bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REGEN‐COV antibody combination in patients with lymphoproliferative malignancies and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Bronstein Yotam , Avivi Irit , Cohen Yael C , Feigin Eugene , Perry Chava , Herishanu Yair
Published: February 2022

Patients with lymphoproliferative diseases are at high risk for SARS‐CoV‐2‐related complications and mortality. The role of casirivimab and imdevimab (REGEN‐COV), a neutralizing antibody cocktail, to treat immunocompromised hemato‐oncological patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 disease 2019 (Covid‐19) remains unknown. Here, we present our clinical experience on the outcome of 15 hematological patients treated with REGEN‐COV for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Most patients failed to respond or achieved low antibody titer after 2–3 doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. All patients experienced clinical improvement with no mortality within a median follow‐up of 70 days. In conclusion, early administration of REGEN‐COV to high‐risk hematological patients may prevent clinical deterioration and mortality from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies may vary depending on the virus variants and in particular with the omicron variant (B.1.1.529).
Real‐world evaluation of the impact of two anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 monoclonal antibody regimens on COVID‐19 hospitalizations in older adults
Authors: Sobolewski Kristine A. , Smoke Steven M. , Brophy Alison , Vassallo Andrew V. , Chen Brandon , Hilden Patrick , Patterson Rebecca , Pittiglio Marina , Raja Karan , Handler Eric , Freer Christopher
Published: February 2022

Evidence from clinical trials suggest anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 monoclonal antibodies (mABs) may reduce coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related hospitalizations. The purpose of this study was to assess the real‐world impact of mAB administration on COVID‐19 hospitalization among patients 65 years or older. This was a retrospective, propensity‐matched cohort study that included patients aged 65 years and older who presented to the emergency department (ED) within 10 days of symptom onset of mild to moderate COVID‐19 infection. Outcomes were compared between those who did and did not receive mAB therapy. The primary endpoint was the rate of hospitalization for COVID‐19 within 30 days of index ED visit. A total of 137 patients receiving mABs were matched to 137 controls. Hospitalization occurred in 2.9% of mAB‐treated patients compared to 14.6% of patients of the standard of care (SOC) arm (odds ratio: 0.20 [95% CI: 0.07–0.59]). There were zero intubations and zero deaths compared to 3 (2.2%) and 2 (1.5%) in the SOC group. Among the 223 patients receiving mAB in the overall cohort, adverse drug events occurred in 10 (4.5%). Treatment with mAB therapy for mild to moderate COVID‐19 was associated with a substantially reduced risk of hospitalization among patients at least 65 years of age.
Optimal production and financing portfolio strategies for a third‐party remanufacturing supply chain with capital constraint
Authors: Zhang Yongming , Chen Weida
Published: February 2022

This paper considers a supply chain comprising one loss‐averse third‐party remanufacturer (TPR) and one capital‐constrained original equipment manufacturer (OEM), then investigates its optimal production and financing portfolio strategies when OEM finances through three strategies: pure bank loan (PBL), full delay‐in‐payment with bank loan (FDP‐with‐BL), and partial delay‐in‐payment with bank loan (PDP‐with‐BL). It is found that the optimal structure of PDP‐with‐BL strategy depends on the relative size of TPR's actual loss aversion and a threshold value. When TPR's loss aversion intensifies, PDP‐with‐BL gradually replaces FDP‐with‐BL as the most favorable financing strategy for third‐party remanufacturing. OEM prefers PBL strategy, while TPR and the supply chain prefer PDP‐with‐BL strategy.
A re‐evaluation of overshooting in time integration schemes: The neglected effect of physical damping in the starting procedure
Authors: Maxam Dean J. , Tamma Kumar K.
Published: February 2022

An important property of implicit time integration algorithms for structural dynamics is their tendency to “overshoot” the exact solution in the first few steps of the computed response due to high‐frequency components in the initial excitations. The typical analysis technique for overshooting involves the study of asymptotic response of the algorithm's first step in the limiting high frequency case. This article finds that the prior analysis of overshooting in much of the engineering literature is incomplete in that it neglects the effect of physical damping. With physical damping included, first‐order overshooting components enter into several well‐known time integration algorithms which were previously thought to exhibit zero‐order overshooting in displacement. The Newmark method, Wilson‐ method, Bazzi‐ method, HHT‐ method, WBZ‐ method, and three parameter optimal/generalized‐ method are analyzed, as well as the generalized single‐step single‐solve (GSSSS) framework which encompasses all of the prior schemes and other new and optimal algorithms and designs based upon the issues under consideration. The additional overshooting component is eliminated in the novel amended GSSSS V0 family (which is noteworthy and cannot be derived by conventional means), while the numerically dissipative schemes in the GSSSS U0 family (encompassing traditional methods such as the HHT‐ method, WBZ‐ method, and three parameter optimal/generalized‐ method among other new algorithm designs) are shown to be irremediable as the additional overshooting component from physical damping enters into the second step of the response, which is a wholly new finding. Numerical verifications of the overshooting analysis are performed for SDOF and MDOF structures with and without physical damping, and practical recommendations are given for the solution of MDOF problems on the basis of algorithm design and selection for various initial conditions.
Load aliasing—A new additional test concept for effective control of nonhomogeneous high‐frequency behavior in linear multistep methods
Authors: Maxam Dean J. , Tamma Kumar K.
Published: February 2022

This article introduces a new additional test concept and numerical property of implicit time integration methods termed as “aliasing” of the external load which must be considered during the algorithm design process. Where most numerical properties of such algorithms discussed in the literature pertain to the homogeneous components, aliasing reflects the tendency of the nonhomogeneous components to introduce errors into the solution in the asymptotic high‐frequency limit. An analytical technique is proposed to detect and quantify aliasing, defined in terms of the resulting representative solution. A theorem establishes whether a representative solution with aliasing can be bounded up to a constant by the external force values and thus treated as acceptable if the bound is sufficiently small. For the U0 family of algorithms within the GSSSS‐II framework containing several traditional and closely related methods, this is not an issue. However, the numerically dissipative GSSSS‐II V0 family of methods is shown to exhibit bounded aliasing with a constant roughly equal to 2, while the “structure‐dependent” Chang Family Method is shown to exhibit unbounded aliasing, which is not acceptable for practical dynamic computations. Numerical verifications are performed with single‐degree and multi‐degree of freedom problems with a series of selected algorithms which exhibit either no aliasing, tightly bounded aliasing, unbounded aliasing, or large bounded aliasing, and practical recommendations are given for acceptable aliasing of the load with special emphasis on MDOF problems such as those arising from finite element discretizations.
Towards Recycling of LLZO Solid Electrolyte Exemplarily Performed on LFP/LLZO/LTO Cells**
Authors: Ali Nowroozi Mohammad , Iqbal Waidha Aamir , Jacob Martine , van Aken Peter A. , Predel Felicitas , Ensinger Wolfgang , Clemens Oliver
Published: February 2022

All‐solid‐state lithium ion batteries (ASS‐LIBs) are promising due to their safety and higher energy density as compared to that of conventional LIBs. Over the next few decades, tremendous amounts of spent ASS‐LIBs will reach the end of their cycle life and would require recycling in order to address the waste management issue along with reduced exploitation of rare elements. So far, only very limited studies have been conducted on recycling of ASS‐LIBS. Herein, we investigate the recycling of the Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid‐state electrolyte in a LiFePO4/LLZO/Li4Ti5O12 system using a hydrometallurgical approach. Our results show that different concentration of the leaching solutions can significantly influence the final product of the recycling process. However, it was possible to recover relatively pure La2O3 and ZrO2 to re‐synthesize the cubic LLZO phase, whose high purity was confirmed by XRD measurements.
Australia's News Media Bargaining Code and the global turn towards platform regulation
Authors: Bossio Diana , Flew Terry , Meese James , Leaver Tama , Barnet Belinda
Published: February 2022

Governments across the world are struggling to address the market dominance of technology companies through increased regulation. The Australian Federal government found itself leading the world in platform regulation when, in 2021, it enacted the Australian News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code. The furore surrounding the introduction of the legislation, and Facebook's subsequent Australian ‘news ban’ exposed the limits of a regulatory model that has previously left the tech industry to moderate itself. In this paper, we argue the introduction of the Code is a leading example of a global trajectory towards regulatory change, which sees governments move from a reactive regulation model to specific interventions around the governance of digital media spaces. We discuss how best to measure the successes and failures around this more interventionist model through a case study of the implementation of the Code in Australia. More broadly we consider how global platforms have responded, and whether the reform is an effective regulatory model for other national governments to emulate.
Neighborhood deprivation and risk of mortality among men with prostate cancer: Findings from a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: K. C. Madhav , Oral Evrim , Rung Ariane L. , Trapido Edward J. , Rozek Laura S. , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Bensen Jeannette T. , Farnan Laura , Steck Susan E. , Song Lixin , Mohler James L. , Peters Edward S.
Published: February 2022

Background

The overall survival rate of prostate cancer (PCa) has improved over the past decades. However, huge socioeconomic and racial disparities in overall and prostate cancer‐specific mortality exist. The neighborhood‐level factors including socioeconomic disadvantage and lack of access to care may contribute to disparities in cancer mortality. This study examines the impact of neighborhood deprivation on mortality among PCa survivors.

Methods

North Carolina–Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) data were used. A total of 2113 men, 1046 AA and 1067 EA, with PCa were included in the analysis. Neighborhood deprivation was measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) at the census block group level using data from the US Census Bureau. Quintiles of ADI were created. Cox proportional hazards and competing risk models with mixed effects were performed to estimate the effect of neighborhood deprivation on all‐cause and PCa‐specific mortality adjusted for age, race, study site, insurance status, and comorbidities.

Results

Participants living in the most deprived neighborhoods had an increased risk for all‐cause mortality (quintiles 4 + 5: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16–1.96) compared to those in the least deprived (quintile 1) neighborhoods. The risk of prostate cancer‐specific mortality was also higher among those living in the deprived neighborhoods (quintiles 4 + 5: aHR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.10–3.50) than those in the least deprived neighborhood.

Conclusions

The findings suggest neighborhood‐level resources or health interventions are essential to improve survival among men with PCa. Additional research should focus on the mechanisms of how the neighborhood environment affects mortality.
Impact of polymorphisms of pharmacokinetics‐related genes and the inflammatory response on the metabolism of voriconazole
Authors: Aiuchi Naoya , Nakagawa Junichi , Sakuraba Hirotake , Takahata Takenori , Kamata Kosuke , Saito Norihiro , Ueno Kayo , Ishiyama Masahiro , Yamagata Kazufumi , Kayaba Hiroyuki , Niioka Takenori
Published: February 2022

The effects of inflammatory responses and polymorphisms of the genes encoding cytochrome P450 (CYP) (CYP2C19 and CYP3A5), flavin‐containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3), pregnane X receptor (NR1I2), constitutive androstane receptor (NR1I3), and CYP oxidoreductase (POR) on the ratio of voriconazole (VRCZ) N‐oxide to VRCZ (VNO/VRCZ) and steady‐state trough concentrations (C0h) of VRCZ were investigated. A total of 56 blood samples were collected from 36 Japanese patients. Results of multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that the presence of the extensive metabolizer CYP2C19 genotype, the dose per administration, and the presence of the NR1I2 rs3814057 C/C genotype were independent factors influencing the VNO/VRCZ ratio in patients with CRP levels of less than 40 mg/L (standardized regression coefficients (SRC) = 0.448, −0.301, and 0.390, respectively; all p < .05). With regard to the concentration of VRCZ itself, in addition to the above factors, the presence of the NR1I2 rs7643645 G/G and rs3814055 T/T genotypes were found to be independent factors influencing the VRCZ C0h in these patients (SRC = −0.430, 0.424, −0.326, 0.406 and −0.455, respectively; all p < .05). On the contrary, in patients with CRP levels of at least 40 mg/L, no independent factors were found to affect VNO/VRCZ and VRCZ C0h. Inflammatory responses, and CYP2C19 and NR1I2 polymorphisms may be useful information for the individualization of VRCZ dosages.
Bio‐Derived and Cost‐Effective Membranes with High Selectivity for Redox Flow Batteries Based on Host–Guest Chemistry
Authors: Gao Li , Ding Yu , He Gaohong , Yu Guihua
Published: February 2022

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) stand out as a promising energy storage system to solve the grid interconnection problems of renewable energy. Membranes play a critical role in regulating the performance of RFBs, and the selectivity is commonly controlled via either size exclusion or Donnan exclusion. Membranes typically account for 40% of the stack cost of RFBs, and it is essential to develop cost‐effective membranes with high selectivity to achieve widespread application. Here, a type of membrane composed of highly abundant materials derived in nature, based on a scalable fabrication process, is reported. Moreover, high selectivity is achieved attributed to the host–guest interactions between membranes and redox species, which effectively alleviate the crossover of redox‐active molecules. By incorporating starch into a chitosan matrix for zinc‐iodine RFBs, the highly selective recognition of starch and chitosan (host) toward triiodide (guest) builds a “wall” to block the triiodide‐based active materials, meanwhile, the conducting properties of such a membrane are not compromised. The proof‐of‐concept battery delivers a Coulombic efficiency of 98.6% and energy efficiency of 77.4% at a current density of 80 mA cm–2, showing the promise of such a novel and cost‐effective membrane design beyond traditional selectivity chemistry.
The strategy guidance of business English intercultural communication based on blockchain security and genetic algorithms
Authors: Zhang Baicheng
Published: February 2022

With more and more frequent exchanges between countries, English as an international language has received more attention, especially the concept of “global village” proposed in recent years, which has narrowed the distance between countries. As a communication tool, business English is often used in cross‐cultural communication, and this article aims to analyze the misuse of business English in cross‐cultural communication. This paper proposes a language error analysis system based on blockchain security technology, which is based on blockchain security technology, which can well guarantee the security in business communication. It also proposes an optimization strategy based on genetic algorithm, which greatly improves the effect and efficiency of the system. The experimental results show that the system can more accurately detect language errors in business English communication. In the 22 scenes surveyed, only 3 scenes have mistakes, and in the scenes of mistakes, the accuracy rate can reach more than 90%. This shows that the system can provide support for cross‐cultural communication in business English, and can accurately and efficiently complete business English language errors.
Dynamic and Static Strain Aging in a High‐Manganese Steel
Authors: Wesselmecking Sebastian , Song Wenwen , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: February 2022

Carbon‐containing high‐manganese steels are susceptible to strain aging, which influences the mechanical properties during and after deformation. To understand the strain aging behavior of austenitic Fe‐22Mn‐1.3Al‐0.3C high‐manganese steel, dynamic as well as static strain aging are examined. Dynamic strain aging, occurring during deformation, is quantified by tensile tests at different strain rates. The strain localization during straining is analyzed by digital image correlation. A decrease in strain rate increases the tensile strength and influences the onset of a serrated flow. Static strain aging is quantified by interrupted tensile tests, combined with digital image correlation and small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS). The yield strength increases due to static strain aging at room temperature within the period of days. The samples show extended yield point (yield point elongation) and the effect strengthens at higher pre‐deformation. With SANS, evidence of carbon‐manganese ordering (C–Mn ordering) during aging is obtained and correlated.
Supporting Newcomer English Learners During Remote Learning
Authors: Frantz Laura , Protacio Maria Selena
Published: February 2022

In this article, the authors describe an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher's attempt to provide more personalized support for her elementary English learners (ELs) during remote learning. The authors provide an in‐depth description of using voice recorders, a low‐tech and inexpensive device, to mitigate barriers and promote English development and literacy skills for ELs. They then describe the benefits of using this tool and provide ideas on how to extend the use of voice recorders for ELs during traditional instruction.
Structural Evolution and Photoluminescence Properties of Two‐dimensional Lead Halide Perovskites
Authors: Ma Yue‐Yu , Pan Hong‐Mei , Li Dong‐Yang , Wu Shuang , Jing Zhihong
Published: February 2022

Herein, by using different size of organic molecules as cation templates, we prepared four new two‐dimensional (2D) lead halide perovskites, [PrPipz]PbBr4(1), [DMEDA]PbBr4(2), [TMEDA]0.5[DMA]PbCl4(3) and [TMA]4Pb3Cl10(4). Under the distinct structural directing effects of organic cations, compounds1–4present four different types of 2D inorganic layers. Remarkably, compounds1,3and4exhibit broadband blue emissions, while compound2exhibits broadband yellow emission upon the excitation of UV light at room temperature. This work paves a way to modulate the crystal structure and photoluminescent property of low‐dimensional halide perovskite via structural modulation strategy from the molecular level.
Who Is Left Out? Inequalities in Higher Education Admissions and Placements in Portugal
Authors: Sá Carla , Tavares Orlanda , Sin Cristina
Published: February 2022

Although the number of places available in Portuguese public higher education institutions is higher than the number of candidates, some applicants are still left out. Moreover, for those who get a place, inequalities are evident in the admission to the most selective institutions and programmes. This chapter aims to (i) identify and characterise the group of unsuccessful applicants; (ii) analyse the probability of a student being placed in his/her preferred programme; and (iii) examine socioeconomic inequalities in the acces to the most selective programmes. Findings reveal that female candidates, those with the lowest grade point average and those who live in the biggest cities, Porto and Lisbon, are most likely to be among the unsuccessful applicants, which suggests inequalities in access to higher education. Inequalities are also embedded within higher education, as access to universities and more selective study programmes seems to be easier for students whose parents hold higher education qualifications.
Challenges in enabling user control over algorithm-based services
Authors: König Pascal D.
Published: February 2022

Algorithmic systems that provide services to people by supporting or replacing human decision-making promise greater convenience in various areas. The opacity of these applications, however, means that it is not clear how much they truly serve their users. A promising way to address the issue of possible undesired biases consists in giving users control by letting them configure a system and aligning its performance with users’ own preferences. However, as the present paper argues, this form of control over an algorithmic system demands an algorithmic literacy that also entails a certain way of making oneself knowable: users must interrogate their own dispositions and see how these can be formalized such that they can be translated into the algorithmic system. This may, however, extend already existing practices through which people are monitored and probed and means that exerting such control requires users to direct a computational mode of thinking at themselves.
A drilling case study in polymer composites reinforced by virgin and recycled carbon fibres (CFRP and rCFRP) to analyse thrust force and torque
Authors: Geier Norbert , Poór Dániel István , Pereszlai Csongor , Tamás-Bényei Péter , Xu Jinyang
Published: February 2022

A great deal of attention is currently paid to recycling or reusing carbon fibres, as it improves sustainability and the lifetime of carbon products. The applicability of recycled carbon fibre–reinforced polymer (rCFRP) composite materials is supported by the results of material scientists; however, the machinability of rCFRPs has not been analysed yet. The machinability of virgin and rCFRPs was compared by analysing cutting force and torque in drilling. Six different CFRPs (virgin and recycled CFRPs with different reinforcing structures) were drilled at three feed levels using two different solid carbide cutting tools. The cutting force and torque were measured with a KISTLER 9257BA dynamometer, processed, and analysed by fast Fourier transformation (FFT) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The experimental results proved at a significance level of 0.05 that the recycled/virgin status of the applied CFRPs significantly influences both the thrust force and drilling torque of each CFRP. Furthermore, the cutting force and torque are higher in rCFRPs than in virgin CFRPs at each reinforcing structure. The present study suggests spreading rCFRP applications, as there are no essential barriers against them from the point of view of drilling force and torque.
On the Fourier dimension of (d, k)-sets and Kakeya sets with restricted directions
Authors: Fraser Jonathan M. , Harris Terence L. J. , Kroon Nicholas G.
Published: February 2022

A (d, k)-set is a subset of$$\mathbb {R}^d$$Rdcontaining ak-dimensional unit ball of all possible orientations. Using an approach of D. Oberlin we prove various Fourier dimension estimates for compact (d, k)-sets. Our main interest is in restricted (d, k)-sets, where the set only contains unit balls with a restricted set of possible orientations$$\Gamma $$Γ. In this setting our estimates depend on the Hausdorff dimension of$$\Gamma $$Γand can sometimes be improved if additional geometric properties of$$\Gamma $$Γare assumed. We are led to consider cones and prove that the cone in$$\mathbb {R}^{d+1}$$Rd+1has Fourier dimension$$d-1$$d-1, which may be of interest in its own right.
Urinary tetrahydroaldosterone is associated with circulating FGF23 in kidney stone formers
Authors: Moor Matthias B. , Dhayat Nasser A. , Schietzel Simeon , Grössl Michael , Vogt Bruno , Fuster Daniel G.
Published: February 2022

The spectrum of diseases with overactive renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAS) or elevated circulating FGF23 overlaps, but the relationship between aldosterone and FGF23 remains unclarified. Here, we report that systemic RAS activation sensitively assessed by urinary tetrahydroaldosterone excretion is associated with circulating C-terminal FGF23. We performed a retrospective analysis in the Bern Kidney Stone Registry, a single-center observational cohort of kidney stone formers. Urinary excretion of the main aldosterone metabolite tetrahydroaldosterone was measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Plasma FGF23 concentrations were measured using a C-terminal assay. Regression models were calculated to assess the association of plasma FGF23 with 24 h urinary tetrahydroaldosterone excretion. We included 625 participants in the analysis. Mean age was 47 ± 14 years and 71% were male. Mean estimated GFR was 94 ml/min per 1.73 m2. In unadjusted analyses, we found a positive association between plasma FGF23 and 24 h urinary tetrahydroaldosterone excretion (β: 0.0027; p = 4.2 × 10–7). In multivariable regression models adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and GFR, this association remained robust (β: 0.0022; p = 2.1 × 10–5). Mineralotropic hormones, 24 h urinary sodium and potassium excretion as surrogates for sodium and potassium intake or antihypertensive drugs did not affect this association. Our data reveal a robust association of RAS activity with circulating FGF23 levels in kidney stone formers. These findings are in line with previous studies in rodents and suggest a physiological link between RAS system activation and FGF23 secretion.
Decoupling of regional neural activity and inter-regional functional connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease: a simultaneous PET/MR study
Authors: Maleki Balajoo Somayeh , Rahmani Farzaneh , Khosrowabadi Reza , Meng Chun , Eickhoff Simon B. , Grimmer Timo , Zarei Mojtaba , Drzezga Alexander , Sorg Christian , Tahmasian Masoud
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are characterized by both aberrant regional neural activity and disrupted inter-regional functional connectivity (FC). However, the effect of AD/MCI on the coupling between regional neural activity (measured by regional fluorodeoxyglucose imaging (rFDG)) and inter-regional FC (measured by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI)) is poorly understood.

Methods

We scanned 19 patients with MCI, 33 patients with AD, and 26 healthy individuals by simultaneous FDG-PET/rs-fMRI and assessed rFDG and inter-regional FC metrics (i.e., clustering coefficient and degree centrality). Next, we examined the potential moderating effect of disease status (MCI or AD) on the link between rFDG and inter-regional FC metrics using hierarchical moderated multiple regression analysis. We also tested this effect by considering interaction between disease status and inter-regional FC metrics, as well as interaction between disease status and rFDG.

Results

Our findings revealed that both rFDG and inter-regional FC metrics were disrupted in MCI and AD. Moreover, AD altered the relationship between rFDG and inter-regional FC metrics. In particular, we found that AD moderated the effect of inter-regional FC metrics of the caudate, parahippocampal gyrus, angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, frontal pole, inferior temporal gyrus, middle frontal, lateral occipital, supramarginal gyrus, precuneus, and thalamus on predicting their rFDG. On the other hand, AD moderated the effect of rFDG of the parietal operculum on predicting its inter-regional FC metric.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that AD decoupled the link between regional neural activity and functional segregation and global connectivity across particular brain regions.
Processing speed dysfunction is associated with functional corticostriatal circuit alterations in childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: a PET and fMRI study
Authors: Li Yuting , Zhang Teng , Feng Jianhua , Qian Shufang , Wu Shuang , Zhou Rui , Wang Jing , Sa Guo , Wang Xiawan , Li Lina , Chen Feng , Yang Hong , Zhang Hong , Tian Mei
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (ECTS) is the most common epilepsy syndrome in children and usually presents with cognitive dysfunctions. However, little is known about the processing speed dysfunction and the associated neuroimaging mechanism in ECTS. This study aims to investigate the brain functional abnormality of processing speed dysfunction in ECTS patients by using the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods

This prospective study recruited twenty-eight ECTS patients who underwent the 18F-FDG PET, rs-fMRI, and neuropsychological examinations. Twenty children with extracranial tumors were included as PET controls, and 20 healthy children were recruited as MRI controls. The PET image analysis investigated glucose metabolism by determining standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR). The MRI image analysis explored abnormal functional connectivity (FC) within the cortical–striatal circuit through network-based statistical (NBS) analysis. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between SUVR, FC, and processing speed index (PSI).

Results

Compared with healthy controls, ECTS patients showed normal intelligence quotient but significantly decreased PSI (P = 0.04). PET analysis showed significantly decreased SUVRs within bilateral caudate, putamen, pallidum, left NAc, right rostral middle frontal gyrus, and frontal pole of ECTS patients (P < 0.05). Rs-fMRI analysis showed absolute values of 20 FCs were significantly decreased in ECTS patients compared with MRI controls, which connected 16 distinct ROIs. The average SUVR of right caudate and the average of 20 FCs were positively correlated with PSI in ECTS patients (P = 0.034 and P = 0.005, respectively).

Conclusion

This study indicated that ECTS patients presented significantly reduced PSI, which is closely associated with decreased SUVR and FC of cortical–striatal circuit. Caudate played an important role in processing speed dysfunction.

Clinical trial registration

NCT04954729; registered on July 8, 2021, public site, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04954729
A high-fat diet has negative effects on tendon resident cells in an in vivo rat model
Authors: Bolam Scott M. , Konar Subhajit , Park Young-Eun , Callon Karen E. , Workman Josh , Monk A. Paul , Coleman Brendan , Cornish Jillian , Vickers Mark H. , Munro Jacob T. , Musson David S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Tendinopathy is a major complication of diet-induced obesity. However, the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on tendon have not been well characterised. We aimed to determine: [1] the impact of a HFD on tendon properties and gene expression; and [2] whether dietary transition to a control diet (CD) could restore normal tendon health.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were randomised into three groups from weaning and fed either a: CD, HFD or HFD for 12 weeks and then CD thereafter (HF-CD). Biomechanical, histological and structural evaluation of the Achilles tendon was performed at 17 and 27 weeks of age. Tail tenocytes were isolated with growth rate and collagen production determined. Tenocytes and activated THP-1 cells were exposed to conditioned media (CM) of visceral adipose tissue explants, and gene expression was analysed.

Results

There were no differences in the biomechanical, histological or structural tendon properties between groups. However, tenocyte growth and collagen production were increased in the HFD group at 27 weeks. There was lower SOX-9 expression in the HFD and HF-CD groups at 17 weeks and higher expression of collagen-Iα1 and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in the HFD group at 27 weeks. THP-1 cells exposed to adipose tissue CM from animals fed a HFD or HF-CD had lower expression of Il-10 and higher expression of Il-1β.

Conclusions

In this rodent model, a HFD negatively altered tendon cell characteristics. Dietary intervention restored some gene expression changes; however, adipose tissue secretions from the HF-CD group promoted an increased inflammatory state in macrophages. These changes may predispose tendon to injury and adverse events later in life.
Linking long-term soil phosphorus management to microbial communities involved in nitrogen reactions
Authors: O’Neill R. M. , Duff A. M. , Brennan F. P. , Gebremichael A. W. , Girkin N. T. , Lanigan G. J. , Krol D. J. , Wall D. P. , Renou-Wilson F. , Müller C. , Richards K. G. , Deveautour C.
Published: February 2022

The influence of soil phosphorous (P) content on the N-cycling communities and subsequent effects on N2O emissions remains unclear. Two laboratory incubation experiments were conducted on soils collected from a long-term (est. 1995) P-addition field trial sampled in summer 2018 and winter 2019. Incubations were treated with a typical field amendment rate of N as well as a C-amendment to stimulate microbial activity. Throughout both incubations, soil subsamples were collected prior to fertiliser amendment and then throughout the incubations, to quantify the abundance of bacteria (16SrRNA), fungi (ITS) andThaumarcheota(16SrRNA) as well as functional guilds of genes involved in nitrification (bacterial and archaealamoA,and comammox) and denitrification (nirS,nirK,nosZclade I and II) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). We also evaluated the correlations between each gene abundance and the associated N2O emissions depending on P-treatments. Our results show that long-term P-application influenced N-cycling genes abundance differently. Except for comammox, overall nitrifiers’ genes were most abundant in low P while the opposite trend was found for denitrifiers’ genes. C and N-amendments strongly influenced the abundance of most genes with changes observed as soon as 24 h after application. ITS was the only gene correlated to N2O emissions in the low P-soils while microbes were mostly correlated to emissions in high P, suggesting possible changes in the organisms involved in N2O production depending on soil P-content. This study highlights the importance of long-term P addition on shaping the microbial community function which in turn stimulates a direct impact on the subsequent N emissions.
Patient-level costing analysis of paediatric short bowel syndrome care in a specialist tertiary centre
Authors: Jones Brendan C. , O’Sullivan Benjamin , Amin Sonal Parmar , Hill Susan , Eaton Simon , De Coppi Paolo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To undertake a pilot study estimating patient-level costs of care for paediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS) from the healthcare provider perspective.

Methods

A pilot group of patients with anatomical SBS was selected at a single specialist tertiary centre in the United Kingdom. The Patient Level Information and Costing System (PLICS) was used to extract costing data for all hospital-based activities related to SBS, from the implementation of PLICS in 2016 to April 2021. Patient-specific and pooled data were reported descriptively in per patient-year terms.

Results

Five patients had full PLICS data available for the 5-year study period and 2 patients had 4 years of data. The median cost for hospital care of SBS was £52,834 per patient-year (range £1804–£331,489). The key cost drivers were inpatient beds, pharmacy, and staffing costs, which made up > 60% of annual costs. In the first 3 years following index admission (n = 2), there was a steady decline in the annual cost of care to a level comparable with patients with established SBS.

Conclusion

Patient-level cost of care analysis for SBS is feasible using PLICS. Hospital-related costs vary widely between and within individual patients over time. Key drivers of cost are related to complications of SBS.
Mice lacking growth-associated protein 43 develop cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy
Authors: Bevere Michele , Morabito Caterina , Guarnieri Simone , Mariggiò Maria A.
Published: February 2022

Growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) is found in skeletal muscle, localized near the calcium release units. In interaction with calmodulin (CaM), it indirectly modulates the activity of dihydropyridine and ryanodine Ca2+ channels. GAP43–CaM interaction plays a key role in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and, consequently, in skeletal muscle activity. The control of intracellular Ca2+ signaling is also an important functional requisite in cardiac physiology. The aim of this study is to define the impact of GAP43 on cardiac tissue at macroscopic and cellular levels, using GAP43 knockout (GAP43−/−) newborn C57/BL6 mice. Hearts from newborn GAP43−/− mice were heavier than hearts from wild-type (WT) ones. In these GAP43−/− hearts, histological section analyses revealed a thicker ventricular wall and interventricular septum with a reduced ventricular chamber area. In addition, increased collagen deposits between fibers and increased expression levels of myosin were observed in hearts from GAP43−/− mice. Cardiac tropism and rhythm are controlled by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including cellular events such those linked to intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, in which GAP43 plays a role. Our data revealed that, in the absence of GAP43, there were cardiac morphological alterations and signs of hypertrophy, suggesting that GAP43 could play a role in the functional processes of the whole cardiac muscle. This paves the way for further studies investigating GAP43 involvement in signaling dynamics at the cellular level.
Translating Ultrasound into Clinical Practice for the Assessment of Swallowing and Laryngeal Function: A Speech and Language Pathology-Led Consensus Study
Authors: Allen Jodi E. , Clunie Gemma , Ma Joan K.-Y. , Coffey Margaret , Winiker Katharina , Richmond Sally , Lowell Soren Y. , Volkmer Anna
Published: February 2022

Ultrasound (US) has an emerging evidence base for the assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function. Accessibility and technological advances support the use of US as a clinical assessment tool; however, there is insufficient evidence to support its translation into clinical practice. This study aimed to establish consensus on the priorities for translation of US into clinical practice for the assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function. Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used as a formal method of consensus development. Clinicians and academics, all members of an international US working group, were invited to participate in the study. Two NGT meetings were held, where participants silently generated and then shared ideas. Participants anonymously ranked items. Rankings were aggregated before participants re-ranked items in order of priority. Discussions regarding rankings were recorded and transcribed to inform analysis. Member-checking with participants informed the final analysis. Participants (n = 15) were speech and language pathologists, physiotherapists and sonographers representing six countries. Fifteen items were identified and prioritised 1–13 (including two equally ranked items). Reliability, validity and normative data emerged as key areas for research while development of training protocols and engagement with stakeholders were considered vital to progressing US into practice. Analysis revealed common themes that might be addressed together in research, in addition to the ranked priority. A measured approach to the translation of US into clinical practice will enable effective implementation of this tool. Priorities may evolve as clinical and professional contexts shift, but this study provides a framework to advance research and clinical practice in this field.
Morbidity following emergency and elective cholecystectomy: a retrospective comparative cohort study
Authors: Lucocq James , Radhakishnan Ganesh , Scollay John , Patil Pradeep
Published: February 2022

Introduction

An emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (EMLC) is commonly performed for all biliary pathology, yet EMLC can be challenging due to acute inflammation. Understanding the risks of EMLC is necessary before patients can make an informed decision regarding operative management. The aim of the present study was to compare rates of operative and post-operative outcomes between EMLC and elective LC (ELLC) using a large contemporary cohort, to inform the consent process and influence surgical decision making.

Methods

All patients who underwent EMLC and ELLC in one UK health board between January 2015 and December 2019 were considered for inclusion. Data were collected retrospectively from multiple regional databases using a deterministic records-linkage methodology. Patients were followed up for 100 days post-operatively for adverse outcomes and outcomes were compared between groups using both univariate and multivariate analysis adjusting for pre-operative factors.

Results

A total of 2768 LCs were performed [age (range), 52(13–92); M:F, 1:2.7]. In both the univariate and multivariate analysis, EMLC was positively associated with subtotal cholecystectomy (RR 2.0; p < 0.001), post-operative complication (RR 2.8; p < 0.001), post-operative imaging (RR 2.0; p < 0.001), post-operative intervention (RR 2.3; p < 0.001), prolonged post-operative hospitalisation (RR 3.8; p < 0.001) and readmission (RR 2.2; p < 0.001). EMLC had higher rates of post-operative mortality in univariate analysis (RR 10.8; p = 0.01).

Discussion

EMLC is positively associated with adverse outcomes versus ELLC. Of course this study does not focus on a specific biliary pathology; nevertheless, it illustrates the additional risk associated with EMLC. This should be clearly outlined during the consent process but should be balanced with the risk of further biliary attacks. Further studies are required to identify particular patient groups who benefit from elective surgery.
AI-based medical e-diagnosis for fast and automatic ventricular volume measurement in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Zhou Xi , Ye Qinghao , Yang Xiaolin , Chen Jiakun , Ma Haiqin , Xia Jun , Del Ser Javier , Yang Guang
Published: February 2022

Based on CT and MRI images acquired from normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patients, using machine learning methods, we aim to establish a multimodal and high-performance automatic ventricle segmentation method to achieve an efficient and accurate automatic measurement of the ventricular volume. First, we extract the brain CT and MRI images of 143 definite NPH patients. Second, we manually label the ventricular volume (VV) and intracranial volume (ICV). Then, we use the machine learning method to extract features and establish automatic ventricle segmentation model. Finally, we verify the reliability of the model and achieved automatic measurement of VV and ICV. In CT images, the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson correlation, and Bland–Altman analysis of the automatic and manual segmentation result of the VV were 0.95, 0.99, 0.99, and 4.2 ± 2.6, respectively. The results of ICV were 0.96, 0.99, 0.99, and 6.0 ± 3.8, respectively. The whole process takes 3.4 ± 0.3 s. In MRI images, the DSC, ICC, Pearson correlation, and Bland–Altman analysis of the automatic and manual segmentation result of the VV were 0.94, 0.99, 0.99, and 2.0 ± 0.6, respectively. The results of ICV were 0.93, 0.99, 0.99, and 7.9 ± 3.8, respectively. The whole process took 1.9 ± 0.1 s. We have established a multimodal and high-performance automatic ventricle segmentation method to achieve efficient and accurate automatic measurement of the ventricular volume of NPH patients. This can help clinicians quickly and accurately understand the situation of NPH patient's ventricles.
Common network effect-patterns after monoamine reuptake inhibition in dissociated hippocampus cultures
Authors: Trepl Julia , Dahlmanns Marc , Kornhuber Johannes , Groemer Teja Wolfgang , Dahlmanns Jana Katharina
Published: February 2022

The pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder with currently available antidepressant drugs is still unsatisfying as response to medication is delayed and in some patients even non-existent. To understand complex psychiatric diseases such as major depressive disorder and their treatment, research focus is shifting from investigating single neurons towards a view of the entire functional and effective neuronal network, because alterations on single synapses through antidepressant drugs may translate to alterations in the entire network. Here, we examined the effects of monoamine reuptake inhibitors on in vitro hippocampal network dynamics using calcium fluorescence imaging and analyzing the data with means of graph theoretical parameters. Hypothesizing that monoamine reuptake inhibitors operate through changes of effective connectivity on micro-scale neuronal networks, we measured the effects of the selective monoamine reuptake inhibitors GBR-12783, Sertraline, Venlafaxine, and Amitriptyline on neuronal networks. We identified a common pattern of effects of the different tested monoamine reuptake inhibitors. After treatment with GBR-12783, Sertraline, and Venlafaxine, the connectivity degree, measuring the number of existing connections in the network, was significantly decreased. All tested substances led to networks with more submodules and a reduced global efficiency. No monoamine reuptake inhibitor did affect network-wide firing rate, the characteristic path length, or the network strength. In our study, we found that monoamine reuptake inhibition in neuronal networks in vitro results in a sharpening of the network structure. These alterations could be the basis for the reorganization of a large-scale miswired network in major depressive disorder.
Tannic acid as a novel and green leaching reagent for cobalt and lithium recycling from spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Prasetyo Erik , Muryanta Widya Aryani , Anggraini Astria Gesta , Sudibyo Sudibyo , Amin Muhammad , Al Muttaqii Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Tannic acid–acetic acid is proposed as novel and green chemicals for cobalt and lithium recycling from spent lithium-ion batteries through a leaching process. The synergism of both acids was documented through batch and continuous studies. Tannic acid promotes cobalt dissolution by reducing insoluble Co3+ into soluble Co2+, while acetic acid is critical to improve the dissolution and stabilize the metals in the pregnant leach solution. Based on batch studies, the optimum conditions for metal recovery at room temperature are acetic acid 1 M, tannic acid 20 g/L, pulp density 20 g/L, and stirring speed 250 rpm (94% cobalt and 99% lithium recovery). The kinetic study shows that increasing temperature to 80 °C improves cobalt and lithium recovery from 65 to 90% (cobalt) and from 80 to 99% (lithium) within 4 h at sub-optimum condition (tannic acid 10 g/L). Kinetic modeling suggests the leaching process was endothermic, and high activation energy indicates a surface chemical process. For other metals, the pattern of manganese and nickel recovery trend follows the cobalt recovery trend. Copper recovery was negatively affected by tannic acid. Iron recovery was limited due to the weak acidic condition of pregnant leach solution, which is beneficial to improve leaching selectivity.