bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techno-Economic Comparison of Several Technologies for Waste Heat Recovery of Gas Turbine Exhausts
Authors: Ghilardi Alessandra , Frate Guido Francesco , Baccioli Andrea , Ulivieri Dario , Ferrari Lorenzo , Desideri Umberto , Cosi Lorenzo , Amidei Simone , Michelassi Vittorio
Published: October 2022

The waste heat recovery from the gas turbine (GT) exhaust is typical for increasing performance and reducing CO2 emissions in industrial facilities. Nowadays, numerous already operating gas turbine plants could be retrofitted and upgraded with a bottoming cycle powered by the exhaust gasses. In this case, the standard solution would be to use a water steam Rankine cycle. However, even if this technology usually yields the best efficiency, other alternatives are often preferred on the lower size scale. Organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) are the commercial alternatives to steam Rankine cycles, but many other alternative cycles exist or can be developed, with potential benefits from safety, technical or economic points of view. This study compares several alternative technologies suited to recover gas turbine waste heat, and a detailed cost analysis for each is presented. On this basis, a guideline is proposed for the technology choice considering a wide range of application sizes and temperature levels typical for waste heat recovery from gas turbines. The compared technologies are ORCs, Rankine cycles (RCs) with water and ammonia mixtures at constant composition, supercritical CO2 cycles (sCO2), sCO2 cycles with mixtures of CO2 and other gasses. As it resulted, ORCs can achieve the lowest levelized cost of energy (32 $/MWh–46 $/MWh) if flammable fluids can be employed. Otherwise, Rankine cycles with a constant composition mixture of water and ammonia are a promising alternative, reaching a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 36–58 $/MWh.
Common and species-specific molecular signatures, networks, and regulators of influenza virus infection in mice, ferrets, and humans
Authors: Forst Christian V. , Martin-Sancho Laura , Tripathi Shashank , Wang Guojun , Dos Anjos Borges Luiz Gustavo , Wang Minghui , Geber Adam , Lashua Lauren , Ding Tao , Zhou Xianxiao , Carter Chalise E. , Metreveli Giorgi , Rodriguez-Frandsen Ariel , Urbanowski Matthew D. , White Kris M. , Stein David A. , Moulton Hong , Chanda Sumit K. , Pache Lars , Shaw Megan L. , Ross Ted M. , Ghedin Elodie , García-Sastre Adolfo , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2022

Molecular responses to influenza A virus (IAV) infections vary between mammalian species. To identify conserved and species-specific molecular responses, we perform a comparative study of transcriptomic data derived from blood cells, primary epithelial cells, and lung tissues collected from IAV-infected humans, ferrets, and mice. The molecular responses in the human host have unique functions such as antigen processing that are not observed in mice or ferrets. Highly conserved gene coexpression modules across the three species are enriched for IAV infection–induced pathways including cell cycle and interferon (IFN) signaling.
TDRD7
is predicted as an IFN-inducible host factor that is up-regulated upon IAV infection in the three species.
TDRD7
is required for antiviral IFN response, potentially modulating IFN signaling via the JAK/STAT/IRF9 pathway. Identification of the common and species-specific molecular signatures, networks, and regulators of IAV infection provides insights into host-defense mechanisms and will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic interventions against IAV infection.
In vivo correction of cystic fibrosis mediated by PNA nanoparticles
Authors: Piotrowski-Daspit Alexandra S. , Barone Christina , Lin Chun-Yu , Deng Yanxiang , Wu Douglas , Binns Thomas C. , Xu Emily , Ricciardi Adele S. , Putman Rachael , Garrison Alannah , Nguyen Richard , Gupta Anisha , Fan Rong , Glazer Peter M. , Saltzman W. Mark , Egan Marie E.
Published: October 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. We sought to correct the multiple organ dysfunction of the F508del CF-causing mutation using systemic delivery of peptide nucleic acid gene editing technology mediated by biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles. We confirmed phenotypic and genotypic modification in vitro in primary nasal epithelial cells from F508del mice grown at air-liquid interface and in vivo in F508del mice following intravenous delivery. In vivo treatment resulted in a partial gain of CFTR function in epithelia as measured by in situ potential differences and Ussing chamber assays and correction of CFTR in both airway and GI tissues with no off-target effects above background. Our studies demonstrate that systemic gene editing is possible, and more specifically that intravenous delivery of PNA NPs designed to correct CF-causing mutations is a viable option to ameliorate CF in multiple affected organs.
Origin of the herringbone reconstruction of Au(111) surface at the atomic scale
Authors: Li Pai , Ding Feng
Published: October 2022

The origin of the herringbone reconstruction on Au(111) surface has never been explained properly at the atomic level because the large periodic length (~30 nm) does not allow ab initio simulations of the system and because of the lack of highly accurate empirical force field. We trained a machine learning force field with high accuracy to explore this reconstruction. Our study shows that the lattice deformation in Au deeper layers, which allows the effective relaxation of the densified and anisotropic top layer lattice, is critical for the herringbone reconstruction. The herringbone reconstruction is energetically more favorable than the stripe reconstruction only if the slab thickness exceeds 12 atomic layers. Furthermore, we reveal the high stability of herringbone reconstruction at high temperatures and that a slight strain of about ±0.2% can induce a transition from the herringbone pattern to the stripe pattern, and both agree well with the experimental observations.
Iron regulatory protein (IRP)–mediated iron homeostasis is critical for neutrophil development and differentiation in the bone marrow
Authors: Bonadonna Michael , Altamura Sandro , Tybl Elisabeth , Palais Gael , Qatato Maria , Polycarpou-Schwarz Maria , Schneider Martin , Kalk Christina , Rüdiger Wibke , Ertl Alina , Anstee Natasha , Bogeska Ruzhica , Helm Dominic , Milsom Michael D. , Galy Bruno
Published: October 2022

Iron is mostly devoted to the hemoglobinization of erythrocytes for oxygen transport. However, emerging evidence points to a broader role for the metal in hematopoiesis, including the formation of the immune system. Iron availability in mammalian cells is controlled by iron-regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) and IRP2. We report that global disruption of both IRP1 and IRP2 in adult mice impairs neutrophil development and differentiation in the bone marrow, yielding immature neutrophils with abnormally high glycolytic and autophagic activity, resulting in neutropenia. IRPs promote neutrophil differentiation in a cell intrinsic manner by securing cellular iron supply together with transcriptional control of neutropoiesis to facilitate differentiation to fully mature neutrophils. Unlike neutrophils, monocyte count was not affected by IRP and iron deficiency, suggesting a lineage-specific effect of iron on myeloid output. This study unveils the previously unrecognized importance of IRPs and iron metabolism in the formation of a major branch of the innate immune system.
Plasma iron controls neutrophil production and function
Authors: Frost Joe N. , Wideman Sarah K. , Preston Alexandra E. , Teh Megan R. , Ai Zhichao , Wang Lihui , Cross Amy , White Natasha , Yazicioglu Yavuz , Bonadonna Michael , Clarke Alexander J. , Armitage Andrew E. , Galy Bruno , Udalova Irina A. , Drakesmith Hal
Published: October 2022

Low plasma iron (hypoferremia) induced by hepcidin is a conserved inflammatory response that protects against infections but inhibits erythropoiesis. How hypoferremia influences leukocytogenesis is unclear. Using proteomic data, we predicted that neutrophil production would be profoundly more iron-demanding than generation of other white blood cell types. Accordingly in mice, hepcidin-mediated hypoferremia substantially reduced numbers of granulocytes but not monocytes, lymphocytes, or dendritic cells. Neutrophil rebound after anti-Gr-1–induced neutropenia was blunted during hypoferremia but was rescued by supplemental iron. Similarly, hypoferremia markedly inhibited pharmacologically stimulated granulopoiesis mediated by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and inflammation-induced accumulation of neutrophils in the spleen and peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, hypoferremia specifically altered neutrophil effector functions, suppressing antibacterial mechanisms but enhancing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species–dependent NETosis associated with chronic inflammation. Notably, antagonizing endogenous hepcidin during acute inflammation enhanced production of neutrophils. We propose plasma iron modulates the profile of innate immunity by controlling monocyte-to-neutrophil ratio and neutrophil activity in a therapeutically targetable system.
Pancreatic islet-specific engineered T
regs
exhibit robust antigen-specific and bystander immune suppression in type 1 diabetes models
Authors: Yang Soo Jung , Singh Akhilesh K. , Drow Travis , Tappen Tori , Honaker Yuchi , Barahmand-pour-Whitman Fariba , Linsley Peter S. , Cerosaletti Karen , Mauk Kelsey , Xiang Yufei , Smith Jessica , Mortensen Emma , Cook Peter J. , Sommer Karen , Khan Iram , Liggitt Denny , Rawlings David J. , Buckner Jane H.
Published: October 2022

Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (T
regs
) is therapeutic in type 1 diabetes (T1D) mouse models. T
regs
that are specific for pancreatic islets are more potent than polyclonal T
regs
in preventing disease. However, the frequency of antigen-specific natural T
regs
is extremely low, and ex vivo expansion may destabilize T
regs
, leading to an effector phenotype. Here, we generated durable, antigen-specific engineered T
regs
(EngT
regs
) from primary human CD4
+
T cells by combining
FOXP3
homology-directed repair editing and lentiviral T cell receptor (TCR) delivery. Using TCRs derived from clonally expanded CD4
+
T cells isolated from patients with T1D, we generated islet-specific EngT
regs
that suppressed effector T cell (T
eff
) proliferation and cytokine production. EngT
regs
suppressed T
effs
recognizing the same islet antigen in addition to bystander T
effs
recognizing other islet antigens through production of soluble mediators and both direct and indirect mechanisms. Adoptively transferred murine islet-specific EngT
regs
homed to the pancreas and blocked diabetes triggered by islet-specific T
effs
or diabetogenic polyclonal T
effs
in recipient mice. These data demonstrate the potential of antigen-specific EngT
regs
as a targeted therapy for preventing T1D.
New
In Vitro
Interaction-Parasite Reduction Ratio Assay for Early Derisk in Clinical Development of Antimalarial Combinations
Authors: Wicha Sebastian G. , Walz Annabelle , Cherkaoui-Rbati Mohammed H. , Bundgaard Nils , Kuritz Karsten , Gumpp Christin , Gobeau Nathalie , Möhrle Jörg , Rottmann Matthias , Demarta-Gatsi Claudia
Published: October 2022

The development and spread of drug-resistant phenotypes substantially threaten malaria control efforts. Combination therapies have the potential to minimize the risk of resistance development but require intensive preclinical studies to determine optimal combination and dosing regimens.
Photoactive Yellow Protein Represents a Distinct, Evolutionarily Novel Family of PAS Domains
Authors: Xing Jiawei , Gumerov Vadim M. , Zhulin Igor B.
Published: October 2022

Photoactive yellow protein is a model bacterial photoreceptor. For many years, it was considered a prototypical model of the ubiquitous PAS domain superfamily. Here, we show that, in fact, the PYP family is evolutionarily novel, restricted to a few bacterial phyla and distinct from other PAS domains. We also reveal the diversity of PYP-containing signal transduction proteins and their potential mechanisms.
Repression of Memo1, a Novel Target of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E7, Increases Cell Proliferation in Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Trejo-Cerro Oscar , Massimi Paola , Broniarczyk Justyna , Myers Michael , Banks Lawrence
Published: October 2022

Although numerous targets have been reported to interact with the HPV E7 oncoprotein, the mechanisms involved in HPV-induced carcinogenesis and the maintenance of cell transformation are still lacking. Here, through pulldown assays using a peptide encompassing the C-terminal region of HPV16 E7, we report Memo1 as a novel E7 interactor.
Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus Upregulates STING to Activate ATF6-Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Zhang Rui , Lin Hanrui , You Qing , Zhang Zhixiong , Bai Ling , Chen Fei , Zhu Xueliang , Zhang Zhidong , Li Yanmin
Published: October 2022

PPRV infection induces cellular autophagy; however, the intracellular responses and signaling mechanisms that occur upon PPRV infection are obscure, and whether innate immune responses are linked with autophagy to regulate viral replication is largely unknown. Here, we uncovered that the innate immune sensor MDA5 initiated the signaling cascade by upregulating STING, which is best known for its role in anti-DNA virus infection by inducing interferon expression.
The Integral Membrane Protein ZMPSTE24 Protects Cells from SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Mediated Pseudovirus Infection and Syncytia Formation
Authors: Shilagardi Khurts , Spear Eric D. , Abraham Rachy , Griffin Diane E. , Michaelis Susan
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has underscored the importance of understanding intrinsic cellular components that can be harnessed as the cell’s first line of defense to fight against viral infection. Our paper focuses on one such protein, the integral membrane protease ZMPSTE24, which interacts with interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs).
Allyl Aryl Ether Cleavage by
Blautia
sp. MRG-PMF1 Cocorrinoid
O
-Demethylase
Authors: Mi Huynh Thi Ngoc , Chaiyasarn Santipap , Eser Bekir Engin , Tan Steven R. Susanto , Burapan Supawadee , Han Jaehong
Published: October 2022

Biodegradation of environmental pollutants and valorization of biomaterials in a greener way is of great interest. Cobalamin-dependent
O
-demethylase in
Blautia
sp.
Increased blood pressure variability during general anaesthesia is associated with worse outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Xu Chao , Jin Tianyu , Chen Zhicai , Zhang Zheyu , Zhang Kemeng , Mao Hui , Ye Sasa , Geng Yu , Shi Zongjie
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Optimal periprocedural blood pressure (BP) management during mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischaemic stroke is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between intraprocedural BP variability (BPV) and outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) following MT with general anaesthesia.

Design

A prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

This study was conducted in a single tertiary hospital of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province.

Participants

A total of 141 patients with LVO treated with MT were finally included between January 2018 and September 2020.

Main outcome measures

Intraprocedural BP was recorded every 5 min throughout the procedure. BPV was measured as SD, coefficient of variation (CV), max-min (RANGE) and successive variation. Haemorrhagic transformation was assessed on 24-hour CT images according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III trial. Poor functional outcome was defined as 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 3–6. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of BPV parameters with the incidence of parenchymal haemorrhage (PH) and poor functional outcome.

Results

After controlling for age, female, history of smoking, hypertension and atrial fibrillation, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, baseline systolic BP (SBP), baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, bridging thrombolysis and times of retrieval attempts, the results demonstrated that intraprocedural SBPRANGE (OR 1.029; 95% CI 1.003 to 1.055; p=0.027), SBPSD (OR 1.135; 95% CI 1.023 to 1.259; p=0.017) and SBPCV (OR 1.189; 95% CI 1.053 to 1.342; p=0.005) were independently associated with poor functional outcome. However, the independent association between intraprocedural BPV and PH at 24 hours has not been established in this study.

Conclusions

Increased intraprocedural BPV was more likely to have poor functional outcome in patients with LVO following MT with general anaesthesia. This finding indicates that special precautions should be taken to minimise BP fluctuation during procedure.
Effect of family-centred care on parental mental health and parent–infant interactions for preterm infants: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Cai Qian , Wang Hua , Chen Danqi , Xu Wenli , Yang Rui , Xu Xinfen
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Unexpected premature delivery and separation from preterm infants are common problems that parents of preterm infants must handle with. Parents of preterm infants may suffer from severe psychological distress. Family-centred care (FCC) can effectively ease parents’ psychological distress and strengthen connections between parents and their preterm infants. The purpose of this systematic review will be to systematically review and evaluate the impacts of FCC interventions on the mental health of parents of preterm infants and the parent–infant relationship.

Methods and analysis

This protocol for this systematic review will be conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocol. We will search databases including PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus and ProQuest, CNKI, SinoMed and Wanfang Data from 1 July 2012 to 1 July 2022. An additional search of OpenGrey will be conducted to identify grey literature. Randomised controlled trials related to FCC inventions for preterm infants≤37 weeks’ gestational age and their parents will be included, and the outcome measures will be parental mental health and parent–infant interaction. Two reviewers will independently conduct title and abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction and study quality assessment. Risk of bias for the studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias V.2.0. Any disagreements will be solved by a third reviewer to reach a consensus. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted to assess the effect of FCC on parental mental health and parent–infant relationship.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval will not be required for this review since it will not involve the collection of primary data and will only use published literature. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal through publication or by presentation at relevant academic conference.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022299203.
Impact of a sanitation intervention on quality of life and mental well-being in low-income urban neighbourhoods of Maputo, Mozambique: an observational study
Authors: Ross Ian , Greco Giulia , Adriano Zaida , Nala Rassul , Brown Joe , Opondo Charles , Cumming Oliver
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Toilet users often report valuing outcomes such as privacy and safety more highly than reduced disease, but effects of urban sanitation interventions on such outcomes have never been assessed quantitatively. In this study, we evaluate the impact of a shared sanitation intervention on quality of life (QoL) and mental well-being.

Design

We surveyed individuals living in intervention and control clusters of a recent non-randomised controlled trial, and used generalised linear mixed regression models to make an observational comparison of outcomes between arms.

Setting

Low-income unsewered areas of Maputo City, Mozambique.

Participants

We interviewed 424 participants, 222 from the prior trial’s intervention group and 202 from the control group.

Interventions

The control group used low-quality pit latrines. The intervention group received high-quality shared toilets, with users contributing 10%–15% of capital cost.

Outcomes

Our primary outcome was the Sanitation-related QoL (SanQoL) index, which applies respondent-derived weights to combine perceptions of sanitation-related disgust, privacy, safety, health and shame. Secondary outcomes were the WHO-5 mental well-being index and a sanitation Visual Analogue Scale.

Results

The intervention group experienced a 1.6 SD gain in SanQoL compared with the control group. This adjusted SanQoL gain was 0.34 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.38) on a 0–1 scale with control mean 0.49. Effect sizes were largest for safety and privacy attributes. Intervention respondents also experienced a 0.2 SD gain in mental well-being. The adjusted gain was 6.2 (95% CI 0.3 to 12.2) on a 0–100 scale with control mean 54.4.

Conclusions

QoL outcomes are highly valued by toilet users and can be improved by sanitation interventions. Such outcomes should be measured in future sanitation trials, to help identify interventions which most improve people’s lives. Since SanQoL weights are derived from respondent valuation, our primary result can be used in economic evaluation.
Mapping continuous learning using social network research: a social network study of Australian Genomics as a Learning Health System
Authors: Ellis Louise A , Long Janet C , Pomare Chiara , Mahmoud Zeyad , Lake Rebecca , Dammery Genevieve , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To explore a macrolevel Learning Health System (LHS) and examine if an intentionally designed network can foster a collaborative learning community over time. The secondary aim was to demonstrate the application of social network research to the field of LHS.

Design

Two longitudinal online questionnaires of the Australian Genomics learning community considering relationships between network members at three time points: 2016, 2018, 2019. The questionnaire included closed Likert response questions on collaborative learning patterns and open-response questions to capture general perceptions of the community. Social network data were analysed and visually constructed using Gephi V.0.9.2 software, Likert questions were analysed using SPSS, and open responses were analysed thematically using NVivo.

Setting

Australian Genomic Health Alliance.

Participants

Clinicians, scientists, researchers and community representatives.

Results

Australian Genomics members highlighted the collaborative benefits of the network as a learning community to foster continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of clinical genomics. The learning community grew from 186 members (2016), to 384 (2018), to 439 (2019). Network density increased (2016=0.023, 2018=0.043), then decreased (2019=0.036). Key players remained consistent with potential for new members to achieve focal positions in the network. Informal learning was identified as the most influential learning method for genomic practice.

Conclusions

This study shows that intentionally building a network provides a platform for continuous learning—a fundamental component for establishing an LHS. The Australian Genomics learning community shows evidence of maturity and sustainability in supporting the continuous learning culture of clinical genomics. The network provides a practical means to spread new knowledge and best practice across the entire field. We show that intentionally designed networks provide the opportunity and means for interdisciplinary learning between diverse agents over time and demonstrate the application of social network research to the LHS field.
Testosterone and long pulse width stimulation (TLPS) for denervated muscles after spinal cord injury: a study protocol of randomised clinical trial
Authors: Gorgey Ashraf S , Khalil Refka E , Alrubaye Malak , Gill Ranjodh , Rivers Jeannie , Goetz Lance L , Cifu David X , Castillo Teodoro , Caruso Deborah , Lavis Timothy D , Lesnefsky Edward J , Cardozo Christopher C , Adler Robert A
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Long pulse width stimulation (LPWS; 120–150 ms) has the potential to stimulate denervated muscles and to restore muscle size in denervated people with spinal cord injury (SCI). We will determine if testosterone treatment (TT)+LPWS would increase skeletal muscle size, leg lean mass and improve overall metabolic health in persons with SCI with denervation. We hypothesise that the 1-year TT+LPWS will upregulate protein synthesis pathways, downregulate protein degradation pathways and increase overall mitochondrial health.

Methods and analysis

Twenty-four male participants (aged 18–70 years with chronic SCI) with denervation of both knee extensor muscles and tolerance to the LPWS paradigm will be randomised into either TT+neuromuscular electrical stimulation via telehealth or TT+LPWS. The training sessions will be twice weekly for 1 year. Measurements will be conducted 1 week prior training (baseline; week 0), 6 months following training (postintervention 1) and 1 week after the end of 1 year of training (postintervention 2). Measurements will include body composition assessment using anthropometry, dual X-ray absorptiometry and MRI to measure size of different muscle groups. Metabolic profile will include measuring of basal metabolic rate, followed by blood drawn to measure fasting biomarkers similar to hemoglobin A1c, lipid panels, C reactive protein, interleukin-6 and free fatty acids and then intravenous glucose tolerance test to test for insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness. Finally, muscle biopsy will be captured to measure protein expression and intracellular signalling; and mitochondrial electron transport chain function. The participants will fill out 3 days dietary record to monitor their energy intake on a weekly basis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by Institutional Review Board of the McGuire Research Institute (ID # 02189). Dissemination plans will include the Veteran Health Administration and its practitioners, the national SCI/D services office, the general healthcare community and the veteran population, as well as the entire SCI community via submitting quarterly letters or peer-review articles.

Trial registration number

NCT03345576.
Development of machine learning support for reading whole body diffusion-weighted MRI (WB-MRI) in myeloma for the detection and quantification of the extent of disease before and after treatment (MALIMAR): protocol for a cross-sectional diagnostic test accuracy study
Authors: Satchwell Laura , Wedlake Linda , Greenlay Emily , Li Xingfeng , Messiou Christina , Glocker Ben , Barwick Tara , Barfoot Theodore , Doran Simon , Leach Martin O , Koh Dow Mu , Kaiser Martin , Winzeck Stefan , Qaiser Talha , Aboagye Eric , Rockall Andrea
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence as the first-line imaging tool for diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Reporting WB-MRI scans requires expertise to interpret and can be challenging for radiologists who need to meet rapid turn-around requirements. Automated computational tools based on machine learning (ML) could assist the radiologist in terms of sensitivity and reading speed and would facilitate improved accuracy, productivity and cost-effectiveness. The MALIMAR study aims to develop and validate a ML algorithm to increase the diagnostic accuracy and reading speed of radiological interpretation of WB-MRI compared with standard methods.

Methods and analysis

This phase II/III imaging trial will perform retrospective analysis of previously obtained clinical radiology MRI scans and scans from healthy volunteers obtained prospectively to implement training and validation of an ML algorithm. The study will comprise three project phases using approximately 633 scans to (1) train the ML algorithm to identify active disease, (2) clinically validate the ML algorithm and (3) determine change in disease status following treatment via a quantification of burden of disease in patients with myeloma. Phase 1 will primarily train the ML algorithm to detect active myeloma against an expert assessment (‘reference standard’). Phase 2 will use the ML output in the setting of radiology reader study to assess the difference in sensitivity when using ML-assisted reading or human-alone reading. Phase 3 will assess the agreement between experienced readers (with and without ML) and the reference standard in scoring both overall burden of disease before and after treatment, and response.

Ethics and dissemination

MALIMAR has ethical approval from South Central—Oxford C Research Ethics Committee (REC Reference: 17/SC/0630). IRAS Project ID: 233501. CPMS Portfolio adoption (CPMS ID: 36766). Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part. MALIMAR is funded by National Institute for Healthcare Research Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation funding (NIHR EME Project ID: 16/68/34). Findings will be made available through peer-reviewed publications and conference dissemination.

Trial registration number

NCT03574454.
How do hospital inpatients conceptualise patient safety? A qualitative interview study using constructivist grounded theory
Authors: Barrow Emily , Lear Rachael A , Morbi Abigail , Long Susannah , Darzi Ara , Mayer Erik , Archer Stephanie
Published: October 2022

Background

Efforts to involve patients in patient safety continue to revolve around professionally derived notions of minimising clinical risk, yet evidence suggests that patients hold perspectives on patient safety that are distinct from clinicians and academics. This study aims to understand how hospital inpatients across three different specialties conceptualise patient safety and develop a conceptual model that reflects their perspectives.

Methods

A qualitative semi-structured interview study was conducted with 24 inpatients across three clinical specialties (medicine for the elderly, elective surgery and maternity) at a large central London teaching hospital. An abbreviated form of constructivist grounded theory was employed to analyse interview transcripts. Constant comparative analysis and memo-writing using the clustering technique were used to develop a model of how patients conceptualise patient safety.

Results

While some patients described patient safety using terms consistent with clinical/academic definitions, patients predominantly conceptualised patient safety in the context of what made them ‘feel safe’. Patients’ feelings of safety arose from a range of care experiences involving specific actors: hospital staff, the patient, their friends/family/carers, and the healthcare organisation. Four types of experiences contributed to how patients conceptualise safety: actions observed by patients; actions received by patients; actions performed by patients themselves; and shared actions involving patients and other actors in their care.

Conclusions

Our findings support the need for a patient safety paradigm that is meaningful to all stakeholders, incorporating what matters to patients tofeelsafe in hospital. Additional work should explore and test how the proposed conceptual model can be practically applied and implemented to incorporate the patient conceptualisation of patient safety into everyday clinical practice.
Time cost associated with sports participation for athletes with high support needs: a time-motion analysis of tasks required for para swimming
Authors: Dutia Iain , Curran Declan , Donohoe Adam , Beckman Emma , Tweedy Sean Michael
Published: October 2022

Objectives

People with cerebral palsy and high support needs (CP&HSN) are profoundly inactive but also under-represented in studies evaluating physical activity interventions. Reasons for their exclusion have not been evaluated. We hypothesised that CP&HSN would be associated with high time costs of preparatory activities (eg, getting dressed/undressed), possibly contributing to low participation and under-representation. Accordingly, this pilot study aimed to: (1) evaluate whether the time required for preparatory activities was extremely different (≥3 SD) between swimmers with and without CP&HSN; and (2) provide a qualitative indication of the preparatory tasks undertaken by swimmers with CP&HSN.

Methods

Each of three experienced (5 years) para swimmers with CP&HSN and 20 non-disabled swimmers were timed entering and then exiting the pool on three occasions. Mean entry and exit time for each para swimmer was compared with the group mean for non-disabled swimmers, and differences of greater than 3.0 SD were considered extreme. A qualitative description of the tasks completed by the para swimmers was recorded.

Results

The differences in time costs between para and non-disabled swimmers met the criterion of extreme. Pool entry times for para swimmers were 8–13 times greater (Effect size = 4.1–8.7). Pool exit times were 6–10 times greater (ES=7.0–9.5). 90% of tasks completed by para swimmers required personal assistance or wheeled mobility.

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests that, compared with non-disabled swimmers, time costs for preparation to commence or depart training are extremely high for swimmers with CP&HSN. Further research is required to evaluate the veracity of these findings.
Early surgical intervention versus conservative management of asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Costa Gonçalo Nuno Ferraz , Cardoso João Fernandes Lopes , Oliveiros Bárbara , Gonçalves Lino , Teixeira Rogerio
Published: October 2022

Objective

Timing of intervention for patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) remains controversial. To compare the outcomes of early aortic valve replacement (AVR) versus watchful waiting (WW) in patients with asymptomatic severe AS.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases, in December 2021, for studies comparing early AVR with WW in the treatment of asymptomatic severe AS. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed.

Results

Twelve studies were included in which two were randomised clinical trials. A total of 4130 patients were included, providing a 1092 pooled death events. Our meta-analysis showed a significantly lower all-cause mortality for the early AVR compared with WW group, although with a high amount of heterogeneity between studies in the magnitude of the effect (pooled OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.45, p<0.01; I²=61%). An early surgery strategy displayed a significantly lower cardiovascular mortality (pooled OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.56, p<0.01; I²=64%) and heart failure hospitalisation (pooled OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.39, p<0.01, I²=7%). However, both groups had similar rates of stroke (pooled OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.73 to 2.29, p=0.36, I²=0%) and myocardial infarction (pooled OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.19 to 1.27, p=0.14, I²= 0%).

Conclusions

This study suggests that for patients with asymptomatic severe AS an early surgical intervention compared with a conservative WW strategy was associated with a lower heart failure hospitalisation and a similar rate of stroke or myocardial infarction, although with significant risk of bias.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021291144.
CUL3/SPOP complex prevents immune escape and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells through degradation of PD-L1 protein
Authors: Dong Min , Qian Min , Ruan Zhengyi
Published: October 2022

Background

Cancer immune escape is a main obstacle in designing effective anticancer therapeutic approaches. Our work was aimed to explore the function of cullin 3 (CUL3) in ovarian cancer cell immune escape and chemosensitivity.

Method

Gain and loss of function assays were conducted to investigate the interactions among CUL3, speckle type POZ protein (SPOP) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) as well as their effects on ovarian cell malignant phenotypes and chemosensitivity. A mouse model of xenografted ovarian cells was further established for in vivo substantiation.

Result

Poorly-expressed CUL3 and SPOP were found in ovarian cancer. Overexpression of CUL3 reduced malignant features as well as immune escape of ovarian cancer cells but enhanced chemosensitivity. Functionally, CUL3 degraded PD-L1 protein by forming complex with SPOP. Overexpression of CUL3 inhibited tumor formation and enhanced chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer cells in mice by degrading PD-L1 protein.

Conclusion

All in all, CUL3/SPOP formed a complex to promote PD-L1 degradation to inhibit ovarian cancer cell immune escape and increase chemosensitivity, offering a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment.
Intracranial rheumatoid nodule causing recurrent transient neurological deficits
Authors: Brossard-Barbosa Natalie , Donaldson Laura , Sokolova Elena , AlShafai Laila , Margolin Edward
Published: October 2022

A 67-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis developed recurrent acute onset of stereotyped focal neurological abnormalities. Cerebral imaging showed a mass lesion in the left parieto-occipital lobe. Imaging did not show the time evolution expected in stroke and so he underwent an extensive workup, which was inconclusive. Brain biopsy identified a rheumatoid nodule causing an extensive inflammatory reaction that mimicked a mass. Following treatment with intravenous corticosteroids and rituximab infusions, his clinical condition improved. While rheumatoid meningitis is well recognised, a rheumatoid nodule in the brain rarely presents as a mass lesion. Nevertheless, it is important to consider rheumatoid nodule in the differential diagnosis of a cerebral mass lesion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Tests of standard cosmology in Hořava gravity, Bayesian evidence for a closed universe, and the Hubble tension
Authors: Nilsson Nils A. , Park Mu-In
Published: October 2022

We consider some background tests of standard cosmology in the context of Hořava gravity with different scaling dimensions for space and time, which has been proposed as a renormalizable, higher-derivative, Lorentz-violating quantum gravity model without ghost problems. We obtain the “very strong” and “strong” Bayesian evidences for our two cosmology models A and B, respectively, depending on the choice of parametrization based on Hořava gravity, against the standard, spatially-flat, LCDM cosmology model based on general relativity. An MCMC analysis with the observational data, including BAO, shows (a) preference of a closed universe with the curvature density parameter $$\Omega _k=-0.005\pm 0.001$$

Ω
k

=
-
0.005
±
0.001

, $$-0.004^{+0.003}_{-0.001}$$

-
0
.

004

-
0.001

+
0.003

, (b) reduction of the Hubble tension with the Hubble constant $$H_0=71.4^{+1.2}_{-0.9}$$

H
0

=
71
.

4

-
0.9

+
1.2

, $$69.5^{+1.6}_{-0.9}~ \mathrm{km}\, \mathrm{s}^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$$

69
.

5

-
0.9

+
1.6

km

s

-
1

Mpc

-
1

for the models A, B, respectively, and also (c) a positive result on the discordance problem. We comment on some possible further improvements for the “cosmic-tension problem” by considering the more complete early-universe physics, based on the Lorentz-violating standard model with anisotropic space-time scaling, consistently with Hořava gravity, as well as the observational data which are properly adopted for the closed universe.
Efficient Adaptive Upsampling Module for Real-Time Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Yang Xinneng , Wu Yan , Zhao Junqiao , Liu Feilin , Liao Yujun , Mo Yujian
Published: October 2022

Upsampling operation is necessary for semantic segmentation and other pixel-level prediction tasks. Among the commonly used upsampling operations, some are too simple to effectively recover the spatial details lost during downsampling process, and some are too complex and have high computation complexity. In real-world applications, it is critical to achieve high accuracy and maintain real-time inference speed. Therefore, an efficient upsampling operation is essential for these tasks. In this paper, we introduce efficient adaptive upsampling module (EAUM) for real-time semantic segmentation. Inspired by dynamic filter networks, EAUM adaptively predicts the kernel weight of each point in the upsampled feature map according to the corresponding points in the input feature map. To reduce computational cost, EAUM decomposes the spatial information and channel information required for upsampling. The proposed EAUM shows impressive performance on Cityscapes and CamVid benchmarks. Specifically, DenseENet with EAUM outperforms the baseline by 1.4% [Formula: see text] and 1.6% [Formula: see text] in accuracy with a slight drop in inference speed on Cityscapes test dataset.
Locally Differentially Private Frequent Pattern Mining for High-Dimensional Data in Mobile Smart Services
Authors: Li Qi , Peng Shunshun , Wu Haonan , Ran Ruisheng , Li Yong , Zhou Mingliang , Guo Taolin , Mao Qin
Published: October 2022

Collecting users’ historical data such as movie watching and music listening, and mining frequent items from them, can improve the utility of smart services, but there is also a risk of compromising user privacy. Local differential privacy is a strict definition of privacy and has been widely used in various privacy-preserving data collection scenarios. However, the accuracy of existing locally differentially private frequent items mining methods decreases significantly with the increase in the dimensions of data to be collected. In this paper, we propose a new locally differentially private frequent item mining method for high-dimensional data, which decreases the dimension used for data perturbation by grouping the contents and improving the interference matrix generation method, so as to improve the data reconstruction accuracy. The experimental results show that our proposed method can significantly improve the accuracy of frequent item mining and provide a better trade-off between privacy and accuracy compared with existing methods.
Next Flight Prediction for PKX's Frequent Flyers
Authors: Yao Binhong , Wen Xialing , Li Peixing
Published: October 2022

Frequent flyers have been shown to have a significant impact on airline long-term profitability, so it is becoming increasingly crucial to understand their needs. Objective of this paper is to forecast the next flight of frequent flyers, which will not only improve the customer experience but also assist airlines optimize their ticketing service platforms. In the data preparation phase, we use methods including data transformation and genetic algorithms (GA) to directly extract statistical features or excavate new predictors, which is inspired by the characteristics of the frequent flyers of Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). We synthesize ensemble models, linear regression models, evolutionary computation models, and fusion models for prediction. The hyperparameters can be optimized by the Tree-structured Parzen Estimator (TPE). After extensive comparison, the model developed with the average fusion strategy obtains the best prediction on the test set with a minimal MSLE of 0.7893.
On the Inverse Frequent Itemset Mining Problem for Condensed Representations of Itemsets
Authors: Tamvakis Petros N. , Sakkopoulos Evangelos , Verykios Vassilios S.
Published: October 2022

Inverse frequent itemset mining can be successfully modelled as an instance of the Probabilistic Satisfiability problem. Given a transaction database we can perform a frequent itemset mining algorithm, like the Apriori algorithm, to obtain useful itemset collections such as frequent or closed itemsets. We then use these itemset collections as frequency constraints in order to reconstruct the original database by solving a linear programming problem. There are cases however, where the reconstructed database is not in direct agreement with the original one. In this study, we analyse the degree of similarity between the original database and the reconstructed one, when different variations of condensed itemset representations are used as the initial frequency constraints. We examine how much the initial database properties and itemset relations have been preserved when we emphasize on the frequent itemset border and assess database quality by measuring database distance metrics. As this solution framework presents increased computational cost, we also consider a heuristic approach that is based on the notion that a transaction can be also considered as an itemset and compare the strengths and weaknesses of each framework when the same conditions apply. We manage to improve the efficiency of existing heuristic based approaches to the problem by utilizing smaller initial itemset collections. Our work contributes in (a) privacy preserving data mining and (b) gain in transaction database storage memory savings.
Petal number of torus knots using superbridge indices
Authors: Kim Hyoungjun , No Sungjong , Yoo Hyungkee
Published: October 2022

A petal projection of a knot [Formula: see text] is a projection of a knot which consists of single multi-crossing and non-nested loops. Since a petal projection gives a sequence of natural numbers for a given knot, the petal projection is a useful model to study knot theory. It is known that every knot has a petal projection. A petal number [Formula: see text] is the minimum number of loops required to represent the knot [Formula: see text] as a petal projection. In this paper, we find the relation between a superbridge index and a petal number of an arbitrary knot. By using this relation, we find the petal number of [Formula: see text] as follows: [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mod [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we also find the upper bound of the petal number of [Formula: see text] as follows: [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] mod [Formula: see text].
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO DEAL WITH THE POST COVID-19 FRACTAL DYNAMICS LINKED WITH ECONOMY
Authors: JIANG YINGZI , FAHMY MOHAMED ABDELSABOUR , AMIN NAIMA , SOHAIL AYESHA , ALAM FATIMA , NOFAL TAHER A.
Published: October 2022

Data-based studies have always provided useful insights of the research problem, provided that correct statistical modeling and inference strategies are adopted. For bi-directional studies or longitudinal datasets, it is always difficult to analyze the dependence of variables and their impact on the key features. With the advancement in the fields of data science and the applied mathematical modeling, these difficulties are well resolved. The machine learning algorithms can help to streamline the data-based studies in a robust manner. During this research, the COVID-19 data are analyzed with the aid of machine learning classification tools to identify the predictors, directly influenced by the pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on the world’s economy can be better interpreted with the aid of data-based research. The data linked to the unemployment rates, during the frequent waves of COVID-19, are extracted from different sources and analyzed during this research for better forecasting measures. The nonlinear dynamical analysis can be visualized with the aid of the 2D fractal pattern generation approach. Thus the current research is an attempt to connect the outcomes of the classification analysis to the 2D fractal generation for better visual interpretation of lengthy large datasets.