bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the cultural elements that support and inhibit music teachers’ sociomusical identities in Chile
Authors: Angel-Alvarado Rolando , López-Íñiguez Guadalupe , Quiroga-Fuentes Isabel , Gárate-González Bayron
Published: December 2022

Sociomusical identities determine the social positions of individuals based on traditions and historical backgrounds, deriving from the reciprocal interchange of cultural elements within social groups. This study aimed to identify the cultural elements that support and inhibit the sociomusical identities of music teachers in Chile. Because the country is exceptionally long and narrow, it was possible to examine the distinctive features of the sociomusical identities of teachers in its four geographical zones. Thirty school music teachers took part in semi-structured interviews, in which they shared their professional stories in terms of their social position and transcultural processes. The researchers took a humanistic standpoint, employing a multiple-case study design in which boundaries of time, space, and place formed the basis of the analysis of teachers’ stories. The findings reveal that sociomusical identities are supported and inhibited by elements of the national education system. Furthermore, music teaching is informed by music teachers’ personal interests, which in turn reflect their sociomusical identities resulting from their pedagogical knowledge, teaching experience, and the environmental conditions of their particular milieu. The implications are that country-wide generalizations about music pedagogy should be avoided, as each geographical zone has its own particular issues.
Multiplex gel-based PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of 5 genotypes of porcine astroviruses
Authors: Zhang Qiuya , Liu Qin , Opriessnig Tanja , Wen Dan , Gu Keda , Jiang Yonghou
Published: December 2022

Porcine astrovirus (PAstV) has been associated experimentally with diarrhea in piglets, but much more knowledge is needed about this virus. PAstV has high genetic variability, and 5 genotypes have been identified, namely PAstV1–5. To obtain information on the epidemiology of PAstV, we established a multiplex PAstV PCR assay to detect and differentiate the 5 PAstV genotypes simultaneously. The assay utilized specific primers for each genotype, producing fragments of 307, 353, 205, 253, and 467 bp, representing PAstV1–5, respectively. Our multiplex PCR assay amplified all 5 DNA fragments from single or mixed viral genomes without cross-reactions with other PAstV genotypes or other viruses in pigs. The limit of detection of the multiplex PCR assay was 5 × 102 copies/μL for PAstV1 and PAstV4, and 5 × 103 copies/μL for PAstV2, PAstV3, and PAstV5. We examined 76 pig fecal specimens with our multiplex PCR assay. PAstV was detected in 36 of 76 (47.4%) samples; ≥2 PAstVs were found in 20 of 76 (26.3%) samples. The multiplex PCR assay results were essentially the same as the results using a monoplex PAstV PCR assay, with a coincidence rate of >96%. Our multiplex PCR method provides a simple, sensitive, and specific detection tool for PAstV detection and epidemiologic surveys.
Adult Pancreatoblastoma: Report of 3 new Cases With Genetic Diversity and Autopsy Findings
Authors: Machado Isidro , López-Guerrero José Antonio , Fernandez Antonio , López Raquel , García Casado Zaida , Ferrandez Antonio , Llombart-Bosch Antonio , Charville Gregory W.
Published: December 2022

We report the histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and molecular findings in 3 patients with adult pancreatoblastoma, including 2 with autopsy features. The tumors were located in the tail and body of the pancreas, and the 2 autopsy examinations revealed liver and lung metastases. Histopathologically the neoplasms were composed of solid epithelial elements with nested or trabecular growth patterns, fibrous stroma, and squamoid clusters. Keratin 19 was positive mainly in squamoid corpuscles, and trypsin or chymotrypsin was positive in the acinar component. Neuroendocrine differentiation was observed in all tumors, and nuclear β-catenin expression in 2 tumors. Despite nuclear β-catenin expression, CTNNB1 mutation was found only in tumor 2. APC mutation was detected in tumor 1, and SMAD4 as well as MEN1 mutations in tumor 3. This last tumor also revealed chromosomal instability with many chromosomal losses and gains. The follow-up showed regional or distant metastases in all patients. Two patients died of disease after 3 and 26 months of follow-up and 1 patient is alive with no evidence of disease 6 years and 2 months after surgery. Adult pancreatoblastoma can display genetic heterogeneity, diverse histological appearance, and overlapping IHC findings. As a result, the differential diagnosis with other adult pancreatic tumors, such as acinar cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine neoplasm, solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, and mixed tumors may be challenging, especially when dealing with limited tumor tissue. The identification of squamoid corpuscles is essential for diagnosis. Although molecular findings might provide useful information, the integration of clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings is essential in pancreatoblastoma diagnosis.
Extranodal Mesenteric Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma Expressing Keratin Antigens: What Pitfalls Initiate Diagnostic Clues
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , Keloth Tasnim
Published: December 2022

Extranodal follicular dendritic cell sarcomas are infrequent diagnostically challenging tumors. Because of their rarity, heterogeneous histomorphologic features and variable histologic grades a significant number of extranodal lesions are prone to be misdiagnosed. Even though they have a characteristic immunoprofile, expression of a range of nonspecific markers is well documented. Even though they are typically negative for keratins, few authors have reported lesions expressing keratin. Keratin expressing tumors are more likely to be misinterpreted by pathologists further deterring their inclusion in the differential diagnosis. We report an intraabdominal mesenteric follicular dendritic cell sarcoma in a 44-year-old male that immunophenotypically expressed keratin antigens. The lesion showed a high-grade pleomorphic epithelioid appearance and the initial differential diagnosis included lymphoma, sarcomas, melanoma, and carcinomas. Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma was not considered. Expression of epithelial membrane antigen and keratin further deterred the diagnosis which was reached only after extensive use of immunomarkers. The tumor cells expressed CD21, CD23, and D2-40. Morphologically, the tumor showed some thymoma-like features with occasional TDT-expressing background T-lymphocytes. These features were hints to reconsider our differential diagnosis to include follicular dendritic cell tumors. Awareness of this aberrant staining of epithelial immunomarkers and attention to certain clues should encourage pathologists to consider this entity. Speculative assumptions may explain this unusual keratin expression in some lesions. The histomorphologic and immunohistochemical heterogeneity may suggest different variants and grades of follicular dendritic cell sarcomas. The prevalence, importance, and histogenesis of keratin expression in follicular dendritic cell sarcomas warrant further studies.
Association Between Red Blood Cell Indices and Preoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiong Xiaojuan , Li Ting , Yu Shuang , Cheng Bo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To investigate the association of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV), and red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD) with preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Methods

A total of 2059 TJA patients were enrolled. We used the ratios of RBC, Hb, RDW-CV, and RDW-SD to DVT before TJA to create the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, thereby calculating the cut-off values and the area under the curve (AUC). The patients were categorized into groups based on cut-off value, and risk factors for DVT before TJA were subsequently analyzed. We included the variates that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis in the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Preoperative DVT occurred in 107 cases (5.20%). Based on the ROC curve, we found that the AUC for RBC, Hb, RDW-CV, and RDW-SD were 0.658, 0.646, 0.568, and 0.586, respectively. Multivariate binary regression analysis revealed that the risk of preoperative DVT in TJA patients with RBC≤3.92*109 /L, Hb≤118g/L, RDW-CV≥13.2%, and RDW-SD≥44.6fL increased 3.02 ( P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.0–4.54]), 2.15 ( P < 0.001, 95% CI [1.42–3.24]), 1.54 ( P = 0.038, 95% CI [1.03–2.3]), and 1.98 times ( P = 0.001, 95% CI [1.32–2.98]), respectively. The risk of preoperative DVT in patients with corticosteroid use increased approximately 2.6 times ( P = 0.002, 95% CI [1.22–5.81]).

Conclusion

We found that decreased RBC and Hb, increased RDW-CV and RDW-SD, and corticosteroid use were independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in patients undergoing TJA.
An overview of the role of selpercatinib and pralsetinib in RET-fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Nguyen Vanessa Quang , Geirnaert Marc
Published: December 2022

Objective

Selpercatinib and pralsetinib are new targeted therapies used to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to RET gene rearrangements. The objective of this article is to review selpercatinib and pralsetinib in the context of RET-fusion-positive NSCLC.

Data sources

The pivotal LIBRETTO-001 and ARROW trials were evaluated regarding the use of selpercatinib and pralsetinib as treatment for RET-fusion-positive NSCLC. Comparative studies, review articles and current studies on selpercatinib and pralsetinib in RET-fusion-positive NSCLC were searched on pubmed.org and scholar.google.com using “selpercatinib,” “pralsetinib,” and “NSCLC” as keywords. Product monographs were searched on google.ca and uptodate.com using the keywords “selpercatinib,” “pralsetinib,” and/or “monograph.”

Data summary

Selpercatinib and pralsetinib are orally administered highly selective RET inhibitors approved by the FDA following the accelerated approvals granted due to the pivotal LIBRETTO-001 and ARROW trials which evaluated selpercatinib and pralsetinib, respectively. Both drugs have shown efficacy for brain metastases and are primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 through hepatic metabolism. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse effects of selpercatinib were hypertension, increased ALT level, and increased AST level while for pralsetinib, it was neutropenia, hypertension, and anemia. The safety profile shows similarities in severity and tolerability but additional monitoring for QT prolongation in patients on selpercatinib is recommended, compared to the risks of interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis for patients on pralsetinib.

Conclusions

Overall, the increased use of selpercatinib and pralsetinib has led to the implementation of these drugs in the clinical practice of healthcare professionals such as pharmacists.
Implications of a technician-led pharmacy service on a day case unit in a tertiary oncology centre
Authors: Brown Harriet , Finch Milly
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Medicines Management Technicians have been shown to be an underused resource in medicines optimisation and medicines waste. In the United Kingdom, there are national recommendations for the clinical pharmacy service in cancer services ambulatory units, despite these recommendations, there was no clinical pharmacy service on the day case unit at a specialist tertiary centre in England. A lot of the patient pathways had been in place for many years and had not progressed with the changes in the clinical pathways. The main objectives of this study were to analyse how a medicines management technician could reduce medicines waste, improve the current pathway, increase medicines optimisation and ultimately improve the patient experience in an oncology day case unit at a specialist tertiary centre in England.

Methods

A prospective mixed methods study was carried out at Weston Park Hospital. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the quantitative data collected, and thematic analysis was carried out on the qualitative data collected by questionnaire to staff members and patients.

Results

This study has shown that a medicines management technician can complete some of the tasks more traditionally done by the chemotherapy nurses on the day case unit, increasing their capacity for more clinically appropriate tasks. A medicines management technician can work as part of the wider multidisciplinary team on a day case unit contributing to medicines optimisation and cost savings for the oncology directorate.

Conclusions

This study has shown that a medicines management technician can act as a valued member of the wider multidisciplinary team, improving communication and patient pathways, improving medicines optimisation and contributing to cost saving initiatives. Further studies are required to assess whether a medicines management technician role can be of the same value on a haematology day case unit.
Laying a Solid Foundation for the Next Generation of Evaluation Capacity Building: Findings from an Integrative Review
Authors: Bourgeois Isabelle , Lemire Sebastian Thomas , Fierro Leslie Ann , Castleman Ann Marie , Cho Minji
Published: December 2022

Evaluation capacity building (ECB) continues to attract the attention and interest of scholars and practitioners. Over the years, models, frameworks, strategies, and practices related to ECB have been developed and implemented. Although ECB is highly contextual, the evolution of knowledge in this area depends on learning from past efforts in a structured approach. The purpose of the present article is to integrate the ECB literature in evaluation journals. More specifically, the article aims to answer three questions: What types of articles and themes comprise the current literature on ECB? How are current practices of ECB described in the literature? And what is the current status of research on ECB? Informed by the findings of the review, the article concludes with suggestions for future ECB practice and scholarship.
The Supply and Demand Shifts in Policing at the Start of the Pandemic: A National Multi-Wave Survey of the Impacts of COVID-19 on American Law Enforcement
Authors: Lum Cynthia , Maupin Carl , Stoltz Megan
Published: December 2022

We report the results of the only multi-wave survey of a large and geographically diverse sample of police agencies across the United States to understand the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on law enforcement. Findings indicate an unprecedented and sustained shift in both the supply of and demand for police services during that time. While overall calls for service (demand) tended to decline in most agencies, some experienced increases in specific categories of calls. During the early months of COVID, agencies also reduced their in-person response to calls for service, arrests, proactive policing, and community policing activities (supply). These findings indicate a substantial change in the public safety landscape during that time, which was experienced by agencies of all sizes and from all types of jurisdictions. We explore how public health pandemics can lead to substantial, immediate, and potentially sustained changes to police deployment and police-community interactions that may impact public safety goals.
Comparison of prilocaine/lidocaine cream with piroxicam gel for reducing pain during cannulation of arteriovenous fistula for adults undergoing haemodialysis: A randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: Shaheen Samia , Arshad Abdul Rehman , Khattak Muhammad Adnan Khan
Published: December 2022

Background:

Pain is a traumatic experience for most patients on hemodialysis. In this trial, we compared prilocaine/lidocaine cream with piroxicam gel for pain reduction during arteriovenous fistula needling.

Methods:

This randomized double-blind crossover clinical trial was done at dialysis unit of a tertiary care hospital from June to August 2022. Adult patients, aged 18–75 years, on maintenance hemodialysis through an arteriovenous fistula were selected randomly. Pain severity during needling of fistula was assessed during initial two hemodialysis sessions without application of any drug. Patients were then randomized into two groups receiving 5% prilocaine/lidocaine cream or 0.5% piroxicam gel 1 h before the next two hemodialysis sessions. After a 7-day washout period, patients crossed over to other groups for another two hemodialysis sessions. Pain was assessed on all these occasions. Primary outcome was reduction in pain with each intervention.

Results:

There were 32 patients aged 46.44 ± 11.58 years. Pain intensity was 6.69 ± 0.58, 3.13 ± 1.28, and 4.55 ± 1.95 without any medication, prilocaine/lidocaine cream and piroxicam gel respectively. There was greater pain reduction with prilocaine/lidocaine cream than piroxicam gel (3.56 ± 1.35 vs 2.14 ± 1.78; p = 0.001). Local redness with prilocaine/lidocaine cream was reported by one (3.13%) patient, whereas no side effects were seen with piroxicam gel ( p = 1.000).

Conclusion:

Prilocaine/lidocaine cream provides better pain relief than piroxicam gel during arteriovenous fistula needling.
Anterior horn atrophy in the cervical spinal cord: A new biomarker in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tsagkas Charidimos , Huck-Horvath Antal , Cagol Alessandro , Haas Tanja , Barakovic Muhamed , Amann Michael , Ruberte Esther , Melie-Garcia Lester , Weigel Matthias , Pezold Simon , Schlaeger Regina , Kuhle Jens , Sprenger Till , Kappos Ludwig , Bieri Oliver , Cattin Philippe , Granziera Cristina , Parmar Katrin
Published: December 2022

Background:

Spinal cord (SC) gray and white matter pathology plays a central role in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the extent, pattern, and clinical relevance of SC gray and white matter atrophy in vivo.

Methods:

39 relapsing–remitting patients (RRMS), 40 progressive MS patients (PMS), and 24 healthy controls (HC) were imaged at 3T using the averaged magnetization inversion recovery acquisitions sequence. Total and lesional cervical gray and white matter, and posterior (SCPH) and anterior horn (SCAH) areas were automatically quantified. Clinical assessment included the expanded disability status scale, timed 25-foot walk test, nine-hole peg test, and the 12-item MS walking scale.

Results:

PMS patients had significantly reduced cervical SCAH — but not SCPH — areas compared with HC and RRMS (both p < 0.001). In RRMS and PMS, the cervical SCAH areas increased significantly less in the region of cervical SC enlargement compared with HC (all p < 0.001). This reduction was more pronounced in PMS compared with RRMS (both p < 0.001). In PMS, a lower cervical SCAH area was the most important magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-variable for higher disability scores.

Conclusion:

MS patients show clinically relevant cervical SCAH atrophy, which is more pronounced in PMS and at the level of cervical SC enlargement.
How to play in slow time: Embodying creativity literacies in digital learning environments
Authors: Trezise Bryoni , Tálamo Alexandra , White Maria
Published: December 2022

This article considers how the emergent digital pedagogies used in a new creativity course run at the Univeristy of New South Wales contribute to the building of sensed, intuitive and embodied creativity literacies. In doing so, it addresses questions around the function of tertiary education within an accelerated, digitised and COVID-19-saturated globe. For while creativity is being touted as what every student needs – and what every employer wants – there is little understanding of how this most mystifying of skills can be taught to students in broad disciplines. There is even less understanding of how full-bodied modalities of creative cognition can be leveraged as moments of deep insight in the socially distanced realm of the digital. Drawing on hands-on methods from ground-breaking musicians, performers, dancers and writers, this article shows how the neuroscience and psychology of taking ‘beautiful risks’, committing to uncertainty and paying attention can be harnessed in digital learning. These dynamic digital pedagogies are principled in embodied liveness, playful interactivity and generative curiosity. They support students with practical strategies to take risks with imagination, discover through collaboration and work responsively in relation to diverse situations.
In vivo aging-induced surface roughness alterations of Invisalign® and 3D-printed aligners
Authors: Koletsi Despina , Panayi Nearchos , Laspos Christodoulos , Athanasiou Athanasios E , Zinelis Spiros , Eliades Theodore
Published: December 2022

Objective:

To assess the surface roughness of in-house 3D-printed orthodontic aligners compared with Invisalign® appliances, both retrieved as well as in the ‘as-received’ control status.

Design:

An in vitro study following intra-oral material aging.

Setting and participants:

Twelve clinically used Invisalign® appliances and the same number of 3D-printed aligners, without involvement of attachments, were obtained from a respective number of patients. A similar number of ‘as-received’ aligners, of each material, were used as control (CON) groups.

Method:

Four groups of materials were examined: A = Invisalign® CON; B = Invisalign® used; C = 3D-printed CON; and D = 3D-printed used. Optical profilometry was employed to examine the following surface roughness parameters: amplitude parameters Sa, Sq and Sz and functional parameters Sc and Sv. Descriptive statistics and quantile regression modeling were conducted, and the level of statistical significance was set at α = 0.05.

Results:

Intra-oral exposure of 3D-printed aligners was significantly associated with increase in all tested parameters ( P < 0.001 at all occasions). Significant differences were detected in the retrieved 3D-printed aligners compared with Invisalign® retrieved, with the exception of Sz. The respective effect sizes (median differences) were as follows: Sa: 169 nm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 89–248, P < 0.001; Sq: 315 nm, 95% CI = 152–477, P < 0.001; Sc: 233 nm3/nm2, 95% CI = 131–335, P < 0.001; and Sv: 43 nm3/nm2, 95% CI = 17–68, P = 0.002.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, we concluded that surface roughness differences existed between 3D-printed aligners and Invisalign® in the retrieved status, as well as between the control and retrieved 3D-printed groups.
Homicide clearance: Discretionary and non-discretionary factors
Authors: Aziani Alberto , Persurich Christian
Published: December 2022

Previous studies have produced mixed findings regarding discretionary and non-discretionary factors associated with the likelihood of homicides being cleared. Performing Pearson’s χ2 test, logistic regressions, and random forest analyses on all homicide cases that occurred in Italy in 2014, we assess if factors pertaining to the discretionary domain – that is, nationality, age, sex, socioeconomic status of the victim, previous convictions – and non-discretionary factors – for example, weapon, location, circumstance – are correlated with the outcome of the investigation. The empirical analysis does not identify relations between victims’ nationality, socioeconomic status, previous criminal records and homicide clearance. On the other hand, homicides whose victim is male are less likely to be cleared. While high media coverage correlates with a higher clearance rate, low media coverage is not correlated with the homicide case remaining unsolved. Finally, especially in Southern Italy where mafia organizations are more entrenched, homicides committed in a criminal environment have a lower chance of being cleared. With respect to Italy, the results indicate a lack of support for the discretionary perspective that argues’ that police may use discretion in clearing homicide cases according to the sociodemographic characteristics of victims.
Interparental Coercive Control and Child and Family Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xyrakis Nakiya , Aquilina Benjamin , McNiece Ella , Tran Thomas , Waddell Connor , Suomi Aino , Pasalich Dave
Published: December 2022

Coercive control (CC) is a core facet of intimate partner violence (IPV) and involves asserting power, dominance, and control over another person. Although the adverse impacts of childhood exposure to interparental IPV have been well documented, the outcomes of childhood exposure to interparental CC have not been systematically examined. This study aimed to address this gap by reviewing available empirical evidence on interparental CC and child and family outcomes. Articles were identified by searching electronic databases using keywords relating to CC, children and parents, and child wellbeing outcomes. The final review included 51 studies that reported on adverse outcomes pertaining to parenting and family relationships ( k = 29), child internalizing and externalizing problems ( k = 7), social-emotional development ( k = 5), and physical/health development ( k = 17). Specifically, studies reported that CC was associated with increased parental psychopathology, poorer family functioning, harsher parenting and higher levels of child abuse, strained parent–child relationships, children used as tools and co-victims of CC, increased risk of child internalizing and externalizing problems, limited socializing opportunities, increased bullying, poorer perinatal outcomes, limited access to healthcare, and increased risk of child mortality. Evidence identified CC as a unique contributor to adverse child wellbeing outcomes, independent of exposure to IPV more broadly. Results indicated that the impacts of childhood exposure to CC are complex, far reaching, and, in some cases, devastating. The limitations of the findings, as well as implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Introducing Poetic Collage as Method: From the Voices of Girls of Color
Authors: Sanchez Shena , Brown Tashal
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we introduce poetic collaging as a critical qualitative method through the narratives, experiences, and perspectives of Girls of Color. We deconstruct the process of developing an arts-based method using intersectional feminist frameworks, intentional and deep reflexivity, and the expertise of participants to illuminate the various elements that go into such an endeavor. We do this by applying poetic collaging to data from the Lavender Girls Project, an intersectional participatory study for and with Girls of Color from poor/working-class families. In this poetic collage analysis, we capture the essence of our participants’ lives, including their past, present, and futures. We also elaborate on their ways of knowing, which are grounded in intergenerational collective knowledge, and how they act on the knowledge they hold. We find that the intersectional perspectives of Girls of Color are made possible through the opportunities they have had to share space with one another to exchange ideas, views, and critiques of systemic oppression. We also find that our participants aspire greatly and have generative visions of their futures that include caring for their loved ones as much as caring for themselves. This paper contributes to the growing body of scholarship around the lives of Girls of Color with a focus on their education and demonstrates strengths-oriented methodological approaches for researchers seeking to examine the experiences of people from historically marginalized backgrounds.
The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dong Peng , Yan Yu , Fan Yujun , Wang Hui , Wu Danzhu , Yang Liyuan , Zhang Junpeng , Yin Xiaoyang , Lv Yajuan , Zhang Jiandong , Hou Yuzhu , Liu Fengjun , Yu Xinshuang
Published: December 2022

Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of about 10%. Early warning signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague or nonexistent, and most patients are diagnosed in Stage IV, when surgery is not an option for about 80%–85% of patients. For patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer, current conventional treatment modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) have suboptimal efficacy. Tumor progression is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment, which includes peripheral blood vessels, bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix. Tumor cells affect the microenvironment by releasing extracellular signaling molecules, inducing peripheral immune tolerance, and promoting tumor angiogenesis. In turn, the immune cells of the tumor affect the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are key cellular components in the tumor microenvironment and exert immunosuppressive functions by producing cytokines, recognizing other immune cells, and promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are the main regulator of the tumor immune response and a key target for tumor treatments. Since the combination of RT and immunotherapy is the main strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, it is very important to understand the immune mechanisms which lead to MDSCs generation and the failure of current therapies in order to develop new target-based therapies. This review summarizes the research advances on the role of Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the progression of pancreatic cancer and its treatment application in recent years.
Role of Plasma methylated SEPT9 for Predicting Microvascular Invasion and Tumor Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Fei , Yang Guowei , Jiang Huiqin , Chen Xinning , Yang Yihui , Yu Qian , Pan Baishen , Wang Beili , Guo Wei , Yang Wenjing , Zhang Chunyan
Published: December 2022

Background: Methylated SEPT9 (mSEPT9) has a role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we studied the significance of plasma mSEPT9 for predicting prognosis-associated pathological parameters in patients with HCC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 205 subjects, including 111 HCC patients, 53 patients with at-risk liver disease (ARD) and 41 healthy donors (HDs). Analysis of plasma mSEPT9 was performed using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Levels of mSEPT9 among different groups were compared using a nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test or a one-way ANOVA test. Correlations between pretreatment plasma mSEPT9 and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed using the Chi-square. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors related to microvascular invasion (MVI). Performance of variables for MVI prediction was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics curve. Results: A specific increase of plasma mSEPT9 in HCC was found when compared with ARD and HDs (HCC vs ARD, P  =  1.1  ×  10−5 and HCC vs HDs, P   =  3.7  ×  10−10). Pretreatment plasma mSEPT9 was significantly correlated tumor number ( P  =  .004), tumor size ( P  =  4.6  ×  10−5), MVI ( P  =  .002) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage ( P  =  .012). Levels of plasma mSEPT9 correlated significantly with Ki67 expression in tumor ( r  =  0.356, P  =  1.3  ×  10−4). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that plasma mSEPT9 and serum protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) were independent predictors for MVI. A combination of these 2 markers exhibited a larger areas under the curve (areas under the curve [AUC]  =  0.72) than mSEPT9 or PIVKA alone (AUC  =  0.67 and 0.65), especially in early-stage HCC. Conclusions: Plasma mSEPT9 is a promising noninvasive biomarker for predicting MVI and tumor proliferation in HCC. Integration plasma mSEPT9 detection into clinical settings might facilitate the patient management.
A network-based method for identifying cancer driver genes based on node control centrality
Authors: Li Feng , Li Han , Shang Junliang , Liu Jin-Xing , Dai Lingyun , Liu Xikui , Li Yan
Published: December 2022

Cancer is one of the major contributors to human mortality and has a serious influence on human survival and health. In biomedical research, the identification of cancer driver genes (cancer drivers for short) is an important task; cancer drivers can promote the progression and generation of cancer. To identify cancer drivers, many methods have been developed. These computational models only identify coding cancer drivers; however, non-coding drivers likewise play significant roles in the progression of cancer. Hence, we propose a Network-based Method for identifying cancer Driver Genes based on node Control Centrality (NMDGCC), which can identify coding and non-coding cancer driver genes. The process of NMDGCC for identifying driver genes mainly includes the following two steps. In the first step, we construct a gene interaction network by using mRNAs and miRNAs expression data in the cancer state. In the second step, the control centrality of the node is used to identify cancer drivers in the constructed network. We use the breast cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to verify the effectiveness of NMDGCC. Compared with the existing methods of cancer driver genes identification, NMDGCC has a better performance. NMDGCC also identifies 295 miRNAs as non-coding cancer drivers, of which 158 are related to tumorigenesis of BRCA. We also apply NMDGCC to identify driver genes related to the different breast cancer subtypes. The result shows that NMDGCC detects many cancer drivers of specific cancer subtypes.
LOXL2 reduces 5-FU sensitivity through the Hedgehog/BCL2 signaling pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: Qiu Zhize , Qiu Shiqi , Mao Wenli , Lin Wu , Peng Qiqi , Chang Hao
Published: December 2022

Elevated expression of lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) contributes to the malignant tumor progression in multiple cancers. However, the role of LOXL2 in the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of LOXL2 on 5-FU sensitivity in CRC. The mRNA and protein levels of LOXL2 were explored in public databases by bioinformatics, validated in clinical tissues using immunohistochemistry, and detected in 5-FU treated cell lines. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) values were quantified based on the cell viability at different concentrations of 5-FU with CCK-8 assays. Colony formation and flow cytometry assays were performed to measure the proliferation and apoptosis rates. Gene set enrichment and correlation analyses were conducted to identify the probable mechanism of LOXL2 in TCGA samples. Critical molecules of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and anti-apoptotic BCL2 in protein levels were detected with Western blotting. It concluded that LOXL2 was up-regulated and positively linked to the unfavorable prognosis of CRC patients. The LOXL2 expression increased with the rising 5-FU concentrations, especially at 20 and 40 μM. Elevated LOXL2 promoted the resistance to 5-FU, augmented the proliferation, and inhibited 5-FU-induced apoptosis of CRC cells. LOXL2 activated the Hedgehog signaling pathway by promoting the expression of SMO, GLI1, and GLI2, leading to the upregulation of downstream target gene BCL2 in CRC cells. Moreover, the Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor cyclopamine blocked the BCL2 upregulation mediated by LOXL2. This study has demonstrated that LOXL2 can reduce 5-FU sensitivity through the Hedgehog/BCL2 signaling pathway in CRC.
Proactive and Reactive Inhibitory Control Strategies: Exploring the Impact of Interindividual Variables on an ERP Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT)
Authors: Schröder Elisa , Ingels Anais , Dumitrescu Alexandru , Kornreich Charles , Campanella Salvatore
Published: December 2022

According to the Dual Mechanisms of Control (DMC) framework, cognitive control can be divided into two strategies: proactive cognitive control, which relies mainly on the active maintenance of contextual information relevant to the ongoing task; and reactive cognitive control, which is a form of transient control triggered by an external cue. Although cognitive control has been studied extensively, little is known about the specificities of inhibition within the framework of the DMC model and the influence of interindividual variables on inhibitory control.

Thanks to an inhibitory version of the continuous performance task (CPT), we studied behavioral performances and Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) related to proactive and reactive inhibition, and their links to psychological profile and cognitive performances. One hundred and five young adults underwent the task, along with a short clinical and cognitive evaluation.

We were able to observe ERPs related to proactive (cue-N1, cue-N2, cue-P3, and the contingent negative variation) and reactive inhibitory control (target-N2 and target-P3). Our results showed that proactive strategies appeared to be linked with impulsivity, working memory abilities, dominant response inhibition, gender, and the consumption pattern of nicotine. Reactive strategies appeared to be linked with attentional and working memories abilities.

Overall, the inhibitory AX-CPT allowed a specific investigation of cognitive control within the framework of the DMC based on behavioral and ERP variables. This provided us an opportunity to investigate the principal ERP components related to proactive and reactive inhibitory control strategies as well as to link them with specific clinical and cognitive variables.
Automated estimation of ischemic core volume on noncontrast-enhanced CT via machine learning
Authors: Chen Iris E , Tsui Brian , Zhang Haoyue , Qiao Joe X , Hsu William , Nour May , Salamon Noriko , Ledbetter Luke , Polson Jennifer , Arnold Corey , BahrHossieni Mersedeh , Jahan Reza , Duckwiler Gary , Saver Jeffrey , Liebeskind David , Nael Kambiz
Published: December 2022

Background

Accurate estimation of ischemic core on baseline imaging has treatment implications in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Machine learning (ML) algorithms have shown promising results in estimating ischemic core using routine noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT).

Objective

We used an ML-trained algorithm to quantify ischemic core volume on NCCT in a comparative analysis to pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with AIS.

Methods

Patients with AIS who had both pretreatment NCCT and MRI were enrolled. An automatic segmentation ML approach was applied using Brainomix software (Oxford, UK) to segment the ischemic voxels and calculate ischemic core volume on NCCT. Ischemic core volume was also calculated on baseline MRI DWI. Comparative analysis was performed using Bland–Altman plots and Pearson correlation.

Results

A total of 72 patients were included. The time-to-stroke onset time was 134.2/89.5 minutes (mean/median). The time difference between NCCT and MRI was 64.8/44.5 minutes (mean/median). In patients who presented within 1 hour from stroke onset, the ischemic core volumes were significantly (p  =  0.005) underestimated by ML-NCCT. In patients presented beyond 1 hour, the ML-NCCT estimated ischemic core volumes approximated those obtained by MRI-DWI and with significant correlation ( r  =  0.56, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ischemic core volumes calculated by the described ML approach on NCCT approximate those obtained by MRI in patients with AIS who present beyond 1 hour from stroke onset.
Development of accelerated comparative assessment of contact fatigue strength based on the analysis of acoustic emission of friction units
Authors: Stadnychenko Viacheslav , Djus Roman , Pleshkunov Serhiy
Published: December 2022

The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental research of acoustic emission of friction units during rolling-sliding friction contact. The purpose of this study is the development of a method of accelerated assessment of contact fatigue strength with the application of acoustic emission during friction contact. The application of acoustic emission method reveals periods of energy state of the material: the activation, the damage accumulation, the transition to the initial fatigue damage. Pulse loading up to the maximum possible value was used for activation of damage accumulation process on the friction surfaces. Specific destructive energy for one load cycle was used as the fatigue strength assessment criterion. The developed technique allows to quantify the fatigue strength in analogy with the methods of such evaluation with the help of fatigue machines for testing at cyclic loads.
Design and extraction of tooth profile of denatured elliptical gear
Authors: Song Weizhen , He Yong , Zhou Yanghua
Published: December 2022

Elliptical gear is a common type of non-circular gear; it’s theory and design methods are mature. But the research on denatured elliptical gear was not enough, the design method of tooth profile was single, low precision, and there may occur tooth overlap at the splice when the denatured elliptical gear is generated by the envelope method. The denatured elliptical gear design in the existing literature did not include tooth profile point extraction, so the denatured elliptical gear design only exists in theory, it can’t obtain the necessary data for processing and production. Given this situation, a design method is proposed to design denatured elliptical gear, and the tooth profile data are extracted. The main steps are as follows: firstly, the arc length of gear was calculated, and the arc length corresponding to the rotation angle is obtained. The piecewise interpolation of the gear with equal arc length was spliced together to get a complete envelope image, then, the image was binary processed. Finally, using the designed program, the tooth profile pixels were extracted by the eight-neighborhood algorithm. This method provides a new way of designing denatured elliptical gear, this method is stable and has a fast operation speed. The tooth profile data can be directly used for 3D modeling or wire cutting machining.
Novel multi-objective topology optimization method for stiffness and stress of continuum structures
Authors: Feng Shuo , Wu Xing , Han Qidong , Qi Jun , Zhang Xuan
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a topology optimization method combining Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) and Fast Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is proposed, which is called BESO-NSGA-II. To effectively fuse the two algorithms, a semi-random double-penalized crossover and mutation operator is developed. The proposed algorithm extends the traditional single-objective optimization to a double objective optimization problem, and investigates the influence of the stress norm parameters on the optimization results. To verify the effectiveness of the new method, several examples of 2D structural stiffness and stress optimization are given. At the same time, the optimization design of each model was repeated six times to demonstrate the ability of the new method to converge to a solution. Compared with BESO, BESO-NSGA-II can effectively realize the double objective optimization of stiffness and stress, and eliminate the stress concentration phenomenon on the premise of ensuring that the structure has greater stiffness.
Discrete open-closed-loop PID-type iterative learning control for trajectory tracking of tracked mobile robots
Authors: Li Xinghua , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Gang , Gu Kaiqi , Che Honglei
Published: December 2022

In this article, a robust discrete-time open-closed-loop proportion integral differential (PID) -type iteration learning control (ILC) algorithm is developed for the high-precision trajectory tracking control of tracked mobile robots (TMRs) with external disturbances and noises. The proposed ILC algorithm adopts the past, current, and predictive learning error items of the former and current iterations to correct the current control input variables, which finally converges to the desired trajectory through continuous iterative learning. The convergence characterization of the algorithm for TMRs under both external disturbances and noises is carried on rigorous mathematical proof. Numerical simulations and physical experiments are provided to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm. The comparative results of two ILC algorithms indicate that the tracking performance of the proposed ILC algorithm is superior to the traditional PID-type ILC algorithm in terms of tracking accuracy and convergence rate.
Embedding new technology into clinical ultrasound practice: Is role extension for sonographers the key to improving patient pathways?
Authors: Parker Pamela , Edwards Hazel , Twiddy Maureen , Whybrow Paul , Rigby Alan
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

MicroUS is a new imaging technique that may have potential to reliably monitor prostate disease and therefore release capacity in MRI departments. Firstly, however, it is essential to identify which healthcare staff may be suitable to learn to use this modality. Based on previous evidence, UK sonographers may be well placed to harness this resource.

Topic:

Currently, there is sparse evidence on the performance of MicroUS for monitoring prostate disease but early findings are encouraging. Although its uptake is increasing, it is believed that only two sites in the UK have MicroUS systems and only one of those uses just sonographers to undertake and interpret this new imaging technique.

Discussion:

UK sonographers have a history of role extension dating back several decades and have proven repeatedly that they are reliable and accurate when measured against a gold standard. We explore the background of UK sonographer role extension and postulate that sonographers are best placed to adopt and embed new imaging techniques and technology into routine clinical practice. This is of particular importance given the dearth of ultrasound focussed radiologists in the UK. To effectively introduce challenging new work streams, multi-professional collaboration in imaging, alongside sonographer role extension, will ensure precious resources are maximised thus ensuring optimum patient care.

Conclusion:

UK sonographers have repeatedly demonstrated reliability in many areas of role extension in various clinical settings. Early data indicate that the adoption of MicroUS for use in prostate disease surveillance may be another role suited to sonographers.
Latest advancements in imaging techniques in OA
Authors: Hayashi Daichi , Roemer Frank W. , Link Thomas , Li Xiaojuan , Kogan Feliks , Segal Neil A. , Omoumi Patrick , Guermazi Ali
Published: December 2022

The osteoarthritis (OA) research community has been advocating a shift from radiography-based screening criteria and outcome measures in OA clinical trials to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based definition of eligibility and endpoint. For conventional morphological MRI, various semiquantitative evaluation tools are available. We have lately witnessed a remarkable technological advance in MRI techniques, including compositional/physiologic imaging and automated quantitative analyses of articular and periarticular structures. More recently, additional technologies were introduced, including positron emission tomography (PET)-MRI, weight-bearing computed tomography (CT), photon-counting spectral CT, shear wave elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, multiscale X-ray phase contrast imaging, and spectroscopic photoacoustic imaging of cartilage. On top of these, we now live in an era in which artificial intelligence is increasingly utilized in medicine. Osteoarthritis imaging is no exception. Successful implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) will hopefully improve the workflow of radiologists, as well as the level of precision and reproducibility in the interpretation of images.