bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new micro‐forceps for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided through‐the‐needle biopsy in the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions: Single center experience
Authors: Stigliano Serena , Covotta Francesco , Di Matteo Francesco M
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided through‐the‐needle biopsy (TTNB) has improved the diagnostic algorithm of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs). Recently, a new through‐the‐needle micro‐forceps device (Micro Bite, MTW Endoskopie Manufakture) has been introduced. The primary aim was to assess the safety and technical success of this new type of micro‐forceps. The secondary aim was to evaluate the diagnostic role of EUS‐TTNB.

Methods

Retrospective study of consecutive patients receiving EUS‐TTNB for the diagnosis of PCNs. Two micro‐forceps were used: Moray Micro‐forceps and Micro‐Bite. Cystic fluid was collected for cytological analysis. Categorical variables were analyzed by Fisher's exact test, and continuous variables were analyzed by Student's t‐test. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Forty‐nine patients enrolled in the study (24% male; mean age 63 ± 14 years). TTNB was successfully performed in all patients. A diagnostic sample was obtained in 67.3% PCNs with TTNB compared with 36.7% with cyst fluid cytology (P 0.01). Adverse events rate was 10.2% and occurred in older patients (76.6 ± 5.4 vs 61.3 ± 13.7 P = 0.02). The 51% underwent EUS‐TTNB with Micro Bite. A diagnostic sample was obtained in 52% PCNs with Micro Bite compared with 24% obtained with cyst fluid cytology (P = 0.07). Comparing the two devices, the rate of diagnostic sample obtained with the micro‐forceps Moray was higher than that obtained with the Micro Bite (20/24 [83.3%] vs 13/25 [52%] P 0.03).

Conclusions

EUS‐TTNB increases the diagnostic yield of PCNs. The new Micro‐Bite could represent a valid alternative to the currently used Moray Micro‐forceps, but its diagnostic rate is still suboptimal and further studies are needed.
Can the laser‐cut covered self‐expandable metallic stent be the first choice for patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction? (with video)
Authors: Tanisaka Yuki , Mizuide Masafumi , Fujita Akashi , Ogawa Tomoya , Katsuda Hiromune , Saito Youichi , Miyaguchi Kazuya , Araki Ryuichiro , Ryozawa Shomei
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate whether laser‐cut covered self‐expandable metallic stents (LC‐CSEMSs) can be the first choice for patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO).

Methods

Patients with unresectable DMBO who received LC‐CSEMS (September 2014‐December 2020) or braided CSEMS (B‐CSEMS) (July 2013‐December 2020) placement for biliary drainage were enrolled. Outcomes, including endoscopic CSEMS removal, of LC‐CSEMSs and B‐CSEMSs were compared.

Results

Overall, 124 patients received LC‐CSEMSs placement, and 121 B‐CSEMSs. Technical success, clinical success, and procedure‐related adverse event rates with LC‐CSEMSs were 100%, 96.8%, and 6.5%, respectively, and 100%, 95.9%, and 5.8%, respectively, for B‐CSEMSs, with no significant difference (P > .99, .75, and >.99, respectively). The recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) rates with LC‐CSEMSs and B‐CSEMSs were 9.7% (12/124) and 13.2% (16/121), respectively (P = .43). The median time to RBO with LC‐CSEMSs and B‐CSEMSs was 198 (interquartile range [IQR], 124‐244) days and 191 (IQR, 106‐271) days (P = .41). The endoscopic removal success rates of LC‐CSEMSs and B‐CSEMSs were 88.9% (8/9) and 90% (9/10) (P > .99), although there were a small number of cases.

Conclusions

The non‐inferiority of LC‐CSEMSs was proven. LC‐CSEMSs can be considered as the first choice for patients with unresectable DMBO.
Emergent Opportunities in Complexity, Leadership, and Sustainability
Authors: McKim Aaron J. , Goodwin Catlin M.
Published: August 2021

The illumination of nonlinear and dynamic systems, exemplified by the complexity of challenges at the nexus of social and ecological systems (e.g., climate change, water scarcity, and environmental injustice), necessitates a new understanding of leadership. Guided by the revolutionary thinking of complexity theory, this leadership perspective details leadership for sustainability. Leadership for sustainability suggests systems are comprised of dynamic relationships, including social and social–ecological relationships, in which every action, and interaction, creates an opportunity to disrupt the system. It is through system disruption that change emerges, as relationships throughout the system form new patterns of equilibrium. In leadership for sustainability, each individual within the system has the capacity to initiate change and the responsibility to continually adjust interactions in support of system sustainability, defined as ecological viability, social equity, and economic prosperity. This leadership perspective explores the implications of leadership for sustainability during and after the global COVID‐19 pandemic, emphasizing how leadership scholarship and practice must change to equip all individuals with the capacity to disrupt systems, collaborate across differences, learn continuously, and build relationships in an effort to collectively advance toward a more ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable future.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Skeletal Muscle: Review and Future Directions
Authors: Englund Erin K. , Reiter David A. , Shahidi Bahar , Sigmund Eric E.
Published: August 2021

Throughout the body, muscle structure and function can be interrogated using a variety of noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. Recently, intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI has gained momentum as a method to evaluate components of blood flow and tissue diffusion simultaneously. Much of the prior research has focused on highly vascularized organs, including the brain, kidney, and liver. Unique aspects of skeletal muscle, including the relatively low perfusion at rest and large dynamic range of perfusion between resting and maximal hyperemic states, may influence the acquisition, postprocessing, and interpretation of IVIM data. Here, we introduce several of those unique features of skeletal muscle; review existing studies of IVIM in skeletal muscle at rest, in response to exercise, and in disease states; and consider possible confounds that should be addressed for muscle‐specific evaluations. Most studies used segmented nonlinear least squares fitting with a b‐value threshold of 200 sec/mm2 to obtain IVIM parameters of perfusion fraction (f), pseudo‐diffusion coefficient (D*), and diffusion coefficient (D). In healthy individuals, across all muscles, the average ± standard deviation of D was 1.46 ± 0.30 × 10−3 mm2/sec, D* was 29.7 ± 38.1 × 10−3 mm2/sec, and f was 11.1 ± 6.7%. Comparisons of reported IVIM parameters in muscles of the back, thigh, and leg of healthy individuals showed no significant difference between anatomic locations. Throughout the body, exercise elicited a positive change of all IVIM parameters. Future directions including advanced postprocessing models and potential sequence modifications are discussed.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Targeted fatty acid metabolomics to discover Parkinson's disease associated metabolic alteration
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Liu Lulu , Zhang Lijiang , Chen Simei , Chen Yusen , Cai Chun
Published: August 2021

The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains to be elucidated, and the metabolomics analysis has the potential to identify metabolic profiles that are involved in PD pathogenesis. Here we applied a target metabolomics approach to measure the plasma levels of 158 fatty acid metabolites in a discovery cohort including 42 PD patients and 54 health volunteers, and found two upregulated (arachidonic acid and 13‐hydroxy‐octadecatrienoic acid) and eleven down‐regulated (docosahexaenoic acid, lyso‐platelet‐activating factor, 12‐hydroxy‐eicosatetraenoic acid, dihydroxy‐eicosatrienoic acids, dihidroxy‐octadecenoic acids, 17,18‐dihydroxy‐eicosatetraenoic acid, and hydroperoxy‐octadecadienoic acids) metabolites as primary candidate marker of PD. A support vector machine algorithm with primary candidate marker was used in an independent validation cohort to identify PD. Arachidonic acid and 13‐hydroxy‐octadecatrienoic acid were evaluated as an effective tool in that area under the receiver operating characteristic curve reached 0.995 and 0.912 in the validation set for diagnosing PD from healthy volunteers. Besides, the sensitivity and specificity of arachidonic acid as diagnostic factor of PD in validation set were 100% and 94.10%. Similarly, the sensitivity and specificity of 13‐hydroxy‐octadecatrienoic acid were 100% and 82.40% for identifying PD. This target fatty acid metabolomics demonstrated a series of plasma fatty acid metabolite as PD candidate marker with high efficiency and provided insights into the understanding of PD metabolic regulation.
Projected changes in air temperature, precipitation and aridity in Serbia in the 21st century
Authors: Milovanović Boško , Schubert Sebastian , Radovanović Milan , Vakanjac Vesna Ristić , Schneider Christoph
Published: August 2021

In this study, the projected changes of the average monthly and annual air temperatures, precipitation amounts and De Martonne aridity index in Serbia in the 21st century are examined. For that purpose, the spatial distribution of air temperature and precipitation amount is statistically modelled using data of 64 climatologic stations and 421 precipitation stations for the period 1976–2005 using multiple linear regression. The De Martonne aridity index is calculated from the spatially distributed data. In order to obtain regional averages and variability, we divide Serbia into three subdomains: the western zone (the Dinarides), eastern mountainous (Carpathian‐Balkan) zone and the terrains with altitudes lower than 500 m a.s.l. (Lowland). As a second step, the members of the COordinated Regional Downscaling EXperiment (CORDEX) for Europe (EURO‐CORDEX) are evaluated in terms of near‐surface air temperature and precipitation for Serbia. By comparing respective values for the period 1976–2005 with future periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100, we derive the climate change signal for near‐surface air temperature, precipitation and the De Martonne index for both scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Hereby, the ensemble averages are calculated as weighted averages using the inverse standardized Euclidean distance by comparing observation and model results for near‐surface air temperature and precipitation as a weight. We find for the period 2071–2050 that most ensemble members predict a statistically significant increase in monthly and annual near‐surface air temperature in both scenarios in all three subdomains, and a statistically significant decrease in the yearly De Martonne index in the RCP8.5 scenario in the Carpathian‐Balkan and Dinarides. For the last decades of the 21st century, our findings indicate much higher temperatures and increased risks of drought for the RCP 8.5 scenario compared to both the observations from 1976 to 2005 and the RCP 4.5 scenario.
Bandits, Brigands and Militants: The Historical Sociology of Outlaws
Authors: Cayli Messina Baris
Published: August 2021

Outlaws have been prominent actors in a social context which is characterized by collective dissent, conflict, and violence. Bandits, brigands, and militants emerged in societies with the decline of social justice, political stability, and economic prosperity. Their emergence and social networks with different actors and agencies provide us principal motives to deconstruct the social identity of outlaws and determine the factors that fostered collective dissent, conflict, and violence in different societies. This special issue covers a vast geography and different time periods to theoretically and methodologically advance our knowledge in the historical sociology of outlaws. In doing so, we address complex social, political, and cultural issues that rendered outlaws inextricable part of social problems. Exploring the power and activities of outlaws in different social geographies offers us new perspectives to tackle the origins and outcomes of social, political, and cultural dissent across the world.
The Global History of Social Dissent: Deconstructing Outlaws within the Conundrum of Crime, Conflict, and Violence
Authors: Messina Baris Cayli
Published: August 2021

Outlaws have been formidable local authorities throughout history and some of their stories survived thanks to poems, ballads, and plays within a culture deeply colored by violence, avenge, injustice, punishment, and state response against them. I underscore the role of power relationship in society to examine the emergence of outlaws and utilize it to deconstruct the social, political, and cultural conundrum. Consulting the British, Mexican, Bulgarian, U.S., Ottoman, and Brazilian archives, I attempt to theorize the activities of bandits, brigands, and militants within the global history of social dissent. I argue that if we employ social dissent as an instrumental concept, we can effectively determine both local factors and uncover global connections that explicate why various outlaws and societal reactions against them demonstrate astonishing similarities in distant geographies and different time periods. This study contributes to our knowledge in the historical sociology of outlaws by offering new theoretical ventures and highlighting methodological challenges in studying outlaws within the conundrum of crime, conflict, and violence.
Forging the Nation‐centric World: Imperial Rule and the Homogenisation of Discontent in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1878–1918)
Authors: Malešević Siniša
Published: August 2021

Historical sociologists have questioned the idea that nationalism and imperialism are mutually exclusive phenomena. In contrast to traditional historiography that depicted empires as ‘the prison houses of nations’ contemporary scholarship emphasises the structural and ideological ambiguities that characterised the 19th century European imperial projects. Hence instead of ‘popular longings’ for national independence the focus has shifted to the experiences of ‘national indifference’. In this paper I aim to go beyond this dichotomy by questioning the role of (nationalist) agency in the collapse of imperial order. Drawing on the primary archival research I zoom in on the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Austro‐Hungarian rule (1878–1918). The paper contests the view that the imperial state was severely undermined by the presence of strong nationalisms. I also challenge the notion that the majority of Bosnian population remained ‘nationally indifferent’ during this period. Instead, I argue that understanding the character of the Austro‐Hungarian rule is a much better predictor of social change that took place in this period. Rather than stifling supposedly vibrant nationalisms or operating amidst widespread national indifference the imperial state played a decisive role in forging the nation‐centric world through its inadvertent homogenisation of discontent.
Novel monkey‐wrench‐shaped microstrip patch sensor for food evaluation and analysis
Authors: Nitika  , Kaur Jaswinder , Khanna Rajesh
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Microwave sensor technology is considered to be a non‐destructive and hygienic means for food evaluation and analysis. The rapid progress in microwave sensor technologies motivated us to present a novel monkey‐wrench‐shaped microstrip patch sensor for evaluating food quality. The proposed antenna is considered as a liquid sensor to detect adulteration in liquids by examining the relationship between concentration, shift in resonant frequency, and variation in reflection coefficient.

RESULTS

The sensor has a compact size of 17 × 14 mm2 imprinted on an FR4 substrate of thickness 1.57 mm. This microwave system is proposed for monitoring overall milk quality using a microstrip sensor and has considerably good numerical sensitivity and accuracy (13.11% and 88.5% respectively), which makes the system attractive for detecting adulteration. Further, the Q‐factor for the proposed sensor is 209 and has a standard deviation less than the difference between non‐adulterated and adulterated values, giving resolution high enough to distinguish adulteration with an acceptable statistical accuracy. In this study, different milk categories (buffalo, goat, and cow milk) are considered as liquid samples to detect adulteration by demonstrating the variation in reflection coefficient due to change in dielectric properties for the following different cases: (i) adulteration of milk with water; (ii) adulteration of milk with synthetic milk powder; (iii) adulteration of milk with caustic soda; and (iv) adulteration of milk with vegetable oil. The referred variation in reflection coefficient and resonant frequency is due to a change in the dielectric properties of a liquid when a varying concentration of an adulterant/solute is added to the liquid sample.

CONCLUSION

The simulation and measured results show good agreement that validates the proposed sensor for food adulteration detection with high sensitivity. In terms of performance, the proposed sensor shows accuracy with high spatial resolution and reduced penetration depth to detect the adulteration in various milk samples (i.e. buffalo, goat, and cow milk). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Travel distance is associated with stage at presentation and laryngectomy rates among patients with laryngeal cancer
Authors: Morse Elliot , Lohia Shivangi , Dooley Laura M. , Gupta Piyush , Roman Benjamin R.
Published: August 2021

Background

The impact of travel distance on stage at presentation and management strategies of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is unknown. We investigated this relationship.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with laryngeal SCC in the National Cancer Data Base from 2004 to 2016. Multivariate analysis determined relationships between travel distance, sociodemographic, geographic, and hospital factors. Logistic regression determined the influence of travel distance on T‐stage and overall stage at presentation, and receipt of total laryngectomy.

Results

Sixty thousand four hundred and thirty‐nine patients were divided into groups based on distance to treatment: short (<12.5 miles); intermediate (12.5–49.9 miles); and long (>50 miles). Increased travel was associated with T4‐stage (intermediate vs. short OR 1.11, CI 1.04–1.18, p = 0.001; long vs. short OR 1.5, CI 1.36–1.65, p < 0.001), and total laryngectomy (intermediate vs. short OR 1.40, CI 1.3–1.5, p ≤ 0.001; long vs. short OR 2.52, CI 2.28–2.79, p ≤ 0.001). In T4 disease, total laryngectomy was associated with improved survival compared to nonsurgical treatment (HR 0.75, CI 0.70–0.80, p < 0.001) regardless of travel distance.

Conclusion

Longer travel distance to care is associated with increased stage at presentation, rate of laryngectomy, and improved survival in advanced laryngeal SCC. Health policy efforts should be directed towards improving early access to diagnosis and care.
Trauma Characteristics Moderate the Relation Between Estradiol and Trauma‐Related Symptoms
Authors: Rieder Jenna K. , Kleshchova Olena , Weierich Mariann R.
Published: August 2021

Women are more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men, and fluctuations in gonadal hormones might contribute to this vulnerability. Low‐estradiol states are associated with aversive affective experiences, including trauma‐related symptoms. However, the impact of trauma characteristics on the relation between estradiol and trauma‐related symptoms is unknown. We used a clinical interview and 10‐day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) that spanned low‐ and high‐estradiol menstrual cycle phases to test trauma type, chronicity, and timing as moderators of the association between estradiol and trauma‐related symptoms in 40 naturally cycling young women. We tested interactions between trauma characteristics and (a) estradiol on self‐reported symptoms and (b) menstrual cycle–related change in estradiol on change in symptoms. Sexual, chronic, and earlier trauma was associated with more severe symptoms as reported during the interview, rs = .51–.33, but not mean symptoms across the EMA. Estradiol at the time of the interview was inversely associated with symptoms in women with sexual but not nonsexual trauma, interaction: B = −12.62 (SE = 5.28), p = .022. Menstrual cycle–related change in estradiol was inversely associated with change in symptoms in women with chronic trauma, B = ‐9.65 (SE = 3.49), p = .006, and earlier trauma, B = 0.71 (SE = 0.34), p = .036, but not discrete or later trauma. Sexual, chronic, or early trauma exposure might confer higher symptom vulnerability in low‐estradiol states. Clinicians who work with women with particular trauma histories might anticipate menstrual cycle–related variation in symptoms.
Circ_0087862 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer by sponging miR‐142‐3p and up‐regulating BACH1 expression
Authors: Huang Bo , Cui De‐Jun , Yan Fang , Yang Liu‐Chan , Zhang Man‐Man , Zhao Xun
Published: August 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) feature prominently in regulating the malignant biological behaviors of colorectal cancer (CRC), including cell viability, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and so on. This study is performed to probe into the biological function and molecular mechanism of circ_0087862 in CRC. The expression profile of GSE138589 was available from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the differentially expressed circRNAs were analyzed by GEO2R. The expression of circ_0087862, miR‐142‐3p, and BACH1 mRNA in CRC tissues and cells was measured by qRT‐PCR. CCK‐8 assay was employed to determine the proliferation of CRC cells. Scratch wound healing and transwell assays were used to examine the migration and invasion of CRC cells. The targeting relationships between circ_0087862 and miR‐142‐3p, and between miR‐142‐3p and BACH1 3′UTR were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay. BACH1 protein expression was probed by western blot. Circ_0087862 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. Knocking down circ_0087862 significantly restrained the multiplication, migration and invasion of CRC cells. miR‐142‐3p inhibition weakened the impact of circ_0087862 knockdown on CRC cells. Circ_0087862 regulated BACH1 expressions by targeting miR‐142‐3p. Circ_0087862 regulates BACH1 expressions through sponging miR‐142‐3p, and promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells.
Spatiotemporal dynamics in soil iron affected by wetland conversion on the Sanjiang Plain
Authors: Chi Guangyu , Zhu Bin , Huang Bin , Chen Xin , Shi Yi
Published: August 2021

Since the 1950s, nearly 80% of wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain have been converted into paddy fields. The conversion might affect the solubility and mobility of soil iron, influencing the export of iron into the Amur River and the primary production of the Okhotsk Sea. However, information regarding long‐term studies of the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil iron after cultivation is limited. In this study, six regions, including 18 plots in the Sanjiang Plain, were selected as sampling sites covering natural wetlands and paddy fields with planting ages of 2, 5, 11, 18, and 25 years after conversion from the wetland. Samples were collected at six different depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–90, and 90–120 cm) analyzed for water‐soluble ferrous iron (Fe[II]), water‐soluble iron (Few), complex iron (Fep), amorphous iron oxides (Feo), free iron oxides (Fed), and total iron (Fet) and six soil physicochemical characteristics. Two years after the conversion of wetlands to rice fields led to an immediate decrease in Fe(II), Few, Fep/Fed, and Feo/Fed, while the Fep and Feo contents decreased at 5 years. Both the concentrations and stocks of soil Fet increased gradually during the first 18 years. The findings in the Sanjiang Plain suggest that the function of wetlands after conversion as a source of iron might decrease with increasing time, with potential ecological effects on the neighboring marine environment. Recently initiated wetland restoration would protect the land ecosystems in the Sanjiang Plain and promote the future sustainability of the Amur Basin.
Robots should be seen and not heard…sometimes: Anthropomorphism and AI service robot interactions
Authors: Letheren Kate , Jetten Jolanda , Roberts Jonathan , Donovan Jared
Published: August 2021

There is a growing need to understand how consumers will interact with artificially intelligent (AI) domestic service robots, which are currently entering consumer homes at increasing rates, yet without a theoretical understanding of the consumer preferences influencing interaction roles such robots may play within the home. Guided by anthropomorphism theory, this study explores how different levels of robot humanness and social interaction opportunities affect consumers' liking for service robots. A review of the extant literature is conducted, yielding three hypotheses that are tested via 953 responses to an online scenario‐based experiment. Findings indicate that while consumers prefer higher levels of humanness and moderate‐to‐high levels of social interaction opportunity, only some participants liked robots more when dialogue (high‐interaction opportunity) was offered. Resulting from this study is the proposed Humanized‐AI Social Interactivity Framework. The framework extends previous studies in marketing and consumer behavior literature by offering an increased understanding of how households will choose to interact with service robots in domestic environments based on humanness and social interaction. Guidelines for practitioners and two overarching themes for future research emerge from this study. This paper contributes to an increased understanding of potential interactions with service robots in domestic environments.
RNA Toxicity and Perturbation of rRNA Processing in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Li Pan P. , Moulick Roumita , Feng Hongxuan , Sun Xin , Arbez Nicolas , Jin Jing , Marque Leonard O. , Hedglen Erin , Chan H.Y. Edwin , Ross Christopher A. , Pulst Stefan M. , Margolis Russell L. , Woodson Sarah , Rudnicki Dobrila D.
Published: August 2021

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat in Ataxin‐2 (ATXN2) gene. The mutant ATXN2 protein with a polyglutamine tract is known to be toxic and contributes to the SCA2 pathogenesis.

Objective

Here, we tested the hypothesis that the mutant ATXN2 transcript with an expanded CAG repeat (expATXN2) is also toxic and contributes to SCA2 pathogenesis.

Methods

The toxic effect of expATXN2 transcripts on SK‐N‐MC neuroblastoma cells and primary mouse cortical neurons was evaluated by caspase 3/7 activity and nuclear condensation assay, respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation assay was performed to identify RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that bind to expATXN2 RNA. Quantitative PCR was used to examine if ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing is disrupted in SCA2 and Huntington's disease (HD) human brain tissue.

Results

expATXN2 RNA induces neuronal cell death, and aberrantly interacts with RBPs involved in RNA metabolism. One of the RBPs, transducin β‐like protein 3 (TBL3), involved in rRNA processing, binds to both expATXN2 and expanded huntingtin (expHTT) RNA in vitro. rRNA processing is disrupted in both SCA2 and HD human brain tissue.

Conclusion

These findings provide the first evidence of a contributory role of expATXN2 transcripts in SCA2 pathogenesis, and further support the role of expHTT transcripts in HD pathogenesis. The disruption of rRNA processing, mediated by aberrant interaction of RBPs with expATXN2 and expHTT transcripts, suggest a point of convergence in the pathogeneses of repeat expansion diseases with potential therapeutic implications. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Cognitive Determinants of Dysarthria in Parkinson's Disease: An Automated Machine Learning Approach
Authors: García Adolfo M. , Arias‐Vergara Tomás , C. Vasquez‐Correa Juan , Nöth Elmar , Schuster Maria , Welch Ariane E. , Bocanegra Yamile , Baena Ana , Orozco‐Arroyave Juan R.
Published: August 2021

Background

Dysarthric symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) vary greatly across cohorts. Abundant research suggests that such heterogeneity could reflect subject‐level and task‐related cognitive factors. However, the interplay of these variables during motor speech remains underexplored, let alone by administering validated materials to carefully matched samples with varying cognitive profiles and combining automated tools with machine learning methods.

Objective

We aimed to identify which speech dimensions best identify patients with PD in cognitively heterogeneous, cognitively preserved, and cognitively impaired groups through tasks with low (reading) and high (retelling) processing demands.

Methods

We used support vector machines to analyze prosodic, articulatory, and phonemic identifiability features. Patient groups were compared with healthy control subjects and against each other in both tasks, using each measure separately and in combination.

Results

Relative to control subjects, patients in cognitively heterogeneous and cognitively preserved groups were best discriminated by combined dysarthric signs during reading (accuracy = 84% and 80.2%). Conversely, patients with cognitive impairment were maximally discriminated from control subjects when considering phonemic identifiability during retelling (accuracy = 86.9%). This same pattern maximally distinguished between cognitively spared and impaired patients (accuracy = 72.1%). Also, cognitive (executive) symptom severity was predicted by prosody in cognitively preserved patients and by phonemic identifiability in cognitively heterogeneous and impaired groups. No measure predicted overall motor dysfunction in any group.

Conclusions

Predominant dysarthric symptoms appear to be best captured through undemanding tasks in cognitively heterogeneous and preserved cohorts and through cognitively loaded tasks in patients with cognitive impairment. Further applications of this framework could enhance dysarthria assessments in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Not all flaps are created equal: Assessing the impact of active smoking in muscle‐only versus perforator flaps for patients undergoing nonelective extremity‐free tissue transfer—A case control study
Authors: Karamanos Efstathios , Saad Noah , Smith Kari E. , Patnaik Ronit , Wang Howard T. , Cromack Douglas
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Active smoking is known to impair wound healing following free tissue transfer for reconstruction due to its vasoconstrictive effect on the microcirculation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of flap selection on flap loss, in nonelective, traumatic extremity‐free soft tissue transfer in active smokers.

Methods

All patients undergoing a free tissue transfer for acute trauma of the extremity at a level I trauma center from 2011 to 2017 were identified. Breast reconstruction and osseous/osseocutaneous flaps were excluded. The study population was divided in two groups based on the type of flap used (muscle versus perforator flap). Factors known to be associated with impaired wound healing were extracted from the database. Primary outcome was major smoking related complications (complete/partial flap loss). Secondary outcomes included minor flap‐related complications (infection, dehiscence) and donor site complications. The impact of smoking was assessed for the different type of flaps using multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 118 flaps were identified during the study period. Out of those, 52 were perforator‐based fasciocutaneous flaps, while 66 were muscle flaps. Active smoking status resulted in a statistically significant increase in the incidence of major and minor complications in the perforator flap group (36% vs. 4%, adjusted odds ratio, AOR [95%CI]: 2.31[1.48,19.30], adj‐p = 0.021 and 32% vs. 17%, AOR [95% CI]: 1.23[1.11,14.31], adj‐p = 0.034) but had no impact in the muscle group.

Conclusions

The present study suggests a higher incidence of flap related complications in smokers when a perforator flap was selected but no impact when a muscle flap was utilized.
Konjac Glucomannan Oligosaccharides Prevent Intestinal Inflammation Through SIGNR1‐Mediated Regulation of Alternatively Activated Macrophages
Authors: Tang Jiqing , Liu Jun , Yan Qiaojuan , Gu Zhenglong , August Avery , Huang Weishan , Jiang Zhengqiang
Published: August 2021

Scope

Konjac glucomannan oligosaccharides (KMOS) are prebiotics and may improve intestinal immunity through modulation of macrophage function. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms were unclear.

Methods and Results

Using a mouse model of dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)‐induced acute colitis, the study demonstrates here that KMOS (400 mg−1kg−1d−1) can ameliorate intestinal inflammation in a macrophage dependent manner. Oral exposure to KMOS prevents DSS‐induced intestinal pathology, improves epithelial integrity, and decreases accumulation of colonic inflammatory leukocytes and cytokines. The therapeutic effects of KMOS are dependent on the function of macrophages, as depletion of macrophages abolished the effects. In colonic lamina propria of DSS‐treated mice, as well as in vitro culture of bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs), KMOS skews reprogramming of classically activated macrophages (CAM/M1) into alternatively activated macrophages (AAM/M2). The study further determines that the activation of SIGNR1/phospho‐c‐Raf (S338)/phospho‐p65 (S276)/acetyl‐p65 (K310) pathway is responsible for KMOS‐induced AAM/M2 polarization. Blockage of SIGNR1 abolishes KMOS‐induced AAM/M2 polarization of activated macrophages, expression of phospho‐p65 (S276) in colonic macrophages, and alleviation of DSS‐induced colitis in mice, suggesting that SIGNR1 is critical for macrophage responses to KMOS.

Conclusions

This study reveals a SIGNR1‐mediated macrophage‐dependent pathway that supports regulatory function of KMOS in host immunity and intestinal homeostasis.
Virtual multi‐dimensional internal bonds model with fracture energy conservation for three‐dimensional numerical simulation of laboratory scale fluid pressurized fracturing
Authors: Huang Kai , Zhang Zhennan , Ghassemi Ahmad
Published: August 2021

Strain‐softening models have proved effective in treating fracturing under mechanical load. However, these models tend to suffer from mesh‐size dependency due to failure in preserving the fracture energy. The Virtual Multi‐Dimensional Internal Bond Model (VMIB) is derived from a particle‐based constitutive law at the micro scale that is implemented in a 3D Finite Element Method (FEM), in which material softening and energy dissipation occur in the “representative elementary volume”. However, according to the classic fracture mechanics theory, energy dissipation is due to the creation of new fracture surfaces instead of homogenized softening within the volume element. Therefore, the dissipated strain energy has to be consistent with the fracture energy during failure process. We present an improved VMIB model to bridge the energy storage in a volume and dissipation over a fracture surface. This is accomplished by developing a 3D virtual bond potential that incorporates the material fracture energy and eliminates the mesh‐size sensitivity. The virtual bond potential considers both the critical fracture energy and element size. The 3D model is calibrated and verified simulations of a group of three‐point‐bend tests. Then, by incorporating the coupled three‐dimensional element partition method, the model is applied to a series of laboratory scale fluid pressurized fracturing experiments. Multiple fracture propagation from closely‐staged cluster from a laboratory test is simulated. The comparisons between numerical and experimental results indicate that the model captures the fractures growth influenced by the stress boundary conditions and the stress shadow. The predicted breakdown pressure reasonably agrees with the experiment data.
Machine learning based topology optimization of fiber orientation for variable stiffness composite structures
Authors: Xu Yanan , Gao Yunkai , Wu Chi , Fang Jianguang , Sun Guangyong , Steven Grant P. , Li Qing
Published: August 2021

This study proposes a machine learning (ML) based approach for optimizing fiber orientations of variable stiffness carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures, where neural networks are developed to estimate the objective function and analytical sensitivities with respect to design variables as a substitute for finite element analysis (FEA). To reduce the number of training samples and improve the regression accuracy, an active learning strategy is implemented by successively supplying effective samples along with the suboptimal process. After proper training of neural networks, a quasi‐global search strategy can be applied by implementing a large number of initial designs as starting points in the optimization. In this article, a mathematical example is first presented to show the superiority of the active learning strategy. Then a benchmark design example of a CFRP plate is scrutinized to compare the proposed ML‐based with the conventional FEA‐based discrete material optimization (DMO) method. Finally, topology optimization of fiber orientations is performed for design of a CFRP engine hood, in which the structural performance generated from the proposed ML‐based approach achieves 12.62% improvement compared with that obtained from the conventional single‐initial design method. This article is anticipated to demonstrate a new alternative for design of fiber‐reinforced composite structures.
Late‐onset PTSD and coping strategies for frontline nurses during the COVID‐19 epidemic in China
Authors: Jiang Yongfang , Hu Bowen , Tu Baoren , Zhuang Quan
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the late‐onset post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) situation, coping strategies and social supports for frontline clinical nurses 6 months after involvement in fighting against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) outbreak in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

We recently randomly distributed a questionnaire online to Chinese nurses who had taken care of COVID‐19 patients since the end of January 2020. The questionnaire was made up of three professional scales, the impact of event scale‐revised, simplified coping style questionnaire and social support rating scale included.

Results

The general prevalence of late‐onset PTSD among frontline nurses was 88.19%. Nurses who worked in Hubei Province (the kindle place of the COVID‐19 outbreak) showed lower risk of late‐onset PTSD symptoms than those who did not. We also found that positive coping strategies were correlated with less late‐onset PTSD symptoms. Meanwhile, getting more social supports could help these nurses to obtain positive coping strategies.
Work community factors, occupational well‐being and work ability in home care: A structural equation modelling
Authors: Vauhkonen Anneli , Saaranen Terhi , Honkalampi Kirsi , Järvelin‐Pasanen Susanna , Kupari Saana , Tarvainen Mika P. , Perkiö‐Mäkelä Merja , Räsänen Kimmo , Oksanen Tuula
Published: August 2021

Aim

To examine how work community factors are related to occupational well‐being and work ability, and how occupational well‐being is related to work ability.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among home care workers in one municipality in Finland.

Methods

A self‐administered survey on work and well‐being was filled out by 167 employees working two shifts in 2019. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the association between work community factors, occupational well‐being and work ability.

Results

The only work community factor directly affecting Occupational well‐being was Information and work organization; the effect of the other two factors, Social support and Influence on work shifts, was indirect. All work community factors indirectly affected Work ability. Home care should emphasize information provision and work organization with optimal time use. This requires social support, a well‐functioning work atmosphere and providing employees with opportunities for influence and participation.
Factors causing medication errors in an electronic reporting system
Authors: Yoon Seonhee , Sohng Kyeongyae
Published: August 2021

Aim

To analyse medication error data from a hospital's electronic reporting system and identify the factors affecting error types and harmfulness.

Design

A retrospective study.

Methods

The 805 near misses and adverse events reported to the hospital's electronic reporting system between January 2014 and December 2018 were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests and logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 632 near misses and 173 adverse events were reported. Near misses and adverse events were the most common error type during the dispensing stage and medication administration, respectively. The odds of medication errors reported by nurses with 1–9 years of clinical experience were relatively low. After adjusting for confounders, the odds of medication errors directly observed by nurses were 65% lower than the odds of medication errors not directly detected. In clinical practice, nurses must be educated about errors in reporting depending on their degree of clinical experience.
Regarding “Surgical Metastasectomy in the Spine: A Review Article”
Authors: Amelot Aymeric
Published: August 2021

This letter to the editor highlights recently published results of a study on total en bloc spondylectomy and its usefulness for improving function and survival in patients with spinal metastases.
Ionothermal Synthesis of Sulfidobismuth spiro‐Dicubane Cations
Authors: Knies Maximilian , Ruck Michael
Published: August 2021

Bi2S3 was dissolved in the presence of NaCl in the ionic liquid [BMIm]Cl ⋅ 4AlCl3 (BMIm=1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) through annealing the mixture at 180 °C. Upon cooling to room temperature, orange, air‐sensitive crystals of Na(Bi7S8)[S(AlCl3)3]2[AlCl4]2 (1) precipitated. X‐ray diffraction on single‐crystals of 1 revealed a triclinic crystal structure that contains (Bi7S8)5+ spiro‐dicubanes, [S(AlCl3)3]2− tetrahedra triples, isolated [AlCl4]− tetrahedra, and sodium cations.
Buckling analysis of graphene nanoplatelets‐doped carbon/aramid hybrid polymer composite plates
Authors: Doğan Nurettin Furkan
Published: August 2021

In the present study, the effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) contents on the axial and lateral buckling behavior of carbon/aramid hybrid‐woven epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. The composite plates were fabricated with different concentrations of GNPs (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 wt%) by vacuum‐assisted hand lay‐up method. The addition of GNPs has resulted in enhancement in axial and lateral critical buckling loads. The maximum enhancement in both axial and lateral critical buckling reached with 0.1 wt% GNPs addition. These percent enhancement values in axial critical buckling loads were 25.7%, 5.2%, and, 14% with fixed‐fixed, fixed‐free, and free‐free boundary conditions, respectively. For lateral critical buckling load, the maximum enhancement was recorded as 20.6% compared to the pure control sample. Also, with the further addition of GNPs, critical buckling loads decreased, which is interpreted because of the agglomeration of GNPs. The failure surfaces were then observed with scanning electron microscopy to examine the link between the buckling behavior and failure types of the composite samples.
Impregnation modeling and preparation optimization of continuous glass fiber reinforced polylactic acid filament for 3D printing
Authors: Yu Liguo , Chen Ke , Xue Ping , Cui Yonghui , Jia Mingyin
Published: August 2021

Continuous glass fiber reinforced polylactic acid (CGF/PLA) composites were prepared by 3D printing technology in this study. The multi‐roll melt impregnation mold was manufactured according to the melt impregnation model. CGF/PLA filament was prepared by a melt impregnation device, and then used to prepare CGF/PLA composite materials by the self‐modified 3D printer device. The full impregnation of the fibers was achieved by the action of the coverage angle of the tension roller in the impregnation mold. The effects of the total coverage angle, traction speed, fiber content, and impregnation temperature on the fiber impregnation effect and 3D printed product performance were studied. The bending strength, tensile strength, impact strength, and interlayer shear strength of the printed sample reached 312, 220, 154, and 14 MPa, respectively. The strategy in this study can effectively improve the impregnation effect of PLA resin on CGFs and promote the development and application of 3D printing technology in the field of high‐performance composite manufacturing.
Effect of non‐woven flax mat manufacturing parameters and consolidation pressure on properties of composites manufactured using vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding
Authors: Shadhin Md , Jayaraman Raghavan , Rahman Mashiur
Published: August 2021

Composite parts, used in transportation industries, are manufactured using vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and non‐woven glass fiber mats that are optimized for impregnation, fiber volume fraction (Vf), and composite properties. However, such optimized hemp and flax mats are not available. Extending the research on hemp mats manufactured using air‐laying, the effect of needle depth (2 or 8 mm) and punch density (0–72 punches/cm2) used to bind the fibers in the mat together, as well as consolidation pressure (101–560 kPa) applied during manufacturing, on mat permeability and composite properties were studied. Non‐woven flax mats exhibited heterogeneity in spatial distribution of areal density (GSM) and fiber distribution. This, together with the distribution in flax fiber diameter and properties, resulted in large scatter in the measured composite properties. The out‐of‐plane permeability and the consolidation of the mat decreased with increase in punch density and depth. This, together with the variation of Vf in the starting mat, resulted in complex variation in the Vf in the composite. 30‐P mat, with tightly bound fibers, resulted in optimal composite properties at VARTM (101 kPa) pressure while 0‐P and 72‐P mats, with loosely bound fibers, resulted in optimal properties at 560 kPa.
Damped harmonic vibrations of axisymmetric graphene‐enhanced cylinders in thermal environment
Authors: Moradi‐Dastjerdi Rasool , Behdinan Kamran
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the structural damping behavior of axisymmetric nanocomposite cylinders enhanced with randomly oriented graphene nanosheets has been explored by a mesh‐free solution. The static responses of such nanocomposite cylinders under internal pressure and exposed to thermal environment are assumed as the initial condition of harmonic vibrations. Using the shape functions of moving least squares (MLS), an axisymmetric mesh‐free solution has been developed to approximate the displacement field of the graphene‐enhanced nanocomposite (GEN) cylinders. Along the thickness of these cylinders, different nonlinear functionally graded (FG) patterns are considered for the distribution of graphene nanosheets. The mechanical properties of graphene and polymer are considered to vary with temperature, and the overall properties of nanocomposite are calculated using a modified Halpin‐Tsai (HS) technique. The effects of thermal environment, graphene content, graphene dispersion, and cylinder dimension on the structural damped harmonic vibrations of axisymmetric GEN cylinders have been examined. The results indicate that the use of graphene nanosheets and their distribution significantly affect the damped harmonic vibrations of axisymmetric polymeric cylinders such that the increase of graphene content results in damped vibrations with higher frequency and shorter stationary time. In addition, thermal environment reduced the frequency of vibrations, but it has an insignificant impact on the stationary time of vibrations.