bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dendrimer-modified gelatin methacrylate hydrogels carrying adipose-derived stromal/stem cells promote cartilage regeneration
Authors: Liu Fengyi , Wang Xu , Li Yuzhou , Ren Mingxing , He Ping , Wang Lu , Xu Jie , Yang Sheng , Ji Ping
Published: January 2022

Background

Cartilage defects pose a significant burden on medical treatment, leading to an urgent need to develop regenerative medicine approaches for cartilage repair, such as stem cell therapy. However, the direct injection of stem cells can result in insufficient delivery or inaccurate differentiation. Hence, it is necessary to choose appropriate stem cell delivery scaffolds with high biocompatibility, injectability and chondral differentiation induction ability for cartilage regeneration.

Methods

In this study, the photocrosslinked gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel with high cell affinity and plasticity was selected and strengthened by incorporating methacrylic anhydride-modified poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM-MA) to fabricate an adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) delivery scaffold for cartilage repair. The physiochemical properties of the GelMA/PAMAM-MA hydrogel, including the internal structure, stability and mechanical properties, were tested. Then, ASCs were encapsulated into the hydrogels to determine the in vitro and in vivo chondrogenic differentiation induction abilities of the GelMA/PAMAM-MA hydrogel.

Results

Compared with the GelMA hydrogel, the GelMA/PAMAM-MA hydrogel exhibited more uniform structure, stability and mechanical properties. Moreover, on the basis of good biocompatibility, the hybrid hydrogel was proven to exert a sufficient ability to promote cartilage regeneration by in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture of rASCs and in vivo articular cartilage defect repair.

Conclusions

The injectable photocrosslinked GelMA/PAMAM-MA hydrogel was proven to be a capable stem cell carrier for cartilage repair and provides new insight into the design strategy of stem cell delivery scaffolds.
Disruption of hematopoiesis attenuates the osteogenic differentiation capacity of bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Wang Changzhen , Ning Hongmei , Gao Jiao , Xue Teng , Zhao Ming , Jiang Xiaoxia , Zhu Xiaoming , Guo Ximin , Li Hong , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: January 2022

Background

The homeostasis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is modulated by both their own intracellular molecules and extracellular milieu signals. Hematopoiesis in the bone marrow is maintained by niche cells, including MSCs, and it is indispensable for life. The role of MSCs in maintaining hematopoietic homeostasis has been fully elucidated. However, little is known about the mechanism by which hematopoietic cells reciprocally regulate niche cells. The present study aimed to explore the close relationship between MSCs and hematopoietic cells, which may be exploited for the development of new therapeutic strategies for related diseases.

Methods

In this study, we isolated cells from the offspring of Tie2Cre + and Ptenflox/flox mice. After cell isolation and culture, we investigated the effect of hematopoietic cells on MSCs using various methods, including flow cytometry, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation analyses, quantitative PCR, western bloting, and microCT analysis.

Results

Our results showed that when the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten) gene was half-deleted in hematopoietic cells, hematopoiesis and osteogenesis were normal in young mice; the frequency of erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow gradually decreased and osteogenesis in the femoral epiphysis weakened as the mice grew. The heterozygous loss of Pten in hematopoietic cells leads to the attenuation of osteogenic differentiation and enhanced adipogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro. Co-culture with normal hematopoietic cells rescued the abnormal differentiation of MSCs, and in contrast, MSCs co-cultured with heterozygous null Pten hematopoietic cells showed abnormal differentiation activity. Co-culture with erythroid progenitor cells also revealed them to play an important role in MSC differentiation.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that hematopoietic cells function as niche cells of MSCs to balance the differentiation activity of MSCs and may ultimately affect bone development.
Cell maturation influences the ability of hESC-RPE to tolerate cellular stress
Authors: Viheriälä Taina , Hongisto Heidi , Sorvari Juhana , Skottman Heli , Nymark Soile , Ilmarinen Tanja
Published: January 2022

Background

Transplantation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is an urgently needed treatment for the cure of degenerative diseases of the retina. The transplanted cells must tolerate cellular stress caused by various sources such as retinal inflammation and regain their functions rapidly after the transplantation. We have previously shown the maturation level of the cultured human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) cells to influence for example their calcium (Ca2+) signaling properties. Yet, no comparison of the ability of hESC-RPE at different maturity levels to tolerate cellular stress has been reported.

Methods

Here, we analyzed the ability of the hESC-RPE populations with early (3 weeks) and late (12 weeks) maturation status to tolerate cellular stress caused by chemical cell stressors protease inhibitor (MG132) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). After the treatments, the functionality of the RPE cells was studied by transepithelial resistance, immunostainings of key RPE proteins, phagocytosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, Ca2+ signaling, and cytokine secretion.

Results

The hESC-RPE population with late maturation status consistently showed improved tolerance to cellular stress in comparison to the population with early maturity. After the treatments, the early maturation status of hESC-RPE monolayer showed impaired barrier properties. The hESC-RPE with early maturity status also exhibited reduced phagocytic and Ca2+ signaling properties, especially after MG132 treatment.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that due to better tolerance to cellular stress, the late maturation status of hESC-RPE population is superior compared to monolayers with early maturation status in the transplantation therapy settings.
Fractional versions of Minkowski-type integral inequalities via unified Mittag-Leffler function
Authors: Zhou Shuang-Shuang , Farid Ghulam , Ahmad Ayyaz
Published: January 2022

We present unified versions of Minkowski-type fractional integral inequalities with the help of fractional integral operator based on a unified Mittag-Leffler function. These inequalities provide new as well as already known fractional versions of Minkowski-type inequalities.
Inequalities for fractional Riemann–Liouville integrals of certain class of convex functions
Authors: Farid Ghulam , Pec̆arić Josip , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: January 2022

Fractional calculus operators play a very important role in generalizing concepts of calculus used in diverse fields of science. In this paper, we use Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals to establish generalized identities, which are further applied to obtain midpoint and trapezoidal inequalities for convex function with respect to a strictly monotone function. These inequalities reproduce midpoint and trapezoidal inequalities for convex, harmonic convex,p-convex, and geometrically convex functions. Also, some new inequalities can be generated via specific strictly monotone functions.
Unsteady non-Newtonian fluid flow with heat transfer and Tresca’s friction boundary conditions
Authors: Paoli Laetitia
Published: January 2022

We consider an unsteady non-isothermal flow problem for a general class of non-Newtonian fluids. More precisely the stress tensor follows a power law of parameterp, namely$\sigma = 2 \mu ( \theta , \upsilon , \| D(\upsilon ) \|) \|D( \upsilon ) \|^{p-2} D(\upsilon ) - \pi \mathrm{Id}$σ=2μ(θ,υ,∥D(υ)∥)∥D(υ)∥p−2D(υ)−πIdwhereθis the temperature,πis the pressure,υis the velocity, and$D(\upsilon )$D(υ)is the strain rate tensor of the fluid. The problem is then described by a non-stationaryp-Laplacian Stokes system coupled to an$L^{1}$L1-parabolic equation describing thermal effects in the fluid. We also assume that the velocity field satisfies non-standard threshold slip-adhesion boundary conditions reminiscent of Tresca’s friction law for solids. First, we consider an approximate problem$(P_{\delta })$(Pδ), where the$L^{1}$L1coupling term in the heat equation is replaced by a bounded one depending on a small parameter$0 < \delta \ll 1$0<δ≪1, and we establish the existence of a solution to$(P_{\delta })$(Pδ)by using a fixed point technique. Then we prove the convergence of the approximate solutions to a solution to our original fluid flow/heat transfer problem asδtends to zero.
Older people in custody in a forensic psychiatric facility, prevalence of dementia, and community reintegration needs: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Stoliker Bryce E. , Kerodal Ashmini G. , Jewell Lisa M. , Brown Kelsey , Kent-Wilkinson Arlene , Peacock Shelley , O’Connell Megan E. , Wormith J. Stephen
Published: January 2022

Background

Across much of the developed world, the number of older people in custody has been increasing, which presents challenges for correctional systems due to the complex social, medical and mental health needs of this subgroup, especially those living with dementia. The present study therefore aimed to increase insight into the extent to which older people in custody are (a) potentially living with dementia and (b) receiving appropriate supports/services (particularly, with respect to community reintegration).

Results

Cross-sectional data were drawn from a sample of 29 older people in custody and 20 correctional health care professionals at a regional forensic psychiatric hospital in a medium-sized Canadian city. In general, analyses revealed that: (a) scores from a modified version of the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI‘D’) suggest that 45% of older individuals screened positive for dementia; (b) 35% of Social Workers and 25% of Primary Nurses (i.e., RNs/RPNs) suspected that at least one older individual on their caseload has dementia, and there was adequate agreement between health staffs’ perception of the presence or absence of dementia and the CSI‘D’ assessment; (c) varying supports/services may be required for older individuals’ successful community reintegration and living; and (d) Social Workers and Primary Nurses generally lack training/education to adequately support older people in custody.

Conclusions

A substantial number of older people in custody may experience age-related challenges, including dementia. This necessitates the development and implementation of programming to effectively address older individuals’ needs during incarceration and community reintegration and living.
Effects of a school-based intervention on levels of anxiety and depression: a cluster-randomized controlled trial of the MindPower program in ten high schools in Norway
Authors: Sælid Gry Anette , Czajkowski Nikolai Olavi , Aarø Leif Edvard , Andersen John Roger , Idsøe Thormod , Helleseter Miguel Delgado , Holte Arne
Published: January 2022

Background

The previous decades have shown increased symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents. To promote mental health and reduce mental illness, the government of Norway has, as in other countries, pledged that all schools must incorporate life-skills education. We report results from an evaluation of MindPower, a modification of the Coping With Depression (CWD) course, delivered universally in the classroom to secondary high school students, aged 15–16 years, in one county in Norway. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of MindPower on symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Methods

We utilized a two-groups` delayed intervention design where 110 first year high school classes were randomized into one of two intervention groups (IG1 and IG2). IG1 participated in MindPower while IG2 served as a control group for four months until the intervention started also in this group. IG1 and IG2 responded to questionnaires before and after the eight weeks course, at the start of the first and the second booster session, and at the five months follow up. Questionnaires, including online versions of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-8) and the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS-2:SF), were administered to 1673 out of a total of 2384 students. SCL-levels were also compared with those from a large population study (UngData).

Results

According to mixed model analyses, SCL-8 and RADS-2:SF showed significant baseline differences between IG1 and IG2. In IG1 and IG2, both SCL-8 and RADS-2:SF showed a small but significant increase in mean scores throughout the study period, with markedly lower mean scores among boys. The SCL-levels were first lower for both girls and boys and then after the completion of MindPower the SCL-levels, equal to the SCL-levels in UngData.

Conclusions

No effects of the intervention were found. This large universal school-based trial suffered from considerable drop-out of participants. Experiences from implementation and evaluation of universal mental health promotion and preventive school interventions are thoroughly discussed, including, preparation, resources, support, time, realistic expectations, teacher selection and training, implementation, research designs and more. Several empirically based, practical advices are presented.

Clinical Trial registration

27/08/2018. Registration number NCT03647826.
The influence of malocclusion on social aspects in adults: study via eye tracking technology and questionnaire
Authors: Gasparello Gil Guilherme , Júnior Sergio Luiz Mota , Hartmann Giovani Ceron , Meira Thiago Martins , Camargo Elisa Souza , Pithon Matheus Melo , Tanaka Orlando
Published: January 2022

Background

Smile esthetics has a strong influence on perception, attractiveness, and personal characteristics. It is unknown how malocclusions may influence the appearance of the individual's smile. This study aimed to investigate whether malocclusion affects the visual perception of esthetics, age, employability, honesty, intelligence and to meet its obligation in time in middle-aged adults. Facial frontal smiling photographs of a male and a female middle-aged adult with 3 different malocclusions were shown to and evaluated by 90 laypeople (non-dentists), divided into groups: young adults (14–44 years), middle-aged adults (45–59 years), and elders (over 60 years). The index of treatment need (IOTN) was used, and IOTN 1, 5, and 8 images were created in Photoshop using the male and female photographs. In total, 6 photographs were evaluated, 3 areas of interest (AOI)—eyes, nose, and mouth—were created for statistical comparison. The Ogama and Eye Tribe tracker were used in conjunction to measure eye tracking. A visual analog scale (VAS) was employed with a questionnaire surveying individuals’ perception of age, employability, honesty, intelligence, and ability to meet obligations. Kruskal–Wallis, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s—chi-squared, and Pearson correlation test were applied.

Results

No statistical difference was found in complete fixation time and time until the first fixation for each AOI for eye-tracking. VAS showed statistical differences in the male and female IOTN 1 images when compared with the IOTN 5 and 8 for both models, and there was no difference between genders in the IOTN 1. As the perceived age of the model increased, the chances of getting hired decreased. Employability, honesty, intelligence, and ability to meet obligations showed higher values for IOTN 1. There were significant differences between age ranges; perception of intelligence in the female IOTN 1 model (p = 0.002) and IOTN 8 model (p < 0.001) and honesty between young adults and middle-aged adults in the male IOTN 1 and 8 images (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There was a difference between age groups in the perception of honesty and intelligence. A well-balanced and attractive was perceived as more youthful and attractive in both genders and may increase the chance of being selected for a job interview or being hired.
Responses of leaf hydraulic traits of Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani to increasing temperature and CO2 concentrations
Authors: Zhao Yao , Sun Mei , Guo Huijun , Feng Chunhui , Liu Zhenya , Xu Junping
Published: January 2022

Background

Against the background of a changing climate, the responses of functional traits of plateau wetland plants to increasing temperatures and CO2 concentrations need to be understood. Hydraulic traits are the key for plants to maintain their ecological functions and affect their growth and survival. However, few studies have comprehensively considered the response strategies of wetland plants' hydraulic traits to environmental changes in the context of water and matter transport, loss, and retention. According to the latest IPCC prediction results, we performed experiments under increased temperature (2 °C) and CO2 levels (850 μmol/mol) in an artificial Sealed-top Chamber (STC) to investigate the responses of the hydraulic characteristics of Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, the dominant species in plateau wetlands in China.

Results

Compared with the CK group, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal length, cuticle thickness, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area of S. tabernaemontani in the ET group were significantly reduced, whereas stomatal density and vein density increased significantly. Compared with the CK group, the hydraulic traits of S. tabernaemontani in the EC group were reduced considerably in stomatal length and cuticle thickness but increased dramatically in stomatal density, and there were no significant differences between other parameter values and the control group. Net photosynthetic rate was significantly positively correlated with stomatal length, cuticle thickness, and vascular bundle length, and stomatal conductance was significantly positively correlated with cuticle thickness. The transpiration rate was significantly positively correlated with cuticle thickness, epidermal cell area, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area. Regarding the hydraulic traits, there was a significant negative correlation between stomatal density and stomatal length, or cuticle thickness, and a significant positive correlation between the latter two. The epidermal cell area was significantly positively correlated with epidermal thickness, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area.

Conclusions

Increased temperature and CO2 levels are not conducive to the photosynthetic activity of S. tabernaemontani. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal density and size, vein density, epidermal structure size, and vascular bundle size play an essential role in the adaptation of this species to changes in temperature and CO2 concentration. In the process of adaptation, hydraulic traits are not isolated from each other, and there is a functional association among traits. This study provide a scientific basis for the management and protection of plateau wetlands.
A culturally adapted, social support-based, diabetes group visit model for Bangladeshi adults in the USA: a feasibility study
Authors: Shah Megha K. , Naing Sukyi , Kurra Nithin , Weber Mary Beth , Islam Nadia , Ali Mohammed K. , Narayan K. M. Venkat
Published: January 2022

Background

Interventions focused on weight loss can prevent, delay, and improve management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, implementation of these programs is challenging in diverse populations. South Asians have higher risk for T2D, yet to date, there have been limited programs for this community in the USA. The aim of this project was to develop and test the feasibility of a tailored group visit model for Bangladeshis with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or prediabetes based in primary care.

Design

Mixed-methods single-arm feasibility study.

Setting

An academic health center-based primary care clinic in Atlanta, Georgia.

Participants

Bangladeshi adults > 18 years old with T2D or prediabetes

Methods

In conjunction with a community-academic board, we conducted focus groups to tailor an existing evidence-based curriculum to a culturally acceptable intervention. Fourteen participants enrolled in the 16-week program focusing on healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss. The primary feasibility outcomes were number of sessions attended and participant satisfaction with the intervention. Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and HbA1C were measured at beginning and end of study. Participants were asked to evaluate each session on level of satisfaction. One tailed paired t tests were used to test significance of pre-post changes in outcomes.

Results

Key themes from the formative focus groups (n = 50) were closely tied to sociocultural beliefs and included: dietary patterns, physical activity perceptions, and healthcare access concerns. In the intervention, 10 of 14 participants had baseline and follow-up data. Participant attendance averaged 50%. Statistically significant reductions in mean weight (− 2%, 95%CI: − 3.1, 0.2 kg), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (− 12.7 mmHg [95%CI: − 23.2, − 2.2]/− 3.7 mmHg [95%CI: − 7.6, − 0.1], respectively), and triglycerides (− 62.6 mg/dl, 95%CI: − 123.1, − 2.0) were noted. Overall, participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program.

Conclusion

A lifestyle program based in primary care is feasible and acceptable for Bangladeshi immigrants. Larger studies testing the effectiveness of group programs, in primary care, to improve cardiometabolic factors are important.

Trials registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03861546. Registered 28 February 2019.
Protocol of a pilot-scale, single-arm, observational study to assess the utility and acceptability of a wearable hydration monitor in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Sandys Vicki , Edwards Colin , McAleese Paul , O’Hare Emer , O’Seaghdha Conall
Published: January 2022

Background

Fluid overload has a high prevalence in haemodialysis patients and is an important risk factor for excess mortality and hospitalisations. Despite the risks associated with chronic fluid overload, it is clinically difficult to assess and maintain fluid status adequately. Current methods of fluid status assessment are either imprecise or time intensive. In particular, to date, no method exists to accurately assess fluid status during the interdialytic interval.

Objectives

This pilot study aimed to evaluate whether a prototype wearable hydration monitor can accurately and reproducibly detect fluid overload in the haemodialysis population when compared to haemodialysis and bioimpedance data.

Methods

A prospective, open-label, single-arm observational trial of 20 patients commenced in January 2021 in a single haemodialysis centre in Ireland, with a wearable hydration monitor, the Sixty device. The Sixty device uses diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to measure fluid levels at the level of the subdermis and uses machine learning to develop an algorithm that can determine fluid status. The Sixty device was worn at every dialysis session and nocturnally over a three-week observational period. Haemodialysis parameters including interdialytic weight gain, ultrafiltration volume, blood pressure, and relative blood volume were collected from each session, and bioimpedance measurements using the Fresenius body composition monitor were performed on 4 occasions as a comparator. The primary objective of this trial was to determine the accuracy and reproducibility of the Sixty device compared to bioimpedance measurements.

Conclusion

If the accuracy of the wearable hydration monitor is validated, further studies will be conducted to integrate the device output into a multi-parameter machine learning algorithm that can provide patients with actionable insights to manage fluid overload in the interdialytic period.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.govNCT04623281. Registered November 10th, 2020.
Molecular interaction of bioactive compounds from Senecio biafrae leaf with α-amylase and α-glucosidase receptors
Authors: Ajiboye Basiru Olaitan
Published: January 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus is one of the silent killer diseases affecting millions of people globally and some of the key enzymes in managing this disease are α-amylase and α-glucosidase This study was designed to investigate the possible molecular interactions between various bioactive compounds of Senecio biafrae leaf on α-amylase and α-glucosidase (enzymes) receptors an important target protein in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This study involved the investigation of the of gallic acid, chlorogenic, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol (ligands) for Lipinski’s rule of five using Molinspiration, ADMET profiles using admetSAR server and molecular docking of 3D structures of the six bioactive compounds and metformin against α-amylase and α-glucosidase were carried out using AutoDockVina.

Results

The results revealed that caffeic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol obey Lipinski’s rule of five. All the ligands demonstrated high gastrointestinal tract absorption except rutin and chlorogenic acid, only one can serve as a P-glycoprotein substrate and three of the ligands used can act as cytochrome P450 inhibitors isoforms. All the ligands had a high binding affinity than metformin (the standard drug used).

Conclusion

In can be concluded that some of the bioactive compounds (especially caffeic acid) in Senecio biafrae leaf have antidiabetic activity, which they may serve as a potential antidiabetic drug in the management of diabetes mellitus than metformin.
Management strategy of plastic wastes in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Ying-Ying , Lee Yuh-Ming
Published: January 2022

The success and dominance of plastic products used in modern society have improved the quality of life but come with extensive environmental consequences. As a result, the United Nations, European Union, and several industrialized countries have put forth goals and action plans to expedite the recycle and reuse of plastic wastes to minimize their releases to the environment. To keep pace with the world trends of achieving environmental and resource sustainability, Taiwan developed the roadmap in 1997 to reduce the generation of plastic wastes (Phase I). The successful endeavors were further incorporated into the “5 + 2” program in 2019 which underscores the nation’s commitments towards circular economy and environmental awareness (Phase II). As a result, a domestic recycle rate of 51% was attained in 2019. This paper describes the strategy of managing the plastic wastes in Taiwan that has evolved over time. Selected highlights of the efforts involved (the four focal points of green designs, source reductions, recycling enhancements, as well as circulations and regenerations) are discussed. Along with the successful experiences in households and industries, recycle and reuse of plastic wastes has been expanded to the agricultural and fishing sectors as well.
The outcome of postoperative radiation therapy following plastic surgical resection of recurrent ear keloid: a single institution experience
Authors: Mohamed Reham , Elawadi Abosaleh Abosaleh , Al-Gendi Reham , Al-Mohsen Safa , Wani Shabeer , Wafa Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Background

Ear keloids are abnormal continuously growing healing process following cutaneous injury. Surgical excision is the standard treatment strategy; however, 50–80% of cases develop recurrence. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is commonly offered with a marked decrease in the recurrence rate. The variation in RT protocols used in different studies leads to a bias of results analysis. The aim is to present our experience of using surgical excision with postoperative radiotherapy for recurrent ear keloids. Also, studying different variables especially dose and keloid size that affects recurrence rate. Radiotherapy complications were reported and assessed.

Patients and methods

Keloids between 2006 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-five ear keloids out of 83 cases who received RT after surgical excision were included in the study. Different dose regimens including 13 Gy/1fx, 8 Gy/1fx, 10 Gy/2fx, 15 Gy/3fx, and other fractionated regimens were used. The Median follow-up period was 35 months. Recurrence-free rate (RFR), side effects, and prognostic factors were assessed.

Results

The overall 2-year RFR was 88 ± 5%. The 2-year RFR was 83 ± 8% for dose regimens with biological effective dose (BED) ≤ 40 and 92 ± 5% for regimens with BED > 40 Gy with an insignificant p value. The 2-year RFR was 74 ± 10% compared to 97 ± 3% for keloids > 2 cm and keloids ≤ 2 cm respectively (p value 0.02). The higher dose used for keloids with > 2 cm size significantly improved RFR. The orthovoltage therapy showed marginally better 2-year RFR compared to electron beam therapy; however, statistically insignificant (p value 0.09). The side effects were minimal with no reported second malignancy or serious G3-4 complications.

Conclusion

Excision followed by RT is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent ear keloids. Low and modest radiation doses are effective; however, a higher dose is recommended for keloids > 2 cm. We recommend a prospective larger-scale study to test the effect of dose and keloid size on the treatment results.
Cranial nerve involvement in mucormycosis in post-COVID patients: a case series
Authors: Gupta Neeti , Dembla Saurabh
Published: January 2022

Background

One of the largest outbreaks of rhinosinocerebral mucormycosis (RSCM) occurred in India close to the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. RSCM is a rare infection caused by several fungal species occurring in immunocompromised subjects. Mucor shows a high propensity to invade the central nervous system. There have been limited studies, mostly isolated case reports, on the neurological manifestations of RSCM. The outbreak of mucormycosis infection was thus the most opportune to study the neurological manifestations and cranial nerve involvement in mucormycosis in greater depths.

Aim of the study

The purpose of the study was to investigate and review the involvement of cranial nerves in a series of cases of rhinosinocerebral mucormycosis associated with the novel coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Results

It was a retrospective cross-sectional study of seven patients who were undergoing treatment of RSCM with a recent history of coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection within the last 3 months. Patients with cranial nerve involvement were identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a single institution. Demographic details of the patients, clinical presentation, imaging, microbiological and pathological findings were recorded. All subjects had two or more cranial nerves affected by fungal infection. The most commonly involved cranial nerve was found to be the optic nerve followed by the trigeminal nerve and its branches. We document three cases with extensive involvement of the inferior alveolar branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3), a previously unreported finding. In one case, in addition to the second and fifth cranial nerves, the third, fourth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and twelfth cranial nerves were involved without any sensory or motor long tract involvement, suggestive of Garcin syndrome secondary to intracranial abscesses and skull base osteomyelitis due to invasive fungal infection. This case is of rare occurrence in the literature, and our study provides one such example.

Conclusion

Cranial nerve involvement in patients of mucormycosis tends to have a poor prognosis, both cosmetic and functional. Radical surgeries and aggressive medical management is needed in such cases to improve the outcome.
40-user fully connected entanglement-based quantum key distribution network without trusted node
Authors: Liu Xu , Liu Jingyuan , Xue Rong , Wang Heqing , Li Hao , Feng Xue , Liu Fang , Cui Kaiyu , Wang Zhen , You Lixing , Huang Yidong , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2022

Quantum key distribution (QKD) would play an important role in future information technologies due to its theoretically proven security based on the laws of quantum mechanics. How to realize QKDs among multiple users in an effective and simple way is crucial for its real applications in communication networks. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a fully connected QKD network without trusted node for a large number of users. Using flexible wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing and space division multiplexing, entanglement resources generated by a broadband energy-time entangled quantum light source are distributed to 40 users. Any two users share a part of entanglement resources, by which QKD is established between them. As a result, it realizes a fully connected network with 40 users and 780 QKD links. The performance of this network architecture is also discussed theoretically, showing its potential on developing quantum communication networks with large user numbers owing to its simplicity, scalability, and high efficiency.
Relationship of sphenoid sinus to adjacent structures in South India: a retrospective cross sectional study
Authors: Singh Amardeep , Manjunath K. , Singh Harbans
Published: January 2022

Background

Sphenoid sinus is one of the most inaccessible paranasal sinuses. Advent of minimally invasive trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal approach over the past few years has provided an additional armament in the hands of skull-base surgeons to access pathologies adjoining base of skull. Close relationship of vital neurovascular structures with sphenoid sinus and variability of their protrusions into the sinus make these structures more vulnerable to iatrogenic trauma during surgical procedures. Preoperative assessment of such variations is imperative to avoid unintentional damage. The present study is a retrospective study conducted on CT scan records of 140 patients with an aim to evaluate prevalence of vital structures invaginating into sphenoid sinus and their clinical implications. The internal carotid artery (ICA), optic nerve (ON), maxillary nerve (MN), and Vidian nerve (VN) were assessed for protrusion into the sphenoid sinus and their dehiscence. Attachment of septum to protruding structures was also assessed. Data was statistically analyzed in the form of frequency and percentage to evaluate the prevalence of neurovascular invaginations into sphenoid sinus and their clinical implications.

Results

ICA invagination was observed in 16% of males and 12% of females with males showing higher frequency on left side. Protrusion of ON was seen in 13% of males and 10% of females with higher prevalence in bilateral category. Twenty-four percent of study population had MN prominences which included 13% of males and 11% of females with higher reflection of bilateral presentation. Highest prevalence of 44% was observed in VN protrusions with equal distribution (22%) among each sex. Majority of these were bilaterally located. Dehiscence of ICA was observed in 9%, ON in 29%, MN in 10%, and VN in 30% of study population. Dehiscence brings these structures closure to sinus mucosa with increased risk of involvement in sinus disease. Septal attachment to ICA and ON was present in 7% and 15% cases respectively.

Conclusion

Preoperative assessment of anatomical configuration of sphenoid sinus and associated neurovascular structures is mandatory to minimize per-operative complications. This study provides statistical data on anatomical variations in neurovascular structures protruding into the sphenoid sinus, their dehiscence, and septal attachments in South Indian population.
Prediction models in first-episode psychosis: systematic review and critical appraisal
Authors: Lee Rebecca , Leighton Samuel P. , Thomas Lucretia , Gkoutos Georgios V. , Wood Stephen J. , Fenton Sarah-Jane H. , Deligianni Fani , Cavanagh Jonathan , Mallikarjun Pavan K.
Published: January 2022

Background

People presenting with first-episode psychosis (FEP) have heterogenous outcomes. More than 40% fail to achieve symptomatic remission. Accurate prediction of individual outcome in FEP could facilitate early intervention to change the clinical trajectory and improve prognosis.

Aims

We aim to systematically review evidence for prediction models developed for predicting poor outcome in FEP.

Method

A protocol for this study was published on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, registration number CRD42019156897. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance, we systematically searched six databases from inception to 28 January 2021. We used the Checklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies and the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool to extract and appraise the outcome prediction models. We considered study characteristics, methodology and model performance.

Results

Thirteen studies reporting 31 prediction models across a range of clinical outcomes met criteria for inclusion. Eleven studies used logistic regression with clinical and sociodemographic predictor variables. Just two studies were found to be at low risk of bias. Methodological limitations identified included a lack of appropriate validation, small sample sizes, poor handling of missing data and inadequate reporting of calibration and discrimination measures. To date, no model has been applied to clinical practice.

Conclusions

Future prediction studies in psychosis should prioritise methodological rigour and external validation in larger samples. The potential for prediction modelling in FEP is yet to be realised.
Biopsychosocial exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and the relative risk of schizophrenia: Interrupted time-series analysis of a nationally representative sample
Authors: Travis-Lumer Yael , Kodesh Arad , Goldberg Yair , Reichenberg Abraham , Frangou Sophia , Levine Stephen Z.
Published: January 2022

Background

Studies of COVID-19 pandemic biopsychosocial exposure and schizophrenia risk showed contradictory results, were undertaken early in the pandemic, and did not consider lockdowns or COVID-19 infection. Hence, we examined the association between COVID-19 biopsychosocial exposure and incident schizophrenia.

Methods

An interrupted time-series study design was implemented based on Israeli electronic health records from 2013 to 2021 with national coverage. The period coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic biopsychosocial exposures from March 2020 to February 2021 was classified as exposed, otherwise unexposed. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on incident schizophrenia was quantified by fitting a Poisson regression and modeling the relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Three scenarios were projected from the third lockdown to 10 months to forecast incident schizophrenia rates and their associated 95% prediction intervals (PI).

Results

The total population (N = 736,356) yielded 4,310 cases of incident schizophrenia over time. The primary analysis showed that the period exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a reduced RR (RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.73, 0.91, p < 0.001). This conclusion was supported in 12 sensitivity analyses, including scrutinizing lockdowns and COVID-19 infection status. Two of three forecast scenarios projected an incident increase (6.74, 95% PI = 5.80, 7.84; 7.40, 95% PI = 6.36, 8.60).

Conclusions

The reduced risk of schizophrenia during the pandemic suggests no immediate triggering of new onsets either by the virus or the pandemic-induced psychosocial adversities. Once restrictions are lifted, the increased projected presentations have implications for clinicians and healthcare policy.
Optimal non-Markovian composite search algorithms for spatially correlated targets
Authors: Klimek A. , Netz R. R.
Published: January 2022

We study the efficiency of a wide class of stochastic non-Markovian search strategies for spatially correlated target distributions. For an uninformed searcher that performs a non-composite random search, a ballistically moving search is optimal for destructible targets, even when the targets are correlated. For an informed searcher that can measure the time elapsed since the last target encounter and performs a composite search consisting of alternating extensive ballistic trajectories and intensive non-Markovian search trajectories, the efficiency can be more than three times higher compared to a ballistic searcher. We optimize the memory function that describes the intensive non-Markovian search motion and find a single-exponential memory function to be optimal. In our extended search model the intensive search mode is activated when the distance between two consecutively found targets in the extensive search mode is smaller than a threshold length called the memory distance d

m
. We find that a finite value of d

m
quite generally leads to optimal search efficiency for correlated target distributions.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders: Knowledge Gaps in Anesthesia Care
Authors: Warrick Christine M. , Markley John C. , Farber Michaela K. , Balki Mrinalini , Katz Daniel , Hess Philip E. , Padilla Cesar , Waters Jonathan H. , Weiniger Carolyn F. , Butwick Alexander J.
Published: January 2022

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy. PAS puts pregnant individuals at a very high risk of major blood loss, hysterectomy, and intensive care unit admission. These patients should receive care in a center with multidisciplinary experience and expertise in managing PAS disorder. Obstetric anesthesiologists play vital roles in the peripartum care of pregnant patients with suspected PAS. As well as providing high-quality anesthesia care, obstetric anesthesiologists coordinate peridelivery care, drive transfusion-related decision making, and oversee postpartum analgesia. However, there are a number of key knowledge gaps related to the anesthesia care of these patients. For example, limited data are available describing optimal anesthesia staffing models for scheduled and unscheduled delivery. Evidence and consensus are lacking on the ideal surgical location for delivery; primary mode of anesthesia for cesarean delivery; preoperative blood ordering; use of pharmacological adjuncts for hemorrhage management, such as tranexamic acid and fibrinogen concentrate; neuraxial blocks and abdominal wall blocks for postoperative analgesia; and the preferred location for postpartum care. It is also unclear how anesthesia-related decision making and interventions impact physical and mental health outcomes. High-quality international multicenter studies are needed to fill these knowledge gaps and advance the anesthesia care of patients with PAS.
An Approach to the Argumentation in the “Front Line’s” Discourse in Colombia
Authors: Abud Farid
Published: January 2022

This article contributes to our understanding the uprising that took place in Colombia in 2021, providing an exploratory approach to the argumentative discourse deployed by the so-called front line (one of the key participants in the uprising). The author examines the points of view put forward by the front line, attempting to determine how they account for the social, economic, and political conditions in which they were produced. The article analyzes the types of arguments that recur in that discourse and reflects on how actancial roles are taken up in the argumentation.
Multi-view confocal microscopy enables multiple organ and whole organism live-imaging
Authors: Leroy Olivier , van Leen Eric , Girard Philippe , Villedieu Aurélien , Hubert Christian , Bosveld Floris , Bellaïche Yohanns , Renaud Olivier
Published: January 2022

Understanding how development is coordinated in multiple tissues and gives rise to fully functional organs or whole organisms necessitates microscopy tools. Over the last decade numerous advances have been made in live-imaging, enabling high resolution imaging of whole organisms at cellular resolution. Yet, these advances mainly rely on mounting the specimen in agarose or aqueous solutions, precluding imaging of organisms whose oxygen uptake depends on ventilation. Here, we implemented a multi-view multi-scale microscopy strategy based on confocal spinning disk microscopy, called Multi-View confocal microScopy (MuViScopy). MuViScopy enables live-imaging of multiple organs with cellular resolution using sample rotation and confocal imaging without the need of sample embedding. We illustrate the capacity of MuViScopy by live-imaging Drosophila melanogaster pupal development throughout metamorphosis, highlighting how internal organs are formed and multiple organ development is coordinated. We foresee that MuViScopy will open the path to better understand developmental processes at the whole organism scale in living systems that require gas exchange by ventilation.
Immune function and dysfunction are determined by lymphoid tissue efficacy
Authors: Makris Spyridon , de Winde Charlotte M. , Horsnell Harry L. , Cantoral-Rebordinos Jesús A. , Finlay Rachel E. , Acton Sophie E.
Published: January 2022

Lymphoid tissue returns to a steady state once each immune response is resolved, and although this occurs multiple times throughout life, its structural integrity and functionality remain unaffected. Stromal cells orchestrate cellular interactions within lymphoid tissue, and any changes to the microenvironment can have detrimental outcomes and drive disease. A breakdown in lymphoid tissue homeostasis can lead to a loss of tissue structure and function that can cause aberrant immune responses. This Review highlights recent advances in our understanding of lymphoid tissue function and remodelling in adaptive immunity and in disease states. We discuss the functional role of lymphoid tissue in disease progression and explore the changes to lymphoid tissue structure and function driven by infection, chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer. Understanding the role of lymphoid tissues in immune responses to a wide range of pathologies allows us to take a fuller systemic view of disease progression.
Bumblebees display characteristics of active vision during robust obstacle avoidance flight
Authors: Ravi Sridhar , Siesenop Tim , Bertrand Olivier J. , Li Liang , Doussot Charlotte , Fisher Alex , Warren William H. , Egelhaaf Martin
Published: January 2022

Insects are remarkable flyers and capable of navigating through highly cluttered environments. We tracked the head and thorax of bumblebees freely flying in a tunnel containing vertically oriented obstacles to uncover the sensorimotor strategies used for obstacle detection and collision avoidance. Bumblebees presented all the characteristics of active vision during flight by stabilizing their head relative to the external environment and maintained close alignment between their gaze and flightpath. Head stabilization increased motion contrast of nearby features against the background to enable obstacle detection. As bees approached obstacles, they appeared to modulate avoidance responses based on the relative retinal expansion velocity (RREV) of obstacles and their maximum evasion acceleration was linearly related to RREVmax. Finally, bees prevented collisions through rapid roll manoeuvres implemented by their thorax. Overall, the combination of visuo-motor strategies of bumblebees highlights elegant solutions developed by insects for visually guided flight through cluttered environments.
Copper-bismuth Binary Oxide Clusters: An Efficient Catalyst for Selective Styrene Bisperoxidation
Authors: Koizumi Hiromu , Tanabe Makoto , Kambe Tetsuya , Imaoka Takane , Chun Wang-Jae , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: January 2022

Binary oxide clusters (BOCs) composed of Cu and Bi atoms were prepared using a macromolecular dendritic template. The oxidized Cu16Bi12Ox exhibited selective styrene bisperoxidation. The catalytic performance and durability were improved by incorporation of Bi into the CuOx clusters.