bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic performance of Ni/4H-SiC and Ti/4H-SiC Schottky barrier diode alpha particle detectors
Authors: Shilpa A. , Singh S. , Narasimha Murty N.V.L.
Published: November 2022

Advancement in the growth of 4H-SiC with low micropipe
densities (∼ 0.11 cm-2) in achieving high pure epitaxial
layers, enabled the development of high-resolution 4H-SiC alpha
particle Schottky radiation detectors for harsh environments. In
particular, the study considers two types of 4H-SiC radiation
detectors having Ni and Ti as Schottky contacts. They are fabricated
by depositing Ni and Ti on 25 μm thick n-type 4H-SiC by
epitaxially growing on 350 μm thick conducting SiC
substrates. Electrical characterization and alpha spectral
measurements performed on Ni/4H-SiC and Ti/4H-SiC SBDs are reported
in this work. The spectral measurements were carried out using
241Am alpha emitting radioactive source. Ni/ 4H-SiC Schottky
detector showed a better spectral response with 22.87 keV FWHM
(∼ 0.416%) at a reverse bias of 150 V for 5.48 MeV alpha
particles while Ti/4H-SiC Schottky detector achieved a resolution of
38.25 keV FWHM (∼ 0.697%) at 170 V reverse bias. This work
presented spectral broadening analysis to understand the various
factors affecting the energy resolution of the detectors. The
extracted charge collection efficiencies (CCEs) are
approximately 99% in both the detectors. In addition, polarization
effects are not noticed in any of the fabricated detectors. The
diffusion length of minority carriers (Lp
) is computed based on
the drift-diffusion model by fitting the CCE curve as a
function of applied bias, and the values are close to 9 μm
and 7 μm for Ni/4H-SiC SBD and Ti/4H-SiC SBD detectors,
respectively. Annealing at 400°C for 5 minutes in N2
ambient resulted in resolution of 23.98 keV FWHM (∼ 0.436%)
for Ni/4H-SiC SBD detector at -170 V and 36.21 keV FWHM (∼
0.661%) for Ti/4H-SiC SBD detector at -150 V. Overall Ni/4H-SiC
SBD detectors showed superior spectral characteristics and superior
resolution when compared to Ti/4H-SiC SBD detectors. However, the
Ti/4H-SiC SBD detector fabricated in this work performed better than
the previously reported work on a similar device structure. Hence,
future work aimed at improving resolution of radiation detectors
could also consider Ti/4H-SiC SBDs along with Ni/4H-SiC SBDs.
Aberration-insensitive twisted wavefront detection using polarization correlation
Authors: Parvin Reajmina , Sarkar Tushar , Kumar Singh Rakesh , Brundavanam Maruthi M
Published: November 2022

We have demonstrated using higher-order Stokes correlations that the retrieved amplitude and phase information of the optical vortex (OV) beam and its orbital angular momentum spectrum when it is propagating through a scattering medium are insensitive to the external aberration from the optical system. A theoretical framework of the proposed technique is described and validated by considering an aberration in the propagation channel by optical system. The usefulness of the technique is demonstrated in the recovery of amplitude and phase information of an OV beam even in presence of aberration. Comparisons between aberrated and non-aberrated cases are discussed to examine and evaluate the performance of the technique.
Solution-based fullerene-free route enables high-performance green-selective organic photodetectors
Authors: Cao Yang , Mei Jianjun , Xia Kai , Zhao Ting , Zhao Jing , Gasparini Nicola , Pecunia Vincenzo
Published: November 2022

Ongoing developments in machine vision, wearables, and the Internet of Things have led to strong demand for easy-to-fabricate, color-selective photodetectors. Narrowband-absorption-type (NBA) printable organic photodetectors provide an attractive solution, given their spectral robustness and fabrication simplicity. However, a key remaining challenge to realizing their potential is to concurrently achieve high photoconversion efficiency and spectral selectivity. Herein, this challenge is tackled by investigating a non-fullerene-based route to green-selective, solution-based photodetectors. Soluble phthalocyanine acceptor PhO-Cl6BsubPc is considered due to its high absorption selectivity to green photons. Blends with soluble quinacridones are pursued to realize the ideal of a donor:acceptor layer selectively absorbing the target photons throughout its volume. A latent-pigment route to the solution-based deposition of linear trans-quinacridone (QA) enables well-intermixed QA:PhO-Cl6BsubPc layers. Green-selective photodetectors with cutting-edge performance are thus realized, achieving a 25% increase in external quantum efficiency compared to all prior solution-based NBA implementations, as well as a nearly five-fold enhancement of the green-to-blue spectral rejection ratio. The merit of this approach is further illustrated by comparison with the corresponding fullerene-based photodetectors. By demonstrating an approach to solution-based NBA photodetectors with cutting-edge photoconversion efficiency and spectral selectivity, this study represents an important step toward printable, high-performance organic color sensors and imagers.
Arginine replacement of histidine on temporin-GHa enhances the antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhu Ruiying , Guo Ran , Yu Chunmei , Tan Xiuchuan , Wei Shuangshuang , Song Yanting , Wang Rong , Li Lushuang , Xie Xi , Jiang Wenying , Zhang Yingxia
Published: November 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show broad-spectrum microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and have been considered as one of the most promising candidates to overcome bacterial antimicrobial resistance. Structural modification of AMPs is an effective strategy to develop high-efficiency and low-toxicity antibacterial agents. A series of peptides GHaR6R, GHaR7R, GHaR8R, and GHaR9W with arginine replacement of histidine (His) derived from temporin-GHa of Hylarana guentheri were designed and synthesized. These derived peptides exhibit antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and GHaR8R exerts bactericidal effect within 15 min at 4 × MIC (25 µm). The derived peptides caused rapid depolarization of bacteria, and the cell membrane damage was monitored using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation assay, which suggests that they target cell membranes to exert antibacterial effects. The derived peptides can effectively eradicate mature biofilms of S. aureus. Taken together, the derived peptides are promising antibacterial agent candidates against S. aureus.
High Cytomegalovirus Viral Load Is Associated With 182-Day All-Cause Mortality in Hospitalized People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Fang Mingxia , Lin Xiaoling , Wang Congyue , Yang Xihong , Li Jiahui , Chang Ziwei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wei Hongxia , Peng Zhihang , Hu Zhiliang
Published: November 2022

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with increased mortality in persons with HIV (PWH). It is less clear whether CMV infection is still associated with mortality when routinely screened and adequately treated.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study recruited 1003 hospitalized adults with HIV with CD4 cell counts <200 cells/μL from May 2017 to June 2021. Blood CMV DNA was routinely measured and CMV DNAemia was treated if end-organ disease occurred. CMV viral load was categorized into below the limit of quantification (BLQ; <500 IU/mL), low viral load (LVL; 500–10 000 IU/mL), and high viral load (HVL; ≥10 000 IU/mL) groups. We compared the 182-day all-cause mortality among different groups.

Results

The median (IQR) CD4 cell count of patients was 33 (13–84) cells/μL. The prevalence of CMV DNAemia was 39.8% (95% CI: 36.7–42.9%) and was significantly associated with CD4 cell count. The 182-day all-cause mortality was 9.9% (95% CI: 8.0–11.7%). Univariable analysis showed that, compared with BLQ, LVL and HVL were associated with 1.73-fold and 3.81-fold increased risks of mortality, respectively (P = .032 and P < .001). After adjustment for predefined confounding factors, HVL but not LVL was still associated with increased risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.61–4.29; P < .001). However, for patients on effective antiretroviral therapy, the impact of HVL on 182-day mortality was not significant (P = .713).

Conclusions

High CMV viral load in hospitalized PWH was associated with higher mortality, even when identified early by screening. Optimalization of the management for those patients needs to be explored in future studies.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I and T Kinetics Differ following Coronary Bypass Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Denessen Ellen J , Heuts Samuel , Daemen Jean H , van Doorn William P , Vroemen Wim H , Sels Jan-Willem , Segers Patrique , Van‘t Hof Arnoud W , Maessen Jos G , Bekers Otto , Van Der Horst Iwan C , Mingels Alma M
Published: November 2022

Background

Cardiac troponin I and T are both used for diagnosing myocardial infarction (MI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), also known as type 5 MI (MI-5). Different MI-5 definitions have been formulated, using multiples of the 99th percentile upper reference limit (10×, 35×, or 70× URL), with or without supporting evidence. These definitions are arbitrarily chosen based on conventional assays and do not differentiate between troponin I and T. We therefore investigated the kinetics of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and T (hs-cTnT) following CABG.

Methods

A systematic search was applied to MEDLINE and EMBASE databases including the search terms “coronary artery bypass grafting” AND “high-sensitivity cardiac troponin.” Studies reporting hs-cTnI or hs-cTnT on at least 2 different time points were included. Troponin concentrations were extracted and normalized to the assay-specific URL.

Results

For hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT, 17 (n = 1661 patients) and 15 studies (n = 2646 patients) were included, respectively. Preoperative hs-cTnI was 6.1× URL (95% confidence intervals: 4.9–7.2) and hs-cTnT 1.2× URL (0.9–1.4). Mean peak was reached 6–8 h postoperatively (126× URL, 99–153 and 45× URL, 29–61, respectively). Subanalysis of hs-cTnI illustrated assay-specific peak heights and kinetics, while subanalysis of surgical strategies revealed 3-fold higher hs-cTnI than hs-cTnT for on-pump CABG and 5-fold for off-pump CABG.

Conclusion

Postoperative hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT following CABG surpass most current diagnostic cutoff values. hs-cTnI was almost 3-fold higher than hs-cTnT, and appeared to be highly dependent on the assay used and surgical strategy. There is a need for assay-specific hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT cutoff values for accurate, timely identification of MI-5.
Chinese RoBERTa Distillation For Emotion Classification
Authors: Liu Pingshan , Lv Shuyue
Published: November 2022

Through knowledge distillation method, a student model can imitate the output of a teacher model to improve its generalization ability without changing the computational complexity. However, in existing knowledge distillation research, the efficiency of knowledge transfer is still not satisfactory, especially from pre-trained language models (PTMs) like Robustly optimized BERT approach (RoBERTa) to another structure student model. To address this issue, this paper proposes a prediction framework (RTLSTM) for Chinese emotion classification based on knowledge distillation. In RTLSTM, a new triple loss strategy is proposed for training a student ‘BiLSTM’, which combines supervised learning, distillation and word vector losses. This strategy enables the student to learn more fully from a teacher model RoBERTa and retains 99% of the teacher models’ language understanding capability. We carried out emotion classification experiments on five Chinese datasets to compare RTLSTM with baseline models. The experiment results show that RTLSTM outperforms the baseline models belonging to the RNN group in terms of prediction performance under similar numbers of parameters. Moreover, RTLSTM is superior to the PTMs group baseline models through 92% fewer parameters and 83% less prediction time under comparable prediction performance.
The political economy of social identity in 19th century Germany
Authors: Kersting Felix
Published: November 2022

This essay summarises my PhD thesis composed of four chapters, which deal with various aspects of social identity in 19th century Germany. The first chapter analyzes the effect of nation-building in cities that became part of Prussia in 1815. The second chapter investigates the effect of Bismarck’s carrot and stick policies on the electoral success of the socialist party. The third chapter studies the “China shock” of the first globalisation (1880–1913)—the “grain invasion”—coming from the Americas into Europe. The fourth chapter revisits Max Weber’s hypothesis on the role of Protestantism in economic development in its contemporary context.
The future of personalized care for vascular patients: an industry perspective
Authors: West Nick E J , Boone Els
Published: November 2022

Healthcare has entered a brave new world in the early part of the 21st century: the landscape has changed and continues to change rapidly, evolving at a rate as never seen before. Fuelled by technological advancement, big data analytics, and the explosion of apps and sensors, as well as by telemedicine and remote monitoring needs driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare ecosystem is metamorphosing literally before our eyes. So, what is the role for the Medtech industry as healthcare systems reshape themselves to address emerging patients’ needs and desires, and how can the use of data and novel technologies be leveraged to bring about the kind of change needed to deliver truly holistic patient care?
Functional diversity and plasticity in the sugar preferences of Saccharomyces MALT transporters in domesticated yeasts
Authors: Hatanaka Haruyo , Toyonaga Hiromi , Ishida Yukiko , Mizohata Eiichi , Ono Eiichiro
Published: November 2022

Maltose and maltotriose, together with glucose, are the major carbohydrates found in malts. Thus, brewing yeasts grown in malt-based brewing processes with serial re-pitching have likely increased their ability to uptake these sugars during domestication by modulating the expression and copy number of maltose transporter genes (MALT, also known as Malx1). However, the molecular basis for and structural insights into the sugar preferences of MALT proteins remain to be elucidated. Here we report the functional evaluation of two novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae MALT proteins, ScMalt#2p and ScMalt#5p, from industrial brewing yeasts, focusing on their maltose and maltotriose preferences. Structural models of the MALT proteins generated by AlphaFold2 and functional analyses of substitution mutants revealed that a very small number of amino acid residues in two spatially adjacent transmembrane helixes, TMH7 and TMH11, appear to be crucial for sugar preference. Thus, subtle conformational alterations conferred by a small number of amino acid polymorphisms within MALTs would contribute to the adaptation of domesticated brewing yeasts to the constrained carbohydrate environment of industrial wort during beer brewing.
Examining the influence of budget execution processes on the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya
Authors: Musiega Anita , Tsofa Benjamin , Nyawira Lizah , Njuguna Rebecca G , Munywoki Joshua , Hanson Kara , Mulwa Andrew , Molyneux Sassy , Maina Isabel , Normand Charles , Jemutai Julie , Barasa Edwine
Published: November 2022

Public financial management (PFM) processes are a driver of health system efficiency. PFM happens within the budget cycle which entails budget formulation, execution and accountability. At the budget execution phase, budgets are implemented by spending as planned to generate a desired output or outcome. Understanding how the budget execution processes influence the use of inputs and the outcomes that result is important for maximizing efficiency. This study sought to explain how the budget execution processes influence the efficiency of health systems, an area that is understudied, using a case study of county health systems in Kenya. We conducted a concurrent mixed methods case study using counties classified as relatively efficient (n = 2) and relatively inefficient (n = 2). We developed a conceptual framework from a literature review to guide the development of tools and analysis. We collected qualitative data through document reviews and in-depth interviews (n = 70) with actors from health and finance sectors at the national and county level. We collected quantitative data from secondary sources, including budgets and budget reports. We analysed qualitative data using the thematic approach and carried out descriptive analyses on quantitative data. The budget execution processes within counties in Kenya were characterized by poor budget credibility, cash disbursement delays, limited provider autonomy and poor procurement practices. These challenges were linked to an inappropriate input mix that compromised the capacity of county health systems to deliver health-care services, misalignment between county health needs and the use of resources, reduced staff motivation and productivity, procurement inefficiencies and reduced county accountability for finances and performance. The efficiency of county health systems in Kenya can be enhanced by improving budget credibility, cash disbursement processes, procurement processes and provider autonomy.
‘I didn’t even know it was a thing’: Australian young adults’ experience of economic abuse
Authors: Kutin Jozica Johanna , Russell Roslyn , Reid Mike
Published: November 2022

Economic abuse is a form of intimate partner violence that involves one partner controlling or restricting, exploiting or sabotaging the economic resources of the other partner. Little is known how economic abuse manifests in young people’s relationships or how to prevent it. This study explored young adults’ experiences of economic abuse and identified the factors associated with economic abuse in their relationships. Twenty-four young adults (18 women and 6 men) aged 18–29, were interviewed in-depth using both unstructured narrative and semi-structured interview questions. Thematic analysis was used to identify forms of economic abuse. Common experiences of economic abuse included: exploitation of financial and other resources, controlling access to money, damage to property and sabotage of employment and study. The contextual factors included lack of awareness of economic abuse, valuing love and relationships over money and fear of conflict and rejection. We argue that economic abuse prevention strategies should target young adults in their relationship formation stage and take into account the context of relationships and the issues young people face when venturing into cohabitation.
Postnatal neuronalBace1deletion impairs neuroblast and oligodendrocyte maturation
Authors: Benoit Marc R , Darboe Mabintou , Das Brati , Ge Yingying , Zhou John , Yao Annie , He Wanxia , Yan Riqiang , Hu Xiangyou
Published: November 2022

Beta amyloid cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is largely expressed by neurons and is the sole β-secretase for initiating the production of neuronal β-amyloid peptides (Aβ). To fully understand the physiological functions of neuronal BACE1, we used mouse genetic approach coupled with unbiased single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) to investigate how targeted deletion of Bace1 in neurons, driven by Thy-1-Cre recombinase, would affect functions in the nervous system. Our transcriptome results revealed that BACE1 is essential for maturation of neural precursor cells and oligodendrocytes in mice. RNA velocity analysis confirmed deficit in the trajectory of neuroblasts in reaching the immature granule neuron state in young Bace1fl/fl; Thy1-cre mice. Further analysis of differential gene expression indicated changes in genes important for SNARE signaling, tight junction signaling, synaptogenesis and insulin secretion pathways. Morphological studies revealed a hypomyelination in Bace1fl/fl;Thy1-cre sciatic nerves, but no detectable myelination changes in the corpus callosum, despite clear reduction in myelination proteins in the brain. Functional studies showed reduction in long-term potential, defects in synaptogenesis and learning behavioral. Altogether, our results show that neuronal BACE1 is critical for optimal development of central and peripheral nervous system, and inhibition of neuronal BACE1 will result in deficits in synaptic functions and cognitive behaviors.
Evaluating the role of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes: a Mendelian randomization study in Europeans and East Asians
Authors: Au Yeung Shiu Lun , Borges Maria Carolina , Wong Tommy Hon Ting , Lawlor Deborah A , Schooling C Mary
Published: November 2022

Background

Whether non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) causes cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is unclear and possible differences between ethnicities have not been thoroughly explored. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the role of NAFLD in CVD and T2D risk in Europeans and East Asians.

Methods

We conducted a MR study using genetic predictors of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liability to NAFLD, aspartate transaminase (AST), liver magnetic resonance imaging corrected T1 and proton density fat fraction and combined them with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics of CVD, T2D and glycaemic traits (sample size ranging from 14 400 to 977 320). Inverse-variance weighted analysis was used to assess the effect of NAFLD in these outcomes, with sensitivity analyses and replication in FinnGen. We conducted analyses in East Asians using ethnicity-specific genetic predictors of ALT and AST, and the respective outcome GWAS summary statistics.

Results

In Europeans, higher ALT was associated with higher T2D risk (odds ratio: 1.77 per standard deviation, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.08), with similar results for other exposures, across sensitivity analyses and in FinnGen. Although NAFLD proxies were related to higher coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke risk, sensitivity analyses suggested possible bias by horizontal pleiotropy. In East Asians, higher ALT was possibly associated with higher T2D risk, and ALT and AST were inversely associated with CAD.

Conclusions

NAFLD likely increases the risk of T2D in Europeans and East Asians. Potential differential effects on CAD between Europeans and East Asians require further investigation.
Let’s Agree to Disagree: A Strategy for Trade-Security
Authors: Pinchis-Paulsen Mona
Published: November 2022

Deliberation of trade security is crucial for maintaining multilateral coordination and enabling governments, businesses, and individuals to navigate global economic networks. World Trade Organization (WTO) members’ mounting invocations of security-based trade restrictiveness increasingly challenge an institution that requires persistent coordination and transparency to function. WTO members need space to discuss—and disagree with—the intersection of security and trade policies. While members make use of existing WTO institutions and procedures, the exceptionalism and secrecy of security hinder notification, and review of security-rooted trade practices. This article provides a descriptive analysis and prescriptions for WTO institutional techniques for addressing members’ security-related measures daily—that is, on a routine basis, via trade policy review and WTO notification processes. It shows that the trade community already possess the tools to manage the growing issue-area of trade and security.
Brown bear–sea otter interactions along the Katmai coast: terrestrial and nearshore communities linked by predation
Authors: Monson Daniel H , Taylor Rebecca L , Hilderbrand Grant V , Erlenbach Joy A , Coletti Heather A , Kloecker Kimberly A , Esslinger George G , Bodkin James L
Published: November 2022

Sea otters were extirpated throughout much of their range by the maritime fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the coast of Katmai National Park and Preserve in southcentral Alaska. Brown bears are an important component of the Katmai ecosystem where they are the focus of a thriving ecotourism bear-viewing industry as they forage in sedge meadows and dig clams in the extensive tidal flats that exist there. Sea otters began reoccupying Katmai in the 1970s where their use of intertidal clam resources overlapped that of brown bears. By 2008, the Katmai sea otter population had grown to an estimated 7,000 animals and was likely near carrying capacity; however, in 2006–2015, the age-at-death distribution (AADD) of sea otter carcasses collected at Katmai included a higher-than-expected proportion of prime-age animals compared to most other sea otter populations in Alaska. The unusual AADD warranted scientific investigation, particularly because the Katmai population is part of the Threatened southwest sea otter stock. Brown bears in Katmai are known to prey on marine mammals and sea otters, but depredation rates are unknown; thus, we investigated carnivore predation, especially by brown bears, as a potential explanation for abnormally high prime-age otter mortality. We installed camera traps at two island-based marine mammal haulout sites within Katmai to gather direct evidence that brown bears prey on seals and sea otters. Over a period of two summers, we gathered photo evidence of brown bears making 22 attempts to prey on sea otters of which nine (41%) were successful and 12 attempts to prey on harbor seals of which one (8%) was successful. We also developed a population model based on the AADD to determine if the living population is declining, as suggested by the high proportion of prime-age animals in the AADD. We found that the population trend predicted by the modeled AADDs was contradictory to aerial population surveys that indicated the population was not in steep decline but was consistent with otter predation. Future work should focus on the direct and indirect effects these top-level predators have on each other and the coastal community that connects them.
Development and Implementation of a Pilot Transition Preparation Intervention for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes in an Integrated Healthcare Setting
Authors: Caccavale Laura Jean , LaRose Jessica Gokee , Mazzeo Suzanne E , Bean Melanie K
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a multisystem transition preparation intervention, SHIFT, for young adults (YAs) with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

A single-arm, clinic-based pilot was conducted with 25 YAs with T1D (M age = 18.9 ± 1.0 years; 80% female), their parents (n = 25), and their providers (n = 10). Young adults and parents participated in a 6-month intervention designed to enhance transition readiness and independent diabetes management. Providers viewed a video module highlighting their role preparing YAs for transition and received individualized reports of YA’s goals and transition readiness. Intervention feasibility (i.e., recruitment, retention, and engagement) and acceptability (e.g., program satisfaction) were assessed. Assessments of transition readiness, diabetes engagement, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and related psychosocial variables were conducted at baseline, post-intervention (6 m), and follow-up (9 m). Paired t-tests examined 0–6 m and 0–9 m changes in study constructs.

Results

SHIFT was feasible, evidenced by recruitment (100% of sample recruited in 4 m), retention (100% at 6 m), and YA session attendance (100%). Program satisfaction was high for YAs, parents, and providers (9.12 ± 1.40, 8.79 ± 1.56, 8.20 ± 1.30, respectively, [out of 10]). Significant improvements (with effect sizes ranging from small to medium) were observed in parent and YA-reported transition readiness at 6 and 9 m (ps<.05) and diabetes engagement at 9 m (ps<.05). Although based on limited data due to COVID-19-related disruptions, a potential reduction in HbA1c was also observed.

Conclusion

Findings support the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of SHIFT (although limited by the single arm design and homogeneous sample), and suggest a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
N(Omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester potentiates lidocaine analgesic and anaesthetic effect in rats
Authors: Chou An-Kuo , Chen Yu-Wen
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The purpose of the experiment was to study the effect of L-NAME (N(Omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) and its cotreatment with lidocaine on the spinal block and infiltrative cutaneous analgesia.

Methods

The quality of cutaneous analgesia was examined by the block of the cutaneous trunci muscle reflexes following needle stimuli in the rat. Spinal anaesthetic potency was assessed by measuring three neurobehavioral examinations of nociceptive, proprioceptive and motor function following intrathecal injection in the rat.

Key findings

L-NAME (0.6, 6 and 60 nmol) when cotreatment with lidocaine (ED50) produced dose-related cutaneous analgesia. Coadministration of L-NAME (0.6 μmol) with lidocaine intensified (P < 0.01) and prolonged (P < 0.001) cutaneous analgesia, whereas subcutaneous L-NAME (0.6 μmol) and saline did not provoke cutaneous analgesic effects. Adding L-NAME (2.5 μmol) to lidocaine intrathecally prolonged spinal sensory and motor block (P < 0.01), while intrathecal L-NAME (2.5 μmol) or 5% dextrose (vehicle) produced no spinal block.

Conclusions

L-NAME at 60 nmol (the minimum effective dose) increases and prolongs the effect of cutaneous analgesia of lidocaine. L-NANE at an ineffective dose potentiates lidocaine analgesic and anaesthetic effects.
Cold gas mass measurements for the era of large optical spectroscopic surveys
Authors: Scholte Dirk , Saintonge Amélie
Published: November 2022

Gas plays an important role in many processes in galaxy formation and evolution, but quantifying the importance of gas has been hindered by the challenge to measure gas masses for large samples of galaxies. Data sets of direct atomic and molecular gas measurements are sufficient to establish simple scaling relations, but often not large enough to quantify three-parameter relations, or second-order dependences. As an alternative approach, we derive here indirect cold gas measurements from optical emission lines using photoionization models for galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) main galaxy sample and the PHANGS-MUSE survey. We calibrate the gas surface density measurements using xCOLD GASS and PHANGS-ALMA molecular gas measurements to ensure that our measurements are reliable. We demonstrate the importance of taking into account the scale dependence of the relation between optical depth (τV) and gas surface density (Σgas) and provide a general prescription to estimate Σgas from τV, metallicity, and the dust-to-metal ratio, at any arbitrary physical resolution. To demonstrate that the indirect cold gas masses are accurate enough to quantify the role of gas in galaxy evolution, we study the mass–metallicity relation of SDSS galaxies and show that as a third parameter gas mass is better than star formation rate at reducing the scatter of the relation, as predicted by models and simulations.
In situdetection of the genotoxic potential as one of the lines of evidence in the weight-of-evidence approach—the Joint Danube Survey 4 Case Study
Authors: Jovanović Marić Jovana , Kolarević Stoimir , Đorđević Jelena , Sunjog Karolina , Nikolić Ivan , Marić Ana , Ilić Marija , Simonović Predrag , Alygizakis Nikiforos , Ng Kelsey , Oswald Peter , Slobodnik Jaroslav , Žegura Bojana , Vuković-Gačić Branka , Paunović Momir , Kračun-Kolarević Margareta
Published: November 2022

Environmental studies which aim to assess the ecological impact of chemical and other types of pollution should employ a complex weight-of-evidence approach with multiple lines of evidence (LoEs). This study focused on in situ genotoxicological methods such as the comet and micronucleus assays and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis as one of the multiple LoEs (LoE3) on the fish species Alburnus alburnus (bleak) as a bioindicator. The study was carried out within the Joint Danube Survey 4 (JDS4) at nine sites in the Danube River Basin in the Republic of Serbia. Out of nine sampling sites, two were situated at the Tisa, Sava, and Velika Morava rivers, and three sites were at the Danube River. The three additionally employed LoEs were: SumTUwater calculated based on the monitoring data in the database of the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) (LoE1); in vitro analyses of JDS4 water extracts employing genotoxicological methods (LoE2); assessment of the ecological status/potential by SEPA and indication of the ecological status for the sites performed within the JDS4 (LoE4). The analyzed biomarker responses in the bleak were integrated into the unique integrated biomarker response index which was used to rank the sites. The highest pollution pressure was recorded at JDS4 39 and JDS4 36, while the lowest was at JDS4 35. The impact of pollution was confirmed at three sites, JDS4 33, 40, and 41, by all four LoEs. At other sampling sites, a difference was observed regarding the pollution depending on the employed LoEs. This indicates the importance of implementing a comprehensive weight-of-evidence approach to ensure the impact of pollution is not overlooked when using only one LoE as is often the case in environmental studies.
Decoding vesicle-based precision oncology in gliomas
Authors: Batool Syeda Maheen , Hsia Tiffaney , Khanna Sirena K , Gamblin Austin S , Rosenfeld Yulia , You Dong Gil , Carter Bob S , Balaj Leonora
Published: November 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a valuable tool in liquid biopsy with tremendous clinical potential in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of gliomas. Compared to tissue biopsy, EV-based liquid biopsy is a low-cost, minimally invasive method that can provide information on tumor dynamics before, during, and after treatment. Tumor-derived EVs circulating in biofluids carry a complex cargo of molecular biomarkers, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, which can be indicative of tumor growth and progression. Here, we briefly review current commercial and noncommercial methods for the isolation, quantification, and biochemical characterization of plasma EVs from patients with glioma, touching on whole EV analysis, mutation detection techniques, and genomic and proteomic profiling. We review notable advantages and disadvantages of plasma EV isolation and analytical methods, and we conclude with a discussion on clinical translational opportunities and key challenges associated with the future implementation of EV-based liquid biopsy for glioma treatment.
Prediagnostic biomarkers for early detection of glioma—using case–control studies from cohorts as study approach
Authors: Wu Wendy Yi-Ying , Dahlin Anna M , Wibom Carl , Björkblom Benny , Melin Beatrice
Published: November 2022

Background

Understanding the trajectory and development of disease is important and the knowledge can be used to find novel targets for therapy and new diagnostic tools for early diagnosis.

Methods

Large cohorts from different parts of the world are unique assets for research as they have systematically collected plasma and DNA over long-time periods in healthy individuals, sometimes even with repeated samples. Over time, the population in the cohort are diagnosed with many different diseases, including brain tumors.

Results

Recent studies have detected genetic variants that are associated with increased risk of glioblastoma and lower grade gliomas specifically. The impact for genetic markers to predict disease in a healthy population has been deemed low, and a relevant question is if the genetic variants for glioma are associated with risk of disease or partly consist of genes associated to survival. Both metabolite and protein spectra are currently being explored for early detection of cancer.

Conclusions

We here present a focused review of studies of genetic variants, metabolomics, and proteomics studied in prediagnostic glioma samples and discuss their potential in early diagnostics.
Blood platelets as an RNA biomarker platform for neuro-oncological diseases
Authors: Post Edward , Sol Nik , Best Myron G , Wurdinger Thomas
Published: November 2022

Blood-based liquid biopsies are an upcoming approach for earlier cancer detection, diagnostics, prognostics, therapy-response prediction, and therapy monitoring, including in patients with tumors of the central nervous system. Among these, liquid biopsies are plasma-derived markers such as cell-free DNA, RNA and proteins, extracellular vesicles, circulating glioma cells, immune cells, and blood platelets. Blood platelets are involved in the local and systemic response to the presence of cancer, thereby sequestering and splicing RNAs, which may be clinically useful as blood-based biomarkers. In this review, we discuss the available literature regarding the role of blood platelets in gliomas and provide suggestions for future research efforts.
TGF-β3 in differentiation and function of Tph-like cells and its relevance to disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shan Yu , Nakayamada Shingo , Nawata Aya , Yamagata Kaoru , Sonomoto Koshiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Satoh-Kanda Yurie , Nguyen Mai-Phuong , Todoroki Yasuyuki , Nagayasu Atsushi , Ueno Masanobu , Kanda Ryuichiro , Fujita Yuya , Zhang Tong , Hao He , Zhou Jieqing , Ma Xiaoxue , Anan Junpei , Nguyen Anh Phuong , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: November 2022

Objectives

T peripheral helper (Tph) cells have major roles in pathological processes in SLE. We sought to clarify the mechanisms of Tph cell differentiation and their relevance to clinical features in patients with SLE.

Method

Phenotypes and functions of Tph cell-related markers in human CD4+ T cells purified from volunteers or patients were analysed using flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. Renal biopsy specimens from patients with LN were probed by multicolour immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Among multiple cytokines, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 characteristically induced programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)hi musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (MAF)+, IL-21+IL-10+ Tph-like cells with a marked upregulation of related genes including PDCD-1, MAF, SOX4 and CXCL13. The induction of Tph-like cells by TGF-β3 was suppressed by the neutralization of TGF-β type II receptor (TGF-βR2). TGF-β3-induced Tph-like cells efficiently promoted the differentiation of class-switch memory B cells into plasmocytes, resulting in enhanced antibody production. The proportion of Tph cells in the peripheral blood was significantly increased in patients with SLE than in healthy volunteers in concordance with disease activity and severity of organ manifestations such as LN. TGF-β3 was strongly expressed on macrophages, which was associated with the accumulation of CD4+ C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR5)-PD-1+ Tph cells, in the renal tissue of patients with active LN.

Conclusion

The induction of Tph-like cells by TGF-β3 mainly produced from tissue macrophages plays a pivotal role in the pathological processes of active LN by enhancing B-cell differentiation in patients with SLE.
Maternal Morbidity After Double Balloon Catheter Management of Cesarean Scar and Cervical Pregnancies
Authors: Kus Lauren H. , Veade Ashley E. , Eisenberg David L. , Dicke Jeffrey M. , Kelly Jeannie C. , Dickison Shelby M.
Published: November 2022

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all Type 1 cesarean scar pregnancies (n=18) or cervical pregnancies (n=5) at an academic tertiary center after treatment with a cervical double balloon catheter from 2018 to 2022 to evaluate outcomes and maternal morbidity. Cervical double balloon catheter treatment was associated with no cases (95% confidence interval 0–16%) of maternal hemorrhage treated with transfusion, hysterectomy, or ICU admission. Treatment was successfully performed by nine different obstetrics and gynecology specialists.
Topical Ophthalmic Anesthetic Use for Sterile Corneal Abrasion in the Emergency Department
Authors: Black Alexander , Boswell Kathryn , Montenegro Daniel
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

Investigate current treatment and prescription practices of topical ophthalmic anesthetic agents (TOAAs) in emergency departments (EDs) across the United States to understand how these encounters may affect ocular health.

Methods:

A six question survey regarding the use of topical ophthalmic anesthetics was completed by 73 emergency medicine (EM) physicians across 34 states through the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Emergency Medicine Practices Research Network (EMPRN).

Results:

The survey was completed by 73 EM physicians. The majority indicated treating eye-related complaints frequently and comfort using (TOAAs) for pain control in sterile corneal abrasion. Over half of respondents indicated never discharging a patient from the ED with a prescription for TOAAs. The consensus for patient instructions included offering a short course (<48 hr) of treatment. Furthermore, 96% of respondents indicated that they would not prescribe refills for TOAAs, mostly due to concern regarding corneal damage.

Conclusions:

Despite demonstrable concern regarding the use of TOAAs and risk of corneal damage, a minority of EM physicians continue to prescribe these agents in the treatment of sterile corneal abrasion, which poses risks to visual health. Ophthalmologists have begun to advocate for decreased availability of TOAAs in settings such as the ED.
Application of microfluidic chip technology to study the inhibitory effect of tetramethylpyrazine on platelet aggregation, activation, and phosphatidylserine exposure mediated by pathological high shear rate
Authors: Zhang Tiancong , Liu Ling , Huang Xiaojing , Gao Xuemei , Chen Dan , Huan Xuanrong , He Cui , Li Yuan
Published: November 2022

Objective

In order to study the antithrombotic effect and mechanism of tetramethylpyrazine (TMA).

Methods

In this study, we developed a microfluidic chip model that can mimic normal arteries and stenotic arterial vessels, and studied the inhibitory effects of TMA on platelet aggregation, activation (P-selectin, GPIIb/IIIa, monocyte-platelet aggregates) and phosphatidyl serine (PS) exposure. In addition, we also investigated the effect of TMA on ADP and ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation by turbidimetry.

Results

The results showed that TMA significantly inhibited the platelet aggregation, activation and PS exposure induced by pathological high shear rate. Under static conditions, TMA can inhibit ADP and ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation.

Conclusion

The results indicated that TMA mainly inhibited platelet aggregation, activation and PS exposure by inhibiting the binding of von Willebrand factor (vWF) to the GPIb/IX/V complex, and partially inhibited platelet aggregation through the platelet P2Y12–ADP receptor pathway.
The effects of social defeat stress on hippocampal glial cells and interleukin-6 in adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Xu Yingjuan , Zhang Jiling , Fang Zeman , Zhang Handi
Published: November 2022

Adolescent social stress has been associated with the vulnerability to developing psychopathological disorders in adulthood that are accompanied by brain inflammatory processes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamic changes of the hippocampal neuroinflammatory mediators, including microglia, astrocyte, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in mice experiencing social defeat stress during adolescence. Adolescent mice were divided into the control group and stress group. Mice in the stress group were exposed to chronic intermittent social defeat for a total of 12 days, and control mice were reared in normal conditions. The hippocampal microglia, astrocyte, and IL-6 levels were measured 24 h and 3 weeks after the end of stress exposure. Microglia activation characterized by increased ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 positive cell numbers or staining area in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus were observed 24 h after the end of stress, which did not last into the adulthood. No short-term or long-term alterations of the number of hippocampal CA1 and CA3 glia fibrillary acidic protein astrocytes were found in mice experiencing adolescent social defeat, whereas IL-6 levels were only increased 3 weeks after the end of stress. These data suggested that exposure to chronic social defeat stress led to short-term and long-term neuroinflammatory changes in the hippocampus.
Early user experience and lessons learned using ultra-portable digital X-ray with computer-aided detection (DXR-CAD) products: A qualitative study from the perspective of healthcare providers
Authors: Qin Zhi Zhen , Barrett Rachael , del Mar Castro Maria , Zaidi Sarah , Codlin Andrew J. , Creswell Jacob , Denkinger Claudia M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Recent technological and radiological advances have renewed interest in using X-rays to screen and triage people with tuberculosis (TB). The miniaturization of digital X-ray (DXR), combined with automatic interpretation using computer-aided detection (CAD) software can extend the reach of DXR screening interventions for TB. This qualitative study assessed early implementers’ experiences and lessons learned when using ultra-portable (UP) DXR systems integrated with CAD software to screen and triage TB.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with project staff and healthcare workers at six pilot sites. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a framework approach. The themes that emerged were subsequently organized and presented using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

There were 26 interviewees with varying roles: supervisory, clinicians, radiographers, and radiologists. Participants recognized the portability as the main advantage, but criticize that it involves several compromises on throughput, internet dependence, manoeuvrability and stability, as well as suitability for patients with larger body sizes. Furthermore, compared to use the hardware and software from the same supplier without digital health information system, complexity increases with interoperability between hardware and software and between different electronic health information systems. Currently, there is a limited capacity to implement these technologies, especially due to need for threshold selection, and lack of guidance on radiation protection suitable for UP DXR machines. Finally, the respondents stressed the importance of having protected means of sharing patient medical data, as well as comprehensive support and warranty plans.

Conclusion

Study findings suggest that UP DXR with CAD were overall well received to decentralize radiological assessment for TB, however, the improved portability involved programmatic compromises. Main barriers to the uptake included the insufficient capacity and lack of guidance on radiation protection suitable for UP DXR.