bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating operational excellence strategies with Industry 4.0 technologies through reconfigurable manufacturing system practices
Authors: Pansare Rajesh , Yadav Gunjan , Nagare Madhukar R.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing market demands, competition for manufacturing industries is increasing and they face numerous challenges. In such a case, it is necessary to use multiple strategies, technologies and practices to improve organizational performance and, as a result, to integrate them for ease of adoption. The purpose of this research is to identify advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, operational excellence (OPEX) strategies and reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) practices. The study also computes their weights, as well as identifies and prioritizes the performance metrics for the same.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of relevant articles was conducted to identify 28 OPEX strategies, RMS practices and advanced technologies, as well as the 17-performance metrics. The stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis approach was used to compute the weights of the selected practices, while the WASPAS approach was used to prioritize the performance metrics. While developing the framework, the industry expert’s expertise was incorporated in the form of their opinions for pairwise comparison.

Findings

According to the study findings, advanced Industry 4.0 technologies were the most prominent for improving organizational performance. As a result, integrating Industry 4.0 technologies with OPEX strategies can assist in improving the performance of manufacturing organizations. The prioritized performance metrics resulted in the production lead time ranking first and the use of advanced technologies ranking second. This emphasizes the significance of meeting dynamic customer needs on time while also improving quality with the help of advanced technologies.

Practical implications

The developed framework can help practitioners integrate OPEX strategies and advanced technologies into their organizations by adopting them in order of importance. Furthermore, the ranked performance metrics can assist managers and practitioners in evaluating the manufacturing system and, as a result, strategic planning for improvement.

Originality/value

According to the authors, this is a novel approach for integrating OPEX strategies with advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, and no comparable study has been found in the current literature.
WHATT roundtable: what innovations would enable tourism and hospitality industry to re-build?
Authors: Jayawardena Chandi , Gamachchi Vithanage Hiran Dinusha
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aims of this paper is to present views of 13 experts who attended a roundtable discussion.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides a narration of a conference roundtable. The questions by the moderator and a summary of the responses by panellists are provided.

Findings

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) is playing a significant applied research role in the world of hospitality and tourism. Further, since 2013, the International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism Management (ICOHT), had been well attended and successful. In 2021, The International Institute of Knowledge Management included a WHATT roundtable in the programme of the 8th ICOHT. Twelve experts from the industry and academia were invited as panellists. They represented eight countries (Canada, Guyana, Iran, Jamaica, the Philippines, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the USA). The lead author of this article moderated the roundtable discussion. In conclusion, 20 of the key implementable concepts and suggestions for the post-pandemic era within hospitality and tourism industry, evolved from the WHATT roundtable at the 8th ICOHT in 2021, are presented.

Originality/value

This paper suggests 20 of the key implementable concepts, for post-pandemic era tourism and hospitality industry.
Roles of autophagy in angiotensin II‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis
Authors: Kobara Miyuki , Toba Hiroe , Nakata Tetsuo
Published: September 2022

Autophagy is a self‐degradation process of cytoplasmic components and occurs in the failing heart. Angiotensin II plays a critical role in the progression of heart failure and induces autophagy. We investigated the mechanism underlying angiotensin II‐enhanced autophagy and examined the role of autophagy in angiotensin II‐induced cardiomyocyte injury. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were treated with angiotensin II (1–100 nmol/L). Angiotensin II dose‐dependently increased autophagy indicators of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain (LC) 3‐II and monodansylcadaverine‐labelled vesicles. It also enhanced the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), assessed by H2DCFDA, an intracellular ROS indicator. NADPH oxidase‐ and mitochondria‐derived ROS production was increased by angiotensin II, while angiotensin II‐induced LC3‐II expression was suppressed by inhibitors of these sources of ROS. Confocal microscopy revealed that superoxide‐producing mitochondria colocalized with lysosomes after the angiotensin II stimulation. Myocyte apoptosis was assessed by nuclear staining with DAPI and caspase‐3 activity. A 6‐h stimulation with angiotensin II did not affect myocyte apoptosis, while a co‐treatment with 3‐methyl‐adenine (3MA), an autophagy inhibitor, augmented apoptosis. These results indicate that autophagy suppressed apoptosis because it removed damaged mitochondria in the early stages of the angiotensin II stimulation. A longer angiotensin II stimulation for 24 h induced apoptosis and propidium iodide‐positive lethal myocytes, while the co‐treatment with 3MA did not lead to further increases. In conclusion, angiotensin II‐induced autophagy removes ROS‐producing mitochondria. Autophagy is a beneficial phenomenon against myocyte apoptosis in the early phase, but its benefit was limited in the late phase of angiotensin II stimulation.
Response of the plant core microbiome to Fusarium oxysporum infection and identification of the pathobiome
Authors: Qiu Zhiguang , Verma Jay Prakash , Liu Hongwei , Wang Juntao , Batista Bruna D. , Kaur Simranjit , de Araujo Pereira Arthur Prudêncio , Macdonald Catriona A. , Trivedi Pankaj , Weaver Tim , Conaty Warren C. , Tissue David T. , Singh Brajesh K.
Published: September 2022

Plant core microbiomes consist of persistent key members that provide critical host functions, but their assemblages can be interrupted by biotic and abiotic stresses. The pathobiome is comprised of dynamic microbial interactions in response to disease status of the host. Hence, identifying variation in the core microbiome and pathobiome can significantly advance our understanding of microbial–microbial interactions and consequences for disease progression and host functions. In this study, we combined glasshouse and field studies to analyse the soil and plant rhizosphere microbiome of cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum) in the presence of a cotton‐specific fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV). We found that FOV directly and consistently altered the rhizosphere microbiome, but the biocontrol agents enabled microbial assemblages to resist pathogenic stress. Using co‐occurrence network analysis of the core microbiome, we identified the pathobiome comprised of the pathogen and key associate phylotypes in the cotton microbiome. Isolation and application of some negatively correlated pathobiome members provided protection against plant infection. Importantly, our field survey from multiple cotton fields validated the pattern and responses of core microbiomes under FOV infection. This study advances key understanding of core microbiome responses and existence of plant pathobiomes, which provides a novel framework to better manage plant diseases in agriculture and natural settings.
Analysis of the genealogy process in forensic genetic genealogy
Authors: Ertürk Mine Su , Fitzpatrick Colleen , Press Margaret , Wein Lawrence M.
Published: September 2022

The genealogy process is typically the most time‐consuming part of—and a limiting factor in the success of—forensic genetic genealogy, which is a new approach to solving violent crimes and identifying human remains. We formulate a stochastic dynamic program that—given the list of matches and their genetic distances to the unknown target—chooses the best decision at each point in time: which match to investigate (i.e., find its ancestors and look for most recent common ancestors between the match and the target), which set of potential most recent common ancestors to descend from (i.e., find its descendants, with the goal of identifying a marriage between the maternal and paternal sides of the target's family tree), or whether to terminate the investigation. The objective is to maximize the probability of finding the target minus a cost associated with the expected size of the final family tree. We estimate the parameters of our model using data from 17 cases (eight solved, nine unsolved) from the DNA Doe Project. We assess the Proposed Strategy using simulated versions of the 17 DNA Doe Project cases, and compare it to a Benchmark Strategy that ranks matches by their genetic distance to the target and only descends from known common ancestors between a pair of matches. The Proposed Strategy solves cases ≈10 − fold faster than the Benchmark Strategy, and does so by aggressively descending from a set of potential most recent common ancestors between the target and a match even when this set has a low probability of containing the correct most recent common ancestor. Our analysis provides a mathematical foundation for improving the genealogy process in forensic genetic genealogy.
Carrion flies (Insecta: Diptera) found on human cadavers in Chiba prefecture, Honshu, Japan, with the first record of Fannia prisca from a human corpse
Authors: Urabe Shumari , Kurahashi Hiromu , Inokuchi Go , Chiba Fumiko , Motomura Ayumi , Hoshioka Yumi , Torimitsu Suguru , Yamaguchi Rutsuko , Tsuneya Shigeki , Iwase Hirotaro
Published: September 2022

Forensic entomology (FE) involves the collection and analysis of necrophagous insects and arthropods for postmortem interval estimation based on their growth and succession. In Japan, research on FE is limited, and the predominant species of necrophagous insects and their distribution have not been clarified. The present study aimed to clarify the actual situation of insects, targeting Diptera collected from human cadavers, in Chiba Prefecture. We targeted the cases for which specimens could be collected from forensic autopsies conducted at the Legal Medicine Department of Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine or from human bodies handled by the Chiba Police in 2019. We specifically chose cases from which adult insects could be bred. Fifty cases were applicable, and 47 cases were successful in rearing adult flies. Sixteen species of Diptera were identified: six species of Calliphoridae, four species of Sarcophagidae, and a few species of Fanniidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, Piophilidae, and Stratiomyidae. The most frequently observed species were Lucilia sericata (20 cases) and Chrysomya pinguis (18 cases). For the first time, globally, we recorded the presence of Fannia prisca in a human cadaver. In conclusion, this is the first report to reveal the presence of carrion flies in human death cases in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Research in FE is important in the context of the Japanese natural and social environment since this can aid forensic investigations conducted by authorities.
Molecular response and developmental speculations in metamorphosis of the veined rapa whelk, Rapana venosa
Authors: SHI Pu , SONG Hao , FENG Jie , YANG Meijie , YU Zhenglin , HU Zhi , ZHOU Cong , LI Haizhou , ZHANG Tao
Published: September 2022

Metamorphosis is the short developmental stage characterized by dramatic ontogenetic changes that occurs in most animals. However, this important process remains largely unclear in marine invertebrates. In this study, we performed the sequential RNA sequencing of a representative mollusk, the rapa whelk (Rapana venosa), that is undergoing metamorphosis and conducted differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) to investigate the overall and dynamic transcriptome responses. The results revealed that the expression of cytochrome P450 2A and 3A were upregulated during metamorphosis, while the expression of H/ACA ribonucleoproteins increased 4 h after metamorphosis induction (M4 stage), indicating that R. venosa mainly responded to the pelagobenthic changes. At the M24 stage, the enrichment of V‐type proton ATPase and insulin indicated the complete development of secretory organs and initiation of hormone secretion. Furthermore, at the M48 stage, the enrichment of zinc metalloproteinase and conotoxin indicated a well‐developed predation system that requires exogenous nutrition. Finally, during the PL stage, the genes associated with growth control were highly enriched, implying that R. venosa had completed metamorphosis and has entered the period of rapid growth. Therefore, our study provides useful transcriptomic resources for R. venosa and contributes new insights that may assist in elucidating the mechanisms underlying metamorphosis in marine invertebrates.
Association of skin autofluorescence with low bone density/osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Wang Guoqi , Wu Ting , Hu Jia , Mu Yiming , Gu Weijun
Published: September 2022

Background

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that abnormally accumulate in diabetic patients have been reported to damage bone health. We aimed to investigate the association between skin autofluorescence (SAF)‐AGEage (SAF − AGEs × age/100) and low bone density (LBD)/osteoporosis or major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This study was nested in the prospective REACTION (Risk Evaluation of Cancers in Chinese Diabetic Individuals) study and included 1214 eligible participants. SAF was used to measure skin AGEs (SAF‐AGEs). Fracture events were determined by an in‐person clinical follow‐up. Binary logistic regression analysis, linear regression analysis, and a restricted cubic spline nested in logistic models were used to test outcomes.

Results

The overall prevalence of LBD/osteoporosis in middle‐aged or elderly T2DM patients was 35.7% (n = 434), and the overall incidence of MOFs was 10.5% (n = 116). Logistic analysis showed a significantly positive relationship between quartiles of SAF‐AGEage and the risk of LBD/osteoporosis (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% CI 1.34–3.03; OR 3.63, CI 2.44–5.39; and OR 6.51, CI 4.34–9.78) for the multivariate‐adjusted models, respectively. SAF‐AGEage was associated with MOFs with a multivariate‐adjusted OR of 1.02 (CI 0.52–2.02), 2.42 (CI 1.32–4.46), and 2.70 (CI 1.48–4.91), respectively. Stratified analyses showed that SAF‐AGEage was significantly associated with MOFs only in females, nonsmokers, nondrinkers, individuals with lower body mass index, and those without LBD/osteoporosis. Linear regression analyses showed that higher SAF‐AGEs were associated with a higher level of serum N‐terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (s‐PINP) and serum carboxy‐terminal cross‐linking peptide of type I collagen (s‐CTX), with a multivariate‐adjusted OR of 1.02 (CI 0.24–1.80) and 6.30 (CI 1.77–10.83), respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, SAF‐AGEage was positively associated with the prevalence of LBD/osteoporosis or MOFs in patients with T2DM. A positive association between SAF‐AGEs and the level of s‐PINP and s‐CTX was found.
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung controlled for 4 years by a single administration of pembrolizumab: A case report
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Matsumura Yuki , Yamaguchi Hikaru , Mine Hayato , Takagi Hironori , Ozaki Yuki , Fukuhara Mitsuro , Muto Satoshi , Okabe Naoyuki , Shio Yutaka , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LCNEC) is a rare and highly progressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for treatment of both small cell and non–small cell lung cancers, their role in the treatment of LCNEC is unclear. We describe a patient with postoperative recurrence of LCNEC who maintained complete remission for 4 years after a single administration of pembrolizumab. A 68‐year‐old Japanese man underwent thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy for LCNEC (pathological stage pT1bN0M0, stage IA2). Epidermal growth factor receptor and anaplastic lymphoma kinase were negative, and the programmed death ligand 1 expression rate in tumor cells was 5% (clone 22C3). Eight months later, the patient developed recurrence with mediastinal lymph node metastasis and pleural dissemination. Therefore, chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide was administered. However, relapse occurred 6 months later. Pembrolizumab was administered as second‐line chemotherapy, which was discontinued after first dose because of interstitial pneumonia 1 month later. Thereafter, however, both the lymph node metastasis and pleural dissemination disappeared and did not relapse for 4 years. Pembrolizumab may be used as a treatment option for pulmonary LCNEC.
Dermatoscopic features of Spitz naevi on acral volar skin: Report of 11 cases
Authors: Akay Bengu Nisa , Lallas Aimilios , Okcu Heper Aylin
Published: September 2022

Spitzoid melanocytic lesions characterized by spindle and/or epithelioid tumour cells can occur anywhere on the skin but the acral presentation of Spitz naevus is very rare and comprises about <4% of all Spitz naevi. However, data regarding their dermatoscopic features on the acral volar skin are scarce. Herein, 11 cases of acral Spitz naevus involving the glabrous skin with predominant dermatoscopic findings of atypical fibrillar pattern in non‐pressure bearing areas, a structureless pigmentation involving both the furrows and the ridges are presented.
Personalized total neoadjuvant therapy (pTNT) for advanced rectal cancer with tailored treatment sequencing based on clinical stage at presentation
Authors: Bedrikovetski Sergei , Fitzsimmons Tracy , Perry Joanne , Vather Ryash , Carruthers Scott , Selva‐Nayagam Sudarsha , Thomas Michelle L. , Moore James W. , Sammour Tarik
Published: September 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess short‐term outcomes of a personalized total neoadjuvant treatment (pTNT) protocol, with treatment sequencing based on clinical stage at presentation.

Methods

A multidisciplinary pTNT protocol was implemented across two metropolitan hospitals. This consists of two‐schema based on clinical stage: patients with distant failure risk were offered induction chemotherapy before chemoradiation (nCRT), and patients with locoregional failure risk received nCRT followed by consolidation chemotherapy. Patients underwent surgical resection unless a complete clinical response (cCR) was achieved, in which case non‐operative management (NOM) was offered. A prospective cohort analysis of all patients with rectal cancer who underwent pTNT with curative intent between Jan 2019 and Aug 2022 was performed.

Results

Of 270 patients referred with rectal cancer, 102 received pTNT with curative intent and 79 have completed their treatment thus far. Thirty‐three patients (41.8%) received induction chemotherapy and 46 (58.2%) received consolidation chemotherapy per protocol. The percentage of patients with EMVI, resectable M1 disease, cT4 disease, and positive lateral lymph nodes were 54.4%, 36.7%, 27.8% and 15.2%, respectively. Overall, 32 (40.5%) patients had cCR and 4 (5.1%) pCR, and 40 (50.6%) patients had non‐operative management. Grade 3 toxicity was reported in 10.1% of patients and only three patients (3.8%) experienced Grade 4 chemotherapy‐related toxicity, with no treatment related mortality.

Conclusion

Early results with a defined two‐schema pTNT protocol are encouraging and suggest that tailoring sequencing to disease risk at presentation may represent the optimal balance between local and distant disease control, as well as treatment toxicity.
Reflections into Ptolemaic glass: Colorless, white, blue, and green inlays from the workshop of Tebtynis
Authors: Bettineschi Cinzia , Angelini Ivana
Published: September 2022

Inlays range among the most aesthetically pleasing and technically challenging glasses produced in the Ptolemaic period. Despite the central role of this phase in the history of glass technology, little is known about the recipes and the technological knowledge of the Egyptian artisans. This paper will thus focus on the study of the materials from the secondary workshop of Tebtynis (Fayum oasis, Egypt). We report the first multi‐methodological study comprising textural, chemical, and mineralogical analyses (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive system, electron probe microanalysis, and μ‐Raman spectroscopy) on a set of 81 colorless, white, blue, and green samples carefully selected among the 800+ glasses from the craft area now stored at the Museo Egizio, Turin (Italy).

Our study offers the biggest compositional database of well‐dated Ptolemaic glasses currently available in the literature, highlighting some interesting novelties regarding the silica and alkali sources, and the coloring and opacifying techniques employed. The results suggest a specialized craft of traditional origin, but open to innovation and experimentation, as expected from transitional phases.
Rock surface luminescence dating of prehistoric rock art from central Iberia
Authors: Moayed Nasrin Karimi , Sohbati Reza , Murray Andrew S. , Rades Eike F. , Fattahi Morteza , Ruiz López Juan F.
Published: September 2022

Rock art paintings are notoriously difficult to date numerically. Recently, luminescence dating has been shown to provide reliable rock surface burial ages in various archaeological settings. Here we use the cross‐cutting relationship between a fallen rock and two paintings of the Iberian Levantine (older) and Schematic (younger) styles to constrain the age of the paintings by dating the rockfall event using rock surface luminescence dating. Infrared‐stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signals as a function of depth into the buried face of the talus border indicate that the IRSL signal measured at 50°C (IR50) was sufficiently reset to a depth of about 1.6 mm prior to burial. An uncorrected IR50 age of 1.6 ± 0.2 ka was calculated for the rockfall event by dividing the surface equivalent dose (De) by the total dose rate. This age was corrected using both conventional and field‐to‐laboratory saturation approaches to yield indistinguishable ages of 2.7 ± 0.5 and 2.9 ± 0.3 ka, respectively. Since the panel with Schematic art was first available to the artist after the rockfall, we conclude the Schematic rock art at Villar del Humo is younger than ~2.9 ka. The Levantine rock art was painted on a panel constrained by the talus boulder before detachment, and so it is likely to be older than ~2.9 ka.
Multidimensional Adaptive P-Splines with Application to Neurons' Activity Studies
Authors: Rodríguez-Álvarez María Xosé , Durbán María , Eilers Paul H.C. , Lee Dae-Jin , Gonzalez Francisco
Published: September 2022

The receptive field (RF) of a visual neuron is the region of the space that elicits neuronal responses. It can be mapped using different techniques that allow inferring its spatial and temporal properties. Raw RF maps (RFmaps) are usually noisy, making it difficult to obtain and study important features of the RF. A possible solution is to smooth them using P-splines. Yet, raw RFmaps are characterized by sharp transitions in both space and time. Their analysis thus asks for spatiotemporal adaptive P-spline models, where smoothness can be locally adapted to the data. However, the literature lacks proposals for adaptive P-splines in more than two dimensions. Furthermore, the extra flexibility afforded by adaptive P-spline models is obtained at the cost of a high computational burden, especially in a multidimensional setting. To fill these gaps, this work presents a novel anisotropic locally adaptive P-spline model in two (e.g., space) and three (space and time) dimensions. Estimation is based on the recently proposed SOP (Separation of Overlapping Precision matrices) method, which provides the speed we look for. Besides the spatiotemporal analysis of the neuronal activity data that motivated this work, the practical performance of the proposal is evaluated through simulations, and comparisons with alternative methods are reported.
In C: Towards a ‘Bionian’ Theory of Creativity
Authors: Wynter‐Vincent Naomi
Published: September 2022

While Wilfred Bion did not formally develop a theory of art and creativity, Bion's work, both as a psychoanalytic theorist and a surprisingly creative writer, offers the possibility to discern a ‘Bionian’ theory of creativity drawing on his theory of thinking (Bion, 1993). He frequently referenced the work of many different artists and thinkers, including John Milton, William Shakespeare, and Leonardo da Vinci, and his last major work, A Memoir of the Future, is explicitly an experimental and creative text blending fiction, autobiography, and theory. A number of key ideas, such as the thought without a thinker, the stray or wild thought, the construction of the necessary dream, and Bion's use of Elliott Jaques’ idea of the integrative reticulum as a model of the container‐contained relationship are brought together to imagine a new kind of transformation, the transformation ‘in C’, where C is understood chiefly as a shorthand for creativity and its role in communication between minds, but also with echoes of row C (the level of dreams and myths) of the Grid. Bion is shown to draw comparison between the artist, the psychotic, and the psychoanalyst, and he invites the practising therapist to consider their work a kind of creative artwork.
Methodological integrity assessment in the mobile paradigm literature: A lesson for understanding opportunistic use of researcher degrees of freedom in psychology
Authors: Sen Umay , Gredebäck Gustaf
Published: September 2022

The mobile paradigm has played a fundamental role in memory development research. One key characteristic of the mobile paradigm literature is that across decades, researchers have faithfully followed a particular methodological protocol with its own unique definitions of learning and memory. To investigate the extent to which these methodological choices affected the results, the literature (77 publications and 505 statistical tests) was evaluated for four frequently encountered research biases. The results suggested that research using the paradigm was conducted with scientific rigor. However, methodological choices along with unique operational definitions of learning and memory accounted for more than half of the findings. Thus, the literature has been contaminated by methodological artifacts due to the opportunistic use of researcher degrees of freedom.
Reconstructive treatment of peri‐implant defects—Results after three and five years
Authors: Aghazadeh Ahmad , Persson G. Rutger , Stavropoulos Andreas , Renvert Stefan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the long‐term efficacy of reconstructive treatment of peri‐implantitis intraosseous defects.

Material and Methods

Peri‐implant intraosseous defects were augmented using either an autogenous bone graft (AB) or a bovine‐derived xenograft (BDX) in combination with a collagen membrane. Maintenance was provided every third month.

Results

In the AB group, 16 patients with 25 implants remained at year five. In the BDX group, 23 patients with 38 implants remained. Between baseline and year 5, bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing pocket depth (PPD) scores were reduced in both groups (p < .001). In the AB and BDX groups, mean PPD between baseline and year five was reduced by 1.7 and 2.8 mm, respectively. The difference between groups was significant (p < .001). In the AB group, the mean bone level change at implant level between baseline and years three and five was−0,2 and −0.7 mm, respectively. In the BDX group, the mean bone level change at implant level between baseline and years three and five was 1.6 and 1.6 mm, respectively. The difference between the groups was significant (p < .001). Successful treatment (no bone loss, no probing pocket depth (PPD) > 5 mm, no suppuration, maximum one implant surface with bleeding on probing (BOP) at year five) was obtained in 9/25 implants (36%) in the AB group and in 29/37 implants (78.3%) in the BDX group.

Conclusions

Reconstructive surgical treatment of peri‐implant defects using BDX resulted in more predictable outcomes than using autogenous bone over 5 years.
Risk factors for right colon, left colon and rectal cancers differ between men and women: the population‐based HUNT study in Norway
Authors: Brenne Siv S. , Ness‐Jensen Eivind , Edna Tom‐Harald , Lydersen Stian , Laugsand Eivor A.
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess established risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) separately for right colon, left colon and rectal cancer in men and women.

Method

This was a prospective cohort study comparing incidental CRC cases and the general population participating in a longitudinal health study in Norway (the HUNT study).

Results

Among 78 580 participants (36 825 men and 41 754 women), 1827 incidental CRCs were registered (931 men and 896 women). Among men, the risk of cancer at all locations increased with age [HR 1.46 (1.40–1.51), HR 1.32 (1.27–1.36), HR 1.30 (1.25–1.34) per 5 years for right colon, left colon and rectal cancer, respectively] and the risk of left colon cancer increased with higher body mass index [HR 1.28 (1.12–1.46) per 5 kg/m2]. The risk of right colon cancer (RCC) increased with smoking [HR 1.07 (1.04–1.10) per 5 pack years]. Among women, the risk of cancer at all locations increased with age [HR 1.38 (1.34–1.43), HR 1.23 (1.19–1.27), HR 1.20 (1.16–1.24) per 5 years] and smoking [HR 1.07 (1.02–1.12), HR 1.07 (1.02–1.12), HR 1.10 (1.05–1.17) per 5 pack years] for right colon, left colon and rectal cancer, respectively. The risk of RCC increased with night shift work [HR 1.93 (1.22–3.05)].

Conclusion

The risk factors for developing CRC differ by anatomical location and sex. The relationship between risk factors and CRC may be more nuanced than previously known.
Living kidney donor evaluation is associated with early identification of life‐changing diagnoses in potentially healthy donor candidates
Authors: Mühlbacher Thomas , Nadalin Silvio , Althaus Karina , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Heyne Nils , Guthoff Martina
Published: September 2022

Background

In order to ensure eligibility for living kidney donation, donor candidates undergo a thorough medical evaluation. This process might reveal hitherto undetected medical conditions, leading to refusal of the kidney donor candidate. Detection of such conditions may, however, also have a lifesaving effect. We report on 13 years of data from our living donor transplantation program on kidney donor candidates who were diagnosed with major medical conditions during evaluation.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of living kidney donor candidates who attended our transplant center between January, 2007 and December, 2019. The main focus was on newly diagnosed medical conditions that required immediate medical attention and their prognostic significance.

Results

Of the 436 donor candidates who were evaluated for living kidney donation at our transplant center, 192 (44%) were accepted, while 244 (56%) were excluded from donation. Interestingly, 81 (33.1%) of the ineligible donor candidates were newly diagnosed as having a medical condition that required immediate attention. While 45 (18.5%) candidates were newly diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, 12 (4.9%) candidates had hitherto undetected malignancies, 10 candidates (4.1%) cardiac disease, five (2.0%) hypertension with end‐organ damage, and four (1.6%) suffered from kidney disease. The remaining four candidates (1.6%) were diagnosed with gastrointestinal diseases, and one candidate (.4%) had an endocrine disorder.

Conclusion

A comprehensive evaluation process for living kidney donation facilitates the identification of life‐changing diagnoses in a significant proportion of candidates and secures immediate medical attention.
A rapidly growing cutaneous malignant glomus tumor with a CCND3 mutation
Authors: Kitz Robert , Leung Olivia , Royer Michael
Published: September 2022

Glomus tumors are rare mesenchymal neoplasms composed of cells resembling the glomus body. They are most frequently seen in subungual regions but have been reported to arise in almost every anatomic location. Malignant glomus tumors, also called glomangiosarcomas, of cutaneous origin are exceedingly rare with only 47 reported cases. The genetic alterations that lead to the development of cutaneous malignant glomus tumors are not well understood. Small studies report glomus tumors with mutations in glomulin (GLMN), NF1, BRAF, NOTCH, PDGFRB, KRAS, and SMARCB1. These mutations have mostly been studied in deep or visceral glomus tumors. We report a case of a cutaneous malignant glomus tumor with a CCND3 point mutation identified on next generation sequencing, without any of the previously described genetic mutations. CCND3 mutations that cause cyclin D3 amplification may prove to be targets for CDK4/6 inhibitors in the treatment of malignant glomus tumors.
Cell block‐based RNA next generation sequencing for detection of gene fusions in lung adenocarcinoma: An institutional experience
Authors: Wei Shuanzeng , Talarchek Jacqueline N. , Huang Min , Gong Yulan , Du Fang , Ehya Hormoz , Flieder Douglas B. , Patchefsky Arthur S. , Wasik Mariusz A. , Pei Jianming
Published: September 2022

Objective

Targeted therapy is an important part of the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. Tests for EGFR mutation, ALK, ROS1, RET and NTRK gene fusions are needed to make a treatment decision. These gene fusions are traditionally detected by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) or immunohistochemistry. In this study, we investigated whether gene fusions in pulmonary adenocarcinoma could be accurately detected by RNA next‐generation sequencing (RNA‐NGS) and whether cytology cell blocks could be used effectively for this test.

Methods

Archived cytological specimens of lung adenocarcinoma submitted for RNA sequencing between 2019 and 2022 at Fox Chase Cancer Center were retrospectively retrieved. Hybrid capture‐based targeted RNA next generation sequencing was used, which covers 507 fusion genes, including ALK, ROS1, RET and NTRKs, irrespective of their partner genes. DNA NGS, FISH and chromosomal microarray analysis were used to confirm the results of the RNA‐NGS.

Results

A total of 129 lung adenocarcinoma cytology specimens were submitted for molecular testing. Eight of 129 (6.2%) cases were excluded from RNA sequencing as their cell blocks contained inadequate numbers of tumour cells. One case (0.8%) failed to yield adequate RNA. The overall success rate was 93% (120/129). Ten of 120 (8.3%) cytology cases were positive for gene fusions, including 7 ALK, 2 ROS1 fusion genes, and 1 RET fusion gene. Twenty‐two cell block cases were also tested for ALK fusion genes using FISH. However, 11 of 22 (50%) failed the testing due to inadequate material.

Conclusions

Cytology cell blocks can be used as the main source of material for molecular testing for lung cancer. Detection of gene fusions by RNA‐based NGS on cell blocks is convenient and reliable in daily practice.
Chronic pain, psychological distress, and quality of life in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Huang Meihuan , Chen Turong , Wang Yujuan , Zhou Chunming , Cao Jianguo , Lu Xinguo , Zeng Hongwu
Published: September 2022

Aim

To describe chronic pain in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) from children's/adolescents' perspectives, explore patient variables associated with self‐reported pain, and examine the relationship between chronic pain, psychological functioning, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Method

This observational study included a paediatric cohort (aged 8–18 years; median age 9 years 4 months) with DMD under multidisciplinary care (n = 45). Clinical data of the latest visit were extracted from the electronic health record and assessment of pain, psychological distress, and HRQoL were performed during the same visit.

Results

Thirty‐two patients reported pain during the previous 4 weeks, and 18 reported persistent or recurrent chronic pain. Average pain intensity of chronic pain was mild, with regions of the legs (n = 12), lower back (n = 6), hips (n = 6), and shoulder (n = 6) most frequently affected. Older age, higher body mass index, being non‐ambulatory, wheelchair dependency, and spinal deformities were contextual variables related to the presence of chronic pain. Furthermore, chronic pain was significantly associated with psychological distress and reduced HRQoL in paediatric patients with DMD.

Interpretation

Chronic pain in paediatric DMD is frequent and widespread, highlighting the need for pain to be addressed in the routine care of affected young people. Chronic pain may make a significant contribution to psychological distress and impaired HRQoL in paediatric patients with DMD.

What this paper adds

Chronic pain differs in aetiology, scope, and nature compared with acute pain in paediatric Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Older age, higher body mass index, being non‐ambulatory, wheelchair dependency, and spinal deformities are important patient variables.

Chronic pain is significantly associated with psychological distress and reduced health‐related quality of life in paediatric DMD.
Patterns of volatile organic compounds in excrements of preterm neonates
Authors: Bous Michelle , Tutdibi Erol , Nourkami‐Tutdibi Nasenien , Kaiser Elisabeth , Stutz Regine , Meyer Sascha , Baumbach Jörg Ingo , Zemlin Michael , Goedicke‐Fritz Sybelle
Published: September 2022

Background

As neonates are susceptible for many diseases, establishing noninvasive diagnostic methods is desirable. We hypothesized that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be successfully measured in diaper samples.

Methods

We performed a feasibility study to investigate whether ambient air‐independent headspace measurements of the VOC profiles of diapers from premature infants can be conducted using ion mobility spectrometer coupled with multi‐capillary columns (B & S Analytik GmbH).

Results

We analysed 39 diapers filled with stool (n = 10) or urine (n = 20) respectively, using empty diapers as a control (n = 9). A total of 158 different VOCs were identified, and we classified the content of the diapers (urine or stool) according to their VOC profiles with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Conclusions

We have developed a novel method to study headspace VOC profiles of biosamples using ion mobility spectrometry coupled with multi‐capillary columns. Using this method, we have characterized the VOC profiles of stool and urine of preterm neonates. Future studies are warranted to characterize specific VOC profiles in infections and other diseases of the preterm neonate, thus establishing quick and noninvasive diagnostics in the routine care of the highly vulnerable preterm and term neonates.
In‐solution structure and oligomerization of human histone deacetylase 6 – an integrative approach
Authors: Shukla Shivam , Komarek Jan , Novakova Zora , Nedvedova Jana , Ustinova Kseniya , Vankova Pavla , Kadek Alan , Uetrecht Charlotte , Mertens Haydyn , Barinka Cyril
Published: September 2022

Human histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a structurally unique, multidomain protein implicated in a variety of physiological processes including cytoskeletal remodelling and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Our current understanding of the HDAC6 structure is limited to isolated domains, and a holistic picture of the full‐length protein structure, including possible domain interactions, is missing. Here, we used an integrative structural biology approach to build a solution model of HDAC6 by combining experimental data from several orthogonal biophysical techniques complemented by molecular modelling. We show that HDAC6 is best described as a mosaic of folded and intrinsically disordered domains that in‐solution adopts an ensemble of conformations without any stable interactions between structured domains. Furthermore, HDAC6 forms dimers/higher oligomers in a concentration‐dependent manner, and its oligomerization is mediated via the positively charged N‐terminal microtubule‐binding domain. Our findings provide the first insights into the structure of full‐length human HDAC6 and can be used as a basis for further research into structure function and physiological studies of this unique deacetylase.
Clinical features of patients with chronic liver disease in Japan related to alcohol use: Nationwide examination using alcohol use disorders identification test
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Nakai Masato , Hara Nagisa , Hanai Tatsunori , Namisaki Tadashi , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Nakahara Takashi , Hiramatsu Akira , Ohama Hideko , Tada Fujimasa , Takahashi Hirokazu , Aikata Hiroshi , Eguchi Yuichiro , Hiasa Yoichi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: September 2022

Aim

Patients often do not respond truthfully to physicians' interviews concerning alcohol. Few reports regarding the level of alcohol dependence in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) have been presented. This study aimed to elucidate severity distribution in patients with CLD using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT).

Methods

From March to June 2022, 2034 Japanese outpatients with CLD, including 415 cases associated with hepatitis C virus, 436 with hepatitis B virus, 173 with alcohol‐related liver disease (ARLD), and 1010 with other factors, were interviewed using AUDIT. Clinical features related to alcohol use in these patients were then retrospectively evaluated.

Results

In all patients, an AUDIT score 8–14 (harmful use) was noted in 5.8% of hepatitis C virus, 8.9% of hepatitis B virus, 24.3% of ARLD, and 4.4% of other groups, respectively (P < 0.001), while a score ≥15 (dependency) was noted in 3.4%, 3.0%, 27.7%, and 1.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). When the country was divided into regions, the percentages remained similar. Comparisons between patients with and without an AUDIT score ≥8 (n = 1412), performed after exclusion of those without related data (n = 622), showed no significant differences for hepatic reserve function, while those with harmful alcohol use were significantly younger (66 vs. 70 years, P = 0.006) and had a larger percentage of men (80.4% vs. 45.1%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Harmful alcohol and alcohol dependency were observed in approximately 10% of patients with viral or non‐viral CLD, after excluding patients with ARLD. Assessment of alcohol intake by use of the AUDIT questionnaire as well as adequate intervention should be considered necessary.
Structural characterisation of two polysaccharides from white common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and the application in microencapsulation of probiotics
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Li Jiayao , Feng Xuewei , Shi Zhenxing , Yao Yang , Shen Ruiling
Published: September 2022

Increasing attention has been focused on the application of plant polysaccharides in the area of microencapsulation of probiotic bacteria. It remained to be clarified how the chemical structure of plant polysaccharides affects their feasibility as wall materials. In this study, two structurally different polysaccharides, namely NSP‐1 (2.91 × 106 Da) and NSP‐2 (4.57 × 105 Da), were isolated from white common bean seeds. NSP‐1 was predominantly composed of Glc and Gal, and mainly linked as →4)‐Glcp‐(1→, →3,6)‐Glcp‐(1→ and →4)‐Galp‐(1→. NSP‐2 was predominantly composed of Gal and Ara, with main glycosidic bonds of →4)‐Galp‐(1→, Galp‐(1→ and →5)‐Araf‐(1→. NSP‐1 and NSP‐2 were co‐used with calcium alginate as wall materials for microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum. NSP‐1 increased the encapsulation efficiency more than NSP‐2 (P < 0.05), while NSP‐2 mainly improved the survival of the probiotic during simulated gastrointestinal tract digestion and storage at 4 °C (P < 0.05). These findings will give a valuable perspective on plant polysaccharides applied in microencapsulation technology.
Postmortem grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) muscle towards the disruption of integrity: a likely cause of abnormal regulation of tight junction and decreased antioxidant capacity
Authors: Tie Huaimao , Yu Dawei , Yang Fang , Jiang Qixing , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui
Published: September 2022

The disruption of structural integrity could affect flesh quality changes. This study investigated the disruption of muscle integrity and the affecting factors in postmortem fish at 4 °C for 5 days storage. Haematoxylin–eosin staining indicated that profound disruption of structural integrity was observed for the changes of dissolved nucleus, irregular shape of myofibrils and loose attachment. The increased activities of β‐N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase (NAG) and α‐Glucosidase (AG) enzymes confirmed the profound disruption of integrity in postmortem muscle. The abnormal up‐regulated gene expressions of claudin‐11, claudin‐12, claudin‐15a, claudin‐15b and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) implied the disrupted intercellular integrity. The impaired cellular integrity and the increased oxidative damage was due to the decreased antioxidant capacity, which was regulated by the decreased transcriptional levels of antioxidant enzymes. Collectively, this study provided a partial molecular mechanisms for the disruption of structural integrity and the changes of flesh quality in postmortem fish muscle.
Characterization of influenza seasonality in China, 2010–2018: Implications for seasonal influenza vaccination timing
Authors: Liao Yilan , Xue Shan , Xie Yiran , Zhang Yanping , Wang Dayan , Zhao Tong , Du Wei , Chen Tao , Miao Hui , Qin Ying , Zheng Jiandong , Yang Xiaokun , Peng Zhibin , Yu Jianxing
Published: September 2022

Background

Optimizing the timing of influenza vaccination based on regional temporal seasonal influenza illness patterns may make seasonal influenza vaccination more effective in China.

Methods

We obtained provincial weekly influenza surveillance data for 30 of 31 provinces in mainland China from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention for the years 2010–2018. Influenza epidemiological regions were constructed by clustering analysis. For each region, we calculated onset date, end date, and duration of seasonal influenza epidemics by the modified mean threshold method. To help identify initial vaccination target populations, we acquired weekly influenza surveillance data for four age groups (0–4, 5–18, 19–59, and ≥60 years) in each region and in 171 cities of wide‐ranging size. We used linear regression analyses to explore the association of epidemic onset dates by age group, city, and epidemiological region and provide evidence for initial target populations for seasonal influenza vaccination.

Results

We determined that northern, mid, southwestern, southeast regions of mainland China have distinct seasonal influenza epidemic patterns. We found significant regional, temporal, and spatial heterogeneity of seasonal influenza epidemics. There were significant differences by age group and city size in the interval between epidemic onset in the city or age group and regional spread (epidemic lead time), with longer epidemic lead times for 5‐ to 18‐year‐old children and larger cities.

Conclusions

Knowledge of influenza epidemic characteristics may help optimize local influenza vaccination timing and identify initial target groups for seasonal influenza vaccination in mainland China. Similar analyses may help inform seasonal influenza vaccination strategies in other regions and countries.