bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical implications of combination therapy with quizartinib and craniospinal irradiation for refractory acute myeloid leukemia positive for FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3‐internal tandem duplication with central nervous system involvement
Authors: Suga Makiko , Fukushima Kentaro , Ueda Tomoaki , Arai Yasuyuki , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Minami Yosuke , Toda Jun , Hino Akihisa , Fujita Jiro , Yokota Takafumi , Hosen Naoki
Published: February 2022

FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3‐internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD) mutation‐positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a poor prognosis. We report the first case of successful bridge therapy of novel FLT3 inhibitor, quizartinib, to umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation for FLT3‐ITD‐positive AML‐primary induction failure patients with central nervous system involvement.
Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3: A case report of an unusual presentation and literature review
Authors: Apolinario Michael , Brussels Aaron , Cook Curtiss B. , Yang Shaun
Published: February 2022

Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) are rare disorders characterized by auto‐destruction of endocrine and non‐endocrine organs by organ‐specific antibody‐directed T‐lymphocytic infiltration. This case highlights a 29‐year‐old Caucasian man with vitiligo found to have significant neurological abnormalities in the setting of newly diagnosed pernicious anemia and thyroid autoimmune disease.
Acute obstructive pancreatitis secondary to migration of a gastrostomy tube into duodenum
Authors: Yanagisawa Waka , Oh Daniel DongKuen , Perera Dinushi , Rodrigues Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a common procedure. This discusses the rare complication of acute pancreatitis, due to tube migration, causing obstruction of the ampulla of Vater. Radiological confirmation of tubes prior to the usage may aid in preventing this reversible complication.
Giant basal cell carcinoma of anterior chest wall reveals metastasis to lungs: A case report
Authors: Ahmad Saad , Song David , Reyes Jonathan Vincent , Durrance Richard Jesse , Jaiswal Vikash , Pokhrel Nishan Babu , Alluri Raju , Awerbuch Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy in the world, and the incidence of pulmonary metastasis is exceedingly rare. We present a case of middle‐aged male with findings consistent with BCC with metastasis to the lungs managed with surgical resection and the use of targeted therapy using the hedgehog pathway inhibitor with improvement.
Recent Progress in Direct DME Synthesis and Potential of Bifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Banivaheb Soudeh , Pitter Stephan , Delgado Karla Herrera , Rubin Michael , Sauer Jörg , Dittmeyer Roland
Published: February 2022

PtX technologies are one major building block of the future energy system based on renewables sources. Dimethyl ether (DME) is an important PtX product that can be used as intermediate the production of CO2‐neutral base chemicals. New applications lead to an increase of the global production and the optimization of the process efficiency, especially when considering decentralized synthesis. This review article puts some spotlights on recent developments in methanol and the direct DME synthesis with a special focus on the modeling and bifunctional catalyst. This study is expected to provide a foundation for future works in the field of catalysis research based on catalysts design and kinetic modeling.
Cilostazol combined with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors: A substitute antiplatelet regimen for aspirin‐intolerant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary stent implantation
Authors: Zhao Yikai , Zhou Peng , Gao Wen , Zhong Haoxuan , Chen Yufei , Chen Wei , Waresi Maieryemu , Xie Kun , Shi Haiming , Gong Hui , He Guibin , Qiu Zhaohui , Luo Xinping , Li Jian
Published: February 2022

Background

Cilostazol combined with P2Y12 receptor inhibitor has been used as a substitute regimen for aspirin‐intolerant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary stent implantation on a small scale. Its exact impact on platelet functions and clinical benefits of aspirin‐intolerant patients is unknown.

Hypothesis

Cilostazol combined with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors could be used as a substitute antiplatelet regimen for aspirin‐intolerant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary stent implantation.

Methods

In this multicenter prospective cohort trial, patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary stent implantation were assigned to the cilostazol group (cilostazol plus P2Y12 receptor inhibitors), based on aspirin intolerance criteria, or the aspirin group (aspirin plus P2Y12 receptor inhibitors). Platelet PAC‐1, CD62p, and vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP‐P) were detected by flow cytometry. The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) including all‐cause death, acute myocardial infarction, emerging arrhythmia, nonfatal stroke, and heart failure. The secondary endpoints were the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding events.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐four aspirin‐intolerant percutaneous coronary stent implantation patients and 154 matched aspirin‐tolerant patients from a total of 2059 percutaneous coronary stent implantation patients were enrolled. The relative activation level of PAC‐1, CD62p, and platelet reaction index reflected by the VASP‐P test were similar in the two groups (p > .05). After 12 months of follow‐up, the incidence of all‐cause death was 1.9% in the cilostazol group and 1.3% in the aspirin group (risk ratio [RR], 1.500; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.254–8.852; p = 1.000); the incidence of acute myocardial infarction was 0.6% in the cilostazol group and 1.3% in the aspirin group (RR, 0.500; 95% CI, 0.046–5.457; p = 1.000). No significant difference was seen in other MACCE events, or in any types of BARC bleeding events.

Conclusions

Cilostazol combined with P2Y12 inhibitors was not inferior to aspirin‐based standard therapy and could be used as a reasonable substitute antiplatelet regimen for aspirin‐intolerant patients undergoing percutaneous coronary stent implantation, but again with limitations, which required a larger sample and longer follow‐up to confirm its efficacy.
Characteristics and outcomes of preoperatively treated patients with anaplastic Wilms tumors registered in the UK SIOP‐WT‐2001 and IMPORT study cohorts (2002‐2020)
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M. , Mifsud William , Chowdhury Tanzina , Al‐Saadi Reem , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy ,   for the Renal Tumour Special Interest Group of the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Published: February 2022

Background

Since the International Society of Paediatric Oncology Wilms' Tumour 2001 (SIOP‐WT‐2001) study, focal anaplastic Wilms tumors (FAWTs) have been treated as intermediate‐risk Wilms tumors (WTs), and diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumors (DAWTs) have been treated as high‐risk tumors.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of preoperatively treated patients with FAWT or DAWT recruited in 2 consecutive UK Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group WT studies.

Results

One hundred twenty‐one of 1237 patients (10%) had an anaplastic WT confirmed by central pathology review (CPR): 93 (77%) had DAWT, and 28 (23%) had FAWT. The 4‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 41%‐63%) for DAWT, 88% (95% CI, 76%‐100%) for FAWT, and 84% (95% CI, 82%‐87%) for intermediate‐risk nonanaplastic Wilms tumor (IR‐non‐AWT). Overall survival (OS) was 58% (95% CI, 48%‐70%) for DAWT, 95% (95% CI, 86%‐100%) for FAWT, and 95% (95% CI, 93%‐96%) for IR‐non‐AWT. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of DAWT was a significant prognostic factor for both EFS and OS in stages II, III, and IV. In a multivariate analysis of unilateral DAWT, stages III and IV remained the only significant prognostic factors for both EFS and OS. In 28% of the cases, there were discrepancies affecting the recognition of anaplasia, classification (DAWT vs FAWT), or the local pathologic stage.

Conclusions

Preoperatively treated patients with FAWT had excellent outcomes in comparison with those with identically treated IR‐non‐AWT, whereas patients with DAWT showed significantly worse outcomes. All patients with stage I disease had comparable good outcomes, regardless of the presence/absence of anaplasia. In contrast, the presence of DAWT was associated with significantly worse outcomes for patients with stage II to V disease. Finally, significant diagnostic discrepancies emphasize the value of CPR.

Lay Summary

Anaplasia is an unfavorable feature in Wilms tumor (WT), and it is classified as focal (focal anaplastic Wilms tumor [FAWT]) or diffuse (diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumor [DAWT]).

This study reports the outcomes of patients with FAWT and DAWT who were, for the first time, treated differently.

Patients with FAWT received less intensive treatment, and their outcomes were comparable to the outcomes of patients with identically treated nonanaplastic WT.

Patients with stage I DAWT also had good outcomes when they were treated without radiotherapy, whereas patients with stage II to V DAWT had poor outcomes despite more intensive treatment.
Improving risk assessment in indeterminate pediatric thyroid FNA biopsies
Authors: Krane Jeffrey F.
Published: February 2022

Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS) associated with nuclear atypia poses a substantially greater risk of malignancy than other AUS patterns in pediatric thyroid nodules. Cytopathologists should emphasize this finding when it is present, and clinical management guidelines should be modified to reflect this difference in malignancy risk.
Hybrid optimization‐based privacy preservation of database publishing in cloud environment
Authors: Solomon Doss Kingsleen , Kamalakkannan Somasundaram
Published: February 2022

This work intends to introduce an optimization‐based privacy preservation model via selecting the optimal key matrix. Here, privacy preservation is carried out under two processes, namely, “data sanitization and restoration.” In fact, data sanitization is the data preservation method, where the data (message) are preserved using the optimal key. Similarly, data restoration is the inverse procedure of sanitization. Here, the key matrix is optimally chosen using a novel hybrid algorithm. For optimization purpose, this work deploys a hybrid optimization approach known as random‐based grey dragon algorithm (R‐GDA) that involves the concepts of both “dragonfly algorithm (DA) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm.” The novelty of the work is introduced in hybrid optimization approach R‐GDA. Eventually, the supremacy of the adopted method is validated over other existing approaches in terms of various measures such as privacy, utility, and so on. The privacy preservation in the cloud is achievable in the field of education, banking sector, military, and the research community.
Integration of dilated convolution with residual dense block network and multi‐level feature detection network for cassava plant leaf disease identification
Authors: C. R Dhivyaa , Kandasamy Nithya , Rajendran Sudhakar
Published: February 2022

In recent years, many countries prolonged their research in the field of agricultural farming for yielding more quantity food products with good quality. Agricultural farming is closely related to every country's economy in significant way. To improve the grain productivity in a notable way, plants must be protected from various viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases. The timely identification of plant disease helps to protect the plant at the early stage of the disease else it will spoil the entire plant. In this article, the plant disease identification problem is handled using our novel proposed network where it combines dilated convolution with residual dense block (DCRDB) along with multi‐level feature detection (MLFD) for selecting the appropriate feature and bidirectional long short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM) classifier for leaf disease prediction. In DCRDB, the dilated convolution derives larger receptive field without loss of resolution to extract greater number of local features from the leaf images and residual dense block expands the size of feature map by densely connecting the layers of convolution. In addition, MLFD network integrates the high‐level features with the resulted features of DCRDB. After feature extraction, Bi‐LSTM is employed to recognize the leaf disease which supports additional training in both forward and backward direction. Through a set of collected cassava leaf images our research carries forward. The proposed model accuracy is verified with three different datasets such as cassava disease classification dataset, self‐made cassava disease dataset and plant village dataset. The performance of the proposed model is compared with some existing methods. Experimental results show that the highest F1‐score value of 95.49% attained by our proposed model for identifying cassava leaf disease.
Active MMP‐8 point‐of‐care (PoC)/chairside enzyme‐test as an adjunctive tool for early and real‐time diagnosis of peri‐implantitis
Authors: Lähteenmäki Hanna , Tervahartiala Taina , Räisänen Ismo T. , Pärnänen Pirjo , Mauramo Matti , Gupta Shipra , Sampson Victoria , Rathnayake Nilminie , Heikkinen Anna‐Maria , Alassiri Saeed , Gieselmann Dirk‐Rolf , Frankenberger Roland , Sorsa Timo
Published: February 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of the active matrix metalloproteinase (aMMP‐8)‐point‐of‐care (PoC) test as a quantitative real‐time chair‐side diagnostic tool for peri‐implant diagnosis, as well as assess the potentially developing and ongoing risk relative to the traditional clinical methods.

Background

Current peri‐implant and periodontal disease diagnoses rely on clinical and radiological examinations. This case‐control study investigated the applicability of aMMP‐8‐PoC immunotest for quantitative real‐time diagnosis and monitoring of dental implants in health and disease.

Methods

Sixty‐eight patients visiting a specialist clinic for maintenance following dental implant placement underwent assessment of their peri‐implant health. aMMP‐8‐PoC peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) lateral‐flow immunotests were performed using ImplantSafe® technology quantitated by ORALyzer®. In addition, the PISF samples were analyzed for total MMP‐8, calprotectin, and interleukin (IL)‐6 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), aMMP‐8 by western immunoblot, and MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 by gelatin zymography.

Results

The aMMP‐8‐PoC test promptly recorded and reflected peri‐implant disease, differentiating it clearly from health. X‐ray findings (bone loss > 2 mm), peri‐implant pocket depth ≥ 3 mm, and bleeding on probing were significantly more prevalent among implants positive for the aMMP‐8‐PoC test. aMMP‐8/ORALyzer analysis was more precise in recording disease than total MMP‐8, calprotectin, IL‐6, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9.

Conclusions

The aMMP‐8‐PoC test can be conveniently implemented to alert for and detect active collagenolysis affecting peri‐implant tissues, both in the early and advanced stages of the disease. Active and fragmented MMP‐8 exhibits a strong and significant association with peri‐implantitis as compared to total MMP‐8 and other biomarkers and can be utilized as the POC/chairside biomarker of choice in the new classification of peri‐implantitis.
Components of Soil Carbon Accounting
Authors: Bagnall Dianna K. , Morgan Cristine L. S.
Published: February 2022

There is an incredible amount of interest in soil carbon (C) markets, but are there ways for CCAs to engage in them? How can we make sense of the bewildering number of opportunities? The goal of this article is to clarify components of soil C markets and soil C accounting and to outline practical avenues that CCAs interested in getting involved may consider. The Assessing Soil Health Series is part of a larger Soil Science Society of America webinar series produced in partnership with The Soil Health Institute and sponsored by The Walton Family Foundation. Earn 1 CEU in Soil & Water Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/3tOxzuE. View all CEUs online at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
A non‐isolated switched inductor‐capacitor cell based multiple high voltage gain DC‐DC boost converter
Authors: Padala Lakshmi Santosh Kumar Reddy , Yeddula Pedda Obulesu
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a non‐isolated switched inductor cell integrated high step‐up voltage gain DC‐DC converter with a charge pump mechanism is discussed. The continuous conduction mode of the input current is a beneficial aspect of this converter, which is appropriate for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and LED applications. The proposed converter works in two distinct operating modes and provides a flexible range of voltage gain ratios. The performance and small‐signal modeling of the converter in continuous conduction mode are extensively investigated, and voltage gain calculations for the two operational modes are derived. The Markov technique is used to evaluate the converter reliability, component failure rates, and mean time to failures. The proposed converter is evaluated with the existing converters in terms of voltage, and current stress of each component, voltage gain, total component stress factor, component count, and reliability. The proposed converter's hardware prototype has been developed. To validate the theoretical calculations, the converter's simulation and experimental results are discussed. The converter has a maximum output voltage of 110 V and a switching frequency of 50 kHz. The converter's peak efficiency is 94.5%.
RT‐CGM in conjunction with CSII vs MDI in optimizing glycaemic control in T1DM: Systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: William Jimmy , McCluskey Jane , Gleeson Nigel
Published: February 2022

Introduction

To determine the impact of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (RT‐CGM) in conjunction with ‘Open loop’‐ continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) as compared to conventional multiple daily injections (MDI) in type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We explored the COCHRANE database, MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE, GOOGLE SCHOLARS, PUBMED, EMBASE, and cited literature in articles retrieved (2010–2021) for all randomized controlled trials and real‐world trials of more than 6 months duration in patients with type 1 diabetes that compared RT‐CGM+CSII vs RT‐ CGM+MDI. A total of 1645 publications have been identified; however, only 3 trials fulfilled our inclusion criteria with a total number of 150 patients (72 patients using RT‐CGM+CSII and 78 patients on RT‐CGM+MDI). A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis were carried out.

Results

No statistically significant reduction in HbA1c was found on comparing RT‐CGM+CSII vs RT‐ CGM + MDI, with p‐value = .75. Likewise, impact on TIR, weight and insulin usage was found to be statistically insignificant with p‐value of 0.15, 0.75 and 0.20 respectively. There was an overall homogeneity between the 3 trials in respect to all previous variables with I2 being 0%.

Conclusions

Real‐time continuous glucose monitors in conjunction with MDI open‐loop CSII had a similar impact on HbA1c, weight, insulin usage and TIR. In addition, RT‐CGM when combined with CSII was associated with higher costs and reduced quality of life, hence RT‐ CGM+MDI can be considered as a cheaper, safer yet equivalent substitute.

Review Registration

This study was registered in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews). Registration Name: RT‐CGM in conjunction with CSII vs MDI in optimizing glycaemic control in T1DM: a systematic review. Registration No: CRD42021255333. Accessible at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021255333. Amendments: Few amendments to the above‐mentioned registration were made: (1) Title (Meta‐analysis was added). (2) Prof. Gleeson was added as an author. (3) Real‐world trials were included. (4) Outcomes required in studies as per our inclusion criteria amended to include at least 1 outcome. (5) Bias risk was assessed by the CASP tool.
Egyptian expert opinion for the use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Abdelhamid Magdy , Kandil Hossam , Hassanin Mahmoud , Shaheen Sameh , Sobhy Mohamed , ElEtreby Adel , Hasan‐Ali Hosam , Mahfouz Hala , Nasr Gamila , Shawky Islam , Emil Sameh , ElSetiha Mohamed , Hasssan Mohamed , Sadek Yasser , Karim Mohamed Abdelghany , Asham Ayman , Ghaleb Mohamed , Samir Ahmad , Shokry Khaled
Published: February 2022

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) in patients with type 2 diabetes reduces the risk of serious heart failure events, specifically the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, and cardiovascular death. The benefit is most apparent in patients with a heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Dapagliflozin and empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with established HFrEF, including those without diabetes. Considering the magnitude of the problem and the expected benefit on the target population, an Egyptian consensus document was conducted to demonstrate the importance of and the critical knowledge needed for effective and safe implementation of SGLT2i in the daily practice for the management of patients with HFrEF.
Cu‐doped Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3‐δ for electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide via a 2‐electron oxygen reduction reaction1
Authors: Venkatesan Senthil Velan , Mostaghimi Amir Hassan Bagherzadeh , Thangadurai Venkataraman , Siahrostami Samira
Published: February 2022

Electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via a two‐electron (2e–) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has emerged as a sustainable synthesis route compared to the anthraquinone oxidation synthesis process. Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe(1‐x)CuxO3‐δ perovskite is a particularly interesting electrocatalyst for ORR applications owing to its doping flexibility. In this study, we use experimental and computation approaches to study Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3‐δ with and without copper doping at the B‐site for 2e– ORR. Our electrochemical measurements in oxygen‐saturated alkaline solution show that the selectivity of perovskite electrocatalyst increases from 30% to 65% with (0.05) copper doping in the B‐site and the onset potential is decreased. Density functional theory calculations are used to unravel the role of copper in driving high activity and selectivity toward 2e– ORR. Site‐specific engineering of Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3‐δ by copper doping in the B‐site exposed unique adsorption sites with improved activity and selectivity for H2O2 formation.
Variational coupling of non‐matching discretizations across finitely deforming fluid–structure interfaces
Authors: Kang Soonpil , Kwack JaeHyuk , Masud Arif
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a stabilized monolithic method for coupling incompressible viscous fluids with finitely deforming elastic solids across non‐matching interfacial meshes. Governing equations for the solid are written in the finite deformation Lagrangian frame using velocity field as the primary unknown, while the governing equations for the fluid are written in an Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) frame to accommodate large motions of the fluid–solid interfaces. Interface coupling terms are derived by embedding Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) ideas in the Variational Multiscale (VMS) framework and locally resolving the fine‐scale variational equations from the fluid and the solid subdomains along the common interface. The unique attribute of the proposed Variational Multiscale Discontinuous Galerkin (VMDG) method is a systematic procedure for deriving analytical expression for the traction Lagrange multiplier at the fluid–solid interface. The structure of the interface stabilization tensor emerges naturally and is shown to be a function of the boundary operators that are associated with the domain interior operators from the fluid and the solid subdomains. The derived stabilization tensor possesses the features of area‐averaging and stress‐averaging and evolves spatially and temporally with the evolving nonlinear fields at the interface. An analysis of the mathematical properties of the interface stabilization tensor is presented and subsequently verified numerically. The method is implemented using four‐node tetrahedral elements for the fluid as well as the solid subdomains while employing equal‐order interpolations for the various interacting fields. Benchmark problems are presented for the verification of the method for finitely deforming fluid–structure interfaces.
Authoritarianism and perceived threat from the novel coronavirus
Authors: Deason Grace , Dunn Kris
Published: February 2022

The threat of COVID‐19 has triggered nationalism, prejudice and support for anti‐democratic political systems around the world. Authoritarianism—an individual's orientation toward social conformity and individual autonomy—shapes interpretations of and responses to threat. We drew on theories of authoritarianism and threat to propose that authoritarians and libertarians will interpret the threat of COVID‐19 in distinct ways. An online survey of 368 Scottish nationals was administered via the Prolific platform. Original measures of realistic and symbolic threat from COVID‐19 were included, along with an established measure of the authoritarian predisposition. Linear regression analyses showed that COVID‐19 was perceived primarily as a realistic threat to physical and material well‐being; however, authoritarians were more likely than others to interpret the novel coronavirus as a symbolic threat to their prevailing values. Our findings contribute to understanding the psychology of pandemic‐era attitudes and behaviours and provide insight into possible political consequences of the coronavirus threat. The results also demonstrate how considering authoritarians' subjective construal of threats can resolve questions in the authoritarianism and threat literature and advance theory.
An intelligent fuzzy inference rule‐based expert recommendation system for predictive diabetes diagnosis
Authors: Nagaraj Palanigurupackiam , Deepalakshmi Perumalsamy
Published: February 2022

Diabetes is one of the most common and hazardous diseases, which can affect almost every organ in the body. Diagnosis of diabetes requires determining all vital parameters related to the disease. However, the nature of the data from those parameters is very uncertain, affecting the process of disease diagnosis. This article proposes an intelligent fuzzy inference rule‐based predictive diabetes diagnosis model (IFIR_PDDM), providing content recommendations to patients with diabetes. The suggested model employs an inference technique that medical specialists have validated for recommendations. IFIR_PDDM comprises three elements used to forecast the risk of diabetes disease. Initially, a fuzzy membership function utilizes medical recommendations and statistical methodologies. Medical specialists then validate the mining‐based rules using a decision tree rule induction technique. The proposed model predicts the risk of diabetes disease using fuzzy inference based on Mamdani's technique. Based on this information, the recommendations for a normal life, nutrition, exercise, and medications are given to patients. We used an electronic health record (EHR) medical and clinical dataset from the PIMA Indian Diabetes dataset to develop our proposed model and assess its performance. The proposed model takes less time for diabetes diagnosis, and the expert recommendation system uses the fuzzy inference method.
A novel threshold score based multiclass segmentation technique for brain magnetic resonance images using adaptive opposition slime mold algorithm
Authors: Naik Manoj Kumar , Panda Rutuparna , Samantaray Leena , Abraham Ajith
Published: February 2022

Clinicians can detect diseases early, thanks to the digital image processing methodologies, which improve health together with the treatment experience. The technology of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently employed in the brain, research for any kind of related illness. The brain MR image requires precise automated thresholding for a meaningful representation to aid doctors, because of its different modalities and complexity. The majority of the threshold selection strategies are based on entropy. However, these strategies are limited by their reliance on the spatial distribution of gray values. There is also a pressing need to develop a thresholding technique that is independent of the spatial distribution, making it more suitable for a variety of modalities and complexity, such as the brain MR images. A novel non‐entropic maximizing objective function for the multilevel thresholding approach using a threshold score (TS) is presented in this paper, to address these concerns. An evolutionary TS‐AOSMA approach, using the optimizer called adaptive opposition slime mold algorithm (AOSMA), is suggested to lower the computational cost of TS‐based multiclass segmentation, which is a novel idea. The proposed approach is evaluated on T2‐weighted brain MR imaging slices from Harvard Medical School's whole brain atlas dataset. When compared to the state‐of‐the‐art Kapur's, Tsallis, and Masi entropy‐based technologies, the proposed scheme offered better quantitative and qualitative outcomes. The recommended strategies may be useful in medical image analysis.
Application of the ecosystem services concept in stakeholder communication—Results of a workshop including a planning game at the Lower Mulde River (Dessau‐Roßlau, Germany)
Authors: Gapinski Cedric M. , Vollheyde Anna‐Lena , von Haaren Christina
Published: February 2022

The concept of ecosystem services (ES) is a powerful tool for communicating with stakeholders because it highlights the benefits of ecosystems for people and demonstrates their economic importance through monetized values. However, this hypothesis has rarely been substantiated in the context of local landscape planning. To investigate which ecosystem services information formats (ESIF) stakeholders prefer in decision situations, we experimented with a highly conflictual planning situation about the Lower Mulde restoration in Germany. We invited local stakeholders to a so‐called ‘future vision workshop’. It included a paper‐based, noncompetitive planning game, which combined the freedom of choice with strict rules for justifying the proposed measures. We tested how often participants used different ESIFs to justify their decisions, focusing on quantification, monetization, and the default qualitative (ordinal‐scaled) format applied in landscape planning. A total of 17 representatives from stakeholder groups such as nature conservation, recreation, and local politics attended. We provided information on four ES and eight related measure proposals to the stakeholders, who used them to select, locate, and justify actions for the area's future development. The participants applied the ordinal‐qualitative format in more than two‐thirds of the decisions. Quantification and monetization were used with approximately equal frequency, mostly for measures that favoured flood risk regulation. Actions supporting habitat provision and biodiversity were justified exclusively in ordinal‐qualitative terms. Instead of our provided quantifications, some participants mentioned numbers they were already familiar with before. They also partly doubted our monetization approaches. In conclusion, we recommend combined and context‐specific uses of several ESIFs, while using the ordinal‐qualitative format as the basis. Furthermore, the participants appreciated the workshop and requested that the results be presented to the city council. The workshop also confirmed that the ES concept is challenging to understand, especially for laypeople unfamiliar with ES and landscape planning.
A node positioning method for IoT based on LSSVR and optimized particle swarm algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhao Kaixin , Ren Gang , Zhu Mingdong
Published: February 2022

Aiming at the problem that the optimal parameters of the least square support vector regression (LSSVR) localization model in Internet of Things (IoT) are difficult to determine, a positioning method based on the improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. First, the positioning model is constructed by LSSVR, then the PSO algorithm is improved by adaptively adjusting the inertia weights and the learning factors, and finally the improved PSO algorithm is used to search the optimal parameters of the LSSVR positioning model, which avoids the blindness of the parameter search. The simulation results show that the positioning accuracy of the proposed algorithm is improved by 25.9% and 19.7%, respectively, compared with the LSSVR and PSO‐LSSVR algorithms, and has better positioning stability and real‐time performance.
Development and implementation of the ACCP Code of Conduct
Authors: Kolpek Jimmi Hatton , Erstad Brian , Ross Leigh Ann
Published: February 2022

The decision to develop and implement an organizational Code of Conduct required the collective effort and input of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Board of Regents and staff. The process was systematic, deliberate, and reflective of the College's core values. Building an inclusive organization and embracing diversity require transparent communication of expected standards of conduct. A culture of belonging and equity for all members is necessary to ensure representation and opportunities for engagement throughout the organization.
No Evidence of Association Between Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin and Incident Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Babey Muriel E. , Ewing Susan K. , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Napoli Nicola , Schafer Anne L. , Vittinghoff Eric , Gundberg Caren M. , Schwartz Ann V.
Published: February 2022

Mouse models suggest that undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), produced by the skeleton, protects against type 2 diabetes development, whereas human studies have been inconclusive. We aimed to determine if ucOC or total OC is associated with incident type 2 diabetes or changes in fasting glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), or beta-cell function (HOMA-Beta). A subcohort (n = 338; 50% women; 36% black) was identified from participants without diabetes at baseline in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study. Cases of incident type 2 diabetes (n = 137) were defined as self-report at an annual follow-up visit, use of diabetes medication, or elevated fasting glucose during 8 years of follow-up. ucOC and total OC were measured in baseline serum. Using a case-cohort design, the association between biomarkers and incident type 2 diabetes was assessed using robust weighted Cox regression. In the subcohort, linear regression models analyzed the associations between biomarkers and changes in fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-Beta over 9 years. Higher levels of ucOC were not statistically associated with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.06 [95% confidence interval, 0.84–1.34] per 1 standard deviation [SD] increase in ucOC). Results for %ucOC and total OC were similar. Adjusted associations of ucOC, %ucOC, and total OC with changes in fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-Beta were modest and not statistically significant. We did not find evidence of an association of baseline undercarboxylated or total osteocalcin with risk of incident type 2 diabetes or with changes in glucose metabolism in older adults. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Evaluating the potency of blood long noncoding RNA PVT1 as candidate biomarker reflecting inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk in sepsis patients
Authors: Chen Jing , Ren Haibo , Liu Bo
Published: February 2022

Objective

Long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (lnc‐PVT1) promotes septic inflammation and organ injuries via multiple ways, while its clinical engagement in sepsis management is indistinct. This study aimed to investigate its relationship with inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk in sepsis patients.

Methods

Sepsis patients and age‐/gender‐matched healthy controls were enrolled; their lnc‐PVT1 expression in plasma were detected by RT‐qPCR. For sepsis patients only, the inflammatory cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐17A) in plasma were detected by ELISA. According to the survival data during 28‐day follow‐up, sepsis patients were divided into sepsis survivors and sepsis deaths.

Results

Lnc‐PVT1 expression was increased in sepsis patients (N = 157) compared with healthy controls (N = 80) (p < 0.001). In sepsis patients, lnc‐PVT1 was linked with higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) score (p = 0.001), total sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and its most subitems (SOFA‐respiratory system, SOFA‐coagulation, SOFA‐liver, SOFA‐cardiovascular system, and SOFA‐renal system scores) (all p < 0.01), but not SOFA‐nervous system score (p = 0.091); it did not relate to primary infection sites either (p = 0.204). Furthermore, lnc‐PVT1 correlated with increased C‐reactive protein, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐17 in sepsis patients (all p < 0.01). Additionally, lnc‐PVT1 expression was higher in sepsis deaths than that in sepsis survivors (p < 0.001), following receiver‐operating characteristic curve disclosed that lnc‐PVT1 predicted 28‐day septic mortality risk (area under the curve: 0.789, 95% confidence interval: 0.702–0.875).

Conclusion

Circulating lnc‐PVT1 exhibits the potential as a biomarker in sepsis patients to inform inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality risk.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Metformin in Children and Adolescents With Obesity
Authors: Ford Jennifer Lynn , Gerhart Jacqueline G. , Edginton Andrea N. , Yanovski Jack A. , Hon Yuen Yi , Gonzalez Daniel
Published: February 2022

Childhood obesity continues to rise in the United States and, with it, the off‐label use of metformin for weight loss. The influence of age and obesity on the drug's disposition and exposure has not previously been studied using a mechanistic framework. Here, an adult physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of metformin was scaled to pediatric populations without obesity, with overweight/obesity, and with severe obesity; a published virtual population of children and adolescents with obesity was leveraged during model evaluation. When the pediatric model was simulated in groups aged 10 to 18 years, oral clearance following 1000 mg of metformin was higher (≈1200 mL/min) in those with obesity and severe obesity compared to the groups without and with overweight (≈1000 mL/min). In addition, simulated area under the concentration‐time curve in older children and adolescents with obesity and severe obesity was comparable to that in adults with a similar dose‐exposure relationship. Overall, simulations using the pediatric PBPK model support the use of adult doses of metformin in older children and adolescents with obesity. Moreover, the virtual population of children and adolescents with obesity offers a valuable tool to facilitate development of pediatric PBPK models for studying populations with obesity and, in turn, contribute information to inform drug labeling in this special population.
Stress reveals a specific behavioral phenotype for opioid abuse susceptibility
Authors: O'Brien Chris , Vemireddy Roshni , Mohammed Uzma , Barker David J.
Published: February 2022

Susceptibility to stress has long been considered important for the development of substance use disorders. Nonetheless, behavioral and physiological responses to stress are highly variable, making it difficult to identify the individuals who are most likely to abuse drugs. In the present study, we employed a comprehensive battery of tests for negative valence behaviors and nociception to identify individuals predisposed to opioid seeking following oral opioid self‐administration. Furthermore, we examined how this profile was affected by a history of stress. We observed that mice receiving foot shock stress failed to exhibit a preference for sucrose, showed increased immobility in the forced swim task, and exhibited mechanical hypersensitivity when compared to controls. When considering these behaviors in light of future fentanyl‐seeking responses, we observed that heightened mechanical sensitivity corresponded to higher opioid preference in mice with a history of stress, but not controls. Moreover, we were surprised to discover that paradoxically high sucrose preferences predicted fentanyl preference in shock mice, while signs of anhedonia predicted fentanyl preference in controls. Taken together, these results indicate that stress can act as a physiological modulator, shifting profiles of opioid abuse susceptibility depending on an individual's history.
Optical emission from focused ion beam milled halide perovskite device cross‐sections
Authors: Kosasih Felix U. , Divitini Giorgio , Orri Jordi Ferrer , Tennyson Elizabeth M. , Kusch Gunnar , Oliver Rachel A. , Stranks Samuel D. , Ducati Caterina
Published: February 2022

Cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy has been widely used to investigate organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices. Electron‐transparent specimens (lamellae) used in such studies are often prepared using focused ion beam (FIB) milling. However, the gallium ions used in FIB milling may severely degrade the structure and composition of halide perovskites in the lamellae, potentially invalidating studies performed on them. In this work, the close relationship between perovskite structure and luminescence is exploited to examine the structural quality of perovskite solar cell lamellae prepared by FIB milling. Through hyperspectral cathodoluminescence (CL) mapping, the perovskite layer was found to remain optically active with a slightly blue‐shifted luminescence. This finding indicates that the perovskite structure is largely preserved upon the lamella fabrication process although some surface amorphisation occurred. Further changes in CL due to electron beam irradiation were also recorded, confirming that electron dose management is essential in electron microscopy studies of carefully prepared halide perovskite‐based device lamellae.

Research Highlights

Cathodoluminescence is used to study the emission of focused ion beam milled perovskite solar cell lamellae.

The perovskite remained optically active with a slightly blue‐shifted luminescence, indicating that the perovskite structure is mostly preserved.
The emergence and epidemic characteristics of the highly mutated SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant
Authors: Tian Dandan , Sun Yanhong , Xu Huihong , Ye Qing
Published: February 2022

Recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first identified in Botswana in November 2021. It was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 24. On November 26, 2021, according to the advice of scientists who are part of the WHO's Technical Advisory Group on SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus Evolution (TAG‐VE), the WHO defined the strain as a variant of concern (VOC) and named it Omicron. Compared to the other four VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta), the Omicron variant was the most highly mutated strain, with 50 mutations accumulated throughout the genome. The Omicron variant contains at least 32 mutations in the spike protein, which was twice as many as the Delta variant. Studies have shown that carrying many mutations can increase infectivity and immune escape of the Omicron variant compared with the early wild‐type strain and the other four VOCs. The Omicron variant is becoming the dominant strain in many countries worldwide and brings new challenges to preventing and controlling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The current review article aims to analyze and summarize information data about the biological characteristics of amino acid mutations, the epidemic characteristics, immune escape, and vaccine reactivity of the Omicron variant, hoping to provide a scientific reference for monitoring, prevention, and vaccine development strategies for the Omicron variant.
A quasi‐experimental examination of knowledge‐sharing interventions enhancing service performance: The roles of time, occupational identity, and image
Authors: Li Ning , Zheng Xiaoming , Yu Yu , Yu Jia
Published: February 2022

A significant amount of research has examined the antecedents and processes responsible for driving employee knowledge‐sharing behaviors. Integrating information‐processing theory and the identity‐based motivation model, we develop a contingency model whereby knowledge sharing does not always result in desirable outcomes, depending on time and individuals' motivation to learn and acquire useful information for performance improvement. Applying a longitudinal and quasi‐experimental design in a unique service context, we examine when knowledge‐sharing interventions can help employees improve service performance. Specifically, we explore the roles of time and employee occupational identity and image in helping employees leverage knowledge‐sharing activities to create superior customer service. Our results suggest that the benefits of knowledge sharing on both proximal (i.e., employee‐perceived customer gratitude) and distal service performance (i.e., customer‐rated evaluation) are contingent on time and employee‐perceived occupational image, such that the value of knowledge sharing requires time (i.e., a cumulative effect) and employees' motivation to process and absorb the shared information and to eventually leverage knowledge‐sharing activities to improve service performance.
The onlinezation influence on knowledge sharing for corporate innovation during theCoViDcrisis
Authors: Blagov Evgeny Yu. , Anand Amitabh
Published: February 2022

The article describes the study of the influence of shock onlinezation caused by the CoViD‐19 quarantine on the knowledge management performance and effectiveness in organizations. The methodology of the study is based on a set of multiple linear regression equations linking together the onlinezation, knowledge management parameters, problem‐solving and financial performance. The results of the study allow developing a set of practical recommendations regarding the development of knowledge management systems in organizations under the onlinezation context, with a special accent to solving technical and/or marketing uncertainty‐related problems with architectural or modular innovations.
Design of Ratiometric Dual‐Emitting Mechanoluminescence: Lanthanide/Transition‐Metal Combination Strategy
Authors: Zhou Su , Cheng Yao , Xu Ju , Lin Hang , Liang Wenjia , Wang Yuansheng
Published: February 2022

Mechanoluminescence (ML) materials with the ability to convert mechanical stimulate into visible light signals have enabled visualized mechanics sensing. To this point, stress sensing based on ML color is preferred over that based on ML intensity in terms of both sensing reliability and visual sensitivity. In this work, a ratiometric dual‐emitting ML strategy to realize the stress‐sensitive ML color variation, where the Lanthanide/transition‐metal combination is adopted to build the dual‐activator ML system is proposed. The difference in electronic configuration between Lanthanide and transition‐metal ions leads to the significant discrepancy in the response of corresponding luminescence kinetics to the instantaneous change of local crystal field environment induced by stress, which plays a key role in the strategy. This strategy establishes a new general path for the design of novel ratiometric ML materials.