bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The key role of propane in a sustainable cooling sector
Authors: Purohit Pallav , Höglund-Isaksson Lena , Borgford-Parnell Nathan , Klimont Zbigniew , Smith Christopher J.
Published: August 2022

Split air conditioners (ACs) are the most used appliance for space cooling worldwide. The phase-down of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) prescribed by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol has triggered a major effort to find less harmful alternative refrigerants. HFC-32 is currently the most common refrigerant to replace HFC-410A in split ACs. The GWP of HFC-32 is about one-third that of HFC-410A but still considerably higher than that of a growing number of nonfluorinated alternatives like propane with a GWP of <1, which have recently become commercially available for split ACs. Here, we show that a switch to propane as an energy-efficient and commercially available low-GWP alternative in split ACs could avoid 0.09 (0.06 to 0.12) °C increase in global temperature by the end of the century. This is significantly more than the 0.03 (0.02 to 0.05) °C avoided warming from a complete switch to HFC-32 in split ACs.
De novo designed protein inhibitors of amyloid aggregation and seeding
Authors: Murray Kevin A. , Hu Carolyn J. , Griner Sarah L. , Pan Hope , Bowler Jeannette T. , Abskharon Romany , Rosenberg Gregory M. , Cheng Xinyi , Seidler Paul M. , Eisenberg David S.
Published: August 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the pathologic accumulation of aggregated proteins. Known as amyloid, these fibrillar aggregates include proteins such as tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and alpha-synuclein (αSyn) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The development and spread of amyloid fibrils within the brain correlates with disease onset and progression, and inhibiting amyloid formation is a possible route toward therapeutic development. Recent advances have enabled the determination of amyloid fibril structures to atomic-level resolution, improving the possibility of structure-based inhibitor design. In this work, we use these amyloid structures to design inhibitors that bind to the ends of fibrils, “capping” them so as to prevent further growth. Using de novo protein design, we develop a library of miniprotein inhibitors of 35 to 48 residues that target the amyloid structures of tau, Aβ, and αSyn. Biophysical characterization of top in silico designed inhibitors shows they form stable folds, have no sequence similarity to naturally occurring proteins, and specifically prevent the aggregation of their targeted amyloid-prone proteins in vitro. The inhibitors also prevent the seeded aggregation and toxicity of fibrils in cells. In vivo evaluation reveals their ability to reduce aggregation and rescue motor deficits in
Caenorhabditis elegans
models of PD and AD.
Lipid nanoparticle-mediated lymph node–targeting delivery of mRNA cancer vaccine elicits robust CD8
+
T cell response
Authors: Chen Jinjin , Ye Zhongfeng , Huang Changfeng , Qiu Min , Song Donghui , Li Yamin , Xu Qiaobing
Published: August 2022

The targeted delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) to desired organs remains a great challenge for in vivo applications of mRNA technology. For mRNA vaccines, the targeted delivery to the lymph node (LN) is predicted to reduce side effects and increase the immune response. In this study, we explored an endogenously LN-targeting lipid nanoparticle (LNP) without the modification of any active targeting ligands for developing an mRNA cancer vaccine. The LNP named 113-O12B showed increased and specific expression in the LN compared with LNP formulated with ALC-0315, a synthetic lipid used in the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty. The targeted delivery of mRNA to the LN increased the CD8
+
T cell response to the encoded full-length ovalbumin (OVA) model antigen. As a result, the protective and therapeutic effect of the OVA-encoding mRNA vaccine on the OVA-antigen–bearing B16F10 melanoma model was also improved. Moreover, 113-O12B encapsulated with TRP-2 peptide (TRP2
180–188
)–encoding mRNA also exhibited excellent tumor inhibition, with the complete response of 40% in the regular B16F10 tumor model when combined with anti–programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy, revealing broad application of 113-O12B from protein to peptide antigens. All the treated mice showed long-term immune memory, hindering the occurrence of tumor metastatic nodules in the lung in the rechallenging experiments that followed. The enhanced antitumor efficacy of the LN-targeting LNP system shows great potential as a universal platform for the next generation of mRNA vaccines.
Small molecule photocatalysis enables drug target identification via energy transfer
Authors: Trowbridge Aaron D. , Seath Ciaran P. , Rodriguez-Rivera Frances P. , Li Beryl X. , Dul Barbara E. , Schwaid Adam G. , Buksh Benito F. , Geri Jacob B. , Oakley James V. , Fadeyi Olugbeminiyi O. , Oslund Rob C. , Ryu Keun Ah , White Cory , Reyes-Robles Tamara , Tawa Paul , Parker Dann L. , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: August 2022

Over half of new therapeutic approaches fail in clinical trials due to a lack of target validation. As such, the development of new methods to improve and accelerate the identification of cellular targets, broadly known as target ID, remains a fundamental goal in drug discovery. While advances in sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies have revolutionized drug target ID in recent decades, the corresponding chemical-based approaches have not changed in over 50 y. Consigned to outdated stoichiometric activation modes, modern target ID campaigns are regularly confounded by poor signal-to-noise resulting from limited receptor occupancy and low crosslinking yields, especially when targeting low abundance membrane proteins or multiple protein target engagement. Here, we describe a broadly general platform for photocatalytic small molecule target ID, which is founded upon the catalytic amplification of target-tag crosslinking through the continuous generation of high-energy carbene intermediates via visible light-mediated Dexter energy transfer. By decoupling the reactive warhead tag from the small molecule ligand, catalytic signal amplification results in unprecedented levels of target enrichment, enabling the quantitative target and off target ID of several drugs including (+)-JQ1, paclitaxel (Taxol), dasatinib (Sprycel), as well as two G-protein-coupled receptors—ADORA2A and GPR40.
Development and validity of the subjective training quality scale
Authors: Shell Stephanie J. , Slattery Katie , Clark Brad , Broatch James R. , Halson Shona L. , Coutts Aaron J.
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to define, develop, and validate a subjective scale of training quality. Two related studies were used to 1) define training quality and 2) develop and validate a subjective scale. Part One: a purposive sample of 15 sub‐elite (i.e. national) and elite (i.e. international) swimmers participated in one, 20–30‐min semi‐structured interview. Thematic analysis of interview responses established three constructs to define training quality. These were the physical, technical, and mental aspects of training. Part Two: development of the Subjective Training Quality (STQ) scale based on the three constructs identified in Part One. 252 sub‐elite and elite athletes, across eight sports completed the STQ scale. Cronbach's alpha (α) assessed internal consistency, histogram plot analysis assessed face validity, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) compared physical, technical, and mental constructs with training quality. Root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and standardised root mean square residual (SRMR) evaluated CFA quality of fit. Physical, technical, and mental constructs demonstrated a high “acceptable” level of internal consistency (α = 0.85) and excellent face validity. Comparatively, the CFA quality of fit was “excellent” (RMSEA = <0.01 “good”, SRMR = 0.00 “perfect”). The STQ scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency and face validity, establishing capacity to monitor training quality. The STQ scale could be used in conjunction with traditional training monitoring tools to provide additional insight into athlete's training quality. Further investigation is required to determine how the STQ scale may interact with subjective and objective training performance measures, and how it could be incorporated into daily training monitoring.
Acute effects of electrostimulation and blood flow restriction on muscle thickness and fatigue in the lower body
Authors: Santiago‐Pescador Salvador , Fajardo‐Blanco Daniel , López‐Ortiz Susana , Peñín‐Grandes Saúl , Méndez‐Sánchez Roberto , Lucia Alejandro , Martín‐Hernández Juan , Santos‐Lozano Alejandro
Published: August 2022

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in combination with blood flow restriction (BFR) enhances muscle hypertrophy and force‐generating capacity. The present study aimed to investigate the acute effects of BFR and NMES, both in isolation and in combination, on muscle thickness (MT) and fatigue in the lower body of 20 young healthy subjects. Different stimuli were applied for 25 min, defined by the combination of BFR with high‐ and low‐frequency NMES, and also isolated BFR or NMES. Changes in MT were then evaluated by ultrasound of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles at the end of the session (POST) and 15 min later (POST 15’). Lower limb fatigue was evaluated indirectly by strength performance. Results showed that RF MT was higher under the combined protocol (BFR + NMES) or isolated BFR than under NMES – regardless of the frequency – both at POST (p ≤ 0.018) and POST 15’ (p ≤ 0.016). No significant changes in MT were observed under isolated NMES or BFR at POST 15’ when compared with basal values (p ≥ 0.067). No significant differences were observed for VL MT between conditions (p = 0.322) or for fatigue between conditions (p ≥ 0.258). Our results indicate that a combination of BFR and NMES acutely increases MT in sedentary subjects. Also, although not significantly, BFR conditions had a greater tendency to induce fatigue than isolated NMES.
Phollow the phosphoinositol: Actin dynamics at the B cell immune synapse
Authors: Wang Mitchell S. , Huse Morgan
Published: August 2022

Actin remodeling promotes B cell activation by enabling B cell antigen receptor clustering in the immune synapse. In the current issue of JCB, Droubi et al. (2022. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202112018) find that this process is initiated by the lipid phosphatase INPP5B, which shapes synaptic actin architecture by locally depleting phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate.
Enhanced heat transfer characteristics of the mini hexagonal tube heat sink using hybrid nanofluids
Authors: Sriharan G , Harikrishnan S , Ali Hafiz Muhammad
Published: August 2022

The thermal performance of different hybrid nanofluids on the mini hexagonal tube heat sink has been investigated experimentally. Al2O3/SiO2-DIW, Al2O3/CuO-DIW, and CuO/SiO2-DIW nanofluids have been used as the working fluids. The aggregate of 0.01 volume fraction of Al2O3, CuO, and SiO2nanoparticles for hybridizing ratios (80:20) has been considered to prepare deionized water-based hybrid nanofluids. The thermal performance of three different hybrid nanofluids inside the mini hexagonal tube heat sink has been assessed. The varying volumetric flow rates of 15–50 lph have been maintained on the hexagonal tube side and 50 lph on the mini passage side. Herein, the proposed hexagonal-shaped heat sink provides a larger heat contact surface to exchange the heat between the hybrid nanofluids and hot DIW. It is divulged that the increase in the volume flow rate of nanofluids promotes the higher Brownian motion, leading to an increase in convective heat transfer. Amongst three hybrid nanofluids, CuO/SiO2-DIW nanofluids have revealed a slight increase in pumping power while increasing the volume flow rate. From the experimental results, it is shown that the heat transfer coefficient, effectiveness, and Nusselt number have been improved by 54.5%, 42%, and 28.4%, respectively, for Al2O3/CuO-DIW nanofluids. Thus, Al2O3/CuO-DIW nanofluid can be deemed to be an efficient working fluid for the miniature heat sinks to accelerate the heat transfer rates.
Methods for estimating physical activity and energy expenditure using raw accelerometry data or novel analytical approaches: a repository, framework, and reporting guidelines
Authors: Clevenger Kimberly A , Montoye Alexander H K , Van Camp Cailyn A , Strath Scott J , Pfeiffer Karin A
Published: August 2022

The proliferation of approaches for analyzing accelerometer data using raw acceleration or novel analytic approaches like machine learning (‘novel methods’) outpaces their implementation in practice. This may be due to lack of accessibility, either because authors do not provide their developed models or because these models are difficult to find when included as supplementary material. Additionally, when access to a model is provided, authors may not include example data or instructions on how to use the model. This further hinders use by other researchers, particularly those who are not experts in statistics or writing computer code. Objective: We created a repository of novel methods of analyzing accelerometer data for the estimation of energy expenditure and/or physical activity intensity and a framework and reporting guidelines to guide future work. Approach: Methods were identified from a recent scoping review. Available code, models, sample data, and instructions were compiled or created. Main Results: Sixty-three methods are hosted in the repository, in preschoolers (n = 6), children/adolescents (n = 20), and adults (n = 42), using hip (n = 45), wrist (n = 25), thigh (n = 4), chest (n = 4), ankle (n = 6), other (n = 4), or a combination of monitor wear locations (n = 9). Fifteen models are implemented in R, while 48 are provided as cut-points, equations, or decision trees. Significance: The developed tools should facilitate the use and development of novel methods for analyzing accelerometer data, thus improving data harmonization and consistency across studies. Future advances may involve including models that authors did not link to the original published article or those which identify activity type.
Single Gaussian process method for arbitrary tokamak regimes with a statistical analysis
Authors: Leddy J , Madireddy S , Howell E , Kruger S
Published: August 2022

Gaussian process regression is a Bayesian method for inferring profiles based on input data. The technique is increasing in popularity in the fusion community due to its many advantages over traditional fitting techniques including intrinsic uncertainty quantification and robustness to over-fitting. This work investigates the use of a new method, the change-point method, for handling the varying length scales found in different tokamak regimes. The use of the Student’s t-distribution for the Bayesian likelihood probability is also investigated and shown to be advantageous in providing good fits in profiles with many outliers. To compare different methods, synthetic data generated from analytic profiles is used to create a database enabling a quantitative statistical comparison of which methods perform the best. Using a full Bayesian approach with the change-point method, Matérn kernel for the prior probability, and Student’s t-distribution for the likelihood is shown to give the best results.
Laser-induced quenching diagnostics of hydrogen atoms in fusion plasma
Authors: Gorbunov A , Mukhin E , Munoz Burgos J M , Krivoruchko D , Vukolov K , Kurskiev G , Tolstyakov S
Published: August 2022

Laser-induced quenching (LIQ) is a new diagnostic technique developed for hydrogen and hydrogen-like ions with degenerate excited states. The technique is proposed for use in the local measurements of hydrogen parameters (density, temperature, velocity distribution etc) in the scrape-off-layer and divertor plasmas of tokamaks and other fusion devises. The Hα
quenching effect was simulated via a dynamic collision-radiative model developed for the hydrogen atom. The model has also been applied to both analyze the performance of various spectroscopic schemes and to evaluate saturation effects and quenching signals. It is suggested that the LIQ technique could be use to measure hydrogen density as well as electron density from analysis of the quenching-to-fluorescence ratio. Experimental testing was performed in a glow discharge plasma with a pulsed wavelength-tunable OPO laser and in a Globus-M2 tokamak with a time-modulated 1875 nm fiber laser.
Vacuum ultraviolet radiation in and from an atmospheric pressure plasma source
Authors: Donkó Zoltán
Published: August 2022

This work presents a computational study of the atmospheric pressure plasma of the COST jet source in He + 0.1% N2 buffer gas, incorporating the treatment of the VUV resonant radiation from He atoms at a wavelength of 58.4 nm. The plasma is driven by single- and multi-frequency waveforms at various peak-to-peak voltages between 400 V and 685 V. The simulations, which include the photoemission of electrons from the electrodes as well as the photoionization of the N2 molecules indicate that these processes, induced by the VUV radiation, have relatively little influence on the discharge characteristics due to other more efficient charged particle production mechanisms, e.g., Penning ionization. While the plasma characteristics are computed along one spatial dimension perpendicular to the electrodes, the tracing of the VUV photons is executed in the real 3D geometry of the plasma source to allow the computation of the VUV photon flux leaving the device through the orifice. Photon fluxes up to

≈
5
×
1

0

15

cm−2 s−1, corresponding to an energy flux of ≈18 mW cm−2 are found at multi-frequency operation.
Simultaneous measurements of unstable and stable Alfvén eigenmodes in JET
Authors: Tinguely R.A. , Gonzalez-Martin J. , Puglia P.G. , Fil N. , Dowson S. , Porkolab M. , Kumar I. , Podestà M. , Baruzzo M. , Fasoli A. , Kazakov Ye.O. , Nave M.F.F. , Nocente M. , Ongena J. , Štancar Ž. , Contributors JET
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we report the novel experimental observation of both unstable and stable toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) measured simultaneously in a JET tokamak plasma. The three-ion-heating scheme (D-DNBI-3He) is employed to accelerate deuterons to MeV energies, thereby destabilizing TAEs with toroidal mode numbers n = 3–5, each decreasing in mode amplitude. At the same time, the Alfvén eigenmode active diagnostic resonantly excites a stable n = 6 TAE with total normalized damping rate −γ/ω
0 ≈ 1%–4%. Hybrid kinetic-MHD modeling with codes NOVA-K and MEGA both find eigenmodes with similar frequencies, mode structures, and radial locations as in experiment. NOVA-K demonstrates good agreement with the n = 3, 4, and 6 TAEs, matching the damping rate of the n = 6 mode within uncertainties and identifying radiative damping as the dominant contribution. Improved agreement is found with MEGA for all modes: the unstable n = 3–5 and stable n = 2, 6 modes, with the latter two stabilized by higher intrinsic damping and lower fast ion drive, respectively. While some discrepancies remain to be resolved, this unique validation effort gives us confidence in TAE stability predictions for future fusion devices.
A mid-troposphere perspective on the East African climate paradox
Authors: Mölg Thomas , Pickler Carolyne
Published: August 2022

The East African climate paradox—a term framing the observed precipitation decline in the March–May (MAM) wet season of East Africa from roughly 1980–2010, yet an increase in future climates simulated by global climate models (GCMs)—mostly relies on data representing sea level. Here we add a mid-troposphere perspective by combining in-situ meteorological measurements at ∼6000 m a.s.l. from Africa’s highest mountain summit and a carefully selected subset of GCMs through a machine-learning link. Temporal trends of the resultant six weather types do support a drier mountain climate in the recent past and a moister one in the course of the 21st century, and a key to understanding these contrasting trends materializes from the new dominance of changes in weather type frequency in the future climate. Importantly, however, the results also suggest that the trend reversal requires a strong external climate forcing. Hence, the forcing strength should be considered more systematically in forthcoming studies, to challenge the question whether equatorial East Africa’s MAM climate will indeed become wetter in all plausible future scenarios.
Roles of dam and climate change in thermal regime alteration of a large river
Authors: Xiao Zijun , Sun Jian , Yuan Bing , Lin Binliang , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: August 2022

Water temperature in the Yangtze River mainstream has been experiencing significant changes due to the climate change and the operation of a series of world-class large dams, i.e. the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) and upstream cascade dams (CDs). However, quantitative effects of these factors are not fully known, which hinders our understanding on the thermal regime alterations and further prediction in ecosystem response. Here, we will simulate the riverine water temperature (RWT) variations by building a physics-based model, and quantify the respective impacts from TGD, CDs and climate change through a model-based framework. In the framework, both the dam-regulated hydro-thermodynamic processes and the spatial heterogeneity of the meteorological condition in this large river-reservoir system are thoroughly considered. The results show a fluvial warming of 0.31 °C–0.56 °C/10a in recent three decades, mainly attributed to climate change (44%–80% for different reaches). The dam has caused a substantial seasonal thermal lag, e.g. ∼40 d near the TGD in the dry season, and accompanying severe alterations in the monthly RWT. A reduction of 10% in seasonal RWT range is identified, which is attributed to both dam and climate change.
A 3D printed pulmonary mock loop for hemodynamic studies in congenital heart disease
Authors: Conijn M , Wintermans L M , Metselaar R , Ruisch J , Bax E A , van Egmond C A W , Nieuwenstein B , Warmerdam E G , Krings G J
Published: August 2022

Background. With the increasing survival of the congenital heart disease population, there is a growing need for in-depth understanding of blood circulation in these patients. Mock loops provide the opportunity for comprehensive hemodynamic studies without burden and risks for patients. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the presented mock loop to mimic the hemodynamics of the pulmonary circulation with and without stenosis and the MR compatibility of the system. Methods. A pulsatile pump with two chambers, separated by a flexible membrane, was designed and 3D printed. A cough assist device applied an alternating positive and negative pressure on the membrane. One adult, and three pediatric pulmonary bifurcations were 3D printed and incorporated in the setup. Two pediatric models had a 50% stenosis of the left branch. Bilateral compliance chambers allowed for individual compliance tuning. A reservoir determined the diastolic pressure. Two carbon heart valves guaranteed unidirectional flow. The positive pressure on the cough assist device was tuned until an adequate stroke volume was reached with a frequency of 60 bpm. Flow and pressure measurements were performed on the main pulmonary artery and the two branches. The MR compatibility of the setup was evaluated. Results. A stroke volume with a cardiac index of 2 l min−1 m−2 was achieved in all models. Physiological pressure curves were generated in both normal and stenotic models. The mock loop was MR compatible. Conclusion. This MR compatible mock loop, closely resembles the pulmonary circulation thereby providing a controllable environment for hemodynamic studies.
Invited Commentary: Vaccines and Fertility—Why Worry?
Authors: Harville Emily W
Published: August 2022

In a recent issue of the Journal, Wesselink et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191(8):1383–1395) presented findings that indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine does not cause any reduction in fertility in either men or women, while COVID-19 infection may reduce fertility temporarily among men. These are reassuring findings for those seeking pregnancy, as well as for clinicians and the public. There was no scientific reason to be concerned about effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on fertility, so some of the psychological, ethical, and historical reasons for concern are discussed. These include perceptions of risk around “unnatural,” unusual, or dreaded outcomes; vaccine resistance as part of a social and political identity; and the tendency for moral panics to occur around women’s reproductive capacity. On this and other topics, there is a broad need for reproductive health to be better incorporated into clinical trials, and for fertility research to advance in measurement and include a more diverse and global population.
The Benton Visual Form Discrimination Test as a Predictor of Neurocognitive Disorder in Older Veterans
Authors: Maruyama Brian A , Alipio Jocson Valerie Z , Gretler Julie , Doudell Kelly , Lazzeroni Laura C , Hernandez Beatriz , Noda Art , Yesavage Jerome A , Kinoshita Lisa M
Published: August 2022

Objective

The Benton Visual Form Discrimination Test (VFDT) is a commonly used measure of visual discrimination and visual recognition memory and has shown promise in distinguishing between different levels of cognitive impairment. We assess the predictive diagnostic utility of the VFDT in a sample of older Veterans with cognitive concerns.

Method

Subjects included a total of 172 mostly male Veterans over the age of 64 (mean = 76.0; SD = 7.6) recruited from a VA clinic specializing in neuropsychological assessment of older Veterans. The clinical sample included 56 subjects diagnosed with Major Neurocognitive Disorder, 74 diagnosed with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder, and 42 with No Neurocognitive Impairment. Impairment categories were modeled in separate multinomial logistic regressions with two versions of the VFDT as predictors: the Visual Form Discrimination Test-Recognition Subtest (VFDT-Rec) test (visual recognition memory) and the Visual Form Discrimination Test-Matching Subtest VFDT-Mat test (visual form discrimination). Years of education were included as a covariate.

Results

After adjusting for education, higher VFDT-Rec total scores were associated with lower odds of being categorized with a greater degree of cognitive/functional impairment (OR 0.66–0.83, p < .001). VFDT-Mat scores showed a similar pattern, but only reached statistical significance for the Major versus No Neurocognitive Impairment (OR = 0.77, p = .0010) and Major versus Mild comparisons (OR = 0.89, p = .0233).

Conclusions

The VFDT may enhance the confidence of differential diagnosis of dementia in older adult Veterans. Formal education-adjusted norms need to be established for clinical use.
Parcellating the human brain using resting-state dynamic functional connectivity
Authors: Peng Limin , Luo Zhiguo , Zeng Ling-Li , Hou Chenping , Shen Hui , Zhou Zongtan , Hu Dewen
Published: August 2022

Brain cartography has expanded substantially over the past decade. In this regard, resting-state functional connectivity (FC) plays a key role in identifying the locations of putative functional borders. However, scant attention has been paid to the dynamic nature of functional interactions in the human brain. Indeed, FC is typically assumed to be stationary across time, which may obscure potential or subtle functional boundaries, particularly in regions with high flexibility and adaptability. In this study, we developed a dynamic FC (dFC)-based parcellation framework, established a new functional human brain atlas termed D-BFA (DFC-based Brain Functional Atlas), and verified its neurophysiological plausibility by stereo-EEG data. As the first dFC-based whole-brain atlas, the proposed D-BFA delineates finer functional boundaries that cannot be captured by static FC, and is further supported by good correspondence with cytoarchitectonic areas and task activation maps. Moreover, the D-BFA reveals the spatial distribution of dynamic variability across the brain and generates more homogenous parcels compared with most alternative parcellations. Our results demonstrate the superiority and practicability of dFC in brain parcellation, providing a new template to exploit brain topographic organization from a dynamic perspective. The D-BFA will be publicly available for download at https://github.com/sliderplm/D-BFA-618.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus During the COVID-19 Pandemic Compared to Historic Levels: A Retrospective Cohort Study of a Health System
Authors: Movva Naimisha , Suh Mina , Reichert Heidi , Hintze Bradley , Sendak Mark P , Wolf Zachary , Carr Shannon , Kaminski Tom , White Meghan , Fisher Kimberley , Wood Charles T , Fryzek Jon P , Nelson Christopher B , Malcolm William F
Published: August 2022

Background

Surveillance in 2020–2021 showed that seasonal respiratory illnesses were below levels seen during prior seasons, with the exception of interseasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Methods

Electronic health record data of infants aged <1 year visiting the Duke University Health System from 4 October 2015 to 28 March 2020 (pre–COVID-19) and 29 March 2020 to 30 October 2021 (COVID-19) were assessed. International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes for RSV (B97.4, J12.1, J20.5, J21.0) and bronchiolitis (RSV codes plus J21.8, J21.9) were used to detail encounters in the inpatient (IP), emergency department (ED), outpatient (OP), urgent care (UC), and telemedicine (TM) settings.

Results

Pre–COVID-19, 88% of RSV and 92% of bronchiolitis encounters were seen in ambulatory settings. During COVID-19, 94% and 93%, respectively, occurred in ambulatory settings. Pre–COVID-19, the highest RSV proportion was observed in December–January (up to 38% in ED), while the peaks during COVID-19 were seen in July–September (up to 41% in ED) across all settings. RSV laboratory testing among RSV encounters was low during pre–COVID-19 (IP, 51%; ED, 51%; OP, 41%; UC, 84%) and COVID-19 outside of UC (IP, 33%; ED, 47%; OP, 47%; UC, 87%). Full-term, otherwise healthy infants comprised most RSV encounters (pre–COVID-19, up to 57% in OP; COVID-19, up to 82% in TM).

Conclusions

With the interruption of historical RSV epidemiologic trends and the emergence of interseasonal disease during COVID-19, continued monitoring of RSV is warranted across all settings as the changing RSV epidemiology could affect the distribution of health care resources and public health policy.
Mortality Among US Infants and Children Under 5 Years of Age with Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Bronchiolitis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bylsma Lauren C , Suh Mina , Movva Naimisha , Fryzek Jon P , Nelson Christopher B
Published: August 2022

Background

A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize the mortality (overall and by disease severity factors) of US infants and children aged <5 years with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or all-cause bronchiolitis (ACB).

Methods

Comprehensive, systematic literature searches were conducted; articles were screened using prespecified eligibility criteria. A standard risk of bias tool was used to evaluate studies. Mortality was extracted as the rate per 100 000 or the case fatality ratio (CFR; proportion of deaths among RSV/ACB cases).

Results

Among 42 included studies, 36 evaluated inpatient deaths; 10 used nationally representative populations updated through 2013, and only 2 included late-preterm/full-term otherwise healthy infants and children. The RSV/ACB definition varied across studies (multiple International Classification of Diseases [ICD] codes; laboratory confirmation); no study reported systematic testing for RSV. No studies reported RSV mortality rates, while 3 studies provided ACB mortality rates (0.57–9.4 per 100 000). CFRs ranged from 0% to 1.7% for RSV (n = 15) and from 0% to 0.17% for ACB (n = 6); higher CFRs were reported among premature, intensive care unit-admitted, and publicly insured infants and children.

Conclusions

RSV mortality reported among US infants and children is variable. Current, nationally representative estimates are needed for otherwise healthy, late-preterm to full-term infants and children.
Biologic Therapies for the Treatment of Post-ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis Surgery Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shehab Mohammad , Alrashed Fatema , Charabaty Aline , Bessissow Talat
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronic inflammatory disorders after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery are common. These include chronic pouchitis (CP), Crohn’s disease (CD) of the pouch, prepouch ileitis (PI) and rectal cuff inflammation (cuffitis). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of biologic therapies in treating these disorders.

Method

Systematic review of all published studies from inception to August 1, 2021 was performed to investigate the efficacy of biologic therapies for post-IPAA chronic inflammatory disorders. The primary outcome was the efficacy of biologic therapies in achieving complete clinical response in patients with IPAA.

Results

A total of 26 studies were identified including 741 patients. Using a random-effect model, the efficacy of infliximab in achieving complete clinical response in patients with CP was 51% (95% CI, 36 to 66), whereas the efficacy of adalimumab was 47% (95% CI, 31 to 64). The efficacies of ustekinumab and vedolizumab were 41% (95% CI, 06 to 88) and 63% (95% CI, 35 to 84), respectively. In patients with CD/PI, the efficacy of infliximab in achieving complete clinical response was 52% (95% CI, 33 to 71), whereas the efficacy of adalimumab was 51% (95% CI, 40 to 61). The efficacies of ustekinumab and vedolizumab were 42% (95% CI, 06 to 90) and 67% (95% CI, 38 to 87), respectively. Only one study involved patients with cuffitis.

Conclusion

Ustekinumab, infliximab, vedolizumab and adalimumab are effective in achieving complete clinical response in post-IPAA surgery chronic inflammatory disorders. More studies are needed to determine the efficacy of biologics in cuffitis.
Platform-Based Business Models and Financial Inclusion: Policy Trade-Offs and Approaches
Authors: Croxson Karen , Frost Jon , Gambacorta Leonardo , Valletti Tommaso
Published: August 2022

Three types of digital platforms are expanding in financial services: (i) fintech entrants; (ii) big tech firms; and (iii) increasingly, incumbent financial institutions with platform-based business models. These platforms can dramatically lower costs and thereby aid financial inclusion—but these same features can give rise to digital monopolies and oligopolies. Digital platforms operate in multisided markets and rely crucially on big data. This leads to specific network effects, returns to scale and scope, and policy trade-offs. To reap the benefits of platforms while mitigating risks, policy makers can: (i) apply existing financial, antitrust and privacy regulations, (ii) adapt old and adopt new regulations, combining an activity and entity-based approach, and/or (iii) provide new public infrastructures, such as digital identity and retail fast payment systems. These public infrastructures, as well as ex ante competition rules and data portability, are particularly promising. Yet to achieve their policy goals, central banks and financial regulators need to coordinate with competition and data protection authorities.
What workers can tell us about post-COVID workability
Authors: Lunt J , Hemming S , Burton K , Elander J , Baraniak A
Published: August 2022

Background

The apparent functional impact of post-COVID-19 syndrome has workability implications for large segments of the working-age population.

Aims

To understand obstacles and enablers around self-reported workability of workers following COVID-19, to better guide sustainable workplace accommodations.

Methods

An exploratory online survey comprising quantitative and qualitative questions was disseminated via social media and industry networks between December 2020 and February 2021, yielding usable responses from 145 workers. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis.

Results

Over half of the sample (64%) were from the health, social care, and education sectors. Just under 15% had returned to work, and 53% and 50% reported their physical and psychological workability respectively as moderate at best. Leading workability obstacles were multi-level, comprising fatigue, the interaction between symptoms and job, lack of control over job pressures, inappropriate sickness absence management policies, and lack of COVID-aware organizational cultures. Self-management support, modified work, flexible co-developed graded return-to-work planning, and improved line management competency were advocated as key enablers.

Conclusions

Assuming appropriate medical management of any pathophysiological complications of COVID-19, maintaining or regaining post-COVID workability might reasonably follow a typical biopsychosocial framework enhanced to cater to the fluctuating nature of the symptoms. This should entail flexible, regularly reviewed and longer-term return-to-work planning addressing multi-level workability obstacles, co-developed between workers and line managers, with support from human resources, occupational health professionals (OHP’s), and a COVID-aware organizational culture.
3D Gait Analysis and Patient-reported Outcomes of Femoral Osteotomies for Torsional Deformity
Authors: Hamid Jehan , Do Patrick , Bauer Jeremy
Published: August 2022

Background:

Idiopathic torsional deformities causing pain and/or functional difficulty is an indication for a femoral derotational osteotomy (FDRO). Past studies have focused entirely on children with internal femoral torsional deformity (IFTD). This study aims to compare gait and outcomes between children with IFTD and those with external femoral torsional deformity (EFTD) after a FDRO.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent an FDRO between 1997 and 2020 at our institution. Data on typically developing (TD) children with no torsional deformity was used as a control group. We analyzed preoperative and postoperative standardized physical examination, 3-dimensional gait analysis, and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument questionnaires.

Results:

There were 54 patients in total (IFTD=37, EFTD=17) and 20 patients in the control group. The EFTD cohort was older (IFTD=11.7, EFTD=14.7, P<0.05) and had a higher body mass index both preoperatively (IFTD=21.1 kg/m2, EFTD=32.1 kg/m2, P<0.05) and postoperatively (IFTD=20.2 kg/m2, EFTD=34.1 kg/m2, P<0.05). Preoperatively, 3-dimensional gait analysis elicited mean hip rotation in stance was more internal for IFTD cohort (10.8 degrees) and external for the EFTD cohort (−17.8 degrees) in comparison to the TD (2.4 degrees, P<0.001). Postoperatively, dynamic mean hip rotation during stance was −1.4 degrees for IFTD, whereas for EFTD, it was −5.4 degrees, which was different to the TD (P<0.05). The IFTD group’s Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument improved for transfer/basic mobility, sports/physical function, global functioning, and satisfaction with symptoms (P<0.05). The EFTD group that only reported an improvement with the satisfaction with symptoms after surgery (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Adolescents with surgically corrected IFTD show more improvement in gait and in patient-reported outcomes than those with surgically corrected EFTD. Children with EFTD persist in external rotation and have less satisfactory patient-reported outcomes after a FDRO in comparison those with IFTD.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective comparative study
Trends in Surgical Approach for Single-Level Lumbar Fusion Over the Past Decade
Authors: Wilder J. Heath , Ross Bailey J. , McCluskey Leland C. , Cyriac Mathew , Patel Akshar H. , Sherman William F.
Published: August 2022

Study Design:

Retrospective Comparative Study.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to characterize trends in surgical approach for single-level lumbar fusion over the past decade.

Summary of Background Data:

The number of elective lumbar fusion cases performed is increasing annually. Several different surgical approaches exist for lumbar spinal fusion including novel anterior approaches developed in recent years. With ongoing innovation, trends in the utilization of common surgical approaches in recent years are unclear.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the PearlDiver database (Fort Wayne, IN). Patients undergoing single-level lumbar fusion between 2010 and 2019 were identified using Current Procedural Technology codes and divided into 4 mutually exclusive cohorts based on surgical approach: (1) anterior-only, (2) anterior approach with posterior instrumentation, (3) posterolateral, and (4) posterior-only interbody. Trend analyses of surgical approach utilization over the last decade were performed with the Cochran-Armitage test to evaluate the 2-tailed null hypothesis that utilization of each surgical approach for single-level lumbar fusion remained constant.

Results:

A total of 53,234 patients met inclusion criteria and were stratified into 4 cohorts: anterior-only (n=5104), anterior with posterior instrumentation (n=23,515), posterolateral (n=5525), and posterior-only interbody (n=19,090). Trend analysis revealed the utilization of a posterior-only interbody approach significantly decreased from 36.7% to 29.2% (P<0.001), whereas the utilization of a combined anterior and posterior approach significantly increased from 45.8% to 50.4% (P<0.001). The utilization of an anterior-only approach also significantly increased from 7.9% to 10.5% (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Utilization of anterior-only and anterior with posterior instrumentation approaches for single-level lumbar fusion have been significantly increasing over the past decade while use of posterior-only interbody approach trended significantly downward. These data may be particularly useful for trainees and spine surgeons as new techniques and technology become available.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective cohort study.
Dietary patterns and prevalence of multimorbidity in women in southern Brazil
Authors: Sturmer Jaqueline , Franken Débora Luiza , Ternus Daiane Luisa , Henn Ruth Liane , Soares Dias-da-Costa Juvenal , Anselmo Olinto Maria Teresa , Vieira Paniz Vera Maria
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and prevalence of multimorbidity in women.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 and included 1,128 women aged 20 to 69 years living in the urban area of São Leopoldo municipality, southern Brazil. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more chronic conditions, among the 26 identified. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to investigate the association between the three dietary patterns (healthy, risk, and Brazilian), using different models adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and nutritional status variables.

Results

The results showed differences in the prevalence of adherence to different dietary patterns and multimorbidity across age groups, with a prevalence of multimorbidity and a healthy dietary pattern showing a direct linear trend with age, whereas the risk dietary pattern showed an inverse linear trend with age. The prevalence of the Brazilian dietary pattern remained constant despite differences in age. After adjustment, we found that women with greater adherence to the Brazilian dietary pattern showed a 40% reduction in the prevalence of multimorbidity compared with those with less adherence (prevalence ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.86).

Conclusion

The results revealed that the prevalence of multimorbidity was significantly lower in women with greater adherence to the Brazilian dietary pattern and highlight the importance of dietary interventions in early adulthood as a way to prevent multimorbidity in women.
Health screening of middle-aged women: what factors impact longevity?
Authors: Blümel Juan E. , Aedo Sócrates , Murray Nigel , Vallejo María S. , Chedraui Peter
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to measure the impact of different risk factors in middle-aged women on longevity evaluated after three decades of an initial health screening.

Methods

Women who received an annual check-up between 1990 and 1993 were recruited. Anamnesis and physical examination were recorded. Blood samples for the measurement of glycemia and lipids were taken. Data are reported as of December 2021.

Results

A total of 1,158 women aged 40 to 60 were studied. At 30.9 years of follow-up, the Kaplan-Meier overall survival was 75.6% (95% confidence interval, 72.6-78.3). The main causes of the 260 deaths observed were the following: cancer (n = 88; 33.8%), cardiovascular disease (n = 55; 21.2%), and infectious disease (n = 41; 15.8%). The following hazard ratios were found with the flexible parametric survival model: personal history of fracture (hazard ratio, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-5.02; P = 0.007), type 2 diabetes mellitus (2.14; 1.18-3.88; P = 0.012), personal history of heart disease (1.85; 1.09-3.13; P = 0.022), chronic arterial hypertension (1.65; 1.25-2.17; P < 0.001), postmenopausal status (1.60; 1.13-2.26; P = 0.008), unskilled jobs (1.56; 1.17-2.07; P = 0.002), cigarette smoking (1.51; 1.17-1.94; P = 0.002), age (1.06; 1.03-1.09; P < 0.001), body mass index (1.04; 1.01-1.07; P = 0.004), multiparous (0.72; 0.56-0.93; P = 0.012), and active sexual intercourse (0.68; 0.52-0.87; P = 0.003). Lipid disorders did not reach statistical significance as a risk factor.

Conclusions

In this cohort, it was observed that most of the classic risk factors for mortality were present. However, a history of fracture appears in middle-aged women as a strong predictor of mortality, surpassing diabetes and arterial hypertension. Multiparity, on the other hand, was a protective factor.
Long-term changes in plasma proteomic profiles in premenopausal and postmenopausal Black and White women: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study
Authors: Appiah Duke , Schreiner Pamela J. , Pankow James S. , Brock Guy , Tang Weihong , Norby Faye L. , Michos Erin D. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Folsom Aaron R.
Published: August 2022

Objective

The activity, localization, and turnover of proteins within cells and plasma may contribute to physiologic changes during menopause and may influence disease occurrence. We examined cross-sectional differences and long-term changes in plasma proteins between premenopausal and naturally postmenopausal women.

Methods

We used data from 4,508 (19% Black) women enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. SOMAscan multiplexed aptamer technology was used to measure 4,697 plasma proteins. Linear regression models were used to compare differences in proteins at baseline (1993‐1995) and 18-year change in proteins from baseline to 2011‐2013.

Results

At baseline, 472 women reported being premenopausal and 4,036 women reported being postmenopausal, with average ages of 52.3 and 61.4 years, respectively. A greater proportion of postmenopausal women had diabetes (15 vs 9%), used hypertension (38 vs 27%) and lipid-lowering medications (10 vs 3%), and had elevated total cholesterol and waist girth. In multivariable adjusted models, 38 proteins differed significantly between premenopausal and postmenopausal women at baseline, with 29 of the proteins also showing significantly different changes between groups over the 18-year follow-up as the premenopausal women also reached menopause. These proteins were associated with various molecular/cellular functions (cellular development, growth, proliferation and maintenance), physiological system development (skeletal and muscular system development, and cardiovascular system development and function), and diseases/disorders (hematological and metabolic diseases and developmental disorders).

Conclusions

We observed significantly different changes between premenopausal and postmenopausal women in several plasma proteins that reflect many biological processes. These processes may help to understand disease development during the postmenopausal period.