bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐214‐3p facilitates M2 macrophage polarization by targeting GSK3B
Authors: Peng Ling‐Yan , Li Bi‐Bao , Deng Ke‐Bin , Wang Wen‐Guang
Published: January 2022

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. M2 macrophage polarization can reduce inflammation and repair tissue injury during AR development. Studies have substantiated the involvement of miRNAs in AR pathogenesis. Herein, the molecular mechanism of miR‐214‐3p in AR development was explored. To mimic the AR environment, ovalbumin (OVA) was used to treat macrophages. MiR‐214‐3p and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B) expression in nasal mucus tissues and macrophages was assessed by RT‐qPCR. The M2 phenotypic signature of CD206 in macrophages was assessed by flow cytometry. The protein expression of GSK3B and M2 macrophage markers (ARG‐1 and IL‐10) was evaluated by western blotting. The correlation between miR‐214‐3p and GSK3B was validated by a luciferase reporter assay. We found that miR‐214‐3p was overexpressed in macrophages and nasal mucus tissues from AR patients. MiR‐214‐3p facilitated M2 polarization of macrophages upon OVA stimulation. Mechanistically, miR‐214‐3p targeted the GSK3B 3′ untranslated region in macrophages. In addition, GSK3B was downregulated in macrophages and nasal mucus tissues from AR patients. In rescue assays, GSK3B downregulation reversed the inhibitory effects of miR‐214‐3p silencing on M2 polarization of macrophages treated with OVA. Overall, miR‐214‐3p facilitates M2 macrophage polarization by targeting GSK3B.
Deep‐sea wooden shipwrecks influence sediment microbiome diversity
Authors: Hampel Justyna J. , Moseley Rachel D. , Mugge Rachel L. , Ray Anirban , Damour Melanie , Jones Douglas , Hamdan Leila J.
Published: January 2022

Historic shipwrecks function as habitats for benthic organisms by providing food, refuge, and structure. They also form islands of biodiversity on the seabed, shaping microbial ecology and ecosystem processes. This study examined two wooden deep‐sea shipwrecks at 525 and 1800 m water depth and probed their influence on sediment microbiomes and geochemistry. Microbiomes were investigated with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing along 60 m transects extending in four directions from the hulls of the shipwrecks. Distance from shipwrecks and sediment depth both shaped microbiome structure. Archaeal alpha diversity was significantly and positively correlated with proximity to the deeper shipwreck while bacterial diversity was not to either. Archaeal community structure differed at both sites; the deeper site had a higher proportion of Bathyarchaeia and Lokiarchaeia proximate to shipwreck compared to the shallow location. Major bacterial communities were consistent at both sites, however, at the deeper site had higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Desulfofarculales, and Desulfobacteriales. Core microbiome and differential abundance analyses revealed unique taxa nearest the shipwrecks compared to the surrounding seabed including organoheterotrophs, and cellulolytic and sulfur cycling taxa. Sediment carbon content influenced microbiome structure near the shipwrecks (5–10 m). We show that shipwrecks have a distinct sediment microbiome and form unique habitat patches on seabed, resembling those surrounding organic falls. The shipwreck influence was more pronounced at the deeper site, further from terrestrial influences signaling shipwrecks may be a significant source of organic matter in far‐shore oligotrophic settings.
Fibrous Scaffolds for Muscle Tissue Engineering Based on Touch‐Spun Poly(Ester‐Urethane) Elastomer
Authors: Uribe‐Gomez Juan , Schönfeld Dennis , Posada‐Murcia Andrés , Roland Michel‐Manuel , Caspari Anja , Synytska Alla , Salehi Sahar , Pretsch Thorsten , Ionov Leonid
Published: January 2022

Development of fiber‐spinning technologies and materials with proper mechanical properties is highly important for the manufacturing of aligned fibrous scaffolds mimicking structure of the muscle tissues. Here, the authors report touch spinning of a thermoplastic poly(1,4‐butylene adipate)‐based polyurethane elastomer, obtained via solvent‐free polymerization. This polymer possesses a combination of important advantages such as 1) low elastic modulus in the range of a few MPa, 2) good recovery ratio and 3) resilience, 4) processability, 5) nontoxicity, 6) biocompatibility, and 7) biodegradability that makes it suitable for fabrication of structures mimicking extracellular matrix of muscle tissue. Touch spinning allows fast and precise deposition of highly aligned micro‐ and nano‐fibers without use of high voltage. C2C12 myoblasts readily align along soft polymer fibers and demonstrate high viability as well as proliferation that make proposed combination of polymer and fabrication method highly suitable for engineering skeletal muscles.
Large deletion of Wdr19 in developing renal tubules disrupts primary ciliogenesis, leading to polycystic kidney disease in mice
Authors: Yu Shang‐Shiuan , Wang Ellian , Chiang Chih‐Ying , Cheng Po‐Hao , Yeh Yu‐Shan , Wu Ying‐Ying , Chiou Yuan‐Yow , Jiang Si‐Tse
Published: January 2022

WD repeat domain 19 (Wdr19) is a major component of the intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery, which is involved in the function of primary cilia. However, the effects of Wdr19 on primary cilia formation, cystogenesis, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) progression remain unclear. To study these effects, we generated three lines of kidney‐specific conditional knockout mice: Wdr19‐knockout (Wdr19‐KO, Wdr19f/−::Cdh16‐CreTg/0), Pkd1‐knockout (Pkd1‐KO, Pkd1f/−::Cdh16‐CreTg/0), and Wdr19/Pkd1‐double knockout (Wdr19&Pkd1‐dKO, Wdr19f/−;Pkd1f/−::Cdh16‐CreTg/0) mice. Ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the primary cilia were almost absent at postnatal day 10 in Wdr19‐KO mice compared with Pkd1‐KO and wild‐type (WT) mice. However, the primary cilia appeared structurally normal even if malfunctional in Pkd1‐deficient cysts. The Pkd1‐KO mice had the most severe PKD progression, including the shortest lifespan (14 days) and the largest renal cysts, among the three knockout lines. Thus, the molecular mechanism of renal cystogenesis in Wdr19‐KO mice (primary cilia abrogation) was different from that in Pkd1‐KO mice (primary cilia malfunction). In summary, Wdr19 deficiency leads to primary cilia abrogation and renal cyst formation. Wdr19 is primarily proposed to participate in retrograde IFT and to be crucial for the construction of primary cilia, which are critical organelles for tubulogenesis in the developing kidneys. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
An electric‐driven variable stiffness morphing skin: Preparation and properties
Authors: Ren Xiaoming , Zhu Guangming
Published: January 2022

With variable stiffness properties, shape memory polymers (SMPs) become the most promising materials of morphing skins. In this article, based on hydro‐epoxy resin/carboxyl‐terminated butadiene acrylonitrile/maleic anhydride matrix, composite morphing skins are prepared by doping conductive carbon black (CB). By adjusting the content of CB, in‐plane and out‐of‐plane properties of skins can be adjusted. Because of the in‐plane tensile stress acting on the skin during flight, tensile test is required. The results indicate that in‐plane tensile strength of skin decreases as the CB content increases. In electrical resistivity test, the electronic resistivity of skin decreases sharply at a low‐percolation threshold (1.9 wt%) and then maintains a low and steady level. As for out‐of‐plane properties, thermo‐ and electro‐active shape memory test are studied. All of the selected typical composite skins have 100% thermo‐driven shape recovery rate. Some skins have 100% thermo‐driven shape fixity rate and fast electro‐active shape recovery speed. When the CB content is 2.6 or 3 wt%, the skin can recover its out‐of‐plane deformed shape completely at 150 V. Benefit from easy control and remote drive, the composite SMP skins are proved to be a promising candidate material for morphing skins.
Shared and unique affective abnormalities in schizotypy dimensions
Authors: Lai Jocelyn , Snyder Madeline E. , Vijayakumar Kamalakannan SO. M. , Bailey Drew H. , Martin Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2022

Attention to affect is theoretically a precursor to one's ideal affect (i.e., preference for feeling low‐ and high‐arousal positive and negative affect) and emotion regulation (ER). In schizotypy, there have been mixed findings regarding abnormalities in attention to affect. At the same time, little is known about ideal affect in schizotypy or whether differences in ideal affect or ER difficulties in schizotypy are driven by attention to affect. Thus, this study aimed to identify shared and unique abnormalities in attention to affect, ideal affect, and ER difficulties in schizotypy, and to test whether attention to affect underlies differences in ideal affect and ER difficulties. Using groups of individuals with either extreme levels of social anhedonia (SocAnh; n = 181), extreme levels of perceptual aberrations/magical ideation (PerMag; n = 105), or individuals low on both (i.e., controls; n = 531), we tested group differences in attention to affect, ideal affect, and ER difficulties. Our findings suggest both shared and unique affective abnormalities; compared to controls, the SocAnh group paid the least attention to positive affect. Only PerMag had heightened attention to negative affect compared to controls. Additionally, we found unique abnormalities relating to ideal affect but mostly shared difficulties in ER in schizotypy. Abnormalities in ideal affect and ER remain largely consistent after accounting for attention to affect for PerMag, suggesting that attention to affect is not the primary mechanism driving these abnormalities. However, we found evidence that attention to affect underlies some SocAnh–control group differences in ideal affect and ER difficulties. Our work helps to clarify prior work and contributes to the understanding of shared and unique affective abnormalities in schizotypy. Future research may consider longitudinal approaches to test causal mechanisms of affective abnormalities in schizotypy.
Preparation and application practice of temperature self‐regulating flexible polymer electric heaters
Authors: Ali Imran , Shchegolkov Alexandr , Shchegolkov Aleksei , Zemtsova Natalya , Bogoslovskiy Vladimir , Shigabaeva Gulnara , Galunin Evgeny , Hussain Iqbal , Almalki Abdulraheem S. A. , Alsharif Meshari A. , Alahmdi Mohammed Issa
Published: January 2022

The present article considers a comparative analysis of two elastomers, polyurethane (PUС) and organosilicon (OSC), both modified with 1.0–9.0 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The MWCNTs‐1 and MWCNTs‐2 were synthesized through CVD method using Co‐Mo/Al2O3‐MgO and Fe‐Co/2,1Al2O3. The results obtained showed that the lowest bulk conductivity (5 × 10−10 S × cm−1) was typical for PUC elastomer modified with 1 wt.% MWCNTs‐2. As for OSC elastomer (modified with 9 wt.% MWCNTs‐1), the lowest bulk conductivity was found to be 0.4 S × cm−1. The maximum temperature field uniformity was established for OSC elastomer modified with 7 wt.% MWCNTs‐2, whereas in the modified PUC‐based elastomer, the nonuniform temperature field took place. This might be caused by local MWCNTs entanglement manifested in the formation of agglomerates or a denser packing of conductive networks. The best combination of the polymer matrix and MWCNTs type was revealed. Finally, it was established that for electric heaters, it is the most efficient to employ OSC modified with 7 wt.% MWCNTs and use MWCNTs‐1 or MWCNTs‐2, depending on the feeding voltage level of 12 or 24 V. This study is of special importance in household purposes, clothing with built‐in heating panels, car/tractor systems, minibus interiors, onboard thermal ventilation systems, clothing, and aircraft industries.
Which factor explains the life‐history of Xanthium strumarium L., an aggressive alien invasive plant species, along its altitudinal gradient?
Authors: Ullah Rafi , Khan Nasrullah , Ali Kishwar
Published: January 2022

Invasive biology acknowledges the concept of better performance by invasive plants in the introduced range. Xanthium strumarium L. is one of the successful invasive species in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The phenological pattern, vegetative and reproductive traits plasticity analysis of the species was explored to explain the invasive success across the altitudinal gradient in the current invaded habitats. Phenological patterns and timing (seedling, vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting, drying, and seed bank) were observed during a full year for two seasons. We also examine plant functional traits at altitudes of 500, 1000, and 1500 m a.s.l. to assess traits and biomass variations. The X. strumarium exhibits late vegetative and reproductive phenology at higher altitudes, enabling them to occupy an empty niche and benefit from decreased competition for resource acquisition. The lower altitude plants show a higher growth rate (stem size increase, number of leaves, and leaf area) due to the higher nutrient availability. Higher altitude plants have the highest reproductive biomass and biomass ratio revealing plant abilities to be reproductively adapted in the higher altitudes. Among climatic variables, mean yearly temperature, mean annual yearly humidity, and mean day length in hours, while in soil variables, organic matter and nitrogen percentage significantly affect the phenological and morphological stages. Therefore, we conclude that X. strumarium can invade higher altitudes with a shift in its phenological and morphological changes making the invasion process successful.
Risk of major depressive disorder in adolescent and young adult cancer patients in Japan
Authors: Akechi Tatsuo , Mishiro Izumi , Fujimoto Shinji
Published: January 2022

Objective

To estimate the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer in Japan and identify risk factors for MDD among these patients.

Methods

This was a matched cohort study using a large claims database in Japan. Included patients were aged 15–39 years, newly diagnosed with cancer during 2012–2017 and assessable for a follow‐up period of 12 months. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for MDD in the AYA patients with cancer versus age‐, sex‐ and working status‐matched cancer‐free controls. A subgroups analysis of the AYA patients with cancer was performed to explore MDD risk factors.

Results

A total of 3559 AYA patients with cancer and 35,590 matched controls were included in the analysis. Adolescent and young adult patients with cancer had a three‐fold higher risk for MDD compared with cancer‐free controls (HR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.64–3.70). Among cancer categories with >100 patients, patients with multiple cancer categories, including those with metastatic cancer (HR, 6.73, 95% CI, 3.65–12.40) and leukemia (HR, 6.30; 95% CI, 3.75–10.58), had the greatest MDD risk versus matched controls. Patients who received inpatient chemotherapy as initial treatment had a higher risk for MDD than patients without chemotherapy (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.30–0.62).

Conclusions

Adolescent and young adult patients in Japan with cancer are at high risk for MDD. Particularly, those with multiple cancer categories, leukemia, and those who receive aggressive anticancer treatments should be monitored closely for symptoms of MDD.
Risk of genital and urinary tract infections associated with SGLT‐2 inhibitors as an add‐on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study in Korea
Authors: Yang Hyeri , Choi Eunmi , Park Eunjun , Na Eonji , Chung Soo Youn , Kim Bonggi , Han Soon Young
Published: January 2022

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors are antidiabetic drugs with associated safety concerns regarding the risk of genital and urinary tract infections. This study assessed the risk of genital and urinary tract infections associated with prescription of SGLT‐2 inhibitors as an add‐on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, sulfonylurea (SU), and thiazolidinedione (TZD). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the NHIS—National Health Insurance—Database in Korea from 2014 to 2017. Patients aged ≥19 years and those diagnosed with T2DM prior to drug prescription were enrolled. The outcomes were genital and urinary tract infections. Analysis was performed using Cox's proportional hazard model following 1:1 propensity score matching to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among the 107 131 patients included in the study, a total of 7738, 7145, and 2175 patients were assigned to the DPP‐4 inhibitors, SU, and TZD comparator groups, using the propensity score (PS) of each comparator based on 7741 people in the assessed drug SGLT‐2 inhibitor group. SGLT‐2 inhibitors were associated with a higher risk of genital infections than DPP‐4 inhibitors (HR: 2.39, 95% CI: 2.07–2.76), SU (HR: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.73–3.81), and TZD (HR: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.35–4.44), as an add‐on therapy to metformin. Similar results were observed for the risk of urinary tract infections. In conclusion, SGLT‐2 inhibitors are significantly associated with a higher risk of genital and urinary tract infections compared to DPP‐4 inhibitors, SU, and TZD.
Properties of black carrot extract and its efficacy for improving the storage quality of vacuum packaged fresh meat products
Authors: Aksu Muhammet Irfan , Turan Emre
Published: January 2022

Natural plant extracts have been widely used in the food industry in recent years as natural colourants, antioxidants and antimicrobials due to consumer health concerns. In this study, the effects of different levels of black carrot water extract (BCWE) (control without BCWE, 100, 200 and 300 ppm) on metmyoglobin (MetMb), lipid oxidation, colour and microbial counts of vacuum‐packed ground beef were evaluated during chilled storage for 15 days. MetMb, pH, lipid oxidation, redness (a*) values and microbial counts of ground beef were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by BCWE treatment. During storage, the lowest lipid oxidation values were determined in the BCWE groups (p < 0.05). BCWE groups had higher a* values and lower MetMb content at the end of storage than control. BCWE contributed to reduce the growth of Enterobacteriaceae. The 200‐ppm BCWE group had approximately 2 log units lower Enterobacteriaceae counts at the end of storage compared to the control. These results showed that the anthocyanin‐rich BCWE is a promising natural additive to overcome the problems in vacuum‐packed ground meat. Consequently, 200‐ppm BCWE can be recommended for use in vacuum‐packed ground beef to prevent discolouration, lipid oxidation and microbial growth during chilled storage.
Ex Vivo Confocal Microscopy for Surgical Margin Assessment: A Histology-Compared Study on 109 Specimens
Authors: Grizzetti L. , Kuonen F.
Published: January 2022

Background

The assessment of surgical margins is mandatory to prevent local recurrence or distant dissemination of skin cancers. Histological examination of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides from paraffin-embedded or frozen samples is the gold standard for margin assessment, but is a time-consuming procedure. Ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is an upcoming technique that scans unfixed fresh tissue rapidly, allowing fast per-operative margin assessment.

Objective

Here, we propose to assess the efficiency of a new ex vivo confocal microscope for the per-operative assessment of surgical margins.

Methods

We analyzed 16 biopsies and 93 surgical specimens of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas by ex vivo CLSM using Histolog® Scanner V2. Surgical specimens included fusiform excisions, slow-Mohs peripheral and deep compartments, and Mohs excisions. The time required from surgical excision to image analysis was recorded and the quality of the images obtained for each specimen assessed. The presence or absence of tumour was estimated based on ex vivo CLSM images and compared with conventional H&E-stained sections from paraffin-embedded or frozen (Mohs) specimens.

Results

Mean time for specimen processing using Histolog Scanner was 5.1 ± 3.4 min. We obtained 89% of high quality images. Mean time for confocal image analysis was 1 ± 0.76 min. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for ex vivo CLSM compared to classical H&E procedures were respectively 93% and 100% when performed on tumour biopsies. The overall sensitivity and specificity for ex vivo CLSM for margin assessment compared to classical H&E procedures were respectively 61.5% and 95%, with variations depending on the type of tumour or surgical specimen analyzed. In particular, we obtained 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the assessment of BCC surgical margins.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that ex vivo CLSM using Histolog® Scanner V2 could be a valid help for surgeons for a fast and accurate per-operative margin analysis.
Predictive BPaaS management with quantum and neural computing
Authors: Hedhli Ameni , Mezni Haithem , Ben Said Lamjed
Published: January 2022

With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, the deployment and management of business processes over cloud environments have become an essential operation for most enterprises, leading to the emergence of BPaaS (Business Process as a Service) as a new cloud service model. This SaaS‐like service, like its ancestors, should be strategically distributed and managed over multiple cloud zones, while taking into account several constraints and conditions (e.g., sensitivity of BPaaS fragments, insecure and untrusted cloud zones, lack of resources, and workload changes). However, current BPaaS approaches are static, which means that they are no longer suitable to manage such enterprise‐oriented cloud service model and to deal with the uncertain and dynamic nature of cloud availability zones. To fill this gap, we adopt a predictive BPaaS management strategy by proposing a model that forecasts the next‐short time overload of cloud zones. These latter, as hosting environments for the managed BPaaS, are categorized as overloaded or underloaded, which triggers the migration of BPaaS fragments to high‐performance cloud zones. The proposed neural network prediction model (called QGA‐NN) is enhanced with a quantum genetic algorithm to optimize the prediction of cloud zones' overload. QGA‐NN is evaluated using a BPaaS placement algorithm, which we defined as a triggered management operation. Experimental results have proved the accuracy and effectiveness of our predictive approach, compared with state‐of‐the‐art solutions.
Qubits based mutual authentication protocol
Authors: Nema Prashant , Nene Manisha J.
Published: January 2022

Authentication of the entity is the initial step toward secure transaction over the internet. The evolution in the nature and types of attacks have forced the commerce industry to move from single factor to multi‐factor authentication technique largely employing biometric codes for human based entity. These biometric codes are unique and therefore, are synonymous to a user identity in the digital world. Hence, safeguarding the Biometric data becomes important for the user. Also, the classical authentication techniques relying on public key encryption schemes are no longer considered safe in the post quantum era. The research in this paper therefore, proposes a quantum based mutual authentication user‐server protocol which employs the principles of quantum mechanics to carry out secure exchange and storage of confidential data. The mathematical formulae validated through demonstration of properties of quantum mechanics verifies the ability of the protocol to work in compromised channel. The detailed security analysis carried out further quantifies the same and builds in confidence to adopt the quantum based mutual authentication protocol for critical user‐server data exchange.
Teaching about Indigenous peoples in the EFL classroom: Practical approaches to the development of intercultural competence
Authors: Murray Helen Margaret
Published: January 2022

This article considers how theories about intercultural competence can be used when teaching about Indigenous peoples in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. Intercultural understanding and communicative competence are important skills for pupils to develop for living in modern multicultural societies. Although based on the requirements of the Norwegian curriculum, the suggestions made in this article are applicable to all EFL classrooms where topics relating to Indigenous peoples are taught. After brief discussion of relevant theories concerning the development of intercultural competence, practical approaches to teaching are suggested. These can guide teachers when creating teaching modules on topics relating to Indigenous peoples. The article discusses how using authentic materials, avoiding stereotyping, and redressing the balance of power when teaching about Indigenous peoples in the EFL classroom can lead to the development of intercultural understanding. The practical approaches for how pupils can work with topics relating to Indigenous peoples include suggestions for activities and discussion questions taken from the author’s own teaching materials.
LncRNA MEG3amelioratesNiOnanoparticles‐induced pulmonary inflammatory damage via suppressing the p38 mitogen activated protein kinases pathway
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Chang Xuhong , Gao Qing , Gong Xuefeng , Zheng Jinfa , Liu Han , Li Kun , Zhan Haibing , Wang Xiaoxia , Li Sheng , Sun Xingchang , Feng Sanwei , Sun Yingbiao
Published: January 2022

The lung inflammatory damage could result from the nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs), in which the underlying mechanism is still unclear. This article explored the roles of long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA MEG3) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) pathway in pulmonary inflammatory injury induced by NiO NPs. Wistar rats were treated with NiO NPs suspensions (0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg) by intratracheal instillation twice‐weekly for 9 weeks. Meanwhile, A549 cells were treated with NiO NPs suspensions (25, 50, and 100 μg/ml) for 24 h. It can be concluded that the NiO NPs did trigger pulmonary inflammatory damage, which was confirmed by the histopathological examination, abnormal changes of inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TGF‐β1, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐10, CXCL‐1 and CXCL‐2) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pulmonary tissue and cell culture supernatant. Furthermore, NiO NPs activated the p38 MAPK pathway and downregulated MEG3 in vivo and in vitro. However, p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor (10 μM SB203580) reversed the alterations in the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines induced by NiO NPs. Meanwhile, over‐expressed MEG3 significantly suppressed NiO NPs‐induced p38 MAPK pathway activation and inflammatory cytokines changes. Overall, the above results proved that over‐expression of lncRNA MEG3 reduced NiO NPs‐induced inflammatory damage by preventing the activation of p38 MAPK pathway.
Synthesis of phytic acid‐based compounds for improving the mechanical properties and fire performances of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Yang Xiangming , Song Xiaoling , Wang Yijing , Yu Erlei , Wei Zhong
Published: January 2022

Bio‐based phytic acid is a nontoxic naturally occurring compound and has the potential for use in polymers for flame retardancy due to its high phosphorus content. In this work, two novel phytic acid‐based compounds, phytyl octyl glycidyl ether (PAOc) and phytyl phenyl glycidyl ether (PAPh), were prepared through the addition esterification of 2‐ethylhexyl glycidyl ether and phenyl glycidyl ether with phytic acid. The chemical structure of PAOc and PAPh were confirmed by 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and FTIR spectra. The mechanical, thermal, and fire performances of the PLA/PAOc and PLA/PAPh blends were investigated by various tests including mechanical, thermal (DSC, TGA), morphological (SEM), and flammability (LOI, UL‐94). The results showed that the addition of PAOc and PAPh improved the thermal stability of PLA through hydrogen bonding. PAPh was more effective to improving the mechanical properties and crystalline properties of PLA than PAOc. When PAPh was 5 wt%, the elongation at break of PLA increased from 2.9% to 16.7%, the tensile strength increased from 32 to 37 MPa, and the crystallinity increased from 30.6% to 36.7%. Moreover, introduction of phenyl group was beneficial to phytic acid improving the flame retardant properties of PLA. At an addition level of 10 wt%, the LOI of PLA/PAPh reached 27.5% and achieved UL‐94‐V0 rating while improving the mechanical properties.
Stability estimation for unsupervised clustering: A review
Authors: Liu Tianmou , Yu Han , Blair Rachael Hageman
Published: January 2022

Cluster analysis remains one of the most challenging yet fundamental tasks in unsupervised learning. This is due in part to the fact that there are no labels or gold standards by which performance can be measured. Moreover, the wide range of clustering methods available is governed by different objective functions, different parameters, and dissimilarity measures. The purpose of clustering is versatile, often playing critical roles in the early stages of exploratory data analysis and as an endpoint for knowledge and discovery. Thus, understanding the quality of a clustering is of critical importance. The concept of stability has emerged as a strategy for assessing the performance and reproducibility of data clustering. The key idea is to produce perturbed data sets that are very close to the original, and cluster them. If the clustering is stable, then the clusters from the original data will be preserved in the perturbed data clustering. The nature of the perturbation, and the methods for quantifying similarity between clusterings, are nontrivial, and ultimately what distinguishes many of the stability estimation methods apart. In this review, we provide an overview of the very active research area of cluster stability estimation and discuss some of the open questions and challenges that remain in the field.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification
Sparse 3D contrast-enhanced whole-heart imaging for coronary artery evaluation
Authors: Ansari Uzair , Janssen Sonja , Baumann Stefan , Borggrefe Martin , Waldeck Stephan , Schönberg Stefan , Papavassiliu Theano , Overhoff Daniel
Published: January 2022

Background

We investigated the feasibility of evaluating coronary arteries with a contrast-enhanced (CE) self-navigated sparse isotropic 3D whole heart T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study sequence.

Methods

A total of 22 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography and/or cardiac computed tomography (CT) including cardiac MRI. The image quality was evaluated on a 3-point Likert scale. Inter-reader variability for image quality was analyzed with Cohen’s kappa for the main coronary segments (left circumflex [LCX], left anterior descending [LAD], right coronary artery [RCA]) and the left main trunk (LMT).

Results

Inter-reader agreement for image quality of the coronary tree ranged from substantial to perfect, with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.722 (RCAmid) to 1 (LCXprox). The LMT had the best image quality. Image quality of the proximal vessel segments differed significantly from the mid- and distal segments (RCAprox vs. RCAdist, p < 0.05). The LCX segments showed no significant difference in image quality along the vessel length (LCXprox vs. LCXdist, p = n.s.). The mean acquisition time for the study sequence was 553 s (±46 s).

Conclusion

Coronary imaging with a sparse 3D whole-heart sequence is feasible in a reasonable amount of time producing good-quality imaging. Image quality was poorer in distal coronary segments and along the entire course of the LCX.
Behandlung von Hepatitis-C-Infektionen im Zeitalter direkt wirkender antiviraler Medikamente (DAAs)
Authors: Peiffer Kai-Henrik , Zeuzem Stefan
Published: January 2022

Die chronische Hepatitis-C-Infektion kann unbehandelt zu schwerwiegenden und potenziell lebensbedrohlichen leberassoziierten Komplikationen führen. Grundsätzlich stellt damit jede chronische Infektion mit dem Hepatitis-C-Virus (HCV) eine Indikation zur antiviralen Therapie dar. Besonders dringlich ist sie jedoch bei Patient*innen mit fortgeschrittener Lebererkrankung. In diesem Beitrag werden Indikation, Therapieziele und Grundprinzipien der direkt antiviralen Therapie beschrieben. Verschiedene Therapieregime und Möglichkeiten der Überwachung von Therapie und Therapieerfolg werden vorgestellt.

Heutzutage wird die chronische HCV-Infektion interferonfrei mit direkt antiviral wirksamen Medikamenten („direct acting antivirals“ – DAA) behandelt, wobei die Wahl der Medikamente von HCV-Genotyp, Vortherapie und Fibrosestatus abhängt. Patient*innen mit kompensierter Leberzirrhose und solche ohne Leberzirrhose weisen unter Behandlung vergleichbar hohe Viruseradikationsraten auf. Auch bei dekompensierter Leberzirrhose oder dialysepflichtiger Niereninsuffizienz und selbst bei Kindern ab einem Alter von 3 Jahren ist heutzutage eine sichere und hocheffiziente antivirale Behandlung möglich. Medikamenteninteraktionen sind zu beachten, können aber einfach und schnell im Internet überprüft werden. Auch wenn sich die Prognose nach HCV-Eradikation deutlich verbessert, sollten Patient*innen mit fortgeschrittener Leberfibrose bzw. einer Leberzirrhose lebenslang weiterbeobachtet werden, um die Entstehung eines hepatozellulären Karzinoms rechtzeitig zu erkennen (HCC-Surveillance).
An Observational Study of Paediatric Preoperative Transfusion Practice in a Resource‐Limited Setting
Authors: Charuvila Somy , Aziz Tasmiah Tahera , Davidson Sarah E. , Naznin Ummay , Sinha Shiuly , Ahmed Sabbir , Lakhoo Kokila , Banu Tahmina
Published: January 2022

Background

Paediatric anaemia is highly prevalent in low–middle‐income countries and can negatively impact postoperative outcomes. Currently, there are no guidelines for the management of paediatric preoperative anaemia. To ensure optimal care in resource‐limited settings: balancing the risks of anaemia and using resources such as blood transfusion, we first need to understand current practices. To address this, a joint UK–Bangladesh team conducted an observational study at a paediatric surgical centre in Bangladesh.

Methods

A total of 464 patients ≤16 years who underwent elective and emergency surgery were categorised into major (351/464), moderate (92/464) and minor (21/464) surgery groups according to anticipated blood loss. Preoperative anaemia testing and transfusion was assessed retrospectively through patient notes.

Results

Median age was 4 years and 73% were male. 32.5% (151/464) patients had preoperative blood testing for anaemia. 17.5% (81/464) children were transfused preoperatively. Of those children transfused, 40.7% (33/81) underwent transfusion solely based on visible signs of anaemia on clinical examination. Seventy‐five percentage (36/48) of children who underwent transfusion after blood testing had haemoglobin ≥80 g/L. Major surgery category had the highest proportion of children who were transfused and tested for anaemia.

Conclusion

A liberal transfusion approach is evident here. Discussion with local clinicians revealed that this was due to limitations in obtaining timely blood results and reduction in laboratory costs incurred by families when clinical suspicion of anaemia was high. Further research is needed to analyse the potential of using bedside haemoglobin testers in conjunction with patient blood management strategies to limit blood transfusions and its associated risks.
Despite Major Therapeutic Advances, Vena Caval Trauma Remains Associated with Significant Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zafar , Khan Afroz , Mbebe Dalina Thembisile , Bruce John Lambert , Bekker Wanda , Clarke Damian Luiz
Published: January 2022

Background

Penetrating inferior vena caval injuries remain a challenging operative entity. This study reviews our local experience with the injury over a nine‐year period and attempts to contextualize it within the published literature that emanates from South Africa on the topic.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed of all patients who underwent a laparotomy for a penetrating IVC injury. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographics, clinical and biochemical parameters, intraoperative data, ICU admission and outcomes.

Results

During the nine‐year period, thirty‐five patients sustained penetrating injuries to the IVC. Mechanism of injury included 25 low velocity gunshots (71%) and 10 stab wounds (29%). The anatomical location included two (6%) supra‐renal, six (17%) juxta‐renal and 27 (77%) infra‐renal injuries. Venorrhaphy was performed in 22 cases (63%) and ligation in 13 (37%). Average ICU stay was 5.4 days. Thirteen patients died (37%), of which six (46%) died within 24 h of arrival.

Conclusion

Despite dramatic improvements in surgical trauma care over the last four decades, penetrating injury to the IVC carries a high mortality rate ranging from 31 to 37%. It is unlikely that further improvements can be achieved by refining operative techniques and approaches to resuscitation. Future endeavours must focus on applying the burgeoning understanding of endovascular surgery to these injuries.
Informal input suppliers, quality choice and welfare
Authors: Daga Sergio , Mendi Pedro
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a theoretical model in which a formal upstream firm competes against informal input suppliers, which constitute an alternative, albeit lower-quality input source for formal downstream firms. The existence of an alternative source increases competition in the industry, which tends to be welfare-increasing. However, it may also distort the incentives of the formal upstream firm to invest in quality upgrading. Assuming quantity competition downstream, we analyze how these incentives change and whether the negative welfare effect of a reduced investment by the upstream firm may more than offset the positive welfare effect of increased competition brought about by informal input suppliers. We find that there are parameter values such that this is the case, and welfare decreases if informal input suppliers are present. We analyze the robustness of this result to alternative modeling assumptions, such as price competition downstream and the use of two-part tariffs by the formal upstream firm.
Bestimmung der Grundwasserneubildungshöhen für Festgesteinsgebiete in Niedersachsen
Authors: Ertl Gabriele , Herrmann Frank , Elbracht Jörg
Published: January 2022

Die Grundwasserneubildung in Festgesteinsbereichen ist aufgrund der hydrogeologischen Eigenschaften der Gesteine im Allgemeinen geringer als in den Porengrundwasserleitern der Lockergesteine. Durch das Zusammenspiel dieser Eigenschaften mit der Topographie der Mittelgebirgslandschaften Niedersachsens, findet dort neben der Grundwasserneubildung auch ein signifikanter Zwischenabfluss statt. Methodisch können in Wasserhaushaltsmodellen im Rahmen einer Abflussseparation diese Größen mithilfe von flächendifferenzierten BFI-Werten berechnet werden. Dabei geben die BFI-Werte das Verhältnis von Grundwasserneubildung zum Gesamtabfluss wieder. Für die Abflussseparation mit dem Modell mGROWA wurden BFI-Werte für das Festgestein von Niedersachsen mit im Vergleich zu vorhergehenden Modellversionen höherem Detaillierungsgrad auf Basis der Geologischen Karte 1:50.000 (GK50) integriert. Dafür wurden 455 geologische Einheiten der GK50 hydrogeologisch analysiert und parametrisiert. Vor allem wasserwirtschaftlich relevante geologische Einheiten geringerer Ausdehnung konnten so besser in der Karte der Grundwasserneubildung berücksichtigt werden. Diesbezüglich werden fünf geologische Einheiten detaillierter diskutiert. Für diese fünf Fallbeispiele wurden mittels eines U‑Tests die Zeitreihen der simulierten jährlichen Grundwasserneubildung auf signifikante Veränderungen geprüft. Es resultiert für alle Zeitreihen eine signifikant veränderte Verteilung der jährlichen Grundwasserneubildung auf einem geringeren Niveau in den gerade vergangenen beiden Dekaden.
Einsatz neuronaler Netze in der Notaufnahme
Authors: Weberskirch Carolin , Pigorsch Uta , Tralls Patric , Rachuba Sebastian
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund

Krankenhäuser generieren einen Teil ihrer stationären Fälle aus ungeplanten Einweisungen über die zentrale Notfallambulanz (ZNA). Die Vorbereitung der Aufnahme benötigt üblicherweise eine ärztliche Entscheidung. Die resultierende Vorbereitungszeit für die Normalstation ist mitunter nicht ausreichend und es entstehen Verzögerungen.

Ziel der Arbeit/Fragestellung

Anhand der Prognose der Wahrscheinlichkeit einer stationären Aufnahme soll der potenzielle Nutzen des Einsatzes künstlicher neuronaler Netze (KNN) in der ZNA aufgezeigt werden. Dabei stellt sich die Frage, ob Routinedaten, welche in fast jeder ZNA bereits zum Zeitpunkt der Ersteinschätzung zur Verfügung stehen, einen Beitrag zur Reduktion von Verzögerungen bei der stationären Aufnahme leisten können.

Material und Methoden

Auf Grundlage von beschränkten und anonymisierten Routinedaten aus einem Krankenhausinformationssystem wird für eine ZNA ein KNN entwickelt, das die Vorhersage der stationären Aufnahme ermöglicht. Die Implementierung des KNN erfolgt über die Open-Source-Software R.

Ergebnisse

Unter Anwendung von Routinedaten erzielt das KNN eine Genauigkeit von 76,64 %. Die Sensitivität, d. h. der Anteil korrekt vorhergesagter Patientenaufnahmen, liegt bei 66,93 % und damit niedriger als die Spezifität (Anteil korrekt vorhergesagter Nichtaufnahmen), die 82,13 % beträgt.

Diskussion

Bereits unter Verwendung von Routinedaten können KNN einen wertvollen Beitrag für die Ablaufplanung in der ZNA leisten. Es ist zu erwarten, dass zusätzliche Variablen, wie z. B. das Patientenalter, die Prognosegüte steigern.
Towards a rapid assessment of highway slope disasters by using multidisciplinary techniques
Authors: Weng Meng-Chia , Lin Cheng-Han , Shiu Wen-Jie , Chao Wei-An , Chiu Chia-Chi , Lee Ching-Fang , Huang Wei-Kai , Yang Che-Ming
Published: January 2022

Mega-earthquakes and extreme climate events accompanied by intrinsic fragile geology lead to numerous landslides along mountain highways in Taiwan, causing enormous life and economic losses. In this study, a system for rapid slope disaster information integration and assessment is proposed with the aim of providing information on landslide occurrence, failure mechanisms, and subsequent landslide-affected areas to the highway authority rapidly. The functionality of the proposed system is deployed into three units: (1) geohazard rapid report (GeoPORT I), (2) multidisciplinary geological survey report (GeoPORT II), and (3) site-specific landslide simulation report (GeoPORT III). After landslide occurrence, the seismology-based monitoring network rapidly provides the initial slope disaster information, including preliminary location, event magnitude, earthquake activity, and source dynamics, within an hour. Within 3 days of the landslide, a multidisciplinary geological survey is conducted to collect high-precision topographical, geological, and remote-sensing data to determine the possible failure mechanism. After integrating the aforementioned information, a full-scale three-dimensional landslide simulation based on the discrete element method is performed within 10 days to reveal the failure process and to identify the areas potentially affected by subsequent disasters through scenario modeling. Overall, the proposed system can promptly provide comprehensive and objective information to relevant authorities after the event occurrence for hazard assessment. The proposed system was validated using a landslide event in the Central Cross-Island Highway of Taiwan.
A new global landslide dam database (RAGLAD) and analysis utilizing auxiliary global fluvial datasets
Authors: Wu Hang , Trigg Mark A. , Murphy William , Fuentes Raul
Published: January 2022

To address the current data and understanding knowledge gap in landslide dam inventories related to geomorphological parameters, a new global-scale landslide dam dataset named River Augmented Global Landslide Dams (RAGLAD) was created. RAGLAD is a collection of landslide dam records from multiple data sources published in various languages and many of these records we have been able to precisely geolocate. In total, 779 landslide dam records were compiled from 34 countries/regions. The spatial distribution, time trend, triggers, and geomorphological characteristic of the landslides and catchments where landslide dams formed are summarized. The relationships between geomorphological characteristics for landslides that form river dams are discussed and compared with those of landslides more generally. Additionally, a potential threshold for landslide dam formation is proposed, based on the relationship of landslide volume to river width. Our findings from our analysis of the value of the use of additional fluvial datasets to augment the database parameters indicate that they can be applied as a reliable supplemental data source, when the landslide dam records were accurately and precisely geolocated, although location precision in smaller river catchment areas can result in some uncertainty at this scale. This newly collected and supplemented dataset will allow the analysis and development of new relationships between landslides located near rivers and their actual propensity to block those particular rivers based on their geomorphology.
Successful application of pulsed electromagnetic fields in a patient with post-COVID-19 fatigue: a case report
Authors: Wagner Barbara , Steiner Margarete , Markovic Lovro , Crevenna Richard
Published: January 2022

Background

Post-COVID-19 fatigue is a frequent symptom in COVID-19 survivors, which substantially limits patients to achieve full recovery and potentially restrains return to work. The previous literature has not yet reported the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields in this indication.

Methods

Over the course of 5 weeks, 10 sessions of pulsed electromagnetic field treatment with a high magnetic flux density were applied to a patient suffering from post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome. Fatigue, work ability, quality of life as well as anxiety, depression, stress level, and resilience were evaluated using validated patient-reported outcome measures.

Results

Fatigue, work ability, quality of life, and psychological well-being improved clearly over the course of the treatment and showed stable results 6 weeks later.

Conclusion

The use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with a device that allows sufficient penetration of the body tissue might be a promising physical modality to manage post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome, which could reduce clinical and economic health consequences. Clinical sham-controlled studies are needed to evaluate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in this indication.