bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase 1 Study to Assess Mass Balance and Absolute Bioavailability of Zimlovisertib in Healthy Male Participants Using a 14C‐Microtracer Approach
Authors: Singh Ravi Shankar P. , Dowty Martin E. , Salganik Mikhail , Brodfuehrer Joanne I. , Walker Gregory S. , Sharma Raman , Beebe Jean S. , Danto Spencer I.
Published: May 2022

Zimlovisertib (PF‐06650833) is a selective, reversible inhibitor of interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) with anti‐inflammatory effects. This phase 1, open‐label, fixed‐sequence, two‐period, single‐dose study aimed to evaluate the mass balance and excretion rate of zimlovisertib in healthy male participants using a 14C‐microtracer approach. All six participants received 300 mg 14C‐zimlovisertib with lower radioactivity per mass unit orally in Period A, then unlabeled zimlovisertib 300 mg orally and 14C‐zimlovisertib 135 μg intravenously (IV) in Period B. Study objectives included extent and rate of excretion of 14C‐zimlovisertib, pharmacokinetics, and safety and tolerability of oral and IV zimlovisertib. Total radioactivity recovered in urine and feces was 82.4% ± 6.8% (urine 23.1% ± 12.3%, feces 59.3% ± 9.7%) in Period A. Zimlovisertib was absorbed rapidly following oral administration, with the fraction absorbed estimated to be 44%. Absolute oral bioavailability of the 300‐mg dose was 17.4% (90% confidence interval 14.1%, 21.5%) using the dose‐normalized area under the concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity. There were no deaths, serious adverse events (AEs), severe AEs, discontinuations or dose reductions due to AEs, and no clinically significant laboratory abnormalities. These results demonstrate that zimlovisertib had low absolute oral bioavailability and low absorption (<50%).
Redistribution of CD8+ T cell subsets in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with anti‐PD‐1 therapy
Authors: De Biasi Sara , Guida Annalisa , Lo Tartaro Domenico , Fanelli Martina , Depenni Roberta , Dominici Massimo , Finak Greg , Porta Camillo , Paolini Annamaria , Borella Rebecca , Bertoldi Carlo , Cossarizza Andrea , Sabbatini Roberto , Gibellini Lara
Published: May 2022

Renal‐cell carcinoma (RCC) is responsible for the majority of tumors arising from the kidney parenchyma. Although a progressive improvement in median overall survival has been observed after the introduction of anti‐PD‐1 therapy, many patients do not benefit from this treatment. Therefore, we have investigated T cell dynamics to find immune modification induced by anti‐PD‐1 therapy. Here, we show that, after therapy, RCC patients (5 responders and 14 nonresponders) are characterized by a redistribution of different subsets across the memory T cell compartment.
Looking beyond zoom fatigue: The relationship between video chatting and appearance satisfaction in men and women
Authors: Harriger Jennifer A. , Pfund Gabrielle N.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to a transition to the utilization of video chatting services as the main form of communication for work, family, and friends. However, the repercussions of this change are not fully known, and issues regarding appearance satisfaction are particularly salient. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between video chatting and appearance satisfaction in a sample of men and women.

Method

The current study utilizes cross‐sectional data from 618 participants (Age: M = 33.2; 54.1% women) to evaluate whether average video chat usage predicts appearance satisfaction, and whether this association is dependent upon appearance comparison or self‐objectification.

Results

Results indicated that individuals who spent more time video chatting reported higher appearance satisfaction. Additionally, appearance comparison and self‐objectification were not significant moderators, and the association between video chat usage and appearance satisfaction did not differ based on gender. Usage of the touch‐up feature, gallery view, and amount of time spent looking at oneself were associated with appearance comparisons, while adjusting lighting and camera angles and amount of time spent looking at oneself were associated with self‐objectification.

Discussion

The results may indicate that while overall time spent video chatting may be associated with lower appearance concerns, examination of the usage of specific features on video chatting platforms may be important to assess in the future.

Public Significance

This study demonstrates that overall time spent video chatting may be associated with lower appearance concerns. The usage, however, of specific features on video chatting platforms, such as touch‐up feature, gallery view, and amount of time spent looking at oneself were associated with appearance comparisons. Additionally, adjusting lighting and camera angles, and amount of time spent looking at oneself are associated with self‐objectification.
Dynamic flow scheduling optimization based on intelligent control for digital twins
Authors: Chang Zhixian , Yang Wujun , Guo Juan , Cheng Yifei
Published: May 2022

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and other technologies, supporting digital twin technology has become a research hotspot today. It expounds the modeling and application of digital twins in the field of smart cities, and studies the network in digital twin cities. The optimization model, in view of the diversity and burstiness of the traffic in the network, in order to effectively handle the increasing user access data traffic and the increasingly wide range of business types, a dynamic traffic scheduling method based on the swarm intelligence optimization algorithm is designed, and a gray‐based dynamic traffic scheduling method is proposed. Intelligent path planning algorithm optimized by wolf. The simulation shows that for different types of services, the algorithm can set different priorities based on delay/bandwidth, calculate the optimal path, suboptimal alternate path, third alternate path, and realize intelligent obstacle avoidance and intelligent decision‐making. Scheduling, so as to carry out efficient, reasonable and intelligent traffic scheduling. And in the case of a node failure on the optimal path, the optimal path based on the shortest distance can be quickly calculated.
Nonmarine Ostracoda as proxies in (geo‐)archaeology — A review
Authors: Quante Ella , Pint Anna , Frenzel Peter
Published: May 2022

Ostracods as bioindicators are extremely useful for reconstructing palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate and can also indicate the provenance of sediments and materials, for example, in studies on ancient commercial networks. Ostracods are small crustaceans that live in almost all aquatic habitats, both natural and man‐made. Due to their calcitic carapace, they have high fossilization potential, and their use in geoarchaeology has been steadily increasing during the last decades. Their small size needs mean that only small volumes of sediment samples are needed, and species‐specific ecological tolerances and preferences allow detailed palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. Typical methods of their application are palaeoecological analyses of associations based on ecological information and taphonomy, morphometric variability and stable isotope and chemistry analyses of their shells. The present paper aims to present an overview of applications of non‐marine ostracods in (geo‐)archaeological research, recommending sampling and analytical techniques for addressing archaeological research questions on palaeoclimate, habitat and landscape changes, water availability and quality, land use and other anthropogenic impacts, the provenance of materials and commercial networks to promote the application of Ostracoda in geoarchaeology/environmental archaeology.
Orai2 channel regulates prostaglandin E2 production in TNFα/IL1α‐stimulated astrocytes
Authors: Nakajima Hiroki , Fujita Sayaka , Kakae Masashi , Nagayasu Kazuki , Oh‐hora Masatsugu , Shirakawa Hisashi , Kaneko Shuji
Published: May 2022

Astrocytes are glial cells that serve homeostatic functions in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research, however, suggests that under pathological conditions, astrocytes are stimulated by various factors and actively participate in CNS inflammation. In the present study, we found that astrocytes upregulate various inflammatory factors including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by co‐stimulation with tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) and interleukin‐1alpha (IL1α). These TNFα/IL1α‐stimulated astrocytes also showed increased Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and increased expression of Orai2, a member of the store‐operated calcium channel (SOCC) family. To reveal the role of Orai2, we used astrocytes in which Orai2 was knocked‐down (KD) or knocked‐out (KO). The expression of the prostaglandin E synthase Ptges and the production of PGE2 were higher in Orai2‐KD astrocytes than in WT astrocytes when stimulated with TNFα and IL1α. Orai2‐KO astrocytes also showed increased expression of Ptges and increased PGE2 production. The expression of Ptgs2, another PGE2 synthetic enzyme, was also upregulated in Orai2‐KO astrocytes. Moreover, Orai2‐KO astrocytes showed increased store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) and increased Orai1 expression. These results suggest that Orai2 is upregulated in TNFα/IL1α‐stimulated astrocytes and reduces PGE2 production to some extent, modulating CNS inflammation. Our findings may aid in understanding how astrocytes are associated with inflammatory responses, and the identification of new targets that modulate astrocytic reactivity.
Increasing nodal vulnerability and nodal efficiency implied recovery time prolonging in patients with supplementary motor area syndrome
Authors: Fang Shengyu , Li Lianwang , Weng Shimeng , Zhang Zhong , Fan Xing , Jiang Tao , Wang Yinyan
Published: May 2022

Supplementary motor area (SMA) syndrome is a surgery‐related complication that commonly occurs after removing SMA glioma, and needs weeks to recover. However, susceptible factors of patients suffering from SMA syndrome remain unknown. Graphic theory was applied to reveal topological properties of sensorimotor network (SMN) by processing resting‐state functional magnetic resonance images in 66 patients with SMA gliomas. Patients were classified into SMA and non‐SMA groups based on whether they suffered from SMA syndrome. We collected recovery time and used causal mediation analysis to find association between topological properties and recovery time. Compared with the non‐SMA group, higher vulnerability (left: p = .0018; right: p = .0033) and lower fault tolerance (left: p = .0022; right: p = .0248) of the whole SMN were found in the SMA group. Moreover, higher nodal properties of lesional‐hemispheric cingulate cortex (nodal efficiency: left, p = .0389; right, p = .0169; nodal vulnerability: left, p = .0185; right, p = .0085) and upper limb region of primary motor cortex (PMC; nodal efficiency: left, p = .0132; right, p = .0001; nodal vulnerability: left, p = .0091; right, p = .0209) were found in the SMA group. Nodal efficiency and nodal vulnerability of cingulate cortex and upper limb region of PMC were important predictors for SMA syndrome occurring and recovery time prolonging. Neurosurgeons should carefully deal with upper limb region of PMC and cingulate cortex, and protect them if these two region were unnecessary to damage during SMA glioma resection.
Use of funded multicenter prospective longitudinal databases to inform clinical trials in rare diseases—Examination of cholestatic liver disease in Alagille syndrome
Authors: Shneider Benjamin L. , Kamath Binita M. , Magee John C. , Goodrich Nathan P. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Ye Wen , Spino Cathie , Alonso Estella M. , Molleston Jean P. , Bezerra Jorge A. , Wang Kasper S. , Karpen Saul J. , Horslen Simon P. , Guthery Stephen L. , Rosenthal Philip , Squires Robert H. , Sokol Ronald J. ,   for the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN)
Published: May 2022

The conduct of long‐term conventional randomized clinical trials in rare diseases is very difficult, making evidenced‐based drug development problematic. As a result, real‐world data/evidence are being used more frequently to assess new therapeutic approaches in orphan diseases. In this investigation, inclusion and exclusion criteria from a published trial of maralixibat in Alagille syndrome (ALGS, ITCH NCT02057692) were applied to a prospective longitudinal cohort of children with cholestasis (LOGIC NCT00571272) to derive contextual comparator data for evolving clinical trials of intestinal bile acid transport inhibitors in ALGS. A natural history/clinical care cohort of 59 participants who met adapted inclusion and exclusion criteria of ITCH was identified from 252 LOGIC participants with ALGS with their native liver. Frequency weighting was used to match the age distribution of ITCH and yielded a cohort (Alagille Syndrome Natural History [ALGS NH]) that was very similar to the baseline status of ITCH participants. During a 2‐year prospective follow‐up there was a significant reduction in pruritus in the weighted ALGS NH cohort as assessed by the clinician scratch score (−1.43 [0.28] −1.99, −0.87; mean [SEM] 95% confidence interval). During the same time period, the total bilirubin, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase levels were unchanged, whereas platelet count dropped significantly (−65.2 [16.2] −98.3, −32.1). Weighted survival with native liver was 91% at 2 years in the ALGS NH. These investigations provide valuable real‐world data that can serve as contextual comparators to current clinical trials, especially those without control populations, and highlight the value and importance of funded multicenter, prospective, natural history studies.
The co‐occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes between dogs and their owners in families
Authors: Zhao Ruonan , Hao Jie , Yang Jintao , Tong Cuihong , Xie Longfei , Xiao Danyu , Zeng Zhenling , Xiong Wenguang
Published: May 2022

The intimate relationship between humans and companion animals causes a unique and critical aspect of antimicrobial resistance in humans. However, a comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance between companion animals and their owners is lacking. Here, we chose 13 owned dogs and 16 owners as well as 22 kennel dogs to analyze the effect of an intimate relationship between owned dogs and owners on their gut microbiome, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and study the correlation of antimicrobial resistance between dogs and their owners in families by metagenomics. Dog gut microbiota had a higher abundance and diversity of ARGs while owners had a higher diversity of taxonomy. In the owned dog gut microbial community, ARG and MGE compositions were significantly more similar to the owner's gut microbiota than those of others. From the perspective of families, there was a strong correlation between macrolide resistance genes between dogs and their owners. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the correlation of ARGs between dogs and their owners at a community‐wide level. These findings can alarm the use of antibiotics in companion animals, which implies the potential to harbor antimicrobial resistance and threaten public health.
Automatic Time‐Resolved Cardiovascular Segmentation of 4D Flow MRI Using Deep Learning
Authors: Bustamante Mariana , Viola Federica , Engvall Jan , Carlhäll Carl‐Johan , Ebbers Tino
Published: May 2022

Background

Segmenting the whole heart over the cardiac cycle in 4D flow MRI is a challenging and time‐consuming process, as there is considerable motion and limited contrast between blood and tissue.

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a deep learning‐based segmentation method to automatically segment the cardiac chambers and great thoracic vessels from 4D flow MRI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

A total of 205 subjects, including 40 healthy volunteers and 165 patients with a variety of cardiac disorders were included. Data were randomly divided into training (n = 144), validation (n = 20), and testing (n = 41) sets.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T/time‐resolved velocity encoded 3D gradient echo sequence (4D flow MRI).

Assessment

A 3D neural network based on the U‐net architecture was trained to segment the four cardiac chambers, aorta, and pulmonary artery. The segmentations generated were compared to manually corrected atlas‐based segmentations. End‐diastolic (ED) and end‐systolic (ES) volumes of the four cardiac chambers were calculated for both segmentations.

Statistical tests

Dice score, Hausdorff distance, average surface distance, sensitivity, precision, and miss rate were used to measure segmentation accuracy. Bland–Altman analysis was used to evaluate agreement between volumetric parameters.

Results

The following evaluation metrics were computed: mean Dice score (0.908 ± 0.023) (mean ± SD), Hausdorff distance (1.253 ± 0.293 mm), average surface distance (0.466 ± 0.136 mm), sensitivity (0.907 ± 0.032), precision (0.913 ± 0.028), and miss rate (0.093 ± 0.032). Bland–Altman analyses showed good agreement between volumetric parameters for all chambers. Limits of agreement as percentage of mean chamber volume (LoA%), left ventricular: 9.3%, 13.5%, left atrial: 12.4%, 16.9%, right ventricular: 9.9%, 15.6%, and right atrial: 18.7%, 14.4%; for ED and ES, respectively.

Data conclusion

The addition of this technique to the 4D flow MRI assessment pipeline could expedite and improve the utility of this type of acquisition in the clinical setting.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Longer length of stay, days between discharge/first readmission, and pulmonary involvement ≥50% increase prevalence of admissions in ICU in unplanned readmissions after COVID‐19 hospitalizations
Authors: Peixoto Sarah G. , Wolf Jonas M. , Glaeser Andressa B. , Maccari Juçara G. , Nasi Luiz A.
Published: May 2022

Hospital readmissions due to COVID‐19 are one of the main concerns for the health system due to risks to the patient's life and increased use of health resources. Studies focusing on this issue are important to understand the risk factors and create strategies to avoid readmissions. We evaluated the readmission of patients with confirmed COVID‐19 in a private hospital in southern Brazil, between March 2020 and 2021. Also, the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and nonadmitted were compared. Poisson regression models with prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were applied to confirm the association between variables and ICU admission. Of the 2084 hospitalized patients with COVID‐19, 1806 were discharged alive. Among them, 106 were readmitted for unplanned reasons during one year. Early hospital readmission (≤30 days) occurred in 52.8% of the cases. The main reasons were respiratory, gastroenterological, kidney, and cardiac disease. The median age was 73.0 years old and women correspond to 52.8%. The presence of at least one comorbidity was detected in 87.7% of patients. Hypertension, diabetes, cardiac, and lung disease were more frequent. The ICU admitted patients (n = 43; 40.5%) mostly had 4–5 comorbidities, pulmonary involvement ≥50%, length of stay (LOS), and days between discharge and first readmission. Longer LOS (PR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.24–5.67), days between discharge/first readmission (PR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.15–5.88), and pulmonary involvement (≥50%; PR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.11–3.54) were independently associated with ICU admission. Longer LOS, longer days between discharge/first readmission, and pulmonary involvement (≥50%) were associated with ICU admission in readmitted patients. Readmissions evaluation is pivotal and may help in ensuring safe care transition and postdischarge follow‐up.
Pulse versus nonpulse steroid regimens in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khokher Waleed , Beran Azizullah , Iftikhar Saffa , Malhas Saif‐Eddin , Srour Omar , Mhanna Mohammed , Bhuta Sapan , Patel Dipen , Kesireddy Nithin , Burmeister Cameron , Borchers Elizabeth , Assaly Ragheb , Safi Fadi
Published: May 2022

Systemic steroids are associated with reduced mortality in hypoxic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, there is no consensus on the doses of steroid therapy in these patients. Several studies showed that pulse dose steroids (PDS) could reduce the progression of COVID‐19 pneumonia. However, data regarding the role of PDS in COVID‐19 is still unclear. Therefore, we performed this meta‐analysis to evaluate the role of PDS in COVID‐19 patients compared to nonpulse steroids (NPDS). Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from inception through February 10, 2022 was performed for all published studies comparing PDS to NPDS therapy to manage hypoxic patients with COVID‐19. Primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes were the need for endotracheal intubation, hospital length of stay (LOS), and adverse events in the form of superimposed infections. A total of 10 observational studies involving 3065 patients (1289 patients received PDS and 1776 received NPDS) were included. The mortality rate was similar between PDS and NPDS groups (risk ratio [RR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92–1.65, p = 0.16). There were no differences in the need for endotracheal intubation (RR: 0.71, 95%: CI 0.37–1.137, p = 0.31), LOS (mean difference: 1.93 days; 95% CI: −1.46–5.33; p = 0.26), or adverse events (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.56–1.57, p = 0.80) between the two groups. Compared to NPDS, PDS was associated with similar mortality rates, need for endotracheal intubation, LOS, and adverse events. Given the observational nature of the included studies, randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate our findings.
Understanding the role of Ti addition on the corrosion and passive film characteristics of Nb stabilized AISI 347 weld
Authors: Malhotra Dikshant , Shahi Amandeep S.
Published: May 2022

A multipass multilayer weld pad was fabricated on AISI 347 base metal with filler combinations of AISI 321 and AISI 347, to understand the role of Ti addition on metallurgical, corrosion, and passive film characteristics of the AISI 347 weld. Weld layers with Nb content of 0.53 wt.%, 0.47 wt.%, 0.23 wt.% and Ti of 0 wt.%, 0.21 wt.%, 0.33 wt.%, respectively, were extracted from fabricated weld pad. Selected weld metal compositions were subjected to thermal aging at 750°C for 24 h to investigate the influence of varying precipitation induced in these welds. Ti addition in AISI 347 weld showed lower enrichment of C and Cr at dendritic regions resulting in reduced Cr depletion, lower sensitization, enhanced pitting potential, and repassivation ability compared to conventional Nb stabilized AISI 347 weld. Passive film characteristics studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy depicted formation of more protective, and dense passive film with higher Cr, Ni, and O concentrations for Ti added AISI 347 weld relative to conventional ones. Therefore, Ti addition via the use of Ti stabilized filler in the Nb stabilized AISI 347 weld proved to be efficient in enhancing its corrosion performance by forming a more protective passive oxide film.
Dynamic and localized microelectrochemical approaches to evaluate the corrosion resistance of newly developed lean duplex stainless steel alloys
Authors: Kumar Arumugam Madhan , Toor Ihsan‐ul‐Haq
Published: May 2022

A combination of scanning microelectrochemical techniques along with the conventional electrochemical approaches is explored to attain insight information on the localized corrosion on the newly developed lean duplex stainless steel (LDSS) alloys. The obtained results from dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (DEIS) tests explained the beneficial role of different alloying elements on the passive and transpassive regions of the investigated LDSS alloys in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) was effective in examining the anodic and cathodic regions on the corroding LDSS, whereas the scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) technique was employed to explore the localized corrosion sites on LDSS in NaCl solution. The acquired SVET results revealed a reduction in the susceptibility of the newly developed alloys to localized corrosion concerning their composition, accounting for the enhanced corrosion resistance. The obtained result from conventional and scanning microelectrochemical techniques obviously revealed the LDSS alloy with the composition of Fe–16Cr–2Ni–2Mn–1Mo exhibited higher localized corrosion resistance in NaCl solution.
Analysis of the Ce(III) chloride, Ce(III) nitrate, and Ce(III) propionate as corrosion inhibitor of the aluminum alloys in NaCl solution
Authors: Radojković Bojana , Marunkić Dunja , Milošević Milena , Grubišić Sonja , Pejić Jovanka , Jegdić Bore , Marinković Aleksandar
Published: May 2022

Green corrosion inhibitors, Ce(III) chloride, Ce(III) nitrate, and Ce(III) propionate, were tested in NaCl solution with the aim to evaluate their inhibitory effect on 7049 aluminum alloy and to propose a mechanism of their inhibitive action. Corrosion properties of the formed inhibitor layer were analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, while the pit formation resistance was analyzed using potentiodynamic polarization tests. Morphology of the formed pits was evaluated by scanning electron microscope/energy‐dispersive spectroscopy analysis. It was shown that Ce(III) propionate in NaCl solution has a noticeably higher protective ability than Ce(III) chloride and Ce(III) nitrate. The presence of cerium, propionate anions, and Al–O bonds in the inhibitive layer on the 7049 aluminum alloy surface was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. This indicates the formation of Ce propionate complexes and bonds via oxygen atoms from carboxylate anions with the metal surface. Density‐functional theory methods were used for the geometry optimization of possible Ce propionate complexes as corrosion inhibitors.
Customers' tone in MD&A disclosure and suppliers' inventory efficiency: Evidence from China
Authors: Xin Yingying , Zeng Xiao , Luo Zhengying
Published: May 2022

This article examines whether and how customers' tone in MD&A disclosure affects suppliers' inventory efficiency. Using an unbalanced panel dataset compiled from multiple archival sources of Chinese‐listed companies, we find that the more positive tone in MD&A disclosure of customers is associated with the higher efficient suppliers' inventory and the results still hold after a battery of robust tests. The customers' tone in MD&A disclosure affects supplier firms' inventory efficiency by reducing the bullwhip effect. In addition, we find that customers' tone in MD&A disclosure has a more pronounced effect on improving suppliers' inventory efficiency when the customers have more analyst coverage and when the suppliers have less bargaining power.
Serum Neurofilament Light Chain in Wilson's Disease: A Promising Indicator but Unparallel to Real‐Time Treatment Response
Authors: Wang Rou‐Min , Xu Wan‐Qing , Zheng Zi‐Wei , Yang Guo‐Min , Zhang Mei‐Yan , Ke Hua‐Zhen , Xia Nan , Dong Yi , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: May 2022

Background

Wilson's disease (WD) currently lacks a promising indicator that could reflect neurological impairment and monitor treatment outcome. We aimed to investigate whether serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) functions as a candidate for disease assessment and treatment monitoring of WD.

Methods

We assessed preclinical and manifested WD patients' sNfL levels compared to controls and analyzed the differences between patients with various clinical symptoms. We then explored the correlation between clinical scales and sNfL levels. And repeated measurements were performed in 34 patients before and after treatment.

Results

WD patients with neurological involvement had significantly higher sNfL levels than both hepatic patients and controls. Positive correlations were found between Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale scores and sNfL and between semiquantitative magnetic resonance imaging scales and sNfL levels in WD patients. However, in the treatment follow‐up analysis, the trend of sNfL before and after treatment disaccorded with clinical response.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that sNfL levels can be an ideal indicator for the severity of neurological involvement but fail to evaluate change in disease condition after treatment. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Robust time‐fractional diffusion filtering for noise removal
Authors: Ben‐loghfyry Anouar , Hakim Abdelilah
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we utilize a time‐fractional anisotropic diffusion equation for image denoising. Theoretical results are provided thanks to Schauder fixed‐point theorem. A discretization scheme by finite difference is also presented. Numerical experiments show a great performance in deleting the noise while preserving important features. The model robustness is tested, which is clear visually and quantitatively. All the obtained results conclude that our model surpasses the competitive models, such as Perona–Malik and Weickert.
Implementation of back at work after surgery (BAAS): A feasibility study of an integrated pathway for improved return to work after knee arthroplasty
Authors: Strijbos Daniël O. , van der Sluis Geert , Boymans Tim A. E. J. , de Groot Stephan , Klomp Simon , Kooijman Carolien M. , Reneman Michiel F. , Kuijer P. Paul F. M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Optimizing return to work after knee arthroplasty is becoming more important because of the growing incidence of KA among workers and poor return to work outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of Back At work After Surgery (BAAS): an integrated clinical pathway for return to work after knee arthroplasty.

Method

Working patients who received unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between January 2021 and November 2021, younger than 65 years and motivated to return to work were eligible to participate. Feasibility was investigated on five domains: reach, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity and patients’ attitudes. These outcomes were obtained by a patient‐reported questionnaire and an interview with the occupational case manager and medical case manager.

Results

Of the eligible 29 patients, eleven were willing to participate (response rate 38%; due to travel distance to and from the hospital). The dose delivered was between 91 and 100%, except information given about return to work from the orthopedic surgeon which was 18%. The dose received was 100%. For fidelity, case managers reported nine shortcomings for which five solutions were mentioned. In terms of patients’ attitude, all patients were satisfied and one patient mentioned an improvement.

Conclusions

In terms of reach, participation was low: only 29%. The BAAS clinical pathway seems feasible based on dose delivered, dose received, fidelity and patient attitudes. The next step is to assess the effectiveness of the BAAS clinical pathway for return to work.
Perospirone augmentation of escitalopram in the treatment of an adolescent sophophobia (fear of learning) patient
Authors: Miyazaki Kensuke
Published: May 2022

In this case report, an adolescent boy with sophophobia (fear of learning) is reported. Although psychoeducation about the condition was helpful to the patient, there was only a limited effect on his symptoms. Psychotropic treatment with escitalopram was initiated. He showed gradual improvement with this treatment, and there was only a limited effect on his symptoms. Hence, the patient was referred for psychotherapy, although he was unable to attend sessions. Augmentation with perospirone resulted in significant improvement. Research about pharmacological approaches to treat childhood and adolescent phobias is limited and requires further investigation.
Going Deep to Anchor a Pump Station
Authors: Fraley Brian M.
Published: May 2022

A geotechnical contractor addressed challenges and finished a construction project on schedule by being prepared with the right equipment, the right strategy, and the right team. The company also thoroughly tested its work—rock anchors, in this case—to ensure the job was a success.
Optimize Water Treatment Aeration Processes With Real‐Time THM Data
Authors: Meeks Jason
Published: May 2022

Trihalomethanes (THMs), the most common type of regulated disinfection byproducts (DBPs), can be a challenge for water utilities. A utility that fails to reduce the presence of THMs once they've been created risks violating regulatory compliance and jeopardizing public health. Online THM analyzers were recently installed at the City of San Luis Obispo, Calif., water treatment plant to monitor water quality in real time.
Polybenzoxazine‐hazelnut shell composites: Curing behavior, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and material stress analysis
Authors: Gorar Athar Ali Khan , Wang Ting , Al Hassan Mohamadou , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Liu Wen‐bin , Wang Jun
Published: May 2022

In this work, hazelnut shell (HS) particles were added to the bisphenol‐A aniline‐based benzoxazine (BA‐a) matrix and micro‐sized HS particles of varying weight percent (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) were successfully blended with BA‐a resin. The effects of reinforcing HS particles to the neat matrix were studied. The curing behavior, mechanical properties, and thermal degradation of the composites were performed using differential scanning calorimetry, tensile and impact tests, and thermogravimetric analysis. Glass transition temperature (Tg) was lowered to 16°C which is 4% less than the neat matrix, increase in char yield (Yc) was recorded in composites. Tensile and impact strength of the prepared composites was improved significantly. There was 82.6% increase in Young's modulus and 74.1% increase in the tensile stress for the BA‐a/HS composite containing 25 wt% HS particles. Meanwhile, the impact strength of the composites was elevated, and a maximum of 207% increase in impact strength was observed without sacrificing other properties of the matrix. Additionally, finite element analysis was carried out on a cantilever beam designed in CATIA V5 with the properties of neat BA‐a and HS filled composites. The stress analysis was observed on different HS filled composites, showing better results for HS filled composites as compared to neat polymer.
Effect of temperature on the properties of polymer cement composite material
Authors: Wang Zhihang , Bai Erlei , Du Yuhang , Liu Gaojie , Zhu Congjin
Published: May 2022

In the actual working environment for the polymer cement composite, the effect of temperature on its properties cannot be ignored. In order to investigate the properties of polymer cement composite in extreme temperature environment, this study conducted bond test, tensile test, and shear test of composites at different temperatures (−30, −15, 25, 40, and 60°C). Through measuring the elastic recovery rate of specimens, as well as relevant strength indexes, deformation indexes and energy consumption indexes under tensile and shear loads, the effect of temperature on the bond property, tensile property, and shear property of the composite were investigated. The results show that the polymer cement composite has a good bond property, and no damage occurs at any temperature or after cold drawing and hot pressing cycle. Temperature has a great influence on the tensile property and shear property of polymer cement composite. At a low temperature, the tensile property and shear property improve, the strength and energy consumption indexes increase noticeably, and the elongation at break increases while the peak strain reduces in terms of deformation indexes. At a high temperature, the tensile property and shear property deteriorate, and the strength, deformation, and energy consumption indexes all fall. As a result, the polymer cement composite is more suitable for cold areas.
State, global, and local parameter estimation using local ensemble Kalman filters: Applications to online machine learning of chaotic dynamics
Authors: Malartic Q. , Farchi A. , Bocquet M.
Published: May 2022

In a recent methodological article, we showed how to learn chaotic dynamics along with the state trajectory from sequentially acquired observations, using local ensemble Kalman filters. Here, we investigate more systematically the possibility of using a local ensemble Kalman filter with either covariance localisation or local domains, in order to retrieve the state and a mix of key global and local parameters. Global parameters are meant to represent the surrogate dynamical core, for instance through a neural network, which is reminiscent of data‐driven machine learning of dynamics, while the local parameters typically stand for the forcings of the model. Aiming at joint state and parameter estimation, a family of algorithms for covariance and local domain localisation is proposed. In particular, we show how to update global parameters rigorously using a local‐domain ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) such as the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF), an inherently local method. The approach is tested with success on the 40‐variable Lorenz model using several of the local EnKF flavors. A two‐dimensional illustration based on a multilayer Lorenz model is finally provided. It uses radiance‐like nonlocal observations. It features both local domains and covariance localisation, in order to learn the chaotic dynamics and the local forcings. This article addresses more generally the key question of online estimation of both global and local model parameters.
Statistical analysis of possible trends for extreme floods in northern Sweden
Authors: Rydén Jesper
Published: May 2022

With ongoing climate change, analysis of trends in maximum annual daily river flow is of interest. Flow magnitude and timing during the year were investigated in this study. Observations from 11 unregulated rivers in northern Sweden were analysed, using extreme‐value distributions with time‐dependent parameters. The Mann–Kendall test was used to investigate possible trends. The extreme‐value statistics revealed no significant trends for the stations considered, but the Mann–Kendall test showed a significant upward trend for some stations. For timing of maximum flow (day of the year), the Mann–Kendall test revealed significant downward trends for two stations (with the longest records). This implies that the day of the maximum flow is occurring earlier in the year in northern Sweden.
Spherical Micro/Nano Hierarchical Structures for Energy and Water Harvesting Devices
Authors: Jung Young , Ahn Junseong , Kim Ji‐Seok , Ha Ji‐Hwan , Shim Jaehwan , Cho Hanchul , Oh Yong Suk , Yoon Yong‐Jin , Nam Youngsuk , Oh Il‐Kwon , Jeong Jun‐Ho , Park Inkyu
Published: May 2022

Three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical structures have been explored for various applications owing to the synergistic effects of micro‐ and nanostructures. However, the development of spherical micro/nano hierarchical structures (S‐HSs), which can be used as energy/water harvesting systems and sensing devices, remains challenging owing to the trade‐off between structural complexity and fabrication difficulty. This paper presents a new strategy for facile, scalable S‐HS fabrication using a thermal expansion of microspheres and nanopatterned structures. When a specific temperature is applied to a composite film of microspheres and elastomers with nanopatterned surfaces, microspheres are expanded and 3D spherical microstructures are generated. Various nanopatterns and densities of spherical microstructures can thereby be quantitatively controlled. The fabricated S‐HSs have been used in renewable electrical energy harvesting and sustainable water management applications. Compared to a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with bare film, the S‐HS‐based TENG exhibited 4.48 times higher triboelectric performance with high mechanical durability. Furthermore, an S‐HS is used as a water harvesting device to capture water in a fog environment. The water collection rate is dramatically enhanced by the increased surface area and locally concentrated vapor diffusion flux due to the spherical microstructures.
ISG15 enhances glioma cell stemness by promoting Oct4 protein stability
Authors: Dai Yuxiang , Yu Tianfu , Yu Chen , Lu Tianyu , Zhou Lu , Cheng Chuandong , Ni Hongbin
Published: May 2022

The effects of ISG15 or ISGylation on tumor progression have been widely revealed; however, its roles in glioma progression are largely unknown. This study aims to explore the roles and underlying mechanisms of ISG15 in glioma progression. Here, ISG15 level was found to be upregulated in glioma tissues compared to the paired/unpaired normal tissues, and positively correlated with the level of stemness markers in glioma tissues. Loss of functional experiments indicated that ISG15 positively regulated glioma cell stemness, as evident by the increase of sphere formation ability, ALDH activity, stemness marker expression, and tumor‐initiating ability. Further mechanistic studies revealed that ISG15 directly interacted with Oct4 protein, a critical stemness promoter, induced the ISGylation of Oct4 protein, and thus enhanced Oct4 protein stability. Additionally, it was found that Oct4 was ISGylated at lysine 284 (K284), which has been confirmed to be the ubiquitination site of Oct4 protein, and ISG15 knockdown did not degrade K284R mutant Oct4. Furthermore, ISG15 knockdown‐induced downregulation of glioma cell stemness was rescued by Oct4 overexpression, but not by K284R mutant Oct4. Altogether, we suggest that ISG15‐induced ISGylation of Oct4 protein is essential for glioma cell stemness.
AGREE‐S: AGREE II extension for surgical interventions – United European Gastroenterology and European Association for Endoscopic Surgery methodological guide
Authors: Logullo Patricia , Florez Ivan D , Antoniou George A , Markar Sheraz , López‐Cano Manuel , Silecchia Gianfranco , Tsokani Sofia , Mavridis Dimitrios , Brouwers Melissa , Antoniou Stavros A ,   The GAP Consortium
Published: May 2022

Background

The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument has been developed to inform the methodology, reporting and appraisal of clinical practice guidelines. Evidence suggests that the quality of surgical guidelines can be improved, and the structure and content of AGREE II can be modified to help enhance the quality of guidelines of surgical interventions.

Objective

To develop an extension of AGREE II specifically designed for guidelines of surgical interventions.

Methods

In the tripartite Guideline Assessment Project (GAP) funded by United European Gastroenterology and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery, (i) we assessed the quality of surgical guidelines and we identified factors associated with higher quality (GAP I); (ii) we applied correlation analysis, factor analysis and the item response theory to inform an adaption of AGREE II for the purposes of surgical guidelines (GAP II); and (iii) we developed an AGREE II extension for surgical interventions, informed by the results of GAP I, GAP II, and a Delphi process of stakeholders, including representation from interventional and surgical disciplines; the Guideline International Network (GIN); the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group; the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) initiative; and representation of surgical journal editors and patient/public.

Results

We developed AGREE‐S, an AGREE II extension for surgical interventions, which comprises 24 items organized in 6 domains; Scope and purpose, Stakeholders, Evidence synthesis, Development of recommendations, Editorial independence, and Implementation and update. The panel of stakeholders proposed 3 additional items: development of a guideline protocol, consideration of practice variability and surgical/interventional expertise in different settings, and specification of infrastructures required to implement the recommendations. Three of the existing items were amended, 7 items were rearranged among the domains, and one item was removed. The domain Rigour of Development was divided into domains on Evidence Synthesis and Development of Recommendations. The new domain Development of Recommendations incorporates items from the original AGREE II domain Clarity of Presentation.

Conclusion

AGREE‐S is an evidence‐based and stakeholder‐informed extension of the AGREE II instrument, that can be used as a guide for the development and adaption of guidelines on surgical interventions.
Unusual case of traumatic abdominal intercostal hernia with involvement of liver lobe in a domestic short hair cat
Authors: Ali Mohamed Ghouse Mohamed , Ravikumar Kavin , Maruthamuthu Gokulakrishnan , Balakrishnan Gowrishankar , Eswaran Pradeep
Published: May 2022

Abdominal intercostal hernias are rare in small animals. A 1‐year‐old, entire, male, domestic shorthaired cat, weighing 3.5 kg was presented with a history of progressive swelling over the right cranial abdomen, noticed over a period of 6 months. The cat had a history of having been attacked by a dog on the right cranial abdomen. On physical examination, a soft tissue mass measuring 11.5 × 8.4 cm was noticed. Survey radiograph revealed the presence of a lobulated organ with soft tissue opacity at the level of the 12th–13th ribs. Abdominal ultrasonography showed herniation/displacement of a structure with soft tissue echogenicity suggestive of right lateral liver lobe with normal parenchyma, hepatic and portal vein. Based on these findings, a traumatic abdominal intercostal hernia was diagnosed and herniorrhaphy was performed. The outcome was favourable.
Vision Zero in the United Nations
Authors: Khayesi Meleckidzedeck
Published: May 2022

This chapter examines the development and use of Vision Zero policy and its related strategy, safe system approach, in the road safety programs of the United Nations and its specialized agencies. The chapter shows that progressively, Vision Zero moved from being cited in documents as an example of a transformative policy to being promoted as a way of thinking about or approaching road safety for countries to adopt. In addition, it has been used as a principle in the Road safety strategy for the United Nations System and its personnel. This strategy embraces the ethical imperative that “no road users, including pedestrians, should be killed or seriously injured in road crashes involving United Nations vehicles.” It commits United Nations organizations to Vision Zero. It calls for a shift from a traditional road safety approach to a safe system approach.
Road Safety Analysis
Authors: Rizzi Matteo , Strandroth Johan
Published: May 2022

Road safety analysis can be used to understand what has been successful in the past and what needs to be changed in order to be successful to reduce severe road trauma going forward and ultimately what’s needed to achieve zero. This chapter covers some of the tools used to retrospectively evaluate real-life benefits of road safety measures and methods used to predict the combined effects of interventions in a road safety action plan as well as to estimate if they are sufficient to achieve targets near-term and long-term. Included are also a brief overview of methods to develop boundary conditions on what constitutes a Safe System for different road users. Further to that, the chapter lists some arguments for the need of high-quality mass and in-depth data to ensure confidence in the results and conclusions from road safety analysis. Finally, a few key messages are summarized.