bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interactive effects of different facets of threat uncertainty and cognitive load in shaping fear and anxiety responses
Authors: Seo Deachul , Balderston Nicholas L. , Berenbaum Howard , Hur Juyoen
Published: August 2023

A large body of research indicates that exaggerated response to uncertainty of a future threat is at the core of anxiety and related disorders, underscoring the need for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Although behavioral and neuroimaging studies have suggested a close relationship between uncertainty responses and cognitive control, little is known about what elements of uncertainty are more or less vulnerable to cognitive modulation in shaping aversive responses. Leveraging a novel paradigm, an n‐back working memory task embedded within a modified threat‐of‐shock paradigm, we examined how the influences of different facets of uncertainty (i.e., occurrence and timing) on psychophysiological responses were modulated by cognitive load. Psychophysiological responses were assessed using the acoustic startle reflex. Replicating prior work, the effects of cognitive load and temporal unpredictability of threat on startle responses were evident. The effect of occurrence unpredictability appears to depend on other factors. Under low cognitive load, startle response was potentiated when both the occurrence and the timing of threat were predictable. Under high cognitive load, startle response was significantly reduced, especially when a threat context involves uncertainty in both temporal and probability domains. These observations provide a framework for refining the model of fear and anxiety and for understanding the etiology of psychological disorders characterized by maladaptive uncertainty responses.
Predicting FDI inflows: Exploring a nonlinear relationship between peace years, oil wealth, and the rule of law
Authors: Kim Hye‐Sung , Ryu Jeheung
Published: August 2023

Despite previous studies investigating the impacts of various factors such as peace years, natural resources, and the rule of law on foreign direct investment (FDI), empirical findings remain inconclusive. Therefore, this study investigates the interplay between these factors in shaping host country conditions that facilitate FDI inflows. Using generalized additive models, we examine the simultaneous effects of peace years, oil wealth, and the rule of law on FDI inflows in a sample of non‐OECD countries from 1970 to 2009. Our results reveal that established peace is a critical factor in attracting FDI inflows for both oil‐exporting and non‐oil‐exporting countries. However, the effects of the rule of law vary depending on oil wealth. Oil‐exporting countries receive more FDI inflows when they have a weak rather than a strong rule of law, while non‐oil‐exporting countries tend to receive more foreign investments when they have a moderately strong rule of law. We argue that countries with oil wealth combined with a moderately weak rule of law provide an environment that is conducive to multinational corporations (MNCs) in extractive industries seeking monopoly rents. Conversely, countries without oil wealth should create stable yet efficient environments that protect property rights and promote labor market flexibility to appeal to non‐resource‐seeking MNCs.
Building partnerships with local schools
Authors: Ahuja Neha , Golding Bethany , Pilling Rachel , Moula Zoe , Gaon Joshua , Maini Arti
Published: August 2023

Background

Medical schools have a responsibility to support their students in developing an understanding of the complex concepts of a ‘VUCA’ (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world. To achieve this, service learning approaches have been increasingly successfully employed for students to learn through participating in activities addressing local community priorities. Sharing outcomes and lessons from such programmes is essential for advancing service learning. We present the evaluation of a new service learning module co‐designed at Imperial College London with local schools and wider stakeholders.

Approach

Students partnered with local schoolteachers to design and implement inclusive science‐based after‐school sessions for secondary school pupils. The module aimed to foster critical reflection on social accountability, power and privilege whilst encouraging aspirations for higher education in school pupils.

Evaluation

Our evaluation draws on the perspectives of stakeholders in the first iteration of the module in 2021. Qualitative data were collected through university student reflections, presentations and debriefs (n = 20); semi‐structured interviews with schoolteachers (n = 6); and questionnaires with wider stakeholders (n = 6). The evaluation revealed mutual benefits, as students reflected on their own societal roles, whilst considering the complexities of concepts such as inclusivity, power and privilege. Schoolteachers highlighted students' impact as inspiring role models for pupils, fostering aspirations for higher education.

Implications

This module provides a replicable framework for supporting students in developing their reflections on their role in our VUCA world whilst addressing the priorities identified by local schools. The evaluation highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with community stakeholders when embarking on service learning projects.
Impact of invasive fungal infections in men from a state in southern Brazil: A geospatial analysis
Authors: Gomes Ferreira Deisiany , Gadêlha Marina , Ricardo Vissoci João , Negri Melyssa
Published: August 2023

Objective

To analyse the records of male hospitalisation for fungal infections, including their spatial distribution and the main invasive epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics in the State of Paraná, Brazil.

Methods

Spatial analysis based on data from male admission records for invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in the State of Paraná, from 2015 to 2019. Data were taken from the hospital records obtained in the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System, being collected, georeferenced and analysed to infer the existence of autocorrelation with the hospitalisation rates in the state.

Results

From 2015 to 2019, there were 385 cases of IFIs in men, being more prevalent in white individuals aged 61–70 years. We observed that the metropolitan, southeast, central‐eastern, north‐central, northwestern and western regions formed high–high clusters, with regions with a high number of registered cases. In the regression, there was an association with socioeconomic and demographic factors that showed a correlation with the rates of hospitalisation for IFIs.

Conclusion

The study draws attention to Paraná as an endemic region for paracoccidioidomycosis, in addition to presenting high rates of nosocomial fungal infections. We also emphasise the importance of compulsory notification in the state and in the country to gain greater control over the incidence and prevalence of cases and to incentivise the creation of public policies for the prevention of IFIs.
Screening of Low-Pressure Steam Heating Pretreatment Parameters For Enhanced Delignification of Pineapple Wastes
Authors: Daud Intan Nur Athirah , Xiu Ping Hong , Nordin Norhafiza , Wan Azelee Nur Izyan
Published: August 2023

Pineapple waste is classified as lignocellulosic biomass that can potentially be used in the production of biofuel (bioethanol) to replace the current resources of fossil fuels. Carbohydrate compositions of pineapple waste (cellulose and hemicellulose) are excellent properties to be exploited as fermentable sugars that can be converted into bioethanol through the fermentation process. In producing fermentable sugars from pineapple wastes, a pretreatment process is required to breakdown the complex crystalline structure of lignocellulose. However, this process is challenging due to the recalcitrant structure of lignocellulosic material. With this regard, extensive researches have been done to improve the efficiency of the pretreatment method for maximum removal of lignin from the lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, low-pressure steam heating pretreatment was introduced to examine the delignification effectiveness of pineapple wastes. In this study, screening of three parameters using low-pressure steam heating pretreatment (biomass loading, pressure, and residence time) were carried out using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) analysis. From the results obtained, the best condition for low-pressure steam heating pretreatment was found to be at biomass loading of 5 %w/v, 80 kPa pressure, and 30 minutes residence time. A total of 46.89 % lignin had successfully been removed from pineapple wastes by using this pretreatment condition. The proposed pretreatment in this present study was proven to be a practical approach for biomass delignification.
Screening Effect of Amino Acid on Xylitol Production By Recombinant Escherichia coli System
Authors: Muhamad Fuzi Siti Fatimah Zaharah , Zahari Farhana Adilah , Hong Puay Ong , Kheng Oon Low , Abdullah Iskandar
Published: August 2023

Numerical studies have been conducted to sources for safer biological methods to produce xylitol. In view of these concerns and the benefits of xylitol, a fermentation process that is formulated to yield highest xylitol is both favourable and profitable. In this study, recovery of xylitol production from xylose by recombinant Escherichia coli system was conducted by modulating both carbon source and amino acid composition of the media for the relative growth delay of the strain. The key enzyme for xylitol production in this recombinant system is xylose reductase, XR which utilize NADPH to reduce D-xylose to xylitol. By adding 20 types of amino acids individually and substituting glycerol as the carbon source each time, showed an increase of xylitol to 5.24 g/L and yield biomass production to 1.536. It is hypothesize that supply of single amino acid act as a tool to enhance (NAD(P)H)/(NADP+) ratio. Reduced NAD(P)H competition from other bioprocesses help the cell replenishes the reduced cofactor pool. Xylitol has a remarkable benefits as a healthy replacement of table sugar. Therefore, the success of this study will definitely bring forward advance in the production technology and act as a reference for future research.
Lateral detachment forces of Bacillus niabensis and Alteromonas litorea against antifouling paint additive
Authors: Wan Dagang Wan Rosmiza Zana , Noor Al-Amin Murni , Nik Malek Nik Ahmad Nizam , Jamaluddin Haryati
Published: August 2023

Bacterial adhesion on various marine biotic or abiotic surfaces and subsequent biofilm formation paves the path of biofouling in marine environment. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the lateral detachment forces between coated antifouling paint additive and local isolated marine bacteria; Bacillus niabensis and Alteromonas litorea using atomic force microscopy (AFM). A paint additive was prepared by employing the active compounds, silver ion (Ag+) and surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) embedded in the kaolinite clay structure. An incubated 100 µL bacterial suspension loaded onto the coated antifouling paint additive were scanned using AFM with the scan rate of 40 µm/s and scan size of 10 × 10 µm2.  Lateral detachment force was measured from a lower set point value of 0.3V to a maximum set point 10.0V. A weak interaction was observed between the model bacteria and paint additive (Or-Ag-Kao) coated surface with the mean lateral detachment force of 139.4 nN (B. niabensis) and 146.2 nN (A. litorea). Major contact surface area reduction observed on paint additive (Or-Ag-Kao) coated surfaces with 0.275 µm2 for B. niabensis and 0.391 µm2 for A. litorea indicated that paint additive coating successfully minimized bacterial attachment on the surface. The antifouling paint additive shows a reduction in lateral forces and minimized its surface contact, which could further prevent the microfouling formation on marine structures.
The Economic Agglomeration Effects of the Industrial and Business Sectors in Pengerang Johor, Malaysia from a Spatial Perspective
Authors: Che' Man Noordini , Amirul Afiq Jamaluddin
Published: August 2023

The economic agglomeration effects of the industrial and business sectors refer to the positive externalities that result from the concentration of firms in a specific geographic area. These effects can take different forms, including increased productivity, better innovation, and lower firm costs. Additionally, the concentration of businesses and industries in one area can result in knowledge spillovers, where firms can benefit from the expertise and knowledge of other firms in the same field. This study aims to provide spatial visualisation of the industrial area with GIS technology within the Pengerang District. Data from the Pengerang City Council and Companies Commission of Malaysia was utilised to conduct a Getis-Ord Gi* (Hot Spot) analysis to determine the agglomeration pattern of industrial and business activities in the study area. This study identifies Bandar Penawar and Pengerang as the areas with the highest concentration of industrial and business activities. The factors or effects of the economic agglomeration in the study area include the concentration of industrial and business activities, the presence of supporting industries and services, the availability of transportation infrastructure, and the availability of skilled labour. The study also identifies the positive spillover effects of economic agglomeration, such as increased productivity, knowledge spillovers, and innovation. The analysis results can guide future strategic planning in the industrial and business sectors in Pengerang District.
Small Remote Sensing Satellites of Malaysia: Past Experience and Future Direction
Authors: Kanniah Kasturi Devi , Ng Su Wai
Published: August 2023

Small remote sensing satellites offer cost-effective ways to monitor and map the Earth. The low cost involved in developing and launching small satellites allowed developing countries like Malaysia to own small satellites. Malaysia launched two small satellites (TiungSAT-1 and RazakSATTM) in 2000 and 2009, respectively. The satellites captured several hundred scenes before their operation ended unexpectedly due to electrical power problems and onboard computer malfunction. The government undertook various efforts to rectify the technical issues related to the remote sensing digital data and explore the potential applications of the datasets. However, no synthesis documents are available on the potential applications of the data by considering the satellites’ launch and image acquisition capabilities. A review of the small satellites’ technical competencies and possible applications is critical in designing future satellites. This review article aims to synthesize available literature on the potential application of Malaysia’s small satellites. The review results show that both satellites have a high potential for earth resources evaluation and planning. However, the coarse spatial resolution and limited spectral bands of TiungSAT may have limited applications. RazakSAT™ data, on the other hand, are proven helpful in land use and utility planning in cities. Unfortunately, the multi-temporal data of RazakSAT™ were not processed to study environmental disasters such as floods or landslides in cities. Like TiungSAT-1, RazakSAT™ images have only four spectral bands that may limit their application for land cover classification and vegetation studies. Nevertheless, no successor satellites have been launched yet to overcome the technical and application issues found in TiungSAT-1 and RazakSAT satellites. The recently initiated public-private partnership in developing the space sector in Malaysia is expected to produce and launch more remote-sensing microsatellites in the near future.
Forest Structure Measurement in Tropical Rainforest using Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Rasib Abd Wahid , Abu Bakar Norizfika , Majid Zulkepli , Md Din Ami Hassan , Dollah Rozilawati , Omar Hamdan
Published: August 2023

Numerous measurements can be made to extract the forest structure. Forest structure is one of the main aspects of forest management. The precise estimation of forest structure is vital for some forestry applications. Thus, this study presents a novel non-destructive approach for the measurement of forest structure using laser scanning technologies of airborne LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). The study area was located at the forest campus of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong, Selangor. The elements of forest structure that were measured: were canopy height; plant density and basal area. The field survey was conducted over 3 plots of 25 m radius circular shape with a total of 60 trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) of 10 cm and above. The tree canopy height was estimated based on canopy height model (CHM) of LiDAR data. For plant density, it was estimated based on crown delineation created from CHM. While, for TLS data, the extraction of individual trees was done using Cyclone algorithm. The forest structure measurement obtained from laser scanning technologies is proven to be reliable with the root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.415, t-test of 3.011, and p-value of 0.004 for canopy height. For basal area, the mean of RMSE, t-test and p-value was 0.22589, 0.620 and 0.324 for the overall 3 plots, respectively. The result obtained for plant density was one tree per meter². The final outputs were presented as the map of CHM, plant density and basal area map. In conclusion, laser scanning measurement improves and provides a precise technique for forest structure measurement.
How does the chromatic number of a random graph vary?
Authors: Heckel Annika , Riordan Oliver
Published: August 2023

The chromatic number of a graph is a fundamental parameter, whose study was originally motivated by applications ( is the minimum number of internally compatible groups the vertices can be divided into, if the edges represent incompatibility). As with other graph parameters, it is also studied from a purely theoretical point of view, and here a key question is: what is its typical value? More precisely, how does , the chromatic number of a graph chosen uniformly at random from all graphs on vertices, behave? This quantity is a random variable, so one can ask (i) for upper and lower bounds on its typical values, and (ii) for bounds on how much it varies: what is the width (for example, standard deviation) of its distribution? On (i) there has been considerable progress over the last 45 years; on (ii), which is our focus here, remarkably little. One would like both upper and lower bounds on the width of the distribution, and ideally a description of the (appropriately scaled) limiting distribution. There is a well‐known upper bound of Shamir and Spencer of order , improved slightly by Alon to , but no non‐trivial lower bound was known until 2019, when the first author proved that the width is at least for infinitely many , answering a longstanding question of Bollobás. In this paper we have two main aims: first, we shall prove a much stronger lower bound on the width. We shall show unconditionally that, for some values of , the width is at least , matching the upper bounds up to the error term. Moreover, conditional on a recently announced sharper explicit estimate for the chromatic number, we improve the lower bound to order , within a logarithmic factor of the upper bound. Second, we will describe a number of conjectures as to what the true behaviour of the variation in is, and why. The first form of this conjecture arises from recent work of Bollobás, Heckel, Morris, Panagiotou, Riordan and Smith. We will also give much more detailed conjectures, suggesting that the true width, for the worst case , matches our lower bound up to a constant factor. These conjectures also predict a Gaussian limiting distribution.
Programming twist angle and strain profiles in 2D materials
Authors: Kapfer Maëlle , Jessen Bjarke S. , Eisele Megan E. , Fu Matthew , Danielsen Dorte R. , Darlington Thomas P. , Moore Samuel L. , Finney Nathan R. , Marchese Ariane , Hsieh Valerie , Majchrzak Paulina , Jiang Zhihao , Biswas Deepnarayan , Dudin Pavel , Avila José , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Ulstrup Søren , Bøggild Peter , Schuck P. J. , Basov Dmitri N. , Hone James , Dean Cory R.
Published: August 2023

Moiré superlattices in twisted two-dimensional materials have generated tremendous excitement as a platform for achieving quantum properties on demand. However, the moiré pattern is highly sensitive to the interlayer atomic registry, and current assembly techniques suffer from imprecise control of the average twist angle, spatial inhomogeneity in the local twist angle, and distortions caused by random strain. We manipulated the moiré patterns in hetero- and homobilayers through in-plane bending of monolayer ribbons, using the tip of an atomic force microscope. This technique achieves continuous variation of twist angles with improved twist-angle homogeneity and reduced random strain, resulting in moiré patterns with tunable wavelength and ultralow disorder. Our results may enable detailed studies of ultralow-disorder moiré systems and the realization of precise strain-engineered devices.
Wafer-scale δ waveguides for integrated two-dimensional photonics
Authors: Lee Myungjae , Hong Hanyu , Yu Jaehyung , Mujid Fauzia , Ye Andrew , Liang Ce , Park Jiwoong
Published: August 2023

The efficient, large-scale generation and control of photonic modes guided by van der Waals materials remains as a challenge despite their potential for on-chip photonic circuitry. We report three-atom-thick waveguides—δ waveguides—based on wafer-scale molybdenum disulfide (MoS
2
) monolayers that can guide visible and near-infrared light over millimeter-scale distances with low loss and an efficient in-coupling. The extreme thinness provides a light-trapping mechanism analogous to a δ-potential well in quantum mechanics and enables the guided waves that are essentially a plane wave freely propagating along the in-plane, but confined along the out-of-plane, direction of the waveguide. We further demonstrate key functionalities essential for two-dimensional photonics, including refraction, focusing, grating, interconnection, and intensity modulation, by integrating thin-film optical components with δ waveguides using microfabricated dielectric, metal, or patterned MoS
2
.
Big data to support geoscience recruitment: Novel adoption of topological data analysis in geoscience education
Authors: Boyd Evelyn A. , Lazar Kelly Best , Moysey Stephen
Published: August 2023

As the need for a well-trained science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce continuously grows, the need for science majors—including geoscience majors—is ever increasing. Despite this, low numbers of majors across geoscience programs continue to persist and may be the result of many students not being exposed to geoscience concepts early in their education or having misconceptions about who is able to participate in geoscience and what these careers may look like. The application of topological data analysis (TDA), an algorithm that allows researchers to explore multidimensional data with more nuance than traditional clustering methods, represents a new tool for quantitative investigation within geoscience education. The results of TDA from a large-n survey of students in introductory geoscience classes about their perceptions of geoscience and likelihood of pursuing geoscience careers provides insight into students, including those traditionally underrepresented in geoscience, who could be recruited into the discipline. Insights into this novel application of data science methodology to educational research are provided alongside recruitment recommendations for students traditionally underrepresented in the geosciences.
Sharp Focusing of an Atomic Beam with the Doppler and Sub-Doppler Laser Cooling Mechanisms in a Two-Dimensional Magneto-Optical Trap
Authors: Bykova D. V. , Afanasiev A. E. , Balykin V. I.
Published: August 2023

The focusing of an atomic beam with the use of a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap in order to increase the number of atoms in the region of their laser cooling and localization near an atom chip is discussed. Two regimes of the interaction of atoms with a focusing laser field are considered: (i) the Doppler interaction regime, which occurs at small detunings of the laser field from the atomic resonance, and (ii) the sub-Doppler interaction regime, which occurs at large detunings of the laser field from the atomic resonance. The efficiency of focusing in the first case is low because of the momentum diffusion. It has been shown that the momentum diffusion in the sub-Doppler cooling mechanism is insignificant and, as a result, the broadening of the transverse velocity distribution of atoms is small. The sharp focusing of the atomic beam is possible in this interaction regime.
Understanding people’s decisions when choosing or declining a kidney transplant: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Jones Emma Louise , Shakespeare Kate , McLaughlin Leah , Noyes Jane
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To synthesise qualitative research exploring patients’ perspectives, experiences and factors influencing their decision-making preferences when choosing or declining kidney transplantation.

Design

A qualitative evidence synthesis.

Data sources

Electronic databases were searched from 2000 to June 2021: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest Core Databases for Dissertations and Theses, and Google Scholar.

Eligibility criteria

Qualitative studies exploring and reporting decision-making preferences of people with kidney disease, which reported influencing factors when choosing or declining kidney transplantation, published in English from high-income and middle-income countries.

Data extraction and synthesis

Titles were screened against the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis was done with the use of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist to assess study quality, and assessment of confidence in the qualitative findings was done using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research.

Findings

37 studies from 11 countries reported the perspectives of 1366 patients with kidney disease. Six descriptive themes were developed: decisional preferences influenced patients’ readiness to pursue kidney transplantation, gathering sufficient information to support decision-making, navigating the kidney transplant assessment pathway, desire for kidney transplantation, opposed to kidney transplantation and uncertainties while waiting for the kidney transplant. A new enhanced theoretical model was developed to aid understanding of the complexities of decision-making in people with kidney disease, by integrating the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Adaptive Decision Maker Framework to incorporate the novel findings.

Conclusion

The synthesis provides a better understanding of the extremely complex decision-making processes of people with kidney disease, which are aligned to their kidney transplantation preferences. Further research is needed to better understand the reasons for declining kidney transplantation, and to underpin development of personalised information, interventions and support for patients to make informed decisions when presented with kidney replacement options.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021272588.
Antithrombotic drugs for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with lower limb peripheral arterial disease: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sidebottom David Brooke , Huang Chao , Carradice Daniel , Holt Peter J , John-Pierre Karen , Roy Iain Nicholas
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The optimal antithrombotic regimen to reduce the risk of vascular events in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is contentious. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to define the relative efficacy and risks of previously investigated antithrombotic medication regimens in preventing major cardiovascular events, vascular limb events and mortality in patients with PAD.

Methods and analysis

A peer-reviewed, systematic search will be executed in English on Medline, Embase, Cochrane (CENTRAL), Web of Science and Google Scholar databases in late 2022. The WHO International Clinical Trials Registry platform will also be searched for ongoing trials. Abstracts will be screened independently by two researchers for randomised controlled trials meeting the review criteria. All associated publications including the study protocol will be sought and evaluated together against prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two researchers will extract the data into a prepiloted extraction form. Risk-of-bias assessments will be performed using the Cochrane ‘Risk-of-Bias V.2’ criteria by individuals with domain expertise. All differences will be resolved by consensus or a third individual for ties.

Included trials will be summarised. An NMA will be performed, subject to checks of assumptions. Both primary and secondary outcomes will be analysed on a whole network basis. Pairwise comparisons and league tables will be produced. Prespecified subgroup analyses will include sex, ethnicity, disease status, conservative versus interventional management and key comorbidities. The findings will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation, informed by patient and public involvement work.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a systematic review of data in the public domain and does not require ethical approval. Dissemination will include presentations to key vascular and patient organisations, publication in a peer-reviewed journal and an open-access repository of the study data.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023389262.
Dedicated service for Barrett’s oesophagus surveillance endoscopy yields higher dysplasia detection and guideline adherence in a non-tertiary setting in the UK: a 5-year comparative cohort study
Authors: Ratcliffe Elizabeth , Britton James , Yalamanchili Harika , Rostami Izabela , Nadir Syed Mujtaba Hasnain , Korani Mohamed , Eruchie Ikedichukwu , Wazirdin Muhammad Awais , Prasad Neeraj , Hamdy Shaheen , McLaughlin John , Ang Yeng
Published: August 2023

Objective

Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) endoscopic surveillance is performed to varying quality, dedicated services may offer improved outcomes. This study compares a dedicated BO service to standard care, specifically dysplasia detection rate (DDR), guideline adherence and use of advanced imaging modalities in a non-tertiary setting.

Design/method

5-year retrospective comparative cohort study comparing a dedicated BO endoscopy service with surveillance performed on non-dedicated slots at a non-tertiary centre in the UK. All adult patients undergoing BO surveillance between 1 March 2016 and 1 March 2021 were reviewed and those who underwent endoscopy on a dedicated BO service run by endoscopists with training in BO was compared with patients receiving their BO surveillance on any other endoscopy list. Endoscopy reports, histology results and clinic letters were reviewed for DDR and British society of gastroenterology guideline adherence.

Results

921 BO procedures were included (678 patients). 574 (62%) endoscopies were on a dedicated BO list vs 348 (38%) on non-dedicated.

DDR was significantly higher in the dedicated cohort 6.3% (36/568) vs 2.7% (9/337) (p=0.014). Significance was sustained when cases with indefinite for dysplasia were excluded: 4.9% 27/533 vs 0.9% 3/329 (p=0.002). Guideline adherence was significantly better on the dedicated endoscopy lists.

Factors associated with dysplasia detection in regression analysis included visible lesion documentation (p=0.036), use of targeted biopsies (p=<0.001), number of biopsies obtained (p≤0.001).

Conclusions

A dedicated Barrett’s service showed higher DDR and guideline adherence than standard care and may be beneficial pending randomised trial data.
Clinical and subclinical microemboli following neuroangiography in children
Authors: Alghamdi Ibrahim , Dmytriw Adam A , Amirabadi Afsaneh , Lebarron Samantha , Rea Vanessa , Parra-Fariñas Carmen , Muthusami Prakash
Published: August 2023

Background

To assess the frequency, imaging appearances, and risk factors of brain microemboli following pediatric neuroangiography, as assessed by early diffusion-weighted MRI imaging (DWI).

Methods

This single-center, retrospective analysis investigated early DWI post-pediatric neuroangiography. Patients aged 0–18 years who had diagnostic neuroangiography and DWI within a week postprocedure were included. Data on clinical and procedural parameters and MRI findings were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the following risk factors: age, weight, vasculopathy, antiplatelet drug use, access type, intraprocedural heparin, procedure duration, neck arteries catheterized, and angiographic runs. A p-value<0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

Eighty-two children were included (40.2% female), mean age 10.1±4.5 years (range: 7 months–17 years). There were no intraprocedural thromboembolic complications recognized. DWI positivity was seen following 3.6% (3/82) procedures: two with transient symptoms, and one instance of silent microemboli. There were no territorial infarcts or clinical stroke. Children with underlying vasculopathy had a higher risk of microemboli from angiography than children without vasculopathy (OR 31.6, p=0.02), and the OR of microemboli following transradial angiography was 79.1 (p=0.005) as compared with transfemoral angiography. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed a significant association between microemboli and number of angiographic runs (p=0.004). Follow-up MRI in all three patients showed no residual abnormal signal.

Conclusions

Cerebral microemboli are unusual following uncomplicated neuroangiography in children. However, in the presence of underlying vasculopathy and with transradial technique, the incidence approaches that reported in the adult literature. An increased association with the number of angiographic runs is an important and controllable factor.
Majorana bound states in a driven quantum dot
Authors: Medina-Cuy Fabián , Martínez Dunkan , Domínguez-Adame Francisco , Orellana P. A.
Published: August 2023

We study a periodically driven quantum dot in two different configurations. In the first setup, a quantum dot coupled to a topological superconductor and a normal metal lead. In the second setup, a T-shape quantum dot connected to two topological superconductors and side coupled to a normal metal lead. By a combination of non-equilibrium Green’s function techniques and Floquet’s formalism, we obtain the quasienergy spectra as a function of the amplitude, frequency, and superconducting phase difference. We show that the states develop unique electronic responses, such as the broken particle-hole symmetry that appears when considering the non-locality of Majorana bound states. Finally, we compute the time-average current and the differential conductance to reveal these spectra signatures through physically measurable magnitudes in the two proposed configurations.
Asynchronous student-generated flip videos facilitate student learning and assessment in a large-enrollment introductory human physiology course
Authors: Guffey Haley E. , Mrocko Anthony L. , Smith Brianna K. , Spranger Marty D.
Published: August 2023

Oral demonstration of knowledge is an effective learning and assessment strategy. Student-generated videos have been shown to improve learning and assessment in secondary education. To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the effects asynchronous student-generated Flip videos have on student learning and assessment in postsecondary education. The results of the present study suggest that asynchronous student-generated Flip videos can facilitate student learning and assessment in a large-enrollment (∼400 students), undergraduate physiology course.
The S-S.M.A.R.T: A New Prognostic Tool for Patients with Suspected Sepsis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Kim Ye Jin , Kim Jong Won , Lee Kyeong Ryong , Hong Dae Young , Park Sang O , Lee Young Hwan , Kim Sin Young
Published: August 2023

Background. The sepsis screening tool is essential because it enables the rapid identification of high-risk patients and facilitates prompt treatment. Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is a widely used screening tool for sepsis. However, it has limitations in predicting patient prognosis. We developed the S-S.M.A.R.T (sepsis evaluation with shock index, mental status, age, and ROX index on triage) and aimed at evaluating it as a screening tool for patients with suspected sepsis in the emergency department. Methods. We conducted a single-center retrospective chart review of patients with suspected sepsis in the emergency department. We compared the prognosis prediction abilities of the S-S.M.A.R.T and qSOFA scores in patients with suspected sepsis. The primary outcome was 7-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality and ICU admission. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the chi-square test were used. Results. In total, 401 patients were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 72.2 ± 15.6 years, and 213 (53.1%) of them were female. The S-S.M.A.R.T had superior predictive ability for prognosis of patients with suspected sepsis compared to qSOFA (area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.789 vs. 0.699;

p
=
0.02

for 7-day mortality, AUC of 0.786 vs. 0.681;

p
<
0.001

for 30-day mortality, AUC 0.758 vs 0.717;

p
=
0.05

for ICU admission). Conclusion. The S-S.M.A.R.T can be useful in predicting the prognosis of patients with suspected sepsis in the emergency department.
Table S1 from T Cell–intrinsic Immunomodulatory Effects of TAK-981 (Subasumstat), a SUMO-activating Enzyme Inhibitor, in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Lam Vi , Roleder Carly , Liu Tingting , Bruss Nur , Best Scott , Wang Xiaoguang , Phillips Tycel , Shouse Geoffrey , Berger Allison J. , Alinari Lapo , Wang Lili , Siddiqi Tanya , Pennock Nathan D. , Danilov Alexey V.
Published: August 2023

Table S1 shows fluorochrome-conjugated anti-human antibodies used for flow cytometry or FACS experiments
Table S7 from Pan-Cancer Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Patient-Derived Tumor Cells Using Clinically Relevant Drug Exposures
Authors: Chang Stephen H. , Ice Ryan J. , Chen Michelle , Sidorov Maxim , Woo Rinette W.L. , Rodriguez-Brotons Aida , Jian Damon , Kim Han Kyul , Kim Angela , Stone David E. , Nazarian Ari , Oh Alyssia , Tranah Gregory J. , Nosrati Mehdi , de Semir David , Dar Altaf A. , Desprez Pierre-Yves , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed , Soroceanu Liliana , McAllister Sean D.
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table 7 gene_importance_t0.1_limit4_ew
Table S1 from Pan-Cancer Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Patient-Derived Tumor Cells Using Clinically Relevant Drug Exposures
Authors: Chang Stephen H. , Ice Ryan J. , Chen Michelle , Sidorov Maxim , Woo Rinette W.L. , Rodriguez-Brotons Aida , Jian Damon , Kim Han Kyul , Kim Angela , Stone David E. , Nazarian Ari , Oh Alyssia , Tranah Gregory J. , Nosrati Mehdi , de Semir David , Dar Altaf A. , Desprez Pierre-Yves , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed , Soroceanu Liliana , McAllister Sean D.
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table 1 drug concentrations
Figure S1 from S-531011, a Novel Anti-Human CCR8 Antibody, Induces Potent Antitumor Responses through Depletion of Tumor-Infiltrating CCR8-Expressing Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Nagira Yoji , Nagira Morio , Nagai Ryohei , Nogami Wataru , Hirata Michinari , Ueyama Azumi , Yoshida Tetsuya , Yoshikawa Mai , Shinonome Satomi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Haruna Miya , Miwa Hiroto , Chatani Natsumi , Ohkura Naganari , Wada Hisashi , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: August 2023

The binding activity of S-531011 against various chemokine receptors, PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4, or mouse CCR8
Supplementary Figure S7 from Association and Prediction Utilizing Craniocaudal and Mediolateral Oblique View Digital Mammography and Long-Term Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Chen Simin , Tamimi Rulla M. , Colditz Graham A. , Jiang Shu
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure S7: The proportional hazards assumption is deemed reasonable by checking the Schoenfeld residuals plot for Full-VPD.
Supplementary Table 4 from Phase II Window Study of Olaparib Alone or with Cisplatin or Durvalumab in Operable Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Moutafi Myrto , Koliou Georgia-Angeliki , Papaxoinis George , Economopoulou Panagiota , Kotsantis Ioannis , Gkotzamanidou Maria , Anastasiou Maria , Pectasides Dimitrios , Kyrodimos Efthymios , Delides Alexander , Giotakis Evangelos , Papadimitriou Nikolaos G. , Panayiotides Ioannis G. , Perisanidis Christos , Fernandez Aileen I. , Xirou Vasiliki , Poulios Christos , Gagari Eleni , Yaghoobi Vesal , Gavrielatou Niki , Shafi Saba , Aung Thazin Nwe , Kougioumtzopoulou Andromachi , Kouloulias Vassilis , Palialexis Konstantinos , Gkolfinopoulos Stavros , Strati Areti , Lianidou Evi , Fountzilas George , Rimm David L. , Foukas Periklis G. , Psyrri Amanda
Published: August 2023

Table 4a. Fold-change values for each signature between Response and No Response based on physical examination, pathology or imaging

Table 4b. Fold-change values for significantly differentially expressed genes between Response and No Response based on physical examination, pathology or imaging
Supplementary Table 1 from Phase II Window Study of Olaparib Alone or with Cisplatin or Durvalumab in Operable Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Moutafi Myrto , Koliou Georgia-Angeliki , Papaxoinis George , Economopoulou Panagiota , Kotsantis Ioannis , Gkotzamanidou Maria , Anastasiou Maria , Pectasides Dimitrios , Kyrodimos Efthymios , Delides Alexander , Giotakis Evangelos , Papadimitriou Nikolaos G. , Panayiotides Ioannis G. , Perisanidis Christos , Fernandez Aileen I. , Xirou Vasiliki , Poulios Christos , Gagari Eleni , Yaghoobi Vesal , Gavrielatou Niki , Shafi Saba , Aung Thazin Nwe , Kougioumtzopoulou Andromachi , Kouloulias Vassilis , Palialexis Konstantinos , Gkolfinopoulos Stavros , Strati Areti , Lianidou Evi , Fountzilas George , Rimm David L. , Foukas Periklis G. , Psyrri Amanda
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table 1a. Representativeness of Study Participants Supplementary

Table 1b. Nanostring IO360 panel
Supplementary Figure 4 from Phase II Window Study of Olaparib Alone or with Cisplatin or Durvalumab in Operable Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Moutafi Myrto , Koliou Georgia-Angeliki , Papaxoinis George , Economopoulou Panagiota , Kotsantis Ioannis , Gkotzamanidou Maria , Anastasiou Maria , Pectasides Dimitrios , Kyrodimos Efthymios , Delides Alexander , Giotakis Evangelos , Papadimitriou Nikolaos G. , Panayiotides Ioannis G. , Perisanidis Christos , Fernandez Aileen I. , Xirou Vasiliki , Poulios Christos , Gagari Eleni , Yaghoobi Vesal , Gavrielatou Niki , Shafi Saba , Aung Thazin Nwe , Kougioumtzopoulou Andromachi , Kouloulias Vassilis , Palialexis Konstantinos , Gkolfinopoulos Stavros , Strati Areti , Lianidou Evi , Fountzilas George , Rimm David L. , Foukas Periklis G. , Psyrri Amanda
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 4. Relative fold change (2-ΔΔCq) of PD-L1 in respect to Β2Μ (reference gene) in the CTC fraction for individual samples of HNSCC patients before (blue) and after (orange) therapy.
Supplementary Figure 3 from Phase II Window Study of Olaparib Alone or with Cisplatin or Durvalumab in Operable Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Moutafi Myrto , Koliou Georgia-Angeliki , Papaxoinis George , Economopoulou Panagiota , Kotsantis Ioannis , Gkotzamanidou Maria , Anastasiou Maria , Pectasides Dimitrios , Kyrodimos Efthymios , Delides Alexander , Giotakis Evangelos , Papadimitriou Nikolaos G. , Panayiotides Ioannis G. , Perisanidis Christos , Fernandez Aileen I. , Xirou Vasiliki , Poulios Christos , Gagari Eleni , Yaghoobi Vesal , Gavrielatou Niki , Shafi Saba , Aung Thazin Nwe , Kougioumtzopoulou Andromachi , Kouloulias Vassilis , Palialexis Konstantinos , Gkolfinopoulos Stavros , Strati Areti , Lianidou Evi , Fountzilas George , Rimm David L. , Foukas Periklis G. , Psyrri Amanda
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 3. A. No significant differences in stromal TILs were found between pre- and post-treatment samples in all arms. In Arm D TILs were increased post-treatment in most of the samples (5 out of 7). Figures B and C show representative images of TILs in pre- and post-treatment samples respectively from one patient in Arm D, measured by QuPath v0.3.0. Figures show tissues before (left) and after (right) QuPath annotations. Color legend; red, tumor cells; purple, lymphocytes; green, fibroblasts; yellow, other; Cisplatin-Olaparib, C-O; Olaparib, O; Durvalumab-Olaparib, D-O
Prevalence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in an African Population: Validation of a Screening Questionnaire in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Anaba Ehiaghe Lonia , Bouazzi Dorra , Ajayi Pelumi Victor , Aro Oluwapelumi Olumide , Boer Jurr , Jemec Gregor Borut Ernst
Published: August 2023

Background: Epidemiologic hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) studies from Africa are lacking. This study aimed at uncovering the prevalence of HS in Lagos, Nigeria, to validate an HS screening questionnaire, and to contribute to the Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 802 healthy adults accompanying their relations to the outpatient clinic of Family Medicine and Ophthalmology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, following ethical approval. Verbal and written consents were obtained prior to inclusion of study participants. The study was conducted using a validated screening questionnaire. Screen-positive and randomly selected screen-negative participants were clinically examined. Severity was categorized using the Hurley score. Results: The prevalence of HS in the sample was 2.2% (18/802; 95% CI: 1.4–3.5%) with no gender predominance. The mean age in the HS group was 34 years (IQR 28–42) and the median body mass index (BMI) of the HS patients was 27.0 (IQR 21.4–28.6). There was no significant difference in BMI between the HS and control group. The screening questionnaire had a sensitivity of 1 (18/18), specificity of 0.8 (20/25), positive predictive value of 0.8 (18/23), and a negative predictive value of 1 (20/20). The axilla was the predominant site of affection (66.7%), and all HS patients were classified as mild disease (Hurley score 1). Conclusion: The prevalence of HS in Lagos, Nigeria, was 2.2% and, in this population, BMI did not appear to be a risk factor. The axilla was the most affected site, and all patients had a mild disease severity (Hurley score 1). Finally, the HS screening questionnaire is a suitable tool in population surveys.