bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling PCDH19 clustering epilepsy by Neurogenin 2 induction of patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Alaverdian Diana , Corradi Anna Margherita , Sterlini Bruno , Benfenati Fabio , Murru Luca , Passafaro Maria , Brunetti Jlenia , Meloni Ilaria , Mari Francesca , Renieri Alessandra , Frullanti Elisa
Published: April 2023

Background

Loss of function mutations in PCDH19 gene causes an X‐linked, infant‐onset clustering epilepsy, associated with intellectual disability and autistic features. The unique pattern of inheritance includes random X‐chromosome inactivation, which leads to pathological tissue mosaicism. Females carrying PCDH19 mutations are affected, while males have a normal phenotype. No cure is presently available for this disease.

Methods

Fibroblasts from a female patient carrying frameshift mutation were reprogrammed into human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). To create a cell model of PCDH19‐clustering epilepsy (PCDH19‐CE) where both cell populations co‐exist, we created mosaic neurons by mixing wild‐type (WT) and mutated (mut) hiPSC clones, and differentiated them into mature neurons with overexpression of the transcriptional factor Neurogenin 2.

Results

We generated functional neurons from patient‐derived iPSC using a rapid and efficient method of differentiation through overexpression of Neurogenin 2. Was revealed an accelerated maturation and higher arborisation in the mutated neurons, while the mosaic neurons showed the highest frequency of action potential firing and hyperexcitability features, compared to mutated and WT neurons.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence that PCDH19 c.2133delG mutation affects proper metaphases with increased numbers of centrosomes in stem cells and accelerates neuronal maturation in premature cells. PCDH19 mosaic neurons showed elevated excitability, representing the situation in PCDH19‐CE brain. We suggest Ngn2 hiPSC‐derived PCDH19 neurons as an informative experimental tool for understanding the pathogenesis of PCDH19‐CE and a suitable approach for use in targeted drug screening strategies.
RARS1‐related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Wan Lin , Yu Dan , Li Zhichao , Liu Xinting , Liang Yan , Yan Huimin , Zhu Gang , Zhang Bo , Yang Guang
Published: April 2023

Objective

Biallelic variants of RARS1, a gene that encodes the cytoplasmic tRNA synthetase for arginine (ArgRS), are associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, such as hypomyelinating leukodystrophy‐9 and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). This study aimed to better understand the RARS1 biallelic mutations and the associated phenotypes, particularly in patients with DEE.

Methods

We identified two patients with RARS1 biallelic mutations and functionally validated these mutations in vitro. Furthermore, we performed a review of the literature.

Results

Two patients with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy were found to have RARS1 biallelic variants (Patient 1: c.1535G>A (p.Arg512Gln) and c.1382G>A (p.Arg461His); Patient 2: homozygous variants c.5A>T (p.Asp2Val)). Patient 2 had a severe clinical manifestation of DEE. A review of the literature identified 27 patients from five studies. Among the 29 patients, intellectual disability, developmental delay, and hypomyelination were the common symptoms, while 13 of them exhibited DEE and malformations of cortical development. Of the 25 variants identified, c.5A>G (p.Asp2Gly) was identified in 10 patients. ArgRS protein expression and stability were substantially reduced in the two newly identified patients.

Significance

Patients with RARS1 biallelic mutations frequently exhibit DEE, a severe phenotype, along with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Besides its effects on the white matter, this mutation also influences cortical development. Moreover, the variants c.5A>T (p.Asp2Val), c.1382G>A (p.Arg461His), and c.1535G>A (p.Arg512Gln) are pathogenic and affect the expression of ArgRS by reducing the protein stability.
Resources for plant‐based food: Estimating resource use to meet the requirements of urban and peri‐urban diets
Authors: Righini Isabella , Stanghellini Cecilia , Hemming Silke , Graamans Luuk , Marcelis Leo F.M.
Published: April 2023

The rapid urban growth seen globally in recent years has not been supported by a simultaneous increase in agricultural land and/or crop productivity. Producing crops in (peri‐)urban areas shows good potential to provide the vegetable products for a healthy and balanced diet for the growing population, but it has to deal with the local availability of resources. Thus, meeting the food requirements of the urban population as efficiently and robustly as possible is a challenge. This study developed a methodology to estimate the use of resources of urban farming systems to produce energy‐ and nutrient‐dense vegetables capable of meeting human dietary needs. The method was applied to two extremely different cultivation systems (an open field farm and a plant factory with artificial lighting) for the production of seven crops. The results on the resource efficiencies to meet the annual per‐capita vegetable requirements are discussed in relation to crop type, local climate and cultivation system. The application of this methodology can support farmers' decisions on the choice of crops and the type of urban farming systems that are most efficient in contributing to a plant‐based diet. The results can also be translated into water, energy, and surface area needed to meet the nutritional requirements at a city‐regional level.
A magnetic nanocomposite combined with cinnamic acid for capture–inhibition–separation of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Song Zihan , Zhang Yanli , Ti Yongrui , Qiao Huitian , Niu Chen , Ban Yuqian , Wang Xiaoxiao , Hou Yuqing , Lu Ruiwen , Song Zihan
Published: April 2023

To prevent the generation of drug‐resistant fungi from long‐term exposure to microorganisms, cinnamic acid (CA), a natural effective antifungal agent, was successfully coupled with poly‐dopamine magnetic nanoparticles (CA–DMPs). Due to the low solubility of CA, the saturated solution of CA (1.61 mg/mL, 45°C) had no antifungal effect. Contrarily, CA–DMPs showed a good antifungal effect. The resulting heat‐stable and reusable antifungal CA–DMP composite particles were superparamagnetic (49.79 emu g−1) and had an average diameter of 25.01 ± 1.36 nm. The novel composites showed good antifungal activity and excellent recycling performance, the sterilization rate of CA–DMPs remained above 96% after seven consecutive running cycles. CA–DMP composites could damage the fungal cell wall and membrane system, leading to the leakage of cell inclusions. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus treated with composites showed that 466 differentially expressed genes were primarily associated with cell wall membrane, membrane transporters, energy metabolism, genetic expression, and oxidation–reduction. The effect of CA–DMPs in inducing mitochondrial membrane dysfunction might result in the disruption of energy metabolism and REDOX homeostasis. Overall, the results reported herein provide new insight into the potential antifungal nanomaterials. In vitro antifungal experiments performed on cherry tomatoes confirm the application potential of the synthesized material in the field of fruit and vegetable preservation.
Developing mango powders by foam mat drying technology
Authors: Tran Nhi Thi Yen , Le Thanh Thao Thi , Nghia Nguyen Huu , Nhu Dang Be , Huynh Long Bao , Nguyen Tan Xuan Tung , Huynh Phong Xuan , Dao Tan Phat
Published: April 2023

Using mango purée from overripe mangoes to produce powders helped to solve agricultural product stagnation. The research investigates the effect of thickening additives, convection drying, and heat pump drying on bioactive compounds such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), color, and solubility of the final product. The obtained results showed that the mixture (gum arabic and maltodextrin in the ratio 50:50 w/w) at a concentration of 15% gave a good quality powder texture when dried by hot air convection at 55°C with TPC (21.24 ± 1.58 mg GAE/g dry weight [DW]) and TFC (0.34 ± 0.02 mg QE/g DW), respectively. In addition, the product has a high solubility of 64.35%, with the highest pass‐through point of 17.11.
Towards a macroprudential regulatory framework for mutual funds?
Authors: Argyropoulos Christos , Candelon Bertrand , Hasse Jean‐Baptiste , Panopoulou Ekaterini
Published: April 2023

This paper highlights the procyclical and unstable behaviour of mutual funds, characterized by a varying sensitivity on common asset pricing factors. It proposes a novel factor model that allows for regime changes associated with macroeconomic and financial state variables. Estimated on a panel covering 825 US equity mutual funds over a period of 30 years, it appears that the yield curve, the dividend yield, short term interest rates and the industrial production coincide with regimes switches in the Fama–French factors. Furthermore, the estimated regimes coincide with financial crises and economic downturns, thus confirming the procyclical behaviour of mutual funds' returns. These findings, coupled with the emerging systemic role of mutual funds, promote the consideration for a specific macroprudential regulatory framework targeted at the mutual fund industry.
Quantifying the risk of ectopic pregnancy with a transient diagnosis of pregnancy of unknown location
Authors: Thiyagarajan Dhanalakshmi K. , Class Quetzal A. , Stephenson Mary D.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To quantify the risk of ectopic pregnancy among a transient diagnosis of pregnancy of unknown location (PUL).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study between August 2016 and November 2020. The final cohort included 244 patients with 255 PULs who presented with vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain, positive serum quantitative β‐human chorionic gonadotropin, and negative transvaginal ultrasound, with a subsequent definitive diagnosis. Two‐way analysis of variance was used with significance set at P < 0.050. Bonferroni‐corrected significance values were used in post hoc analysis. Multinominal logistic regression was used to predict adjusted risk for pregnancy outcome.

Results

Definitive diagnosis consisted of 101 (39%) intrauterine pregnancies, 33 (13%) ectopic pregnancies, and 121 (48%) resolved PULs or resolved/treated persisting PULs. A total 68% of the PULs subsequently became nonviable. Vaginal bleeding was associated with increased risk of nonuterine pregnancies.

Conclusion

A total of 13% of PULs were subsequently diagnosed as ectopic pregnancies, which is higher than the 2% to 3% risk of an ectopic pregnancy in the general reproductive population. A total of 68% of PULs were subsequently nonviable, which is higher than the 31% early pregnancy loss rate in the general reproductive population. This study quantitatively confirms that a transient diagnosis of a PUL increases the odds for ectopic pregnancy and early pregnancy loss.
Cone beam computed tomography enhancement using feature‐embedded variational autoencoder with a perceptual loss function
Authors: Joseph Jiffy , Singh Aparajit , P. N. Pournami , P. B. Jayaraj , Puzhakkal Niyas
Published: April 2023

Image‐Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is a cancer treatment method. IGRT usually follows a fragmented treatment track. The weight loss of a patient causes the first treatment plan to be flawed. Medical experts can avert retaking Fan Beam Computed Tomography (FBCT) images before each session of the therapy if the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), which is mounted on a Medical Linear Accelerator (LINAC), gives high‐quality images. Rather than improvising the CBCT machine, deep‐learning techniques can be used to enhance the CBCT images. This paper proposes a Feature‐Embedded Variational AutoEncoder (FE‐VAE) for CBCT image enhancement. A feature embedding is incorporated using a MultiResUNet‐based feature extractor to preserve structural information in the input image. A perceptual loss function, which is the product of Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and inverse Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM), is proposed in this work. The model is trained using Head‐and‐Neck (H&N) CBCT‐FBCT pairs of 59 cancer patients. Our proposed architecture successfully generates images much closer to the ground truth FBCT images. The model gives an average peak signal‐to‐noise ratio of 32.89 dB, mean squared error of 297.36, MAE of 32.37 HU, and SSIM of 0.99. The trained model gave the least deviated SSIM and MAE, implying that the model is well‐optimised. The experimentation with different losses proves the prominence of the proposed loss function. The visual quality of the results obtained is also comparable with the ground truth. The results indicate that the model produces enhanced CBCT images. Hence, the proposed FE‐VAE is useful in fractionated radiotherapy to minimise the number of scanning sessions for replanning the dosimetry.
Purinergic signaling and purine base metabolism at the crossroads between immunity, metabolism, and cancer: A review
Authors: Geitgey Delaney K. , Melendez Anja J. , Caldeira‐Botelho Raquel , Kemp Melissa L. , Henry Curtis J.
Published: April 2023

In addition to its universally known role in transferring genetic material, DNA nucleotides and nucleosides are regarded as the most ancient form of extracellular signaling molecules. This unique signaling pathway was first reported by Dr. Albert Szent‐Györgyi in 1937 and established by Dr. Geoffrey Burnstock in 1972, who coined the term “purinergic signaling.” The significance of purinergic signaling is now recognized in various cellular processes, including immune responses. With an increased understanding of how changes in immunity impact cancer progression, the groundbreaking successes of immunotherapies, and emerging challenges facing patients receiving these treatments, in this review we revisit the history of purinergic signaling, provide a comprehensive summary of its impact on immune cells, and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway for cancer treatment.
The role and molecular mechanism of metabolic reprogramming of colorectal cancer by UBR5 through PYK2 regulation of OXPHOS expression study
Authors: Qin Rong , Huang Yun , Yao Ying , Wang Likun , Zhang Zhibo , Huang Weikang , Su Yu , Zhang Yulu , Guan Aoran , Wang Hui
Published: April 2023

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most malignant tumor in the world, but the key mechanisms of CRC progression have not been confirmed. UBR5 and PYK2 expression levels were detected by RT‐qPCR. The levels of UBR5, PYK2, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes were detected by western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect ROS activity. The CCK‐8 assay was used to assess cell proliferation and viability. The interaction between UBR5 and PYK2 was detected by immunoprecipitation. A clone formation assay was used to determine the cell clone formation rate. The ATP level and lactate production of each group of cells were detected by the kit. EdU staining was performed for cell proliferation.Transwell assay was performed for cell migration ability. For the CRC nude mouse model, we also observed and recorded the volume and mass of tumor‐forming tumors. The expression of UBR5 and PYK2 was elevated in both CRC and human colonic mucosal epithelial cell lines, and knockdown of UBR5 had inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation and cloning and other behaviors in the CRC process by knockdown of UBR5 to downregulate the expression of PYK2, thus inhibiting the OXPHOS process in CRC; rotenone (OXPHOS inhibitor) treatment enhanced all these inhibitory effects. Knockdown of UBR5 can reduce the expression level of PYK2, thus downregulating the OXPHOS process in CRC cell lines and inhibiting the CRC metabolic reprogramming process.
Metal–organic frameworks in diagnostics, therapeutics, and other biomedical applications
Authors: Hung Pei‐Qi , Lin Pei‐Ying , Wang Xin‐Hui , Ho Ja‐an Annie
Published: April 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging porous coordination polymers constructed by metal ions and organic linkers that have attracted numerous interests in recent years. The large surface area, high porosity, tunable size, and versatile functionality make them promising materials for cargo delivery (i.e., drugs, mRNA, dyes) and sensing (i.e., nucleic acids, small molecules, ions). In addition, the metal ions released from MOFs offer antibacterial and antifungal utility. This review presents a snapshot of current MOF‐related research, highlighting the synthesis approaches, and the various bioapplications of MOFs in terms of biosensing platforms, drug delivery, and antimicrobial agents, exposing potential for future research in the MOF field.
CD14 is not required for carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis with or without lipopolysaccharide challenge
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Wang Jiang , Gandhi Chandrashekhar R.
Published: April 2023

Binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to CD14 is required for its cellular effects via TLR4. A role of LPS/TLR4‐mediated signaling in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), the major fibrogenic cells, in liver fibrosis has been reported. We investigated effects of LPS on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced fibrosis in CD14‐knockout (KO) mice in vivo, and culture‐activated HSCs in vitro. CCl4 (biweekly; 4 weeks)‐treated wild type (WT) and CD14‐KO mice were challenged with single LPS administration for 24 h. Liver injury, inflammation and fibrosis were determined. Culture‐activated HSCs from WT or CD14‐KO mice were stimulated with LPS. Parameters of fibrogenic activity (expression of collagen1a1 [Col1a1], α‐smooth muscle actin [αSMA] and TGFβ1) and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were measured. CCl4 treatment caused similar liver injury and fibrosis in WT and CD14‐KO mice. LPS increased liver injury and inflammation similarly in CCl4‐treated WT and CD14‐KO mice, but downregulated Timp1 and upregulated Mmp13. LPS elicited similar NFκB activation and inflammatory response in WT and CD14‐KO aHSCs. LPS similarly downregulated Acta2 (encodes αSMA), Pdgfrb, Col1a1 and Mmp13 expression but did not affect Timp1 expression in WT and CD14‐KO aHSCs. LPS did not alter Tgfb1 but increased expression of decorin (Dcn) (inhibitor of TGFβ1) expression in WT and CD14‐KO aHSCs. The results indicate that the effects of LPS on HSCs are CD14‐independent, and CD14 is not required for hepatic fibrosis. LPS‐induced down‐modulation of fibrogenic markers in aHSCs is also CD14‐independent.
Middle Palaeolithic occupation of the southern North Sea Basin: evidence from the Sandscaping sediments emplaced on the beach between Bacton and Walcott, Norfolk, UK
Authors: Davis Rob , Ashton Nick , Bynoe Rachel , Craven John , Ferguson Rob , Gardner Ian , Grimmer Tim , Harris Claire , Hatch Marcus , Johnson Colin , Leonard Joanne , Lewis Simon , Nicholas Darren , Stevens Matt
Published: April 2023

During the summer of 2019, the Bacton to Walcott Coastal Management Scheme involved the emplacement on to the foreshore of 1.8 million cubic metres of sand and gravel dredged from the submerged sediments of the Palaeo‐Yare in the southern North Sea 11 km off Great Yarmouth. During the following 2‐year period, an active group of collectors identified Palaeolithic artefacts eroding from these sediments, including Levallois cores and flakes, and cordiform handaxes. In this paper, we present an analysis of the lithic artefacts, and consider the relationships between the different elements of the assemblage. We discuss its significance in the context of the Middle Palaeolithic record of northwest Europe and the light it shines on the human occupation of the submerged landscape of the southern North Sea during the later Middle Pleistocene. Interrogation of beach survey data shows the reworking of these sediments to the southeast towards Happisburgh where archaeologically significant exposures of the Cromer Forest‐bed Formation are located. The implications of the introduction of a Middle Palaeolithic assemblage to this stretch of the North Norfolk Coast are considered, highlighting the importance of continuing dialogue between researchers, local authorities and local communities for capturing information and monitoring this critical Palaeolithic resource.
High‐Resolution Ultrasound Imaging of Axillary Nerve and Relevant Injury
Authors: Fu Shuai , Xue Guoyan , Jiang Ling , Xue Heng , Cui Ligang
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of axillary nerve (AN) visualization in healthy volunteers and the diagnostic value of AN injury via high‐resolution ultrasonography (HRUS).

Methods

AN was examined by HRUS on both sides of 48 healthy volunteers and oriented the transducer according to three anatomical landmarks: quadrilateral space, anterior to subscapular muscle, and posterior to axillary artery. The maximum short‐axis diameter (SD) and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of AN were measured at different levels, and AN visibility was graded by using a five‐point scale. The patients suspected of having AN injury were assessed by HRUS, and the HRUS features of AN injury were observed.

Results

AN can be visualized on both sides in all volunteers. There was no significant difference in SD and CSA of AN at the three levels between the left and right sides or in SD between males and females. However, the CSA of males at different levels was slightly larger than those of females (P < .05). In most volunteers, AN visibility at different levels was excellent or good, and AN was best displayed anterior to subscapular muscle. Rank correlation analysis revealed that the degree of AN visibility had correlation with height, weight, and BMI. A total of 15 patients diagnosed with AN injury, 12 patients showed diffuse swelling or focal thickening in AN, and 3 patients showed AN discontinuity.

Conclusion

HRUS is able to reliably visualize AN, and it could be considered as the first choice for diagnosing AN injury.
Deep Radiomics Features of Median Nerves for Automated Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Ultrasound Images: A Multi‐Center Study
Authors: Mohammadi Afshin , Torres‐Cuenca Thomas , Mirza‐Aghazadeh‐Attari Mohammad , Faeghi Fariborz , Acharya U. Rajendra , Abbasian Ardakani Ali
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Ultrasound is widely used in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, the limitations of ultrasound in CTS detection are the lack of objective measures in the detection of nerve abnormality and the operator‐dependent nature of ultrasound imaging. Therefore, in this study, we developed and proposed externally validated artificial intelligence (AI) models based on deep‐radiomics features.

Methods

We have used 416 median nerves from 2 countries (Iran and Colombia) for the development (112 entrapped and 112 normal nerves from Iran) and validation (26 entrapped and 26 normal nerves from Iran, and 70 entrapped and 70 normal nerves from Columbia) of our models. Ultrasound images were fed to the SqueezNet architecture to extract deep‐radiomics features. Then a ReliefF method was used to select the clinically significant features. The selected deep‐radiomics features were fed to 9 common machine‐learning algorithms to choose the best‐performing classifier. The 2 best‐performing AI models were then externally validated.

Results

Our developed model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.910 (88.46% sensitivity, 88.46% specificity) and 0.908 (84.62% sensitivity, 88.46% specificity) with support vector machine and stochastic gradient descent (SGD), respectively using the internal validation dataset. Furthermore, both models consistently performed well in the external validation dataset, and achieved an AUC of 0.890 (85.71% sensitivity, 82.86% specificity) and 0.890 (84.29% sensitivity and 82.86% specificity), with SVM and SGD models, respectively.

Conclusion

Our proposed AI models fed with deep‐radiomics features performed consistently with internal and external datasets. This justifies that our proposed system can be employed for clinical use in hospitals and polyclinics.
IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis mediates the imiquimod‐induced psoriatic inflammation by activating ACT1/TRAF6/TAK1/NF‐κB pathway in macrophages and keratinocytes
Authors: Chen Wen‐Cheng , Wen Chang‐Hui , Wang Meng , Xiao Zi‐Dan , Zhang Zhong‐Zhao , Wu Chun‐Lan , Wu Ran
Published: April 2023

The interleukin‐23 (IL‐23)/IL‐17 immune axis has been linked to the pathology of psoriasis, but how this axis contributes to skin inflammation in this disease remains unclear. We measured inflammatory cytokines associated with the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis in the serum of patients with psoriasis using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Psoriasis was induced in male C57BL/6J mice using imiquimod (IMQ) cream, and animals received intraperitoneal injections of recombinant mouse anti‐IL‐23A or anti‐IL‐17A antibodies for 7 days. The potential effects of the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis on skin inflammation were assessed based on pathology scoring, hematoxylin–eosin staining of skin samples, and quantitation of inflammatory cytokines. Western blotting was used to evaluate levels of the following factors in skin: ACT1, TRAF6, TAK1, NF‐κB, and pNF‐κB. The serum of psoriasis patients showed elevated levels of several cytokines involved in the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis: IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐8, IL‐12, IL‐17, IL‐22, IL‐23, and interferon‐γ. Levels of IL‐23p19 and IL‐17 were increased in serum and skin of IMQ‐treated mice, while ACT1, TRAF6, TAK1, NF‐κB, and pNF‐κB were upregulated in the skin. A large proportion of NF‐κB p65 localized in nucleus of involucrin+ cells in the epidermis and in F4/80+ cells of the dermis of psoriatic lesional skin. Treating these animals with anti‐IL‐23 or anti‐IL‐17 antibodies improved pathological score and immune imbalance, mitigated skin inflammation and downregulated ACT1, TRAF6, TAK1, NF‐κB, and pNF‐κB in skin. Our results suggest that skin inflammation mediated by the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis in psoriasis involves activation of the ACT1/TRAF6/TAK1/NF‐κB pathway in keratinocytes and macrophage.
Characterization of a chronic cough in cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome
Authors: Tatineni Swetha , Jarrouj George , Gomez Christopher M. , Baird Brandon J.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a common cause of late‐onset ataxia that often presents with chronic cough. This study is the first to characterize the CANVAS cough both objectively and subjectively.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 13 patients was conducted. Medical records and available esophagram, modified barium swallow study, esophageal manometry, and video laryngostroboscopy data were reviewed. Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) and Eating Assessment Tool‐10 were administered to evaluate quality of life (QoL) impairments and dysphagia symptoms, respectively. CANVAS history questionnaire was developed to characterize the clinical course.

Results

92% of patients endorsed chronic cough that preceded gait instability by a median of 16 years. Cough was dry (67%), disturbed sleep (75%), triggered by various factors, including talking, eating, and dry/spicy foods, did not respond to standard reflux therapy, and inconsistently responded to neuromodulators and superior laryngeal nerve injections. Despite perceived cough severity worsening or remaining constant in most patients, no correlation was found between cough duration and total LCQ scores. Patients reported significantly more negative social QoL impacts compared to physical QoL impacts. Ataxia duration and years of cough before ataxia symptoms were directly and inversely correlated with total LCQ scores, respectively. Imaging data revealed esophageal dysmotility (71%), vestibular penetration (57%), vestibular aspiration (14%), supraglottic compression (63%), vocal fold lesions/atrophy (50%), and arytenoid erythema (38%).

Conclusion

Chronic cough is a hallmark presenting symptom in CANVAS with predominantly psychosocial QoL effects and unrecognized laryngeal alterations. In cases of idiopathic, refractory chronic cough, genetic testing for CANVAS should be considered, especially in association with sensory, cerebellar, and/or vestibular involvement.

Level of evidence

VI.
MacroSheds: A synthesis of long‐term biogeochemical, hydroclimatic, and geospatial data from small watershed ecosystem studies
Authors: Vlah Michael J. , Rhea Spencer , Bernhardt Emily S. , Slaughter Weston , Gubbins Nick , DelVecchia Amanda G. , Thellman Audrey , Ross Matthew R. V.
Published: April 2023

The US Federal Government supports hundreds of watershed monitoring efforts from which solute fluxes can be calculated. Although instrumentation and methods vary between studies, the data collected and their motivating questions are remarkably similar. Nevertheless, little effort toward their compilation has previously been made. The MacroSheds project has developed a future‐friendly system for harmonizing daily time series of streamflow, precipitation, and solute chemistry from 169+ watersheds, and supplementing each with watershed attributes. Here, we describe the breadth of MacroSheds data, and detail the steps involved in rendering each data product. We provide recommendations for usage and discuss when other datasets might be more suitable. The MacroSheds dataset is an unprecedented resource for watershed science, and for hydrology, as a small‐watershed supplement to existing collections of streamflow predictors, like CAMELS and GAGES‐II. The MacroSheds platform includes a web dashboard for visualization and an R package for data access and analysis.
Economical study for hydrogen production from seawater using renewable energy in Egypt
Authors: Sheta W. , Abdeltawab N. M. , Shash A. Y.
Published: April 2023

This study looks into the possibilities of hydrogen production in the north coast and red‐sea Zone, Egypt, to conver renewable energy to hydrogen (power to gas). The main purpose is to estimate the power needed for each kg of hydrogen production from seawater using renewable energy and then the quantity of desalinated seawater needed to cover this cost. We will discuss different scenarios; the main two scenarios are photovoltaic (PV) solar with reverse osmosis (RO) desalination and concentrating solar power (CSP) with multi‐effect desalination (MED).
Investigation the effect of cellulose on the structure and properties of polypropylene fibres
Authors: Krmelová V. , Krmela J. , Dubec A. , Skalková P.
Published: April 2023

The modification of polypropylene fibre during their production is usually performed with the aim to improve some end‐use properties of final polypropylene textiles. The most common procedure for the modification of polypropylene fibres involves adding additives in the form of masterbaches, which are incorporated into polymer by physical means during fibre formation. The presented work is focused on the investigation the effect of natural organic additive cellulose on the preparation, morphology and the thermal properties of polypropylene fibres. The series of modified pre‐oriented and drawn polypropylene fibres with different content of cellulose from 0 wt. % to 3 wt. % were prepared via the classical discontinuous process of melt spinning and drawing. The non‐isothermal crystallization and melting behaviour of pre‐oriented and drawn polypropylene fibres were analysed by differential scanning calorimetry tests under nitrogen atmosphere. The surface morphology of polypropylene fibres and cross‐sectional shapes were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained experimental results were compared with reference polypropylene fibres prepared under the same technological conditions.
Study of the influence of Chitosan on selected properties of elastomeric blends
Authors: Labaj I. , Skalková P. , Kopal I. , Vršková J. , Harničárová M. , Valíček J. , Boško P. , Dobrovská J.
Published: April 2023

The current trend of greening production is increasingly bringing to the fore alternative types of fillers, such as biofillers, which are obtained from renewable sources or waste [1, 2]. Unfortunately, biofillers cannot be used as majority fillers due to their incompatibility with elastomer matrices and high biodegradability susceptibility [3, 4]. Therefore, the way to their efficient industrial use leads through supplementary fillers to the commonly used inorganic fillers and the partial replacement of these fillers in the blend. The influence of Chitosan as the majority filler has been investigated and its combination with carbon black filler on the elastomeric matrix of natural rubber was investigated in the presented work. The results were compared with natural rubber blends filled exclusively with carbon black. Natural rubber blends with different content of Chitosan and carbon black and their various combinations were subjected to the determination of vulcanization parameters, mechanical properties before and after thermo‐oxidative aging, and scanning electron microscopy. Although the scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the expected negative impact of Chitosan as the majority filler on the tensile properties of the vulcanizate, its significant impact on the main vulcanization parameters such as scorch time and optimal vulcanization time was also demonstrated. In the case of blends with a combination of carbon black and Chitosan, it has been shown that Chitosan, in addition to the filler function, also acts as an antioxidant agent through its functional groups, limiting the process of degradation of mechanical properties of natural rubber blends due to their thermo‐oxidative aging. It can be concluded that precisely because of its antioxidant and anti‐degradation effects, Chitosan can be, in addition to carbon black filler, an excellent additional filler for elastomeric blends.
Rheological properties and curing features of polymer materials filled with biowaste
Authors: Božeková S. , Mičicová Z. , Ondrušová D. , Skalková P.
Published: April 2023

Besides mechanical properties, the dynamic mechanical properties in a sensible range of temperature and rheological properties have to be taken into account for engineering applications. The rising concern towards the reduction in the use of petroleum‐based non‐renewable resources has led to increasing interests in natural polymer composites filled with natural organic fillers, i. e. they are from renewable and biodegradable sources. This work is focused on the use of biowaste, specifically wood flour as a plasticizer replacement in a rubber compound. Plasticizers (also called softener, extender or process oils) are common additives for polymers with a low molecular weight. An increasing content of a plasticizer usually leads to a decrease in the viscosity of the rubber mixture, and therefore, its processability can be improved. Based on the given fact, the experiment is aimed at the studies of the rheological properties. The scanning electron microscopy results can confirm the compatibility or incompatibility of the biowaste, specifically wood flour with rubber matrix. In the case of a successful replacement for plasticizer with wood flour, we expect a significant reduction in the cost of the mixtures production as well as a reduction in the environmental impact, compared with the petroleum products.
Stationary distribution and probability density function of a stochastic waterborne pathogen model with saturated direct and indirect transmissions
Authors: Liu Yue
Published: April 2023

We investigate the dynamical behavior of deterministic and stochastic waterborne pathogen models with saturated incidence rates. In particular, the indirect transmission via person–water–person contact is half‐saturated and the direct transmission by person–person contact takes the saturated form. Possible equilibrium points of the model are investigated, and their stability criterion is discussed. Basic reproduction number
of the model is obtained through the next‐generation matrix method. It has been shown that the disease‐free equilibrium is locally stable when
and unstable for
. Furthermore, a stochastic Lyapunov method is adopted to establish sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of an ergodic stationary distribution of the proposed stochastic model, which reveals that the infection will persist if
. We also obtain an exact expression of the probability density function near the quasi‐endemic equilibrium of stochastic system. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to support our analytical findings. Results suggest that saturation constants in both direct and indirect transmissions play a positive role in controlling disease. Our results may provide some new insights for the elimination of waterborne disease.
Improving delivery efficiency using spots and energy layers reduction algorithms based on a large momentum acceptance beamline
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Xu , Yang Zhiyong , Liao Yicheng , Li Peilun , Zhao Runxiao , Qin Bin
Published: April 2023

Background

Intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) is a well‐known delivery method of proton therapy. Besides higher plan quality, reducing the delivery time is also essential to IMPT plans. It can enhance patient comfort, reduce treatment costs, and improve delivery efficiency. From the perspective of treatment efficacy, it contributes to mitigating the intra‐fractional motions and improving the accuracy of radiotherapy, especially for moving tumors.

Purpose

However, there is a tradeoff problem between the plan quality and delivery time. We consider the potential of a large momentum acceptance (LMA) beamline and apply the spots and energy layers reduction method to reduce the delivery time.

Methods

The delivery time for each field consists of the energy layer switching time, spot traveling time, and dose delivery time. The larger momentum spread and higher intensity beam offered by the LMA beamline contribute to reducing the total delivery time compared to the conventional beamline. In addition to the dose fidelity term, an L1 and logarithm items were added to the objective function to increase the sparsity of the low‐weighted spots and energy layers. After that, the low‐weighted spots and layers were iteratively excluded in the reduced plan, which reduced the energy layer switching time and spot traveling time. We used the standard, reduced, and LMA‐reduced plans to validate the proposed method and tested it on prostate and nasopharyngeal cases. Then, we compared and evaluated the plan quality, treatment time, and plan robustness against delivery uncertainty.

Results

Compared with the standard plans, the number of spots in the LMA‐reduced plans was on average reduced by 13 400 (95.6%) for prostate cases and by 48 300 (80.7%) for nasopharyngeal cases and the number of energy layers was on average reduced by 49 (61.3%) for prostate cases and by 97 (50.5%) for nasopharyngeal cases. And, the delivery time of the LMA‐reduced plans was shortened from 34.5 to 8.6 s for prostate cases and from 163.8 to 53.6 s for nasopharyngeal cases. The LMA‐reduced plans had comparable robustness to the spot monitor unit (MU) error compared with the standard plans, but the LMA‐reduced plans became more sensitive to spot position uncertainty.

Conclusion

The delivery efficiency can be significantly improved using the LMA beamline and spots and energy layers reduction strategies. The method is promising to improve the efficiency of motion mitigation strategies for treating moving tumors.
Establishing new cutoffs for Cohen's d: An application using known effect sizes from trials for improving sleep quality on composite mental health
Authors: Panjeh Sareh , Nordahl‐Hansen Anders , Cogo‐Moreira Hugo
Published: April 2023

Objective

Cohen's d conventional effect size cutoffs [small (0.2), medium (0.5), and large (0.8)] might not be representative of the reported distribution of effect sizes across the different areas of health. Effect size cutoffs might vary not only depending on the area of research, but also on the type of intervention and population. That is, they are context dependent. Therefore, we present strategies to redefine small, medium, and large effect size based on 25, 50, and 75th percentile, respectively.

Methods

We illustrate these techniques applying them to 72 effect sizes, derived from 65 randomized controlled trials described in a recent meta‐analysis (10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556) of improving sleep quality on composite mental health. Such percentiles are equally distanced from the average effect size as suggested by Jacob Cohen and checked for potential attenuation effects (via weight selection model) and outliers (via OutRules).

Results

new cutoffs for effect size distribution of −0.177, −0.329, and −0.557, for small, medium, and large effect size were found, respectively. applying Cohen's effect size thresholds (0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) for trials of improving sleep quality on composite mental health might over‐estimate effect sizes compared to the real‐world context, especially around medium and large effect sizes.
Physical activity levels among people with fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , Van Damme Tine , McGrath Ryan L. , Machado Vanessa Albanio , Schuch Felipe
Published: April 2023

Introduction

It is unclear how much physical activity (PA) people with fibromyalgia (PwF) engage in. We conducted a meta‐analysis to examine PA levels in PwF and compared levels with age‐ and gender‐matched controls and between objective and subjective assessments.

Methods

Embase, PubMed and CINAHL Plus were searched by two independent reviewers from inception till 3 January 2023 using the keywords: ‘fibromyalgia’ OR ‘fibrositis’ AND ‘physical activity’ OR ‘exercise’ OR ‘sports’. A random effects meta‐analysis adjusting for publication bias was conducted.

Results

Across 22 studies, there were 5997 (5956 women) PwF (median age = 44 years). After trim and fill adjustment, PwF spent a mean of 4.0 (95% CI = 2.3–5.8) min/day in vigorous PA, 67.5 (95% CI = 35.4–99.6) min/day in moderate intensity PA and 270.5 (95% CI = 99.6–441.4) min/day in light PA. Only 37.7% (95% CI = 18.7–61.5) of PwF achieved the public PA recommendation of 150 min of moderate to vigorous PA per week. PwF walked 5663.7 (95% CI = 4493.5–6833.9) steps per day, which is below the 6000 steps per day recommendation. PwF spent 39.0 min/day (95% CI = 22.8–55.1, p < 0.001) less in PA than healthy controls, while MET‐minutes per week is 1324.7 (95 % CI = 237.6–2411.7, p = 0.017) lower. There were no significant differences between subjective and objective PA assessments (p = 0.69).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that the majority of PwF are still insufficiently physically active to obtain significant health benefits. Future clinical PA interventions specifically targeting the prevention of physical inactivity in PwF and engaging physically inactive PwF to become physically active are warranted.
Professional caregivers' participation in the International Caregiver Development Programme: A qualitative study of psychosocial care in nursing homes
Authors: Holmsen Line Constance , Tveit Bodil , Skar Ane‐Marthe Solheim , Hem Marit Helene
Published: April 2023

Aim

This paper aims to explore professional caregivers' experiences of psychosocial care for older persons living in nursing homes following the professional caregivers' participation in the International Caregiver Development Programme (ICDP).

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

About 15 focus group interviews and 25 participatory observations of five ICDP group courses were conducted with 31 employees in nursing homes, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses and nursing aids. The findings emerged through hermeneutic analysis.

Results

Main findings: (i) Adjusting the communication to the residents' psychosocial needs, (ii) Seeing the residents as individuals and (iii) Adjusting to individual interaction with the residents. The professional caregivers experienced that the residents participated more in communication, interaction and activities, in addition to be more satisfied, calm, happy and thankful in interaction with the caregivers. Furthermore, they described that the environment in the units became calmer and that they were considering psychosocial care before medication. Work‐related stress seems to impact ICDP participation and may be a barrier to implementation.
Four lessons learned: Employees' perceptions of fundraising via reward‐based crowdfunding
Authors: van Teunenbroek Claire , Smits Rosa
Published: April 2023

An innovative way to support cultural institutions is through reward‐based crowdfunding, an online funding mechanism for a specific project, which offers donors a reward for their donation. We explored employees' perceptions of crowdfunding and focused on the question: “How do employees of cultural institutions running a crowdfunding campaign perceive the use of crowdfunding to collect funds?” To answer this question, we focus on interpretive research using semi‐structured interviews (n = 15) among Dutch cultural institutions' employees responsible for running the crowdfunding. We used earlier findings on psychological ownership to structure the interviews. Psychological ownership is the feeling that the project has become an employee's extension, and previous research linked it to success on the work floor. Our findings claim four lessons. First, crowdfunding is a full‐time job and not an extra activity. Second, crowdfunding differs from traditional fundraising: it contains specific content‐related tasks they do not perform as fundraisers. Third, crowdfunding asks for teamwork. While autonomy is valued, one employee should not be responsible for the campaign. Fourth, crowdfunding does not come naturally to all cultural institutions. This research provides a basis for further specification of crowdfunding and its implementation in the cultural sector.
Association of large for gestational age with cardiovascular metabolic risks: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yiyuan , Liu Peihao , Zhou Wei , Hu Jingmei , Cui Linlin , Chen Zi‐Jiang
Published: April 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationships among large for gestational age (LGA) and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify studies on LGA and outcomes of interest, including BMI, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and lipid profiles. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers. A meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and funnel graph were used to assess the quality and publication bias, respectively.

Results

Overall, 42 studies involving 841,325 individuals were included. Compared with individuals born appropriate for gestational age, individuals born LGA had higher odds of overweight and obesity (odds ratios [OR] = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.31‐1.59), type 1 diabetes (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.15‐1.43), hypertension (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.51), and metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.43, 95%; CI: 1.05‐1.96). No significant difference was found in hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. Stratified analyses showed that, compared with individuals born appropriate for gestational age, individuals born LGA had higher odds for overweight and obesity from toddler age to puberty age (toddler age: OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.22‐3.70; preschool: OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.55‐2.12; school age: OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09‐2.14; puberty: OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.11‐1.77).

Conclusions

LGA is associated with increased odds of obesity and metabolic syndrome later in life. Future studies should focus on elucidating the potential mechanisms and identifying risk factors.