bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Screening of D-π-A Structured with Acceptor-Tuned Metal-Free Organic Dye Molecules for DSSCs
Authors: Arunkumar A. , Anbarasan P. M. , Shkir Mohd , Balasubramani V.
Published: December 2022

Four metal-free carbazole-based acceptor-tuned organic molecules (denoted as CBa1–CBa4) based on electron-donor, [Formula: see text]-spacer and electron-acceptor (D-[Formula: see text]-A) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been newly designed. The electronic structures, optical absorption ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) properties and photovoltaic (PV) parameters of CBa1–CBa4 dyes were computationally studied by the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. These molecules were planned through chemical alterations of the acceptor group of a literature-based organic dye known as CB1 dye. The planning of CBa1–CBa4 dyes was to decrease the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) and lowest unoccupied MOs (LUMOs) of the energy gap ([Formula: see text]) and to red-shift their UV–Vis response compared to CB1. This study was initially performed using the exchange correctional (XC) and long-range corrected (LC) with the computational ideal in the TD-DFT method significantly to get an accurate absorption wavelength for CB1. From the XC and LC results, CAM-B3LYP functional is better matched with CB1. So, further newly organic CBa1–CBa4 dyes UV–Vis spectra were followed by this method. According to DFT and TDDFT results, CBa1 and CBa2 molecules were found to have reduced HOMOs–LUMOs energy gap, longer UV–Vis spectra and faster charger transfer (CT) character compared to CB1. The conclusion recommends that the newly designed molecules are hopeful and appropriate for optoelectronic devices. Hence, the work predicts to support the new scheming carbazole-based molecules with the studied properties for synthetizing to DSSC applications.
Pulsed Power Load Coordination in Mission- and Time-critical Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Zhao Tianming , Li Wei , Qin Boyu , Wang Ling , Zomaya Albert Y.
Published: December 2022

Many mission- and time-critical cyber-physical systems deploy an isolated power system for their power supply. Under extreme conditions, the power system must process critical missions by maximizing the Pulsed Power Load (PPL) utility while maintaining the normal loads in the cyber-physical system. Optimal operation requires careful coordination of PPL deployment and power supply processes. In this work, we formulate the coordination problem for maximizing PPL utility under available resources, capacity, and demand constraints. The coordination problem has two scenarios for different use cases, fixed and general normal loads. We develop an exact pseudo-polynomial time dynamic programming algorithm for each scenario with a proven guarantee to produce an optimal coordination schedule. The performance of the algorithms is also experimentally evaluated, and the results agree with our theoretical analysis, showing the practicality of the solutions.
Are preprofessional undergraduate students ready for authentic clinical case studies? An empirical study of students’ perceived relevance and motivation
Authors: Fateye Babasola , Rossman Nolan , King Adedipupo , Otieno Sango
Published: December 2022

Early introduction to clinical reasoning is widely advocated. Case studies are frequently used to enhance integration of foundational sciences with clinical reasoning. Preclinical students may be overwhelmed by complex cases because of the higher-order cognitive tasks involved. We find that complex cases permit connection with students’ own experiences and aspirations. These preclinical students were motivated to engage in such challenging academic work because of the perceived transferability of knowledge to their future careers.
Intracellular sites of AQP2 S256 phosphorylation identified using inhibitors of the AQP2 recycling itinerary
Authors: Cheung Pui W. , Boukenna Mey , Babicz Richard S. E. , Mitra Shimontini , Kay Anna , Paunescu Theodor C. , Baylor Noah , Liu Chen-Chung Steven , Nair Anil V. , Bouley Richard , Brown Dennis
Published: December 2022

Phosphorylation of aquaporin-2 by PKA at serine 256 (S256) occurs in various subcellular locations during its recycling itinerary, suggesting that the protein complex necessary for AQP2 S256 phosphorylation is present in these different recycling stations. Furthermore, we showed, using PKA-null cells, that PKA activity is required for vasopressin-induced AQP2 phosphorylation. Our data reveal a complex spatial pattern of intracellular AQP2 phosphorylation at S256, shedding new light on the role of phosphorylation in AQP2 membrane accumulation.
Nicorandil protects podocytes via modulation of antioxidative capacity in acute puromycin aminonucleoside-induced nephrosis in rats
Authors: Yamanaka Masaki , Tamura Yoshifuru , Kuribayashi-Okuma Emiko , Uchida Shunya , Shibata Shigeru
Published: December 2022

Our findings suggest that the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter may be an upstream regulator of manganese superoxide dismutase and indicate a biochemical basis for the interaction between the ATP-sensitive K+ channel and Ca2+ signaling. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because our results indicate that the ATP-sensitive K+ channel may be a potential therapeutic target for podocyte injury and nephrotic syndrome.
Loss of 4E-BPs prevents the hindlimb immobilization-induced decrease in protein synthesis in skeletal muscle
Authors: Kincheloe Gregory N. , Roberson Paul A. , Toro Allyson L. , Stanley Bruce A. , Stanley Anne E. , Jefferson Leonard S. , Dennis Michael D. , Kimball Scot R.
Published: December 2022

Basal rates of protein synthesis are elevated in skeletal muscle in the immobilized leg of mice lacking the translational repressors, 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 (knockout mice), compared with wild-type mice. However, disuse-induced muscle atrophy occurs to the same extent in both wild-type and knockout mice suggesting that compensatory mechanisms are induced that overcome the upregulation of muscle protein synthesis. Proteomic analysis revealed that mRNAs encoding several glycolytic enzymes are differentially translated in wild-type and knockout mice.
The Helplessness Dimension of Pain Catastrophizing Mediates the Relation between PTSD Symptoms and Pain Rehabilitation Measures
Authors: Schumann Matthew , Craner Julia , Kacel Elizabeth , Morrison Eleshia , Gascho Keith , Gebhard Judy , Gilliam Wesley
Published: December 2022

Background. Comorbid chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) complicate the treatment of both conditions. Previous research has identified pain catastrophizing as a potentially important variable contributing to the relationship between chronic pain and PTSD. However, little is known regarding how the different dimensions of pain catastrophizing—rumination, magnification, and helplessness—uniquely contribute to the relationship between PTSD symptomatology and measures of pain outcome. Methods. 491 treatment seeking participants were admitted to a three-week interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program between July 2016 and March 2020. The patients completed measures of pain severity, pain interference, pain catastrophizing, depressive symptoms, quality of life (QOL), and PTSD symptoms at pretreatment. Results. Parallel mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale subscales on the relationship between PTSD symptomatology and pain-relevant variables. The helplessness subscale accounted for significant unique variance in the relationship between PTSD symptomatology and pain severity (b = 0.010, SE = 0.002, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.014), pain interference (b = 0.004, SE = 0.002, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.008), and mental health QOL (b = −0.117, SE = 0.031, 95% CI: −0.179, −0.059), while the rumination and magnification subscales had no significant influence. Conclusions. Pain catastrophizing is a multifaceted construct. These results suggest that the helplessness dimension of pain catastrophizing may be the primary target when treating patients with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD symptoms. This study represents the first to evaluate the influence of the individual dimensions of pain catastrophizing on the relationship between PTSD symptomatology and chronic pain outcome.
Novel Feature Selection Method for Nonlinear Support Vector Regression
Authors: Xu Kejia , Xu Ying , Ye Yafen , Chen Weijie
Published: December 2022

The development of sparse techniques presents a major challenge to complex nonlinear high‐dimensional data. In this paper, we propose a novel feature selection method for nonlinear support vector regression, called FS‐NSVR, which first attempts to solve the nonlinear feature selection problem in the regression technology field. FS‐NSVR preserves the representative features selected in the complex nonlinear system due to its use of a feature selection matrix in the original space. FS‐NSVR is a challenging mixed‐integer programming problem that is solved efficiently by using an alternate iterative greedy algorithm. Experimental results on three artificial datasets and five real‐world datasets confirm that FS‐NSVR effectively selects representative features and discards redundant features in a nonlinear system. FS‐NSVR outperforms L1‐norm support vector regression, L1‐norm least squares support vector regression, and Lp‐norm support vector regression on both feature selection ability and regression efficiency.
An Evaluation of Different Digestion Methods for the Quantitation of Inorganic Elements in Human Hair Using ICP-MS
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Yang , Xia Yin-Yin , de Seymour Jamie V. , Zhao De-Zhang , Li Yang-Mei , Zhang Hua , Han Ting-Li
Published: December 2022

The inorganic elements have unique properties in biochemical processes in humans. An increasing number of pathologies have been associated with essential element ions, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Hair has become an attractive clinical specimen for studying the longitudinal exposure to elements from the external environment. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) coupled with nitric acid (HNO3) digestion is the most common approach for determining inorganic elements from human hair. This study aims to optimize the digestion method for the absolute quantitation of 52 elements using ICP-MS, for a large cohort study in human hair. Five different HNO3 (65%) digestion methods were investigated and evaluated for their internal standard solution stability, reproducibility, element coverage, and standard solution recovery efficiency, namely, room temperature for 24 h (RT), 90°C for 4 h (T90), ultrasonic-assisted digestion (UltraS), programmed digestion of microwave digestion (MicroD), and ordinary microwave oven digestion (O-MicroD). Our results demonstrated that O-MicroD, MicroD, and RT were the best performing digestion methods for coefficient of variation (CV) scores, coverage, and recovery efficiency, respectively. In particular, the O-MicroD method detected multiple elements in a small quantity of hair (3 mg), with minimum nitric acid usage (200 μl) and a short digestion time (30 min). The O-MicroD method had excellent reproducibility, as demonstrated by a continuous thousand injections of hair samples with three internal standards (CV: 103Rh = 3.59%, 115In = 3.61%, and 209Bi = 6.31%). Future studies of the elemental content of hair should carefully select their digestion method to meet the primary purpose of their study.
Potential Consequence of Interconnected Intervention against Systemic Risk (COVID‐19) via a Model‐Driven Network‐Agent Dynamic
Authors: Park Chulwook
Published: December 2022

This study estimates the consequences of risk propagation, such as that of COVID‐19, using network‐agent dynamics. Given several scenarios, the network‐agent model provides critical insights into infection risk using a model‐driven approach to interconnected interventions. The simulation results suggest that employing a nonevolutionary governing structure with evolutionary individual interaction parameters guided by testing can help suppress outbreaks to levels below the standard critical‐care capacity. Furthermore, setting the protection level as the macroscale and the shrinking of individual interactions as the microscale, the effects of social distancing on transmission rates are reflected in the disease model. In addition, the parameters that reflect the best feasible scenarios can be determined. These findings are relevant to COVID‐19 pandemic policies wherein interconnected interventions reduce the socioeconomic costs of risk propagation.
Bearing Fault Prognosis Method Based on Priori Knowledge-Enhanced Particle Filter
Authors: Liu Jiayong , Luo Peng , Shen Jian
Published: December 2022

A priori knowledge-enhanced particle filter (PKE-PF) method is proposed to solve the problem of particle impoverishment in bearing fault prognosis with incomplete data. Based on the existing bearing life degradation data and the parameter transfer method in the transfer learning theory, particle initialization optimization, which is very important in the PF method, is carried out to effectively improve particle effectiveness and avoid the problem of premature particle exhaustion. Based on the whole-life degradation experiment of rolling bearings, the validation results show that the traditional PF method and its improved method are prone to particle exhaustion, which seriously affects the fault prediction results. The PKE-PF method proposed in this paper can effectively avoid the problem of premature particle depletion and obtain a more ideal fault prognosis results.
Development and Validation of a Dynamic Prediction Model for Massive Hemorrhage in Trauma
Authors: Guo Chengyu , Tian Maolin , Gong Minghui , Pan Fei , Han Hui , Li Chunping , Li Tanshi
Published: December 2022

Objectives. Early warning prediction of massive hemorrhages can greatly reduce mortality in trauma patients. This study aimed to develop and validate dynamic prediction models for massive hemorrhage in trauma patients. Methods. Based on vital signs (e.g., heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation) time-series data and the gated recurrent unit algorithm, we characterized a group of models to flexibly and dynamically predict the occurrence of massive hemorrhages in the subsequent T hours (where T = 1, 2, and 3). Models were evaluated in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score, and the area under the curve (AUC). Results. Results show that of the 2205 trauma patients selected for model development, a total of 265 (12.02%) had a massive hemorrhage. The AUCs of the model in the 1-h-group, 2-h-group, and 3-h-group were 0.763 (95% CI: 0.708–0.820), 0.775 (95% CI: 0.728–0.823), and 0.756 (95% CI: 0.715–0.797), respectively. Finally, the models were used in a web calculator and information system for the hospital emergency department. Conclusions. This study developed and validated a group of dynamic prediction models based on vital sign time-series data and a deep-learning algorithm to assist medical staff in the early diagnosis and dynamic prediction of a future massive hemorrhage in trauma.
Ultrasound‐Indicated Cerclage in Twin Pregnancies: A Cohort Study
Authors: Park Suyeon , Lee Young-Eun , Lee Keun-Young , Song Ji-Eun
Published: December 2022

Background. To report the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients with twin pregnancies who underwent ultrasound‐indicated cerclage (UIC) and to compare them to patients with singleton pregnancies undergoing the same procedures. Methods. Patients who underwent UIC between January 2010 and December 2020 at Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital were reviewed. We compared characteristics, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes between patients with singleton and twin pregnancies. Results. A total of 94 women (56 singleton and 38 twin pregnancies) underwent UIC were included. The mean gestational age (GA) at cerclage and preoperative cervical length (CL) were not significantly different. Twin pregnancies were more likely to deliver at earlier median gestations than singletons (singleton, 36 + 1 weeks vs twin, 32 + 6 weeks, and p = 0.004). The frequency of preterm delivery <34 weeks in twin group was higher than in singleton group (15 (26.8%) vs 20 (52.6%) and p =0.016). However, the frequency of preterm delivery <32, <28, and <24 weeks was not significantly different between two groups. Although neonatal weights in singleton pregnancies were heavier than twin pregnancies, neonatal mortality and morbidities were not significantly different between two groups. Among various factors contributing to preterm birth, preoperative CL ≤ 15 mm was independently associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery before 34 weeks. Furthermore, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with cervical length ≤ 15 mm are comparable with those of singleton pregnancies (GA at delivery, singleton, 35 + 1 weeks vs twin, 32 + 5 weeks, and p = 0.24; neonatal mortality, singleton, 3.4% vs twin, 4.8%, and p = 0.64). Conclusion. The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of UIC in twin pregnancies were comparable to those in singleton pregnancies, especially when CL is ≤15 mm. UIC might be considered a safe procedure for twin pregnancies.
Synthetic Biology in the Engineering of CAR-T and CAR-NK Cell Therapies: Facts and Hopes
Authors: Clubb Justin D. , Gao Torahito A. , Chen Yvonne Y.
Published: December 2022

The advent of modern synthetic-biology tools has enabled the development of cellular treatments with engineered specificity, leading to a new paradigm in anticancer immunotherapy. T cells have been at the forefront of such development, with six chimeric antigen receptor–modified T-cell products approved by the FDA for the treatment of hematologic malignancies in the last 5 years. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes with potent cytotoxic activities, and they have become an increasingly attractive alternative to T-cell therapies due to their potential for allogeneic, “off-the-shelf” applications. However, both T cells and NK cells face numerous challenges, including antigen escape, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and potential for severe toxicity. Many synthetic-biology strategies have been developed to address these obstacles, most commonly in the T-cell context. In this review, we discuss the array of strategies developed to date, their application in the NK-cell context, as well as opportunities and challenges for clinical translation.
Mutant NPM1 Hijacks Transcriptional Hubs to Maintain Pathogenic Gene Programs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wang Xue Qing David , Fan Dandan , Han Qinyu , Liu Yiman , Miao Hongzhi , Wang Xinyu , Li Qinglan , Chen Dong , Gore Haley , Himadewi Pamela , Pfeifer Gerd P. , Cierpicki Tomasz , Grembecka Jolanta , Su Jianzhong , Chong Shasha , Wan Liling , Zhang Xiaotian
Published: December 2022

Nucleophosmin (NPM1) is a ubiquitously expressed nucleolar protein with a wide range of biological functions. In 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the terminal exon of NPM1 is often found mutated, resulting in the addition of a nuclear export signal and a shift of the protein to the cytoplasm (NPM1c). AMLs carrying this mutation have aberrant expression of the HOXA/B genes, whose overexpression leads to leukemogenic transformation. Here, for the first time, we comprehensively prove that NPM1c binds to a subset of active gene promoters in NPM1c AMLs, including well-known leukemia-driving genes—HOXA/B cluster genes and MEIS1. NPM1c sustains the active transcription of key target genes by orchestrating a transcription hub and maintains the active chromatin landscape by inhibiting the activity of histone deacetylases. Together, these findings reveal the neomorphic function of NPM1c as a transcriptional amplifier for leukemic gene expression and open up new paradigms for therapeutic intervention.

Significance:

NPM1 mutation is the most common mutation in AML, yet the mechanism of how the mutant protein results in AML remains unclear. Here, for the first time, we prove mutant NPM1 directly binds to active chromatin regions and hijacks the transcription of AML-driving genes.

See related article by Uckelmann et al., p. 746.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 517
Immunosuppressive Extracellular Vesicles in CLL
Authors: Zhong Wenqun , Guo Wei
Published: December 2022

Cancer cells need to evade the immune system for their progression. In this issue of Blood Cancer Discovery, Gargiulo and colleagues report that in a mouse model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small extracellular vesicles inhibit antitumor immunity by altering CD8 T-cell transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome.

See related article by Gargiulo et al., p. 54 (9).
Safety and Considerations of the Anaesthetic Management during Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Treatments
Authors: Roodenburg Sharyn A. , Barends Clemens R.M. , Krenz Grita , Zeedijk Eelco J. , Slebos Dirk-Jan
Published: December 2022

Background: Different bronchoscopic lung volume reduction approaches are available for a select group of patients with advanced COPD. General anaesthesia is the recommended method of sedation during these procedures. However, this patient population is at an increased risk of anaesthetic complications, and the best approach to general anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation is unknown. Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the anaesthetic management techniques used during bronchoscopic lung volume reduction procedures and to investigate the number of anaesthesia-related events. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from all endobronchial valve and lung volume reduction coil procedures performed between January 2018 and March 2020 in our hospital. Primary outcomes measures were anaesthetic technique including airway management; ventilation mode and settings; and the incidence of anaesthesia-related events, classified as catastrophic, severe, significant, or moderate. Results: 202 procedures were included. One procedure was performed under procedural sedation, 198 (98%) under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation, and 3 (1.5%) under general anaesthesia with laryngeal mask airway. Volume-controlled ventilation was used in 64% of the procedures and pressure-controlled in 36%. Patients were ventilated with a median respiration rate of 9.9 (IQR: 9.6–10.6) breaths per minute, mean tidal volume of 5.8 ± 1.4 mL/kg, and median inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio of 1:2.8 (IQR: 1:2.1–1:3.2). No catastrophic anaesthesia-related events were observed. Hypotension was the most observed anaesthesia-related event. Conclusions: Despite the presence of advanced COPD, general anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation are well tolerated by patients undergoing endobronchial valve or lung volume reduction coil treatment. This is presumably strongly linked to the strict selection criteria. Other important considerations are using a low respiratory rate, low tidal volume, and high I:E ratio.
Neutrophils Protect Against
Staphylococcus aureus
Endocarditis Progression Independent of Extracellular Trap Release
Authors: Meyers Severien , Lox Marleen , Kraisin Sirima , Liesenborghs Laurens , Martens Caroline P. , Frederix Liesbeth , Van Bruggen Stijn , Crescente Marilena , Missiakas Dominique , Baatsen Pieter , Vanassche Thomas , Verhamme Peter , Martinod Kimberly
Published: December 2022

Background:

Infective endocarditis (IE) is characterized by an infected thrombus at the heart valves. How bacteria bypass the immune system and cause these thrombi remains unclear. Neutrophils releasing NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) lie at this interface between host defense and coagulation. We aimed to determine the role of NETs in IE immunothrombosis.

Methods:

We used a murine model of
Staphylococcus aureus
endocarditis in which IE is provoked on inflamed heart valves and characterized IE thrombus content by immunostaining identifying NETs. Antibody-mediated neutrophil depletion and neutrophil-selective PAD4 (peptidylarginine deiminase 4)-knockout mice were used to clarify the role of neutrophils and NETs, respectively.
S. aureus
mutants deficient in key virulence factors related to immunothrombosis (nucleases or staphylocoagulases) were investigated.

Results:

Neutrophils releasing NETs were present in infected thrombi and within cellular infiltrates in the surrounding vasculature. Neutrophil depletion increased occurrence of IE, whereas neutrophil-selective impairment of NET formation did not alter IE occurrence. Absence of
S. aureus
nuclease, which degrades NETs, did not affect endocarditis outcome. In contrast, absence of staphylocoagulases (coagulase and von Willebrand factor binding protein) led to improved survival, decreased bacteremia, smaller infiltrates, and decreased tissue destruction. Significantly more NETs were present in these vegetations, which correlated with decreased bacteria and cell death in the adjacent vascular wall.

Conclusions:

Neutrophils protect against IE independent of NET release. Absence of
S. aureus
coagulases, but not nucleases, reduced IE severity and increased NET levels. Staphylocoagulase-induced fibrin likely hampers NETs from constraining infection and the resultant tissue damage, a hallmark of valve destruction in IE.
PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ) Deacetylation Suppresses Aging-Associated Atherosclerosis and Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Zahr Tarik , Liu Longhua , Chan Michelle , Zhou Qiuzhong , Cai Bishuang , He Ying , Aaron Nicole , Accili Domenico , Sun Lei , Qiang Li
Published: December 2022

Background:

Atherosclerosis is a medical urgency manifesting at the onset of hypercholesterolemia and is associated with aging. Activation of PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) counteracts metabolic dysfunction influenced by aging, and its deacetylation displays an atheroprotective property. Despite the marked increase of PPARγ acetylation during aging, it is unknown whether PPARγ acetylation is a pathogenic contributor to aging-associated atherosclerosis.

Methods:

Mice with constitutive deacetylation-mimetic PPARγ mutations on lysine residues K268 and K293 (2KR) in an LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-receptor knockout (
Ldlr
−/−
) background (
2KR:Ldlr
−/−
) were aged for 18 months on a standard laboratory diet to examine the cardiometabolic phenotype, which was confirmed in Western-type diet–fed

2KR:Ldlr
+/−

mice. Whole-liver RNA-sequencing and in vitro studies in bone marrow–derived macrophages were conducted to decipher the mechanism.

Results:

In contrast to severe atherosclerosis in
WT:Ldlr
−/−
mice, aged
2KR:Ldlr
−/−
mice developed little to no plaque, which was underlain by a significantly improved plasma lipid profile, with particular reductions in circulating LDL. The protection from hypercholesterolemia was recapitulated in Western-type diet–fed

2KR:Ldlr
+/−

mice. Liver RNA-sequencing analysis revealed suppression of liver inflammation rather than changes in cholesterol metabolism. This anti-inflammatory effect of 2KR was attributed to polarized M2 activation of macrophages. Additionally, the upregulation of core circadian component Bmal1 (brain and muscle ARNT-like 1), perceived to be involved in anti-inflammatory immunity, was observed in the liver and bone marrow–derived macrophages.

Conclusions:

PPARγ deacetylation in mice prevents the development of aging-associated atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia, in association with the anti-inflammatory phenotype of 2KR macrophages.
Association Between Serum Bilirubin, Lipid Levels, and Prevalence of Femoral and Carotid Atherosclerosis: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Su Qingling , Chen Hongyu , Du Shanshan , Dai Yiquan , Chen Cheng , He (何天敏) Tianmin , Feng Ruimei , Tao Tao , Hu Zhijian , Zhao Hongwei , Guo Pingfan , Ye Weimin
Published: December 2022

Background:

Bilirubin may prevent lipid peroxidation and have important antiatherosclerotic effects. We determined associations of serum bilirubin and lipid with peripheral atherosclerosis.

Methods:

We included 4290 participants (35% men; median age, 60 years) from the southeast China who underwent B-mode ultrasound examination. Increased intima-media thickness or a focal structure encroaching into the arterial lumen by at least 0.5 mm or >50% of the surrounding intima-media thickness value was regarded as having atherosclerosis. Fasting serum bilirubin and lipid levels were measured. Cholesterol/(HDL [high-density lipoprotein] cholesterol+bilirubin), and LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol)/(HDL+bilirubin) ratios were calculated. Unconditional and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations of bilirubin or lipid with prevalence of peripheral atherosclerosis. Mediation analyses were performed to assess the effect of bilirubin on atherosclerosis risk mediated via lipid.

Results:

Compared with participants with the lowest levels of bilirubin, those with the highest tertile were less likely to have carotid or femoral atherosclerosis (odds ratios were 0.55–0.74). The highest levels of bilirubin significantly reduced the odds of concurrent carotid and femoral atherosclerosis by 35% to 45%. Participants with the highest levels of cholesterol, LDL, cholesterol/(HDL+bilirubin), and LDL/(HDL+bilirubin) ratios had 2.8- to 3.7-fold increased odds of concurrent carotid and femoral atherosclerosis. LDL accounted for 25.65% of the total bilirubin-atherosclerosis association. LDL and cholesterol mediated the associations between direct bilirubin and atherosclerosis (proportion: 20.40%, 9.67%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Increased serum bilirubin levels are inversely associated with the prevalence of carotid or femoral atherosclerosis. LDL and cholesterol may mediate these associations.
Into the Wild: Early Modern Protestant Missionaries and Their Views on Animals
Authors: Onnekink David
Published: December 2022

Christianity and the environment have a tense relationship. Although in recent years an eco-theology of stewardship has taken flight, according to theologians as well as philosophers the historical track record of Christians with regard to nature in general and animals in particular leaves much to be desired. However, this view has never been empirically tested. In this article three early modern accounts of Protestant missionaries who lived in Greenland, New Netherland (North America) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) are analysed in order to uncover attitudes towards animals. The accounts describe local fauna, reflect upon the way in which animals are treated and discuss ‘pagan’ attitudes towards animals. The concepts of tropicality and arcticality are used to help to frame the missionaries’ views on animals in terms of othering non-European fauna. The article concludes that the critique of Christianity’s track record is essentially justified, but also that it was more nuanced and complex than has hitherto been thought. As such, the early modern missionary accounts’ focus on wildlife may well serve as a source of inspiration for present-day missionary organizations.
Utility of PET-CT in Newly Diagnosed HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Jaclyn , Davis Seth J. , Amin Shaunak N. , Rohde Sarah L. , Kim Young J.
Published: December 2022

Objective:

To compare the utility of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) versus contrasted CT neck combined with routine chest imaging for disease staging and treatment planning in human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with clinically evident sites of primary disease.

Methods:

All adult patients with primary HPV-associated OPSCC at a single quaternary care cancer center from 2018 to 2019 were reviewed, and those with images available for re-review were included. Primary outcomes included concordance in clinical staging between the 2 imaging modalities of interest (PET-CT vs CT), as well as independent agreement of each with pathologic staging. Analysis was performed via ordinal logistic regression. A secondary outcome was treatment selection after diagnostic imaging, analyzed via chi-squared testing.

Results:

In total, 100 patients were included for evaluation, of which 89% were male, 91% Caucasian, and mean age was 61.2 years (SD 9.6). Clinical disease staging agreed between imaging modalities in 95% of cases (54 of 57 patients). Pathologic staging agreed with clinical staging from CT neck in 93% of cases (25 of 27 patients; P = .004), and with PET-CT in 82% (14 of 17 patients; P =.003). No differences were observed between the 2 imaging modalities for subsequent treatment selection ( P = .39).

Conclusion:

In uncomplicated HPV-associated OPSCC, CT offers equivalent diagnostic accuracy to that of combined whole-body PET-CT for clinical staging, and has no appreciable impact on treatment selection. A reduced reliance on routine PET-CT during initial workup of HPV-associated OPSCC may be favorable for otherwise healthy patients with clinically evident sites of primary disease.
Measuring the Impact of a Pharmacist-Driven Blood Factor Education Program: A Prospective, Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Arnall Justin R , Moore Donald C , Michael Meghan , Wolcott Michael , Cowgill Nicole
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Patients with bleeding disorders are best served by multidisciplinary teams. Pharmacists can play a critical role in the optimal management of patients with bleeding disorders through blood factor stewardship strategies and programs. An educational program was developed and implemented wherein a hematology pharmacist provided brief recorded lectures to an entire department of pharmacists in a multi-site health-system with the goal to improve the knowledge base and confidence among this population of general practitioners. Methods: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the educational outcomes of a blood factor education program for pharmacists. The impact of the educational program was determined by measuring the difference in mean test scores between the pre- and post-program surveys. Results: The final analysis included 214 participants. The primary endpoint of mean competency test score was significantly improved in the post-test compared to pre-test (78.33% vs 52.83%; P < .0001). Any degree of test score improvement was observed in 99% ( n = 212) of participants. Pharmacist confidence was significantly improved in all 20 domains of bleeding disorders and blood factor product verification and management. Conclusion: This program identified that most pharmacists in a large multi-site health-system were not familiar with bleeding disorders to a satisfactory degree, commonly because of the relative rare encounters with bleeding disorder-related orders, and that despite systems-based support there was an opportunity to improve practice through education. Such educational programming could be beneficial for the development of pharmacist-provided care and is a measure that could be implemented as part of blood factor stewardship initiatives.
The Effect of Task Interruption on Working Memory Performance
Authors: Chen Yue-Yuan , Fang Wei-Ning , Bao Hai-Feng , Guo Bei-Yuan
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study used electroencephalography to explore the behavioral and electrophysiological effects of task interruption on performance.

Background

Task interruption is known to harm work performance, especially on working memory-related tasks. However, most studies pay little attention to cognitive processes by exploring brain activity and ignore the cumulative effect of sequential interruptions.

Method

Thirty-four healthy participants performed a spatial 2-back in three conditions: (1) interruptions with simple math questions, (2) suspensions with prolonged fixation cross, and (3) a pure 2-back. The measured outcomes comprise performance data, ERP amplitudes, EEG power, and subjective workload.

Results

Work performance decreased in the resumption trials, and cumulative interruptions had a more destructive effect on performance. EEG results showed that the P2 and P3 amplitudes induced by the 2-back task significantly increased after interruptions; theta and alpha power increased after interruptions. The P3 amplitude and alpha power induced by interruptions were significantly higher than that induced by suspensions.

Conclusion

Behavioral data revealed the disruptive effect of interruptions on postinterruption performance and the cumulative effect of interruptions on accuracy. Changes in ERP amplitudes and EEG power indicate the mechanisms of attention reallocation and working memory during interruptions. Larger P3 amplitudes and alpha power after interruptions than after suspensions suggested the inhibition of irrelevant information. These results may support the memory for goals model and improve the understanding of the effects of interruption on working memory.

Application

Focusing upon the mechanisms at play during the interruption process can support interruption management to ensure work safety and efficiency.
‘We were social ICUs’: Qualitative study on the perception of the impact of Covid-19 on social work professionals in Spain
Authors: Marquina-Márquez Alfonso , Gómez-García Rogelio , Lucas-García Jezabel , Bayón-Calvo Siro
Published: December 2022

This article explores occupational factors and their psychosocial effects on the quality of life of social work professionals during the first three waves of the pandemic in Spain. Design was a qualitative survey research. Participants reported an increase in logistical, administrative and organizational difficulties; perceived work saturation reduced the quality of professional life expressed in terms of work stress; and professionals suggested a lack of recognition of the profession. Despite all the problems, social workers expressed their resilience as an asset. These findings can help in identifying targets to explore the occupational health of social work professionals.
Proposal of two parameters to evaluate in-situ apparent toughness of interphase in fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites: Three-dimensional finite element simulations
Authors: Gong Zhenyuan , Guan Kang , Rao Pinggen , Zeng Qingfeng , Liu Jiantao , Feng Zhiqiang , Li Jianzhang
Published: December 2022

Interphase structure characters such as single-layer interfacial thickness or number of multilayers may have a great influence on mechanical properties of continuous fibers reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CFRCMCs). However, the determination of the optimal interphase is still unclear for the complex microstructures of CFRCMCs. In this study, a novel Finite Element Method (FEM) -based numerical method considering mean scalar stiffness degradation and mean damage dissipation energy are proposed to quantitatively assess the effect of above structure characters on in-situ toughness of interphase. The proposed method has successfully applied on single pyrolytic carbon (PyC) layer and alternating silicon carbide/pyrolytic carbon (SiC-PyC) n multilayer systems. The results suggest that thicker PyC interphase will prone cause brittle fracture with lower toughness, whilst more layers with the same total thickness will improve fracture toughness for (SiC-PyC) n system. On the contrary, more layers with the same sublayer thickness will decrease in situ apparent fracture toughness. The proposed method explains well the previous contradictory experimental observations.
Thermomechanical vibration and stability of effectively homogenized FGM beam with temperature-dependent shear correction factors
Authors: Lee Sangheon , Kim Ji-Hwan
Published: December 2022

Thermomechanical characteristics in the Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) have been investigated in depth for the precise modeling and analysis of structures in ultimate thermal environments. On this subject, the micro-mechanical interactions of particles in the mixtures of FGMs is necessary to consider the more accurate estimation of structural model. Therefore, the effective material properties are obtained by using homogenization technique based on Mori-Tanaka scheme (MTS) with temperature-dependent material properties. In this regard, present research studies detail temperature-dependent frequencies and thermal buckling behavior of beam model. Then, the physical neutral surface concept is adopted to formulate the decoupled set of stress–strain relations for the FGM models. Also, the First-order Shear Deformation Theory of Beam with rectangular cross-sectional shape including temperature-dependent shear correction factors is developed to improve the practical applications. Furthermore, the results compared with previous data, and the present model is studied in the broad range of temperatures. Specifically, the correlations of shear correction factors and neutral surface shifts are discussed for the models according to temperature and volume fractions. Finally, the thermal stability and the natural frequencies of vibration behaviors are discussed as a result of the mixture ratio for the materials. Furthermore, the mutual interactions of micro-mechanical behavior with the correction factors are especially investigated for thermomechanical analysis.
The limits of US national identity: interests and values in US military aid
Authors: Sandlin Evan W
Published: December 2022

According to policymakers, US national values shape US foreign aid policy. However, these national values clash with material interests when policymakers are faced with the decision of whether or not to grant US military aid to countries that do not adhere to US national values but do serve US security and economic interests. To what extent are US national values resilient to clashes with these material interests? This paper hypothesizes that national values are resilient to clashes with interests to the extent to which these values are a salient feature of US national identity. The findings indicate that more prominent values (democracy) are almost impervious to countervailing interests while more tangential values (enterprise and human rights) exhibit different effects on US military aid allocation depending on the security and economic importance of the recipient state.
Role of bone marrow examination in pyrexia of unknown origin
Authors: Kanneganti Vineetha , Divyashree Krishna , Pannu Ashok Kumar
Published: December 2022

A stepwise approach is essential to evaluating pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). When other investigations are negative, bone marrow examination is a valuable diagnostic tool in PUO. It is particularly helpful in patients with involvement of reticuloendothelial organs (e.g. cytopenia, splenomegaly), immunodeficiency states, or older age.
Drain-Less Submandibular Gland Excision With Preserved Facial Artery
Authors: Nofal Ahmed , El-Anwar Mohammad Waheed , Al shawadfy Mohamed A. , Fouad Yasser Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To describe our experience in excision of the submandibular gland (SMG) without drain insertion and with preservation of the facial artery as a day case surgery as well as evaluation of the surgical outcomes of this procedure.

Methods

Prospective case series study of 42 cases of chronic calcular submandibular sialadenitis that underwent SMG excision by the same surgical team during the period from 2017 to 2021. The initial surgical plan in all cases was to excise the SMG with preservation of the facial artery and without drain insertion.

Results

SMG excision without drain insertion was successfully achieved in 28 patients who were discharged on the same day. In the remaining 14 patients, the surgical dissection was difficult and a suction drain was inserted at the end of the surgery; consequently, they were discharged on the next day. In all cases, facial vessels were preserved, and complete gland excision was achieved. Among the 28 patients who had no drain insertion, 1 patient had a postoperative seroma and no patient had wound related complications. Among the 14 patients who had drain insertion, 2 patients had postoperative seroma and 3 patients had wound related complications in the form of obvious scar formation. There were no other significant complications in all patients.

Conclusions

Submandibular gland (SMG) excision with facial artery preservation and without drain insertion as a day case surgery could be safely done in cases of chronic calcular inflammation provided that meticulous surgical dissection and complete hemostasis were achieved.
Diagnostic accuracy of lower-dose cardiac CT in evaluating young infants with non-coronary complex congenital heart disease on a 64-slice multidetector CT scanner
Authors: Sakrana Amal Abdelsattar , Alharbi Ibraheem H , Elmokadem Ali H
Published: December 2022

Background

Redoable precise and non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality with the least radiation dose is essential for infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) .

Purpose

To investigate the accuracy and estimate the radiation dose of our cardiac computed tomography (CCT) protocol.

Material and Methods

A total of 82 infants with CHD underwent non-ECG-gated CCT without contrast timing scanning techniques and were retrospectively studied. The image quality and radiation dose were estimated. The radiation dose was compared statistically to virtual retrospective ECG-gated and prospective ECG-triggering scanning modes. The diagnostic accuracy was assessed assuming the surgical results as the diagnostic gold standard.

Results

Most exams showed a high quality with low radiation doses compared to previous studies. The mean effective dose (ED) was 0.39 ± 1.2, significantly lower than that of the virtual retrospective ECG-gated and prospective ECG-triggering scanning and lower than in previous studies. Our CCT protocol has achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 99.52% with a sensitivity of 94.83% and specificity of 99.91%.

Conclusion

Non-ECG-gated CCT without contrast timing techniques can detect the non-coronary cardiovascular defects of CHD in infants with an ultralow radiation dose and a high diagnostic accuracy.
Is acute appendicitis complicated or uncomplicated? Approaching the question via computed tomography
Authors: Akçiçek Mehmet , Ilgar Mehtap , Ünlü Serkan
Published: December 2022

Background

The distinction between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis is very important for the selection of the treatment method.

Purpose

To investigate the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography (CT) in differentiating between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis to demonstrate that false negativity in differentiating these cases can be reduced when CT findings are incorporated into the clinical evaluation of patients.

Material and Methods

All patients aged ≥18 years who underwent appendectomy at Malatya Training and Research Hospital in 2020 and 2021 were retrospectively screened. Of them, 283 patients were included in the study who had undergone CT before the operation. Patients with appendicitis were divided into two groups: complicated and uncomplicated, according to the results of their pathology tests. Demographic data, laboratory results, and CT images of the patients were evaluated.

Results

The patients with complicated appendicitis had a significantly higher mean age ( P<0.001). The most common CT findings in patients with complicated appendicitis were moderate or severe peri-appendiceal fat stranding (PFS) and appendix wall enhancement defect (AWD). The findings with the highest sensitivity were PFS (77.9%) and AWD (69.4%). Although abscess, phlegmon, and peri-appendiceal air had the highest specificity (100%), these findings were the ones with the lowest sensitivity. According to the scoring system was developed for the differential diagnosis, CT had a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 79.2%.

Conclusion

Based on the sensitivity and specificity values measured for CT according to the findings of our study, the scoring system may be useful for the differential diagnosis of complicated appendicitis.