bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The significance and potential of functional food ingredients for control appetite and food intake
Authors: Esmaeili Mina , Ajami Marjan , Barati Meisam , Javanmardi Fardin , Houshiarrad Anahita , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: February 2022

Dramatically rising global levels of obesity have raised consumers’ commercial and public health interest in foods that may help control appetite and weight. The satiety cascade consists of sensory, cognitive, physical, and hormonal events following food intake, preventing overeating, and the desire to eat for a long time. Functional foods can be one of the most influential factors in reducing appetite as long as effective ingredients, such as fiber and protein, are used to design these products. Also, functional foods should be designed to reduce appetite at different levels of oral processing, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine by various mechanisms. Therefore, the satiety power of functional foods depends on the type of ingredients and their amount. Because each compound has a different mechanism of action, it is recommended to use different compounds to influence satiety in functional foods.
Albumin Lipidomics Reveals Meaningful Compositional Changes in Advanced Cirrhosis and Its Potential to Promote Inflammation Resolution
Authors: Casulleras Mireia , Flores‐Costa Roger , Duran‐Güell Marta , Zhang Ingrid W. , López‐Vicario Cristina , Curto Anna , Fernández Javier , Arroyo Vicente , Clària Joan
Published: February 2022

Albumin infusions are therapeutically used to revert hypoalbuminemia and to replace the extensively oxidized albumin molecule circulating in patients with acutely decompensated (AD) cirrhosis. Because albumin has high affinity for lipids, here we characterized the albumin lipidome in patients with AD and explored the albumin effects on the release of fatty acid (FA)–derived lipid mediators by peripheral leukocytes. Lipids and lipid mediators were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in albumin‐enriched and albumin‐depleted plasma fractions separated by affinity chromatography and in leukocyte incubations from 18 patients with AD and 10 healthy subjects (HS). Lipid mediators were also measured in 41 patients with AD included in an albumin therapy trial. The plasma lipidome associated with AD cirrhosis was characterized by generalized suppression of all lipid classes except FAs. In contrast to HS, albumin from patients with AD had lower content of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), especially of the omega‐3‐PUFA docosahexaenoic acid. Consistent with this, the PUFA‐derived lipid mediator landscape of albumin from patients with AD was dominated by lower content of monohydroxy FA precursors of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐resolving lipid mediators (i.e., 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [15‐HETE]). In addition, albumin from patients with AD was depleted in prostaglandin (PG) E2, suggesting that this proinflammatory PG primarily travels disassociated to albumin in these patients. Incubation of leukocytes with exogenous albumin reduced PG production while inducing 15‐lipoxygenase expression and 15‐HETE release. Similar effects were seen under lipopolysaccharide plus N‐formylmethionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine‐stimulated conditions. Finally, PG levels were lower in patients with AD receiving albumin therapy, whereas 15‐HETE was increased after albumin treatment compared with baseline. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the albumin lipid composition is severely disorganized in AD cirrhosis and that administration of exogenous albumin has the potential to redirect leukocyte biosynthesis from pro‐inflammatory to pro‐resolving lipid mediators.
Rock fisher behaviours and perceptions regarding drowning risk assessed by direct observation and self‐report: A public awareness campaign evaluation
Authors: Birch Rhiannon , Morgan Damian , Arch Jennifer , Matthews Bernadette
Published: February 2022

Issue addressed

Participants engaged in rock fishing are at risk of drowning. Following coronial investigation of fatalities, a 3‐year safety campaign targeting rock fishers was developed in Victoria, Australia. Key campaign messages were wearing lifejackets, not fishing alone, and checking sea and weather conditions. The reported study provides results from a campaign evaluation.

Methods

Evaluation by self‐report and direct observation of safety attitudes and behaviours was undertaken pre‐ and during campaign. Data collections were as follows: (a) online survey of rock fishers recruited from panels, social media and rock fishing networks (n = 350) and (b) rock fisher direct observation and self‐report at selected Victorian rock fishing platforms (n = 282; n = 58, respectively).

Results

Safety message recall was reported by 51.7% of rock fishers surveyed online though far fewer recalled campaign key messages. No effect on key safety behaviours or attitudes were detected for fishers on platforms during campaign. Never wearing a lifejacket was reported by 31.8% online, 60.3% at platforms and observed for 97.4%. From direct observation, most participants did not fish alone and checked conditions on arrival.

Conclusion

Campaign evaluation measures showed mixed outcomes. Irrespective, most rock fishers carry high drowning risk through failure to wear lifejackets. Legal mandating of lifejackets for identified high‐risk platform is being introduced for Victoria, although careful evaluation is required to detect unanticipated outcomes. Informing future campaign evaluation, complementary methods highlight likely bias in self‐reporting through faulty recall or social desirability.

So what?

Future campaigns require innovative or novel design, over longer duration, to capture attention and change rock fisher behaviours.
Self‐reliance or social accountability? The raison d'être of community health committees in Nigeria
Authors: Abimbola Seye , Drabarek Dorothy , Molemodile Shola K.
Published: February 2022

Social justice requires that communities demand social accountability. We conducted this study to inform ongoing efforts to facilitate social accountability through community health committees in Nigeria. We theorised that committees may see themselves in two ways – as outwardly‐facing (‘social accountability’) and/or as inwardly‐facing (‘self‐reliance’). We analysed the minutes of their meetings, alongside interviews and group discussions with committee members, community members, health workers, and health managers in four states across Nigeria. The committees' raison d'être reflects a bias for self‐reliance in three ways. First, seen as a platform for the community to co‐finance health services, members tend to be the local elite who can make financial contributions. Second, in a one‐sided relationship, they function more to achieve the goals of governments (e.g. to improve the uptake of services), than of the community (e.g. rights‐based demands for government support). Third, their activities in the community reflect greater concern to ensure that their community makes the most of what the government has already provided (e.g. helping to drive the uptake of existing services) than asking for more. Optimising the committees for social accountability may require support by actors who do not have conflicts of interests in ensuring that they have the necessary information and strategies to demand social accountability.
Physician perspectives on the implications of the diagnosis‐related groups for medical practice in Turkey: A qualitative study
Authors: Aktas Puren
Published: February 2022

Hospital reimbursement models might have unintended consequences for medical practice. In Turkey, a mixed reimbursement scheme, based on the diagnosis‐related group (DRG) model and global budget, was gradually introduced as part of the country's 2003 healthcare reforms. This article examines the impacts of the DRG model on medical practice in Turkey, as perceived by physicians working in public and private hospitals. This study draws on an analysis of 14 interviews with physicians. The findings reveal that the implementation of the DRG has transformed medical practice into a process of cost‐benefit optimisation which involves balancing the income and expenses of hospitals against patients' medical needs. To mitigate the negative effects of the DRG, the current model may need to be reformed, particularly to grant exemptions from the standard reimbursement structure for patients who are experiencing complications and/or multiple health conditions.
Bridging troubled water ‐ exploring improvement and patients' experiences using patient‐reported outcome measures in physiotherapy: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Bjorbækmo Wenche Schrøder , Mengshoel Anne Marit , Robinson Hilde Stendal
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Increased use of patient‐reported outcomes in health care has been emphasized. Our aim was to use the Patient‐Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) to examine improvement in neck pain patients' activity limitations during physiotherapy treatment, with the purpose to explore the patients' experiences of using PSFS. The study illuminates whether and how PSFS can be useful in clinical physiotherapy.

Methods

Six patients participated. A mixed‐method study design was applied, triangulating ontological perspectives of realism and phenomenology, quantitative and qualitative methods. Single Subject Experimental Design with PSFS as outcome measure examined changes over time and phenomenological interviews examined its meaningfulness for patients. Patients defined their personal activity limitations due to neck pain and scored difficulties several times, during the physiotherapy treatment period, using PSFS. We used visual analyses of the quantitative data and thematic analyses of the qualitative data. Integration and combination of the results from the two designs are presented in the discussion.

Results

In the quantitative analyses, PSFS showed improvement in most activity limitations during treatment. The qualitative analyses revealed that using PSFS required the patient to engage in different bodily awareness processes and handle the dilemma of a possible double function of scoring chosen activities. The mixed findings revealed improved functionality and that the context and the interaction between patient and therapist have a significant influence on the assessment process.

Conclusions

To be able to improve the utilization of PSFS, communication between patients and physiotherapists is of vital importance. When using PSFS, physiotherapists should direct their attention to the importance of interaction as always present and vital in assessments.
Repurposing autophagy regulators in brain tumors
Authors: Petrosyan Edgar , Fares Jawad , Cordero Alex , Rashidi Aida , Arrieta Víctor A. , Kanojia Deepak , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: February 2022

Malignant brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and brain metastases, continue to be an unmet medical challenge. Despite advances in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, tumor cell colonization in the central nervous system renders most treatment options ineffective. This is primarily due to the selective permeability of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), which hinders the crossing of targeting agents into the brain. As such, repositioning medications that demonstrate anticancer effects and possess the ability to cross the BBB can be a promising option. Antidepressants, which are BBB‐permeable, have been reported to exhibit cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Autophagy, specifically, has been identified as one of the common key mediators of antidepressant's antitumor effects. In this work, we provide a comprehensive overview of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved antidepressants with reported cytotoxic activities in different tumor models, where autophagy dysregulation was demonstrated to play the main part. As such, imipramine, maprotiline, fluoxetine and escitalopram were shown to induce autophagy, whereas nortriptyline, clomipramine and paroxetine were identified as autophagy inhibitors. Sertraline and desipramine, depending on the neoplastic context, were demonstrated to either induce or inhibit autophagy. Collectively, these medications were associated with favorable therapeutic outcomes in a variety of cancer cell models, including brain tumors.
PhaseIIstudy of durvalumab monotherapy in patients with previously treated microsatellite instability‐high/mismatch repair‐deficient orPOLE‐mutated metastatic or unresectable colorectal cancer
Authors: Oh Chung Ryul , Kim Jeong Eun , Hong Yong Sang , Kim Sun Young , Ahn Joong Bae , Baek Ji Yeon , Lee Myung‐Ah , Kang Myoung Joo , Cho Sang Hee , Beom Seung‐Hoon , Kim Tae Won
Published: February 2022

The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of durvalumab in patients with microsatellite instability‐high/mismatch repair‐deficient (MSI‐H/dMMR) or polymerase epsilon (POLE)‐mutated metastatic or unresectable colorectal cancer (mCRC) who had disease progression after standard chemotherapy. This prospective, open‐label, multicenter, phase II study enrolled patients with mCRC harboring MSI‐H/dMMR orPOLEmutations treated with at least one prior line of therapy. The participants received durvalumab (1500 mg) every 4 weeks intravenously. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Of the 33 patients, 30 had MSI‐H/dMMR and 3 hadPOLE‐mutated microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. With a median follow‐up duration of 11.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.3‐15.0), the ORR was 42.4% (95% CI: 25.5‐60.8). Among three patients withPOLE‐mutated CRC, one patient who had an exonuclease domain mutation (EDM) achieved an objective response, but the others with mutations in the non‐exonuclease domain had progressive disease. Overall, the median duration of response was not reached and 85.7% of the responses were ongoing at data cutoff. The progression‐free survival rate of 12 months was 58.2% (95% CI: 39.0‐73.1) and the 12‐month overall survival rate was 68.3% (95% CI: 48.8‐81.7). Grade 3 treatment‐related adverse events occurred in 36.4% of the patients and were manageable. In conclusion, durvalumab showed promising clinical activity with encouraging response rates and satisfactory survival outcomes in mCRC patients with MSI‐H/dMMR orPOLEEDM. In patients withPOLE‐mutated mCRC, clinical response to durvalumab may be restricted to those with EDM.
Meta‐analysis of agreement/concordance statistics in studies comparing self‐ vs clinician‐collected samples for HPV testing in cervical cancer screening
Authors: Arbyn Marc , Castle Philip E. , Schiffman Mark , Wentzensen Nicolas , Heckman‐Stoddard Brandy , Sahasrabuddhe Vikrant V.
Published: February 2022

We conducted a meta‐analysis of test agreement/concordance between human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in self‐collected vs clinician‐collected samples in 26 studies (10 071 participants) updating a previous meta‐analysis on accuracy for cervical precancer. Pooled overall agreement was 88.7% (95% CI: 86.3%‐90.9%), positive agreement was 84.6% (95% CI: 79.9%‐88.7%), negative agreement was 91.7% (95% CI: 89.1%‐94.0%) and kappa was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.66‐0.78). Subgroup meta‐analyses suggested higher overall agreement for target amplification‐based DNA assays (90.4%) compared to signal amplification‐based DNA assays (86.7%; P = .175) or RNA assays (82.3%; P < .001). HPV test agreement/concordance targets may provide criteria to extend existing validations toward alternative sampling approaches and devices/storage media.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of estrogen receptor‐positive ultralow risk breast cancer tumors identified by the 70‐gene signature
Authors: Johansson Annelie , Yu Nancy Y. , Iftimi Adina , Tobin Nicholas P. , van 't Veer Laura , Nordenskjöld Bo , Benz Christopher C. , Fornander Tommy , Perez‐Tenorio Gizeh , Stål Olle , Esserman Laura J. , Yau Christina , Lindström Linda S.
Published: February 2022

The metastatic potential of estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancers is heterogeneous and distant recurrences occur months to decades after primary diagnosis. We have previously shown that patients with tumors classified as ultralow risk by the 70‐gene signature have a minimal long‐term risk of fatal breast cancer. Here, we evaluate the previously unexplored underlying clinical and molecular characteristics of ultralow risk tumors in 538 ER‐positive patients from the Stockholm tamoxifen randomized trial (STO‐3). Out of the 98 ultralow risk tumors, 89% were luminal A molecular subtype, whereas 26% of luminal A tumors were of ultralow risk. Compared to other ER‐positive tumors, ultralow risk tumors were significantly (Fisher's test, P < .05) more likely to be of smaller tumor size, lower grade, progesterone receptor (PR)‐positive, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)‐negative and have low Ki‐67 levels (proliferation‐marker). Moreover, ultralow risk tumors showed significantly lower expression scores of multi‐gene modules associated with the AKT/mTOR‐pathway, proliferation (AURKA), HER2/ERBB2‐signaling, IGF1‐pathway, PTEN‐loss and immune response (IMMUNE1 and IMMUNE2) and higher expression scores of the PIK3CA‐mutation‐associated module. Furthermore, 706 genes were significantly (FDR < 0.001) differentially expressed in ultralow risk tumors, including lower expression of genes involved in immune response, PI3K/Akt/mTOR‐pathway, histones, cell cycle, DNA repair, apoptosis and higher expression of genes coding for epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and homeobox proteins, among others. In conclusion, ultralow risk tumors, associated with minimal long‐term risk of fatal disease, differ from other ER‐positive tumors, including luminal A molecular subtype tumors. Identification of these characteristics is important to improve our prediction of nonfatal vs fatal breast cancer.
Research on the synthesis of nanoparticles of betulinic acid and their targeting antitumor activity
Authors: Chen Xuan , Lu Shuting , Gong Fengrong , Sui Xiaoyu , Liu Tingting , Wang Ting
Published: February 2022

Betulinic acid (BA), a natural pentacyclic lupine‐type triterpene, has shown its prominent efficiency on the selective antitumor activity. However, its poor water solubility and bioavailability have limited its application. Herein, targeting nanoparticles were prepared to improve BA‐based liposome (BL)'s restricted chemotherapeutic efficacy. Multi‐layers membranes from the cancer cells were added as highly penetrative targeting ligands to functionalize the BA‐based liposomes. In vitro experiments including the MTT assay and the fluorescence imaging of live/dead staining were adopted to prove its great inhibition in the growth of tumor cells. And it manifests that the antitumor efficacy of BL coated with cell membranes (BLCM) achieves nearly 4.3 times as that of BL under the same conditions in the MTT experiments. In addition, the fluorescence imaging stained with DAPI‐FITC was applied to prove the targeting positioning effects on the BLCM. In a nutshell, the nanomedicine has good targeting antitumor efficacy and has great potential in being applied for the personalized cancer clinical treatment.
Silencing of IGF2BP1 restrains ox‐LDL‐induced lipid accumulation and inflammation by reducing RUNX1 expression and promoting autophagy in macrophages
Authors: Liu Mingxin , Tao Guizhou , Cao Yiming , Hu Yu , Zhang Zhe
Published: February 2022

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with the formation and accumulation of macrophage‐derived foam cells in the subendothelial space of blood vessels as one major characteristic. Insulin‐like growth factor 2 messenger RNA (mRNA) binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is an RNA‐binding factor and its elevation has been reported to be associated with macrophage infiltration into the atherosclerotic vascular wall. This study aims to investigate the roles of IGF2BP1 in AS‐associated foam cell formation. Herein, ApoE−/− mice fed with high‐fat diet developed atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta, where IGF2BP1 expression was upregulated and autophagy was impaired. IGF2BP1 expressed in F4/80+ macrophages and coexisted with p62. In vitro, IGF2BP1 expression was upregulated in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) (100 μg/ml). Interestingly, silencing of IGF2BP1 ameliorated ox‐LDL‐induced lipid accumulation and inflammation, and enhanced autophagic flux in macrophages. Furthermore, the expression of RUNX family transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), a gene that is able to inhibit autophagy in multiple cell types, was elevated in atherosclerotic aortas and in ox‐LDL‐treated macrophages. In addition, RNA immunoprecipitation results revealed that IGF2BP1 is bound to RUNX1 mRNA. Alterations induced by IGF2BP1 knockdown in ox‐LDL‐treated macrophages were abolished by RUNX1 overexpression. Furthermore, after autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine administration, silencing of IGF2BP1‐reduced lipid accumulation and inflammation were recovered in RAW264.7 cells. In summary, our study demonstrated that silencing of IGF2BP1 restrained ox‐LDL‐induced lipid accumulation and inflammation by reducing RUNX1 expression and facilitating autophagy in macrophages. IGF2BP1/RUNX1 axis may be considered as a potential therapeutic target in AS.
Prognostic value of prognostic nutritional index and its variations in advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients treated with anlotinib monotherapy
Authors: Chen Tian , Liang Gaofeng , Xiang Zhenfei , He Jinxian , Xu Xiaoyu , Tang Mengqiu
Published: February 2022

Background

Anlotinib is a third‐line or further therapy for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the lack of simple biomarkers to predict the curative effect of anlotinib creates significant unmet needs in exploring the markers. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and its variations and efficacy of anlotinib.

Methods

Data for patients with advanced NSCLC who received anlotinib were collected at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital. The data included the values of pretreatment PNI (pre‐PNI), posttreatment PNI (post‐PNI), and ΔPNI (post‐PNI minus the pre‐PNI). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to generate survival curves, whereas univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to analyze survival predictors.

Results

A high disease control rate was associated with a high pre‐PNI (p = 0.007), high post‐PNI (p = 0.000), and high ΔPNI (p = 0.006). Univariable analysis revealed that pre‐PNI ≤41.80, post‐PNI ≤42.48, and ΔPNI ≤0.20 were significant risk factors for poor survival. According to the multivariate analysis, progression‐free survival (PFS) in patients with post‐PNI ≤42.48 was significantly shorter than in patients with higher values (median PFS: 1.5 months vs. 4.0 months, p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Pre‐PNI, ΔPNI, and post‐PNI were found to be predictive factors for response in advanced NSCLC patients treated with anlotinib as a third‐line or further treatment. Only post‐PNI was a reliable predictor of PFS. Therefore, PNI and its variations, particularly post‐PNI, are affordable and accessible predictors of NSCLC patients treated with anlotinib in clinical work.
Handgrip strength asymmetry is associated with the risk of neurodegenerative disorders among Chinese older adults
Authors: Chen Zi , Ho Mandy , Chau Pui Hing
Published: February 2022

Background

Neurodegenerative disorders, as the irreversible condition, have a long, silent preclinical period. Recognition of early physical signs of neurodegenerative disorders had important practical implications for identifying at‐risk population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry was associated with the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders among Chinese older adults.

Methods

This study used the data of participants aged 60 years and over from three waves (2011–2015) of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. HGS asymmetry was measured with HGS ratio (maximal non‐dominant HGS/maximal dominant HGS), with the value less than 0.9 or more than 1.1 considered as HGS asymmetry. Physician‐diagnosed neurodegenerative disorders were identified by self‐reported or proxy‐reported information. Competing risk analysis was conducted to examine the association between HGS asymmetry and incident neurodegenerative disorders, with mortality treated as the competing event.

Results

A total of 4925 participants were included in the analysis [mean (SD) age: 68.1(6.68); female: 49.7%]. Eight hundred and eighty‐eight (18.0%) participants had low HGS and 2227 (45.2%) had HGS asymmetry. During the 4 years of follow‐up, there were 156 cases of neurodegenerative disorders and 422 cases of mortality. The incidence of neurodegenerative disorders was 8.7 per 1000 person‐years [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.4–10.2], and the incidence of mortality was 23.5 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 21.4–25.9). Both the cause‐specific model and the Fine–Gray subdistribution hazard model showed that participants with HGS asymmetry had increased hazard of neurodegenerative disorders [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.66, P = 0.002, 95% CI: 1.202–2.297; subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) = 1.65, P = 0.002, 95% CI: 1.202–2.285]. Low HGS, but not HGS asymmetry, was related to the higher hazard of mortality (HR = 1.61, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.297–1.995; SHR = 1.58, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.286–1.951).

Conclusions

Handgrip strength asymmetry was associated with the future risk of neurodegenerative disorders among Chinese older adults. Public healthcare providers could consider examining HGS asymmetry along with the maximal HGS as a way to identify those at elevated risk of neurodegenerative disorders.
Simulation‐based education for medical radiation students: A scoping review
Authors: Chau Minh , Arruzza Elio , Johnson Nathan
Published: February 2022

Simulation‐based education is a significant aspect of teaching clinical skills in tertiary medical radiation science programmes, allowing students to experience the clinical setting in a safe environment. As an educational tool, simulation exists in many valid forms including role play, interprofessional simulation and virtual reality simulation. This scoping review looks at the current literature in this field to identify the evidence surrounding simulation‐based education for medical radiation students. The purpose of this review is to provide an evidence‐based guide for educators, identify gaps in the literature and suggest areas of future research. Data extraction was performed on 33 articles where the interventions could be categorised into either role play simulation, virtual simulation, simulation videos or online learning environments. Most studies demonstrated that simulation could improve clinical competence and increase preparedness and confidence for clinical placement. Student satisfaction remained high throughout the studies; however, it is the view of many that although simulation‐based education is a valid and effective tool, it is complementary to and not a replacement for clinical placement.
Physical proof and design of ternary full adder circuit in ternary quantum‐dot cellular automata technology
Authors: Ghadamgahi Seyed Mahdi , Sabbaghi‐Nadooshan Reza , Navi Keivan
Published: February 2022

Downsizing computational modules can be effective in increasing computational speed, reducing energy consumption, and reducing the occupied area of the chip, but limitations associated with Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology downsizing prompted researchers to look for alternative methods for transistors and circuit fabrication. A common issue in many of these methods is the move toward the production of components of logical circuits in nano dimensions. Quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) technology is inherently fast and is based on Coulomb interactions, and this property can make the design of computational circuits much easier. The main purpose of this paper is to design a new full adder circuit structure based on ternary quantum‐dot cellular automata technology with physical proofs. Accordingly, the proposed diagram block structure full adder circuit based on ternary QCA (TQCA) is presented, which includes 11 cells, the area is and, the circuit cost is 0.044. For validation, the proposed structure was simulated with TQCAsim software. The results show a significant improvement in circuit parameters.
Hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia following denosumab and IV ferric carboxymaltose in an older patient with normal renal function
Authors: Tai Rebecca , Mouchaileh Nadia , Ting Celia
Published: February 2022

Background

Severe hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia following the co‐administration of denosumab and IV ferric carboxymaltose has previously been reported in the setting of chronic kidney disease and malignancy. Despite scarce evidence, there has been growing concern amongst clinicians of a possible drug interaction between denosumab and IV iron therapies. Although electrolyte abnormalities are well known side effects of these individual therapies, it is possible that co‐administration of the agents can exaggerate these effects and result in a potentially life‐threatening interaction.

Aim

We present a case of profound hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia following same day administration of denosumab and IV ferric carboxymaltose in a hospitalised older patient.

Clinical details

An older female with normal renal function, serum calcium, phosphate and 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D levels, and no history of malignancy was given denosumab 60 mg SC for secondary fracture prophylaxis following an acute osteoporotic fracture. On the same day, she received ferric carboxymaltose 1 g IV for treatment of iron‐deficiency anaemia.

Outcomes

Following a review of her pathology results during the inpatient hospital admission, profound hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia was identified 8 days after denosumab and ferric carboxymaltose administration. Despite supplementation, electrolyte abnormalities persisted for 12 days following administration.

Conclusion

Although the patient had no pre‐existing risk factors for developing electrolyte disturbance, profound hypocalcaemia and hypophosphatemia following denosumab and IV ferric carboxymaltose administration occurred, suggesting a possible interaction between the two therapies. Caution should be exercised by clinicians when these agents are co‐administered within a close timeframe.
Features of Odontogenic Sinusitis Associated With Dental Implants
Authors: Park Marn Joon , Park Han Ick , Ahn Kang‐Min , Kim Ji Heui , Chung Yoo‐Sam , Jang Yong Ju , Yu Myeong Sang
Published: February 2022

Objectives

With the increase in dental implants for tooth loss, odontogenic sinusitis following maxillary dental implants is frequently encountered in otorhinolaryngology practice. The authors aimed to reveal the association between implant extrusion into maxillary sinus, along with implant‐related complications in patients diagnosed with implant‐related odontogenic sinusitis (IR‐ODS).

Study Design

Case–control study.

Methods

This study enrolled 60 patients who received functional endoscopic sinus surgery due to IR‐ODS. The preoperative sinus computed tomography was retrospectively reviewed. Among the 120 maxillary sinuses of the 60 patients, 68 sides were diagnosed with IR‐ODS sides, whereas 27 sides showed no clinical or radiological evidence of this condition after the implant insertion and were defined as the control sides. Statistical analysis between these two groups was conducted, in addition to odds ratio (OR) calculations for associations with IR‐ODS.

Results

The mean age of the IR‐ODS subjects was 59.5 ± 19.1, with a male to female ratio of 32/28 (53.3%/46.7%). Implants extruding by more than 4 mm into the maxillary sinus, peri‐implantitis, bone graft disruption–extrusion were associated with a significantly higher incidence in the IR‐ODS (p = 0.035, p = 0.003, p = 0.011, respectively). The IR‐ODS sides showed an adjusted‐OR (95% confidence interval) of 27.4 (2.7–276.5) for extrusion length >4 mm, 11.8 (3.0–46.5) for peri‐implantitis, and 34.1 (3.3–347.8) for bone graft disruption (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion

Maxillary dental implants extruding more than 4 mm into the maxillary sinus, peri‐implantitis, and disrupted–extruded bone grafts show significant association with IR‐ODS.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:237–243, 2023
MH nurse practitioners address critical workforce need
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2022

The overall need for qualified mental health professionals to address the mental health needs of individuals — a need even more critical amid the pandemic — is mounting. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are helping to fill that void.
An exponential representation for random C0–semigroups
Authors: Liu Ming , Dai Lingfei , Zhang Xia
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is to give an exponential representation for an almost surely bounded C0–semigroup of continuous module homomorphisms on complete random normed modules, which considerably generalizes the classical case and plays an important role in the study of random operator equations in the sense of Skorohod.
A broadband dual‐polarized filtering base‐station antenna for 5G communication applications
Authors: Xi Yi , Wang Yani , Zhai Huiqing , Liu Changyuan
Published: February 2022

In this article, a broadband dual‐polarized filtering base‐station antenna is proposed. The structure of proposed antenna consists of a main radiation element, two parasitic rings, balun feeding line, and metal reflector. The parasitic ring embedded in the antenna radiating arm not only generates a high‐frequency radiation null, but also expands the antenna bandwidth. At the same time, a parasitic ring is loaded on the back of the substrate to generate a low‐frequency radiation null. These two parasitic rings make full use of the spatial position of the antenna and produce a better filtering effect. In order to verify the feasibility of the antenna, the designed antenna was processed and measured. In the end, the designed antenna achieves an impedance bandwidth of 48.3% (VSWR < 1.5, at 4.35 GHz), the measured average gain is 8.5 dBi. Out‐of‐band suppression at low frequencies (2–2.7 GHz) are greater than 27 dB, and out‐of‐band suppression at high frequencies (6.1–6.5 GHz) are greater than 17 dB. In addition, the antenna covers the 5G communication frequency band under Sub‐6G, which is suitable for 5G base‐station antennas.
Nondestructive identification of wood species by terahertz spectrum
Authors: Zhang Min , Xie Xinru , Zhang Dong , Chen Run , Xu Yifei , Wang Jiatong , Liu Jiarui , Xu Xiaoguang
Published: February 2022

Terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS) has become an emerging nondestructive detection technique due to the unique properties of THz waves; it offers safety, penetrability, and fingerprint identification, especially for commonly used non‐polar materials. Here, we measure the differences in THz spectra of four wood blocks (manglietia, amur linden, black walnut, and ebony) in the frequency range of 0.1–0.9 THz. In addition, we demonstrate the principal components analysis (PCA) applied in THz absorption spectra; the principal components extracted from original data by PCA can replace the original absorption coefficient data and can clearly distinguish the wood types. Results show that THz‐TDS combined with PCA can be used as an effective nondestructive identification method in the field of public security, food detection, and customs anti‐smuggling initiatives.
AAPM task group report 302: Surface‐guided radiotherapy
Authors: Al‐Hallaq Hania A. , Cerviño Laura , Gutierrez Alonso N. , Havnen‐Smith Amanda , Higgins Susan A. , Kügele Malin , Padilla Laura , Pawlicki Todd , Remmes Nicholas , Smith Koren , Tang Xiaoli , Tomé Wolfgang A.
Published: February 2022

The clinical use of surface imaging has increased dramatically, with demonstrated utility for initial patient positioning, real‐time motion monitoring, and beam gating in a variety of anatomical sites. The Therapy Physics Subcommittee and the Imaging for Treatment Verification Working Group of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine commissioned Task Group 302 to review the current clinical uses of surface imaging and emerging clinical applications. The specific charge of this task group was to provide technical guidelines for clinical indications of use for general positioning, breast deep‐inspiration breath hold treatment, and frameless stereotactic radiosurgery. Additionally, the task group was charged with providing commissioning and on‐going quality assurance (QA) requirements for surface‐guided radiation therapy (SGRT) as part of a comprehensive QA program including risk assessment. Workflow considerations for other anatomic sites and for computed tomography simulation, including motion management, are also discussed. Finally, developing clinical applications, such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or proton radiotherapy, are presented. The recommendations made in this report, which are summarized at the end of the report, are applicable to all video‐based SGRT systems available at the time of writing.
An evaluation of solid state detectors for the relative dosimetry of kilovoltage X‐ray beams
Authors: Daniel John , Yousif Yousif A. M. , Zifodya Jackson , Hill Robin
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Kilovoltage (kV) X‐ray beams are an essential modality in radiotherapy. Solid state detectors are widely available in radiotherapy departments, but their use for kV dosimetry has been limited to date. This study aimed to evaluate the dosimetric performance of a range of solid state detectors for kV dosimetry.

Method

Percentage depth doses (PDDs) and relative output factors (ROFs) were measured on an XStrahl 300 unit (XStrahl‐Ltd., UK) using 60, 100, 150, and 300 kVp X‐ray beams. The fields were defined by circular applicators with field sizes of 2, 5, 8, and 10 cm diameter and square applicators of field sizes 10 × 10 and 20 × 20 cm2. The following Physikalisch‐Technische Werkstätten (PTW) dosimeters were used for measurements: Advanced Markus, PinPoint 3D and Semiflex ionization chambers; photon, electron, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) diodes plus the microDiamond detector. All PDDs were normalized at 5 mm depth, and ROFs were measured at 3 mm depth to avoid collisions with the end of the applicators. ROFs measured using chambers were corrected for polarity and ion‐recombination effects.

Results and discussion

PDD measurements for 60, 100, and 150 kVp beams exhibited good agreement between all diodes and the ionization chambers over the entire range of depths except in the first few millimeters near the surface. However, for the 300 kVp, all diode detectors exhibited an overresponding behavior compared to reference depth dose data measured with the Advanced Markus chamber. ROFs with the diodes were higher than the Advanced Markus chamber at low energy, and the magnitude of these differences is inversely proportional to the field sizes. The PTW P diode showed the highest variation of up to 15% in the output factor compared to the Advanced Markus chamber.

Conclusion

This study evaluated the dosimetric performance of a range of solid state detectors in kV relative dosimetry. This study showed that diode detectors are a suitable replacement for ionization chambers for the PDD measurement of low energy kV beams (60–150 kVp) except for the PDD of 60 kVp with the smaller field sizes. However, an overresponding behavior of diode detectors at 300 kVp beams shows that diode detectors are not suitable for the PDD measurement of high energy kV beams. Generally, all solid state detectors overresponded to ROF measurements, indicating that it is not suitable for ROF measurements. In general, both shielded and unshielded diodes produced a similar dosimetric response, which demonstrates that the energy dependence of solid state detectors should be considered before they are used for any kV relative dosimetric measurements.
Cardiac and pulmonary findings in dysferlinopathy: A 3‐year, longitudinal study
Authors: Moore Ursula , Fernandez‐Torron Roberto , Jacobs Marni , Gordish‐Dressman Heather , Diaz‐Manera Jordi , James Meredith K. , Mayhew Anna G. , Harris Elizabeth , Guglieri Michela , Rufibach Laura E. , Feng Jia , Blamire Andrew M. , Carlier Pierre G. , Spuler Simone , Day John W. , Jones Kristi J. , Bharucha‐Goebel Diana X. , Salort‐Campana Emmanuelle , Pestronk Alan , Walter Maggie C. , Paradas Carmen , Stojkovic Tanya , Mori‐Yoshimura Madoka , Bravver Elena , Pegoraro Elena , Lowes Linda Pax , Mendell Jerry R. , Bushby Kate ,   The Jain COS Consortium, Bourke John , Straub Volker
Published: February 2022

Introduction/Aims

There is debate about whether and to what extent either respiratory or cardiac dysfunction occurs in patients with dysferlinopathy. This study aimed to establish definitively whether dysfunction in either system is part of the dysferlinopathy phenotype.

Methods

As part of the Jain Foundation's International Clinical Outcome Study (COS) for dysferlinopathy, objective measures of respiratory and cardiac function were collected twice, with a 3‐y interval between tests, in 188 genetically confirmed patients aged 11–86 y (53% female). Measures included forced vital capacity (FVC), electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram (echo).

Results

Mean FVC was 90% predicted at baseline, decreasing to 88% at year 3. FVC was less than 80% predicted in 44 patients (24%) at baseline and 48 patients (30%) by year 3, including ambulant participants. ECGs showed P‐wave abnormalities indicative of delayed trans‐atrial conduction in 58% of patients at baseline, representing a risk for developing atrial flutter or fibrillation. The prevalence of impaired left ventricular function or hypertrophy was comparable to that in the general population.

Discussion

These results demonstrate clinically significant respiratory impairment and abnormal atrial conduction in some patients with dysferlinopathy. Therefore, we recommend that annual or biannual follow‐up should include FVC measurement, enquiry about arrhythmia symptoms and peripheral pulse palpation to assess cardiac rhythm. However, periodic specialist cardiac review is probably not warranted unless prompted by symptoms or abnormal pulse findings.
A posteriori element residual error estimations for the cell functional minimization scheme
Authors: Yin Li , Gao Zhiming , Cao Yanzhao
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a posteriori element residual error estimator for the cell functional minimization scheme for anisotropic diffusion problems on unstructured polygonal meshes. The element residual error estimator is based on the numerical solution of the element residual equation on every cell. The global reliability and local efficiency of the proposed element residual error estimator with respect to an energy‐type error are obtained.
Flexible and wearable strain sensors based on conductive hydrogels
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Zhang Qin , Liu Xin , Xia Shan , Gao Yang , Gao Guanghui
Published: February 2022

In recent years, the field of flexible electronics has been thriving in academic achievements. Among them, the hydrogel‐based strain sensors possess some characteristic advantages in stretchability, flexibility, stickiness and regulable modulus of elasticity, thus they are more likely to attach to human skin and the surfaces of objects. Compared to traditional sensors, hydrogels can overcome shortcomings in toughness and elasticity. Therefore, hydrogels are suitable to serve as the core materials of wearable electronics. Hydrogel‐based strain sensors, as a typical kind of hydrogel flexible electronics, are in the categories of resistance sensors and capacitive sensors, which are primarily used for real‐time monitoring of human motions. This review mainly introduces the up‐to‐date relative literatures in the field of hydrogel‐based strain sensors.
Effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic parameters, inflammatory factors and obesity values in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pourhabibi‐Zarandi Fatemeh , Rafraf Maryam , Zayeni Habib , Asghari‐Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ebrahimi Ali‐Asghar
Published: February 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to cartilage damage with mostly accompanied by metabolic disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic parameters (lipid profile and glycemic indices), inflammatory factors, visfatin levels, and obesity values in women with RA. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted on 48 women with RA. The patients were treated with curcumin (500 mg once a day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes, and physical activity levels of subjects were collected at baseline and the end of the study. Curcumin supplementation significantly decreased homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and triglycerides, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference of patients compared with the placebo at the end of the study (p < .05 for all). HOMA‐IR and triglyceride levels significantly increased within the placebo group. Changes in fasting blood sugar, insulin, other lipids profile, and visfatin levels were not significant in any of the groups (p > .05). These results support the consumption of curcumin, as a part of an integrated approach to modulate metabolic factors, inflammation, and adiposity in women with RA.
Permeation of vegetable oils and slippery properties of extrusion coated paperboard
Authors: Mikriukova Mariia , Lahti Johanna , Kuusipalo Jurkka
Published: February 2022

Due to the ability of oils to penetrate into the structure of polymers, it is possible to create slippery surfaces with low water droplet sliding angles based on polymer coatings. Polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate and low‐density polyethylene extrusion coatings were used as such surfaces in this study. The process of penetration of vegetable oils into the polymers was studied with the subsequent investigation of slippery behaviour of such system. Cottonseed oil and castor oil showed promising properties as lubricants. For oil infused polymer surfaces the water droplet sliding angles were significantly lower than for the untreated extrusion coating. The penetration of the permeant into the upper layers of the coating was confirmed by alteration of the static water contact angle, sliding angle and also by the cross section images. LDPE extrusion coating infused with castor oil showed the lowest water sliding angle − 8°. Biopolymers, being a main focus in this study, exhibited also promising results, PLA reached sliding angle of 14° with both olive and castor oil. Dependence of polymer permeability on various factors is rather complex and the wide range of oils used in this work helps to interpret the barrier performance of the studied materials. Degree of bond saturation, viscosity and polarity were found to influence mostly on the oil permeation through the studied polymers.
Pressure‐induced enhancement of mechanical performance in ZrC system
Authors: Yong Yik Seng , Chang Yee Hui Robin , Low Lay Chen , Lim Thong Leng , Yoon Tiem Leong
Published: February 2022

Superhard materials are indispensable for use in cutting and polishing, as well as for nuclear reactor construction. As a candidate for hard material, ZrC has been extensively studied but not in its pressurized phase. Through evolutionary algorithm and density functional theory, we narrowed down the stoichiometry of Zr and C elements at various elevated pressures. The semimetal property of Zr4C4 continues to exist at high pressures but with lower electrical conductivity. Ionic and covalent bonding coexist around the pseudogap for high pressure phases. Both elastic constants and elastic moduli are found to increase steadily with surrounding pressure, connoting the superior mechanical and thermal characteristics of Zr4C4. This can be seen in the increased hardness values, higher melting temperatures, and better machinability indices for Zr4C4 as pressure rises. The predicted G/B and Poison's ratios have both agreed that Zr4C4 exhibits a transition from brittle to ductile behavior when the applied pressure goes above 85 GPa, displaying an overall improved mechanical performance.