bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back to the future: post-pandemic work and management
Authors: Rowley Chris
Published: February 2023

Purpose

As the world emerges from the COVID-19 global pandemic and medical emergency, the author looks at the impacts on the world of work and its management and also tries to set them in some context. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned idea.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses some of the latest global and comparative media and survey research as well as some theories to explore the topic of post-pandemic work and management.

Findings

Work – and its management – is impacted on by crisis, such as the pandemic, for twin inter-locking reasons. First, it engenders uncertainty, which comes in different degrees and levels and variability in people's comfortableness with it. Second, the commensurate jolt of a crisis can block existing models and force common experimentation, even in areas previously resisted, such as more flexible working patterns. There are a variety of short and longer term reasons for both changes to work and management and also responses and commitment to them by management and organisations.

Originality/value

The author details the impact of both the COVID-19 pandemic and wider contextual changes on the world of work. The author notes a set of reasons, both practical and theoretical, as to why flexible or hybrid working, while sometimes seen as a problem, can work. The author shows that rather than a simple “either-or” dichotomy in choice and support for post-pandemic work arrangements, there is a range of options.
Critical review of urban community resilience indicators
Authors: Osei-Kyei Robert , Tam Vivian , Komac Ursa , Ampratwum Godslove
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Urban communities can be faced with many destructive events that can disrupt the daily functioning of activities and livelihood of people living in the communities. In this regard, during the last couple of years, many governments have put a lot of efforts into building resilient urban communities. Essentially, a resilient urban community has the capacity to anticipate future disasters, prepare for and recover timely from adverse effects of disasters and unexpected circumstances. Considering this, it is therefore important for the need to continuously review the existing urban community resilience indicators, in order to identify emerging ones to enable comprehensive evaluation of urban communities in the future against unexpected events. This study therefore aims to conduct a systematic review to develop and critically analyse the emerging and leading urban community resilience indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRSIMA) protocol, 53 journal articles were selected using Scopus. The selected papers were subjected to thorough content analysis.

Findings

From the review, 45 urban community resilience indicators were identified. These indicators were grouped into eight broad categories namely, Socio-demographic, Economic, Institutional Resilience, Infrastructure and Housing Resilience, Collaboration, Community Capital, Risk Data Accumulation and Geographical and Spatial characteristics of community. Further, the results indicated that the U.S had the highest number of publications, followed by Australia, China, New Zealand and Taiwan. In fact, very few studies emanated from developing economies.

Originality/value

The outputs of this study will inform policymakers, practitioners and researchers on the new and emerging indicators that should be considered when evaluating the resilience level of urban communities. The findings will also serve as a theoretical foundation for further detailed empirical investigation.
Information rigidities in USDA crop production forecasts
Authors: Goyal Raghav , Adjemian Michael K.
Published: February 2023

USDA invests significant public resources into developing its crop projection reports. These publications inform decisions across the supply chain. Several previous studies find that revisions to the department's production and yield forecasts for major agricultural commodities are positively correlated and conclude that they deviate from what would be observed under rational expectations, possibly due to smoothing on the part of forecasters. Yet correlated revisions may also be explained by information rigidities that cause forecasts to be infrequently or only partially updated. We apply a recently developed test to these USDA revisions for corn, soybeans, and wheat, and find no significant evidence that the forecasts are smoothed strategically. Rather, we show that information rigidities are the more likely culprit, due to production and yield information that is either too costly to obtain or too noisy. Our results demonstrate that data challenges are the main source of inefficiency in USDA projections, and that the department can improve the efficiency of its forecasts by making investments that improve its access to crop data, perhaps through crop‐monitoring satellite and remote sensing technology.
The impact of semen parameters on ICSI and pregnancy outcomes in egg recipient cycles with PGT‐A
Authors: Grammatis Alexandros L. , Pappas Athanasios , Kokkali Georgia , Pantos Kostas , Vlahos Nikos
Published: February 2023

Background

The egg donation model offers an opportunity to isolate the male factor and evaluate its impact on IVF–intracytoplasmic sperm injection and pregnancy outcomes.

Objective

To study the effect of non‐obstructive azoospermia on intracytoplasmic sperm injection and pregnancy outcomes compared with severe oligozoospermia and mild‐to‐moderate oligozoospermia in egg recipient cycles.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective longitudinal cohort study, including 1594 patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection in egg recipient cycles with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies. The cohort was divided into three groups: couples with non‐obstructive azoospermia accounting for 479 patients (30%); couples with severe oligozoospermia (sperm number <5 × 106/mL), accounting for 442 patients (27.8%); couples with mild‐to‐moderate oligozoospermia, with sperm number >5 × 106and <15 × 106/mL, accounting for 673 patients (42.2%).

Results

The fertilisation rate was significantly reduced in the non‐obstructive azoospermia group as compared with the severe oligozoospermia and the mild‐to‐moderate oligozoospermia group: 30.3% versus 63% and 77.3% (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders highlighted non‐obstructive azoospermia as a negative predictor of obtaining a euploid blastocyst both per injected oocyte and per obtained blastocyst. The miscarriage rate in the non‐obstructive azoospermia group was 11.8%; higher than the severe oligozoospermia and mild‐to‐moderate oligozoospermia groups (7% and 2.7%) (p < 0.05). The live birth rate per embryo transfer (ET) was significantly lower in the non‐obstructive azoospermia group compared with the severe oligozoospermia and the mild‐to‐moderate oligozoospermia group (20.4% vs. 30.3% and 35.4%, p < 0.05). The risk of preterm labour was significantly higher in the non‐obstructive azoospermia group, compared with the severe oligozoospermia and mild‐to‐moderate oligozoospermia group (55.1% vs. 46.8% and 16.1%, p < 0.001), and this difference was observed in both singleton and twin pregnancies.

Discussion and conclusion

In our retrospective comparative study, non‐obstructive azoospermia significantly affects early embryonic potential and live birth rates per cycle and per embryo transfer. It is also associated with higher risk of preterm birth. Future prospective multi‐centre studies are needed to highlight the effect of sperm quality on ART and pregnancy outcomes.
The relationship between adverse childhood experiences, health and life satisfaction in adults with care experience: The mediating role of attachment
Authors: Howard Amanda Hiles , Gwenzi Getrude Dadirai , Taylor Trent , Wilke Nicole Gilbertson
Published: February 2023

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with a plethora of negative outcomes. Research has also found that adults who were separated from parental care and lived in alternative care settings during childhood have high levels of ACEs and are more likely to have poor outcomes. A growing body of research has supported the importance of attachment as a mechanism underlying the relationship between ACEs and adult wellbeing. However, little work has examined the role that attachment may play in the outcomes of adults who resided in residential and foster care during childhood. The current study examined the role of attachment avoidance and anxiety in the associations between ACEs and mental health, physical health, and life satisfaction in a sample of 529 adults with alternative care experience from 11 nations. Attachment avoidance partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction, mental health, and physical health. Attachment anxiety partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and life satisfaction and mental health, but not physical health. Taken together, the present study suggests that both attachment anxiety and avoidance play important, but unique, roles in understanding the relationship between ACEs and health and wellbeing for adults with care experience. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Story‐building and narrative in social workers' case‐talk: A model of social work sensemaking
Authors: Gregory Mark
Published: February 2023

Despite the importance of decision‐making in child and family social work, how social workers make sense of information in undertaking assessments and making decisions has received limited attention. Drawing on an ethnographic study of four child and family social work teams across two English local authorities, this article demonstrates how social workers make sense of the lives of children and families through a story‐building process. Data comprise interviews with social workers and supervisors (n = 22), recordings of one‐to‐one supervision (n = 17) and observations of everyday case‐talk (n = 21). A model of social work sensemaking is offered, consisting of three stages: (1) initial formulations, (2) developing the narrative and (3) adopted account. Across these stages, social workers engage in different forms of sensemaking activity, such as case framing, testing and weighing information, and generating hypotheses. Collegial and supervisory case‐talk provide opportunities for social workers to scrutinize their developing narratives; however, some forms of case‐talk can limit or shortcut sensemaking. This model has applications for practitioners and organizations as a tool to promote reflection on how social workers make sense of their cases. Further recommendations include social workers having access to formal and informal reflective spaces where sensemaking case‐talk can take place.
An artificial intelligence network‐guided signature for predicting outcome and immunotherapy response in lung adenocarcinoma patients based on 26 machine learning algorithms
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhang Hao , Liu Zaoqu , Dai Ziyu , Wu Wantao , Zhou Ran , Li Shuyu , Wang Zeyu , Liang Xisong , Wen Jie , Zhang Xun , Zhang Bo , Ouyang Sirui , Zhang Jian , Luo Peng , Li Xizhe , Cheng Quan
Published: February 2023

The immune cells play an increasingly vital role in influencing the proliferation, progression, and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. However, the potential of immune cells' specific genes‐based model remains largely unknown. In the current study, by analysing single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data and bulk RNA sequencing data, the tumour‐infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) associated signature was developed based on a total of 26 machine learning (ML) algorithms. As a result, the TIIC signature score could predict survival outcomes of LUAD patients across five independent datasets. The TIIC signature score showed superior performance to 168 previously established signatures in LUAD. Moreover, the TIIC signature score developed by the immunofluorescence staining of the tissue array of LUAD patients showed a prognostic value. Our research revealed a solid connection between TIIC signature score and tumour immunity as well as metabolism. Additionally, it has been discovered that the TIIC signature score can forecast genomic change, chemotherapeutic drug susceptibility, and—most significantly—immunotherapeutic response. As a newly demonstrated biomarker, the TIIC signature score facilitated the selection of the LUAD population who would benefit from future clinical stratification.
A Machine Learning Approach for the Simultaneous Detection of Preknowledge in Examinees and Items When Both Are Unknown
Authors: Pan Yiqin , Wollack James A.
Published: February 2023

Pan and Wollack (PW) proposed a machine learning method to detect compromised items. We extend the work of PW to an approach detecting compromised items and examinees with item preknowledge simultaneously and draw on ideas in ensemble learning to relax several limitations in the work of PW. The suggested approach also provides a confidence score, which is based on an autoencoder to represent our confidence that the detection result truly corresponds to item preknowledge. Simulation studies indicate that the proposed approach performs well in the detection of item preknowledge, and the confidence score can provide helpful information for users.
An automated epileptic seizure detection using optimized neural network from EEG signals
Authors: Chanu Maibam Mangalleibi , Singh Ngangbam Herojit , Thongam Khelchandra
Published: February 2023

Among the central nervous system (neurological) disorders, epilepsy is considered to be a dangerous and chronic disorder that causes recurring seizures, showing unusual behaviour for some period of time, shaking of hands and legs, loss of sensation and awareness. It occurs when electrical activities in the brain become abnormal. The test performed in order to detect epileptic seizures is known as electroencephalograph (EEG) signal test which is conducted by analysing the electrical impulses in the brain. The manual identification process of EEG brain signals is time consuming and a laborious task. So the neurologists may sometimes give a varying result which may affect the performance of detecting epileptic seizures. The combination of manual identification of the signal and machine learning technique will be able to provide a correct result in a confusion situation reducing analytic and therapeutic errors that are unavoidable in human clinical practice. The existing approaches of detection of epileptic seizures cannot correctly train their network if the size of the dataset is very large thus obtaining lower classification accuracy. An optimized neural network technique is proposed in this work for automatic detection of Epileptic seizure using EEG signals of the brain. The EEG signals are used for feature extraction by applying Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). Using the extracted features, input samples are created and then fed to a hybrid model which is a combination of self‐organizing neural network (SONN) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) trained with a genetic algorithm (GA). This model acts as a classifier for detecting Epileptic seizures by classifying the samples into two classes namely Non‐Epileptic and Epileptic class. Clustering is performed first for the large dataset samples using SONN and for each cluster, an MLP‐GA network is used to train the samples belonging to the same cluster. Performing clustering helps to correctly train the MLP networks for obtaining high classification accuracy. GA has been specifically chosen as a learning algorithm instead of Backpropagation (BP) algorithm for MLP because GA can find the global minima thus solving the local minima problem faced by BP algorithm. The performance measures are evaluated thereby achieving precision value of 98%, recall value of 100%, F1 score value of 98.99% and an overall accuracy of 99.2%. The proposed hybrid method using SONN and MLP‐GA has more potential to classify the EEG signals.
Breaking self‐regulation of Regnase‐1 promotes its own protein expression
Authors: Piboonprai Kitiya , Millius Arthur , Shimoda Mayuko , Tanaka Hiroki , Akira Shizuo , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: February 2023

The RNA‐binding protein (RBP) Regnase‐1 is an endonuclease that regulates immune responses by modulating target mRNA stability. Regnase‐1 degrades a group of inflammation‐associated mRNAs, which contributes to a balanced immune response and helps prevent autoimmune diseases. Regnase‐1 also cleaves its own mRNA by binding stem‐loop (SL) RNA structures in its 3′UTR. To understand how this autoregulation is important for immune responses, we generated mice with a 2‐bp genome deletion in the target SL of the Regnase‐1 3′‐untranslated region (3′UTR). Deletion of these nucleotides inhibited SL formation and limited Regnase‐1‐mediated mRNA degradation. Mutant mice had normal hematopoietic cell differentiation. Biochemically, mutation of the 3′UTR SL increased Regnase‐1 mRNA stability and enhanced both Regnase‐1 mRNA and protein levels in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The expression of Il6, a Regnase‐1 target gene, was constitutively suppressed at steady‐state in mutant MEFs. Additionally, Regnase‐1 protein expression in mutant MEFs was significantly elevated compared to that in wild‐type MEFs at steady state and upon proinflammatory cytokine stimulation. These data suggest a negative feedback mechanism for Regnase‐1 expression and represent a unique mouse model to probe Regnase‐1 overexpression in vivo.
Development of transgenic corn planthopper Peregrinus maidis that express the tetracycline transactivator
Authors: Patil Anandrao A. , Klobasa William , Espinoza‐Rivera Dina , Baars Oliver , Lorenzen Marcé D. , Scott Maxwell J.
Published: February 2023

The corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis, is a vector of several maize viruses and is consequently a significant agricultural pest in many tropical and subtropical regions. As P. maidis has developed resistance to insecticides, the aim of this study was to develop transgenic P. maidis strains that could be used for future genetic biocontrol programs. To facilitate the identification of transgenic P. maidis, we isolated and characterized the promoters for the P. maidis ubiquitin‐like and profilin genes. Transient expression assays with P. maidis embryos showed that both promoters were active. Transgenic lines were established using piggyBac vectors and fluorescent protein marker genes. The lines carried an auto‐regulated tetracycline transactivator (tTA) gene, which has been widely used to establish conditional lethal strains in other insect species. The transgenic lines showed low levels of tTA expression but were viable on diet with or without doxycycline, which inhibits the binding of tTA to DNA. We discuss possible modifications to the tTA overexpression system that could lead to the successful development of conditional lethal strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a transgenic Hemiptera. The approach we have taken could potentially be applied to other Hemiptera and, for P. maidis, the technology will facilitate future functional genomics studies.
T‐cell activation–induced marker assays in health and disease
Authors: Poloni Chad , Schonhofer Cole , Ivison Sabine , Levings Megan K , Steiner Theodore S , Cook Laura
Published: February 2023

Activation‐induced marker (AIM) assays have proven to be an accessible and rapid means of antigen‐specific T‐cell detection. The method typically involves short‐term incubation of whole blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cells with antigens of interest, where autologous antigen‐presenting cells process and present peptides in complex with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Recognition of peptide–MHC complexes by T‐cell receptors then induces upregulation of activation markers on the T cells that can be detected by flow cytometry. In this review, we highlight the most widely used activation markers for assays in the literature while identifying nuances and potential downfalls associated with the technique. We provide a summary of how AIM assays have been used in both discovery science and clinical studies, including studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) immunity. This review primarily focuses on AIM assays using human blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples, with some considerations noted for tissue‐derived T cells and nonhuman samples. AIM assays are a powerful tool that enables detailed analysis of antigen‐specific T‐cell frequency, phenotype and function without needing to know the precise antigenic peptides and their MHC restriction elements, enabling a wider analysis of immunity generated following infection and/or vaccination.
PPP1R14B is a diagnostic prognostic marker in patients with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
Authors: He Kang , Wang Taiwei , Huang Xuemiao , Yang Zhaoyun , Wang Zeyu , Zhang Shuang , Sui Xin , Jiang Junjie , Zhao Lijing
Published: February 2023

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is one of the most common malignancies of the female genital tract. A recently discovered protein‐coding gene, PPP1R14B, can inhibit protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) as well as different PP1 holoenzymes, which are important proteins regulating cell growth, the cell cycle, and apoptosis. However, the association between PPP1R14B expression and UCEC remains undefined. The expression profiles of PPP1R14B in multiple cancers were analysed based on TCGA and GTE databases. Then, PPP1R14B expression in UCEC was investigated by gene differential analysis and single gene correlation analysis. In addition, we performed gene ontology term analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to predict the potential function of PPP1R14B and its role in the prognosis of UCEC patients. Then, a tool for predicting the prognosis of UCEC, namely, a nomogram model, was constructed. PPP1R14B expression was higher in UCEC tumour tissues than in normal tissues. The results revealed that PPP1R14B expression was indeed closely associated with tumour development. The results of Kaplan–Meier plotter data indicated that patients with high PPP1R14b expression had poorer overall survival, disease‐specific survival, and progression‐free interval than those with low expression. A nomogram based on the results of multifactor Cox regression was generated. PPP1R14B is a key player in UCEC progression, is associated with a range of adverse outcomes, and can serve as a prognostic marker in the clinic.
Preharvest fungicide treatments reduce the effective SO2 threshold of postharvest fumigation to control pathogens and maintain quality of “red globe” (Vitis vinifera) grapes
Authors: Jiang Yuqian , Zhang Lu , Li Xihong , Chen Lan , Yuan Junwei , Wang Haifen , Li Wenhan , Duan Lihua , Jiang Yunbin , Tang Yao
Published: February 2023

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) fumigation has been widely used to control pathogens and maintain the postharvest quality of table grapes. However, the effective dosage of SO2 treatment is close to causing bleaching damage on fruits. Further, the SO2 potential residue is a risk to human health. In this study, the dominant pathogens in “red globe” grapes during cold storage (0 and 10°C) were identified as Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, and Penicillium expansum, while Aspergillus niger was dominant pathogen when the grapes were stored at room temperature (25°C). The isolated dominant pathogens were effectively suppressed by SO2 ranging from 500 μl L−1 to 800 μl L−1, but bleaching spots were observed in grapes when SO2 was applied at 800 μl L−1. To reduce the SO2 residue, the fungicides dimethomorph and thiophanate‐methyl were respectively sprayed to control the epiphytic pathogens during the development of grape berries. In addition, the reduced microbial population contributed by fungicide treatments remitted the original density of postharvest microbial growth. The postharvest automated intermittent SO2 fumigation at 500 μl L−1 was subsequently integrated to control the microbial activities. In addition, SO2 maintained the soluble solid content and titratable acid content, which were 22% and 75% higher than the control (p < .05) on 120 days of storage. The inhibition percentage against dominant fungal pathogens by preharvest fungicides spray was approximately 30%, while the postharvest intermittent SO2 fumigation contributed about 50%. We investigated the suppression role of preharvest and postharvest combined treatment for the grapes, which was concluded as a promising application to reduce decay and extend the shelf life of “red globe” grapes.
Systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive treatment, and cardiovascular and mortality risk in VA nursing home residents
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Steinman Michael A. , Lee Sei J. , Peralta Carmen A. , Graham Laura A. , Li Yongmei , Jing Bocheng , Fung Kathy Z. , Odden Michelle C.
Published: February 2023

Background

Optimal systolic BP (SBP) control in nursing home residents is uncertain, largely because this population has been excluded from clinical trials. We examined the association of SBP levels with the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality in Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home residents on different numbers of antihypertensive medications.

Methods

Our study included 36,634 residents aged ≥65 years with a VA nursing home stay of ≥90 days from October 2006–June 2019. SBP was averaged over the first week after admission and divided into categories. Cause‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) of SBP categories with CV events (primary outcome) and all‐cause mortality (secondary outcome) were examined using Cox regression and multistate modeling stratified by the number of antihypertensive medications used at admission (0, 1 or 2, and ≥3 medications).

Results

More than 76% of residents were on antihypertensive therapy and 20% received ≥3 medications. In residents on antihypertensive therapy, a low SBP < 110 mmHg (compared with SBP 130 ~ 149 mmHg) was associated with a greater CV risk (adjusted HR [95% confidence interval]: 1.47 [1.28–1.68] in 1 or 2 medications group, and 1.41 [1.19–1.67] in ≥3 medications group). In residents on no antihypertensives, both low SBP < 110 mmHg and high SBP ≥ 150 mmHg were associated with higher mortality; while in residents receiving any antihypertensives, a low SBP was associated with higher mortality and the highest point estimates were for SBP < 110 mmHg (1.36 [1.28–1.45] in 1 or 2 medications group, and 1.47 [1.31–1.64] in ≥3 medications group).

Conclusions

The associations of SBP with CV and mortality risk varied by the intensity of antihypertensive treatment among VA nursing home residents. A low SBP among those receiving antihypertensives was associated with increased CV and mortality risk, and untreated high SBP was associated with higher mortality. More research is needed on the benefits and harms of SBP lowering in long‐term care populations.
Reporting accuracy of pressure injury categorisation in an acute tertiary hospital: A four‐year analysis
Authors: Fulbrook Paul , Lovegrove Josephine
Published: February 2023

Aim

To determine the reporting accuracy of pressure injury categorisation by bedside clinicians, compared with nurse experts.

Background

Pressure injuries are an enduring complication of hospitalisation. The categorisation of pressure injury affects treatment and management decision‐making and use of resources, and severe hospital‐acquired pressure injury incidence is used to benchmark quality of care. However, it is unclear how accurately pressure injuries are categorised by clinicians in practice.

Design

Secondary analysis of hospital pressure injury incident and validation data.

Methods

All pressure injuries reported in adults between 2016 and 2019 that were subsequently validated by nurse experts were analysed. Absolute agreement is reported using percentages, with inter‐rater agreement reported using Kappa measure of agreement. The GRRAS reporting guideline was followed.

Results

Of 6186 pressure injuries that were analysed, the category was reported correctly in 67.3% (n = 4163), with an overall moderate level of inter‐rater agreement by category (Κ = .567, p < .001). Of those found to be non‐pressure injuries when validated (18.3%, n = 1129), most were reported originally as stage II (41.2%, n = 465) or stage I (30.5%, n = 344), and 13.4% (n = 151) were categorised initially as unstageable. The majority reported initially as stage I, stage II, suspected deep tissue injury or mucosal pressure injury were validated, whereas half of those reported initially as stage III or IV were validated and less than a third of those reported initially as unstageable pressure injuries were validated.

Conclusions

This study provides important insight into the accuracy of pressure injury categorisation. Whilst moderate agreement of categorisation was found between reporting clinicians and nurse experts, pressure injury differential diagnosis and categorisation of severe injuries were inadequate.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

These results may be used for benchmarking and provide a focal point for future education and practice improvement efforts.

Patient or Public Contribution

Neither patients nor the public were directly involved in the project.
Risk of severe disease and mortality of COVID‐19 in patients with Budd‐Chiari syndrome: A population‐based matched cohort study
Authors: Krishnan Arunkumar , Schneider Carolin V. , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Alqahtani Saleh A.
Published: February 2023

Background & Aims

Budd‐Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare and potentially life‐threatening disorder characterized by obstruction of the hepatic outflow tract. It is unknown whether patients with BCS represent a high risk for severe disease and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Thus, we aimed to assess hospitalization rates, severe disease, all‐cause mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) requirement and acute kidney injury (AKI) from COVID‐19 diagnoses.

Methods & Results

We identified 467 patients with BCS with COVID‐19, 96 427 non‐chronic liver disease (CLD) and 9652 non‐BCS CLD. The BCS and non‐CLD cohorts (n = 467 each) and BCS and non‐BCS CLD (n = 440 each) were well balanced after propensity matching. When compared to the non‐CLD cohort, the BCS group had a higher risk of all‐cause mortality (5.1% vs. 2.4%, HR 2.18; 95% CI, 1.08–4.40), severe disease (6.0% vs. 2.4%, HR 2.20; 95% CI, 1.09–4.43), hospitalization (24.6% vs. 13.1%, HR 1.77; 95% CI, 1.30–2.42) and AKI (7.9% vs. 2.8%, HR 2.57; 95% CI, 1.37–4.85), but no significant differences in ICU requirements (2.4% vs. 2.1%, HR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.27–2.08) at 60‐days time points. When compared to the non‐BCS CLD cohort, the BCS group had a higher risk of all‐cause mortality (3.6% vs. 2.5%, HR 3.94; 95% CI, 1.31–11.79), hospitalization (29.8% vs. 21.6%, HR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09–1.86), but differences in ICU requirements (HR 0.90 (0.38–2.12)), AKI (HR 1.41 (0.86–2.30)) or severe disease (HR 1.92 (0.99–3.71)) did not reach statistical significance at 60‐day follow up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, COVID‐19 infection in patients with BCS is associated with poor outcomes. Patients with BCS infected with COVID‐19 carry a significantly higher risk of hospitalization and all‐cause mortality and a possible effect on severe disease and AKI compared with COVID‐19 patients without CLD or with non‐BCS‐CLD.
Remote robotic system for 3D measurement of concrete damage in tunnel with ground vehicle and manipulator
Authors: Shim Seungbo , Lee Seong‐Won , Cho Gye‐Chun , Kim Jin , Kang Sung‐Mo
Published: February 2023

To ensure the safety of a concrete structure, periodic and accurate inspection for damage is necessary. However, there is a high risk of inaccurate diagnosis of the structure condition because the manual inspection method is dependent on operator experience and subjective judgment. Additionally, in future society, it may become increasingly difficult to maintain high‐quality infrastructure, as the number of inspection personnel will also decrease with a decrease in population. For this purpose, the demand for accurate and automated inspection technology is increasing. To meet these issues, in this study, an objective and automated inspection method is proposed by developing an inspection robot and management system. The inspection robot comprises an artificial intelligence sensor, a manipulator, and a ground vehicle; it can autonomously drive inside a tunnel and inspect the damage on concrete surfaces using stereo vision. The management system remotely controls the robot through wireless communication and monitors the inspection status in real time. In addition, damage is automatically restored in three dimensions based on the images, and the physical size of the damage is analyzed with an average relative error of 0.39%. This method is expected to be used as a core technology for unmanned and automated tunnel maintenance in the future.
CACNA1S mutation‐associated dental anomalies: A calcium channelopathy
Authors: Kantaputra P. , Butali A. , Eliason S. , Chalkley C. , Nakornchai S. , Bongkochwilawan C. , Kawasaki K. , Kumchiang A. , Ngamphiw C. , Tongsima S. , Ketudat Cairns J. R. , Olsen B. , Intachai W. , Ohazama A. , Tucker A. S. , Amendt B. A.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To identify the molecular etiology of distinct dental anomalies found in eight Thai patients and explore the mutational effects on cellular functions.

Materials and Methods

Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed for eight patients. Whole exome sequencing, mutant protein modelling, qPCR, western blot analysis, scratch assays, immunofluorescence, confocal analysis, in situ hybridization, and scanning electron micrography of teeth were done.

Results

All patients had molars with multiple supernumerary cusps, single‐cusped premolars, and a reduction in root number. Mutation analysis highlighted a heterozygous c.865A>G; p.Ile289Val mutation in CACNA1S in the patients. CACNA1S is a component of the slowly inactivating L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channel. Mutant protein modeling suggested that the mutation might allow leakage of Ca2+ or other cations, or a tightening, to restrict calcium flow. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed expression of Cacna1s in the developing murine tooth epithelium during stages of crown and root morphogenesis. In cell culture, the mutation resulted in abnormal cell migration of transfected CHO cells compared to wildtype CACNA1S, with changes to the cytoskeleton and markers of focal adhesion.

Conclusions

The malformations observed in our patients suggest a role for calcium signaling in organization of both cusps and roots, affecting cell dynamics within the dental epithelium.
An international survey of allied health & nursing professionals during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Perspectives on facilitators of & barriers to care
Authors: Piotrowski Caroline , Graham Ashley , Gold Anna , Wray Jo , Bannister Louise , Wichart Jenny , Kosmach‐Park Beverly , Shellmer Dianna , Mayersohn Gillian , Patterson Catherine
Published: February 2023

Background

Allied health and nursing professionals (AHNP) are integral members of transplant teams. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, they were required to adapt to changes in their clinical practices. The goal of the present study was to describe AHNP perceptions concerning the impact of the pandemic on their roles, practice, and resource allocation.

Methods

An online survey was distributed globally via email by the International Pediatric Transplant Association to AHNP at transplant centers from September to December 2020. Responses to open‐ended questions were collected using an electronic database. Using a thematic analysis approach, coding was conducted by three independent coders who identified patterns in responses, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion.

Results

The majority of respondents (n = 119) were from North America (78%), with many other countries represented (e.g., the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Central and South America). Four main categories of impacts were identified: (1) workflow changes, (2) the quality of the work environment, (3) patient care, and (4) resources.

Conclusions

Participants indicated that the pandemic heightened existing barriers and resource challenges frequently experienced by AHNP; however, the value of team connections and opportunities afforded by technology were also highlighted. Virtual care was seen as increasing healthcare access but concerns about the quality and consistency of care were also expressed. A notable gap in participant responses was identified; the vast majority did not identify any personal challenges connected with the pandemic (e.g., caring for children while working remotely, personal stress) which likely further impacted their experiences.
Characterization of cell line with dedifferentiated GIST‐like features established from cecal GIST of familial GIST model mice
Authors: Sano Daisuke , Kihara Takako , Yuan Jiayin , Kimura Neinei , Ohkouchi Mizuka , Hashikura Yuka , Ohkubo Shuichi , Hirota Seiichi
Published: February 2023

Approximately 40 families with multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and germline c‐kit gene mutations have been reported. Three knock‐in mouse models have been generated, and all the models showed a cecal GIST. In the present study, we established a cell line derived from cecal GIST in a familial GIST model mouse with KIT‐Asp818Tyr. Since the established cells showed spindle‐shaped morphology with atypical nuclei, and since immunohistochemistry revealed that they were positive for α‐SMA but negative for KIT, CD34 and desmin, the phenotypes of the cells were reminiscent of dedifferentiated GIST‐like ones but not the usual GIST‐like ones. Gene expression analysis showed that the cell line, designated as DeGISTL1 cell, did not express c‐kit gene apparently, but highly expressed HSP90 families and glutaminase 1. Pathway analysis of the cells revealed that metabolic pathway might promote their survival and growth. Pimitespib, a heat shock protein 90α/β inhibitor, and Telaglenastat, a selective glutaminase 1 inhibitor, inhibited proliferation of DeGISTL1 cells and the combination of these showed an additive effect. DeGISTL1 cells might be a good model of dedifferentiated GISTs, and combination of Pimitespib and Telaglenastat could be a possible candidate for treatment strategy for them.
Extreme low pH, not Al3+, is a key abiotic stressor for the extremophyte Carex angustisquama (Cyperaceae) in highly acidic solfatara fields
Authors: Nagasawa K. , Fukushima K. , Setoguchi H. , Katsuyama M. , Sakaguchi S.
Published: February 2023

Volcanic acidification creates extreme soil conditions, where rhizotoxicity from extremely low pH (2–3) and high Al3+ strongly inhibit plant growth. C. angustisquama is a dominant extremophyte in highly acidic solfatara fields, where no other vascular plants can survive. Here we investigated the key abiotic stressor determining survival of this extremophyte.

Soil analyses and topographic surveys were conducted to examine the effects of low pH and Al3+, two major abiotic stressors in acidic soils, on the occurrence of C. angustisquama in solfatara fields. Hydroponic culture experiments were also performed to test its growth responses to these stressors.

In field surveys, the spatial distribution of soil pH was consistent with vegetation zonation within a solfatara field. In contrast, soil exchangeable Al content was overall low due to strong eluviation. Statistical analysis also supported the significant role of soil pH in determining the distribution of C. angustisquama in a solfatara field. Furthermore, hydroponic culture experiments revealed a higher tolerance of C. angustisquama to low pH than a sister species, especially in the range pH 2–3, corresponding to the pH values of the actual habitats of C. angustisquama. Conversely, no significant interspecific difference was detected in Al3+ tolerance, indicating that both species had high Al3+ tolerance.

This study suggests that low pH is a critical abiotic stressor leading to formation of the extremophyte in highly acidic solfatara fields. In contrast, C. angustisquama displayed high tolerance to Al3+ toxicity, probably acquired prior to speciation.
Risk factors and prognosis for latent tuberculosis infection in dialysis patients: A retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care center
Authors: Xia Yun , Fan Qiuxia , Zhang Jieyun , Jiang Li , Huang Xiaoyan , Xiong Zuying , Xiong Zibo
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Recent studies report that latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that led us to hypothesize that LTBI may play an important role in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in dialysis patients.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 270 patients undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis more than 3 months were included. The interferon enzyme‐linked immunospot (IFN‐γ ELISPOT) assay was used for the diagnosis of LTBI. Primary endpoints were MACE, including all‐cause death and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The association between LTBI and MACE was examined using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression after adjusting for covariates and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

In our study, the patients were classified into LTBI (n = 47) or non‐LTBI (n = 223) groups. Independent risk factors for LTBI in dialysis population were prior tuberculosis (TB) history (odds ratio [OR] 4.817 [1.064–22.306]), tobacco use (OR 2.903 [1.155–7.299]), and older age (OR 1.027 [1.002–1.053]). After a median follow‐up of 39 months, the incidence of active TB was 6.4% versus 0% in dialysis patients with and without LTBI, respectively (p = 0.005). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that LTBI was significantly associated with MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 2.540 [1.490–4.350]) after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Prior TB history, tobacco use, and the elderly can be used to select cost‐effective LTBI screening target groups in dialysis patients. LTBI is not only closely related to active TB but also an independent risk factor for higher incidence of MACE in dialysis population.
Effect of biochar and nitrogen fertilizers on maize seedling growth and enzyme activity relating to nitrification
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Riaz Muhammad , Xia Hao , Wang JiYuan , Wang Xiangling , Jiang Cuncang
Published: February 2023

Maximizing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) involves synchronizing the interplay between nitrogen preferential crops and the nitrogen transformation pathways of soil. Biochar may benefit specific N‐preference crops in relatively unsuitable soil environments; however, experimental data are lacking. This study tested eight treatments, consisting of four nitrogen treatments (N0 = control; N1 = NH4Cl; N2 = NaNO3; and N3 = 1:1 ratio of NH4+ and NO3−) each with biochar applied at 0% or 2% (w/w). The results show that biochar and/or nitrogen application enhanced maize seedling biomass and NO3−‐based fertilizer resulted in higher seedling biomass than NH4+‐based fertilizer. With the application of biochar and NH4+‐based fertilizer, maize seedling biomass increased and soil NH4+‐N content was significantly reduced compared with NH4Cl sole application. Correlation analysis and redundancy analysis revealed that SOC content and inorganic nitrogen content were the main factors influencing maize growth and N absorption. Biochar with or without nitrogen fertilizer (except N1 treatment) significantly increased β‐1,4‐glucosidase (BG) activity. Co‐application treatments also resulted in higher vector length, an indicator of C limitation—the increment might add to the risk of microbial C limitation. The activity of ammonia monooxygenase (AMO), a key enzyme in nitrification, decreased with the co‐application of biochar and nitrogen, suggesting the alteration of nitrogen transformation.
The New Chapter of Transonic Compressor Cascade Design at the DLR
Authors: Munoz Lopez Edwin J. , Hergt Alexander , Grund Sebastian , Gümmer Volker
Published: February 2023

The design of compressor blades has been transformed by the advent of optimization algorithms, allowing designers to focus on finding the best optimization strategy for a desired application. However, transonic flow conditions on compressor blades still present considerable modeling challenges, even for a 2D blade section. This paper then focuses on the design of a new state-of-the-art compressor cascade for future test campaigns at the DLR’s Transonic Cascade Wind Tunnel (TGK). For this purpose, a review of the cascades previously tested at the TGK was performed to select a main reference with good efficiency at high loading. The data gathered also informed the optimization strategy applied with the DLR’s optimizer, AutoOpti. The process chain was evaluated with Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes CFD simulations using the DLR’s solver, TRACE. The optimization was set to minimize two objective functions: the first one focused on the efficiency at the design point, and the second one focused on the efficiency over the working range. The result is a Pareto front of cascades with a wide variety of design features with an efficiency improvement over the working range of about 24%. This improvement was achieved with a comparable aerodynamic loading. Further analyses were performed to select the “best” cascade for future test campaigns. The significant improvement obtained with respect to the reference and the wide variety of designs observed demonstrates that there is still much to be learned about blade design through optimization; even for 2D cascades and specially in transonic flow.
Optimization on Composition and Structure of Catalyst Layer for High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Meihui Tan , Huiyuan Liu , Huaneng Su , Weiqi Zhang
Published: February 2023

High-temperature polymer membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) are considered the trend of PEMFC future development due to their accelerated electrochemical reaction kinetics, simplified water/thermal management, and improved tolerance to impurities (CO). As the core part of the membrane electrode assembly in HT-PEMFCs, the catalyst layer significantly affects the cost, performance, and lifetime of HT-PEMFCs. However, platinum (Pt) catalyst degradation and carbon corrosion are apparently accelerated because of the high-temperature and acid environment in HT-PEMFC. Moreover, the loss of phosphoric acid (PA) that serves as the proton conductor is observed after long-term operation. In addition, the adsorption of phosphate on the Pt surface leads to poor Pt utilization. Thus, high cost and fast performance decay must be addressed to achieve better commercialization of HT-PEMFC. Optimizing the composition and structure of the catalyst layer is demonstrated as an effective strategy to resolve these problems. In this review, we first summarize the latest progress in the optimization of the catalyst layer composition for HT-PEMFC, including catalysts, binders, electrolytes (PAs), and additives. Thereafter, the structural characteristics of the catalyst layer are introduced, and the optimization strategies are reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and research perspectives of the catalyst layer in HT-PEMFC are discussed.