bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How can the public health impact of vaccination be estimated?
Authors: Echeverria-Londono Susy , Li Xiang , Toor Jaspreet , de Villiers Margaret J. , Nayagam Shevanthi , Hallett Timothy B. , Abbas Kaja , Jit Mark , Klepac Petra , Jean Kévin , Garske Tini , Ferguson Neil M. , Gaythorpe Katy A. M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Deaths due to vaccine preventable diseases cause a notable proportion of mortality worldwide. To quantify the importance of vaccination, it is necessary to estimate the burden averted through vaccination. The Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium (VIMC) was established to estimate the health impact of vaccination.

Methods

We describe the methods implemented by the VIMC to estimate impact by calendar year, birth year and year of vaccination (YoV). The calendar and birth year methods estimate impact in a particular year and over the lifetime of a particular birth cohort, respectively. The YoV method estimates the impact of a particular year’s vaccination activities through the use of impact ratios which have no stratification and stratification by activity type and/or birth cohort. Furthermore, we detail an impact extrapolation (IE) method for use between coverage scenarios. We compare the methods, focusing on YoV for hepatitis B, measles and yellow fever.

Results

We find that the YoV methods estimate similar impact with routine vaccinations but have greater yearly variation when campaigns occur with the birth cohort stratification. The IE performs well for the YoV methods, providing a time-efficient mechanism for updates to impact estimates.

Conclusions

These methods provide a robust set of approaches to quantify vaccination impact; however it is vital that the area of impact estimation continues to develop in order to capture the full effect of immunisation.
One-session bilateral sequential whole lung lavage (OSBSWLL) for the management of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Diaz-Mendoza Javier , Celis Valdiviezo Eduardo , Patel Niral M. , Simoff Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Background

Whole Lung Lavage (WLL) has been an important part in the management of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) since it improves radiologic and clinical parameters. Bilateral WLL is usually performed in two sessions on different days. Few case reports have described one-session bilateral sequential lung lavage (OSBSWLL), and none have described ambulatory management (same-day discharge).

Methods

Demographic characteristics, physiologic parameters, procedure details and outcomes were retrospectively collected on consecutive patients who underwent OSBSWLL for PAP following an ambulatory protocol stablished in our institution.

Results

A total of 13 patients underwent 30 OSBSWLL (61.5% male; mean age 40). The mean SpO2 was 90% (IQR 9) and 94% (IQR 6), before and after OSBSWLL respectively. In 63.3% of cases, patients were discharged home the same day of procedure. Only in two cases (6.6%), patients required post-procedure prolonged mechanical ventilation (> 4 h) due to persistent hypoxia.

Conclusions

OSBSWLL can be performed with same-day discharge.
ICD-11 extension codes support detailed clinical abstraction and comprehensive classification
Authors: Drösler Saskia E. , Weber Stefanie , Chute Christopher G.
Published: November 2021

Background

The new International Classification of Diseases—11th revision (ICD-11) succeeds ICD-10. In the three decades since ICD-10 was released, demands for detailed information on the clinical history of a morbid patient have increased.

Methods

ICD-11 has now implemented an addendum chapter X called “Extension Codes”. This chapter contains numerous codes containing information on concepts including disease stage, severity, histopathology, medicaments, and anatomical details. When linked to a stem code representing a clinical state, the extension codes add significant detail and allow for multidimensional coding.

Results

This paper discusses the purposes and uses of extension codes and presents three examples of how extension codes can be used in coding clinical detail.

Conclusion

ICD-11 with its extension codes implemented has the potential to improve precision and evidence based health care worldwide.
Nursing qualifications needed in municipal emergency inpatient units. A qualitative study
Authors: Landstad Bodil J. , Hole Torstein , Strand Aasta-Marie Sveino , Kvangarsnes Marit
Published: November 2021

Background

Providing care to older individuals with complex needs and patients with chronic illness is a concern worldwide. In Norway, this situation led to the transfer of responsibility for care and treatment to the municipalities. Providing emergency care at the municipal level – thereby reducing the need for emergency hospital admissions – is part of the Coordination Reform in Norway. This reform from 2012 warrants a reconsideration of which nursing qualifications are needed in the municipalities.

The aim of the study is to explore which professional qualifications nurses need to provide emergency care in municipal emergency inpatient units.

Method

A qualitative design with a hermeneutic approach was employed. Interviewing physicians about nursing qualifications may be considered inappropriate. We believe that this is important for developing knowledge that can strengthen interprofessional cooperation in emergency situations. Three focus groups were conducted. Physicians with experience in municipal emergency inpatient units were interviewed.

Results

We synthesised three themes from the data: (1) broad medical knowledge; (2) advanced clinical skills; and (3) ethical qualifications and a holistic approach. The first theme is about knowledge, the second is about skills, and the third conveys the need for overall competence.

Conclusions

Nurses working in municipal emergency inpatient units need advanced ethical qualifications, which integrate broad medical knowledge, advanced clinical skills and the ability to take a holistic approach. They have a considerable responsibility to work independently and safely in a setting where both the patient and the patient’s family play important roles. Establishing arenas for collaborative practice between physicians and nurses on clinical issues may be a way of strengthening patient safety and nurses’ clinical judgement.
Work-related factors predict changes in physical activity among nurses participating in a web-based worksite intervention: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brunet Jennifer , Black Melissa , Tulloch Heather E. , Pipe Andrew L. , Reid Robert D. , Reed Jennifer L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite the numerous benefits associated with physical activity (PA), most nurses are not active enough and few interventions have been developed to promote PA among nurses. A secondary analysis of raw data from a single-centre, three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess whether work-related characteristics and general mood states predict changes in total weekly moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and average daily step-count among nurses participating in a 6-week web-based worksite intervention.

Methods

Seventy nurses (meanage: 46.1 ± 11.2 years) were randomized to an individual-, friend-, or team-based PA challenge. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention assessing work-related characteristics (i.e., shift schedule and length, number of hours worked per week, work role) and general mood states (i.e., tension, depression, anger, confusion, fatigue, vigour). Participants received a PA monitor to wear before and during the 6-week PA challenge, which was used to assess total weekly MVPA minutes and average daily step-count. Data were analyzed descriptively and using multilevel modeling for repeated measures.

Results

Change in total weekly MVPA minutes, but not change in average daily step-count, was predicted by shift schedule (rotating vs. fixed) by time (estimate = − 17.43, SE = 6.18, p = .006), and work role (clinical-only vs. other) by time (estimate = 18.98, SE = 6.51, p = .005). General mood states did not predict change in MVPA or change in average daily step-count.

Conclusions

Given that nurses who work rotating shifts and perform clinical work showed smaller improvements in MVPA, it may be necessary to consider work-related factors/barriers (e.g., time constraints, fatigue) and collaborate with nurses when designing and implementing MVPA interventions in the workplace.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04524572. August 24, 2020. This trial was registered retrospectively. This study adheres to the CONSORT 2010 statement guidelines.
Determining the impact of the Zika pandemic on primary care providers’ contraceptive counseling of non-pregnant patients in the US: a mixed methods study
Authors: Kaiser Jennifer E. , Galindo Eduardo , Sanders Jessica N. , Simmons Rebecca G. , Gawron Lori M. , Herrick Jennifer S. , Brintz Benjamin , Turok David K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Global pandemics like Zika (ZIKV) factor into pregnancy planning and avoidance, yet little is known about how primary care providers (PCPs) incorporate public health guidance into contraceptive counseling. Study objectives include: 1) determining the impact of the ZIKV pandemic on contraceptive counseling changes; and 2) assessing PCP knowledge and practice regarding contraception, ZIKV, and CDC ZIKV guidelines.

Methods

Study components included: (1) a retrospective review of electronic health records of non-pregnant, reproductive age women presenting for preventive health visits between 2014 and 2017 assessed using interrupted time series analyses (ITSA) to identify changes in documentation of ZIKV risk assessment and contraceptive counseling; and (2) a sequential, cross-sectional study with quantitative surveys and qualitative, semi-structured interviews of PCPs providing preventive care to non-pregnant patients at eight federally qualified health centers in Utah. We performed descriptive analyses on survey data and analyzed qualitative data for dominant themes using a modified Health Belief Model.

Results

We conducted 6634 chart reviews yielding 9840 visits. The ITSA did not reveal changes in ZIKV risk assessment or contraceptive counseling. Twenty-two out of 40 (55%) eligible providers participated in the provider component. Participants averaged 69 and 81% correct on contraceptive and ZIKV knowledge questions, respectively. Sixty-five percent reported counseling consistent with CDC ZIKV guidelines. Qualitative analysis found providers unlikely to prioritize ZIKV risk assessment in contraceptive counseling for non-pregnant patients.

Conclusions

PCPs who care for non-pregnant women are knowledgeable about contraception and ZIKV; however, there was no change in ZIKV risk assessment or contraceptive counseling. This stresses the importance of developing strategies to improve guideline uptake.
A parsimonious model to validate cost-effectiveness analyses on preventive health care
Authors: Gandjour Afschin
Published: November 2021

Background

The effect of preventive health care on health expenditures is ambiguous. On the one hand, prevention reduces the costs of future morbidity. On the other hand, prevention leads to costs of life extension. The purpose of this paper is to develop a parsimonious model that determines for a preventive measure of interest whether savings from preventing morbidity are more than offset by the costs of living longer, resulting in a net expenditure increase.

Methods

A theoretical model was built based on a Weibull survival function. It includes savings and life extension costs over the remaining lifetime. The model was applied to the example of obesity prevention.

Results

The model shows that the cost consequences of prevention are essentially driven by two factors: i) the relative reduction of morbidity-related costs, which determines the amount of savings from avoiding morbidity; and ii) the hazard ratio of death, which determines the amount of life extension costs. In the application example, the model is able to validate the results of a more complex cost-effectiveness model on obesity prevention.

Conclusions

This work provides new insight into the lifetime cost consequences of prevention. The model can be used both to check plausibility of the results of other models and to conduct an independent analysis.
Consideration factors of older adults seeking medical treatment at outpatient services in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Chen-I , Weng Cheng-Chie , Chen Wei , Yang Hui-Fei , Fan Sheng-Yu
Published: November 2021

Background

Taiwan will become a super-aged society by 2025, leading to the more frequent use of outpatient services by older adults for medical treatment compared with other age groups. Understanding the outpatient service consideration factors of older adults seeking medical treatment can improve health care quality. This study explored the selection factors and crucial considerations of older adults for outpatient services.

Methods

Qualitative study was conducted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 16 older adults over 65 years of age with chronic disease who were patients of an internal medicine department and regularly returned for checkups. Data including reasons for receiving medical treatment, factors affecting their choice of hospitals, and health care and environmental considerations were collected through structured interviews.

Results

The older adults identified four factors. (1) The care of doctors: The doctors possessed professional skill, allocate sufficient consultation time, and undertake effective communication. (2) The care of other medical professionals: Other medical professionals provided services in a cordial manner. (3) The accessibility and convenience of outpatient services: Convenient transportation and registration as well as short consultation wait time. (4) Environment and equipment: The hospital had the novel facilities and satisfactory barrier-free equipment.

Conclusions

The older adults cared most about the adequacy of diagnosis and treatment by doctors and other medical professionals. In addition, they reported having higher satisfaction with hospitals that provide comprehensive medical facilities, fast and convenient medical procedures, and short wait times.
The interactions between dietary fats intake and Caveolin 1 rs 3807992 polymorphism with fat distribution in overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aali Yasaman , Shiraseb Farideh , Abaj Faezeh , koohdani Fariba , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: November 2021

Background

It has been reported that dietary fats and genetic factors in individuals are associated with the pattern of fat distribution. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction between dietary fats intake andCaveolin1 (CAV-1) rs 3807s992polymorphism with fat distribution in overweight and obese women.

Methods

A total of 221 participants were included in the current cross-sectional study. Body composition, biochemical parameters were evaluated by body composition analyzer and Pars Azmoon kits and genotypes determination was performed by PCR–RFLP, dietary fats were measured using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FAQ).

Results

The frequency of GG, AA and AG genotypes were 53.1, 24.6, and 22.3%, respectively, and the mean intake of total dietary fat intake was 97.47 ± 36.87 g. There was positive significant interaction between total fat intake and AA genotype on visceral fat level (p = 0.001), trunk fat (p = 0.01) and waist circumference (p = 0.05), positive significant interaction between total fat intake and AG genotype on the waist to hip ratio (WHR) (p = 0.02) and visceral fat level (p = 0.05), positive borderline significant interaction between saturated fatty acid and AA genotype on the trunk fat (p = 0.06), and between trans-fatty acids and AG genotype on WHR (p = 0.04), visceral fat level (p = 0.01), and between monounsaturated fatty acid and AG genotype on WHR (p = 0.04), and a borderline interaction between polyunsaturated fatty acid and AA genotypes on visceral fat level (p = 0.06), negative significant interaction between AG genotypes and linolenic acid on WHR (p = 0.04), borderline significant interaction between ALA and AG genotype on WHR (p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Our findings showed thatCAV-1 rs 3807992polymorphism and dietary fats were associated with fat distributions in individuals.
Genetic analysis of osteopetrosis in Pakistani families identifies novel and known sequence variants
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Ajmal Muhammad , Akram Zaineb , Ghafoor Tariq , Farhan Muhammad , Shafique Sobia , Wahid Sughra , Bano Shahar , Xiao Jianqiu , Satti Humayoon Shafique , Zhang Feng , Khan Tahir Naeem
Published: November 2021

Osteopetrosis is a genetically heterogenous, fatal bone disorder characterized by increased bone density. Globally, various genetic causes are reported for osteopetrosis with all forms of inheritance patterns. A precise molecular diagnosis is necessary for prognosis and for prescribing treatment paradigms in osteopetrosis. Here we report on thirteen individuals diagnosed with infantile malignant osteopetrosis coming from ten unrelated Pakistani families; nine of whom are consanguineous. We performed whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing in all families and identified homozygous variants in genes previously reported for autosomal recessive inheritance of osteopetrosis. All the identified variants are expected to affect the stability or length of gene products except one nonsynonymous missense variant. TCIRG1 was found as a candidate causal gene in majority of the families. We report six novel variants; four in TCIRG1 and one each in CLCN7 and OSTM1. Our combined findings will be helpful in molecular diagnosis and genetic counselling of patients with osteopetrosis particularly in populations with high consanguinity.
Low-grade inflammation as a risk factor for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sharif Shahnam , Van der Graaf Y. , Cramer M. J. , Kapelle L. J. , de Borst G. J. , Visseren Frank L. J. , Westerink Jan ,   the SMART study group, van Petersen R. , Dinther B. G. F. , Algra A. , van der Graaf Y. , Grobbee D. E. , Rutten G. E. H. M. , Visseren F. L. J. , de Borst G. J. , Kappelle L. J. , Leiner T. , Nathoe H. M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes is a condition associated with a state of low-grade inflammation caused by adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance. High sensitive-CRP (hs-CRP) is a marker for systemic low-grade inflammation and higher plasma levels have been associated with cardiovascular events in various populations. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the relation between hs-CRP and incident cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in high-risk type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 1679 type 2 diabetes patients included in the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART). Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the risk of hs-CRP on cardiovascular events (composite of myocardial infarction, stroke and vascular mortality) and all-cause mortality. Hs-CRP was log-transformed for continuous analyses. Findings were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, current smoking and alcohol use, non-HDL-cholesterol and micro-albuminuria.

Results

307 new cardiovascular events and 343 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 7.8 years (IQR 4.2–11.1). A one unit increase in log(hs-CRP) was related to an increased vascular- and all-cause mortality risk (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.46 and HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10–1.45 respectively). No relation was found between log(hs-CRP) and myocardial infarction or stroke. The relations were similar in patients with and without previous vascular disease.

Conclusion

Low grade inflammation, as measured by hs-CRP, is an independent risk factor for vascular- and all-cause mortality but not for cardiovascular events in high-risk type 2 diabetes patients. Chronic low-grade inflammation may be a treatment target to lower residual cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients.
Icariin improves testicular dysfunction via enhancing proliferation and inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: He Weiguo , Liu Huiqing , Hu Linlin , Wang Yaohui , Huang Lane , Liang Aihong , Wang Xuan , Zhang Qing , Chen Yi , Cao Yi , Li Suyun , Wang Junli , Lei Xiaocan
Published: November 2021

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disease, severely impairs male reproductive function. However, the underpinning mechanisms are still incompletely defined, and there are no effective strategies or medicines for these reproductive lesions. Icariin (ICA), the main active component extracted from Herba epimedii, is a flavonoid traditionally used to treat testicular dysfunction. Whether ICA can improve male reproductive dysfunction caused by DM and its underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, by employing metformin as a comparative group, we evaluated the protective effects of ICA on male reproductive damages caused by DM and explored the possible mechanisms.

Methods

Rats were fed with a high fat diet (HFD) and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into T2DM + saline group, T2DM + metformin group and T2DM + ICA group. Rats without the treatment of HFD and STZ were used as control group. The morphology of testicular tissues was examined by histological staining. The mRNA expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Immunostaining detected the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in testicular tissues. TUNEL assay was performed to determine cell apoptosis in the testicular tissues. The protein expression levels of HIF-1α and SIRT1 in the testicular tissues were determined by western blot assay.

Results

ICA effectively improved male reproductive dysfunction of diabetic rats. ICA administration significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin resistance index (IRI). In addition, ICA increased testis weight, epididymis weight, sperm number, sperm motility and the cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubule. ICA recovered the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. Furthermore, ICA upregulated the expression of PCNA, activated SRIT1-HIF-1α signaling pathway, and inhibited intrinsic mitochondria dependent apoptosis pathway by upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and downregulating the expression of Bax and caspase 3.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ICA could attenuate male reproductive dysfunction of diabetic rats possibly via increasing cell proliferation and decreasing cell apoptosis of testis. ICA potentially represents a novel therapeutic strategy against DM-induced testicular damages.
Therapeutic inhibition of GAS6-AS1/YBX1/MYC axis suppresses cell propagation and disease progression of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhou Hao , Liu Wei , Zhou Yongming , Hong Zhenya , Ni Jian , Zhang Xiaoping , Li Ziping , Li Mengyuan , He Wenjuan , Zhang Donghua , Chen Xuexing , Zhu Jianhua
Published: November 2021

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of leukemia in adults. Its therapy has not significantly improved during the past four decades despite intense research efforts. New molecularly targeted therapies are in great need. The proto-oncogene c-Myc (MYC) is an attractive target due to its transactivation role in multiple signaling cascades. Deregulation of the MYC is considered one of a series of oncogenic events required for tumorigenesis. However, limited knowledge is available on which mechanism underlie MYC dysregulation and how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in MYC dysregulation in AML.

Methods

AML microarray chips and public datasets were screened to identify novel lncRNA GAS6-AS1 was dysregulated in AML. Gain or loss of functional leukemia cell models were produced, and in vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to demonstrate its leukemogenic phenotypes. Interactive network analyses were performed to define intrinsic mechanism.

Results

We identified GAS6-AS1 was overexpressed in AML, and its aberrant function lead to more aggressive leukemia phenotypes and poorer survival outcomes. We revealed that GAS6-AS1 directly binds Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) to facilitate its interaction with MYC, leading to MYC transactivation and upregulation of IL1R1, RAB27B and other MYC target genes associated with leukemia progression. Further, lentiviral-based GAS6-AS1 silencing inhibited leukemia progression in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed a previously unappreciated role of GAS6-AS1 as an oncogenic lncRNA in AML progression and prognostic prediction. Importantly, we demonstrated that therapeutic targeting of the GAS6-AS1/YBX1/MYC axis inhibits AML cellular propagation and disease progression. Our insight in lncRNA associated MYC-driven leukemogenesis may contribute to develop new anti-leukemia treatment strategies.
The Mie representation for Mercury’s magnetospheric currents
Authors: Toepfer S. , Narita Y. , Exner W. , Heyner D. , Kolhey P. , Glassmeier K. -H. , Motschmann U.
Published: November 2021

Poloidal–toroidal magnetic field decomposition is a useful application of the Mie representation and the decomposition method enables us to determine the current density observationally and unambiguously in the local region of magnetic field measurement. The application and the limits of the decomposition method are tested against the Mercury magnetic field simulation in view of BepiColombo’s arrival at Mercury in 2025. The simulated magnetic field data are evaluated along the planned Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) trajectories and the current system that is crossed by the spacecraft is extracted from the magnetic field measurements. Afterwards, the resulting currents are classified in terms of the established current system in the vicinity of Mercury.

Graphical Abstract
Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) against Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) under controlled and open-field conditions on bitter gourd
Authors: Hamzah Abdul Mannan , Mohsin Ata ul , Naeem Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Azam
Published: November 2021

Background

Bactrocera cucurbitae(Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most destructive pest of bitter gourd. Conventionally, it is controlled by chemical insecticides despite their hazardous impacts. Entomopathogenic fungi are considered as eco-friendly and safer alternative of chemical. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy ofBeauveria bassianaandMetarhizium anisopliaeagainstB. cucurbitaeon bitter gourd.

Results

The study revealed thatB. bassianaandM. anisopliaewere efficient againstB. cucurbitaein controlled as well as field conditions. Both mode of application (i.e., contact and oral) were found to be effective; however, high efficacies of them were observed through contact application (73.43 and 59.72%), respectively. Pathogenicity of both fungi increased with increase in concentration and time intervals. Under field conditions, significantly low fruit infestations and significantly a high population reduction ofB. cucurbitaewere observed at 30 DAT when both fungi were applied with 108 CFU/ml concentrations.

Conclusions

Beauveria bassianaandM. anisopliaehad the potential to be used againstB. cucurbitae;however, the former showed high efficiency comparatively.
Improvised centrifugal spinning for the production of polystyrene microfibers from waste expanded polystyrene foam and its potential application for oil adsorption
Authors: Budlayan Marco Laurence M. , Patricio Jonathan N. , Lagare-Oracion Jeanne Phyre , Arco Susan D. , Alguno Arnold C. , Basilio Antonio , Latayada Felmer S. , Capangpangan Rey Y.
Published: November 2021

A straightforward approach to recycle waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam to produce polystyrene (PS) microfibers using the improvised centrifugal spinning technique is demonstrated in this work. A typical benchtop centrifuge was improvised and used as a centrifugal spinning device. The obtained PS microfibers were characterized for their potential application for oil adsorption. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed similarity on the transmission bands of EPS foam and PS microfibers suggesting the preservation of the EPS foam’s chemical composition after the centrifugal spinning process. Scanning electron microscopy displayed well-defined fibers with an average diameter of 3.14 ± 0.59 μm. At the same time, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the presence of carbon and oxygen as the primary components of the fibers. Contact angle (θCA) measurements showed the more enhanced hydrophobicity of the PS microfiber (θCA= 100.2 ± 1.3°) compared to the untreated EPS foam (θCA= 92.9 ± 3.5°). The PS microfiber also displayed better oleophilicity compared to EPS foam. Finally, the fabricated PS microfibers demonstrated promising potential for oil removal in water with a calculated sorption capacity value of about 15.5 g/g even at a very short contact time. The fabricated PS fiber from the waste EPS foam may provide valuable insights into the valorization of polymeric waste materials for environmental and other related applications.
A survey on advances of quantum repeater
Authors: Yan Pei-Shun , Zhou Lan , Zhong Wei , Sheng Yu-Bo
Published: November 2021

The distribution of quantum entanglement is essential for quantum communication. Contrary to classical communication, the signal in quantum communication is impossible to copy due to the basic principles of quantum mechanics, i.e., quantum state collapse and no-cloning theorem. However, the communication range is limited by inevitable photon loss. To counteract this issue, one can insert several repeater stations between two remote end nodes to divide the full distance into several shorter segments and successively operate entanglement swapping between adjacent repeater stations to enable long-distance quantum communication. Up to now, one can classify quantum repeaters (QRs) into three generations based on the methods of reducing errors resulted from photon loss and imperfect operations. In this paper, we will briefly review advances for each generation of QRs and discuss the advantages and challenges of each generation. Moreover, we also discuss some efficient proposals of building blocks to overcome the bottlenecks for QRs.
A Longitudinal Study of Medial Temporal Lobe Volumes in Graves Disease
Authors: Holmberg Mats , Malmgren Helge , Heckemann Rolf A , Johansson Birgitta , Klasson Niklas , Olsson Erik , Skau Simon , Starck Göran , Filipsson Nyström Helena
Published: November 2021

Context

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common features of Graves disease (GD) in hyperthyroidism and after treatment. The mechanism behind these symptoms is unknown, but reduced hippocampal volumes have been observed in association with increased thyroid hormone levels.

Objective

This work aimed at investigating GD influence on regional medial temporal lobe (MTL) volumes.

Methods

Sixty-two women with newly diagnosed GD underwent assessment including magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in hyperthyroidism and 48 of them were followed up after a mean of 16.4 ± 4.2 SD months of treatment. Matched thyroid-healthy controls were also assessed twice at a 15-month interval. MR images were automatically segmented using multiatlas propagation with enhanced registration. Regional medial temporal lobe (MTL) volumes for amygdalae and hippocampi were compared with clinical data and data from symptom questionnaires and neuropsychological tests.

Results

Patients had smaller MTL regions than controls at inclusion. At follow-up, all 4 MTL regions had increased volumes and only the volume of the left amygdala remained reduced compared to controls. There were significant correlations between the level of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) and MTL volumes at inclusion and also between the longitudinal difference in the levels of free 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine and TRAb and the difference in MTL volumes. There were no significant correlations between symptoms or test scores and any of the 4 MTL volumes.

Conclusion

Dynamic alterations in the amygdalae and hippocampi in GD reflect a previously unknown level of brain involvement both in the hyperthyroid state of the condition and after treatment. The clinical significance, as well as the mechanisms behind these novel findings, warrant further study of the neurological consequences of GD.
Profile of Daughters and Sisters of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Role of Proband’s Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Harnois-Leblanc Soren , Hernandez Maria Isabel , Codner Ethel , Cassorla Fernando , Oberfield Sharon E , Leibel Natasha I , Mathew Revi P , Ten Svetlana , Magoffin Denis A , Lane Christianne J , Goran Michael I , Azziz Ricardo , Baillargeon Jean-Patrice , Geller David H
Published: November 2021

Context

First-degree relatives of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) present hormonal and metabolic alterations compared to girls unrelated to PCOS. It is unknown whether glucose intolerance in the PCOS proband confers a more severe metabolic predisposition on their first-degree relatives.

Objective

To determine whether glucose tolerance status in women with PCOS is associated with worsened glucose metabolism and sex hormone levels in their peripubertal daughters or sisters.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Seven academic centers in North America, South America, and Europe.

Patients

Sixty-four pairs of women with PCOS and their daughters or younger sisters aged between 8 and 14 years were recruited. Twenty-five mothers or older sisters with PCOS were glucose intolerant (GI) and 39 were normal glucose tolerant (NGT).

Main Outcome Measures

Beta-cell function estimated by the insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2 (ISSI-2) during an oral glucose tolerance test and by the disposition index during a frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test. Free testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels.

Results

Being related to a GI PCOS proband was associated with a lower ISSI-2 (P-value = 0.032) after adjusting for ethnicity, body mass index z-score, and pubertal stage. They also had higher free testosterone (P-value = 0.011) and 17-OHP levels compared to girls with an NGT proband, the latter becoming significant after adjusting for confounders (P-value = 0.040).

Conclusions

Compared to first-degree female relatives of women with PCOS and NGT, first-degree relatives of women with PCOS and GI display lower beta-cell function and hyperandrogenemia, putting them at higher risk of GI and PCOS development.
What lies beyond 100 years of insulin
Authors: Hooper Kirsty M.
Published: November 2021

It has been 100 years since the discovery of insulin. This revolutionary treatment saves the lives of millions of people living with diabetes, but much remains to be understood of its mechanisms and roles in homeostasis and disease. To celebrate this centenary, we explore areas of ongoing insulin research in diabetes, metabolic syndrome and beyond. Disease Models & Mechanisms aims to publish high-quality basic and pre-clinical research that advances our understanding of these conditions to facilitate clinical and public health impact.
Communication with self, friends and foes in active-sensing animals
Authors: Jones Te K. , Allen Kathryne M. , Moss Cynthia F.
Published: November 2021

Animals that rely on electrolocation and echolocation for navigation and prey detection benefit from sensory systems that can operate in the dark, allowing them to exploit sensory niches with few competitors. Active sensing has been characterized as a highly specialized form of communication, whereby an echolocating or electrolocating animal serves as both the sender and receiver of sensory information. This characterization inspires a framework to explore the functions of sensory channels that communicate information with the self and with others. Overlapping communication functions create challenges for signal privacy and fidelity by leaving active-sensing animals vulnerable to eavesdropping, jamming and masking. Here, we present an overview of active-sensing systems used by weakly electric fish, bats and odontocetes, and consider their susceptibility to heterospecific and conspecific jamming signals and eavesdropping. Susceptibility to interference from signals produced by both conspecifics and prey animals reduces the fidelity of electrolocation and echolocation for prey capture and foraging. Likewise, active-sensing signals may be eavesdropped, increasing the risk of alerting prey to the threat of predation or the risk of predation to the sender, or drawing competition to productive foraging sites. The evolutionary success of electrolocating and echolocating animals suggests that they effectively counter the costs of active sensing through rich and diverse adaptive behaviors that allow them to mitigate the effects of competition for signal space and the exploitation of their signals.
Multiparametric ultrasound and micro-ultrasound in prostate cancer: a comprehensive review
Authors: Dias Adriano Basso , O’Brien Ciara , Correas Jean-Michel , Ghai Sangeet
Published: November 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common non-cutaneous cancer diagnosed in males. Traditional tools for screening and diagnosis, such as prostate-specific antigen, digital rectal examination and conventional transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), present low accuracy for PCa detection. Multiparametric MRI has become a game changer in the PCa diagnosis pathway and MRI-targeted biopsies are currently recommended for males at risk of clinically significant PCa, even in biopsy-naïve patients. Recent advances in ultrasound have also emerged with the goal to provide a readily accessible and cost-effective tool for detection of PCa. These newer techniques include elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, as well as improved B-mode and Doppler techniques. These modalities can be combined to define a novel ultrasound approach, multiparametric ultrasound. High frequency Micro-ultrasound has emerged as a promising imaging technology for PCa diagnosis. Initial results have shown high sensitivity of Micro-ultrasound in detecting PCa in addition to its potential in improving the accuracy of targeted biopsies, based on targeting under real-time visualization, rather than relying on cognitive/fusion software MRI-transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy.
Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumours: two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Huang Xiao-dan , Zhang Han-wen , Feng Yu-ning , Lei Yi , Lin Fan
Published: November 2021

Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumour (RGNT) is a rare central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm that typically arises in the fourth ventricle. It is even more uncommon to arise outside the midline. In this paper, we report two cases of RGNT: one located in the fourth ventricle (a typical site), and the other in the right cerebellar hemisphere (a rare site). Both cases were misdiagnosed on imaging, and the results were inconsistent with the pathological diagnosis. The aim of the article is to deepen medical practitioners’ understanding of RGNT by learning from these two cases, summarising cases located in the cerebellar hemispheres and systematically reviewing RGNT.
Assessment of the impact of heart failure on household economic well-being: a protocol
Authors: Harikrishnan Sivadasanpillai , Ganapathi Sanjay , Reethu Salim , Bahl Ajay , Katageri Anand , Mishra Animesh , Alex Anoop George , Roy Bhavesh , Mohan Bishav , Joshi Hasit , Abdullakutty Jabir , Paul Justin , Rai Maneesh , Manjunath Cholenahally , Negi Prakash C. , Rajasekhar Durgaprasad , Sethi Rishi , Routray Satyanarayan , Shanmugasundaram Radhakrishnan , Padhi Sumanta Shekhar , Reddy P Shyam Sunder , Jeemon Panniyammakal
Published: November 2021

Background: Heart failure (HF), which is an emerging public health issue, adversely affects the strained health system in India. The adverse impact of HF on the economic well-being has been narrated in various anecdotal reports from India, with affected individuals and their dependents pushed into the vicious cycle of poverty. There is limited research quantifying how HF impacts the economic well-being of households from low- and middle-income countries.

Methods: We describe the methods of a detailed economic impact assessment of HF at the household level in India. The study will be initiated across 20 hospitals in India, which are part of the National heart Failure Registry (NHFR). The selected centres represent different regions in India, stratified based on the prevailing stages of epidemiological transition levels (ETLs). We will collect data from 1800 patients with acute decompensated HF and within 6-15 months follow-up from the time of initial admission. The data that we intend to collect will consist of a) household healthcare expenditure including out-of-pocket expenditure, b) financing mechanisms used by households and (c) the impoverishing effects of health expenditures including distress financing and catastrophic health expenditure. Trained staff at each centre will collect data by using a validated and structured interview schedule. The study will have 80% power to detect an 8% difference in the proportion of households experiencing catastrophic health expenditures between two ETL groups.  After considering a non-response rate of 5%, the target sample size is approximately 600 patients from each group and the total sample size is 1800 patients.

Potential Impact: Our study will provide information on catastrophic health spending, distress financing and household expenditure in heart failure patients. Our findings will help policy makers in understanding the micro-economic impact of HF in India and aid in allocation of appropriate resources for prevention and control of HF.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF LIGHTNING DAMAGE RESISTANCE OF UNPROTECTED AND PROTECTED STITCHED WARP-KNIT CARBON-EPOXY COMPOSITES
Authors: BOUSHAB DOUNIA , HARRISON KHARI , MOTE ANIKET , LACY, JR. THOMAS E. , PITTMAN, JR. CHARLES U.
Published: November 2021

In-flight lightning strike damage to aircraft composite structures may compromise aircraft airworthiness. Hence, it is crucial to incorporate adequate protection systems to mitigate the lightning current. Most lightning strike protection (LSP) techniques involve bonding a metallic conductive layer to the cured laminate exterior. In this study, a novel LSP integration technique was used to develop unitized panels with three different protection layers: pitch carbon fiber paper (PCFP), graphene paper (GP), and copper mesh (CM). Each LSP layer was overlaid on through-the-thickness VectranHT stitched warp-knit multiaxial dry carbon fabric stacks, resin-infused, and oven-cured. A series of lightning strike tests to protected and unprotected stitched carbonepoxy laminates were conducted at a nominal peak current of 150 kA. Visual inspection was used to investigate each panel’s lightning damage resistance, understand the damage mechanisms, and evaluate the surface morphology at the strike locations. The size and severity of the damaged area depended on several factors: the outermost ply fiber direction, the strike location relative to VectranHT and polyester knitting treads, the lightning peak current, and the conductivity of the protection layers. The CM and GP protection layers effectively dissipated the lightning current in-plane and showed no damage to the underlying composite. The degree of lightning damage on an unprotected laminate was significantly lower than for a similar panel with PCFP protection. The presence of VectranHT structural stitches and polyester warp-knitting threads profoundly reduced the size and severity of lightning damage. These threads appeared to promote close contact between adjacent carbon fiber tows, resulting in better in-plane and through-thickness electrical/thermal conductivities and reduced lightning damage.
WHAT IF SPIDERS MADE METAMATERIAL WEBS USING MATERIALS WITH MECHANICAL SIZE-EFFECTS?
Authors: ERIC ROBERT BEHLING ERIC ROBERT BEHLING , SRIVASTAVA ASHUTOSH , GLAESENER RAPHAËL , KUMAR SIDDHANT , VASHISTH ANIRUDDH
Published: November 2021

Spider’s webs are elegant examples of natural composites that can absorb outof- plane impact energy to capture prey. Different spiders have different methods and structure of webs, and these variations in topologies have a significant effect on the prey catching abilities of the web. Taking inspiration from the spiders, metamaterials that have architectured topology can be fabricated according to end applications such as energy absorbers or impact tolerant materials. In this investigation, we theoretically examined impact loading on various orb-spider webs modeled with metamaterial architecture using materials that show size-dependent behavior. Using the size-dependent properties of nano-reinforced polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs), various metamaterial topologies were evaluated for out-of-plane impact due using ANSYS Ls-Dyna. The material properties capture the size dependency of the ceramics where smaller elements have higher strength due to reduced flaw intensity; the mechanical strength of these elements does not follow the conventional Griffith Theory. In this study, spider web geometries fabricated with PDCs with varying size elements were examined.
MANUFACTURING OF AIRCRAFT WING STIFFENERS USING 4D PRINTING OF COMPOSITES
Authors: VAN HOA SUONG , REDDY BHARGAVI , ROSCA DANIEL IOSIF
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the procedure to make omega stiffeners using the method of 4D printing of composites. The method allows the manufacturing of complex structures without the need for a complex mold. Instead, flat layers of composite prepregs are laid on a flat mold. Due to the anisotropy of the different layers in the laminates, the stack of prepregs will change from its flat configuration into the omega shape upon curing and cooling to room temperature. The cavity is filled with foam to make the final structure.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF HIGH-LOADING POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES WITH MULTISCALE ALIGNMENT
Authors: PARK SOYEON , FU KUN (KELVIN)
Published: November 2021

Polymer nanocomposites have advantages in mechanical, electrical, and optical properties compared to individual components. These unique properties of the nanocomposites have attracted attention in many applications, including electronics, robotics, biomedical fields, automotive industries. To achieve their high performance, it is crucial to control the orientation of nanomaterials within the polymer matrix. For example, the electric conductivity will be maximized in the ordered direction of conductive nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Conventional fabrication methods are commonly used to obtain polymer nanocomposites with the controlled alignment of nanomaterials using electric or magnetic fields, fluid flow, and shear forces. Such approaches may be complex in preparing a manufacturing system, have low fabrication rate, and even limited structure scalability and complexity required for customized functional products. Recently, additive manufacturing (AM), also called 3D printing, has been developed as a major fabrication technology for nanocomposites with aligned reinforcements. AM has the ability to control the orientation of nanoparticles and offers a great way to produce the composites with cost-efficiency, high productivity, scalability, and design flexibility. Herein, we propose a manufacturing process using AM for the architected structure of polymer nanocomposites with oriented nanomaterials using a polylactic acid polymer as the matrix and graphite and CNTs as fillers. AM can achieve the aligned orientation of the nanofillers along the printing direction. Thus, it enables the fabrication of multifunctional nanocomposites with complex shapes and higher precision, from micron to macro scale. This method will offer great opportunities in the advanced applications that require complex multiscale structures such as energy storage devices (e.g., batteries and supercapacitors) and structural electronic devices (e.g., circuits and sensors).