage clamp in Xenopus oocytes, we found that TACAN inhibits the channel activity of PKD2 gain‐of‐function mutant F604P. TACAN fragments containing the first and last transmembrane domains interacted with the PKD2 C‐ and N‐terminal fragments, respectively. The TACAN N‐terminus acted as a blocking peptide, and TACAN inhibited the function of PKD2 by the binding of PKD2 with TACAN. By patch clamping in mammalian cells, we found that TACAN inhibits both the single‐channel conductance and the open probability of PKD2 and mutant F604P. PKD2 co‐expressed with TACAN, but not PKD2 alone, exhibited pressure sensitivity. Furthermore, we found that TACAN aggravates PKD2‐dependent tail curvature and pronephric cysts in larval zebrafish. In summary, this study revealed that TACAN acts as a PKD2 inhibitor and mediates mechanosensitivity of the PKD2–TACAN channel complex.

image

Key points

TACAN inhibits the function of PKD2 in vitro and in vivo.

TACAN N‐terminal S1‐containing fragment T160X interacts with the PKD2 C‐terminal fragment N580–L700, and its C‐terminal S6‐containing fragment L296–D343 interacts with the PKD2 N‐terminal A594X.

TACAN inhibits the function of the PKD2 channel by physical interaction.

The complex of PKD2 with TACAN, but not PKD2 alone, confers mechanosensitivity.
Uncovering the degrader of D-type cyclins
Authors: Simoneschi Daniele
Published: November 2022

AMBRA1 is identified as the long-sought, major controller of D-type cyclins
FPS in action
Authors: Tabuguia Bertrand Teguia , Koepf Wolfram
Published: November 2022

Linear recurrence equations with constant coefficients define the power series coefficients of rational functions. However, one usually prefers to have an explicit formula for the sequence of coefficients, provided that such a formula is "simple" enough. Simplicity is related to the compactness of the formula due to the presence of algebraic numbers: "the smaller, the simpler". This poster showcases the capacity of recent updates on the Formal Power Series (FPS) algorithm, implemented in Maxima and Maple (convert/FormalPowerSeries), to find simple formulas for sequences like those from https://oeis.org/A307717, https://oeis.org/A226782, or https://oeis.org/A226784 by computing power series representations of their correctly guessed generating functions. We designed the algorithm for the more general context of univariate
P
-recursive sequences. Our implementations are available at http://www.mathematik.uni-kassel.de/~bteguia/FPS_webpage/FPS.htm
Targeted Pyroptosis Is a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer
Authors: Wu Hao , Qian Dianlun , Bai Xiangfeng , Sun Shibo
Published: November 2022

As a type of regulated cell death (RCD) mode, pyroptosis plays an important role in several kinds of cancers. Pyroptosis is induced by different stimuli, whose pathways are divided into the canonical pathway and the noncanonical pathway depending on the formation of the inflammasomes. The canonical pathway is triggered by the assembly of inflammasomes, and the activation of caspase-1 and then the cleavage of effector protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) are promoted. While in the noncanonical pathway, the caspase-4/5/11 (caspase 4/5 in humans and caspase 11 in mice) directly cleave GSDMD without the assembly of inflammasomes. Pyroptosis is involved in various cancers, such as lung cancer, gastric cancer, hepatic carcinoma, breast cancer, and colorectal carcinoma. Pyroptosis in gastric cancer, hepatic carcinoma, breast cancer, and colorectal carcinoma is related to the canonical pathway, while both the canonical and noncanonical pathway participate in lung cancer. Moreover, simvastatin, metformin, and curcumin have effect on these cancers and simultaneously promote the pyroptosis of cancer cells. Accordingly, pyroptosis may be an important therapeutic target for cancer.
Developing a Diagnostic Model to Predict the Risk of Asthma Based on Ten Macrophage‐Related Gene Signatures
Authors: Ai Xiaoshun , Shen Hong , Wang Yangyanqiu , Zhuang Jing , Zhou Yani , Niu Furong , Zhou Qing
Published: November 2022

Objective. Asthma (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway, and macrophages contribute to AS remodeling. Our study aims at screening macrophage‐related gene signatures to build a risk prediction model and explore its predictive abilities in AS diagnosis. Methods. Three microarray datasets were downloaded from the GEO database. The Limma package was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AS and controls. The ssGSEA algorithm was used to determine immune cell proportions. The Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to select the macrophage‐related DEGs. The LASSO and RFE algorithms were implemented to filter the macrophage‐related DEG signatures to establish a risk prediction model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic ability of the prediction model. Finally, the qPCR was used to detect the expression of selected differential genes in sputum from healthy people and asthmatic patients. Results. We obtained 1,189 DEGs between AS and controls from the combined datasets. By evaluating immune cell proportions, macrophages showed a significant difference between the two groups, and 439 DEGs were found to be associated with macrophages. These genes were mainly enriched in the gene ontology‐biological process of immune and inflammatory responses, as well as in the KEGG pathways of cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction and biosynthesis of antibiotics. Finally, 10 macrophage‐related DEG signatures (EARS2, ATP2A2, COLGALT1, GART, WNT5A, AK5, ZBTB16, CCL17, ADORA3, and CXCR4) were screened as an optimized gene set to predict AS diagnosis, and they showed diagnostic abilities with AUCs of 0.968 and 0.875 in ROC curves of combined and validation datasets, respectively. The mRNA expressions of EARS2, ATP2A2, COLGALT1, and GART in the control group were higher than in AS group, while the expressions of WNT5A, AK5, ZBTB16, CCL17, ADORA3, and CXCR4 in the control group were lower than that in the AS group. Conclusion. We proposed a diagnostic model based on 10 macrophage‐related genes to predict AS risk.\.
Identification of Six Diagnostic Biomarkers for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhu Yidong , Gan Xinjin , Qin Ruoyan , Lin Zhikang
Published: November 2022

Background. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in adults. Thus, novel reliable biomarkers need to be further explored to increase diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic effectiveness. Methods. Six datasets containing CLL and control samples were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differential gene expression analysis, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were applied to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for CLL using R software. The diagnostic performance of the hub genes was then measured by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Functional analysis was implemented to uncover the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the hub genes and immunity characteristics. Results. A total number of 47 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 25 candidate hub genes were extracted through differential gene expression analysis and WGCNA, respectively. Based on the 14 overlapped genes between the DEGs and the candidate hub genes, LASSO regression analysis was used, which identified a final number of six hub genes as potential biomarkers for CLL: ABCA6, CCDC88A, PMEPA1, EBF1, FILIP1L, and TEAD2. The ROC curves of the six genes showed reliable predictive ability in the training and validation cohorts, with all area under the curve (AUC) values over 0.80. Functional analysis revealed an abnormal immune status in the CLL patients. A significant correlation was found between the hub genes and the immune-related pathways, indicating a possible tight connection between the hub genes and tumor immunity in CLL. Conclusion. This study was based on machine learning algorithms, and we identified six genes that could be possible CLL markers, which may be involved in CLL pathogenesis and progression through immune-related signal pathways.
Deferiprone−Resveratrol Hybrid, an Iron‐Chelating Compound, Acts as an Antimalarial and Hepatoprotective Agent in Plasmodium berghei‐Infected Mice
Authors: Chuljerm Hataichanok , Maneekesorn Supawadee , Punsawad Chuchard , Somsak Voravuth , Ma Yongmin , Ruangsuriya Jetsada , Srichairatanakool Somdet , Koonyosying Pimpisid
Published: November 2022

Free heme in plasma acts as a prooxidant; thus, it is bound to hemopexin and eliminated by the liver. High iron content in the liver can support Plasmodium growth and cause oxidative liver injury. Inversely, the withholding of excessive iron can inhibit this growth and protect the liver against malaria infection. This study examined the effects of a deferiprone‐resveratrol (DFP‐RVT) hybrid on malaria parasites and its relevant hepatoprotective properties. Mice were infected with P. berghei, gavage DFP‐RVT, deferiprone (DFP), and pyrimethamine (PYR) for 8 consecutive days. Blood and liver parameters were then evaluated. The presence of blood‐stage parasites was determined using the microscopic Giemsa staining method. Subsequently, plasma liver enzymes, heme, and concentrations of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) were determined. The liver tissue was examined pathologically and heme and TBARS concentrations were then quantified. The results indicate that the suppression potency against P. berghei growth occurred as follows: PYR > DFP‐RVT hybrid > DFP. Importantly, DFP‐RVT significantly improved RBC size, restored alanine aminotransferase and alkaline activities, and increased heme and TBARS concentrations. The compound also reduced the liver weight index, heme, and TBARS concentrations significantly when compared to mice that were untreated. Our findings support the contention that the hepatoprotective effect of DFP‐RVT is associated with parasite burden, iron depletion, and lipid peroxidation in the host.
Evidence Summary for Nonpharmacological Management of Chemotherapy‐Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Li Kexuan , Cai Yuanyuan , Xie Shu , Zhou Yingshuyi , Dong Jiaqian , Zhu Qingbo , Zhang Jiayu , Qiu Xiuyue
Published: November 2022

Objective. To evaluate and summarize the best evidence for nonpharmacological management of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). This article aims at serving as a reference for nursing staff to prevent and manage CINV. Methods. We systematically searched for evidence on CINV in databases such as Cnki and Wanfang, guide websites such as GIN and NZGG, and professional websites such as UICC and ACS. Only articles published between November 2012 and November 2021 were considered for inclusion in the summary. Two researchers evaluated the quality of the literature and extracted the data. Results. A total of 22 articles were included in this study, including 3 clinical decisions, 2 guidelines, 1 evidence summary, 2 recommended practices, 13 systematic reviews, and 1 expert consensus. Finally, 15 pieces of evidence were summarized from 3 perspectives: risk factor assessment, nursing process specification, and nonpharmacological interventions. Conclusion. Our research summarizes the best evidence on nonpharmacological management of CINV. During actual clinical application, it is necessary to fully consider the clinical situation, combine professional judgment with patients’ wishes, follow the principle of individualization, analyze the obstacles and facilitating factors of the application of evidence, and prudently apply the evidence to the clinical practice.
Saikosaponin D Inducing Apoptosis and Autophagy through the Activation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glioblastoma
Authors: Liu Guimei , Guan Yuehong , Liu Yongxian , Wang Yaping , Zhang Jing , Liu Yusi , Liu Xiaobin
Published: November 2022

Saikosaponin D (SSD), a saponin derivative, is extracted from Bupleurum falcatum. It exhibits an inhibitory effect on a number of tumor cells and is relatively safe when used at therapeutic doses. However, its effects on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have not been fully explored. This study is aimed at investigating the cytotoxic effects of SSD in GBM cell lines. SSD induces apoptosis and autophagy by activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in GBM cells. GBM cell proliferation activity and morphology were observed using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining and flow cytometry were performed to assess apoptosis. Western blotting and immunocytochemical staining were used to detect protein expression and distribution. SSD significantly inhibited the proliferation of RG‐2, U87‐MG, and U251 cells in a dose‐dependent manner, and the proportion of apoptotic cells increased significantly. Additionally, the expressions of ER‐, apoptosis‐, and autophagy‐related proteins were significantly upregulated and distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Therefore, SSD may be considered a novel treatment option for GBM. This study demonstrated the anti‐GBM effect of SSD from the perspectives of cell apoptosis and autophagy.
Adhesion Enhancement on a Duplex DLC HiPIMS Positive Pulse Coating Performed by Active Screen Plasma Nitriding Pretreatment on 316L Stainless Steel Substrate
Authors: Gómez Iñigo , García Jose Antonio , Santiago Jose Antonio , Fernandez Iván , Jose Fernandez Palacio , Braceras Iñigo
Published: November 2022

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings have been the object of research interest due to properties such as excellent wear resistance, low coefficient of friction, high hardness, high elastic modulus, and biocompatibility. Despite this, DLC has poor adhesion properties, which makes it challenging to use in industrial applications. The application of DLC using the high-power pulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) technique with positive pulses has been studied. Seeking greater DLC coating adherence, the application of a nitriding pretreatment prior to the DLC coating has been studied to improve its adhesion to AISI316L stainless steel soft metal substrates, employing active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN). The influence of the different pretreatment temperatures to reach the maximum levels of adhesion has been analyzed. Scratch methods have been employed to assess adhesion. The elemental composition, morphology, and roughness of the samples have been studied, as well as the behavior of resistance to wear and friction. The results show an improvement in DCL adhesion. Critical loads (LC3) increase at higher pretreatment temperatures, from 48 N for the DLC to 82 N for the ASPN + DLC. Pretreatment has also been shown to be effective in maintaining excellent dry wear resistance properties and a low coefficient of friction.
A Case of Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction (Ogilvie’s Syndrome) in a Nonsurgical Patient with Plasma Cell Leukemia
Authors: Hamid Akbar , Sabu Jacob , Elhawary Omar , Puri Isha , Salifu Moro , Oh Man , Mallappallil Mary
Published: November 2022

Ogilvie’s syndrome, also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), is a rare, nonobstructive dilation of the colon of unclear etiology. We present the case of a patient who presented with Ogilvie’s syndrome and significant hypokalemia due to colonic loss despite repletion. This case report demonstrates the difficulty in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.
Study on Catastrophe Information Characteristics of Water Inrush in Karst Tunnel by Drilling and Blasting Method
Authors: Guo Jiaqi , Wang Erbo , Lai Yongbiao , He Zhenyu , Chen Fan
Published: November 2022

When building tunnels in karst areas, the hidden high‐pressure water‐bearing karst caves are prone to cause geological disasters such as water inrush and mud gushing. In order to study the disaster process of water and mud resistant rock mass with the quasi‐masonry structure and the accompanying catastrophe information of water inrush in karst tunnels by the drilling and blasting method, a new method based on the DEM and fictitious joint technology is adopted to simulate the evolution process of water inrush and study the evolutionary characteristics of catastrophe information like seepage pressure and displacement under the conditions of different joint inclination angles, tunnel depths, and thickness of the water and mud resistant rock mass. The research results show that (1) the seepage pressure and displacement in the water and mud resistant rock mass decrease and increase respectively along the water and mud resistant rock mass from top to bottom in the process of water inrush. (2) The displacement and seepage pressure in the water and mud‐resistant rock mass increases with the increase of the joint inclination angle. The greater the tunnel depth and thickness of the water and mud‐resistant rock mass, the faster the propagation speed of the fissure zone. (3) With the increase of the water and mud‐resistant rock mass thickness, the failure mode of the tunnel outburst layer structure gradually changes from the overall collapse to the partial collapse of the vault to form a relatively stable slump arch. The research results can provide some guidance for tunnel construction in the karst tunnel.
Higher blood nicotine concentrations following smokeless tobacco (pituri) and cigarette use linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes for Central Australian Aboriginal pregnancies
Authors: Ratsch Angela , Bogossian Fiona , Burmeister Elizabeth A. , Ryu BoMi , Steadman Kathryn J.
Published: November 2022

Background

In central Australia, Aboriginal women use wild tobacco plants, Nicotiana spp. (locally known as pituri) as a chewed smokeless tobacco, with this use continuing throughout pregnancy and lactation. Our aim was to describe the biological concentrations of nicotine and metabolites in samples from mothers and neonates and examine the relationships between maternal self-reported tobacco use and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

Central Australian Aboriginal mothers (and their neonates) who planned to birth at the Alice Springs Hospital (Northern Territory, Australia) provided biological samples: maternal blood, arterial and venous cord blood, amniotic fluid, maternal and neonatal urine, and breast milk. These were analysed for concentrations of nicotine and five metabolites.

Results

A sample of 73 women were enrolled who self-reported: no-tobacco use (n = 31), tobacco chewing (n = 19), or smoking (n = 23). Not all biological samples were obtained from all mothers and neonates. In those where samples were available, higher total concentrations of nicotine and metabolites were found in the maternal plasma, urine, breast milk, cord bloods and Day 1 neonatal urine of chewers compared with smokers and no-tobacco users. Tobacco-exposed mothers (chewers and smokers) with elevated blood glucose had higher nicotine and metabolite concentrations than tobacco-exposed mothers without elevated glucose, and this was associated with increased neonatal birthweight. Neonates exposed to higher maternal nicotine levels were more likely to be admitted to Special Care Nursery. By Day 3, urinary concentrations in tobacco-exposed neonates had reduced from Day 1, although these remained higher than concentrations from neonates in the no-tobacco group.

Conclusions

This research provides the first evidence that maternal pituri chewing results in high nicotine concentrations in a wide range of maternal and neonatal biological samples and that exposure may be associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Screening for the use of all tobacco and nicotine products during pregnancy rather than focusing solely on smoking would provide a more comprehensive assessment and contribute to a more accurate determination of tobacco and nicotine exposure. This knowledge will better inform maternal and foetal care, direct attention to targeted cessation strategies and ultimately improve long-term clinical outcomes, not only in this vulnerable population, but also for the wider population.

Note to readers

In this research, the central Australian Aboriginal women chose the term ‘Aboriginal’ to refer to themselves, and ‘Indigenous’ to refer to the broader group of Australian First Peoples. That choice has been maintained in the reporting of the research findings.
A robust and efficient automatic method to segment maize FASGA stained stem cross section images to accurately quantify histological profile
Authors: Lopez-Marnet P.-L. , Guillaume S. , Méchin V. , Reymond M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Grasses internodes are made of distinct tissues such as vascular bundles, epidermis, rind and pith. The histology of grasses stem was largely revisited recently taking advantage of the development of microscopy combined with the development of computer-automated image analysis workflows. However, the diversity and complexity of the histological profile complicates quantification. Accurate and automated analysis of histological images thus remains challenging.

Results

Herein, we present a workflow that automatically segments maize internode cross section images into 40 distinct tissues: two tissues in the epidermis, 19 tissues in the rind, 14 tissues in the pith and 5 tissues in the bundles. This level of segmentation is achieved by combining the Hue, Saturation and Value properties of each pixel and the location of each pixel in FASGA stained cross sectiona. This workflow is likewise able to highlight significant and subtle histological genotypic variations between maize internodes. The grain of precision provided by the workflow also makes it possible to demonstrate different levels of sensitivity to digestion by enzymatic cocktails of the tissues in the pith. The precision and strength of the workflow is all the more impressive because it is preserved on cross section images of other grasses such as miscanthus or sorghum.

Conclusions

The fidelity of this tool and its capacity to automatically identify variations of a large number of histological profiles among different genotypes pave the way for its use to identify genotypes of interest and to study the underlying genetic bases of variations in histological profiles in maize or other species.
Effect of temperature on Escherichia coli bloodstream infection in a nationwide population-based study of incidence and resistance
Authors: Feldman Sarah F. , Temkin Elizabeth , Wulffhart Liat , Nutman Amir , Schechner Vered , Shitrit Pnina , Shvartz Racheli , Schwaber Mitchell J. , Carmeli Yehuda
Published: November 2022

Background

The incidence of Escherichia coli bloodstream infections (BSI) is high and increasing. We aimed to describe the effect of season and temperature on the incidence of E. coli BSI and antibiotic-resistant E. coli BSI and to determine differences by place of BSI onset.

Methods

All E. coli BSI in adult Israeli residents between January 1, 2018 and December 19, 2019 were included. We used the national database of mandatory BSI reports and outdoor temperature data. Monthly incidence and resistance were studied using multivariable negative binomial regressions with season (July–October vs. other) and temperature as covariates.

Results

We included 10,583 events, 9012 (85%) community onset (CO) and 1571 (15%) hospital onset (HO). For CO events, for each average monthly temperature increase of 5.5 °C, the monthly number of events increased by 6.2% (95% CI 1.6–11.1%, p = 0.008) and the monthly number of multidrug-resistant events increased by 4.9% (95% CI 0.3–9.7%, p = 0.04). The effect of season was not significant. For HO events, incidence of BSI and resistant BSI were not associated with temperature or season.

Conclusion

Temperature increases the incidence of CO E. coli BSI and CO antibiotic-resistant E. coli BSI. Global warming threatens to increase the incidence of E. coli BSI.
Microvesicle release from inner segments of healthy photoreceptors is a conserved phenomenon in mammalian species
Authors: Lewis Tylor R. , Phan Sebastien , Kim Keun-Young , Jha Isha , Castillo Carson M. , Ding Jin-Dong , Sajdak Benjamin S. , Merriman Dana K. , Ellisman Mark H. , Arshavsky Vadim Y.
Published: November 2022

Many inherited visual diseases arise from mutations that affect the structure and function of photoreceptor cells. In some cases, the pathology is accompanied by a massive release of extracellular vesicles from affected photoreceptors. In this study, we addressed whether vesicular release is an exclusive response to ongoing pathology or a normal homeostatic phenomenon amplified in disease. We analyzed the ultrastructure of normal photoreceptors from both rod- and cone-dominant mammalian species and found that these cells release microvesicles budding from their inner segment compartment. Inner segment-derived microvesicles vary in their content, with some of them containing the visual pigment rhodopsin and others appearing to be interconnected with mitochondria. These data suggest the existence of a fundamental process whereby healthy mammalian photoreceptors release mistrafficked or damaged inner segment material as microvesicles into the interphotoreceptor space. This release may be greatly enhanced under pathological conditions associated with defects in protein targeting and trafficking.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.