bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Data Mining Activities in Distributed Systems
Authors: Mohammad Waleed A. , Yasin Hajar Maseeh , Salih Azar Abid , AL-Zebari Adel , Omar Naaman , Merceedi Karwan Jameel , Ahmed Abdulraheem Jamil , Salim Nareen O. M. , Hasan Sheren Sadiq , Kak Shakir Fattah , Ibrahim Ibrahim Mahmood
Published: September 2021

Distributed systems, which may be utilized to do computations, are being developed as a result of the fast growth of sharing resources. Data mining, which has a huge range of real applications, provides significant techniques for extracting meaningful and usable information from massive amounts of data. Traditional data mining methods, on the other hand, suppose that the data is gathered centrally, stored in memory, and is static. Managing massive amounts of data and processing them with limited resources is difficult. Large volumes of data, for instance, are swiftly generated and stored in many locations. This becomes increasingly costly to centralize them at a single location. Furthermore, traditional data mining methods typically have several issues and limitations, such as memory restrictions, limited processing ability, and insufficient hard drive space, among others. To overcome the following issues, distributed data mining's have emerged as a beneficial option in several applications According to several authors, this research provides a study of state-of-the-art distributed data mining methods, such as distributed common item-set mining, distributed frequent sequence mining, technical difficulties with distributed systems, distributed clustering, as well as privacy-protection distributed data mining. Furthermore, each work is evaluated and compared to the others.
Zero Prevalence of HIV and HCV Coinfection in the Highly HIV-infected Population of Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Okonko Iheanyi O. , Cookey Tochi I. , Frank-Peterside Nnenna
Published: September 2021

Background: Hepatitis C affects 5–15% of the 38 million people living with HIV globally. Africa which has the second highest prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection following Asia. This alarming statistics has made it crucial that studies be done to also ascertain the HIV/HCV co-infection prevalence in the country and host factors which may influence the co-infection.

Objective: Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of HCV infection amongst the HIV population of Rivers state, Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), in Rivers State, Nigeria, from February 2017 to September 2019.

Methods: In this study, 226 HIV-infected individuals were recruited comprising 105 males and 121 females. These subjects were screened for the presence of HIV and HCV using ELISA and was performed according to the kit manufacturer’s stipulations. The demographic characteristics of the participants were obtained using a questionnaire designed for the study.

Results: The presence of antibodies to HIV-1 reconfirmed the HIV status in all the study subject. A seroprevalence rate of 0.0% was observed for HIV/HCV infection. The ratio of females to males was found to be 1.2:1. The ages of the study population ranged from 16 to 70 years with a median age of 42.5 years. A large number (30.5%, n = 69) of the participants were within the age group 40 – 49 years, followed by those within 30 – 39 years (26.1%, n= 59), 50 – 59 years (17.3%, n = 39) and >59 years (13.7%, n = 31). Participants that were within younger age groups had less population; 20 – 29 years (9.7%, n = 22), with those that are <20 years having the least population (2.7%, n = 6). Many (49.1%, n = 111) of the study participants were found to be married. About 46.5% (n = 105) of them were single, while a few (4%, n = 10) were widowed.

Conclusion: No coinfection of HIV/HCV was found, in spite of Nigeria being endemic for HCV. However, despite this zero rate of HIV/HCV coinfection, routine screening for HCV markers should be carried out to reduce morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals.
Correlation between Clinical Tests and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding in Diagnosis of Chronic Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain
Authors: Attia Islam Talaat Khalil , Emran Ali Mahmoud , Megahed Elhafez Abd Elgafez , Lashin Mamdouh Fouad
Published: September 2021

Background: Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper- extremity disability. Presentation can vary from acute traumatic injuries to chronic degenerative conditions. Carful clinical examination should be done, there are some provocative tests for some pathologies which induce pain when the patient has the specific pathology for the test. MRI of the wrist is often challenging because the components of the wrist have complex anatomy of bone and soft tissues, with ligaments and cartilage which are small sized structures measuring millimeters. MRI is a one of advanced imaging techniques that play an important role in evaluating the wrist and is a useful examination modality because of its multiplanar, multisequence capability and its excellent resolution of soft tissue structures. MRI is particularly advantageous for assessing occult bone lesions and soft tissue structures around the wrist such as cartilages, tendons, ligaments and nerves.

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the role and accuracy of clinical tests and MRI in diagnosis of chronic ulnar-sided wrist pain causes.

Patients and Methods: This is a prospective study and was conducted on a 50 adult patients complaining from chronic ulnar side wrist pain. They were attended to Orthopedic Department of Tanta University Hospitals over a period of 6 months starting from November 2019 till May 2020.

Results: MRI gave positive finding in most of patients (92%), while negative in about (8%) of cases, this means that there are some pathologies need more investigations to be diagnosed. Most of Clinical tests also gave a help in diagnosis of the cause of the pain especially ulnocarpal stress test, fovea sign test, ECU synergy test and piano key test which by statistics showed significant results but LT ballottement test had insignificant results so LTL pathology can't be diagnosed by clinical tests only but needs more investigations as MRI. So some pathologies can be diagnosed clinically as ECU tenosynovitis, but other pathologies need more investigations like MRI like LTL tear, also some pathologies need more investigations.

Conclusion: Most of clinical tests give significant results in diagnosis of chronic ulnar-sided wrist pain except for some pathologies like LTL tear needs more investigations, also MRI has important role and gives significant results in diagnosis.
Effect of Heat treatment on the Chemical and Microstructural Properties of Wheat Straw Ash (WSA)
Authors: Ishfaq Muhammad , Gul Akhtar , Naseer Malik Hammad
Published: September 2021

This study examines the effects of different burning temperature on the chemical and microstructure properties of WSA. In many parts of the world due to non-availability of proper technology, the farmers generally burn wheat straw after acquiring grains, which causing environmental pollution with fire hazards at farm level and loss valuable commodity. In this research, the influence of different temperature on locally available Wheat Straw in Province KP, Pakistan was study. This research aim to find optimum temperature and burning duration of WSA by examine chemical and microstructural properties of WSA at 550oC for 4 hr, 550oC for 8 hr and 800oC for 30 min. The tests results were categorized through X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The result showing the 550oC for 4 hr contains high amount of (SiO2+Al2O3+Fe2O3) and amorphous nature as compared to other samples.
In-silico Inhibitory Potential of Triphala Constituents Against Cytochrome P450 2E1 for the Prevention of Thioacetamide-induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Unnisa Aziz , Khan Sharuk L. , Sheikh Farooque A. H. , Mahefooz Syed , Kazi A. A. , Siddiqui Falak A. , Gawai Nitin , Saboo Shweta G.
Published: September 2021

Background: Triphala, which is a combination of fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Embilica officinalis generally recommended as herbal drug formulation in the Indian traditional medicine system.

Study Design: To study the in-silico inhibitory potential of Triphala constituents against cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) for the prevention of Thioacetamide-induced Hepatotoxicity

Place and Duration of Study: The work has been performed at MUP's College of Pharmacy (B Pharm), Degaon, Risod, Washim, Maharashtra, India in between February 2021 to May 2021.

Methodology: We have studied the inhibitory potential of Triphala on CYP2E1 by applying molecular docking tools. The major chemical constituents of Triphala i.e. gallic acid, chebulic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin, syringic acid, and ascorbic acid were docked on CYP2E1.

Results: Docking results revealed the very good inhibitory potential of Triphala in terms of binding affinity towards CYP2E1. All the chemical constituents have formed at least 2 and at most 6 hydrogen bonds with the crystal structure of CYP2E1. The binding energies (kcal/mol) of gallic acid, chebulic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin, syringic acid, and ascorbic acid are -6.1, -7.1, -9.1, -8.3, -6.3, and -5.7, respectively. Ellagic acid has formed strong hydrogen bonds with Thr-303 and Thr-304 with bond length of 1.98 A0 and 2.26 A0 which confirms the excellent inhibition of CYP2E1.

Conclusion: These findings can be used to control the CYP2E1-facilitated biotransformation and drug interactions in the development of new chemical entities. In future, these phytoconstituents can be used as lead molecules to overcome the cancer associated with oxidative stress resulting from the hyperactivity of CYP2E1.
Integrated Management of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) Infesting Solanum tuberosum L. in Storage in MT Elgon Region, Kenya
Authors: Bonface Oroti Chimwani , Ndonga Millicent F. Owuor , Muyekho Francis N.
Published: September 2021

The production of potato, a second major staple food crop in Kenya is being constrained by an insect pest potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). The present study investigated two Integrated Pest Management techniques which would reduce (PTM) population in potato storage, four potato cultivars and two botanical quantities were used in storage in Mt Elgon region of Western Kenya. The insecticidal efficacy of Lantana camara L. and Azandiracta indica A. Jusss (Sapindales: Meliaceae) and in storage at Kapsokwony and Chemoremo villages were investigated in the present study years. In each of the studied site the experiment was laid down in randomized block Design (RBD) in a split plot arrangement at room temperature of 27 ± 2.  Four cultivars (Tigoni, Sherekea, Mayan gold and Asante) were the first factor and treatments (L. camara and A. indica leaves powder and control) as the second factor, each of which was repeated three. The room was partitioned at the center into two (3m x3m) using a PVC sheet to separate two portions for the two botanical and to prevented insect migration. We set up 4 caring bags per cultivar per botanical. We placed 2 kg PTM-free tubers per each cultivar in one caring bag hence 4 caring bags/split/ cultivar  and 16 caring bags / block, therefore the total number of caring bags  was (4 x 4)= 16 bags per cultivar hence (16 x 4) = 64 caring bags/ botanical. The splits had four 2kg caring bags hence (2x4) = 8 kg per split and (8x16) = 32kg/cultivar hence N =128kg. The caring bags were covered with a layer of the botanicals at a rate 100g, 150g, 200g, and untreated control respectively. Twenty (10♀ + 10♂) newly emerged moths were introduced inside the storage. We assessed for week one number of tubers infested and tunnels of PTM larvae, at week two for number of tubers infested and tunneling length. Week three number of tubers infested, tunneling length in tubers and number of second generation larva. Analysis was done by comparison of the means and there mean differences using R software. Results indicated use of 200g/ 2kg of the botanicals significantly reduced number of PTM larvae. Lantana camara was the most effective insecticide followed by Azadrachta indica compared to the controlled tubers. Thus the use of 200g of L. camara and Tigoni cultivar may be promising components of IPM strategies for reducing P. operculella population in potato fields and storage.
SORL1 mutation in a Greek family with Parkinson's disease and dementia
Authors: Xiromerisiou Georgia , Bourinaris Thomas , Houlden Henry , Lewis Patrick A. , Senkevich Konstantin , Hammer Monia , Federoff Monica , Khan Alaa , Spanaki Cleanthe , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios M. , Bonstanjopoulou Sevasti , Fidani Liana , Ermolaev Aleksey , Gan‐Or Ziv , Singleton Andrew , Vandrovcova Jana , Hardy John
Published: September 2021

Whole exome sequencing and linkage analysis were performed in a three generational pedigree of Greek origin with a broad phenotypic spectrum spanning from Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia to dementia of mixed type (Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia). We identified a novel heterozygous c.G1135T (p.G379W) variant in SORL1 which segregated with the disease in the family. Mutation screening in sporadic Greek PD cases identified one additional individual with the mutation, sharing the same 12.8Mb haplotype. Our findings provide support for SORL1 mutations resulting in a broad range of additional phenotypes and warrants further studies in neurodegenerative diseases beyond AD.
Sampled‐data adaptive observer for state and parameter affine systems with distributed and discrete output delays
Authors: Lailler Manon , Giri Fouad , Ahmed‐Ali Tarek
Published: September 2021

We are considering the problem of sampled‐data observer design for nonlinear time‐varying systems that are state‐affine. The novelty lies in that both distributed and discrete delays are considered in the output equation. The latter is also subject to a parameter uncertainty of nonaffine nature due to output sampling. Interestingly, all system delays are modeled using a single distributed representation, involving a distribution function, allowing thus for a unified treatment of delays. A Kalman‐like observer is developed to cope with both state and parameter uncertainty. Its main components are (i) a time‐varying‐gain state‐estimator involving both output and parameter rate injections; (ii) a distributed‐nature adaptive output‐predictor that compensate for all delay effects, including that of output sampling; (iii) an parameter‐estimator that is optimized in the sense that it makes use of all available information. The resulting observer is shown to be exponentially convergent, for small delays and sampling intervals, provided the input signal is sufficiently exciting. The analysis is performed using a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, Halanay's lemma, Wirtinger's inequality, and other tools.
Influence of the Titanium Inoculation on the Melting Behavior and Microstructure of Ni 620/X38CrMoV5‐1 Brazing Joints
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Wietheger Wolfgang , Hebing Julian
Published: September 2021

Since the emergence of the first Ni‐based filler metals in the end of the 1940s, the formation of brittle phases due to the metalloids Si, B, and P has been a major challenge. A new approach to selectively manipulate the microstructure of brazing joints with Ni‐based brazing alloys is to inoculate the brazing alloy with Ti. The aim of this study is to characterize the influence of Ti on the melting behavior and brazeability in brazed joints consisting of hot‐work tool steel X38CrMoV5‐1 and inoculated Ni‐base brazing alloy Ni 620. For this purpose, the melting behavior of the brazing alloy in the inoculated and noninoculated state is investigated by means of combined differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)/thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. In addition, the flow behavior of the filler metal as well as the resulting microstructure are evaluated by means of acoustic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy on the basis of a special specimen shape. The results show that Ti inoculation has a significant influence on the melting behavior as well as on the flow behavior and the microstructure in this brazing joint.
CuI‐catalyzed, one‐pot synthesis of 3‐aminobenzofurans in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Abtahi Bahareh , Tavakol Hossein
Published: September 2021

An environmentally friendly method is presented here for the synthesis of various benzofuran derivatives using CuI catalyst. In this line, a one‐pot, 3‐component reaction of alkynes, different aldehydes, and amines is employed in choline chloride‐ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvent as an available, cheap, and green media. The employed method includes easy workup and good yields. In this work, 12 different benzofuran derivatives have been prepared in 7 h at 80°C.
Validation of freshwater mussel life‐history strategies: A database and multivariate analysis of freshwater mussel life‐history traits
Authors: Moore Adrian P. , Galic Nika , Brain Richard A. , Hornbach Daniel J. , Forbes Valery E.
Published: September 2021

Freshwater mussels are among the most critically endangered taxa globally. In the United States, 91 out of nearly 300 species are listed as Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Freshwater mussel species exhibit a range of life‐history traits. Owing to the large number of North American species, the rarity of many listed species and the often limited data available for those species, it can be difficult to gather all of the information necessary to develop ecological risk assessments and effective management plans for freshwater mussel species.

The primary objective of this study was to categorize North American freshwater mussel species into life‐history categories to aid in the identification of representative species for risk assessment.

To achieve these objectives, a literature review was conducted to identify available life‐history data for a large range of mussel species. Using this dataset, two ordinations were performed, non‐metric multidimensional scaling and discriminant analysis, to classify mussel species into previously described life‐history categories. Both analyses facilitated species classification into life‐history categories.

Significant data gaps in basic life‐history information still exist for many species, but previously described life‐history categories were found to be robust and additional analysis allowed quantitative classification of additional species.
Liposomes: Ideal drug delivery systems in breast cancer
Authors: Forouhari Sedighe , Beygi Zahra , Mansoori Zahra , Hajsharifi Sara , Heshmatnia Fatemeh , Gheibihayat Seyed Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Breast cancer (BC) has been recognized as the most common type of cancer in females across the world, accounting for 12% of each cancer case. In this sense, better diagnosis and screening have been thus far proven to contribute to higher survival rates. Moreover, traditional (or standard) chemotherapy is still known as one of the several prominent therapeutic options available, though it suffers from unsuitable cell selectivity, severe consequences, as well as resistance. In this regard, nanobased drug delivery systems (DDSs) are likely to provide promising grounds for BC treatment. Liposomes are accordingly effective nanosystems, having the benefits of multiple formulations verified to treat different diseases. Such systems possess specific features, including smaller size, biodegradability, hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics, biocompatibility, lower toxicity, as well as immunogenicity, which can all lead to considerable efficacy in treating various types of cancer. As chemotherapy uses drugs to target tumors, generates higher drug concentrations in tumors, which can provide for their slow release, and enhances drug stability, it can be improved via liposomes in DDSs for BC treatment. Therefore, the present study aims to review the existing issues regarding BC treatment and discuss liposome‐based targeting in order to overcome barriers to conventional drug therapy.
Metformin pretreatment reduces effect to dacarbazine and suppresses melanoma cell resistance
Authors: Sanches Larissa J. , Marinello Poliana C. , da Silva Brito Walison A. , Lopes Natália M. D. , Luiz Rodrigo C. , Cecchini Rubens , Cecchini Alessandra L.
Published: September 2021

Oxidative stress role on metformin process of dacarbazine (DTIC) inducing resistance of B16F10 melanoma murine cells are investigated. To induce resistance to DTIC, murine melanoma cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of dacarabazine (DTIC‐res group). Metformin was administered before and during the induction of resistance to DTIC (MET‐DTIC). The oxidative stress parameters of the DTIC‐res group showed increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol, and reduced nuclear p53, 8‐hydroxy‐2ʹ‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OH‐DG), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐ĸB), and Nrf2. In presence of metformin in the resistant induction process to DTIC, (MET‐DTIC) cells had increased antioxidant thiols, MDA, nuclear p53, 8‐OH‐DG, Nrf2, and reducing NF‐ĸB, weakening the DTIC‐resistant phenotype. The exclusive administration of metformin (MET group) also induced the cellular resistance to DTIC. The MET group presented high levels of total thiols, MDA, and reduced percentage of nuclear p53. It also presented reduced nuclear 8‐OH‐DG, NF‐ĸB, and Nrf2 when compared with the control. Oxidative stress and the studied biomarkers seem to be part of the alterations evidenced in DTIC‐resistant B16F10 cells. In addition, metformin administration is able to play a dual role according to the experimental protocol, preventing or inducing a DTIC‐resistant phenotype. These findings should help future research with the aim of investigating DTIC resistance in melanoma.
The effects of cigarette smoking on the salivary and tongue microbiome
Authors: Suzuki Nao , Nakano Yoshio , Yoneda Masahiro , Hirofuji Takao , Hanioka Takashi
Published: September 2021

Objectives

It has been suggested that smoking affects the oral microbiome, but its effects on sites other than the subgingival microbiome remain unclear. This study investigated the composition of the salivary and tongue bacterial communities of smokers and nonsmokers in periodontally healthy adults.

Methods

The study population included 50 healthy adults. The bacterial composition of resting saliva and the tongue coating was identified through barcoded pyrosequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. The Brinkman index (BI) was used to calculate lifetime exposure to smoking. The richness and diversity of the microbiome were evaluated using thet‐test. Differences in the proportions of bacterial genera between smokers and nonsmokers were evaluated using the Mann–WhitneyUtest. The quantitative relationship between the proportions of genera and the BI was evaluated using Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

The richness and diversity of the oral microbiome differed significantly between saliva and the tongue but not between smokers and nonsmokers. The saliva samples from smokers were enriched with the generaTreponemaandSelenomonas. The tongue samples from smokers were enriched with the generaDialisterandAtopobium. The genusCardiobacteriumin saliva, and the genusGranulicatellaon the tongue, were negatively correlated with BI values. On the other hand, the generaTreponema,Oribacterium,Dialister,Filifactor,Veillonella, andSelenomonasin saliva andDialister,Bifidobacterium,Megasphaera,Mitsuokella, andCryptobacteriumon the tongue were positively correlated with BI values.

Conclusions

The saliva and tongue microbial profiles of smokers and nonsmokers differed in periodontally healthy adults. The genera associated with periodontitis and oral malodor accounted for high proportions in saliva and on the tongue of smokers without periodontitis and were positively correlated with lifetime exposure to smoking. The tongue might be a reservoir of pathogens associated with oral disease in smokers.
Medicinal chemistry of pyrophosphate mimics: A mini review
Authors: Prasher Parteek , Sharma Mousmee
Published: September 2021

The pyrophosphate mimicking groups offer rational modification of the pyrophosphate‐bearing natural substrates of the overexpressed enzymes that cause the onset of disease progression. Mainly, the modified substrate interacts differently with the enzyme active site eventually causing its deactivation, or provides the therapeutically active products at the completion of the catalytic cycle that contribute toward the inhibition of the target enzyme. Many of the pyrophosphate mimic‐containing molecules serve as competitive or allosteric inhibitors of the target enzyme to achieve the desirable properties for the mitigation of the target enzyme's pathophysiology. This review presents an epigrammatic overview of the pyrophosphate mimics in medicinal chemistry.
The influence of phylogeny and life history on telomere lengths and telomere rate of change among bird species: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Criscuolo François , Dobson F. Stephen , Schull Quentin
Published: September 2021

Longevity is highly variable among animal species and has coevolved with other life‐history traits, such as body size and rates of reproduction. Telomeres, through their erosion over time, are one of the cell mechanisms that produce senescence at the cell level and might even have an influence on the rate of aging in whole organisms. However, uneroded telomeres are also risk factors of cell immortalization. The associations of telomere lengths, their rate of change, and life‐history traits independent of body size are largely underexplored for birds. To test associations of life‐history traits and telomere dynamics, we conducted a phylogenetic meta‐analysis using studies of 53 species of birds. We restricted analyses to studies that applied the telomere restriction fragment length (TRF) method, and examined relationships between mean telomere length at the chick (Chick TL) and adult (Adult TL) stages, the mean rate of change in telomere length during life (TROC), and life‐history traits. We examined 3 principal components of 12 life‐history variables that represented:body size(PC1), theslow–fast continuum of pace of life(PC2), andpostfledging parental care(PC3). Phylogeny had at best a small‐to‐medium influence onAdultandChick TL(r2 = .190 and .138, respectively), but a substantial influence onTROC(r2 = .688). Phylogeny strongly influenced life histories: PC1 (r2 = .828), PC2 (.838), and PC3 (.613).Adult TLandChick TLwere poorly associated with the life‐history variables.TROC, however, was negatively and moderate‐to‐strongly associated with PC2 (unadjustedr = −.340; with phylogenetic correction,r = −.490). Independent of body size, long‐lived species with smaller clutches, and slower embryonic rate of growth may exhibit less change in telomere length over their lifetimes. We suggest that telomere lengths may have diverged, even among closely avian‐related species, yet telomere dynamics are strongly linked to the pace of life.
Let's do the time warp again: non‐linear time series matching as a tool for sequentially structured data in ecology
Authors: Hegg Jens C. , Kennedy Brian P.
Published: September 2021

Ecological patterns are often fundamentally chronological. However, generalization of data is necessarily accompanied by a loss of detail or resolution. Temporal data in particular contain information not only in data values but in the temporal structure, which is lost when these values are aggregated to provide point estimates. Dynamic time warping (DTW) is a time series comparison method that is capable of efficiently comparing series despite temporal offsets that confound other methods. The DTW method is both efficient and remarkably flexible, capable of efficiently matching not only time series but also any sequentially structured data set, which has made it a popular technique in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analytical tasks. DTW is rarely used in ecology despite the ubiquity of temporally structured data. As technological advances have increased the richness of small‐scale ecological data, DTW may be an attractive analysis technique because it is able to utilize the additional information contained in the temporal structure of many ecological data sets. In this study, we use an example data set of high‐resolution fish movement records obtained from otolith microchemistry to compare traditional analysis techniques with DTW clustering. Our results suggest that DTW is capable of detecting subtle behavioral patterns within otolith data sets which traditional data aggregation techniques cannot. These results provide evidence that the DTW method may be useful across many of the temporal data types commonly collected in ecology, as well other sequentially ordered “pseudo time series” data such as classification of species by shape.
Heart failure and atrial flutter: a systematic review of current knowledge and practices
Authors: Diamant Michael J. , Andrade Jason G. , Virani Sean A. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Petrie Mark C. , Hawkins Nathaniel M.
Published: September 2021

While the interplay between heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been extensively studied, little is known regarding HF and atrial flutter (AFL), which may be managed differently. We reviewed the incidence, prevalence, and predictors of HF in AFL and vice versa, and the outcomes of treatment of AFL in HF. A systematic literature review of PubMed/Medline and EMBASE yielded 65 studies for inclusion and qualitative synthesis. No study described the incidence or prevalence of AFL in unselected patients with HF. Most cohorts enrolled patients with AF/AFL as interchangeable diagnoses, or highly selected patients with tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy. The prevalence of HF in AFL ranged from 6% to 56%. However, the phenotype of HF was never defined by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). No studies reported the predictors, phenotype, and prognostic implications of AFL in HF. There was significant variation in treatments studied, including the proportion that underwent ablation. When systolic dysfunction was tachycardia‐mediated, catheter ablation demonstrated LVEF normalization in up to 88%, as well as reduced cardiovascular mortality. In summary, AFL and HF often coexist but are understudied, with no randomized trial data to inform care. Further research is warranted to define the epidemiology and establish optimal management.
Unusual human serum albumin fibrillation inhibition by ketoprofen and fenoprofen: Mechanistic insights
Authors: Prasanthan Pooja , Kishore Nand
Published: September 2021

Development of efficient therapeutic strategies to combat protein misfolding and fibrillation is of great clinical significance. In the current study, efforts have been made to obtain qualitative and quantitative insights into interactions of anti‐inflammatory drugs; ketoprofen and fenoprofen with the transport protein HSA and their inhibitory action on fibrillation by employing a combination of calorimetric, spectroscopic, microscopic, and molecular docking methods. Interestingly, both ketoprofen and fenoprofen are able to completely inhibit fibrillation of HSA when added at a concentration of 0.5 mM for fenoprofen or 1 mM ketoprofen. Further, no amorphous aggregates are formed. Isothermal titration calorimetric studies highlight the predominant role of polar interactions of these drugs with protein in prevention of fibrillation. The role of conformational flexibility of benzoyl and phenoxy groups of drugs has been correlated with inhibition efficiency. Such studies highlight the role of functionality required for an inhibitor in addressing neurodegenerative diseases.
Molecular evolutionary characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 emerging in the United States
Authors: Wang Shihang , Xu Xuanyu , Wei Cai , Li Sicong , Zhao Jingying , Zheng Yin , Liu Xiaoyu , Zeng Xiaomin , Yuan Wenliang , Peng Sihua
Published: September 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2 is a newly discovered beta coronavirus at the end of 2019, which is highly pathogenic and poses a serious threat to human health. In this paper, 1875 SARS‐CoV‐2 whole genome sequences and the sequence coding spike protein (S gene) sampled from the United States were used for bioinformatics analysis to study the molecular evolutionary characteristics of its genome and spike protein. The MCMC method was used to calculate the evolution rate of the whole genome sequence and the nucleotide mutation rate of the S gene. The results showed that the nucleotide mutation rate of the whole genome was 6.677 × 10−4 substitution per site per year, and the nucleotide mutation rate of the S gene was 8.066 × 10−4 substitution per site per year, which was at a medium level compared with other RNA viruses. Our findings confirmed the scientific hypothesis that the rate of evolution of the virus gradually decreases over time. We also found 13 statistically significant positive selection sites in the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome. In addition, the results showed that there were 101 nonsynonymous mutation sites in the amino acid sequence of S protein, including seven putative harmful mutation sites. This paper has preliminarily clarified the evolutionary characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the United States, providing a scientific basis for future surveillance and prevention of virus variants.
How and when team average individual mindfulness facilitates team mindfulness: The roles of team relational stress and team individual mindfulness diversity
Authors: Liu Xin , Zheng Xiaoming , Yu Yu , Owens Bradley P. , Ni Dan
Published: September 2021

Although mindfulness has attracted increasing attention from scholars and practitioners, we do not have a clear understanding of whether, how, and when individual mindfulness composites may shape team mindfulness. Based on the input–process–output (IPO) model and integrating mindfulness theory and team composition perspective, we propose a team‐level model theorizing that the additive accumulation of individual mindfulness among members (i.e., the mean level of individual trait mindfulness within a team) reduces team relational stress and that this reduction in turn enhances team mindfulness. Furthermore, team individual mindfulness diversity (i.e., the variability of individual trait mindfulness within a team) serves as a moderator, such that the indirect effect of team average individual mindfulness on team mindfulness via reduced relational stress is stronger when team individual mindfulness diversity is low rather than high. The results from a three‐wave field survey data support our hypotheses. Our findings resolve important unanswered questions relating to how and when individual mindfulness composites shape team mindfulness, and illuminate critical implications for managerial practice.
Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of Women with Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Breast Cancer Brain Metastases: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Gao Yizhuo Kelly , Kuksis Markus , Id Said Badr , Chehade Rania , Kiss Alex , Tran William , Sickandar Faisal , Sahgal Arjun , Warner Ellen , Soliman Hany , Jerzak Katarzyna J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second leading cause of brain metastases (BrM). We assessed the treatment patterns and outcomes of women treated for breast cancer BrM at our institution in the modern era of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of women (≥18 years of age) with metastatic breast cancer who were treated with surgery, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), or SRS to the brain at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada, between 2008 and 2018. Patients with a history of other malignancies and those with an uncertain date of diagnosis of BrM were excluded. Descriptive statistics were generated and survival analyses were performed with subgroup analyses by breast cancer subtype.

Results

Among 683 eligible patients, 153 (22.4%) had triple-negative breast cancer, 188 (27.5%) had HER2+, 246 (36.0%) had hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2−, and 61 (13.3%) had breast cancer of an unknown subtype. The majority of patients received first-line WBRT (n = 459, 67.2%) or SRS (n = 126, 18.4%). The median brain-specific progression-free survival and median overall survival (OS) were 4.1 months (interquartile range [IQR] 1.0–9.6 months) and 5.1 months (IQR 2.0–11.7 months) in the overall patent population, respectively. Age >60 years, presence of neurological symptoms at BrM diagnosis, first-line WBRT, and HER2− subtype were independently prognostic for shorter OS.

Conclusion

Despite the use of SRS, outcomes among patients with breast cancer BrM remain poor. Strategies for early detection of BrM and central nervous system–active systemic therapies warrant further investigation.

Implications for Practice

Although triple-negative breast cancer and HER2+ breast cancer have a predilection for metastasis to the central nervous system (CNS), patients with hormone receptor–positive/HER2− breast cancer represent a high proportion of patients with breast cancer brain metastases (BrM). Hence, clinical trials should include patients with BrM and evaluate CNS-specific activity of novel systemic therapies when feasible, irrespective of breast cancer subtype. In addition, given that symptomatic BrM are associated with shorter survival, this study suggests that screening programs for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer BrM warrant further investigation in an era of minimally toxic stereotactic radiosurgery.
Validation of a Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Risk Prediction Score and Derivation of a New Prediction Score Using a National Bone Marrow Transplant Registry Database
Authors: Lee Chien-Chang , Hsu Tzu-Chun , Kuo Chia-Chih , Liu Michael A. , Abdelfattah Ahmed M. , Chang Chia-Na , Yao Ming , Li Chi-Cheng , Wu Kang-Hsi , Chen Tsung-Chih , Gau Jyh-Pyng , Wang Po-Nan , Liu Yi-Chang , Chiou Lun-Wei , Lee Ming-Yang , Li Sin-Syue , Chao Tsu-Yi , Jou Shiann-Tarng , Chang Hsiu-Hao
Published: September 2021

Background

We externally validated Fujimoto's post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) scoring system for risk prediction by using the Taiwan Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry Database (TBMTRD) and aimed to create a superior scoring system using machine learning methods.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients registered in the TBMTRD from 2009 to 2018 were included in this study. The Fujimoto PTLD score was calculated for each patient. The machine learning algorithm, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), was used to construct a new score system, which was validated using the fivefold cross-validation method.

Results

We identified 2,148 allogeneic HCT recipients, of which 57 (2.65%) developed PTLD in the TBMTRD. In this population, the probabilities for PTLD development by Fujimoto score at 5 years for patients in the low-, intermediate-, high-, and very-high–risk groups were 1.15%, 3.06%, 4.09%, and 8.97%, respectively. The score model had acceptable discrimination with a C-statistic of 0.65 and a near-perfect moderate calibration curve (HL test p = .81). Using LASSO regression analysis, a four–risk group model was constructed, and the new model showed better discrimination in the validation cohort when compared with The Fujimoto PTLD score (C-statistic: 0.75 vs. 0.65).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated a more comprehensive model when compared with Fujimoto's PTLD scoring system, which included additional predictors identified through machine learning that may have enhanced discrimination. The widespread use of this promising tool for risk stratification of patients receiving HCT allows identification of high-risk patients that may benefit from preemptive treatment for PTLD.

Implications for Practice

This study validated the Fujimoto score for the prediction of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) development following hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) in an external, independent, and nationally representative population. This study also developed a more comprehensive model with enhanced discrimination for better risk stratification of patients receiving HCT, potentially changing clinical managements in certain risk groups. Previously unreported risk factors associated with the development of PTLD after HCT were identified using the machine learning algorithm, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, including pre-HCT medical history of mechanical ventilation and the chemotherapy agents used in conditioning regimen.
Immediate/chronic death threat: The different effects on money desire
Authors: Zhao Na , Wang Richu , Han Enhong
Published: September 2021

The present study examined the distinct relationships between immediate/chronic death threat and money attitude in the real‐world context. Immediate threats led to a stronger desire for money, whereas chronic threats had not such an effect.
Effects of a long‐term anoxic warming scenario on microbial community structure and functional potential of permafrost‐affected soil
Authors: Yang Sizhong , Liebner Susanne , Walz Josefine , Knoblauch Christian , Bornemann Till L. V. , Probst Alexander J. , Wagner Dirk , Jetten Mike S. M. , in ‘t Zandt Michiel H.
Published: September 2021

Permafrost (PF)‐affected soils are widespread in the Arctic and store about half the global soil organic carbon. This large carbon pool becomes vulnerable to microbial decomposition through PF warming and deepening of the seasonal thaw layer (active layer [AL]). Here we combined greenhouse gas (GHG) production rate measurements with a metagenome‐based assessment of the microbial taxonomic and metabolic potential before and after 5 years of incubation under anoxic conditions at a constant temperature of 4°C in the AL, PF transition layer, and intact PF. Warming led to a rapid initial release of CO2 and, to a lesser extent, CH4 in all layers. After the initial pulse, especially in CO2 production, GHG production rates declined and conditions became more methanogenic. Functional gene‐based analyses indicated a decrease in carbon‐ and nitrogen‐cycling genes and a community shift to the degradation of less‐labile organic matter. This study reveals low but continuous GHG production in long‐term warming scenarios, which coincides with a decrease in the relative abundance of major metabolic pathway genes and an increase in carbohydrate‐active enzyme classes.
Using an interim analysis based exclusively on an early outcome in a randomized clinical trial with a long‐term clinical endpoint
Authors: Garcia Barrado Leandro , Burzykowski Tomasz , Legrand Catherine , Buyse Marc
Published: September 2021

In RCTs with an interest in a long‐term efficacy endpoint, the follow‐up time necessary to observe the endpoint may be substantial. In order to reduce the expected duration of such trials, early‐outcome data may be collected to enrich an interim analysis aimed at stopping the trial early for efficacy. We propose to extend such a design with an additional interim analysis using solely early‐outcome data in order to expedite the evaluation of treatment's efficacy. We evaluate the potential gain in operating characteristics (power, expected trial duration, and expected sample size) when introducing such an early interim analysis, in function of the properties of the early outcome as a surrogate for the long‐term endpoint. In the context of a longitudinal age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD) ophthalmology trial, results show potentially substantial gains in both the expected trial duration and the expected sample size. A prerequisite, though, is that the treatment effect on the early outcome has to be strongly correlated with the treatment effect on the long‐term endpoint, that is, that the early outcome is a validated surrogate for the long‐term endpoint.
Distributionally robust trade‐off design of parity relation based fault detection systems
Authors: Wan Yiming , Ma Yujia , Zhong Maiying
Published: September 2021

The fault detection (FD) system design aims at optimizing the trade‐off between false alarm rate (FAR) and fault detection rate (FDR) under stochastic disturbances or uncertainties. A challenging difficulty in practice is the inexact information of stochastic disturbance distribution, that is, the actual distribution deviates from the one used in the design. To address this challenge, a distributionally robust optimization (DRO) approach that accounts for the inexact distribution information is proposed for the parity relation based FD of stochastic discrete‐time linear systems. It introduces moment‐based and entropy‐based ambiguity sets to describe the inexact disturbance distribution. Over such ambiguity sets, the FD system design for a scalar residual maximizes the worst‐case FDR with respect to a reference fault mode, while ensuring a predefined worst‐case FAR. To address the limitation of a scalar residual, the FD test of a vector residual is constructed with respect to a parameterized set of multiple fault modes. The resulting FD tests can be expressed in the same structure as the celebrated generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT), while only the detection threshold is adjusted to compensate for distribution ambiguity. Moreover, the worst‐case FDR in the presence of any given fault is evaluated by solving another DRO problem. Using a continuous stirred tank reactor example with inexact distribution information, it is demonstrated that the proposed designs achieve desirable performance trade‐off and provide effective worst‐case FDR evaluations, while the GLRT fails to ensure the predefined FAR.
How to Sustain and Spread Nutritional Care Improvements
Authors: Laur Celia V. , Bell Jack J.
Published: September 2021

Previous chapters have described how to improve nutrition care with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. The focus of this chapter is on keeping these improvements going (sustainability) and how to apply them to a new setting (spread).
Malnutrition Prevention
Authors: Roigk Patrick , Graeb Fabian
Published: September 2021

A healthy nutritional intake is required to prevent malnutrition. Furthermore, nutrition is associated with improved quality of life in older adults. Simultaneously, many factors influence nutritional intake in later life. Onset and progression of acute or chronic diseases and a reduced dietary intake play a crucial role in developing malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes such as pressure injury, increased length of hospital stays and increased mortality. The aim of the chapter is to increase the nutritional-based knowledge of the interdisciplinary team to prevent malnutrition in all its forms. Therefore, this chapter offers evidence-based information to support interdisciplinary prevention of malnutrition in older adults across diverse healthcare settings.
Nutrition Support in Older Adults
Authors: Holst Mette , Geirsdóttir Ólöf G. , Bell Jack J.
Published: September 2021

Malnutrition is observed in around one in three hospital inpatients; this harmful ICD10-AM-coded disease is a strong independent predictor of adverse older adult and healthcare outcomes, mortality, and treatment costs globally, particularly in multimorbid, older adults. Despite recognition of malnutrition as a disease, nutrition support prescriptions are often not valued as the medicine to treat it. This chapter is devoted to the common nutrition support prescriptions for treating malnutrition: (1) protein- and energy-dense and/or fortified foods, fluids, and menus (HPHE support); (2) oral nutrition supplements; (3) enteral tube feeding; and (4) parenteral nutrition.