bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lie symmetries, invariant solutions and phenomena dynamics of Boiti–Leon–Pempinelli system
Authors: Tanwar Dig Vijay , Kumar Mukesh , Tiwari Atul Kumar
Published: June 2022

The present work deals with highly nonlinear dispersive water equation named Boiti–Leon–Pempinelli (BLP) system, which is a well known two dimensional generalization of sinh-Gordon equation. The BLP system describes interaction of horizontal wave component propagating in

x
−
y

plane in infinite narrow channel with constant depth. The Lie symmetry method is employed to derive infinitesimal generators under invariance conditions of one-parameter transformations. The invariance conditions ensure the reducibility of independent variables and preserve the characteristics of system. The commutative relations of infinitesimal vectors show infinite dimensional algebra of symmetries. Thereafter, similarity variables are derived using infinitesimal generators, which lead to first symmetry reductions. Thus, a repeated process of symmetry reductions provide equivalent system of ODEs. These ODEs are integrated and thus some invariant solutions of BLP system are constructed under parametric constraints. The derived solutions are general than previous researches [J Q Yu et al 2010 Exact solutions and conservation laws of (2 + 1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Pempinelli equation, Appl. Math. Comput.
216 2293–2300; M Kumar, R Kumar, 2014 On new similarity solutions of the boiti–leon–pempinelli system, Commun. Theor. Phys.
61 121–126; M Kumar et al 2015 Some more similarity solutions of the (2 + 1)-dimensional BLP system, Comput. Math. Appl. 70 212–221; J Fei et al 2015 Symmetry reduction and explicit solutions of the (2 + 1)-dimensional boiti–leon–pempinelli system, Appl. Math. Comput. 268 432–438; M Kumar et al 2021 Some more invariant solutions of (2 + 1)-water waves, Int. J. Appl. Comput. Math. 7 18] as they contain all four arbitrary functions

f

1

,

f

2

,

H

1

,

H

2

involved in infinitesimals and several free parameters as well. The deduction of previous results obtained by taking particular choices of arbitrary functions and constants, ensure novelty and importance of these solutions as well as the authenticity and effectiveness of Lie symmetry method. To demonstrate the distinct physical structures of phenomena, these solutions are expanded via numerical simulation. Thus, doubly soliton, line soliton, multi soliton, soliton fusion and fission nature have been analyzed. The graphical representations are seemed useful to understand the dynamics of BLP system and propagation of dispersive water waves in infinite narrow channel.
A unique gravitational wave signal from phase transition during inflation*
Authors: An Haipeng , Lyu Kun-Feng , Wang Lian-Tao , Zhou Siyi
Published: June 2022

We study the properties of gravitational wave (GW) signals produced by first-order phase transitions during the inflation era. We show that the power spectrum of a GW oscillates with its wave number. This signal can be observed directly by future terrestrial and spatial GW detectors and through the B-mode spectrum in the CMB. This oscillatory feature of the GW is generic for any approximately instantaneous sources occurring during inflation and is distinct from the GW from phase transitions after inflation. The details of the GW spectrum contain information about the scale of the phase transition and the later evolution of the universe.
Operational verification of reuse of returnable zinc alloy ZP0410 in the production of thick-walled castings
Authors: Gryc K , Socha L , Kubeš R , Sochacký V , Koza K , Trobl J
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, more profound implementation of circular economy elements in individual production processes is ever more emphasized. In an effort to reduce ZL0410 primary raw material consumption to produce castings made of the ZP0410 alloy, GD Druckguss s.r.o. engaged in the development of a recycling technology for returnable materials based on ZP0410. A long-term series of test melts focused on monitoring of the pre-melting process was carried out from 2019 to 2021. Samples were taken regularly from individual technological nodes of thick-walled casting production. The samples of input materials such as the primary alloy ZL0410, returnable material ZP0410, and also solidified melted mass of ZP0410 and ZP0410 castings, were analysed using optical emission spectrometry in the Q4 TASMAN system to determine compliance with chemical composition according to ČSN EN 12844. The standard reference material SRM 630 was used in the developed measurement methodology for interim checks and for corrections of the system settings. It was demonstrated that the chosen ratio of raw material (ZL0410) and returnable material (ZP0410) of 2:1 (wt.) has no negative impact on compliance with chemical composition of castings made of the ZP0410 alloy according to ČSN EN 12844.
Implementation of the Esophagectomy Complication Consensus Group definitions: the benefits of speaking the same language
Authors: Muir Duncan , Antonowicz Stefan , Whiting Jack , Low Donald , Maynard Nick
Published: June 2022

In 2015 the Esophagectomy Complication Consensus Group (ECCG) reported consensus definitions for complications after esophagectomy. This aimed to reduce variation in complication reporting, attributed to heterogeneous definitions. This systematic review aimed to describe the implementation of this definition set, including the effect on complication frequency and variation. A systematic literature review was performed, identifying all observational and randomized studies reporting complication frequencies after esophagectomy since the ECCG publication. Recruitment periods before and subsequent to the index ECCG publication date were included. Coefficients of variance were calculated to assess outcome heterogeneity. Of 144 studies which met inclusion criteria, 70 (48.6%) used ECCG definitions. The median number of separately reported complication types was five per study; only one study reported all ECCG complications. The coefficients of variance of the reported frequencies of eight of the 10 most common complications were reduced in studies which used the ECCG definitions compared with those that did not (P = 0.036). Among ECCG studies, the frequencies of postoperative pneumothorax, reintubation, and pulmonary emboli were significantly reduced in 2020–2021, compared with 2015–2019 (P = 0.006, 0.034, and 0.037 respectively). The ECCG definition set has reduced variation in esophagectomy morbidity reporting. This adds greater confidence to the observed gradual improvement in outcomes with time, and its ongoing use and wider dissemination should be encouraged. However, only a handful of outcomes are widely reported, and only rarely is it used in its entirety.
“A designer diet layout for astronauts using a microbiome mediated approach.”
Authors: Arora Smriti , Puri Samikshha , Bhambri Nitika
Published: June 2022

Astronauts undergo space travel to bring scientific information to benefit humanity under various missions of space agencies such as NASA, European Space Agency, Indian Space Research Organization etc. During space missions, they encounter several stressors namely microgravity, fluid shifts, cosmic radiation, sleep deprivation and alteration in the circadian rhythm perturbing the quality of sleep. In addition, confined spaces makes pathogen interaction more likely if a pathobiont gets introduced into spacecraft. Microbiota is the first line оf resistаnсe tо vаriоus disorders and diseаses. It direсtly influenсes the biосhemiсаl, рhysiоlоgiсаl, аnd immunоlоgiсаl раthwаys. ‘Gut microbiota’ is essential for maintenance of healthy gut barrier functions. ‘Dysbiosis’ refers to perturbation of microbiota which is correlated with several metabolic and psychological disorders. Microbial metabolites are implicated in maintenance of human health. Investigations conducted on astronauts in international space missions and on analog terrestrial models have indicated a ‘dysbiosis’ of the gut microbiota associated with spaceflights. ‘Dysbiosis’ of the gut microbiome observed in astronauts has been implicated in immune dysregulation and a probiotic enriched diet is proposed to restore immune homeostasis. This article not just summarizes the state of art research on dysbiosis of the gut microbiome of astronauts, but also a diet mediated correction plan to restore their health especially during long term space missions. A characterization of microbial metabolites of the gut to enable administration of astronaut specific probiotic, postbiotic or synbiotic to alleviate space associated dysbiosis is proposed. It is also recommended that astronauts maintain a balanced nutritious diet throughout life to promote a resilient microbiota that is not perturbed by space missions. Further, a bioregenerative life support system wherein a probiotic may be produced in space station is proposed.
Staphylococcus aureuscell wall maintenance – the multifaceted roles of peptidoglycan hydrolases in bacterial growth, fitness, and virulence
Authors: Wang Min , Buist Girbe , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: June 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human and livestock pathogen that is well-protected against environmental insults by a thick cell wall. Accordingly, the wall is a major target of present-day antimicrobial therapy. Unfortunately, S. aureus has mastered the art of antimicrobial resistance, as underscored by the global spread of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The major cell wall component is peptidoglycan. Importantly, the peptidoglycan network is not only vital for cell wall function, but it also represents a bacterial Achilles’ heel. In particular, this network is continuously opened by no less than 18 different peptidoglycan hydrolases (PGHs) encoded by the S. aureus core genome, which facilitate bacterial growth and division. This focuses attention on the specific functions executed by these enzymes, their subcellular localization, their control at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, their contributions to staphylococcal virulence and their overall importance in bacterial homeostasis. As highlighted in the present review, our understanding of the different aspects of PGH function in S. aureus has been substantially increased over recent years. This is important because it opens up new possibilities to exploit PGHs as innovative targets for next-generation antimicrobials, passive or active immunization strategies, or even to engineer them into effective antimicrobial agents.
Comparing heritability estimators under alternative structures of linkage disequilibrium
Authors: Min Alan , Thompson Elizabeth , Basu Saonli
Published: June 2022

The single nucleotide polymorphism heritability of a trait is the proportion of its variance explained by the additive effects of the genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. The existing approaches to estimate single nucleotide polymorphism heritability can be broadly classified into 2 categories. One set of approaches models the single nucleotide polymorphism effects as fixed effects and the other treats the single nucleotide polymorphism effects as random effects. These methods make certain assumptions about the dependency among individuals (familial relationship) as well as the dependency among markers (linkage disequilibrium) to provide consistent estimates of single nucleotide polymorphism heritability as the number of individuals increases. While various approaches have been proposed to account for such dependencies, it remains unclear which estimates reported in the literature are more robust against various model misspecifications. Here, we investigate the impact of different structures of linkage disequilibrium and familial relatedness on heritability estimation. We show that the performance of different methods for heritability estimation depends heavily on the structure of the underlying pattern of linkage disequilibrium and the degree of relatedness among sampled individuals. Moreover, we establish the equivalence between the 2 method-of-moments estimators, one using a fixed-single nucleotide polymorphism-effects approach, and another using a random-single nucleotide polymorphism-effects approach.
Web-Based Physical Activity Interventions Are Feasible and Beneficial Solutions to Prevent Physical and Mental Health Declines in Community-Dwelling Older Adults During Isolation Periods
Authors: Granet Jordan , Peyrusqué Eva , Ruiz Fabien , Buckinx Fanny , Abdelkader Lilia Ben , Dang-Vu Thien Thanh , Sirois Marie-José , Gouin Jean-Philippe , Pageaux Benjamin , Aubertin-Leheudre Mylène
Published: June 2022

Background

Periods of prolonged lockdown increase the risk of physical inactivity, which can contribute to physical decline among older adults. Online technology could be an innovative solution to promote physical activity (PA) habits in this context. The goal of this study was to examine and compare the acceptability, feasibility, and potential benefits of 2 modalities of web-based PA interventions in older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown.

Methods

Eighty-three nonphysically active community-dwelling older adults (aged 60 and older) were randomized to a 12-week web-based PA intervention delivered either in a live group (LG; n = 38) or a recorded group (RG; n = 45). Acceptability, feasibility as well as functional capacities, physical performance, quality of life, and PA level were assessed pre and postintervention.

Results

There were fewer dropouts in the LG than RG (LG: 16% vs RG: 46%). However, adherence rate (LG: 89%; RG: 81%), level of satisfaction (LG: 77% vs RG: 64%), and enjoyment (LG: 68% vs RG: 62%) were similar across groups, even if the participants found the intervention slightly difficult (LG: 58% vs RG: 63%). Both groups significantly improved on functional capacities, physical performance, and quality of life. Only the LG showed significant improvements in perceived health and PA level. The LG showed greater improvements in physical performance and quality of life than the RG.

Conclusion

Web-based PA interventions are feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for improving functional capacities and physical performance during periods of lockdown. However, the interactive web and live modalities appear to be more effective for promoting some of these outcomes than recorded and individual modalities.
Investigational PET tracers in neuro-oncology—What’s on the horizon? A report of the PET/RANO group
Authors: Galldiks Norbert , Langen Karl-Josef , Albert Nathalie L , Law Ian , Kim Michelle M , Villanueva-Meyer Javier E , Soffietti Riccardo , Wen Patrick Y , Weller Michael , Tonn Joerg C
Published: June 2022

Many studies in patients with brain tumors evaluating innovative PET tracers have been published in recent years, and the initial results are promising. Here, the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) PET working group provides an overview of the literature on novel investigational PET tracers for brain tumor patients. Furthermore, newer indications of more established PET tracers for the evaluation of glucose metabolism, amino acid transport, hypoxia, cell proliferation, and others are also discussed. Based on the preliminary findings, these novel investigational PET tracers should be further evaluated considering their promising potential. In particular, novel PET probes for imaging of translocator protein and somatostatin receptor overexpression as well as for immune system reactions appear to be of additional clinical value for tumor delineation and therapy monitoring. Progress in developing these radiotracers may contribute to improving brain tumor diagnostics and advancing clinical translational research.
An expanded core of trusteeship or non-derogable residual obligation? A critical evaluation of pro-beneficiary approaches towards anti-Bartlett clauses after Zhang Hong Li v DBS Bank [2019] HKCFA 45
Authors: Ming En Tor
Published: June 2022

Anti-Bartlett clauses are commonly incorporated into trust deeds to enable settlors to freely exercise control and management over the trust company, while relieving trustees of any management or supervisory duties in that regard. These clauses are eminently sensible and should be given their literal effect insofar as they do not offend the irreducible core of trust duties. After the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal reaffirmed this contractarian position in Zhang Hong Li v DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd [2019] HKCFA 45, experts and scholars have recently revived efforts to narrow the scope of anti-Bartlett clauses for beneficiary protection. Their suggestions include the introduction of a non-derogable residual duty and/or an expanded core of trust duties to supervise the trust company’s affairs even in light of the anti-Bartlett clauses. This article submits that there is limited scope for these proposed developments, chiefly because the scope of these suggested duties are incompatible with other trust law concepts and defined without sufficient certainty.
Accuracy of the Initial Rhythm to Predict a Short No-Flow Time in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Cournoyer Alexis , Cavayas Yiorgos Alexandros , Potter Brian , Lamarche Yoan , Segal Eli , de Montigny Luc , Albert Martin , Lessard Justine , Marquis Martin , Paquet Jean , Cossette Sylvie , Morris Judy , Castonguay Véronique , Chauny Jean-Marc , Daoust Raoul
Published: June 2022

OBJECTIVES:

The no-flow time (NFT) can help establish prognosis in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. It is often used as a selection criterion for extracorporeal resuscitation. In patients with an unwitnessed OHCA for whom the NFT is unknown, the initial rhythm has been proposed to identify those more likely to have had a short NFT. Our objective was to determine the predictive accuracy of an initial shockable rhythm for an NFT of 5 minutes or less (NFT ≤ 5).

DESIGN:

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

SETTING:

Prehospital OHCA in eight U.S. and three Canadian sites.

PATIENTS:

A total of 28,139 adult patients with a witnessed nontraumatic OHCA were included, of whom 11,228 (39.9%) experienced an emergency medical service-witnessed OHCA (NFT = 0), 695 (2.7%) had a bystander-witnessed OHCA, and an NFT less than or equal to 5, and 16,216 (57.6%) with a bystander-witnessed OHCA and an NFT greater than 5.

INTERVENTIONS:

Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of an initial shockable rhythm to identify patients with an NFT less than or equal to 5 minutes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The sensitivity of an initial shockable rhythm to identify patients with an NFT less than or equal to 5 was poor (25% [95% CI, 25–26]), but specificity was moderate (70% [95% CI, 69–71]). The positive and likelihood ratios were inverted (negative accuracy) (positive likelihood ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.74–0.79]; negative likelihood ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.10–1.12]). Including only patients with a bystander-witnessed OHCA improved the sensitivity to 48% (95% CI, 45–52), the positive likelihood ratio to 1.45 (95% CI, 1.33–1.58), and the negative likelihood ratio to 0.77 (95% CI, 0.72–0.83), while slightly lowering the specificity to 67% (95% CI, 66–67).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our analysis demonstrated that the presence of a shockable rhythm at the time of initial assessment was poorly sensitive and only moderately specific for OHCA patients with a short NFT. The initial rhythm, therefore, should not be used as a surrogate for NFT in clinical decision-making.
The Role of Worker Age in Ohio Workers’ Compensation Claims in the Landscaping Services Industry
Authors: Alexander Barbara M. , Wurzelbacher Steven J. , Zeiler Rachel J. , Naber Steven J. , Kaur Harpriya , Grosch James W.
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study employed analysis of workers’ compensation (WC) claims in the landscaping services industry to identify occupational factors associated with claims from workers of different ages.

Methods

Private sector claims for 2005 to 2017 to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (OHBWC) and their free-text descriptions were used along with data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey to examine rates and types of WC claims by worker age.

Results

Although the claim rate for younger workers was higher than that for older workers overall (593 vs 261 per 10,000 full-time equivalent employees, P < 0.001), claims from older workers had higher nonzero median cost ($1002 vs $522, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Analysis of WC claim rates shows significant differences between claims in different age groups. These differences can be used to target safety interventions for the greatest impact.
PET Imaging of Estrogen Receptors for Gynecological Tumors
Authors: Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Makino Akira , Mori Tetsuya , Tsuyoshi Hideaki , Kiyono Yasushi , Yoshida Yoshio , Okazawa Hidehiko
Published: June 2022

In the past few decades, PET with 18F-FDG has been used for the diagnosis of gynecological malignancies and is considered to be superior to conventional imaging methods in diagnostic accuracy for detecting metastatic lesions and local recurrence and in evaluating the treatment response. On the other hand, several gynecological tumors, such as endometrial cancer and leiomyoma, and breast cancer are estrogen-dependent, in which estrogen is essential for their development and progression. 18F-FES is an 18F-labeled compound of estradiol, the most bioactive type of estrogen, and 18F-FES PET has been well-established for diagnosis, staging, and posttherapeutic follow-up in patients with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. Compared with in vitro assessment of tumor biopsy material, PET imaging has the advantages of being able to measure in vivo tumor behavior, characterize the entire tumor burden, and capture the heterogeneity of the tumor phenotype. In this article, we review the phenotyping of estrogen-related gynecological tumors other than breast cancer using 18F-FES PET and demonstrate the additional value of 18F-FES PET to 18F-FDG PET in their diagnosis and prognostication. Moreover, promising PET tracers other than 18F-FES and 18F-FDG for the evaluation of estrogen-related gynecological tumors are introduced.
Multiple sclerosis in the era of COVID-19: disease course, DMTs and SARS-CoV2 vaccinations
Authors: Pugliatti Maura , Berger Thomas , Hartung Hans-Peter , Oreja-Guevara Celia , Bar-Or Amit
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

As of January 21st 2022, over 340 million are confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including nearly 5.6 million deaths. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is neurotropic and affects the neural parenchyma through direct viral invasion from the nasal mucosa and postinfectious cytokine storm. Further challenges of SARS-CoV-2 infection are nowadays linked to variants of concern. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory and progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system commonly affecting young adults and potentially generating irreversible disability. Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have been considered ‘extra’ vulnerable because of the immune-mediated nature of the disease, the disability status, and the immunomodulatory therapies potentially increasing the risk for viral infection. Today multiple sclerosis neurologists are faced with several challenges in the management of pwMS to both prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and protection from disease worsening. We aimed to highlight today's most relevant facts about the complex management of pwMS in the COVID-19 era.

Recent findings

The incidence of COVID-19 among pwMS does not differ from the general population. The prognosis of COVID-19 among pwMS is driven by older age, male sex, nonambulatory status, comorbidity as in the general population, as well as by corticosteroid treatment and B-cell depleting agents which decrease seropositivity from SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Disease modifying treatments (DMTs) should be regularly continued in relation to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, but an ad hoc timing is required with B-cell depleting agents. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is recommended in pwMS with willingness improving through health education programs. Multiple sclerosis does not seem to worsen after SARS-Cov2 vaccination but COVID-19 may enhance disease activity.
The current evidence for substance use disorder apps
Authors: Manning Victoria , Whelan Danielle , Piercy Hugh
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

New mHealth (smartphone) apps for substance use disorders (SUD) are emerging at an accelerated rate, with consumer choice typically guided by app-store user ratings rather than their effectiveness. The expansive reach, low-cost and accessibility of mHealth apps have driven their popularity and appeal as alternatives to traditional treatment; as such, rigorously establishing their effectiveness is of paramount importance.

Recent findings

Several systematic reviews conclude that the evidence-base for mHealth SUD apps is weak, inconclusive and hampered by substantial heterogeneity in study designs. However, there have been a number of interesting and novel developments in this area in recent years, which have not been synthesised to date.

Most mHealth apps deliver either multiple-component behaviour change techniques, discrete psychological interventions or cognitive training interventions, or are designed to act as adjuncts to facilitate the delivery of clinical or continuing care. There are promising signals of their feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness in numerous open-label pilot studies of mHealth apps targeting alcohol and smoking. However, only a handful of sufficiently-powered, well-designed randomised controlled trials have been conducted to date with mixed findings. Furthermore, there has been limited recent attention on mHealth apps aiming to improve outcomes for individuals using other drugs.
Effects of occupancy estimation on abundance–occupancy relationships
Authors: Ten Caten Cleber , Holian Lauren A. , Dallas Tad
Published: June 2022

Abundance–occupancy relationships predict that species that occupy more sites are also more locally abundant, where occupancy is usually estimated following the assumption that species can occupy all sampled sites. Here we use the National Ecological Observatory Network small-mammal data to assess whether this assumption affects abundance–occupancy relationships. We estimated occupancy considering all sampled sites (traditional occupancy) and only the sites found within the species geographic range (spatial occupancy) and realized environmental niche (environmental occupancy). We found that when occupancy was estimated considering only sites possible for the species to colonize (spatial and environmental occupancy) weaker abundance–occupancy relationships were observed. This shows that the assumption that the species can occupy all sampled sites directly affects the assessment of abundance–occupancy relationships. Estimating occupancy considering only sites that are possible for the species to colonize will consequently lead to a more robust assessment of abundance–occupancy relationships.
Cost-Effectiveness of Denosumab for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in South Korea
Authors: Kang Jung-Yoon , Choi Leejung , Johnson Ben , Yang Hyowon
Published: June 2022

Background: Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal disease associated with an increased risk of bone fracture. This study aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of denosumab for osteoporotic fracture prevention compared to bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, and zoledronate) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (raloxifene) in a cohort of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.Methods: A Markov model was used to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of denosumab versus comparators. The model had a cycle length of 6 months and was run from the age of 68 years to individual patients' lifetime or the age of 100 years. The health states considered in the model were well, hip fracture, vertebral fracture, wrist fracture, other osteoporotic fracture, post-hip fracture, post-vertebral fracture, and death. Recent local data were used as inputs for the model parameters. A discount rate of 4.5% was applied to both costs and outcomes.Results: From the perspective of the healthcare system, denosumab was cost-effective or cost-saving compared to all comparators, considering one unit of Korea's gross domestic product per capita, USA dollar (USD) 34,870. Denosumab was cost-saving compared to ibandronate (oral) and raloxifene. Compared to alendronate, denosumab was cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of USD 767.10 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The ICER of denosumab vs. ibandronate IV, risedronate, and zoledronate was USD 685.63, USD 1,469.71, USD 4,668.53 per QALY, respectively.Conclusions: The findings of this analysis suggest that denosumab is a cost-effective therapeutic option for preventing fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in South Korea.
High prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among adults with chronic non – communicable diseases in Malawi – a cross-sectional study at Mangochi District Hospital
Authors: Nyangulu Wongani , Sadimba Christina , Nyirenda Joyce , Twaibu George , Kamwendo John , Chawawa Kelvin , Masano Angella , Chilinda Elizabeth , Kayuni Sekeleghe , Muula Adamson S. , Maleta Kenneth
Published: June 2022

Background

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infectious disease caused by flatworms of the Schistosoma genus. The global burden of schistosomiasis is high. In Malawi, schistosomiasis is among the top 20 causes of outpatient department visits in health facilities. Schistosomiasis is among the most important but neglected causes of non-communicable diseases (NCD) peculiar to tropical endemic settings. While much is known about the contribution of S. haematobium to the NCD burden in Malawi, the role of S. mansoni remains largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at Mangochi District Hospital. Adults over 18 years diagnosed with NCDs (n = 414), admitted or attending weekly outpatient clinics were recruited between August 2021 and February 2022. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, body weight, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. Stool and midstream urine were collected for Kato Katz (KK) microscopy and urine circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) tests respectively. We computed prevalence of S. mansoni as number of positive KK and CCA tests, each divided by total submitted samples. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were done to evaluate risk factors of NCDs and association between S. mansoni infection and NCDs.

Results

We recruited 414 participants, mean age 57 years (SD 16), 67% of whom were female. Prevalence of S.mansoni based on urine CCA was 15% (95% CI 11 – 19) and 0% on KK microscopy. Hypertension was the most common condition with a prevalence of 85% (95% CI 81 – 89), followed by diabetes mellitus with a prevalence of 42% (95% CI 37 – 46) and heart disease with a prevalence of 3% (95% CI 2 – 5). S. mansoni infection was not significantly associated with hypertension (OR 1.2 (95% CI 0.5 – 3.1), p – value 0.47), diabetes (OR 0.6 (95% CI 0.3 – 1.1), p – value 0.117) or heart disease (OR 2.0 (95% CI 0.4 – 10), p – value 0.416).

Conclusions

We observed high prevalence of S. mansoni infection among adults in the study. This is within the range observed in children in Mangochi from 10 – 56.7%.
Binocular Imaging with The Conformal Eyes
Authors: Turski Jacek
Published: June 2022

Abstract

The human eye possesses a natural asymmetry of its optical components and an inhomogeneous distribution of photoreceptors causing optical aberrations and providing high acuity only at a 2-degree visual angle. Although these features greatly impact the visual system functions, they have not been supported by the geometric formulation of the fundamental binocular concepts. The author recently constructed a geometric theory of the binocular system with asymmetric eyes (AEs) integrated with the eyes’ movement to address these problems. This theory suggests that a symmetric framework can fully represent the asymmetric properties of this binocular system with the AEs. Pursuing this idea leads first to the conformal eye model furnished by the Riemann sphere for the special case of AE corresponding to the reduced eye with axial symmetry, referred to as the symmetric eye (SE) model. The conformal geometry of the Riemann sphere establishes efficient image representation by the projective Fourier transform (PFT)—the Fourier transform on the group of image projective transformations representing images covariantly to these transformations. The PFT is fast computable by an FFT algorithm in log-polar coordinates known to approximate the retina-cortical mapping of the human brain’s visual pathways. The retinotopy modeling here with PFT is compared to Schwartz’s modeling with the exponential chirp transform showing clear advantages of PFT in physiological conformity and numerical efficacy. Finally, the conformal eye model initially developed for the SE is extended to the AE. Then, in the binocular system with AEs, the PFT becomes available for image processing. The PFT combined with the conformal eye model allows binocular extensions of the previous monocular algorithms for modeling visual stability during the saccade and smooth pursuit eye movements needed to offset the eye’s acuity limitation.
High rifampicin peak plasma concentrations accelerate the slow phase of bacterial decline in tuberculosis patients: evidence for heteroresistance
Authors: Martinecz Antal , Boeree Martin J. , Diacon Andreas H. , Dawson Rodney , Hemez Colin , Aarnoutse Rob E. , Abel zur Wiesch Pia
Published: June 2022

Background

Antibiotic treatments are often associated with a late slowdown in bacterial killing. This separates the killing of bacteria into at least two distinct phases: a quick phase followed by a slower phase, the latter of which is linked to treatment success. Current mechanistic explanations for thein vitroslowdown are either antibiotic persistence or heteroresistance. Persistence is defined as the switching back and forth between susceptible and non-susceptible states, while heteroresistance is defined as the coexistence of bacteria with heterogeneous susceptibilities. Both are also thought to cause a slowdown in the decline of bacterial populations in patients and therefore complicate and prolong antibiotic treatments. Reduced bacterial death rates over time are also observed within tuberculosis patients, yet the mechanistic reasons for this are unknown and therefore the strategies to mitigate them are also unknown.

Methods and Findings

We analyse a dose ranging trial for rifampicin in tuberculosis patients and show that there is a slowdown in the decline of bacteria. We show that the late phase of bacterial killing depends more on the peak drug concentrations than the total drug exposure. We compare these to pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models of rifampicin heteroresistance and persistence. We find that the observation on the slow phase’s dependence on pharmacokinetic measures, specifically peak concentrations are only compatible with models of heteroresistance and incompatible with models of persistence. The quantitative agreement between heteroresistance models and observations is very good.

To corroborate the importance of the slowdown, we validate our results by estimating the time to sputum culture conversion and compare the results to a different dose ranging trial.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that higher doses, specifically higher peak concentrations may be used to optimize rifampicin treatments by accelerating bacterial killing in the slow phase. It adds to the growing body of literature supporting higher rifampicin doses for shortening tuberculosis treatments.
High salt induces cognitive impairment via the angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems
Authors: Kubota Hisayoshi , Kunisawa Kazuo , Wulaer Bolati , Hasegawa Masaya , Kurahashi Hitomi , Sakata Takatoshi , Tezuka Hiroyuki , Kugita Masanori , Nagao Shizuko , Nagai Taku , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki , Narumiya Shuh , Saito Kuniaki , Nabeshima Toshitaka , Mouri Akihiro
Published: June 2022

High salt (HS) intake is a known risk factor for hypertension and dementia. Clinical studies have shown that antihypertensive drugs can decrease the incidence of dementia. Accordingly, a strong relationship can be suggested between hypertension and cognitive impairment. It is well-known that angiotensin II (Ang II)-AT1 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-EP1 systems are involved in hypertension and neurotoxicity. However, the involvement of these systems in HS-mediated hypertension and emotional and cognitive impairments remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that hypertension and impaired social behavior and object recognition memory following HS intake could be associated with tau hyperphosphorylation, decreased phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mice. These changes were blocked by pharmacological treatment with losartan, an Ang II receptor blocker (ARB), or EP1 gene knockout. Our findings suggest that Ang II-AT1 and PGE2-EP1 systems could be novel therapeutic targets for hypertension-induced dementia.
An empirical approach to developing and testing a traits-based fire ecology framework for bacterial response to wildfires
Authors: Johnson Dana B , Woolet Jamie , Yedinak Kara M , Whitman Thea
Published: June 2022

Globally, wildfires represent major disturbances, burning millions of hectares annually. Wildfires can restructure soil microbial communities via changes in soil properties and microbial mortality. Fire-induced changes in bacterial communities may influence soil carbon cycling, and recovery to pre-burn community composition and function may take years. We investigated carbon cycling, soil properties, and the importance of three fire-adaptive strategies – fire survival, fast growth, and affinity for post-fire soil environmental conditions – in structuring soil bacterial communities following burns of varying temperatures in boreal forest soils. To identify taxa with each strategy, we simulated burns and incubated soils, tracking respiration and sequencing DNA and rRNA. We then quantified their abundances in the field following wildfires of varying burn severities. The importance of these strategies varies over time and with burn severity. Fire survival has a small but persistent effect on structuring burned soil communities. Fast growing bacteria rapidly colonize the post-fire soil but return to pre-burn relative abundances between one and five years post-fire. Taxa with an affinity for the post-fire environment thrive post-fire, but the effect of this strategy declines by five years post-fire, suggesting that other factors such as vegetation recovery or bacterial dispersal may influence community composition over decadal timescales.

Graphical Abstract
Altered frontolimbic activity during virtual reality-based contextual fear learning in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Siehl Sebastian , Wicking Manon , Pohlack Sebastian , Winkelmann Tobias , Zidda Francesca , Steiger-White Frauke , Nees Frauke , Flor Herta
Published: June 2022

Background

Deficiency in contextual and enhanced responding in cued fear learning may contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We examined the responses to aversive Pavlovian conditioning with an unpredictable spatial context as conditioned stimulus compared to a predictable context. We hypothesized that the PTSD group would depict less hippocampal and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activation during acquisition and extinction of unpredictable contexts and an overreactive amygdala response in the predictable contexts compared to controls.

Methods

A novel combined differential cue-context conditioning paradigm was applied using virtual reality with spatial contexts that required configural as well as cue processing. We assessed 20 patients with PTSD, 21 healthy trauma-exposed (TC) and 22 non-trauma-exposed (HC) participants using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), skin conductance responses and self-report measures.

Results

During fear acquisition patients with PTSD compared to TC showed lower activity in the hippocampi in the unpredictable and higher activity in the amygdalae in the predictable context. During fear extinction, patients compared to TC showed lower brain activity in the vmPFC in the predictable context. There were no significant differences in self-report or skin conductance responses among the groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients with PTSD differ in brain activation from controls in regions such as the hippocampus, the amygdala and the vmPFC in the processing of unpredictable and predictable contexts. Deficient encoding of more complex configurations might lead to a preponderance of cue-based predictions in PTSD. Exposure-based treatments need to focus on improving predictability of contextual processing and reducing enhanced cue reactivity.
Replenishing the malaria drug discovery pipeline: Screening and hit evaluation of the MMV Hit Generation Library 1 (HGL1) against asexual blood stage Plasmodium falciparum, using a nano luciferase reporter read-out
Authors: Dechering Koen J. , Timmerman Martijn , Rensen Kim , Koolen Karin M.J. , Honarnejad Saman , Vos Martijn W. , Huijs Tonnie , Henderson Rob W.M. , Chenu Elodie , Laleu Benoît , Montefiore Bailey C. , Segall Matthew D. , Mills James E. J. , Guantai Eric M. , Duffy James , Duffey Maëlle
Published: June 2022

A central challenge of antimalarial therapy is the emergence of resistance to the components of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and the urgent need for new drugs acting through novel mechanism of action. Over the last decade, compounds identified in phenotypic high throughput screens (HTS) have provided the starting point for six candidate drugs currently in the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) clinical development portfolio. However, the published screening data which provided much of the new chemical matter for malaria drug discovery projects have been extensively mined. Here we present a new screening and selection cascade for generation of hit compounds active against the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, we validate our approach by testing a library of 141,786 compounds not reported earlier as being tested against malaria. The Hit Generation Library 1 (HGL1) was designed to maximise the chemical diversity and novelty of compounds with physicochemical properties associated with potential for further development. A robust HTS cascade containing orthogonal efficacy and cytotoxicity assays, including a newly developed and validated nanoluciferase-based assay was used to profile the compounds. 75 compounds (Screening Active hit rate of 0.05%) were identified meeting our stringent selection criteria of potency in drug sensitive (NF54) and drug resistant (Dd2) parasite strains (IC50 ≤ 2 µM), rapid speed of action and cell viability in HepG2 cells (IC50 ≥ 10 µM). Following further profiling, 33 compounds were identified that meet the MMV Confirmed Active profile and are high quality starting points for new antimalarial drug discovery projects.
Sustainable lifestyles, eating out habits and the green gap: a study of food waste segments
Authors: Liu Hongbo , McCarthy Breda
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify Australian consumer segments based on sustainable lifestyles and attitudes towards food waste and model the factors (socio-demographic, attitudinal and lifestyle) contributing to different levels of food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a face-to-face survey of 334 respondents. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to identify consumer segments, and econometric analysis is used to model the factors contributing to different levels of food waste.

Findings

A total of six lifestyle segments are identified: the freshness lovers, the vegetarian and organic food lovers, the recycle/reuse advocates, the waste-conscious consumers, the label-conscious/sensory consumer and the food waste defenders. This research distinguishes between low and medium levels of food waste based on marginal effects analysis. At low levels of food waste, consumers who worry about the food waste cost, making efforts to reduce food waste are less likely to waste food. Affluent consumers, who claim to be waste conscious, have young children and frequently eat outside, are more likely to waste food than others, lying in the medium waste group.

Originality/value

Australia, like many other countries, has high levels of food waste and despite policy efforts, curbing household food waste remains a challenge. In addition, there are limited food waste studies that focus on consumers who practice sustainable lifestyles. The current paper contributes to the market segmentation literature and has several implications for food policy and practice.
A framework for implementing a Supplier Kanban System through an action research methodology
Authors: Hassan Mohamad Ghozali , Akanmu Muslim Diekola , Ponniah Pirabarkaran , Mohd Sharif Kamal Imran , Belal H.M. , Othman Adilah
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop a framework for the implementation of a Supplier Kanban System.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted within a factory focusing on the warehousing and supplier-related operations using an action research methodology.

Findings

The study period spanning over six years was aimed to reduce the inventory and the manpower required to manage this inventory. This initiative led to a substantial average savings of more than 500,000 Malaysian ringgit annually.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of the study is on a framework for implementing a Supplier Kanban System in a small or medium-sized company within the automotive industry.

Practical implications

This framework is designed to be self-sufficient such that the members of the organisation can use it without the help of external experts or consultants.

Social implications

Reduction in inventory stored in the warehouse, the amount of redundant work carried out by the employees and other non-monetary improvements which are difficult to monetise resulted in a much better work environment and happier employees.

Originality/value

The change in the paradigm of the manufacturing value chain affects the Tier 1 and 2 suppliers in Malaysia. The lines and value chains posing challenges to the suppliers have brought the idea of the Supplier Kanban System. The Supplier Kanban System adopted the action research cycles and continuous learning cycles, and this process was documented and developed as the Framework for the Implementation of a Supplier Kanban System.