bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning Approach to Price Indices: Applications in Commercial Real Estate
Authors: Calainho Felipe D. , van de Minne Alex M. , Francke Marc K.
Published: April 2022

This article presents a model agnostic methodology for producing property price indices. The motivation to develop this methodology is to include non-linear and non-parametric models, such as Machine Learning (ML), in the pool of algorithms to produce price indices. The key innovation is the use of individual out-of-time prediction errors to measure price changes. The data used in this study consist of 29,998 commercial real estate transactions in New York, in the period 2000–2019. The results indicate that the prediction accuracy is higher for the ML models compared to linear models. On the other hand, ML algorithms depend more on the data used for calibration; they produce less stable results when applied to small samples and may exhibit estimation bias. Hence, measures to reduce or eliminate bias need to be implemented, taking into consideration the bias and variance trade-off.
Towards a Triple Helix based efficiency index of innovation systems
Authors: Jovanović Milica , Savić Gordana , Cai Yuzhuo , Levi-Jakšić Maja
Published: April 2022

This article presents a novel application of a two-phase Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for evaluating the efficiency of innovation systems based on the Triple Helix neo-evolutionary model. The authors identify a niche to measure Triple Helix-based efficiency of innovation systems scrutinizing different methodologies for measuring Triple Helix performance and indicating different perspectives on policy implications. The paper presents a new Triple Helix-based index that engages a comprehensive dataset and helps provide useful feedback to policymakers. It is based on a set of 19 indicators collected from the official reports of 34 OECD countries and applied in a two-phase DEA model: the indicators are aggregated into pillars according to the Assurance Region Global and DEA super-efficiency model; pillar scores are aggregated according to the Benefit-of-the-Doubt based DEA model. The results provide a rank of 34 countries outlining strengths and weaknesses of each observed innovation system. The research implies a variable set of weights to be a major advantage of DEA allowing less developed countries to excel in evaluating innovation systems efficiency. The results of Triple Helix efficiency index measurement presented in this paper help better account for the European Innovation Paradox.
Peer reviewers equally critique theory, method, and writing, with limited effect on the final content of accepted manuscripts
Authors: Stephen Dimity
Published: April 2022

The primary aims of peer review are to detect flaws and deficiencies in the design and interpretation of studies, and ensure the clarity and quality of their presentation. However, it has been questioned whether peer review fulfils this function. Studies have highlighted a stronger focus of reviewers on critiquing methodological aspects of studies and the quality of writing in biomedical sciences, with less focus on theoretical grounding. In contrast, reviewers in the social sciences appear more concerned with theoretical underpinnings. These studies also found the effect of peer review on manuscripts’ content to be variable, but generally modest and positive. I qualitatively analysed 1430 peer reviewers’ comments for a sample of 40 social science preprint-publication pairs to identify the key foci of reviewers’ comments. I then quantified the effect of peer review on manuscripts by examining differences between the preprint and published versions using the normalised Levenshtein distance, cosine similarity, and word count ratios for titles, abstracts, document sections and full-texts. I also examined changes in references used between versions and linked changes to reviewers’ comments. Reviewers’ comments were nearly equally split between issues of methodology (30.7%), theory (30.0%), and writing quality (29.2%). Titles, abstracts, and the semantic content of documents remained similar, although publications were typically longer than preprints. Two-thirds of citations were unchanged, 20.9% were added during review and 13.1% were removed. These findings indicate reviewers equally attended to the theoretical and methodological details and communication style of manuscripts, although the effect on quantitative measures of the manuscripts was limited.
Broad Medical Uncertainty and the ethical obligation for openness
Authors: Brown Rebecca C. H. , de Barra Mícheál , Earp Brian D.
Published: April 2022

This paper argues that there exists a collective epistemic state of ‘Broad Medical Uncertainty’ (BMU) regarding the effectiveness of many medical interventions. We outline the features of BMU, and describe some of the main contributing factors. These include flaws in medical research methodologies, bias in publication practices, financial and other conflicts of interest, and features of how evidence is translated into practice. These result in a significant degree of uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of many medical treatments and unduly optimistic beliefs about the benefit/harm profiles of such treatments. We argue for an ethical presumption in favour of openness regarding BMU as part of a ‘Corrective Response’. We then consider some objections to this position (the ‘Anti-Corrective Response’), including concerns that public honesty about flaws in medical research could undermine trust in healthcare institutions. We suggest that, as it stands, the Anti-Corrective Response is unconvincing.
Expressing logical disagreement from within
Authors: Fjellstad Andreas
Published: April 2022

Against the backdrop of the frequent comparison of theories of truth in the literature on semantic paradoxes with regard to which inferences and metainferences are deemed valid, this paper develops a novel approach to defining a binary predicate for representing the valid inferences and metainferences of a theory within the theory itself under the assumption that the theory is defined with a classical meta-theory. The aim with the approach is to obtain a tool which facilitates the comparison between a theory and its competitors within the theory itself, thereby expressing the disagreement between the theories within the theories. After discussing what we can and should require of an object-linguistic representation of a theory for that purpose, this paper proposes to restrict the representation of valid metainferences to locally valid metainferences, a requirement which turns out to be $$\omega $$
ω
-consistent and conservative over classical first-order arithmetic. This approach is then applied to four theories definable on strong Kleene models using a labelled nested sequent calculus.
A patient-specific multi-modality abdominal aortic aneurysm imaging phantom
Authors: Little Callum D. , Mackle Eleanor C. , Maneas Efthymios , Chong Debra , Nikitichev Daniil , Constantinou Jason , Tsui Janice , Hamilton George , Rakhit Roby D. , Mastracci Tara M. , Desjardins Adrien E.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Multimodality imaging of the vascular system is a rapidly growing area of innovation and research, which is increasing with awareness of the dangers of ionizing radiation. Phantom models that are applicable across multiple imaging modalities facilitate testing and comparisons in pre-clinical studies of new devices. Additionally, phantom models are of benefit to surgical trainees for gaining experience with new techniques. We propose a temperature-stable, high-fidelity method for creating complex abdominal aortic aneurysm phantoms that are compatible with both radiation-based, and ultrasound-based imaging modalities, using low cost materials.

Methods

Volumetric CT data of an abdominal aortic aneurysm were acquired. Regions of interest were segmented to form a model compatible with 3D printing. The novel phantom fabrication method comprised a hybrid approach of using 3D printing of water-soluble materials to create wall-less, patient-derived vascular structures embedded within tailored tissue-mimicking materials to create realistic surrounding tissues. A non-soluble 3-D printed spine was included to provide a radiological landmark.

Results

The phantom was found to provide realistic appearances with intravascular ultrasound, computed tomography and transcutaneous ultrasound. Furthermore, the utility of this phantom as a training model was demonstrated during a simulated endovascular aneurysm repair procedure with image fusion.

Conclusion

With the hybrid fabrication method demonstrated here, complex multimodality imaging patient-derived vascular phantoms can be successfully fabricated. These have potential roles in the benchtop development of emerging imaging technologies, refinement of novel minimally invasive surgical techniques and as clinical training tools.
Newly developed artificial intelligence algorithm for COVID-19 pneumonia: utility of quantitative CT texture analysis for prediction of favipiravir treatment effect
Authors: Ohno Yoshiharu , Aoyagi Kota , Arakita Kazumasa , Doi Yohei , Kondo Masashi , Banno Sumi , Kasahara Kei , Ogawa Taku , Kato Hideaki , Hase Ryota , Kashizaki Fumihiro , Nishi Koichi , Kamio Tadashi , Mitamura Keiko , Ikeda Nobuhiro , Nakagawa Atsushi , Fujisawa Yasuko , Taniguchi Akira , Ikeda Hirotaka , Hattori Hidekazu , Murayama Kazuhiro , Toyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Using CT findings from a prospective, randomized, open-label multicenter trial of favipiravir treatment of COVID-19 patients, the purpose of this study was to compare the utility of machine learning (ML)-based algorithm with that of CT-determined disease severity score and time from disease onset to CT (i.e., time until CT) in this setting.

Materials and methods

From March to May 2020, 32 COVID-19 patients underwent initial chest CT before enrollment were evaluated in this study. Eighteen patients were randomized to start favipiravir on day 1 (early treatment group), and 14 patients on day 6 of study participation (late treatment group). In this study, percentages of ground-glass opacity (GGO), reticulation, consolidation, emphysema, honeycomb, and nodular lesion volumes were calculated as quantitative indexes by means of the software, while CT-determined disease severity was also visually scored. Next, univariate and stepwise regression analyses were performed to determine relationships between quantitative indexes and time until CT. Moreover, patient outcomes determined as viral clearance in the first 6 days and duration of fever were compared for those who started therapy within 4, 5, or 6 days as time until CT and those who started later by means of the Kaplan–Meier method followed by Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test.

Results

% GGO and % consolidation showed significant correlations with time until CT (p < 0.05), and stepwise regression analyses identified both indexes as significant descriptors for time until CT (p < 0.05). When divided all patients between time until CT of 4 days and that of more than 4 days, accuracy of the combined quantitative method (87.5%) was significantly higher than that of the CT disease severity score (62.5%, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

ML-based CT texture analysis is equally or more useful for predicting time until CT for favipiravir treatment on COVID-19 patients than CT disease severity score.
Future of Low-Dose Computed Tomography and Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Diekhoff Torsten , Hermann Kay Geert A. , Lambert Robert G.
Published: April 2022

Purpose of Review

Recent technical advances in computed tomography (CT) such as low-dose CT and dual-energy techniques open new applications for this imaging modality in clinical practice and for research purposes. This article will discuss the latest innovations and give a perspective on future developments.

Recent Findings

Low-dose CT has increasingly been used for assessing structural changes at the sacroiliac joints and the spine. It has developed into a method with similar or even lower radiation exposure than radiography while outperforming radiography for lesion detection. Despite being incompatible with low-dose scanning, some studies have shown that dual-energy CT can provide additional information that is otherwise only assessable with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, it is unclear whether this additional information is reliable enough and if it would justify the additional radiation exposure, i.e. whether the performance of dual-energy CT is close enough to MRI to replace it in clinical practice.

While the role of dual-energy CT in patients with axial spondyloarthritis remains to be established, low-dose CT has developed to an appropriate modality that should replace radiography in many circumstances and might supplement MRI.
Should routine risk reduction procedures for the prevention and control of pandemics become a standard in all oncological outpatient clinics? The prospective COVID-19 cohort study: protect-CoV
Authors: Fey Theres , Erickson Nicole , Stahler Arndt , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Keppler Oliver T. , Ruehlmann Katharina , Krauss-Pfeiffer Gabriele , Steinberg Hannah , Graf Alexander , Krebs Stefan , Blum Helmut , Khatamzas Elham , Seynstahl Sarah , Casuscelli Jozefina , Markwardt Daniel , Forstpointner Roswitha , Schinköthe Timo , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Heinemann Volker
Published: April 2022

Limited knowledge exists on the effectiveness of preventive preparedness plans for the care of outpatient cancer patients during epidemics or pandemics. To ensure adequate, timely and continuous clinical care for this highly vulnerable population, we propose the establishment of preventive standard safety protocols providing effective early phase identification of outbreaks at outpatient cancer facilities and communicating adapted standards of care. The prospective cohort study Protect-CoV conducted at the LMU Klinikum from mid-March to June 2020 investigated the effectiveness of a rapid, proactive and methodical response to protect patients and interrupt SARS-CoV-2 transmission chains during the first pandemic wave. The implemented measures reduced the risk of infection of individual cancer patients and ensured safe adjunctive infusion therapy in an outpatient setting during the early COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the immediate implementation of standard hygiene procedures, our results underscore the importance of routine PCR testing for the identification of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic COVID-19 cases and immediate tracing of positive cases and their contacts. While more prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these results, our study illustrates the importance of including preventative testing and tracing measures in the standard risk reduction procedures at all out patient cancer centers.
The Role of Humans in Surgery Automation
Authors: Fosch-Villaronga Eduard , Khanna Pranav , Drukarch Hadassah , Custers Bart
Published: April 2022

Innovation in healthcare promises unparalleled potential in optimizing the production, distribution, and use of the health workforce and infrastructure, allocating system resources more efficiently, and streamline care pathways and supply chains. A recent innovation contributing to this is robot-assisted surgeries (RAS). RAS causes less damage to the patient's body, less pain and discomfort, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, smaller scars, and less risk of complications. However, introducing a robot in traditional surgeries is not straightforward and brings about new risks that conventional medical instruments did not pose before. For instance, since robots are sophisticated machines capable of acting autonomously, the surgical procedure's outcome is no longer limited to the surgeon but may also extend to the robot manufacturer and the hospital. This article explores the influence of automation on stakeholder responsibility in surgery robotization. To this end, we map how the role of different stakeholders in highly autonomous robotic surgeries is transforming, explore some of the challenges that robot manufacturers and hospital management will increasingly face as surgical procedures become more and more automated, and bring forward potential solutions to ascertain clarity in the role of stakeholders before, during, and after robot-enabled surgeries (i.e. a Robot Impact Assessment (ROBIA), a Robo-Terms framework inspired by the international trade system 'Incoterms', and a standardized adverse event reporting mechanism). In particular, we argue that with progressive robot autonomy, performance, oversight, and support will increasingly be shared between the human surgeon, the support staff, and the robot (and, by extent, the robot manufacturer), blurring the lines of who is responsible if something goes wrong. Understanding the exact role of humans in highly autonomous robotic surgeries is essential to map liability and bring certainty concerning the ascription of responsibility. We conclude that the full benefits the use of robotic innovations and solutions in surgery could bring to healthcare providers and receivers cannot be realized until there is more clarity on the division of responsibilities channeling robot autonomy and human performance, support, and oversight; a transformation on the education and training of medical staff, and betterment on the complex interplay between manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients.
Assessment of underground water quality in Okobo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Umana Ime Michael , Neji Peter Amba , Agwupuye John Akwagioge
Published: April 2022

The ground water quality of Okobo Local Government Area was investigated. Sixteen boreholes (BHs) water samples were collected from four zones (Okopedi, Ekeya, Ukwong and Okiuso) in Okobo. Standard analytical procedures were used to analyze the physicochemical, bacteriological and heavy metal parameters in the water samples and the results compared to Nigerian standard for drinking water quality (NSDWQ). some physicochemical parameters investigated were within the acceptable limits set by NSDWQ except pH (5.99 ± 0.37), DO (0.31 ± 0.06) mg/L, BOD5 (6.26 ± 0.4) mg/L and Nitrate (62.53 ± 5.96) mg/L. Bacteriological parameter like fecal coliform (128.69 ± 31.40) MPN/100 mL and total coliform (287.63 ± 40.31) MPN/100 mL were also above the limits set by NSDWQ implying organic pollution due to fecal contamination. Heavy metals were also within the acceptable limit except Lead (0.1 ± 0.1) mg/L, Chromium (0.4 ± 0.2) mg/L, and Manganese (0.16 ± 0.2) mg/L which were slightly above acceptable limits in all the zones. Water quality index calculation results grouped the BHs into; BH7 (26–50) very good; BH1, BH3, BH4, BH8, BH11, BH14, and BH16 (51–75) poor; BH2, BH5, BH6, BH9, BH12, BH13 and BH15 (76–100) very poor and BH 10(> 100) unsuitable for drinking. Pearson coefficient correlation, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used to establish interrelationship among the parameters, common sources of the pollutants and grouping of the BHs affected by these pollutants. PCA extracted six principal components (PCs) from the investigated parameters in the BHs, with sources of pollution either natural mineral or anthropogenic source. CA grouped all the sixteen BHs investigated into three clusters with various levels of contamination from pollutant sources. Consequently, the polluted BHs require treatment using high test hypochlorite (HTH) as the pollutant common to all the BHs is mostly bacterial pollutant; moreover, BHs should be sited 15 m away from septic tank or latrine to reduce contamination from coliform.
Study of water deficiency levels on ecophysiological characteristics of sunflower cultivars in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Smaeili Majid , Madani Hamid , Nassiri Bahram Majd , Sajedi Nur Ali , Chavoshi Saeed
Published: April 2022

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of drought stress on some ecophysiological characteristics of sunflower cultivars. This study was conducted in the form of split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Braun area of Isfahan province for the year 2020. Drought stress at three irrigation levels after evaporation of 90, 120, and 150 mm from Class A evaporation pan as non-stress, mild, and severe stress, respectively, in the main plots and five cultivars of sunflower Chiara, Oscar, Fantasia, Hisun 33, and Shams was placed in the subplots. Drought stress affected achene yield, harvest index, and drought tolerance of sunflower cultivars. The highest biophysical water productivity (WPb) was obtained from 90 and then 120-mm irrigation and among sunflower cultivars from Fantasia and Hisun 33 cultivars. The highest economic water productivity (WPe) was obtained with 90-mm irrigation and Fantasia and Hisun 33 cultivars. The highest HI belonged to 90 and then 120-mm irrigation. The highest HI was related to Fantasia, Oscar, and Hisun 33 cultivars, and the lowest HI was related to Shams and Chiara cultivars. The highest and the lowest grain yield were obtained in 90 (control) and 150 mm of evaporation, respectively. The highest grain yield was obtained in Fantasia, Shams, and Oscar cultivars, and the lowest yield was observed in Hisun 33 and Chiara cultivars. In general, drought stress affected yield, HI, crop water productivity (WPc), and drought tolerance of sunflower cultivars.
Comprehensive evaluation on water resources carrying capacity based on improved AGA-AHP method
Authors: Zhou Ke
Published: April 2022

The combined weight method (CWM) for comprehensive water resources carrying capacity evaluation is proposed in this paper to evaluate the regional water resources carrying capacity. Firstly, the accelerating genetic algorithm based on analytic hierarchy process (AGA-AHP) method is improved to optimize the expert evaluation matrix and determine the subjective weight, in which entropy weight method is used to determine objective weight, and the combined weight formula is put forward to get the combined weight of evaluation index. Secondly, the certainty degree is calculated by using the multi-dimensional normal cloud model. The obstacle factors of evaluation index are diagnosed. Finally, taking Henan Province as an example, the regional water resources carrying capacity is evaluated by using CWM method. The comparison between single cloud model, AHP-TOPSIS and CWM is made. It is proved that CWM method takes the fuzziness and randomness into account in the evaluation process, and the efficient and intuitive results can be obtained through evaluation. The obstacle degree and the time changing pattern of the index can be clearly diagnosed, which can provide a new idea for the evaluation method of water resources carrying capacity.
Geochemical and multivariate assessment of groundwater resources of churachandpur sub-division of Manipur, India
Authors: Alam Wazir , Zamminsion K. , Gyanendra Yumnam , Laishram Ranu J. , Nesa Nashimun
Published: April 2022

Hydrogeochemical and multivariate assessment of groundwater samples of the Churachandpur sub-division of the state of Manipur was carried out to study its suitability for potable and irrigational uses. The study extensively discusses the underlying hydro-geochemistry using multivariate geostatistical tools for physicochemical parameters of 35 spatially distributed groundwater samples during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. In situ parameters (pH, TDS, DO, EC, salinity, ORP) were assessed in field conditions, and it was found that few samples exceed concentration than the prescribed standards. Both positive and negative ORP values and low DO levels of the samples indicate oxidizing and reducing aquifers due to recent unstable geologic formations. Although the concentration of Cl−, SO42−, and NO3− is well within desirable levels, the concentration of F− and As3+ of a few samples exceeds the prescribed standard. The water quality index of the groundwater samples signifies that more than 50% of samples are unsuitable for potable uses for both seasons. The geochemical analysis indicates that most of the water is Ca–Mg–Cl–HCO3 type followed by Mg–Ca–Cl–HCO3 types in both the seasons and dominated by the rock-weathering geochemical process. Multivariate analysis and geostatistical mapping highlight the spatial variability of water quality parameters and possibilities of the occurrence of geogenic contaminants in the aquifers of the study area.
Rapid comparative evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 rapid point-of-care antigen tests
Authors: Denzler Anna , Jacobs Max L. , Witte Victoria , Schnitzler Paul , Denkinger Claudia M. , Knop Michael
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study was to develop a scalable approach for direct comparison of the analytical sensitivities of commercially available SARS-CoV-2 antigen point-of-care tests (AgPOCTs) to rapidly identify poor-performing products.

Methods

We present a methodology for quick assessment of the sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 AgPOCTs suitable for quality evaluation of many different products. We established reference samples with high, medium, and low SARS-CoV-2 viral loads along with a SARS-CoV-2 negative control sample. Test samples were used to semi-quantitatively assess the analytical sensitivities of 32 different commercial AgPOCTs in a head-to-head comparison.

Results

Among 32 SARS-CoV-2 AgPOCTs tested, we observe sensitivity differences across a broad range of viral loads (9.8 × 108 to 1.8 × 105 SARS-CoV-2 genome copies per ml). 23 AgPOCTs detected the Ct25 test sample (1.6 × 106 copies/ml), while only five tests detected the Ct28 test sample (1.8 × 105 copies/ml). In the low-range of analytical sensitivity, we found three saliva spit tests only delivering positive results for the Ct21 sample (2.7 × 107 copies/ml). Comparison with published data supports our AgPOCT ranking. Importantly, we identified an AgPOCT widely offered, which did not reliably recognize the sample with the highest viral load (Ct16 test sample with 9.8 × 108 copies/ml) leading to serious doubts about its usefulness in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.

Conclusion

The results show that the rapid sensitivity assessment procedure presented here provides useful estimations on the analytical sensitivities of 32 AgPOCTs and identified a widely-spread AgPOCT with concerningly low sensitivity.
Cancer Data Visualization: Developing Tools to Serve the Needs of Diverse Stakeholders
Authors: Bispo Jordan A. Baeker , Balise Raymond R. , Kobetz Erin K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose of review

To describe how cancer data visualization tools can catalyze novel research and inform local cancer control planning.

Recent findings

In recent years, cancer centers across the nation have increasingly embraced geospatial tools to respond to the unique distributions of disease and multilevel risk factors within their catchment areas. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, Florida, recently developed a publicly available, interactive, web-based cancer data visualization tool called SCAN360. Using SCAN360 as an example, we discuss key considerations and challenges for the development of cancer data visualization tools that serve the needs of stakeholders in community, academic and government settings.

Cancer data visualization tools are useful for stakeholders from diverse sectors and may facilitate a range of cancer control efforts, from identifying regions for targeted outreach and engagement, to informing the allocation of resources for government and community initiatives, and motivating collaborative, interdisciplinary cancer research.
A Field Study on the Lithological Influence on the Interaction Between Weathering and Abrasion Processes in Bedrock Rivers
Authors: Larimer Jeffrey E. , Yanites Brian J. , Jung S. J.
Published: April 2022

Lithology is an important control on the efficiency of bedrock incision and thus the pace of landscape evolution. Rock strength is commonly considered the limiting lithologic factor that resists erosion. Yet, rock strength is a dynamic property that oscillates during advection of rock to the channel surface as damaging processes weaken rock and erosion exposes fresh rock. We approach the problem by investigating damage on bedrock surfaces that vary by the frequency they are eroded in channels of different lithologies. Our data set includes measurements of channel slope and width to characterize channel morphology, and Schmidt hammer rebound, P wave velocity, slake durability, and porosity to characterize the mechanical properties of channel surfaces. The average damage accumulation rate of lithologies ranges over 41% of the mean. We find a range of damage patterns among the different lithologies. Local surface damage increases with erosion frequency in channels comprised of coarse‐grained bedrock but decreases with erosion frequency in channels comprised of fine‐grained bedrock. We interpret these patterns to develop from lithological influences on weathering, abrasion, and the threshold of damage to erosion. The cross‐channel damage patterns between channel floors and margins are well correlated with stream power demonstrating links between microstructural rock properties, reach‐scale morphology, and landscape‐scale processes. We conclude that the morphodynamics of bedrock channels are sensitive to the lithological influences on the direction and magnitude of feedback in the coevolution of bedform morphology and the mechanical properties of the surface.
Cretaceous Charcoal Gives a Glimpse of Plant Evolution
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: April 2022

New data from vegetal charcoal in northwest India supports the theory of paleowildfires as a global phenomenon and an evolutionary force for biodiversity.
The potential prolonged effect at one-year follow-up after 18-month randomized controlled trial of a 90 g/day low-carbohydrate diet in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Chin-Ying , Huang Wei-Sheng , Ho Ming-Hua , Chang Chin-Hao , Lee Long-Teng , Chen Heng-Shuen , Kang Yow-Der , Chie Wei-Chu , Jan Chyi-Feng , Wang Wei-Dean , Tsai Jaw-Shiun
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the effect at a one-year follow-up after an 18-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 90 gm/day low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) in type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

Eighty-five poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients with an initial HbA1c ≥ 7.5% who have completed an 18-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) on 90 g/day low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) were recruited and followed for one year. A three-day weighted food record, relevant laboratory tests, and medication effect score (MES) were obtained at the end of the previous trial and one year after for a total of 30 months period on specific diet.

Results

71 (83.5%) patients completed the study, 35 were in TDD group and 36 were in LCD group. Although the mean of percentage changes in daily carbohydrate intake was significantly lower for those in TDD group than those in LCD group (30.51 ± 11.06% vs. 55.16 ± 21.79%, p = 0.0455) in the period between 18 months and 30 months, patients in LCD group consumed significantly less amount of daily carbohydrate than patients in TDD group (131.8 ± 53.9 g vs. 195.1 ± 50.2 g, p < 0.001). The serum HbA1C, two-hour serum glucose, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and MES were also significantly lower for the LCD group patients than those in the TDD group (p = 0.017, p < 0.001, p = 0.017, and p = 0.008 respectively). The mean of percentage changes of HbA1C, fasting serum glucose, 2 h serum glucose, as well as serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, ALT, creatinine, and urine microalbumin, however, were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The one-year follow-up for patients on 90 g/d LCD showed potential prolonged and better outcome on glycaemic control, liver function and MES than those on TDD for poorly controlled diabetic patients.
Cerebrospinal fluid catecholamines in Alzheimer’s disease patients with and without biological disease
Authors: Henjum Kristi , Watne Leiv Otto , Godang Kristin , Halaas Nathalie Bodd , Eldholm Rannveig Saksholm , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Saltvedt Ingvild , Bollerslev Jens , Knapskog Anne Brita
Published: April 2022

Noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurons are involved in cognitive functions, relate to behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia and are affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid plaques (A), neurofibrillary tangles (T) and neurodegeneration (N) hallmarks the AD neuropathology. Today, the AT(N) pathophysiology can be assessed through biomarkers. Previous studies report cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) catecholamine concentrations in AD patients without biomarker refinement. We explored if CSF catecholamines relate to AD clinical presentation or neuropathology as reflected by CSF biomarkers. CSF catecholamines were analyzed in AD patients at the mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 54) or dementia stage (n = 240) and in cognitively unimpaired (n = 113). CSF biomarkers determined AT status and indicated synaptic damage (neurogranin). The AD patients (n = 294) had higher CSF noradrenaline and adrenaline concentrations, but lower dopamine concentrations compared to the cognitively unimpaired (n = 113). AD patients in the MCI and dementia stage of the disease had similar CSF catecholamine concentrations. In the CSF neurogranin positively associated with noradrenaline and adrenaline but not with dopamine. Adjusted regression analyses including AT status, CSF neurogranin, age, gender, and APOEε4 status verified the findings. In restricted analyses comparing A+T+ patients to A−T− cognitively unimpaired, the findings for CSF adrenaline remained significant (p < 0.001) but not for CSF noradrenaline (p = 0.07) and CSF dopamine (p = 0.33). There were no differences between A+T+ and A−T− cognitively unimpaired. Thus, we find alterations in CSF catecholamines in symptomatic AD and the CSF adrenergic transmitters to increase simultaneously with synaptic damage as indexed by CSF neurogranin.
Chlamydia trachomatis inhibits apoptosis in infected cells by targeting the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak
Authors: Waguia Kontchou Collins , Gentle Ian E. , Weber Arnim , Schoeniger Axel , Edlich Frank , Häcker Georg
Published: April 2022

Apoptosis acts in defense against microbial infection, and many infectious agents have developed strategies to inhibit host cell apoptosis. The human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis (Ctr) is an obligate intracellular bacterium that strongly inhibits mitochondrial apoptosis of its human host cell but there is no agreement how the bacteria achieve this. We here provide a molecular analysis of chlamydial apoptosis-inhibition in infected human cells and demonstrate that the block of apoptosis occurs during the activation of the effectors of mitochondrial apoptosis, Bak and Bax. We use small-molecule Bcl-2-family inhibitors and gene targeting to show that previous models cannot explain the anti-apoptotic effect of chlamydial infection. Although the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2-family protein Mcl-1 was strongly upregulated upon infection, Mcl-1-deficient cells and cells where Mcl-1 was pharmacologically inactivated were still protected. Ctr-infection could inhibit both Bax- and Bak-induced apoptosis. Apoptotic Bax-oligomerization and association with the outer mitochondrial membrane was reduced upon chlamydial infection. Infection further inhibited apoptosis induced conformational changes of Bak, as evidenced by changes to protease sensitivity, oligomerization and release from the mitochondrial porin VDAC2. Mitochondria isolated from Ctr-infected cells were protected against the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-family proteins Bim and tBid but this protection was lost upon protease digestion. However, the protective effect of Ctr-infection was reduced in cells lacking the Bax/Bak-regulator VDAC2. We further found that OmpA, a porin of the outer membrane of Ctr, associated upon experimental expression with mitochondria and inhibited apoptosis, phenocopying the effect of the infection. These results identify a novel way of apoptosis inhibition, involving only the most downstream modulator of mitochondrial apoptosis and suggest that Chlamydia has a protein dedicated to the inhibition of apoptosis to secure its survival in human cells.
Suppression of histone deacetylase 1 by JSL-1 attenuates the progression and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma via the TPX2/Snail axis
Authors: Xu Lu , Yang Weizhong , Che Jinhui , Li Deqiang , Wang Haihong , Li Yunjiu , Zhou Wuyuan
Published: April 2022

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are entwined with the pathogenesis of various cancers and potentially serve as promising therapeutic targets. Herein, we intend to explore the potential role of HDAC1 inhibitor (JSL-1) in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and to highlight the molecular basis of its function. As shown by bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical detection, high HDAC1 expression was witnessed in CC tissues relative to matched controls from patients with cholecystitis. The molecular network that HDAC1 silencing reduced the enrichment of HDAC1 and Snail on the TPX2 promoter was identified using immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Both short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of HDAC1 and JSL-1 treatment exhibited anti-proliferative, anti-migration and anti-invasion effects on CC cells through downregulation of TPX2. The in vivo xenograft model was developed in nude mice. Consistently, the anti-tumorigenic and anti-metastatic properties of shRNA against HDAC1 and HDAC1 inhibitor were validated in the in vivo settings. Taken together, our data supported the notion that HDAC1 inhibitor retards the initiation and development of CC via mediating the TPX2/Snail axis, highlighting the anti-tumor molecular network functioned in CC.
Grey matter correlates of affective and somatic symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Authors: Dubol Manon , Wikström Johan , Lanzenberger Rupert , Epperson C. Neill , Sundström-Poromaa Inger , Comasco Erika
Published: April 2022

Ovarian hormones fluctuations across the menstrual cycle are experienced by about 58% of women in their fertile age. Maladaptive brain sensitivity to these changes likely leads to the severe psychological, cognitive, and physical symptoms repeatedly experienced by women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of these symptoms are unknown. The relationship between grey matter structure and PMDD symptom severity was delineated using structural magnetic resonance imaging during the late luteal phase of fifty-one women diagnosed with PMDD, combined with Voxel- and Surface-Based Morphometry, as well as subcortical volumetric analyses. A negative correlation was found between depression-related symptoms and grey matter volume of the bilateral amygdala. Moreover, the severity of affective and somatic PMDD symptoms correlated with cortical thickness, gyrification, sulcal depth, and complexity metrics, particularly in the prefrontal, cingulate, and parahippocampal gyri. The present findings provide the first evidence of grey matter morphological characteristics associated with PMDD symptomatology in brain regions expressing ovarian hormone receptors and of relevance to cognitive-affective functions, thus potentially having important implications for understanding how structural brain characteristics relate to PMDD symptomatology.
A digital media literacy intervention for older adults improves resilience to fake news
Authors: Moore Ryan C. , Hancock Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2022

Older adults are especially susceptible to fake news online, possibly because they are less digitally literate compared to younger individuals. Interventions for older adults have emerged to improve digital literacy, although there has been little evaluation of their effectiveness in improving older adults’ resilience to fake news. We report the results of a digital literacy intervention for older adults administered during the 2020 U.S. election. The intervention was a 1-hour, self-directed series of interactive modules designed to teach concepts and skills for identifying misinformation online. Consistent with our pre-registered hypothesis, older adults (Mage = 67) in the treatment condition (N = 143) significantly improved their likelihood of accurately discerning fake from true news from 64% pre-intervention to 85% post-intervention. In contrast, older adults in the control condition (N = 238) did not significantly improve (from 55% to 57%). The treated older adults were also more likely to employ strategies for identifying misinformation online compared to pre-intervention and the control group.
Phenanthrene-enriched extract from Eulophia macrobulbon using subcritical dimethyl ether for phosphodiesterase-5A1 inhibition
Authors: Srivilai Jukkarin , Boonnoun Panatpong , Saesong Tongchai , Pingyod Chitaporn , Chaichamnong Nattiya , Engsuwan Jinutda , Temkitthawon Prapapan , Scholfield C. Norman , Nuengchamnong Nitra , Khorana Nantaka , Ingkaninan Kornkanok
Published: April 2022

Eulophia macrobulbon (E.C.Parish & Rchb.f.) Hook.f. contains a natural PDE5A1 inhibitor, phenanthrene, 1-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-4,8- dimethoxyphenanthrene-2,7-diol (HDP), a potential agent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to improve the extraction efficiency of HDP from E. macrobulbon by using a more environmentally friendly extraction method, subcritical liquid dimethyl ether extraction (sDME), instead of classical solvent extraction (CSE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The efficiency and quality of the extracts obtained were evaluated using the following criteria: %process yield; solvent amount; extraction time; temperature; %HDP content by LC–MS, bioactivity as inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5A1 (PDE5A1) by radio-enzymatic assay; and chemical profiles by LC-QTOF-MS. sDME provided the highest content of HDP in the extract at 4.47%, much higher than the use of ethanol (0.4–0.5%), ethyl acetate (1.2–1.7%), or dichloromethane (0.7–1.4%). The process yield for sDME (1.5–2.7%) was similar to or lower than the other solvents (0.9–17%), but as long as the process yield is not prohibitively low, the concentration is a more important measure for clinical use. The optimal conditions for sDME extraction were: Extraction time, 40 min; 200% water as co-solvent; sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:8; temperature, 35 °C. Phenanthrene aglycone and glycoside derivatives were the major constituents of the sDME extracts and lesser amounts of phenolic compounds and sugars. The inhibition of PDE5A1 by sDME (IC50 0.67 ± 0.22 µg/ml) was tenfold more potent than ethanolic extract and other extraction methods, suggesting a high probability of clinical efficacy. Thus, sDME was a more efficient, faster, solvent-saving and environmentally friendly extraction method and more selective for phenanthrene when extracted from E. macrobulbon.
The tumor volume after radical prostatectomy and its clinical impact on the prognosis of patients with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Yuk Hyeong Dong , Byun Seok-Soo , Hong Sung Kyu , Lee Hakmin
Published: April 2022

We evaluated the contribution of tumor volume (TV) to localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients’ prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 2394 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized PCa. The effect of TV and tumor prostate ratio (TV/PV) on PCa patients' prognosis was analyzed through Kaplan–Meier and Cox-proportional analysis. The mean prostate volume for all patients was 36.5 ± 15.4 cc, and the mean TV was 5.9 ± 8.3 cc. A significant positive relationship was observed between the classification by risk group in D’ Amico risk classification and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk group (P < 0.001). The high TV showed significantly worse pathologic outcomes than the low TV in terms of high rates of extra-capsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and positive surgical margin (P < 0.05). The patients with high TV and TV/PV had significantly shorter biochemical recurrence-free survivals than those with low TV and TV/PV (P < 0.001). Finally, based on multivariate Cox-proportional analyses, TV and TV/PV was an independent predictor to predict shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival as both a TV (HR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.04–1.05, P < 0.001) and TV/PV (HR: 1.42, 95% CI 1.13–1.78, P = 0.003). TV was revealed to be an independent prognostic factor in the postoperative biochemical recurrence. Patients with a high number of positive core and longer tumor length were significantly related to higher TV.
Evidence of a liquid–liquid phase transition in H$$_2$$O and D$$_2$$O from path-integral molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Eltareb Ali , Lopez Gustavo E. , Giovambattista Nicolas
Published: April 2022

We perform path-integral molecular dynamics (PIMD), ring-polymer MD (RPMD), and classical MD simulations of H$$_2$$

2

O and D$$_2$$

2

O using the q-TIP4P/F water model over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. The density $$\rho (T)$$

ρ
(
T
)

, isothermal compressibility $$\kappa _T(T)$$

κ
T

(
T
)

, and self-diffusion coefficients D(T) of H$$_2$$

2

O and D$$_2$$

2

O are in excellent agreement with available experimental data; the isobaric heat capacity $$C_P(T)$$

C
P

(
T
)

obtained from PIMD and MD simulations agree qualitatively well with the experiments. Some of these thermodynamic properties exhibit anomalous maxima upon isobaric cooling, consistent with recent experiments and with the possibility that H$$_2$$

2

O and D$$_2$$

2

O exhibit a liquid-liquid critical point (LLCP) at low temperatures and positive pressures. The data from PIMD/MD for H$$_2$$

2

O and D$$_2$$

2

O can be fitted remarkably well using the Two-State-Equation-of-State (TSEOS). Using the TSEOS, we estimate that the LLCP for q-TIP4P/F H$$_2$$

2

O, from PIMD simulations, is located at $$P_c = 167 \pm 9$$

P
c

=
167
±
9

 MPa, $$T_c = 159 \pm 6$$

T
c

=
159
±
6

 K, and $$\rho _c = 1.02 \pm 0.01$$

ρ
c

=
1.02
±
0.01

 g/cm$$^3$$

3

. Isotope substitution effects are important; the LLCP location in q-TIP4P/F D$$_2$$

2

O is estimated to be $$P_c = 176 \pm 4$$

P
c

=
176
±
4

 MPa, $$T_c = 177 \pm 2$$

T
c

=
177
±
2

 K, and $$\rho _c = 1.13 \pm 0.01$$

ρ
c

=
1.13
±
0.01

 g/cm$$^3$$

3

. Interestingly, for the water model studied, differences in the LLCP location from PIMD and MD simulations suggest that nuclear quantum effects (i.e., atoms delocalization) play an important role in the thermodynamics of water around the LLCP (from the MD simulations of q-TIP4P/F water, $$P_c = 203 \pm 4$$

P
c

=
203
±
4

 MPa, $$T_c = 175 \pm 2$$

T
c

=
175
±
2

 K, and $$\rho _c = 1.03 \pm 0.01$$

ρ
c

=
1.03
±
0.01

 g/cm$$^3$$

3

). Overall, our results strongly support the LLPT scenario to explain water anomalous behavior, independently of the fundamental differences between classical MD and PIMD techniques. The reported values of $$T_c$$

T
c

for D$$_2$$

2

O and, particularly, H$$_2$$

2

O suggest that improved water models are needed for the study of supercooled water.