bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of a LRRC8 chimera with physiologically relevant properties reveals heptameric assembly and pore-blocking lipids
Authors: Takahashi Hirohide , Yamada Toshiki , Denton Jerod S. , Strange Kevin , Karakas Erkan
Published: July 2022

Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) mediate Cl- and organic solute efflux from vertebrate cells and are essential for cell volume homeostasis. VRACs are heteromeric assemblies of LRRC8A-E proteins with unknown stoichiometries. Homomeric LRRC8A and LRRC8D channels have a hexameric structure. However, these channels are either non-functional or exhibit abnormal functional properties limiting their utility for structure-function analyses. We circumvented these limitations by developing novel homomeric LRRC8 chimeric channels with physiologically relevant functional properties. We demonstrate here that the LRRC8C-LRRC8A(IL125) chimera comprising LRRC8C and 25 amino acids unique to the first intracellular loop (IL1) of LRRC8A has a heptameric structure like that of homologous pannexin channels. Membrane lipids are a key structural element of the channel and are located between subunits and occluding the channel pore. Our results suggest that native VRAC/LRRC8 channels are heptamers and that associated lipids are likely essential for normal channel gating and regulation.
Structural conservation of MALAT1 long non-coding RNA in cells and in evolution
Authors: Monroy-Eklund Anais , Taylor Colin , Weidmann Chase , Burch Christina , Laederach Alain
Published: July 2022

Although not canonically polyadenylated, the long non-coding RNA MALAT1 (Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1) is stabilized by a highly conserved 159 nucleotide triple helix structure on its 3’ end. The entire MALAT1 transcript is over 8,000 nucleotides long in humans and is considered one of the most conserved lncRNAs, at both the sequence and structure levels. The strongest structural conservation signal (as measured by co-variation of base-pairs) is in the triple helix structure. Primary sequence analysis of co-variation alone cannot confirm the degree of structural conservation of the entire full-length transcript. Furthermore, RNA structure is often context dependent; RNA binding proteins that are differentially expressed in different cell types may alter structure. We investigate here the in cell and cell free structures of the full-length human and green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) MALAT1 transcripts in multiple tissue-derived cell lines using SHAPE chemical probing. Our data reveals surprising levels of uniform structural conservation in different cell lines, in cells and cell free, and even between species, despite significant differences in primary sequence. The uniformity of the structural conservation across the entire transcript suggests that, despite seeing co-variation signals only in the three-helix junction of the lncRNA, the rest of the transcript’s structure is remarkably conserved at least in primates and across multiple cell types and conditions.
The Haemophilus influenzae HipBA toxin–antitoxin system adopts an unusual three-component regulatory mechanism
Authors: Koo Ji Sung , Kang Sung-Min , Jung Won-Min , Kim Do-Hee , Lee Bong-Jin
Published: July 2022

Type II toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems encode two proteins: a toxin that inhibits cell growth and an antitoxin that neutralizes the toxin by direct intermolecular protein–protein interactions. The bacterial HipBA TA system is implicated in persister formation. The Haemophilus influenzae HipBA TA system consists of a HipB antitoxin and a HipA toxin, the latter of which is split into two fragments, and here we investigate this novel three-component regulatory HipBA system. Structural and functional analysis revealed that HipAN corresponds to the N-terminal part of HipA from other bacteria and toxic HipAC is inactivated by HipAN, not HipB. This study will be helpful in understanding the detailed regulatory mechanism of the HipBAN+C system, as well as why it is constructed as a three-component system.
Synthesis and crystal structure of trans-diaqua(1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane)copper(II) isophthalate monohydrate
Authors: Tsymbal Liudmyla V. , Arion Vladimir B. , Lampeka Yaroslaw D.
Published: July 2022

In the title hydrated molecular salt, [Cu(C7H20N4)(H2O)2](C8H4O4)·H2O, the metal ion is coordinated by the two primary and two secondary N atoms of the amine ligand and the mutually trans O atoms of the water molecules in a tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry. The average equatorial Cu—N bond lengths (2.013 and 2.026 Å for Cu—Nprim and Cu—Nsec, respectively) are substantially shorter than the average axial Cu—O bond length (2.518 Å). The tetraamine ligand adopts its energetically favored conformation with its five- and six-membered chelate rings in gauche and chair conformations, respectively. In the crystal, the N—H donor groups of the tetraamine, the acceptor carboxylate groups of the isophthalate dianion and both the coordinated water molecules and the water molecule of crystallization are involved in numerous N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of electroneutral layers oriented parallel to the ac plane.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (±)-N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionohydrazide
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Mague Joel T. , Akkurt Mehmet , Abdel-Rahman Laila H. , Abdel-Hameed Mohamed , Albayati Mustafa R. , Al-Taif Elham A.
Published: July 2022

The title molecule, C21H26N2O3, adopts a V-shaped conformation and is chiral at the C atom with methyl group attached at the common cut of the edges of the V-conformation and crystallizes as a racemate. It also contains an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds form chains of molecules extending along the c-axis direction, together with normal van der Waals contacts. The roles of the various intermolecular interactions were clarified by Hirshfeld surface analysis, which reveals that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (62.6%), C...H/H...C (15.8%) and O...H/H...O (15.3%) contacts.
Student use of digital libraries during COVID-19: structural equation modelling in Indonesian and Malaysian contexts
Authors: Habibi Akhmad , Yaakob Mohd Faiz Mohd , Sofwan Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the determinants that drive digital library use by university students in Indonesia and Malaysia during COVID-19. A proposed model based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model-2 was implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study was conducted prior to the main data collection to examine the reliability of the instrument. For the structural model assessment, 1,168 responses were analysed through partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and importance and performance analysis (IPMA). A t-test was also conducted to support the main findings.

Findings

Most hypotheses are confirmed by the significant results reported through the PLS-SEM. The strongest determinant of behavioural intention is habits. Digital library use is most significantly predicted by behavioural intention. Through IPMA, habits are reported to be the most important determinant for behavioural intention. Performance expectancy obtains the highest performance in the IPMA procedure. Behavioural intention and digital library use are significantly different based on the respondents’ location.

Originality/value

This study addresses the research gap (comparative studies between two countries) by evaluating digital library use among students in two universities in Indonesia and Malaysia during COVID-19. Findings could facilitate policymakers with insights into digital library use determinants and initiate effective and efficient policies to improve digital library use, especially during school closures due to certain situations or conditions.
A new approach for layout design of an emergency department in hospitals: a case from Jordan
Authors: Khatib Majd , Alshboul Abdulsalam
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The design of the emergency department (ED) requires high precision in the process of distributing spaces. An increase in population and continuous development during the past years caused the addition of new services, changes in patients’ numbers, movement flow and treatment procedures which makes the existing layout plan of the ED no longer appropriate for its current needs. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to generate a process of finding better alternatives for ED’s spatial planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The genetic algorithm method as a part of the systematic layout planning strategy was adopted for decision-making in redesigning the ED layout and finding the most appropriate alternative. This methodology was applied to a teaching hospital in Jordan to create layout alternatives with better functional dimensions.

Findings

The design that is based on the study of the movement of users and the relationship of spaces increases the layout performance.

Research limitations/implications

The structural method of this study can be adopted for different hospital designs, but the results are limited only to the study case itself because of the different factors and data for each building.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the process of making the most appropriate decision to redesign the ED in the hospital; therefore, the method can be adopted in restructuring the scheme of different hospitals and evaluated, especially before implementation.
Severe and multiple disadvantage: development and applications of a concept
Authors: Lemkes Alice
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to remove the self-evidence of the concept of severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD) by drawing upon a historical as well as a critical perspective to show its contingency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will introduce the concept of SMD by examining how it has come to be understood in the way that it has. This paper does so by exploring key texts which have informed the development of the concept as well as its conceptual near neighbours such as “multiple needs”. This paper traces some advancements of the concept within practice and further research with a focus on the Fulfilling Lives programme and the Lankelly Chase Foundation. Finally, the author reflects critically upon the concept and the manner in which the concept has become operationalised.

Findings

This analysis demonstrates how a particular definition of SMD has come to dominate over the past few years because of the research and practice of key organisations. On the one hand, this has further marginalised alternative definitions and ways of working, but on the other hand these stakeholders have been able to influence the way in which UK policy has taken up the concept within its governmental priorities.

Originality/value

To date, research has taken the term SMD for granted which limits the ability to critique its definitions and applications. This is an important and timely contribution because concepts are all-too-often taken for granted and at a pivotal moment when SMD has become nationalised through policy, critique is a political, potentially transformative, act.
Urban mix in housing neighbourhoods: challenges, evaluation method and diagnosis of Ayouf in Jijel, Algeria
Authors: Hallal Ibtissem , Sahnoune Tayeb
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the challenges of new urban housing zones in Algeria that have permitted the emergence of many habitat neighbourhoods deprived of all services. The objective is to promote social interaction by departing from the zoning and introducing the notion of urban mix.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tries to catch different elements that contribute to promote the degree of social interaction. This step ultimately has led to the need to improve the quality conditions of the living environment and focus the analysis on urban mix advantages. The latter aims to organize space by balancing functional, social and spatial magnitudes. Different methods have been adopted to assess each dimension. Starting with the assessment of the functional mix, the functional mix coefficient (C.Mix f) was calculated in a quantitative approach, and attendance rates of various targeted functions were determined in a second qualitative one. However, regarding the social mix, several evaluation criteria were selected. Finally, the spatial mix was evaluated via three modes of occupation; mix on the islet, mix on the parcel and mix on the building.

Findings

The results of this research confirm that urban mix is imperative to counteract problems generated by zoning. It also concludes that urban mix can be assessed through a grid of indicators. The case study of Ayouf-Jijel revealed that it benefits from good coverage of amenities and businesses; the authors also found that most indicators present some qualitative rather than quantitative deficiencies. This concerns the location of businesses in collective and individual housing. This phenomenon is scattered in the neighbourhood’s development.

Originality/value

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the argument on how to develop neighbourhoods in a city in general and particular to the city of Jijel through the urban mix by taking into account several indicators under three measurements: functional, social and spatial. In addition, the paper contributes to discuss new methods for the evaluation and implementation of urban mix. Finally, this paper reveals an opportunity to rethink neighbourhoods regarding new approaches and reflections of cosmopolite development versus zoning.
Exploring the frictional characteristics of kelp liquid as an environmentally friendly lubricant
Authors: Yang Huiyun , Lu Hailin , Wang Changkai , Jia Endong , Xue Bowen , Chai Guiquan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Kelp is widely productive and inexpensive. The purpose of this study is to explore kelp liquid (KL) as an environment-friendly water-based lubricant, which is expected to replace some industrial lubricants and protect the environment while satisfying lubricating performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this experiment, the soaked kelp was broken up by a wall-breaking machine to get the KL by a centrifuge. Elements and crystal structure of KL samples were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. The friction test is carried out by the relative movement of the polyethylene ball and the aluminum disk on the friction tester.

Findings

Friction experiments showed that 0.1 Wt.% KL has a good lubrication effect, and the average coefficient of friction is 0.063 under the condition of applying a 10 N load and moving at a speed of 2.0 cm/s. KL has good thermal conductivity with excellent cooling effect and high intermolecular force which makes high viscosity for excellent lubricating behavior, at the meantime molecules in solution remain stable which shows an excellent dispersibility.

Originality/value

At present, the research on kelp mainly focuses on its medicinal value and abundant nutritional value, and the research on its lubrication effect is less. Based on this situation, this paper explored the characteristics of KL as an environmentally friendly lubricant, which is expected to be used as a green cutting fluid.
Institutional quality, macroeconomic uncertainty and efficiency of financial institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper evaluates how institutions of governance and macroeconomic uncertainty influence efficiency of financial institutions in the subregion of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data for the empirical inquiry were compiled from relevant sources for 33 countries in the subregion from 2002 to 2019. Empirical estimates verifying hypothesized relationships were carried out using the continuous updating estimator (CUE) by Hansenet al.(1996).

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this paper is to evaluates how institutions of governance and macroeconomic uncertainty influence efficiency of financial institutions in the subregion of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data for the empirical inquiry were compiled from relevant sources for 33 countries in the subregion from 2002 to 2019. Empirical estimates verifying hypothesized relationships were carried out using the continuous updating estimator (CUE) by Hansenet al.(1996).

Findings

The results suggest that institutional quality has significant positive effect on financial institution efficiency, supporting the view that improved and supportive structures of governance tend to promote operational efficiency among financial institutions among economies in SSA. In addition, improvement in individual governance indicators such as corruption control, government effectiveness, regulatory quality and rule of law was also found to support or enhance efficiency of financial institutions among economies in the subregion. Macroeconomic uncertainty on the other hand is found to impede efficiency of financial institutions; the same condition (macroeconomic uncertainty) is further found to negate any positive impact corruption control, government effectiveness, regulatory quality and rule of law have on operational efficiency among financial institutions in the subregion.

Originality/value

Unlike most of related studies, this study adopts a different approach on the dynamics of financial institutions. Approach pursued in this empirical inquiry examines how the regulatory environment within which financial institutions operate, the form of governance and the quality of government institutions influence efficiency of financial institutions among emerging economies in Sub-Sahara. Empirical analysis conducted examines effects of variables that are unique to this study; these variables are either constructed or econometrically derived specifically for various interactions verified in the study. For instance, institutional quality variable is an index constructed specifically for this study using principal component analysis approach.
Lightweight design of an AlSi10Mg aviation control stick additively manufactured by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Wang Di , Wei Xiongmian , Liu Jian , Xiao Yunmian , Yang Yongqiang , Liu Linqing , Tan Chaolin , Yang Xusheng , Han Changjun
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore a structural optimization method to achieve the lightweight design of an aviation control stick part manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing (AM). The utilization of LPBF for the fabrication of the part provides great freedom to its structure optimization, further reduces its weight and improves its portability.

Design/methodology/approach

The stress distribution of the model was analyzed by finite element analysis. The material distribution path of the model was optimized through topology optimization. The structure and size of the parts were designed by applying honeycomb structures for weight reduction. The lightweight designed control stick part model was printed by LPBF using AlSi10Mg.

Findings

The weight of the control stick model was reduced by 32.64% through the optimization method using honeycomb structures with various geometries. The similar stress concentrations of the control stick model indicate that weight reduction has negligible effect on its mechanical strength. The maximum stress of the lightweight designed model under loading is 230.85 MPa, which is 61.81% larger than that of the original model. The lightweight control stick part manufactured by LPBF has good printability and service performance.

Originality/value

A structural optimization method integrating topology, shape and size optimization was proposed for a lightweight AlSi10Mg control stick printed by LPBF. The effectiveness of the optimization method, the printability of the lightweight model and the service performance of LPBF-printed AlSi10Mg control stick was verified, which provided practical references for the lightweight design of AM.
Carvedilol ameliorates persistent erythema of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea by regulating the status of anxiety/depression
Authors: Li Jian , Tang Jin‐Yi , Fu Jian , Zhang Ming‐Wang , Wan Mei , Chen De‐Wei , Chen Qi‐Quan , Li Xue , Song Guo‐Jing , Ni Rong‐Rong , Song Zhi‐Qiang
Published: July 2022

The treatment of persistent erythema and rosacea flushing is extremely challenging, especially for patients with anxiety. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of carvedilol in rosacea patients with persistent erythema and flushing. A total of 156 patients were randomized to use oral carvedilol 5 mg bid (twice per day) (n = 105) or topical brimonidine (n = 51) for a 10‐week period with 6 weeks of follow‐up. Both the efficacy of carvedilol and the status of anxiety/depression were analyzed by patient self‐assessment (PSA), clinician erythema assessment (CEA), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD‐7), and patient health questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). Our study found that carvedilol exerted a dramatic reduction in CEA/PSA scores and sting/burning sensation scores in comparison to topical brimonidine. Additionally, carvedilol treatment dramatically improved telangiectasia, erythema, and pigmentation with no obvious side effects. Patients with carvedilol treatment showed an improvement of depression/anxiety, as reflected by lower GAD‐7 and PHQ‐9 scores than patients with topical brimonidine. Notably, we found carvedilol treatment had better outcomes among patients under 30 years of age with rosacea younger than 30 years old. Conclusively, our findings reveal that carvedilol could quickly and effectively improve facial erythema, which might stem from the improved the status of anxiety/depression.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is a potential prognostic biomarker for extramammary Paget disease: A retrospective study
Authors: Maeda Takuya , Uehara Jiro , Toyoshima Rino , Nakagawa Tomoe , Yoshino Koji
Published: July 2022

The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a useful prognostic biomarker for many cancer types. However, the prognostic value of NLR in patients with extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether NLR is associated with overall survival (OS) in patients with EMPD. In this single‐center retrospective case series, we analyzed data of 109 patients with previously untreated EMPD who presented to our hospital. Data on age, sex, primary tumor site, invasion level, presence of lymph node and distant metastases, baseline NLR, and OS were analyzed. The enrolled patients were classified into the metastatic or non‐metastatic EMPD groups. The metastatic EMPD group had higher invasion level and NLR value (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively) compared with the non‐metastatic EMPD group. Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed invasion level (p = 0.0093) and NLR value (p = 0.019) to be independent prognostic factors for OS. Notably, multivariate analysis revealed that invasion level (p = 0.045) and NLR value (p = 0.036) were independent prognostic factors for OS in the metastatic EMPD group. The limitations of this study include the small number of participants and its retrospective nature. In conclusion, since NLR can be routinely assessed with high feasibility, it might be a useful biomarker for predicting prognosis in patients with EMPD.
The potential of pumpkin seed oil as a functional food—A comprehensive review of chemical composition, health benefits, and safety
Authors: Šamec Dunja , Loizzo Monica Rosa , Gortzi Olga , Çankaya İrem Tatlı , Tundis Rosa , Suntar İpek , Shirooie Samira , Zengin Gokhan , Devkota Hari Prasad , Reboredo‐Rodríguez Patricia , Hassan Sherif T.S. , Manayi Azadeh , Kashani Hamid Reza Khayat , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad
Published: July 2022

The growing interest in foods that can be beneficial to human health is bringing into focus some products that have been used locally for centuries but have recently gained worldwide attention. One of these foods is pumpkin seed oil, which has been used in culinary and traditional medicine, but recent data also show its use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In addition, some sources refer to it as a potential functional food, mainly because it is obtained from pumpkin seeds, which contain many functional components. However, the production process of the oil may affect the content of these components and consequently the biological activity of the oil. In this review, we have focused on summarizing scientific data that explore the potential of pumpkin seed oil as a functional food ingredient. We provide a comprehensive overview of pumpkin seed oil chemical composition, phytochemical content, biological activity, and safety, as well as the overview of production processes and contemporary use. The main phytochemicals in pumpkin seed oil with health‐related properties are polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and fatty acids, but carotenoids, squalene, tocopherols, and minerals may also contribute to health benefits. Most studies have been conducted in vitro and support the claim that pumpkin seed oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Clinical studies have shown that pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular problems of menopausal women and ailments associated with imbalance of sex hormones.
Single‐chain fragment variable produced by phage display technology: Construction, selection, mutation, expression, and recent applications in food safety
Authors: Li Long , Wu Shuangmin , si Yu , Li Huaming , Yin Xiaoyang , Peng Dapeng
Published: July 2022

Immunoassays are reliable, efficient, and accurate methods for the analysis of small‐molecule harmful substances (such as pesticides, veterinary drugs, and biological toxins) that may be present in food. However, traditional polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are limited by animal hosts and hinder further development of immunoassays. With the gradual application of phage display technology as an efficient in vitro selection technology, the single‐chain fragment variable (scFv) now provides an exciting alternative to traditional antibodies. Efficiently constructed scFv source libraries and specifically designed biopanning schemes can now yield scFvs possessing specific recognition capabilities. A rational mutation strategy further enhances the affinity of scFv, and allows it to reach a level that cannot be achieved by immunization. Finally, appropriate prokaryotic expression measures ensure stable and efficient production of scFv. Therefore, when developing excellent scFvs, it is necessary to focus on three key aspects of this process that include screening, mutation, and expression. In this review, we analyze in detail the preparation and affinity improvement process for scFv and provide insights into the research progress and development trend of scFv‐based immunoassay methods for monitoring small‐molecule harmful substances.
Growth performance and meat quality traits of Pekin ducks fed with different amounts of pelleted Ptecticus tenebrifer
Authors: Jeong Yeon Woo
Published: July 2022

To determine the effects of pelleted feed forms of Ptecticus tenebrifer (PT) on the growth performance and meat quality traits of Pekin ducks, a total of 225 1‐d‐old Pekin ducks were randomly allocated into three treatment groups, each consisting of three replicates with 25 ducks. The three treatment groups were a control with basal diet; T1 with basal diet + 1.5% pelleted PT; and T2 with basal diet + 3% pelleted PT. An increase in weight gain and a decrease in mortality were observed in ducks fed either 1.5% or 3% pelleted PT compared with the control (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in initial and final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratios among the three treatment groups (p > 0.05). Remarkable differences were observed in the meat quality traits of pH on day 7, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) on day 0, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging values on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05). Treatment groups of T1 and T2 presented reduced TBARS values and increased DPPH radical scavenging values compared with the control group. Although the breast meat red color did not show a significant difference among the three groups (p > 0.05), the lightness and yellowness of the meat were affected in groups fed pelleted PT on days 7 and 3, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusively, dietary supplementation with 1.5% and 3% pelleted PT could enhance weight gain, reduce mortality, and improve the antioxidant effect of duck breast meat.
Successful restart of chemotherapy in a patient with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumor after COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Tanabe Yuki , Shukuya Takehito , Nagata Yuichi , Watanabe Takayasu , Seto Koichi , Takahashi Rina , Masuda Koichi , Miura Keita , Tajima Ken , Hiki Makoto , Hayashi Takuo , Suzuki Kenji , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: July 2022

Cancer patients are considered highly susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. However, it is not well known when chemotherapy can be safely restarted in cancer patients after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Here, we describe the case of an 18‐year‐old man diagnosed with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (PMNSGCT) in which chemotherapy could be safely restarted after COVID‐19. On day 11 of the third cycle of bleomycin, etoposide, plus cisplatin (BEP), he was diagnosed with mild COVID‐19. On day 16 after the onset of COVID‐19 (day 26 of third cycle of BEP), chemotherapy for his PMNSGCT was restarted. He received surgery after the fourth cycle of BEP without recurrence of COVID‐19. Chemotherapy could be restarted and followed by surgery in this post‐COVID‐19 patient who had experienced mild illness after the discharge criteria were met and all symptoms had disappeared. We report this case with a review of the literature on restarting chemotherapy after SARS‐CoV2 infection.
Calonectria leaf blight of Eucalyptus: A global review
Authors: Bose Ratnaboli , Banerjee Sabyasachi , Pandey Amit , Bhandari Maneesh S. , Barthwal Santan , Pandey Shailesh
Published: July 2022

Calonectria (= Cylindrocladium), an internationally recognised fungal ascomycete genus, causes significant diseases on numerous crops of forestry, horticultural and agricultural interest. Eucalyptus, an economically important multipurpose plantation forestry species, is severely threatened by Calonectria leaf blight (CLB) disease in Brazil, Australia, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and India. The disease causes serious mortality in the nurseries/plantations and yield losses due to defoliation. Since the first report of Calonectria in 1867, efforts have been made for the identification and characterisation of this vastly diverse hypocrealean genus. Currently, the genus Calonectria harbours 131 species grouped within 11 species complexes, and broadly categorised into the Prolate and Sphaero‐Naviculate groups. Globally, 35 Calonectria species distributed in seven species complexes cause CLB of Eucalyptus, out of which 29 belong to the Prolate group and five to the Sphaero‐Naviculate group. Likewise, 28 Calonectria species distributed in eight species complexes have been reported in association with infected Eucalyptus tissues and plantation soil, however, their pathogenicity remains to be determined. Given the importance of CLB of Eucalyptus, this review compiles its global impact, shifts in taxonomy and nomenclature of Calonectria, pathogenesis mechanism, defence response of Eucalyptus upon infection and disease management. This study identifies and provides direction to crucial areas of future research on CLB which is severely impacting Eucalyptus plantations globally.
Inclusion and reporting of sex, gender, and race/ethnicity in randomized controlled trials of nonpharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorder: A meta‐epidemiologic review
Authors: Schick Melissa R. , Nalven Tessa , Lynch‐Gadaleta Blaine , Hostetler Katherine L. , Crawford Michael C. , Spillane Nichea S.
Published: July 2022

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are among the most prevalent behavioral and mental health diagnoses. Individuals with an AUD are at increased risk for numerous consequences across their social, health, and psychological functioning. Research suggests that differences may exist in the prevalence and consequences of AUD and in the efficacy of AUD treatment across demographic characteristics (i.e., sex/gender and race/ethnicity). This meta‐epidemiologic review examined the inclusion of diverse groups (sex/gender and race/ethnicity) in published randomized controlled trials of nonpharmacological treatments for AUD since 1994, following passage of the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act of 1993. We systematically searched databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement criteria. The initial search strategy yielded 7931 articles. After excluding ineligible articles, 155 were included in the present review for synthesis. Of the articles included in this review, only 57 (36.8%) fully reported on both their sample's sex/gender and racial/ethnic breakdown. Of the total sample, seven articles specifically examined one racial/ethnic group and 32 specifically examined one sex/gender group. Six articles (3.9%) reported no information regarding the racial/ethnic breakdown of their sample and five articles (3.2%) reported no information regarding the sex/gender breakdown of their participants. Only two articles (1.3%) reported on subgroup analyses that examined differences in treatment outcomes by both sex/gender and race/ethnicity, despite guidelines set forth by NIH. Only 46 articles (29.7%) described the failure to include diverse sex/gender or racial/ethnic groups or concerns about the generalizability of study findings given their sample's sex/gender or racial/ethnic composition as methodological limitations. These results indicate that substantial efforts must be put forth by the scientific community to ensure the inclusion, analysis, and reporting of data focused on women/females and members of minoritized racial/ethnic groups.
Combined effects of quetiapine and opioids: A study of autopsy cases, drug users and sedation in rats
Authors: Andersen Freja Drost , Joca Sâmia , Hvingelby Victor , Arjmand Shokouh , Pinilla Estefano , Steffensen Simon Comerma , Simonsen Ulf , Andersen Charlotte Uggerhøj
Published: July 2022

Fatal opioid poisonings often involve methadone or morphine. This study aimed to elucidate if quetiapine, a widely used sedative antipsychotic medication, may increase the risk of fatal opioid poisoning by additive inhibitory effects on the central nervous system. We used data from 323 cases of fatal methadone or/and morphine poisonings autopsied from 2013 to 2020, a survey of 34 drug users, and performed blinded placebo‐controlled studies in 75 Flinders Resistant Line rats receiving three cumulative intraperitoneal doses of vehicle, methadone (2.5, 10 and 15 mg/kg), morphine (3.75, 15 and 22.5 mg/kg), quetiapine (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) or quetiapine combined with methadone or morphine. Quetiapine was detected in 20.4% of fatal opioid poisonings with a significantly increased frequency over time, primarily in low or therapeutic concentrations, and was not associated with methadone or morphine concentrations. Use of quetiapine, most commonly in low‐to‐moderate doses to obtain a sleep‐inducing or tranquillizing effect, was reported by 67.6% of survey respondents. In the animal studies, a significant impairment of sedation score, performance on the rotarod and open field mobility was observed in all treatment groups compared with vehicle. However, the effect of quetiapine plus the opioid was not significantly different from that of the opioid alone. Thus, no additive sedative effects were observed in rats. Our results suggest that quetiapine is more often an innocent bystander than a contributor to fatal opioid poisoning. However, the combined effects on other parameters, including blood pressure, cardiac rhythm and respiratory rate, need investigation.
Protection in Refugee Education: Teachers' Socio‐Political Practices in Classrooms in Jordan
Authors: Salem Hiba , Dryden‐Peterson Sarah
Published: July 2022

This article examines why and how teachers of refugees enact protection by engaging with local forms of harm facing their refugee students. Through portraits of two classrooms in Jordan, we describe the relationships that form between Jordanian teachers and Syrian students, and the protection practices teachers develop in response. We propose a more comprehensive conceptualization of protection in refugee education that layers socio‐political protection on legal and rights‐based protection commonly embedded in humanitarian activities.
Immaterial Precarity and Affective States of Anticipation: NGO Afterlives of Non‐Elite Young Women in Urban India
Authors: Desai Karishma
Published: July 2022

Aspirations have gained significant attention within educational anthropology and yet the effects (and affects) of the imperative to aspire that undergird educational projects have been underexamined. This paper argues that aspirations within the context of material depravity often produce immaterial precarity, which I index as affective states of anticipation drawing on ethnographic research with non‐elite young women who were alumni of a girls' empowerment intervention in New Delhi.
A universal, high‐performance ECG signal processing engine to reduce clinical burden
Authors: Gibbs Austin , Fitzpatrick Matthew , Lilburn Mark , Easlea Holly , Francey Jonathan , Funston Rebecca , Diven Jordan , Murray Stacey , Mitchell Oliver G. J. , Condon Adrian , Mitchell Andrew R. J. , Sanchez Benjamin , Steinhaus David
Published: July 2022

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal conditioning is a vital step in the ECG signal processing chain that ensures effective noise removal and accurate feature extraction.

Objective

This study evaluates the performance of the FDA 510 (k) cleared HeartKey Signal Conditioning and QRS peak detection algorithms on a range of annotated public and proprietary ECG databases (HeartKey is a UK Registered Trademark of B‐Secur Ltd).

Methods

Seven hundred fifty‐one raw ECG files from a broad range of use cases were individually passed through the HeartKey signal processing engine. The algorithms include several advanced filtering steps to enable significant noise removal and accurate identification of the QRS complex. QRS detection statistics were generated against the annotated ECG files.

Results

HeartKey displayed robust performance across 14 ECG databases (seven public, seven proprietary), covering a range of healthy and unhealthy patient data, wet and dry electrode types, various lead configurations, hardware sources, and stationary/ambulatory recordings from clinical and non‐clinical settings. Over the NSR, MIT‐BIH, AHA, and MIT‐AF public databases, average QRS Se and PPV values of 98.90% and 99.08% were achieved. Adaptable performance (Se 93.26%, PPV 90.53%) was similarly observed on the challenging NST database. Crucially, HeartKey's performance effectively translated to the dry electrode space, with an average QRS Se of 99.22% and PPV of 99.00% observed over eight dry electrode databases representing various use cases, including two challenging motion‐based collection protocols.

Conclusion

HeartKey demonstrated robust signal conditioning and QRS detection performance across the broad range of tested ECG signals. It should be emphasized that in no way have the algorithms been altered or trained to optimize performance on a given database, meaning that HeartKey is potentially a universal solution capable of maintaining a high level of performance across a broad range of clinical and everyday use cases.
Subtle QRS changes are associated with reduced ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction, and heart failure development and therapy responsiveness: Applications for artificial intelligence to ECG
Authors: García‐Escobar Artemio , Vera‐Vera Silvio , Jurado‐Román Alfonso , Jiménez‐Valero Santiago , Galeote Guillermo , Moreno Raúl
Published: July 2022

Background

Since the last century, the electrocardiogram (ECG) remains the non‐invasive test, that is, most easily accessible, feasible, and inexpensive for cardiology assessment. In past years, many novel ECG indexes and patterns have been published that allow for a more advanced evaluation of what is currently being done, especially based on subtle QRS changes and patterns.

Objective

The objective of the study was to provide an update on the evidence and clinical applications of these ECG subtle QRS changes and patterns associated with heart disease.

Methods

Through the literature review, we will highlight the subtle QRS changes and patterns associated with heart disease, mainly focusing on QRS duration, voltage, morphology, axis, and QT interval.

Results

Small increases in QRS duration are associated with a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), increased cardiac chamber dimensions, and risk for incident heart failure (HF). Moreover, fragmentation of the QRS complex is associated with myocardial fibrosis and is a substrate for developing arrhythmic events. Besides, low amplitude QRS voltage is associated with congestive HF, and an increase in the voltage of the QRS complexes is associated with the effectiveness of diuresis treatment. Furthermore, small increases in QT interval are associated with diastolic dysfunction due to impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium handling as occurs in myocardial ischemia, hypertension, or diabetes. On the other hand, in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, the QRS area is associated with clinical and echocardiographic response to cardiac resynchronization therapy regardless of the type of bundle branch block. In addition, subtle ECG changes and patterns in the left bundle branch block are associated with concomitant right ventricular dilation, mostly based on the QRS axis and voltage. Notwithstanding, to identify these subtle changes in QRS require exact manual measurements that can take time. In this regard, applying artificial intelligence (AI) to the ECG can make a quicker and more complete assessment, as well as provide a low cost when applied to large populations.

Conclusion

We provided an update on the evidence and clinical applications of these subtle QRS changes and patterns associated with diastolic dysfunction, reduced EF, and HF development and therapy responsiveness, as well as their applications for AI to ECG.
Delusional infestation – do not be scared!
Authors: Coulson Ian
Published: July 2022

Linked Article:  Ahmed et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:472–480.
Messaging about descriptive and injunctive norms can promote honesty in young children
Authors: Liu Xingchen , Zhao Changzhi , Zhang Xiaoyan , Compton Brian J. , Sai Liyang , Heyman Gail D.
Published: July 2022

This research examined the effectiveness of using norms to promote honesty. Participants were Han Chinese children (N = 568, 50.4% male, 3.24 to 6.00 years, collected 2020–2022). Relative to children in a control condition, children in Study 1 were more likely to confess to having cheated in a game after being presented with a descriptive norm indicating that confessions are typical, or an injunctive norm indicating that most other children approve of confessing. Study 2 showed that this finding was not due to a methodological artifact, and Study 3 replicated the effect in a context in which the norm information was conveyed by someone other than the experimenter. The findings suggest that messages about social norms can influence children's honesty.
CDKN2A exon 1B deletion predisposing to melanoma and neural system tumour syndrome
Authors: Wong Samantha L. , Martiniuc Daniela , Kiuru Maija
Published: July 2022

CDKN2A at chromosome positon 9p21 is a tumour suppressor gene encoding the cell cycle regulators p16 and p14ARF. While melanoma is associated with variants affecting both transcripts, families with mutations involving the p14ARF-specific exon 1B may be predisposed to central nervous system tumours. We describe a family with a deletion of exon 1B in CDKN2A, who had multiple cutaneous melanomas, neural tumours and various malignancies.
ModelWise: Interactive Model Comparison for Model Diagnosis, Improvement and Selection
Authors: Meng Linhao , van den Elzen Stef , Vilanova Anna
Published: July 2022

Model comparison is an important process to facilitate model diagnosis, improvement, and selection when multiple models are developed for a classification task. It involves careful comparison concerning model performance and interpretation. Current visual analytics solutions often ignore the feature selection process. They either do not support detailed analysis of multiple multi‐class classifiers or rely on feature analysis alone to interpret model results. Understanding how different models make classification decisions, especially classification disagreements of the same instances, requires a deeper model understanding. We present ModelWise, a visual analytics method to compare multiple multi‐class classifiers in terms of model performance, feature space, and model explanation. ModelWise adapts visualizations with rich interactions to support multiple workflows to achieve model diagnosis, improvement, and selection. It considers feature subspaces generated for use in different models and improves model understanding by model explanation. We demonstrate the usability of ModelWise with two case studies, one with a small exemplar dataset and another developed with a machine learning expert with real‐world perioperative data.
Optimizing Grid Layouts for Level‐of‐Detail Exploration of Large Data Collections
Authors: Frey S.
Published: July 2022

This paper introduces an optimization approach for generating grid layouts from large data collections such that they are amenable to level‐of‐detail presentation and exploration. Classic (flat) grid layouts visually do not scale to large collections, yielding overwhelming numbers of tiny member representations. The proposed local search‐based progressive optimization scheme generates hierarchical grids: leaves correspond to one grid cell and represent one member, while inner nodes cover a quadratic range of cells and convey an aggregate of contained members. The scheme is solely based on pairwise distances and jointly optimizes for homogeneity within inner nodes and across grid neighbors. The generated grids allow to present and flexibly explore the whole data collection with arbitrary local granularity. Diverse use cases featuring large data collections exemplify the application: stock market predictions from a Black‐Scholes model, channel structures in soil from Markov chain Monte Carlo, and image collections with feature vectors from neural network classification models. The paper presents feedback by a domain scientist, compares against previous approaches, and demonstrates visual and computational scalability to a million members, surpassing classic grid layout techniques by orders of magnitude.
Branch Decomposition‐Independent Edit Distances for Merge Trees
Authors: Wetzels Florian , Leitte Heike , Garth Christoph
Published: July 2022

Edit distances between merge trees of scalar fields have many applications in scientific visualization, such as ensemble analysis, feature tracking or symmetry detection. In this paper, we propose branch mappings, a novel approach to the construction of edit mappings for merge trees. Classic edit mappings match nodes or edges of two trees onto each other, and therefore have to either rely on branch decompositions of both trees or have to use auxiliary node properties to determine a matching. In contrast, branch mappings employ branch properties instead of node similarity information, and are independent of predetermined branch decompositions. Especially for topological features, which are typically based on branch properties, this allows a more intuitive distance measure which is also less susceptible to instabilities from small‐scale perturbations. For trees with 𝒪(n) nodes, we describe an 𝒪(n4) algorithm for computing optimal branch mappings, which is faster than the only other branch decomposition‐independent method in the literature by more than a linear factor. Furthermore, we compare the results of our method on synthetic and real‐world examples to demonstrate its practicality and utility.