bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unilateral Intracorneal Primary Pigmented Iris Cyst in a Man Aged 34 Years
Authors: Panigrahi Arnav , Gupta Shikha , Gupta Noopur
Published: September 2022

This case report describes a diagnosis of unilateral intracorneal cyst in a 34-year-old man who presented with a pigmented limbal mass in his left eye that had been present since he was 4 months of age.
Solution‐Tube‐Based Volume Effect Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Salt and pH Sensitivity
Authors: Zhou Qitao , Wang Boyou , Gao Along , Xu Wenxia , Zhou Kang , Pan Jing , Meng Guowen , Pan Caofeng , Xia Fan
Published: September 2022

Due to the advantages of natural softness and flexibility of water, liquid–solid‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have aroused wide attention recently and much effort has been devoted to improving its output performance. Herein, the performance of liquid–solid‐based TENG is greatly improved through two simple steps. First, an end electrode is added into the traditional tube‐based TENG and the volume effect is successfully realized, with the output voltage improved by ≈40 times to 240 V. Then, the output voltage of the tube‐based TENG can be further improved to 461 V by replacing water with NaOH solution and an impressive peak power density of 1910 Wm−3 and an average power density of 459 Wm−3 can be achieved. Additionally, the demonstration shows that the solution‐tube‐based volume effect TENG can work well at various operation modes and generate power from multiple mechanical energy sources. In addition to wearable human motion energy recovery, wave energy recovery, and electrochemical cathodic protection systems, the device also shows its application potential in biochemical sensing based on the solute concentration‐dependent output signal.
Indocyanine green‐fluorescent imaging for a detection of accessory pancreatic duct in pancreas‐preserving duodenectomy
Authors: Ito Ryota , Mise Yoshihiro , Tanaka Haruka , Miyashita Mamiko , Saiura Akio
Published: September 2022

Pancreas‐preserving duodenectomy is indicated for select patients with a duodenal tumor in the second portion. In this procedure, identification and closure of the accessory pancreatic duct is important to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula. A 63‐y‐old man was diagnosed with duodenal mucosal carcinoma in the second portion, with invasion of the major ampullary. We performed pancreas‐preserving duodenectomy. Intraoperatively, indocyanine green‐fluorescent imaging identified the accessory pancreatic duct clearly and it was successfully closed. Postoperative pancreatic fistula did not occur. Indocyanine green‐fluorescent imaging is effective in identifying the accessory pancreatic duct in pancreas‐preserving duodenectomy.
Nonviral Delivery of CRISPR/Cas Systems in mRNA Format
Authors: Liu Zhen , Li Zhenghua , Li Bin
Published: September 2022

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated (Cas) genome editing system provides a powerful toolbox for genetic engineering. However, safe and efficient in vivo delivery of all CRISPR components into the nuclei of target organs remains challenging toward CRISPR/Cas clinical translation. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, the nonviral CRISPR/Cas mRNA delivery systems are emerging as one of the most clinically advanced platforms. CRISPR/Cas mRNA formulated in lipid nanoparticles is currently under clinical trials for treating hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. Nonviral delivery of CRISPR/Cas systems in mRNA format not only minimizes immunogenicity and carcinogenicity, but also enables transient genome editing, thereby reducing potential off‐target effects. The recent advances in the nonviral CRISPR/Cas mRNA delivery systems should facilitate CRISPR technologies toward clinical applications.
The use of nitrous oxide ‘cracking’ technology in the labour ward: a case report and patient account
Authors: Khan‐Perez J. , MacCarrick T. , Martin F.
Published: September 2022

Nitrous oxide is a common choice of labour analgesia in many countries. However, its use is associated with significant cost to the environment as well as potential risks of long‐term occupational exposure. Our hospital is one of a small number of healthcare providers in the United Kingdom trialling technology which catalytically destroys (‘cracks’) nitrous oxide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and occupational exposure. When used in the setting of inhaled analgesia, cracking technology relies on capturing the patient's exhaled breath via a facemask or mouthpiece, a technique which requires some user skill and may be challenging for patients. In this report, we present the case of a primiparous 35‐year‐old consultant anaesthetist, who used nitrous oxide cracking technology with inhaled nitrous oxide analgesia (via a facemask) during labour. We present the patient's experiences and discuss the implications of using such technology on ambient nitrous oxide levels in the delivery room. Notably, despite this patient's professional expertise and familiarity with facemask use, nitrous oxide remained detectable throughout her labour, although generally at low levels. This illustrates that whilst this technology has the potential to reduce ambient nitrous oxide levels, its efficacy may vary depending on how it is used, with implications for patient education and support.
An Origami Paper‐Based Analytical Device Coupled with Fast‐Responding Functional RNA Superstructures for Tetracycline Detection
Authors: Shi Jiarong , Zhang Rui , Chang Yangyang , Liu Meng
Published: September 2022

Rapid and sensitive detection of tetracycline (TC) in the aquatic environment is important for the environmental ecosystem and human health. Herein, we presented on the first attempt to construct a fast‐responding gating system by using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐loaded functional RNA superstructures (HRP@3D RNA). Proteins were directly loaded into 3D RNA by the rolling circle transcription (RCT) reaction. We found that the specificity of aptamer‐ligand interaction could serve as a triggered manner to release the loaded HRP from 3D RNA. The above general scheme showed a few minutes of rapid release kinetics. According to the controlled‐release mechanism, we designed a disposable origami paper‐based analytical device (doPAD) coupled with HRP@3D RNA for colorimetric detection of TC. This doPAD can realize target recognition and signal readout by taking advantage of the unique spatial control advantages of 3D origami, thus generating a signal of color change that is positively related to the concentration of TC. This doPAD achieved the quantitative analysis of TC with a limit of detection of 10 nM within 41 min. We envision that the platform will be widely used in the field of environmental monitoring and biosensing.
Crowdsourced data reveal multinational connectivity, population demographics, and possible nursery ground of endangered oceanic manta rays in the Red Sea
Authors: Knochel Anna M. , Cochran Jesse E. M. , Kattan Alexander , Stevens Guy M. W. , Bojanowksi Elke , Berumen Michael L.
Published: September 2022

Despite the large size and economic value of the species, populations of oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) are often poorly studied and almost completely undescribed in the Red Sea. Here, photo‐identification (photo‐ID) was used to provide the first description of M. birostris movement patterns and population demographics for the northern Red Sea.

Images collated from social media, researchers, and photo‐ID databases from 2004 to 2021 identified 267 individual M. birostris from 395 sightings in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan. Sexual parity was observed in the population with 134 females, 111 males, and 22 individuals of undetermined sex. Nearly half of the individuals in this study were first identified through social media searches, highlighting the value of the sightings data collected by the public.

The regular presence of juveniles in Sharm el‐Sheikh, Egypt, indicates that this area is a potential nursery, which is the second identified for this species globally and the first in the Indo‐Pacific. Encounter data from this study recorded the first known movements of juvenile M. birostris and demonstrate that they can travel long distances of at least 525 km.

Within the recorded population, 24.7% (n = 67) of individuals were resighted, including 21 oceanic manta rays that were encountered in more than one location. These records reveal long‐distance migrations of up to 700 km and confirm the international connectivity of M. birostris in the Red Sea. The lagged identification rate data are best fitted with an open‐population model, implying that the northern Red Sea is represented by one well‐mixed population.

The baseline data presented here should encourage the expansion of directed research and citizen science initiatives for M. birostris. Increased knowledge of movement patterns and site use will be crucial to successfully protecting this endangered species in a region characterized by high levels of shipping traffic, unregulated fisheries, and extensive coastal development.
A reappraisal of pediatric thoracic surface anatomy
Authors: Şener Umut , Tellioğlu Ayfer Metin , Polat Yasemin Durum
Published: September 2022

Accurate knowledge of surface anatomy is essential for physical examination, invasive procedures, and anatomy education. Individual factors such as age make surface landmarks variable so accurate descriptions are needed. The aim of this study is to describe age‐related surface landmarks for intrathoracic structures in children. A total of 156 thoracic computed tomography scans of children aged 0–18 years were categorized into six groups, and the associations between major intrathoracic structures and surface landmarks were analyzed. Sternal angle is an accurate surface landmark for the azygos vein‐superior vena cava junction in all age groups. However, the aortic arch (except in the 0–1 year group), the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk and the tracheal bifurcation in those aged 15–18 years were not within this plane. The left brachiocephalic vein was located behind the ipsilateral sternoclavicular joint except in the 1–3 years group, and the right was behind it in children older than 6 years. The apex of heart was at the 5th intercostal space level in the 0–1 and 12–18 years groups; however, it was higher in the other groups. The lower borders of the lungs were at the sixth costal cartilage level in the midclavicular line, eighth intercostal space level in the midaxillary line, and T12 adjacent to the vertebral column in the 15–18 years group; the lower borders were at higher levels in younger children. Defining the variations in surface anatomy by in vivo studies will increase its clinical and pedagogical value.
The relationship between immediate postmastectomy reconstruction modalities and survival benefits in patients with triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Dai Luyao , Cui Hanxiao , Bao Yuanhang , Hu Liqun , Zhou Zhangjian , Wang Meng , Lin Shuai , Wu Hao , Kang Huafeng , Ma Xiaobin
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Immediate postmastectomy reconstruction for breast cancer has been widely used due to its unique esthetic and psychological effects. However, no other population‐based study has investigated the effects of different reconstruction types on the survival in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

We selected patients who met the eligibility criteria from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry (N = 9760). We then assessed the effect of different reconstructive surgical approaches (implant, autologous, implant and autologous combined reconstruction) on the overall survival (OS) and breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS) by using the Kaplan–Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. The nomograms were used to predict OS and BCSS. And the competitive risk model was used to assess breast cancer‐specific death (BCSD) and non‐breast cancer‐specific death (NBCSD).

Results

Statistical analysis suggested that the three reconstruction methods had better OS and BCSS with lower hazard than mastectomy alone (log‐rank test, p < 0.05). Multivariate stratified analysis showed that patients aged 40–60 years had the greatest improvement in OS (Adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.646; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.439–0.950; p = 0.026) with combined reconstruction. BCSS could be improved only by implant reconstruction (AHR, 0.672; 95% CI, 0.514–0.878; p = 0.004). In addition, autologous reconstruction (AHR, 0.570; 95% CI, 0.350–0.929; p = 0.024) and implant reconstruction (AHR, 0.538; 95% CI, 0.339–0.853; p = 0.008) improved OS in patients >60 years of age. The survival prediction model quantified the survival benefits of TNBC patients undergoing different surgeries. Moreover, the C‐indexes showed the good predictive ability of the nomograms.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that for TNBC patients, there is a survival benefit of immediate postmastectomy reconstruction compared with mastectomy alone. Among them, implant reconstruction has the most obvious advantage.
Heed lessons in leadership from an accomplished leader
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2022

LAS VEGAS — If you want to become more effective at leading through times of change, you can benefit from the insight of a seasoned leader. Robert Gates has held multiple high‐level leadership roles, including as the Chair of the NCAA Constitution Committee, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and the President of Texas A&M University. He shared his lessons learned at the annual convention for the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
A rare case of melanoma erysipeloides
Authors: Rekik Mariem , Kouki Chaima , kammoun Nadine , Sellami khadija , Triki Mariem , Boudaya Sonia , Bahloul Emna , Amouri Mariem , Boudawara Tahya , Turki Hamida
Published: September 2022

Malignant melanoma presenting as an inflammatory skin metastasis has been described but is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. We report a case of inflammatory metastasis of cutaneous melanoma (CM).
Shared histological and immunohistological findings in two patients with generalized vitiligo associated with autoimmune atrophic gastritis
Authors: Ghalamkarpour Fariba , André Muriel Cario , Gauthier Yvon
Published: September 2022

The prevalence of autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) in vitiligo patients was estimated at about 15%. In both conditions, a release of specific antibodies and an autoimmune destruction of target cells (melanocytes in vitiligo, parietal cells (PC) in AAG) mediated by CD8‐T lymphocytes was demonstrated to perform a comparative histological study of vitiligo skin and AAG mucosa. In two patients with concomitant vitiligo and AAG, biopsies from the vitiligo lesions and gastric mucosa from corpus fundus were performed. Sections were immunostained with E‐cadherin, Coll IV, CD8, CD20, CD4 antibodies. The skin sections also were stained with HES, HMB45, MITF. Common histological findings were found in both diseases. Adhesivity impairment with down expression of E‐cadherin and Coll IV was objectivated. The protruding MITF+melanocytes and the detached PC were surrounded by an infiltrate including CD8 and CD4. CD8 was infiltrating the epidermis in close contact with the remaining melanocytes and the gastric glands around the remaining PC. In both diseases, the autoimmune process could be preceded by a detachment of either melanocytes in vitiligo or PC in AAG possibly in relation to an initial adhesivity impairment of these cells. Common autoimmune mechanisms could be suggested for both diseases.
Methamphetamine poisoning due to body packer swallowing in a prisoner
Authors: Rouhani Ramin , Zakariaei Zakaria , Malakian Abdollah , Banimostafavi Elham Sadat , Soleymani Mostafa
Published: September 2022

Individuals who introduce illicit substances such as opioids and amphetamines into the gastrointestinal tract by swallowing or inserting them into the rectum are known as body packers. We describe a prisoner who developed severe poisoning symptoms after swallowing amphetamine packets and was promptly removed by laparotomy.
Clean energy strategies and pathways to meet British Columbia's decarbonization targets
Authors: Wang Haoqi , Bi Xiaotao , Clift Roland
Published: September 2022

British Columbia (BC) recently released the CleanBC policy framework to promote clean energy and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, CleanBC lacks concrete measures to reverse the growth of energy demand. Although BC has rich biomass and hydroelectric resources, it remains unclear whether these renewable resources will be enough to meet future energy demand. In this work, the potential in BC for increasing production and use of bioenergy, renewable electricity, and low‐carbon hydrogen was assessed, and the most efficient measures were identified. Energy scenarios were constructed to explore BC's future renewable energy demands for meeting GHG mitigation targets. The results show that CleanBC will drastically raise renewable energy demands but fail to achieve the 2030 target without radical demand reduction. Seen as the core strategy in CleanBC, electrification will require at least 60 PJ of additional electricity supply for 2030 and 160 PJ for carbon neutrality in 2050. This implies implementing wind and solar generation in capacities comparable to massive hydroelectric projects. Alternative to electrification is the bioenergy‐centred strategy. Existing waste biomass must be fully exploited; even then, roughly 250 and 460 PJ of additional primary bioenergy will be needed for 2030 and 2050, respectively, well beyond any foreseeable waste supply within BC. Hence, it is essential to utilize all the available biomass and renewable electricity resources and promote a diversified renewable energy portfolio. Hydrogen used as an energy carrier must be produced from natural gas with carbon capture to avoid competition for the limited renewable energy resources.
Molecular annotation of extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia identifies high prevalence of targetable mutations
Authors: Ball Somedeb , Knepper Todd C. , Deutsch Yehuda E. , Samra Wassim , Watts Justin M. , Bradley Terrence J. , Chan Onyee , Hussaini Mohammad Omar , Zhang Ling , Sweet Kendra L. , Kuykendall Andrew T. , Talati Chetasi , Padron Eric , Komrokji Rami S. , Lancet Jeffrey E. , Sallman David A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Genomic landscape of extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia (EM‐AML), including myeloid sarcoma (MS) and leukemia cutis (LC), is not well characterized. The potential utility of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) using EM tissue is not established.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study, clinical and NGS data were collected on patients with EM‐AML. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS Statistics (v 26).

Results

Our study included 58 patients with EM‐AML. The median age at diagnosis was 62 years; 59% of patients had MS and 33% had LC. EM‐AML was isolated (i.e., without blood or marrow involvement) in 31% and was first noted at relapse in 60% of patients. Median overall survival in our cohort was 18.2 months overall, with 19.1 months and 11.6 months in the newly diagnosed and the relapsed/refractory patients, respectively. At least one targetable or potentially targetable alteration was present in 52% of patients with EM‐site NGS, with 26% IDH1, 21% NPM1, 11% IDH2, 6% FLT3, and 13% KMT2A‐PTD. Mutations in IDH1 were significantly more prevalent on NGS from EM tissue than non‐EM (blood or marrow) samples (26% vs. 3%; p = .030). Three of four patients treated with IDH inhibitors based on EM‐site NGS experienced a complete response.

Conclusions

Targetable mutations are frequent in EM‐AML and EM‐site NGS is warranted for selecting potential targeted therapies for patients with EM‐AML.
Randomized Trial of the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of GSK2831781 in Healthy Japanese and White Participants
Authors: Liefaard Lia , Hajduk Eva , van den Berg Frans , Panoilia Eirini , Bouma Gerben , Lisi Edoardo , Srinivasan Naren , Cui Yi , Gross Annette S. , Tarzi Ruth , Marks Daniel J.B.
Published: September 2022

This study investigated ethnic differences in the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of GSK2831781, an anti–lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) monoclonal antibody, in healthy participants, and determined local tolerability and bioavailability following subcutaneous (SC) administration. A double‐blind, randomized study of (A) single intravenous (IV) doses of GSK2831781 450 mg or placebo in Japanese and White participants; and (B) single SC doses of GSK2831781 150 or 450 mg, or placebo in White participants, was conducted. Blood samples for analyses were collected before dosing and over 112 days after dosing. GSK2831781 was well tolerated in Japanese and White participants after both IV and SC doses, with the adverse event profile in Japanese being consistent with other populations. There were no injection site adverse events. There was no evidence of differences in systemic exposure among Japanese and White participants. Systemic exposure did not vary with body weight. SC bioavailability was 76.5%, as estimated using population pharmacokinetic modeling. Full and sustained target engagement and evidence of LAG3+ cell depletion (≈53%–66%) were observed in both populations and after both administration routes. No evidence of reduced circulating regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+CD127lowFoxP3+) was observed. Following IV and SC administration, GSK2831781 depleted circulating LAG3+ T cells with no interethnic difference observed. There were no major impacts on circulating regulatory T cells.
Addressing pollination deficits in orchard crops through habitat management for wild pollinators
Authors: Garratt Michael P. D. , O'Connor Rory S. , Carvell Claire , Fountain Michelle T. , Breeze Tom D. , Pywell Richard , Redhead John W. , Kinneen Lois , Mitschunas Nadine , Truslove Louise , Xavier e Silva Celina , Jenner Nigel , Ashdown Caroline , Brittain Claire , McKerchar Megan , Butcher Charnee , Edwards Mike , Nowakowski Marek , Sutton Peter , Potts Simon G.
Published: September 2022

There is increasing evidence that farmers in many areas are achieving below maximum yields due to insufficient pollination. Practical and effective approaches are needed to maintain wild pollinator populations within agroecosystems so they can deliver critical pollination services that underpin crop production. We established nesting and wildflower habitat interventions in 24 UK apple orchards and measured effects on flower‐visiting insects and the pollination they provide, exploring how this was affected by landscape context. We quantified the extent of pollination deficits and assessed whether the management of wild pollinators can reduce deficits and deliver improved outcomes for growers over 3 years. Wildflower interventions increased solitary bee numbers visiting apple flowers by over 20%, but there was no effect of nesting interventions. Other pollinator groups were influenced by both local and landscape‐scale factors, with bumblebees and hoverflies responding to the relative proportion of semi‐natural habitat at larger spatial scales (1000 m), while honeybees and other flies responded at 500 m or less. By improving fruit number and quality, pollinators contributed more than £16 k per hectare. However, deficits (where maximum potential was not being reached due to a lack of pollination) were recorded and the extent of these varied across orchards, and from year to year, with a 22% deficit in output in the worst (equivalent to ~£14 k/ha) compared to less than 3% (equivalent to ~£2 k/ha) in the best year. Although no direct effect of our habitat interventions on deficits in gross output was observed, initial fruit set and seed set deficits were reduced by abundant bumblebees, and orchards with a greater abundance of solitary bees saw lower deficits in fruit size. The abundance of pollinators in apple orchards is influenced by different local and landscape factors that interact and vary between years. Consequently, pollination, and the extent of economic output deficits, also vary between orchards and years. We highlight how approaches, including establishing wildflower areas and optimizing the ratio of cropped and non‐cropped habitats can increase the abundance of key apple pollinators and improve outcomes for growers.
Tropical forest loss impoverishes arboreal mammal assemblages by increasing tree canopy openness
Authors: Cudney‐Valenzuela Sabine J. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Morante‐Filho José C. , Toledo‐Aceves Tarin , Andresen Ellen
Published: September 2022

Landscape‐scale deforestation poses a major threat to global biodiversity, not only because it limits habitat availability, but also because it can drive the degradation of the remaining habitat. However, the multiple pathways by which deforestation directly and indirectly affects wildlife remain poorly understood, especially for elusive forest‐dependent species such as arboreal mammals. Using structural equation models, we assessed the direct and indirect effects of landscape forest loss on arboreal mammal assemblages in the Lacandona rainforest, Mexico. We placed camera traps in 100 canopy trees, and assessed the direct effect of forest cover and their indirect effects via changes in tree basal area and canopy openness on the abundance and diversity (i.e., species richness and exponential of Shannon entropy) of arboreal mammals. We found that forest loss had negative indirect effects on mammal richness through the increase of tree canopy openness. This could be related to the fact that canopy openness is usually inversely related to resource availability and canopy connectivity for arboreal mammals. Furthermore, independently of forest loss, the abundance and richness of arboreal mammals was positively related to tree basal area, which is typically higher in old‐growth forests. Thus, our findings suggest that arboreal mammals generally prefer old‐growth vegetation with relatively low canopy openness and high tree basal area. However, unexpectedly, forest loss was directly and positively related to the abundance and richness of mammals, probably due to a crowding effect, a reasonable possibility given the relatively short history (~40 years) of deforestation in the study region. Conversely, the Shannon diversity was not affected by the predictors we evaluated, suggesting that rare mammals (not the common species) are the ones most affected by these changes. All in all, our findings emphasize that conservation measures ought to focus on increasing forest cover in the landscape, and preventing the loss of large trees in the remaining forest patches.
Quantifying flow and nonflow management impacts on an endangered fish by integrating data, research, and expert opinion
Authors: Yackulic Charles B. , Archdeacon Thomas P. , Valdez Richard A. , Hobbs Monika , Porter Michael D. , Lusk Joel , Tanner Ashley , Gonzales Eric J. , Lee Debbie Y. , Haggerty Grace M.
Published: September 2022

Managers charged with recovering endangered species in regulated river segments often have limited flexibility to alter flow regimes and want estimates of the expected population benefits associated with both flow and nonflow management actions. Disentangling impacts on different life stages from concurrently applied actions is essential for determining the effectiveness of each action, but difficult without models that integrate multiple information sources. Here, we develop and fit an integrated population model for endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (Hybognathus amarus) in the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico. We integrate catch per unit effort monitoring data collected during 2002–2018 with population estimates, data collected during rescue of minnow from drying pools, habitat availability estimates, laboratory results, releases of hatchery reared minnow, and expert opinion. We use expert elicitation to develop a larval carrying capacity index as an informed proxy for the complex interactions among flow, habitat, and life history in this species. We evaluate the model using out‐of‐sample forecasts of 2019 and 2020, develop an algorithm to identify supplemental water releases that maximize benefits to the minnow, and quantify the effectiveness of various actions. Experts generally agreed on the duration and timing of flow requirements and disagreed regarding the importance of different magnitudes. The integrated model with the larval carrying capacity index outperformed two alternative models in forecasting catch in 2019 and 2020. The model estimates that minnow abundance varied by more than three orders of magnitude between 2002 and 2018 and that in a few years recruitment was limited by spawner abundance. Evaluation of the expected benefits of flow and nonflow management actions to fall population abundance across different years suggests that efficient addition of water to the base hydrograph is the most effective action in most, but not all years. Many actions are effective only under certain hydrologic and population conditions and the effectiveness of different actions varies in different sections of the study area. Widespread water extraction and river regulation combined with periodic drought and ongoing climate change may necessitate creative management of federally listed fish species in arid systems informed by thorough analyses of management effectiveness.
Predation risk regulates prey assortative mating by reducing the expected reproductive value of mates
Authors: Torsekar Viraj R. , Zaguri Moshe , Hawlena Dror
Published: September 2022

Many animals exhibit size assortative mating (SAM), but how predation affects it remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that predation risk may turn prey less choosy, disrupting SAM, or reduce the expected reproductive value of mates, maintaining SAM but with different size ratio between mates. Using a manipulative field experiment, we found that desert isopods under risk of scorpion predation maintained SAM, but that males that choose and fight over females were on average smaller for a given female size. Less pairs were formed in risky sites, but there were no differences in female sizes and progeny number, size and age near and away from scorpion burrows. Our complementary behavioral experiments revealed that bigger males stayed longer near safe burrows, and won more male–male contests than smaller conspecifics. Our findings highlight that prey can anticipate future costs of predation and use this information to assess the expected reproductive value of mates.
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), a link between heart failure and senescence
Authors: Bracun Valentina , van Essen Bart , Voors Adriaan A. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Dickstein Kenneth , Zannad Faiez , Metra Marco , Anker Stefan , Samani Nilesh J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Filippatos Gerasimos , Cleland John G.F. , Lang Chim C. , Ng Leong L. , Shi Canxia , de Wit Sanne , Aboumsallem Joseph Pierre , Meijers Wouter C. , Klip IJsbrand T. , van der Meer Peter , de Boer Rudolf A.
Published: September 2022

Aims

Insulin like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) is a marker of senescence secretome and a novel biomarker in patients with heart failure (HF). We evaluated the prognostic value of IGFBP7 in patients with heart failure and examined associations to uncover potential new pathophysiological pathways related to increased plasma IGFBP7 concentrations.

Methods and results

We have measured plasma IGFBP7 concentrations in 2250 subjects with new‐onset or worsening heart failure (BIOSTAT‐CHF cohort). Higher IGFBP7 plasma concentrations were found in older subjects, those with worse kidney function, history of atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus type 2, and in subjects with higher number of HF hospitalizations. Higher IGFBP7 levels also correlate with the levels of several circulating biomarkers, including higher NT‐proBNP, hsTnT, and urea levels. Cox regression analyses showed that higher plasma IGFBP7 concentrations were strongly associated with increased risk of all three main endpoints (hospitalization, all‐cause mortality, and combined hospitalization and mortality) (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.25–2.46; HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.39–2.11; and HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.23–1.70, respectively). IGFBP7 remained a significant predictor of these endpoints in patients with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Likelihood ratio test showed significant improvement of all three risk prediction models, after adding IGFBP7 (P < 0.001). A biomarker network analysis showed that IGFBP7 levels activate different pathways involved in the regulation of the immune system. Results were externally validated in BIOSTAT‐CHF validation cohort.

Conclusions

IGFPB7 presents as an independent and robust prognostic biomarker in patients with HF, with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction. We validate the previously published data showing IGFBP7 has correlations with a number of echocardiographic markers. Lastly, IGFBP7 pathways are involved in different stages of immune system regulation, linking heart failure to senescence pathways.
A mathematical optimization model using red deer algorithm for resource discovery in CloudIoT
Authors: Goudarzi Parisa , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Mosleh Mohammad
Published: September 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing are new concepts in revolutionized communication and information technologies. Different technologies, for example, transportation and healthcare, can benefit from Cloud of Things (CloudIoT) for mobile and fixed resource applications with great promises. Fixed and mobile resources are very important items in the CloudIoT paradigm because of the need for an appropriate discovery mechanism. In the present study, a mathematical optimization model is proposed for the minimization of bandwidth, cost, and response time of CloudIoT platforms with a special focus on the role of mobile and fixed resources in resource discovery. Additionally, this study presents a heuristic resource discovery algorithm using a mathematical optimization model (RDMOM). The mixed‐integer non‐linear programming is used to design the discovery mechanism. Furthermore, the optimization problem is solved using the red deer algorithm. Finally, the simulation results show a significant reduction in the latency, resource efficiency, and energy consumption, as well as an improvement in availability and success ratio, compared to previous algorithms. The RDMOM algorithm significantly improves the success ratio, energy consumption, resource efficiency, availability, and latency, respectively, by 18%, 21%, 24%, 17%, and 21% in comparison to other algorithms.
The effects of radial cracks on the fire performance of heritage timber
Authors: Harun Georgette , Chorlton Bronwyn , Richter Franz , Gales John
Published: September 2022

Heritage timber buildings are found worldwide and their irreplaceable nature makes them of high value. A common occurrence on heritage timber members is radial shrinkage cracks resulting from changing moisture contents over time. There is little information available that can be used to assess the fire performance of heritage timber members (which has unique differences from contemporary timber), and to the author's awareness, no information regarding how the presence of radial cracks affects the fire performance and char depth of a timber member. The purpose of this study is to provide an evaluation of the effects of radial cracking on the fire performance of timber members, including its effect on char depth, time to ignition, and residual strength. Full‐scale heritage Pine timber members were procured from a 115‐year‐old building undergoing demolition and then subjected to a pool fire. Cracked samples were also extracted from the members and tested in a Cone Calorimeter apparatus relative to solid samples. It was found that the presence of cracks did allow for deeper charring with the full‐scale tests showing 64% greater char depth in the cracked region and the Cone Calorimeter tests showing 29% greater char depth on the cracked samples. Four‐point bending tests of the full‐scale members subjected to a pool fire showed that the effect of the fire exposure and the cracks did not significantly impact the capacity of the members (7.2% difference) but reduced the stiffness as the ultimate deflection increased by 43%. These results can help to inform practitioners who encounter heritage timber members to more accurately assess the fire performance of the member, such that they can make informed decisions on the level of fire protection required. The study also provides methodologies for the collection of heritage timber test materials.
The protective effects of rutin on the liver, kidneys, and heart by counteracting organ toxicity caused by synthetic and natural compounds
Authors: Rahmani Sohrab , Naraki Karim , Roohbakhsh Ali , Hayes A. Wallace , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: September 2022

Rutin is a flavonoid present in many plant species. Because of its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties, rutin is of interest for its potential protective effects against toxic agents. The hepatoprotective, renoprotective, and cardioprotective effects of rutin are reviewed. The antioxidant effects of rutin are elicited by enhancing antioxidant enzymes such as GST, GGT, CAT, GPx, SOD, and GR, activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, elevating GSH content, and the reduction in MDA. The anti‐inflammatory effects of rutin are mediated by the inhibition of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TGF‐β1, COX‐2, iNOS, TLR4, and XO. Rutin exerted its antiapoptotic effects by inhibition of free radicals, caspase‐3/‐7/‐9, hsp70, HMGB1, and p53, and the elevation of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2. Rutin has potential therapeutic effectiveness against several toxicants, and its beneficial effects are more than likely mediated by its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and/or antiapoptotic property.
Urine is a viral antigen reservoir in hepatitis E virus infection
Authors: Ying Dong , He Qiyu , Tian Weikun , Chen Yanling , Zhang Xiaoping , Wang Siling , Liu Chang , Chen Zihao , Liu Yu , Fu Lijuan , Yan Li , Wang Ling , Tang Zimin , Wang Lin , Zheng Zizheng , Xia Ningshao
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims:

HEV ORF2 antigen (Ag) in serum has become a tool for diagnosing current HEV infection. Particularly, urinary shedding of HEV Ag has been gaining increasing interest. We aim to uncover the origin, antigenicity, diagnostic performance, and diagnostic significance of Ag in urine in HEV infection.

Approach and Results:

Clinical serum and urine samples from patients with acute and chronic HEV infection were analyzed for their Ag levels. Ag in urine was analyzed by biochemical and proteomic approaches. The origin of urinary Ag and Ag kinetics during HEV infection was investigated in mouse and rabbit models, respectively. We found that both the Ag level and diagnostic sensitivity in urine were higher than in serum. Antigenic protein in urine was an E2s‐like dimer spanning amino acids 453–606. pORF2 entered urine from serum in mice i.v. injected with pORF2. Ag in urine originated from the secreted form of pORF2 (ORF2S) that abundantly existed in hepatitis E patients’ serum. HEV Ag was specifically taken up by renal cells and was disposed into urine, during which the level of Ag was concentrated >10‐fold, resulting in the higher diagnosing sensitivity of urine Ag than serum Ag. Moreover, Ag in urine appeared 6 days earlier, lasted longer than viremia and antigenemia, and showed good concordance with fecal RNA in a rabbit model.

Conclusions:

Our findings demonstrated the origin and diagnostic value of urine Ag and provided insights into the disposal of exogenous protein of pathogens by the host kidney.
The relationship between internal and external factors about the outpatients’ choice of hospital: A cross‐sectional study from Jiaxing City, China
Authors: Yu Mingming , Zhao Guoyang , Tang Dan
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Exploring the mechanism influencing the choice of hospital among patients is important to render better care to them. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between outpatients’ different internal factors (sociodemographic and psychological characteristics) and different external factors (provider characteristics) regarding their choice of hospital.

Methods

The data obtained via questionnaire was analyzed with a linear regression model to verify the relationship between outpatients’ internal and external factors. In addition, for external factors, we built a score reflecting a comprehensive hospital's “hard power” (diagnosis and treatment technology and expertise, i.e., to say, the curative capability) and “soft power” (whether the environment for seeing a doctor is convenient and cheap, etc.) factors which influence the choice of outpatients, and the factors were given different points and weighted according to the option's order of the questionnaire.

Results

We did not see evidence that internal factors such as gender, age, birthplace, and having or not having medical insurance had an effect on the comprehensive external factors of the hospital's choice (p > 0.05). However, statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.001) that outpatients who usually resided near Jiaxing valued hospitals’ “hard power” to a greater extent than did outpatients who lived in Jiaxing city, otherwise, “soft power” was prioritized. Similarly, outpatients who recognized themselves as having serious diseases valued hospitals’ “hard power” to a greater extent than those with moderate or minor diseases, otherwise, “soft power” was prioritized (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

By enhancing the hospital's “soft power,” the managers of small hospitals could attract different outpatients from large hospitals, such as outpatients with minor or moderate diseases. Moreover, the regional health service organizations should promote the building of first‐ and second‐level hospitals near cities to retain more outpatients and to achieve outpatients’ diversion from large tertiary hospitals.
Understanding the use of oral rehydration therapy: A narrative review from clinical practice to main recommendations
Authors: Aghsaeifard Ziba , Heidari Ghobad , Alizadeh Reza
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Fluid loss due to diarrhea remains a significant cause of mortality among children under the age of 5.

Methods

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a first‐line therapeutic measure to compensate the volume loss due to diarrhea and vomiting among gastroenteritis patients. Despite adequate knowledge, the practice of ORT is limited, particularly in developing countries.

Results

Several recommendations are provided regarding the use of ORT to treat hypovolemia, however, the information regarding its adequate usage is restricted within the healthcare centers and professionals.

Conclusion

This review highlights the importance of providing recommendations regarding the use of ORT. We also discuss the barriers and alternatives that might limit its use.
Psychological stress and influencing factors of hospital workers in different periods under the public health background of infectious disease outbreak: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Miao Xing , Wang Wei , Chen Yongli , Huang Xiufang , Wang Rehua
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

It is well known that public health emergencies can affect the mental health of medical personnel, and many studies have focused on cross‐sectional studies with short‐term benefits. The present study aimed to investigate the long‐term influence of infectious disease outbreak about the mental health of hospital staff.

Methods

The demographic characteristics and mental health status of staff in Fuzhou, China, were analyzed by using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD‐7) Scale and Depression Screening Scale (9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ‐9]) in February and December 2020.

Results

There were no significant differences in anxiety levels during different time periods (p > 0.05), but there were significant differences among anxiety level and total score of GAD‐7 scale (p < 0.001). There were significant differences among the number of people with depression, depression level, and total score on the PHQ‐9 scale (p < 0.001). As the pandemic progressed, total scores of anxiety in medical staff with different titles decreased (p < 0.05), but depression scores in professionals with intermediate and senior titles increased significantly (p < 0.05). changes in anxiety and depression scores during different time periods also changed according to hospital worker specialty. Total scores of anxiety in doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and other staff members all decreased (p < 0.05), while total scores of depression in doctors, nurses, and other staff members significantly increased (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in total depression score among medical technicians (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Since the outbreak of an infectious disease public health emergency, the anxiety of hospital staff has decreased over time, but the depression has increased. The management and psychological support personnel in medical institutions should continue to pay attention to the mental health of medical staff, and it is necessary to take different intervention measures in different periods when implementing the psychological crisis prevention mechanism.
The future of insolvency law in a post‐pandemic world
Authors: Gurrea‐Martínez Aurelio
Published: September 2022

The COVID‐19 crisis has encouraged many countries to amend their insolvency laws. In most cases, these amendments took place temporarily, especially during the hibernation phase of the pandemic. In other countries, however, the pandemic has led to permanent changes in their insolvency legislation. More importantly, the COVID‐19 crisis has accelerated the insolvency reforms that were already on the political agenda of many countries, and it has encouraged other jurisdictions to reassess the desirability of their insolvency and restructuring frameworks. This article analyses the current trends, reforms and policy discussions that are expected to reshape the future of insolvency law in a post‐pandemic world.
Deep learning and machine learning‐based early survival predictions of glioblastoma patients using pre‐operative three‐dimensional brain magnetic resonance imaging modalities
Authors: Kaur Gurinderjeet , Rana Prashant Singh , Arora Vinay
Published: September 2022

To propose and implement an automated machine learning (ML) based methodology to predict the overall survival of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. In the proposed methodology, we used deep learning (DL) based 3D U‐shaped Convolutional Neural Network inspired encoder‐decoder architecture to segment the brain tumor. Further, feature extraction was performed on these segmented and raw magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using a pre‐trained 2D residual neural network. The dimension‐reduced principal components were integrated with clinical data and the handcrafted features of tumor subregions to compare the performance of regression‐based automated ML techniques. Through the proposed methodology, we achieved the mean squared error (MSE) of 87 067.328, median squared error of 30 915.66, and a SpearmanR correlation of 0.326 for survival prediction (SP) with the validation set of Multimodal Brain Tumor Segmentation 2020 dataset. These results made the MSE far better than the existing automated techniques for the same patients. Automated SP of GBM patients is a crucial topic with its relevance in clinical use. The results proved that DL‐based feature extraction using 2D pre‐trained networks is better than many heavily trained 3D and 2D prediction models from scratch. The ensembled approach has produced better results than single models. The most crucial feature affecting GBM patients' survival is the patient's age, as per the feature importance plots presented in this work. The most critical MRI modality for SP of GBM patients is the T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery, as evident from the feature importance plots.