bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EIDM training as a key intervention among researchers to enhance research uptake and policy engagement: an evaluation study
Authors: Abdullahi Leila , Hara Hleziwe , Kahurani Elizabeth , Kamthunzi Victory , Nthakomwa Lomuthando , Oronje Rose , Madise Nyovani
Published: February 2023

In the past decade, the field of Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM) has been evolving faster than before. This shows a need for capacity enhancement amongst evidence producers and evidence users in EIDM training. Through the Enhance DELTAS programme, led by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), we provided research uptake and policy engagement training, mentorship and webinars to awardees of the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science (DELTAS) Africa initiative, led by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS).

Two workshops were offered to individual early career DELTAS researchers in policy engagement and evidence uptake, referred to as ENHD101, and among research leaders to enhance institutional capacity on policy engagement and evidence uptake, (ENHD102).

Overall, over the eight months’ period of training, mentorship and webinars, the programme attracted 31 early career researchers and 20 research leaders. Following the programme, the early career researchers understood the importance of EIDM for better health policies and programmes. In addition, the team appreciated the complexities of the policymaking processes as they developed the policy engagement strategy for their research. The utilisation of the EIDM knowledge was reflected during the mentorship with policy briefs as end product.

For research leaders, they appreciated their role in strengthening capacity for EIDM in decision-making spaces. Although during the programme none of the research leaders participated in strengthening capacity for EIDM, the team anticipated improving in the area in the long run. In addition, the research leaders developed and implemented institutional strategies for policy engagement and research uptake through use of social media to influence policymakers.

In conclusion, the project supported capacity building of African researchers in EIDM. It was evident that enhancing knowledge and skills on EIDM through an integrated approach to include training, mentorship, and webinars demonstrated enhanced capacity for policy engagement and evidence uptake.
The potential fire risk of emollients when dried on viscose bandages
Authors: McDermott Roisin , Taylor Lucy , Housam Nicola , Hall Sarah
Published: February 2023

Background:

the potential fire risk of fabrics impregnated with emollients has been described within the health service, including ignition of bandages. The role of emollients in fire fatalities have also been included in coroner reports, as accelerating fires when present.

Aims:

although changes in burning behaviour is known, no standard tests have been carried out on bandages which are often used in conjunction with emollients.

Method:

using a standard vertical flammability test, the flammability of viscose bandage was compared to when impregnated with nine dried on emollients with low to high and non-paraffin content.

Findings:

the time to ignition was significantly reduced with an emollient present and the glowing time was longer.

Conclusions:

the same safety advice applies to viscose bandages as other fabrics with emollients; do not expose them to naked flames or high heat sources or allow emollients to build up on bandages.
The role of proinflammatory cytokines in the detection of early pressure ulcer development: a systematic review
Authors: Chan Mai Shanley , Avsar Pinar , McEvoy Natalie L , Patton Declan , O'Connor Tom , Nugent Linda , Moore Zena
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Pressure ulcers (PUs) commonly occur over bony prominences and are notoriously difficult to treat. Proinflammatory cytokines are substances that initiate the inflammatory process preceding PU development. The aim of this review was to assess whether the increased presence of proinflammatory cytokines could potentially be used as an early detection system for PU development.

Method:

A systematic search of publications using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases was conducted in August 2020. Data were extracted and a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The evidence-based librarianship (EBL) checklist assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. The systematic review included original research studies, prospective design, and human studies written in English. Retrospective studies, animal studies, conference papers, opinion papers and qualitative methodology were excluded. No restrictions on the date of publication and study setting were applied.

Results:

The six studies included were conducted between 2015 and 2019, 50% (n=3) used an experimental study design. The mean sample size was 15 participants (standard deviation=1.72). A total of seven proinflammatory cytokines were analysed. Statistically significant differences were found among inflammatory mediators. Overall results showed that the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1α significantly increased in each study. The EBL score varied between 77–88%. In total, 100% (n=6) of the studies scored ≥75%, reflecting validity.

Conclusion:

It is not yet certain that monitoring proinflammatory cytokines represents a noninvasive method that could potentially direct preventative measures to those who are identified as at high risk for developing PUs. IL-1α potentially may be elevated for other health conditions, not just PUs. Future studies are therefore recommended.
Quantum Physical Observables with Conjectural Modeling: Paradigm shifting Formalisms II: A Review
Authors: Iyer Rajan
Published: February 2023

In continuation with the previous Review Force General Conjectural Modeling Transforms Formalism PHYSICS33 (Physics & Astronomy International Journal under publication), the current review article will try to develop quantum gravity gage transforms Algorithm Graphical Equation of micro-blackhole force to gauge fields-wavefunctions algorithm transforms equations. Theoretical derivations of experimental observable measurable parameters having scalar quantum gauge field as function in terms of Laplacian, Fourier, and the Legendre transform gaging the spin, rotation, revolution, and rotational angular velocity have been shown. These transforms appear only as a function of time, and that makes the formulation independent of assumptions of invariability of fundamental universally known constants. We consider examples of universal eonic parametric observables as well. The question of whether the time is a linear operator has been answered by employing Correspondence Principle’s linear operator four-vector time matrix spatial range algorithm equivalence and is estimated to be about ¼ mile. Theoretically derived algorithm physics designs enable prototype testing by utilizing experimental instrumentations measuring observables. A flowchart has been configured simplifying theoretical to experimental mathematical physical sciences to profile signal/noise intensity and the density matrix. Additionally, estimation of Hod PDP mechanistic probability, grand unifying physics operations, schematics of potential scalar gauge field alongside incorporating typical wavefunction general quantum computing signal/noise matrix graphing, simple lab-top prototype sound and light profiling intensity, and spectral density point-to-point matrix oscilloscopic observational measurement techniques have been schematically sketched out to enhance facilitation of future implementations of state-of-the-art physics techniques practically!!
Joint least-squares algorithm correcting phase-shift errors and detector nonlinearity simultaneously in phase-shifting interferometry
Authors: Zhu Huijie , Guo Hongwei
Published: February 2023

Phase-shifting interferometry may suffer from the errors caused by the miscalibration of the phase shifter and the nonlinearity of the detector simultaneously. These errors are not easy to eliminate because they are generally coupled with each other in interferograms. For solving this issue, we suggest a joint least-squares phase-shifting algorithm. It allows one to decouple these errors through an alternate least-squares fitting procedure, thus accurately estimating phases, phase shifts, and coefficients of the detector response simultaneously. The converging condition of this algorithm, associated with the uniqueness of the equation solution and anti-aliasing phase shifting, is discussed. Experimental results demonstrate that this proposed algorithm is helpful for improving phase-measuring accuracy in phase-shifting interferometry.
Multi-level optical angiography for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Du Qianyi , Yi Min , Li Hongyi , Liu Jiayi , Guan Caizhong , Zeng Yaguang , Xiong Honglian , Wang Xuehua , Zhong Junping , Wu Yanxiong , Tan Haishu , Han Dingan , Wang Mingyi
Published: February 2023

Blood flow imaging is widely applied in photodynamic therapy (PDT) to provide vascular morphological and statistical parameters. This approach relies on the intensity of time-domain signal differences between blood vessels and background tissues; therefore, it often ignores differences within the vasculature and cannot accommodate abundant structural information. This study proposes a multi-level optical angiography (MOA) method for PDT. It can enhance capillaries and image vessels at different levels by measuring the signal frequency shift associated with red blood cell motion. The experimental results regarding the PDT-induced chorioallantoic membrane model showed that the proposed method could not only perform multi-level angiography but also provide more accurate quantitative information regarding various vascular parameters. This MOA method has potential applications in PDT studies.
Passively mode-locked high-frequency dual-VCSEL system
Authors: Malica Tushar , Panajotov Krassimir , Avrutin Eugene A. , Sciamanna Marc
Published: February 2023

Two VCSELs placed facing each other with one biased chip while the second chip is unbiased is shown as a promising alternative to the popularly used conventional SESAM mode-locked VECSEL to generate mode-locked pulses. We propose a theoretical model using time-delay differential rate equations and numerically show that the proposed dual-laser configuration functions as a typical gain-absorber system. Parameter space defined by laser facet reflectivities and current are used to show general trends in the exhibited nonlinear dynamics and pulsed solutions.
22-W average power high pulse energy multipass-cell-based post-compression in the green spectral range
Authors: Karst Maximilian , Pfaller Pauline , Klas Robert , Wang Ziyao , Gierschke Philipp , Rothhardt Jan , Limpert Jens
Published: February 2023

A gas-filled multipass-cell-based post-compression of 515 nm wavelength second-harmonic pulses of an Yb:fiber laser from 240 fs to 15.7 fs is presented. The system delivers 0.44 mJ of pulse energy, 22.4 W of average power at 50.8 kHz with an overall efficiency of more than 40%. These results display the capabilities of multipass-cell-based post-compression schemes to move from the well-established near infrared spectral region to the undeveloped visible regime, allowing for high efficiencies in conjunction with energetic ultrashort pulses at high repetition rates. The unique combination of parameters in the green spectral range offers an immense potential for future developments of high photon flux higher-order harmonic sources.
Terahertz inner and outer edge modes in a tetramer of strongly coupled spoof localized surface plasmons
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Du Mingjie , Jiang Chunping , Qin Hua , Ako Rajour Tanyi , Sriram Sharath
Published: February 2023

Photonic edge mode confining light in cavities of surface plasmons is beneficial in image and biosensor applications. In the terahertz band, however, the edge mode in a cavity of spoof localized surface plasmons has not matured sufficiently. Herein, a cost-effective strategy to achieve a terahertz photonic edge mode using a metasurface of strongly coupled fourfold spoof localized surface plasmons in a tetramer layout is demonstrated. The quality factors of edge modes decrease when the tetramer shrinks, as revealed by the terahertz dielectric functions. The edge modes that emerge can be categorized as inner and outer edge modes, as deduced from the simulated electric field distribution. Our results show that the edge modes are due to the interaction of spoof localized surface plasmons in the terahertz band.
Ultra-long chaotic FBG sensing with high-order random fiber lasing amplification
Authors: Han Bing , Wu Han
Published: February 2023

We propose and demonstrate an ultra-long chaotic fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing system based on wavelength-scanning correlation optical time-domain reflectometry (COTDR) assisted by sixth-order random fiber lasing amplification (RFLA). Cascaded random Raman fiber lasing generated in the long fiber span can provide up to sixth-order distributed Raman amplification for the chaotic probe light and its echo signal without ruining the chaotic behavior, which can significantly extend the sensing distance of COTDR. As a result, a 152-km-long wavelength-scanning COTDR is experimentally demonstrated to simultaneously realize FBG sensing and location with a spatial resolution as high as 6 cm, which is the longest COTDR to the best of our knowledge. Temperature sensing of the specific FBG is performed, and the temperature sensitivity of the proposed system is 0.25 dB/°C with a good linearity. The proposed chaotic FBG sensing system with high-order RFLA can act as a new platform for ultra-long, large-capacity FBG sensing, which has potential applications in overhead transmission powerline monitoring and structural health monitoring.
Toxoplasma gondii microneme protein MIC3 induces macrophage TNF-α production and Ly6C expression via TLR11/MyD88 pathway
Authors: Qiu Jingfan , Xie Yanci , Shao Chenlu , Shao Tianye , Qin Min , Zhang Rong , Liu Xinjian , Xu Zhipeng , Wang Yong
Published: February 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is the most successful parasite worldwide. It is of great interest to understand how T. gondii induce different immune responses in different hosts. In this study, we found that a peptide of T. gondii microneme protein MIC3 induced TNF-α production, NF-κB phosphorylation, iNOS transcription and Ly6C expression in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. MyD88 inhibition, small interfering RNA against Tlr11 and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-out of Tlr11 all reduced MIC3-induced TNF-α production, NF-κB phosphorylation, iNOS transcription and Ly6C expression. Additionally, we determined the location of MIC3 peptide in mouse macrophages using immunofluorescence. MIC3 could both adhere to the cell membrane of mouse macrophages and enter the cells. These results suggest that MIC3 triggered the immune responses in mouse macrophages via TLR11/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. It is known that human macrophages lacking TLR11. We predicted that the immune responses induced by MIC3 in human macrophages were significantly different from those in mouse macrophages. As expected, MIC3 peptide failed to induce TNF-α expression, iNOS expression and NF-κB phosphorylation in human THP-1 derived macrophages. MIC3 induced macrophage immune responses via TLR11. Intriguingly, the amino acid sequence of MIC3 is completely different from the well-known TLR11 ligand profilin, which generates a potent IL-12p40, TNF-α and IL-6 response. In marked contrast to profilin, MIC3 could not induce IL-12p40 expression in both mouse RAW264.7 cells and human THP-1 derived macrophages. Furthermore, the simulated tertiary structure of MIC3 peptide shows poor similarity with the crystal structure of profilin, suggesting that MIC3 might be a different ligand from profilin. These findings about MIC3 and TLR11 will provide us with important insights into the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis and coevolution during host-parasite interaction.
Quality of life in flexible painful flatfoot treated by anterograde calcaneo-stop procedure: The patient’s and family’s perspective
Authors: Dibello Daniela , Dallan Gabriele , Di Carlo Valentina , Pederiva Federica
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and satisfaction about the surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic flexible flatfoot.

Methods

The Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for children (one to fill in before the surgical correction and another 6–12 months after the screw’s removal), the PedsQLTM Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module and the PedsQLTM General Well-Being Scale were administered to all patients who underwent the anterograde calcaneo-stop procedure for flexible painful flatfoot between January 2012 and December 2015.

Results

One hundred forty patients were sent the questionnaires and 74 (40 male and 34 female) of them responded. The surgical correction was performed at a medium age of 11,84±1,65 years.

When the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for children scores before surgical correction and after the screw removal were compared, the latter scored significantly higher for all domains. Healthcare satisfaction was good in all families. Most of the patients scored medium-high on the PedQLTM General Well-Being both when asked about themselves (mean 86,50±7,44) and in general about their health (76,06±12,32).

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that flexible painful flatfoot is significantly affecting the quality of life of children and that the anterograde calcaneo-stop procedure is a valuable technique, which improves their quality of life and the family wellbeing.
Extrusion of process flavorings from methionine and dextrose using modified starch as a carrier
Authors: Sasanam Sirinapa , Thumthanaruk Benjawan , Wijuntamook Sombat , Rattananupap Vasan , Vatanyoopaisarn Savitri , Puttanlek Chureerat , Uttapap Dudsadee , Mussatto Solange I. , Rungsardthong Vilai
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to produce process flavorings from methionine and glucose via Maillard reaction by extrusion method. Modified starch was used as a carrier to reduce the torque and facilitate the production process. Five formulations of process flavorings with different ratios of methionine: dextrose: modified starch: water as MS5 (72:18:5:5), MS15 (64:16:15:5), MS25 (56:14:25:5), MS35 (42:12:35:5), and MS45 (40:10:45:5) were prepared and feded into the extruder. The temperatures of the extruder barrel in zones 1 and 2 were controlled at 100, and 120°C, with a screw speed of 30 rpm. The appearance of the obtained products, torque, pH before and after extrusion, color, volatile compounds, and sensory evaluation were determined. The extrudate from the formulation containing the highest amount of modified starch (MS45) gave the highest L* (lightness) of 88.00, which increased to 93.00 (very light) after grinding into a powder. The process flavorings from all formulations exhibited similar sensory scores in terms of aroma, taste, and water solubility, with a very slight difference in color. However, MS25, MS35 and MS45 indicated the torque at 10 Nm/cm3, while MS5 and MS 15 exhibited higher torque at 18, and 25 Nm/cm3, respectively. Extruded process flavorings from MS25 were analyzed for their flavor profiles by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twelve volatile compounds including the key volatile compounds for sulfurous and vegetable odor type, dimethyl disulfide, methional, and methanethiol, were found. Four pyrazine compounds presented nutty, musty and caramelly odor; and 3-hydroxybutan-2-one and heptane-2,3-dione, which gave buttery odor type, were also detected. The results demonstrated a successful production of process flavorings using modified starch as carrier to facilitate and reduce the torque during the extrusion process.
Predicting and comparing COVID-19 risk perceptions across the Netherlands and Belgium: A cross-sectional survey among university students
Authors: Vromans Ruben D. , Linn Annemiek J. , Maru Nirvi , Pabian Sara , Krahmer Emiel J. , Guidry Jeanine P. D. , Perrin Paul B. , Bol Nadine
Published: February 2023

People’s risk perception of COVID-19 is an important predictor for adopting protective behavior. Although risk perceptions, and factors influencing these, may vary between countries, less attention has been paid to differences between adjacent regions from neighboring countries. In the midst of the first wave of the corona outbreak (March-April-May 2020), we measured risk perceptions as perceived threat (consisting of perceived severity and susceptibility) among university students (N = 668) in two connected countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. Theory-based predictor variables included experiential, efficacy-related, socio-cultural, cognitive, and demographic factors. While demographic variables and country were not significant predictors of perceived threat level, all other constructs were. Personal and indirect experiences with COVID-19, as well as higher scores on personal (self) efficacy to carry out recommended preventive behaviors were all associated with higher perceived threat. However, low collective efficacy and lower levels of trust in government were both also significantly associated with higher perceived threat, as was a low level of “lack of COVID-19 knowledge”. These results hold implications for suitable risk communication strategies for increasing students’ COVID-19 risk perceptions.
High dose rifampin for 2 months vs standard dose rifampin for 4 months, to treat TB infection: Protocol of a 3-arm randomized trial (2R2)
Authors: Fregonese Federica , Apriani Lika , Barss Leila , Benedetti Andrea , Cook Victoria , Fisher Dina , Fox Greg J. , Johnston James , Long Richard , Nguyen Thu Anh , Nguyen Viet Nhung , Ruslami Rovina , Menzies Dick
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) is an essential component for TB elimination. In order to be successfully implemented on a large scale, TPT needs to be safe, affordable and widely available in all settings. Short TPT regimens, that are less burdensome than longer regimens, to patients and health systems, are needed. Doses of rifampin higher than the standard 10mg/kg/day were tolerated in studies to reduce duration of treatment for tuberculosis disease (TBD). The objective of this trial is to test the safety of high dose rifampin monotherapy to shorten the duration of the currently recommended TPT of 4 months rifampin.

Methods and analysis

This is a phase 2b, randomised, controlled, parallel group, superiority, partially-blind trial. Primary outcomes are completion of treatment (as a proxy measure of tolerability) and safety. The two experimental arms comprise 60 days of (i) 20mg/kg/day or (ii) 30mg/kg/day rifampin; the control arm comprises 120 days of 10mg/kg/day rifampin as TPT. Participants are adults and children 10 years or older, eligible for TPT. Completion is the primary outcome, measured by pill count and is defined as taking minimum of 80% of treatment in 120% of allowed time; it will be tested for superiority by logistic regression. Safety outcome comprises proportion of grade 3–5 adverse events and grade 1–2 rash, adjudicated related to study drug, and resulting in permanent drug discontinuation; compared for non-inferiority between each of the two high dose arms and the standard arm, using Poisson regression. A sample size of 1,359 participants will give 80% power to detect a 10% difference in completion rates and a 1% difference in the safety outcome. The study is conducted in Canada, Indonesia and Vietnam. Enrolment is ongoing at all sites.

Ethics and dissemination

Approvals from a local research ethics board (REB) have been obtained at all participating sites and by the trial coordinating centre. Approval has been given by drug regulatory agencies in Canada and Indonesia and by Ministry of Health in Vietnam; participants give written informed consent before participation. All data collected are non-nominal. Primary results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal when all participants have completed treatment; results of secondary outcomes will be submitted for publication at the end of study; all sites will receive the final data of participants from their sites.

Trial registration

Trial registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03988933). Coordinating center is the study team working at McGill University Health Center-Research Institute (MUHC-RI); sponsor is the MUHC-RI; funding has been granted by Canadian Institute of Health Research (FDN-143350).
Biomechanics of keratoconus: Two numerical studies
Authors: Falgayrettes Nicolas , Patoor Etienne , Cleymand Franck , Zevering Yinka , Perone Jean-Marc
Published: February 2023

Background

The steep cornea in keratoconus can greatly impair eyesight. The etiology of keratoconus remains unclear but early injury that weakens the corneal stromal architecture has been implicated. To explore keratoconus mechanics, we conducted two numerical simulation studies.

Methods

A finite-element model describing the five corneal layers and the heterogeneous mechanical behaviors of the ground substance and lamellar collagen-fiber architecture in the anterior and posterior stroma was developed using the Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden constitutive model. The geometry was from a healthy subject. Its stroma was divided into anterior, middle, and posterior layers to assess the effect of changing regional mechanical parameters on corneal displacement and maximum principal stress under intraocular pressure. Specifically, the effect of softening an inferocentral corneal button, the collagen-based tissues throughout the whole cornea, or specific stromal layers in the button was examined. The effect of simply disorganizing the orthogonally-oriented posterior stromal fibers in the button was also assessed. The healthy cornea was also subjected to eye rubbing-like loading to identify the corneal layer(s) that experienced the most tensional stress.

Results

Conical deformation and corneal thinning emerged when the corneal button or the mid-posterior stroma of the button underwent gradual softening or when the collagen fibers in the mid-posterior stroma of the button were dispersed. Softening the anterior layers of the button or the whole cornea did not evoke conical deformation. Button softening greatly increased and disrupted the stress on Bowman’s membrane while mid-posterior stromal softening increased stress in the anterior layers. Eye rubbing profoundly stressed the deep posterior stroma while other layers were negligibly affected.

Discussion

These observations suggest that keratoconus could be initiated, at least partly, by mechanical instability/damage in the mid-posterior stroma that then imposes stress on the anterior layers. This may explain why subclinical keratoconus is marked by posterior but not anterior elevation on videokeratoscopy.
The influence of manual semen collection in male trained dogs (Canis familiaris), in the presence or absence of a female in estrus, on the concentrations of cortisol, oxytocin, prolactin and testosterone
Authors: Woszczyło Martyna , Szumny Antoni , Knap Piotr , Jezierski Tadeusz , Niżański Wojciech , Kokocińska Agata , Skwark Marcin J. , Dzięcioł Michał
Published: February 2023

Sex pheromones are chemical substances secreted into the environment that affect the physiology and behavior of recipients. Females use these compounds during oestrus to attract males, which leads to attempts of mating. This study evaluates the influence of manual semen collection in male dogs, in the presence or absence of a female in estrus, on the blood concentrations of cortisol (CRT), oxytocin (OXT), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T), as hormones involved both in the physiology of reproduction and stress. Ten male dogs were used in Experiment 1 to measure the serum and plasma concentrations of the aforementioned hormones in the absence of semen collection. Subsequently in the same animals, the concentrations of these hormones were evaluated before and after semen collection in the presence (Exp. 2) or in absence of a female in estrus (Exp. 3). No significant changes in hormone concentration caused by the semen collection were found, either with, or without the presence of female in estrus. Obtained results suggest that the procedure of manual semen collection in dogs, probably due to its passive character, does not stimulate endocrine glands to secrete hormones, and the process of ejaculation is probably controlled by neural pathway. The lack of effect of semiochemical stimulation to the CRT, PRL, OXT and T level, could be caused by a short contact with female during semen collection. Further studies on involvement of the hormones during the process of natural mating, especially preceded by long courtships, similar to that observed under natural conditions, should shed a light on the physiology of mating and the connection between the endocrine system and semiochemical stimulation in dogs.
Natural history of incidentally diagnosed prostate cancer after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Han Jang Hee , Chung Dae Hyuk , Cho Min Chul , Ku Ja Hyeon , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Paick Jae-Seung , Oh Seung-June
Published: February 2023

Objectives

There is no consensus on the management plan for incidental prostate cancer (IPCa) after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). This study aims to investigate the natural course of this disease and suggest appropriate treatment in real clinical practice.

Methods

The medical records of a prospective cohort of patients with LUTS/BPH who underwent HoLEP between July 2008 and December 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent HoLEP for palliative purpose of prostate cancer control were excluded. The natural history of IPCa was assessed by the clinician in a descriptive manner for each treatment option.

Results

Among 2630 patients, 141 (5.4%) were diagnosed with IPCa after HoLEP. Pathologic T stage and magnetic resonance imaging results were highly associated with the physician’s primary treatment decision-making for IPCa. Active surveillance (AS) was performed in 80% of patients, of whom 90% underwent follow-up without intervention, while the remaining 10% underwent deferred active treatment with a median follow-up of 46.3 months due to International Society of Urological Pathology grade group upgrading or increasing core involvement percentage. Meanwhile, 20% of patients underwent immediate active treatment. With a median follow-up period of 88.3 months after treatment, only one of 25 patients had biochemical recurrence.

Conclusions

The incidence of IPCa after HoLEP was 5.4%, and among these, approximately 20% proceeded with immediate definitive therapy and an additional 6% ultimately received definitive therapy within a median of 4 years of AS but showed excellent oncological outcomes.
Identifying social science engagement within agroecology: Classifying transdisciplinary literature with a semi-automated textual classification method
Authors: Pinzón Natalia , Galt Ryan E. , Baukloh Coronil Marcela Beatriz
Published: February 2023

Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields of inquiry and action have been important academic frontiers in recent years. The field of agroecology is a prime example of transdisciplinarity. With roots in the biophysical sciences, social sciences, and peasant movements, publications in agroecology have been growing rapidly in recent decades. Here we explain a method—the script-expert adaptive classification (SEAC) method—that allows us to examine the engagements between agroecology and the social sciences by identifying publications within the agroecological literature that engage with social science at various levels. Using the term “agroecology” and its iterations, we gathered a corpus of agroecology literature up to and including 2019 with 12,398 unique publications from five publication databases—Scopus, Web of Science, Agricola, CAB Direct, and EconLit. Using the SEAC method we then classified each publication as engaged, partially engaged, and not engaged with social sciences and separated this Agroecology Corpus 2019 into three corpora: agroecology engaged with social sciences (with 3,125 publications), agroecology not engaged with social sciences (with 7,039 publications), and agroecology with uncertain engagement with social science (with 2,234 publications) or unclassifiable. This article explains the SEAC method in detail so other transdisciplinary scholars can replicate and/or adapt it for similar purposes. We also assess the SEAC method’s value in identifying social science publications relative to the classification systems of the major multidisciplinary bibliographic databases, Scopus, and Web of Science. We conclude by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the SEAC method and by pointing to further questions about agroecology and the social sciences to be asked of the corpora.
Modeling the effect of emergency response on domino effects in the coal gasification process by fuzzy hierarchical analysis and Bayesian network
Authors: Guo Liping , Wang Zhirong , Zhao Dan , Zhao Kun , Guo Pinkun
Published: February 2023

Emergency response has an important impact on the mitigation of the domino effects. However, consequence analysis of the domino effect often ignores emergency response due to its complexity and uncertainty. In this paper, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is adopted to evaluate the reliability of emergency response process. On this basis, using Bayesian Network (BN) model, the domino effect under the influence of emergency response is modeled. Based on the total duration of the above-mentioned emergency response process to determine the consequences of domino effect under the action of safety barriers. The application of the approach has been demonstrated by an illustrative case study. The results show that the probability of domino effect is reduced by an order of magnitude when active barriers, passive barriers and emergency response are considered together. This work can provide relevant basis for formulating safety protection measures in chemical process industry.
Porcine sapovirus-induced RIPK1-dependent necroptosis is proviral in LLC-PK cells
Authors: Sharif Muhammad , Baek Yeong-Bin , Nguyen Thu Ha , Soliman Mahmoud , Cho Kyoung-Oh
Published: February 2023

Sapoviruses belonging to the genus Sapovirus within the family Caliciviridae are commonly responsible for severe acute gastroenteritis in both humans and animals. Caliciviruses are known to induce intrinsic apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, however, calicivirus-induced necroptosis remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that infection of porcine kidney LLC-PK cells with porcine sapovirus (PSaV) Cowden strain as a representative of caliciviruses induces receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-dependent necroptosis and acts as proviral compared to the antiviral function of PSaV-induced apoptosis. Infection of LLC-PK cells with PSaV Cowden strain showed that the interaction of phosphorylated RIPK1 (pRIPK1) with RIPK3 (pRIPK3), mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (pMLKL) increased in a time-dependent manner, indicating induction of PSaV-induced RIPK1-dependent necroptosis. Interfering of PSaV-infected cells with each necroptotic molecule (RIPK1, RIPK3, or MLKL) by treatment with each specific chemical inhibitor or knockdown with each specific siRNA significantly reduced replication of PSaV but increased apoptosis and cell viability, implying proviral action of PSaV-induced necroptosis. In contrast, treatment of PSaV-infected cells with pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK increased PSaV replication and necroptosis, indicating an antiviral action of PSaV-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that PSaV-induced RIPK1-dependent necroptosis and apoptosis‒which have proviral and antiviral effects, respectively‒counterbalanced each other in virus-infected cells. Our study contributes to understanding the nature of PSaV-induced necroptosis and apoptosis and will aid in developing efficient and affordable therapies against PSaV and other calicivirus infections.
Inequities in home care use among older Canadian adults: Are they corrected by public funding?
Authors: Vafaei Afshin , Rodrigues Ricardo , Ilinca Stefania , Fors Stefan , Kadi Selma , Zolyomi Eszter , Phillips Susan P.
Published: February 2023

Background

Although care use should parallel needs, enabling and predisposing circumstances including the socio-demographic inequities of socioeconomic status (SES), gender, or isolation often intervene to diminish care. We examine whether availability of state-funded medical and support services at home can rebalance these individual and social inequities, and do this by identifying if and how intersecting social identities predict homecare use among older Canadian adults.

Methods

Using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) of 30,097 community-dwelling adults aged 45 to 85, we performed recursive partitioning regression tree analysis using Chi-Squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID). Combinations of individual and social characteristics including sociodemographic, family-related, physical and psychological measures and contextual indicators of material and social deprivation were explored as possible predictors of formal and informal care use.

Results

Diminished function i.e. increased need, indicated by Activities of Daily Living, was most strongly aligned with formal care use while age, living arrangement, having no partner, depression, self-rated health and chronic medical conditions playing a lesser role in the pathway to use. Notably, sex/gender, were not determinants. Characteristics aligned with informal care were first—need, then country of birth and years since immigration. Both ‘trees’ showed high validity with low risk of misclassification (4.6% and 10.8% for formal and informal care, respectively).

Conclusions

Although often considered marginalised, women, immigrants, or those of lower SES utilised formal care equitably. Formal care was also differentially available to those without the financial or human resources to receive informal care. Need, primarily medical but also arising from living arrangement, rather than SES or gender predicted formal care, indicating that universal government-funded services may rebalance social and individual inequities in formal care use.
Risk assessment of debris flow disaster based on the cloud model—Probability fusion method
Authors: Li Li , Ni Bo , Qiang Yue , Zhang Shixin , Zhao Dongsheng , Zhou Ling
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a new debris flow risk assessment method based on the Monte Carlo Simulation and an Improved Cloud Model. The new method tests the consistency of coupling weights according to the characteristics of the Cloud Model firstly, so as to determine the weight boundary of each evaluation index. Considering the uncertain characteristics of weights, the Monte Carlo Simulation is used to converge the weights in a minimal fuzzy interval, then the final weight value of each evaluation index is obtained. Finally, a hierarchical comprehensive cloud is established by the Improving Cloud Model, which is used to input the comprehensive expectation composed of weights to obtain the risk level of debris flow. Through statistical analysis, this paper selects Debris flow scale (X1), Basin area (X2), Drainage density (X3), Basin relative relief (X4), Main channel length (X5), Maximum rainfall (X6) as evaluation indexes. A total of 20 debris flow gullies were selected as study cases (8 debris flow gullies as model test, 12 debris flow gullies in reservoir area as example study). The comparison of the final evaluation results with those of other methods shows that the method proposed in this paper is a more reliable evaluation method for debris flow prevention and control.
Failure and multiple failure for disease modifying antirheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis: Real-life evidence from a tertiary referral center in Italy
Authors: Conigliaro Paola , D’Antonio Arianna , D’Erme Luca , Lavinia Fonti Giulia , Triggianese Paola , Bergamini Alberto , Chimenti Maria Sole
Published: February 2023

Background

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a heterogeneous treatments’ clinical response. Goals of treatment are remission and low disease activity, which are not achieved in all patients despite the introduction of early treatment and the treat to target strategy.

Objective

To investigate the causes of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) discontinuation and treatment failure and multiple failure for inefficacy, and to identify possible failure predictors’ according to RA patient characteristics in a real-world setting.

Methods

718 RA patients were retrospectively evaluated. Conventional synthetic (cs) and biologic (b)DMARDs treatments line/s, effectiveness, and reasons of discontinuations were evaluated. Patients failing to at least two csDMARDs or bDMARDs’ drug for inefficacy were defined “csDMARDs multifailure” and “bDMARDs multifailure”, respectively. Discontinuation of at least two cs- and bDMARDs was termed “global multifailure”.

Results

In total, 1422 csDMARDs and 714 bDMARDs treatment were analysed. Causes of csDMARDs discontinuation were intolerance (21.8%), inefficacy (20.2%), acute adverse reactions (5.3%) and severe infections (0.6%) while csDMARDs multifailure for inefficacy was observed in 5.7% of cases. Reasons of bDMARDs withdrawal were inefficacy (29%), intolerance (10.0%), acute adverse reaction (6.3%) and severe infections (1.5%). Altogether, 8.4% of patients were bDMARDs multifailure for inefficacy while 16.6% were global multifailure. Longstanding disease (≥ 12 months) and smoke habit, resulted as positive predictor of csDMARDs failure (OR 2.6 and OR 2.7, respectively). Thyreopathy was associated with both csDMARDs failure and global multifailure (OR 2.4 and OR 1.8, respectively). Higher prevalence of failure to at least one bDMARDs and global multifailure was detected in female than male (OR 2.3 and OR 2, respectively).

Conclusions

Different causes of drug discontinuation were observed on DMARDs treatments. Demographic and clinical features were identified as possible predictors of both cs- and bDMARDs treatment failure and multiple failure, underlining the need of a more personalized therapeutic approach to achieve treatment targets.
Exploring facial expressions and action unit domains for Parkinson detection
Authors: Gomez Luis F. , Morales Aythami , Fierrez Julian , Orozco-Arroyave Juan Rafael
Published: February 2023

Background and objective

Patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD) present a reduction in facial movements called hypomimia. In this work, we propose to use machine learning facial expression analysis from face images based on action unit domains to improve PD detection. We propose different domain adaptation techniques to exploit the latest advances in automatic face analysis and face action unit detection.

Methods

Three different approaches are explored to model facial expressions of PD patients: (i) face analysis using single frame images and also using sequences of images, (ii) transfer learning from face analysis to action units recognition, and (iii) triplet-loss functions to improve the automatic classification between patients and healthy subjects.

Results

Real face images from PD patients show that it is possible to properly model elicited facial expressions using image sequences (neutral, onset-transition, apex, offset-transition, and neutral) with accuracy improvements of up to 5.5% (from 72.9% to 78.4%) with respect to single-image PD detection. We also show that our proposed action unit domain adaptation provides improvements of up to 8.9% (from 78.4% to 87.3%) with respect to face analysis. Finally, we also show that triplet-loss functions provide improvements of up to 3.6% (from 78.8% to 82.4%) with respect to action unit domain adaptation applied upon models created from scratch. The code of the experiments is available at https://github.com/luisf-gomez/Explorer-FE-AU-in-PD.

Conclusions

Domain adaptation via transfer learning methods seem to be a promising strategy to model hypomimia in PD patients. Considering the good results and also the fact that only up to five images per participant are considered in each sequence, we believe that this work is a step forward in the development of inexpensive computational systems suitable to model and quantify problems of PD patients in their facial expressions.
DUSP15 expression is reduced in the hippocampus of Myrf knock-out mice but attention and object recognition memory remain intact
Authors: Rawlings-Mortimer Florence , Gullino L. Sophie , Rühling Sebastian , Ashton Anna , Barkus Chris , Johansen-Berg Heidi
Published: February 2023

The atypical protein tyrosine phosphatase enzyme, dual-specificity phosphate 15 (DUSP15) is thought to be activated by myelin regulatory factor (MyRF) and to have a role in oligodendrocyte differentiation. Here, we assess whether Dusp15 is reduced in the hippocampus of mice with conditional knock-out of Myrf in oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) we found that Dusp15 expression was indeed lower in these mice. Alterations in myelin have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of these disorders can include impairments of object recognition and attention. We, therefore tested the mice in the object recognition task (ORT) and 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT). However, we did not find behavioural impairments indicating that attentional abilities and object recognition are not impacted by reduced oligodendrogenesis and hippocampal Dusp15 expression. Gaining insight into the role of newly formed oligodendrocytes and Dusp15 expression is helpful for the development of well targeted treatments for myelin dysregulation.
Levofloxacin induces differential effects in the transcriptome between the gut, peripheral and axial joints in the Spondyloarthritis DBA/1 mice: Improvement of intestinal dysbiosis and the overall inflammatory process
Authors: González-Chávez Susana Aideé , Salas-Leiva Joan S. , Salas-Leiva Dayana E. , López-Loeza Salma Marcela , Sausameda-García Jasanai , Orrantia-Borunda Erasmo , Burgos-Vargas Rubén , Alvarado-Jáquez Maria Fernanda , Torres-Quintana Mayra , Cuevas-Martínez Rubén , Chaparro-Barrera Eduardo , Marín-Terrazas Carlos , Espino-Solís Gerardo Pável , Romero-López José Pablo , Bernal-Alferes Brian de Jesús , Pacheco-Tena César
Published: February 2023

To analyze the effect of levofloxacin-induced intestinal microbiota modifications on intestinal, joint, and systemic inflammation in the DBA/1 mice with spontaneous arthritis. The study included two groups of mice, one of which received levofloxacin. The composition and structure of the microbiota were determined in the mice’s stool using 16S rRNA sequencing; the differential taxa and metabolic pathway between mice treated with levofloxacin and control mice were also defied. The effect of levofloxacin was evaluated in the intestines, hind paws, and spines of mice through DNA microarray transcriptome and histopathological analyses; systemic inflammation was measured by flow cytometry. Levofloxacin decreased the pro-inflammatory bacteria, including Prevotellaceae, Odoribacter, and Blautia, and increased the anti-inflammatory Muribaculaceae in mice’s stool. Histological analysis confirmed the intestinal inflammation in control mice, while in levofloxacin-treated mice, inflammation was reduced; in the hind paws and spines, levofloxacin also decreased the inflammation. Microarray showed the downregulation of genes and signaling pathways relevant in spondyloarthritis, including several cytokines and chemokines. Levofloxacin-treated mice showed differential transcriptomic profiles between peripheral and axial joints and intestines. Levofloxacin decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-23a, and JAK3 in the three tissues, but IL-17 behaved differently in the intestine and the joints. Serum TNF-α was also reduced in levofloxacin-treated mice. Our results suggest that the microbiota modification aimed at reducing pro-inflammatory and increasing anti-inflammatory bacteria could potentially be a coadjuvant in treating inflammatory arthropathies.