bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of Unsupervised Early Assessment of Bulk and Leukemic Stem Cell Measurable Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Canali Alban , Vergnolle Inès , Bertoli Sarah , Largeaud Laetitia , Nicolau Marie-Laure , Rieu Jean-Baptiste , Tavitian Suzanne , Huguet Françoise , Picard Muriel , Bories Pierre , Vial Jean Philippe , Lechevalier Nicolas , Béné Marie Christine , Luquet Isabelle , Mansat-De Mas Véronique , Delabesse Eric , Récher Christian , Vergez François
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) are clonal diseases that develop from leukemic stem cells (LSC) that carry an independent prognostic impact on the initial response to induction chemotherapy, demonstrating the clinical relevance of LSC abundance in AML. In 2018, the European LeukemiaNet published recommendations for the detection of measurable residual disease (Bulk MRD) and suggested the exploration of LSC MRD and the use of multiparametric displays.

Experimental Design:

We evaluated the performance of unsupervised clustering for the post-induction assessment of bulk and LSC MRD in 155 patients with AML who received intensive conventional chemotherapy treatment.

Results:

The median overall survival (OS) for Bulk+ MRD patients was 16.7 months and was not reached for negative patients (HR, 3.82; P < 0.0001). The median OS of LSC+ MRD patients was 25.0 months and not reached for negative patients (HR, 2.84; P = 0.001). Interestingly, 1-year (y) and 3-y OS were 60% and 39% in Bulk+, 91% and 52% in Bulk-LSC+ and 92% and 88% in Bulk-LSC−.

Conclusions:

In this study, we confirm the prognostic impact of post-induction multiparametric flow cytometry Bulk MRD in patients with AML. Focusing on LSCs, we identified a group of patients with negative Bulk MRD but positive LSC MRD (25.8% of our cohort) with an intermediate prognosis, demonstrating the interest of MRD analysis focusing on leukemic chemoresistant subpopulations.
Myeloid Sarcoma: Features in Cytological Preparations and the Utility of Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) in Triage
Authors: Tariq Hamza , Gattuso Paolo , Cheng Lin
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare extramedullary tumor consisting of blasts of granulocytic, monocytic, erythroid, or megakaryocytic lineage that disrupts the architecture of the involved tissue. MS shows vast clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic heterogeneity posing a diagnostic dilemma, especially in small biopsy specimens such as fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy. The objective of this study is to highlight the morphologic features of MS in cytological preparations and investigate the efficacy of pathologist-performed rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) in assuring accurate triage. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for cases of MS with concurrent cytology and ROSE results from 2006 to 2017. FNA smears and touch preparations were reviewed, and the results of ROSE, immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI), cytogenetics/FISH, and histology were analyzed. Results: A total of 15 cases were found including 6 (40%) with monocytic morphology comprising promonocytes and monoblasts and 9 (60%) with conventional myeloblastic morphology. The most common genetic subgroup was KMT2A-rearranged MS (33.3%) followed by extramedullary blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia (26.6%). ROSE provided sufficient preliminary information and ensured the procurement of adequate tissue for histology, IHCs, FCI, and cytogenetics/FISH, leading to an accurate and complete diagnosis of MS in all cases. Discussion/Conclusion: MS is a rare malignancy that shows pronounced clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic heterogeneity that often overlaps with other neoplastic and non-neoplastic entities. Features including the presence of classic myeloblasts, promonocytes, monoblasts, nucleated red blood cells, left-shifted granulocytes, cytoplasmic granules, and pseudopods are helpful hints in cytological preparations. In the modern era where pathologists are increasingly expected to do extensive diagnostic, molecular, and therapeutic biomarker testing on tissue that is historically diminishing in size, ROSE is a highly effective tool to ensure effective triage of MS aiding in an accurate, timely, and complete diagnosis.
Association between Plasma Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity and the Renal Function in a General Japanese Population: The Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Taguchi Satoru , Nasu Takahito , Satoh Mamoru , Kotozaki Yuka , Tanno Kozo , Tanaka Fumitaka , Asahi Koichi , Ohmomo Hideki , Kikuchi Hiroto , Kobayashi Takamasa , Morino Yoshihiro , Shimizu Atsushi , Sobue Kenji , Sasaki Makoto
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) has been identified as a critical source of reactive oxygen species in various pathophysiological conditions, including hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. This study investigated the association between XOR and renal function in a general Japanese population. Methods: The Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization pooled individual participant data from a community-based cohort study in Iwate prefecture. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was estimated using the estimated glomerular filtration rate of cystatin C (eGFRcys). Individuals with a history of hyperuricemia or severe renal dysfunction (eGFRcys <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or undergoing dialysis) were excluded from the study. We performed a multinominal multivariate logistic analysis adjusted for age, blood pressure, uric acid, glycated hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to associate XOR activity and renal function. Results: The present study included 4,248 participants (male/female: 1,373/2,875, age: 62.9 ± 11.7 years). When participants were divided according to XOR quartiles, blood pressure, body mass index, uric acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin A1c were highest in the highest XOR quartile (all p < 0.001). The XOR activity was significantly higher in the subgroup with CKD stage G3 and G4 (G1 vs. G2 vs. G3-G4: 44.8 ± 40.5 vs. 52.0 ± 42.9 vs. 54.1 ± 43.9 pmol/h/mL, p = 0.02). The higher XOR activity was significantly associated with an increase of CKD stage: the odd ratios (95% confidence intervals) per 1 pmol/h/mL increase in XOR activity with CKD stage G1 as a reference were 1.37 (1.13–1.73) in G2 and 1.51 (1.30–1.84) in G3-G4. Conclusion: The present study concluded that high XOR activity was associated with the severity of CKD in a general Japanese population, suggesting that upregulated XOR activity may be involved in advanced renal dysfunction.
The water striders of Pakistan (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae): new records from Punjab and first checklist for the country
Authors: CIANFERONI FABIO , SALEEM RUKHSHANDA , AFSHEEN SUMERA , ZIA AHMED
Published: November 2022

This study was conducted to explore the gerrid fauna of the Industrial Triangle of Punjab (Pakistan). Five species were collected during this study, of which three are recorded for the first time for Pakistan: Metrocoris communis (Distant, 1910), Heterobates bilobatus (Esaki, 1927), and Naboandelus bergevini popovi Brown, 1951. A sixth species was added from Punjab (Pakistan) from museum material, and two others from Indian Kashmir. For two taxa, H. bilobatus and N. bergevini popovi, the new records extended their known range. Further, Rheumatobates maculata Khatoon & Ali, 1978 is proposed as a junior synonym of Metrocoris communis (Distant, 1910) and Gerris lacustris (Linnaeus, 1758) is excluded from the Pakistani fauna. The first provisional checklist for the Gerridae of Pakistan is presented and the gerrid fauna of neighboring countries to Pakistan is discussed.
Review of the digger wasps of the genus Chilosphex Menke in Bohart and Menke, 1976 (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae: Prionychini)
Authors: DANILOV YURIY N. , ODINTSEV OLEG A.
Published: November 2022

All available data about the digger wasp genus Chilosphex Menke in Bohart and Menke, 1976 is summarized. The melanistic form of Ch. argyrius (Brullé, 1833) from North Caucasus (Dagestan) is recorded and illustrated. Chilosphex pseudargyrius (Roth in de Beaumont, 1967) is newly recorded from Iran and Ch. argyrius from Bulgaria. A key to both species is provided.
Between Online and Offline Solidarity: Lessons Learned From the Coronavirus Outbreak in Italy
Authors: Ruiu Maria Laura , Ragnedda Massimo
Published: November 2022

This paper focuses on four e-initiatives that were precipitated by the coronavirus outbreak in Italy. These experiences played a relevant role in developing multilevel solidarity (from the local to the global level) both online and offline. They are represented by the hashtags “#iorestoacasa” (I stay at home) and “#andràtuttobene” (everything will be alright), “performances on the balcony,” “influencers’ campaigns,” and “altruism and e-parochialism.” These experiences represent revealing examples essential to understand the benefits that a mediated form of solidarity can produce. This is particularly important given the challenges that solidarity faces due to the technological acceleration imposed by the pandemic, which is likely to influence social relationships even in the post-pandemic era. Four lessons can be learned from these expressions of e-solidarity related to the capacity of information and communication technologies to (1) promote unconditioned altruism; (2) fight “parochialism” when the same disadvantaged condition is shared; (3) their capacity to develop a multilevel sense of community by connecting the local experience to the global dimension; and (4) to mediate between institutional sources and people, and connect family members, friends, vulnerable people with neighbors, and the global community. This last point suggests that the pandemic has offered fertile ground for both mechanical and organic forms of solidarity to emerge. On the one hand, it created a collective conscience based on shared vulnerabilities and interdependence. On the other hand, it is based on individualization and diversity. Indeed, these examples of Durkheimian collective effervescence show the paradox of a form of collective individualized and mediated solidarity, which is typical of contemporary society.
A Social Diagnosis of Digitally Mediated COVID-19 Trauma
Authors: Chiaraluce Cara , Moles Katia , Robinson Laura , Wiest Julie B.
Published: November 2022

Using a social diagnosis approach to COVID-19-related trauma, this research bridges the fields of sociology of medicine, disaster response, digital sociology, and digital divides. Bringing these literatures into dialogue, we problematize the digitally mediated trauma ensuing from COVID-19. We unpack two emergent media pathways or channels leading to a social diagnosis of trauma specific to sharp increases in reliance on digital media occasioned by the pandemic. The research advances the theoretical concept of the digital media trauma paradox in which trauma ensues from both oversaturation from toxic digital content and exclusion from digital resources. In either case, digital media engagements may act as a social determinant of health, particularly digital inequalities that to co-occur with other forms of disadvantage. The research closes by arguing that social diagnosis approaches are an excellent tool to understand the complexities of disaster response in the digital age.
Health Messaging During a Pandemic: How Information Type and Individual Factors Influence Responses to COVID-19 Messages
Authors: Bigsby Elisabeth , Morrow Ethan
Published: November 2022

Traditional approaches to public health messaging suggest successful COVID-19 messages should communicate about the health threat and present effective protective behaviors. However, as the pandemic continues, how individual factors affect audience responses to such messages needs to be explored. We surveyed 224 U.S. residents (equal distribution among age group, education level, and gender) in a 2 (health threat information: high versus low) × 2 (self-efficacy information: present versus absent) × 2 (response efficacy information: present versus absent) experimental design. Variations in message information did not influence mask wearing and handwashing behavioral intentions. Instead, participant responses followed reactance theory predictions. Feelings of fear about COVID-19 and reactance proneness predicted a perceived freedom threat. Perceiving a freedom threat predicted reactance to the COVID-19 message, which was associated with decreased intentions to wear a mask and handwash. Political ideology was also associated with behavioral intentions. The more conservative a person identified, the less likely they were to intend to engage in COVID-19 protection behaviors. Our findings call into question the effectiveness of traditional health messaging during a pandemic and demonstrate the implications of politicizing health behaviors.
Theories and Politics of COVID-19
Authors: Schulz Jeremy , McClain Noah , Robinson Laura , Trammel Juliana Maria
Published: November 2022

This issue brings theoretically driven analyses to bear on the COVID-19 pandemic, a development which shines a singularly revealing light on some of the most significant political, cultural, and social trends of the 21st century. Leading off with three explicitly theoretical treatments of the pandemic, this issue directs several complementary lenses at the early stages of the pandemic as it unfolded in the US and Europe. The initial contributions grapple explicitly with the ways in which social conflicts, social solidarities, and social traumas have been refracted—and in many cases magnified—by the pandemic in terms of cultures and forms of communication. The focus then shifts to how pandemic risk governance during the pandemic operates in different levels and domains of the social architecture as conceptualized in theoretical treatments of social actorhood pioneered by James Coleman. In the second part of the issue, the theme of politics takes center stage. The upsurge of politically distinctive protests in the United States related to pandemic restrictions—as well as social and racial inequalities rendered visible by the pandemic—is the subject of the first piece. The final article explores the historical specificity of the many popular mobilizations in relation to the pandemic across the globe and across the political spectrum. In this article, we see how the popular mobilizations vary not only in terms of their political orientation, but in their general orientation toward information and authority—increasingly crucial issues in a world facing a trust deficit.
Brokered Dependency, Authoritarian Malepistemization, and Spectacularized Postcoloniality: Reflections on Chinese Academia
Authors: Lin Yao
Published: November 2022

This paper calls for a paradigm shift in studying academic dependency, toward the paradigm of brokered dependency. Using Chinese academia as an example, I demonstrate how the neocolonial condition of academic dependency is always mediated through blockage-brokerage mechanisms. The two most salient blockage-brokerage mechanisms of dependency in the Chinese context are linguistic barrier and authoritarian malepistemization, and the effects of the latter consist of three layers: institutional, informational, and incorporational. On top of their domestic impacts, those mechanisms jointly exacerbate spectacularized postcoloniality in anglophone-hegemonic global academic publishing. The paradigm of brokered dependency not only represents a more nuanced approach to the study of academic dependency, but also underscores the fact that the dismantling of the neocolonial condition cannot be conceived and pursued in isolation from comprehending and confronting the authoritarian condition, especially when the latter pertains under the disguise of anticolonialism.
How to Stop a Stalker: Perceptions and Predictors of Deterring Unwanted Pursuits
Authors: Brady Patrick Q.
Published: November 2022

Research has identified several strategies victims adopt to deter unwanted conduct from stalkers. Whether such strategies are effective, however, is relatively unknown. Using stalking data from the 2016 National Crime Victimization Survey, the current study examines the effectiveness of safety strategies as a deterrent and whether effects are conditioned by how victims know their stalker. Victims who restricted digital access or involved the police were more likely to report the unwanted conduct had stopped, net of victim and situational contexts. These findings were consistent regardless of whether victims were pursued by intimate partner versus non-partner stalkers. The success of strategies was not universal and what works to deter stalkers was related to victim characteristics, duration, and having access to resources.
Invisible privilege in Asia: Introduction to special section
Authors: Kathiravelu Laavanya , Dorairajoo Saroja
Published: November 2022

This introduction to the special section ‘Invisible Privilege in Asia’ suggests a framework within which studies of privilege in Asia can be situated. Animated by a global politics of Blackness and social movements that have renewed the focus on racialised inequality and hierarchy, we use this moment to urge an interrogation of the conceptual productivity of the notion of privilege. This project is particularly significant within a region that is often seen only as empirical site and not as a space for theory-building in the social sciences.
Hybrid optimization shunt active power filter based on radar power system
Authors: Wang Yuetong , Li Congcong , Li Siqi , Wang Dalian , Cheng Tingli , Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Yingying
Published: November 2022

The problem of load nonlinearity is exposed as more and more load types are introduced into the radar power system. The nonlinear load is easy to produce large harmonic current, but at the same time it seriously threatens the normal and safe operation of other system equipment. How to design shunt active power filter (APF) to eliminate the harmonic effect of load and achieve stability as well reliability is a difficult problem for radar power system working at 115 V 400 Hz. This paper designs a hybrid optimization shunt active power filter, which can quickly detect and compensate harmonics, mainly includes fast harmonic detection module, space vector modulation module, composite control module and inverter module. Furthermore, the modeling and simulation of the hybrid optimization shunt APF are completed in MATLAB/Simulink software, and the parameters of radar power system are also redesigned. The simulation results suggest that, under heavy load conditions, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the radar power side current is below 4.96%, and the short-period meaning filter only needs 0.0035 s to enter a new steady state in the face of load mutation. The APF designed in this paper can effectively suppress the harmonics in the radar power system, and greatly improve the dynamic performance while ensuring the steady-state performance of the system.
The Transcendental Unity of Apperception and Christian Apophaticism
Authors: Moore Harry
Published: November 2022

This study provides an original theological interpretation of Immanuel Kant’s (1724–1804) Transcendental Unity of Apperception in light of Nicholas of Cusa’s (1401–1464) apophaticism. The study will show that Kant’s Transcendental Unity contains a thoroughly anti-theological premise. This is namely that our own ‘I think’ grounds the distinction between the transcendent (that which we think but don’t know) and immanent (that which we know). This premise is then contrasted with Cusa’s conception whereby the distinction is grounded in the transcendent itself. Whilst for Kant our thought itself produces the distinction between ‘thinking’ (Denken) and ‘knowing’ (Erkennen), for Cusa the distinction between ‘knowing that’ (quia est), and ‘knowing what’ (quid est) is produced by God himself.
Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the KIDSCREEN-27 for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bingol Hasan , Gunel Mintaze Kerem , Asena Sel Sinem , Burc Eda , Fidan Hande
Published: November 2022

Our aims in this study were to examine the construct/concurrent validity and internal/test-re-test reliabilities of both the self-report and parent-report questionnaires of a Turkish version of the KIDSCREEN-27 for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). We used a convenience sample of 135 children and adolescents with CP aged 8–18 years (65 males, 70 females; M age = 12.39, SD = 3.57) and their parents/caregivers (123 mothers, seven fathers, and five grandmothers). We explored structural construct validity via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Concurrent validity was examined via Spearman’s correlations between the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaires and the self-report and primary caregiver report forms of the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life for Children (CP QOL-Child) and adolescents (CP QOL-Teen). We explored test-retest and internal consistency reliabilities utilizing intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha (α), respectively. CFA goodness-of fit indices verified that the predefined model of the KIDSCREEN-27 was a good fit for data from the CP population (X2/df<5, GFI >0.90, AGFI >0.90, RMSEA<0.80). Results showed the subdomains of both KIDSCREEN-27 forms to be significantly correlated with the matched subdomains of the CP QOL-Child and CP QOL-Teen questionnaires (ranges of r = 0.62–0.94). Overall, α and ICC coefficients for all subdomains of both KIDSCREEN-27 versions were acceptable (α and ICC >0.70). Both versions of the KIDSCREEN-27 have satisfactory psychometric properties for use in evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in children and adolescents with CP.
Evaluation of a Telehealth ABA Program for Caregivers of Children with ASD
Authors: Gerow Stephanie , Kirkpatrick Marie , McGinnis Kristina , Sulak Tracey N. , Davis Tonya N. , Fritz Stephanie
Published: November 2022

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience skill deficits that can negatively affect long-term outcomes. Interventions based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) yield improvements in targeted skills. However, families often have difficulty accessing ABA services. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a caregiver coaching program delivered via telehealth. Thirty children with ASD and their caregivers (e.g., parents, grandparents) participated in all phases of the study. The program consisted of therapists providing coaching in English or Spanish to caregivers of children with ASD via synchronous video call telehealth visits, typically provided one to two times per week. Caregivers received coaching in interventions (e.g., functional communication training, discrete trial teaching, total task chaining, and naturalistic teaching) to address individualized goals. We collected data on caregiver treatment fidelity and child outcomes (i.e., Vineland-3, observation, and analysis of time series data). Caregivers implemented intervention procedures with 95% accuracy on average. The single-case effect sizes calculated based on the time series baseline and intervention data yielded medium, large, or very large improvements for 85% of goals addressed. Results indicated that the children improved on appropriate engagement (measured via observation), but there was no statistically significant improvement for the remaining pre-post measures. These results, along with the results of previous studies, provide preliminary support for the use of telehealth to provide ABA services. However, there is a need for additional research evaluating the efficacy of these types of programs.
Survival comparison of different histological subtypes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A propensity-matched score analysis based on SEER database
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Yi , Xiang Xianwang , Chen Chuanjun
Published: November 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference of survival rates in paitents with oropharyngeal keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (KSCC), nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (NKSCC), basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), and papillary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC).

Materials and methods

Patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2004 and 2015 were collected from the SEER database. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier curves were used for survival analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for the effect of confounding variables. Due to the small sample size of PSCC, this study did not perform PSM between it and other subtypes.

Results

The 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate of PSCC was higher than that of KSCC, NKSCC, and BSCC (0.627 vs. 0.812 vs. 0.789 vs. 0.875, P < 0.05); And the CSS rate of KSCC was lower than that of other subtypes both before and after PSM. In addition, the 5-year and 10-year CSS rates of BSCC were not different from NKSCC ( P > 0.05), but not as good as NKSCC in the long term ( P = 0.028). After PSM, the 5-year, 10-year, and long-term prognosis of BSCC were significantly worse than those of NKSCC ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The 5-year CSS of PSCC was better than the other three subtypes. The short-term prognosis of BSCC was not significantly different from NKSCC, but the long-term survival was lower than that of NKSCC, and the difference was more obvious after PSM. Meanwhile, the prognosis of KSCC was worst.
Experimenting the effect of using visual multimedia intervention to inculcate social media literacy skills to tackle fake news
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Iyendo Timothy Onosahwo , Apuke Oberiri Destiny , Gever Celestine Verlumun
Published: November 2022

This study experimented the effect of using visual multimedia intervention to improve users’ social media literacy skills to combat fake news. We carried out a quasi-experiment in one public university in Nigeria and randomly divided 470 participants into equal parts to form a control and experimental group. The respondents in the experimental group were exposed to 8 weeks of training using visual multimedia to improve their social media literacy skills to fight fake news. We realised that those exposed to social media literacy skills training via visual multimedia demonstrated a better knowledge of social media, better recognition of fake news, a higher tendency to verify information and a lesser inclination to share false news. Implications for research and practice were discussed.
Predictors of Employment in Early Adolescence: Results of a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Laberge Luc , Auclair Julie , Busque Marc-Antoine , Maltais Alexandre , Élise Ledoux
Published: November 2022

The aim was to explore predictors of employment during the school year in adolescents aged 13. We report on a population-based sample of children followed-up from 5 months to this day. Parents and children answered questions on family, school, health, and work. A multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of informal and formal work. Results show that female sex and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) at age 12 were associated with an increased probability of doing informal work at age 13. Also, results indicate that 13-year-olds doing formal work for an employer or in the family business were more likely to report higher LTPA, to have used alcohol, to exhibit more delinquent behaviors, and to report lower educational aspirations at age 12. Such information must be used to devise interventions aiming at reducing the risks that school year employment may entail for education and health of adolescents.
A novel use of CT attenuation value: increased bone marrow density in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kumasaka Soma , Kubota Jun , Kumasaka Yuka , Naito Chiaki , Tsushima Yoshito
Published: November 2022

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. Bone marrow computed tomography (CT) attenuation may increase in patients with myeloproliferative disorders; however, the actual threshold CT attenuation value predictive of myeloproliferative has not been reported.

Purpose

To determine whether the unenhanced CT attenuation value of the bone marrow may be useful for predicting AML.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with AML (n = 56) who underwent unenhanced CT before treatment, and age- and sex-matched controls without any hematologic disease. For each patient, the CT attenuation value (HU) of the iliac bone was measured and compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to define the cutoff value for predicting AML on all patients, and only on late elderly patients (aged ≥75 years).

Results

Patients with AML showed higher bone marrow CT attenuation value (131.4 ± 58.3 vs. 53.9 ± 67.2 HU; P < 0.001), compared to the controls. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AML in all patients were 78.6% and 80.4%, respectively, at a threshold value of 90 HU, whereas they were 83.3% and 91.7%, respectively, at 40 HU in late elderly patients.

Conclusion

The iliac bone CT attenuation value was elevated in patients with AML and may be useful for predicting AML.
Computed tomography findings in bronchial asthma: quantification of air trapping and correlation with pulmonary function tests
Authors: Ghosh Subha
Published: November 2022

Background

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans can help identify subsets of asthma patients who show rapid decline in lung function.

Purpose

To evaluate high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in adult patients with asthma, obtain quantitative measurements of air trapping on expiratory scans, and correlate the findings with pulmonary function tests (PFTs).

Material and Methods

Thirty adults with asthma with persistent-mild, persistent-moderate, and persistent-severe categories as per standard clinical guidelines were evaluated with inspiratory and expiratory HRCT for various imaging features of bronchial asthma. Expiratory HRCT scan were used to quantify degree of air-trapping, and their values quantified as “pixel index,” using a special “density' mask” software. Complete spirometry and body plethysmography were performed on each patient within 0–2 days of HRCT scans. HRCT findings were correlated with the clinical severity groups and the CT pixel indices (PI) were correlated with the PFT results using correlation coefficients and linear regression analysis.

Results

The inspiratory CT findings did not correlate with increase in disease severity. Expiratory scans accurately quantified areas of air trapping. CT-PI correlated well with PFT values indicative of airway obstruction and airflow limitation, which helped differentiate patients with asthma with increasing severity from those with milder forms of the disease.

Conclusion

Expiratory thin-section CT is a useful objective method to quantify air-trapping in people with asthma. The air-trapping score measured in “pixel indices” correlates well with PFT results and can successfully identify patients with severe asthma. Further studies are needed to confirm if this parameter can serve as a potential marker for airway remodeling and declining lung function.
Measuring pure ground-glass nodules on computed tomography: assessing agreement between a commercially available deep learning algorithm and radiologists’ readings
Authors: Zuo Zhichao , Wang Peng , Zeng Weihua , Qi Wanyin , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2022

Background

Deep learning algorithms (DLAs) could enable automatic measurements of solid portions of mixed ground-glass nodules (mGGNs) in agreement with the invasive component sizes measured during pathologic examinations. However, the measurement of pure ground-glass nodules (pGGNs) based on DLAs has rarely been reported in the literature.

Purpose

To evaluate the use of a commercially available DLA for the automatic measurement of pGGNs on computed tomography (CT).

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 68 patients with 81 pGGNs. The maximum diameter of the nodules was manually measured by senior radiologists and automatically segmented and measured by the DLA. Agreement between the measurements by the radiologist and DLA was assessed using Bland–Altman plots, and correlations were analyzed using Pearson correlation. Finally, we evaluated the association between the radiologist and DLA measurements and the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma in patients with pGGNs on preoperative CT.

Results

The radiologist and DLA measurements exhibited good agreement with a Bland-Altman bias of 3.0%, which were clinically acceptable. The correlation between both sets of maximum diameters was also strong, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.968 ( P < 0.001). In addition, both sets of maximum diameters were larger in the invasive adenocarcinoma group than in the non-invasive adenocarcinoma group ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Automatic pGGNs measurements by the DLA were comparable with those measured manually and were closely associated with the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma.
Multi-cancer early detection test sensitivity for cancers with and without current population-level screening options
Authors: Shao Spencer H. , Allen Brian , Clement Jessica , Chung Gina , Gao Jingjing , Hubbell Earl , Liu Minetta C. , Swanton Charles , Tang W.H. Wilson , Yimer Habte , Tummala Mohan
Published: November 2022

There are four solid tumors with common screening options in the average-risk population aged 21 to 75 years (breast, cervical, colorectal, and, based on personalized risk assessment, prostate), but many cancers lack recommended population screening and are often detected at advanced stages when mortality is high. Blood-based multi-cancer early detection tests have the potential to improve cancer mortality through additional population screening. Reported here is a post-hoc analysis from the third Circulating Cell-free Genome Atlas substudy to examine multi-cancer early detection test performance in solid tumors with and without population screening recommendations and in hematologic malignancies. Participants with cancer in the third Circulating Cell-free Genome Atlas substudy analysis were split into three subgroups: solid screened tumors (breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate), solid unscreened tumors, and hematologic malignancies. In this post hoc analysis, sensitivity is reported for each subgroup across all ages and those aged ⩾50 years overall, by cancer, and by clinical cancer stage. Aggregate sensitivity in the solid screened, solid unscreened, and hematologic malignancy subgroups was 34%, 66%, and 55% across all cancer stages, respectively; restricting to participants aged ⩾50 years showed similar aggregate sensitivity. Aggregate sensitivity was 27%, 53%, and 60% across stages I to III, respectively. Within the solid unscreened subgroup, aggregate sensitivity was >75% in 8/18 cancers (44%) and >50% in 13/18 (72%). This multi-cancer early detection test detected cancer signals at high (>75%) sensitivity for multiple cancers without existing population screening recommendations, suggesting its potential to complement recommended screening programs.

Clinical trial identifier: NCT02889978.
Adolescent Dilemmas About Viewing Pornography and Their Efforts to Resolve Them
Authors: Vertongen Robyn , van Ommen Clifford , Chamberlain Kerry
Published: November 2022

Concerns have been raised about how viewing Sexually Explicit Internet Material (SEIM) shapes adolescents’ understanding of sexual relationships and has potentially negative impacts. However, research frequently takes a narrow view of adolescent SEIM use and excludes their understandings. The present study explored how 13 participants, aged 14 to 15 years, made sense of their experiences with SEIM. In-depth individual interviews were conducted, and five dominant dilemmas faced by participants were abstracted using interpretive analysis. We discuss how these dilemmas were negotiated by adolescents using various strategies. The analysis provides new understandings of how adolescents interpret their SEIM experiences and highlights the limitations of understanding SEIM use solely through risk models. On a practical level, these findings can inform youth, parents and caregivers, and professionals as to how they might understand and help young people navigate the complex area of SEIM.
Primary hepatocyte urea assessment in the sodium-alginate patterned hydrogel by electrochemical procedure containing umbilical cord conditioned media
Authors: Abolhassani Sareh , Hossein-Aghdaei Mahdokht , Geramizadeh Bita , Azarpira Negar , Koohpeyma Farhad , Gholami Mahnaz , Alizadeh Aliakbar
Published: November 2022

Limitations in liver transplantation and advances in cell therapy methods motivated us to study primary hepatocytes. The main challenge in using primary hepatocytes for liver regeneration is that they lose their functionalities. We aimed to develop a controlled-shape hydrogel and apply the conditioned-media of mesenchymal stromal cells (CM-MSCs) to improve in vitro hepatocyte functions. In this experimental study, following rat hepatocyte isolation by collagenase perfusion and collection of human umbilical cord CM-MSCs, a simple and precise system called electrodeposition was used to produce the patterned alginate hydrogel. To reduce the cytopathic effects, we used an indirect electrodeposition method. For characterizing this structure, mechanical properties, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water uptake, in-vitro degradation, and hydrogel stability were studied. Urea synthesis as a basic function of hepatocytes was assessed in five different groups. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to evaluate the primary hepatocyte morphology and their dispersion in the fabricated structure. We observed a significant increase in urea synthesis in the presence of CM-MSCs in patterned hydrogel alginate compared to 2D culture on day 3 ( p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in simple and patterned hydrogel on day 2. We found that the electrodeposition method is appropriate for the rapid fabricating of hydrogel structures with arbitrary patterns for 3D cell culture.
Experimental study of UV induced tensile properties deterioration and chemical aging of polyurea–POSS composites
Authors: Pal Ghanshyam , Al-Ostaz Ahmed , Li Xiaobing , Alkhateb Hunain , Cheng Alexander H-D
Published: November 2022

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation present in natural sunlight degrades the chemical and mechanical properties of polymeric matrices in composites. Polyurea possess a unique set of chemical and mechanical properties due to its complex microstructure comprising of hard and soft segments (phases). The primary objective of the work presented here is to characterize the chemical and mechanical degradation of pure polyurea and polyurea - polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites subjected to UV radiation exposure for 45 days. Control specimen in as-received condition (reference specimen) and UV-aged tensile test specimen are tested in the study. Analysis of Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectra for UV-aged polyurea and polyurea-POSS composites reveals that the addition of POSS nanoparticles accelerate the deterioration of polyurea matrix by breaking the hard phase network and altering the mechanism of degradation for the soft phase present in polyurea microstructure. The deterioration of hard and soft segments cause a significant reduction in tensile properties of polyurea-POSS composites.
Does ESSA Assure the Use of Evidence-based Educational Practices?
Authors: Ginsberg Yuan Chang , Hollands Fiona M. , Holmes Venita R. , Shand Robert , Evans Pamela , Blodgett Ryan , Wang Yixin , Head Laura
Published: November 2022

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 requires that K-12 educational agencies invest federal education funds in evidence-based practices. We estimated what percentage of Title I funds at a large school district are invested in practices supported by a single study meeting one of the top three tiers of evidence as defined by ESSA. Over 95% met this bar. When studies about each practice from four research repositories were considered, the percentage of funds invested in practices with overall positive or mostly positive ratings fell below 60%. These proportions did not change substantially after the introduction of ESSA.
Analytic hierarchy process methodology in part selection for fused deposition modelling in the South African railway industry
Authors: Toth A. D. , Padayachee J. , Vilakazi S. , Matjeke V.
Published: November 2022

This study proposes a methodology to identify, evaluate and select parts, components and products within the railway environment that will benefit from the Fused Deposition Modelling Additive Manufacturing technology at the initial conceptual design phase. A review on the state-of-the-art in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making models is presented, focusing on the Fused Deposition Modelling Additive Manufacturing process. The criteria identified in the literature were used to develop a custom evaluation model for part selection specific to railway maintenance applications using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The proposed methodology is validated using case studies from published literature and then applied to railway-specific case studies to determine its benefit using the Fused Deposition Modelling technology. The railway case studies present functional end-use 3D printed replacement parts, custom tooling and prototype products for railway infrastructure and rolling stock vehicles. Lastly, the proposed methodology was integrated into a program using Visual Basic and Microsoft Excel to assist novice railway engineers in identifying whether parts will benefit from the 3D printing process.
Changes in Response Criterion and Lapse Rate as General Mechanisms of Vigilance Decrement: Commentary on McCarley and Yamani (2021)
Authors: Román-Caballero Rafael , Martín-Arévalo Elisa , Lupiáñez Juan
Published: November 2022

Multiple theories have used perceptual sensitivity and response criterion indices to explain the decrements in performance across time on task (i.e., vigilance decrement). In a recent study, McCarley and Yamani (2021) offered conceptual and methodological advances to this debate by using a vigilance task that parametrically manipulates noise and signal and analyzes the outcomes with psychometric curves. In the present Commentary, we reanalyze data ( N = 553) from a different, already existing vigilance task, the Attentional Networks Test for Interactions and Vigilance—executive and arousal components (ANTI-Vea). Psychometric curves with the ANTI-Vea showed robust changes in response criterion and lapse rate, although not in sensitivity. Our interpretation is that the need to keep the standard in memory in McCarley and Yamani’s task could produce a decrease in sensitivity and be related to reduced fidelity of the memory representation rather than to a decrement in perceptual abilities across time on task.
Modeling the influence of green innovation on environmental sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises: A way towards sustainable development
Authors: Xin Yongrong , Laila Ume , Zhang Shuo
Published: November 2022

Significantly tied to China's 14th five-year plan, green innovation is a vital component of high-value growth. This study explores the impact of green innovation on the environmental sustainability of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). The findings are based on the primary data collected from 453 Chinese SME employees via an online questionnaire survey. Structural equation modeling is utilized for data analysis purposes. Study results reveal that green innovation has a significant influence on marketing innovation and product innovation. Similarly, marketing innovation positively affects product innovation and environmental sustainability. Moreover, product innovation has a significant effect on environmental sustainability. The outcomes of this study imply that organizations in developing economies should prioritize green innovation elements in order to improve the environmental sustainability of SMEs. Study limitations and directions for future research are also discussed at the end of the study.
Design islanded hybrid micro-grid and analyzing its socio-economic technical and environmental aspects for off-grid electrification in developing countries
Authors: Ullah Saleem , Yousif Muhammad , Abid Muhammad Zeeshan , Numan Muhammad , Kataria Mubashar Aslam
Published: November 2022

Developing countries are facing many electricity crises such as low production, worst power outages, blackouts, and poor inadequate supplies. Most of their rural areas have no basic power infrastructure as it requires long transmission lines, which causes high installation, operation, maintenance costs and line losses issues. The people of these unconnected rural areas belong to low-income families and use kerosene oil, candles, small solar panels, and batteries to meet their basic electricity needs. As an alternative, renewable-based hybrid energy systems have enormous potential. It is also environmentally friendly and low-cost, sustainable, and promising solution to electrify rural off-grid areas. This research work focuses on the economic and optimal design of a renewable-based hybrid energy system for the rural off-grid area of Pakistan. HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) software is used to perform techno-economic and environmental analysis. The optimization results show that the most economical and optimal configuration is PV/diesel generator with batteries having lower harmful emissions. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis is performed to refine the results which show that the most optimal system will remain sustainable if variations occur in the sensitivity variables in the future. Moreover, the results and findings of this study can help the government to make effective policies and planning to provide reliable and affordable electricity to the off-grid areas, to improve the electrification rate in the country.
Analyzing the mechanism between nuclear energy consumption and carbon emissions: Fresh insights from novel bootstrap rolling-window approach
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Sunday Adebayo Tomiwa , Cai Jinyang , Dördüncü Hazar , Shahzad Farrukh
Published: November 2022

This research utilizes a bootstrap rolling-window (BRW) causality test to explore the causal interrelationship between nuclear energy consumption (NUC) and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in 6 developed countries from 1980 to 2020. When there are structural shifts in the full-sample time series, empirical research exploring causality between two-time series generates erroneous conclusions. On the other hand, the BRW method allows researchers to find potential time-varying causality between time series using sub-sample data. The outcomes of the BRW causality test disclosed the following results: (i) a unidirectional negative causality from NUC to CO2 without feedback was found for Japan; (ii) a negative causality at sup-sample periods from NUC to CO2 surfaced at the sub-sample period while a positive causality surfaced from NUC to CO2 in sub-sample period for the United States of America (USA) and France; (iii) a negative feedback causality between NUC and CO2 was found For Canada; (iv) a positive unidirectional causality surfaced from NUC to CO2 was found for Germany, which implies that consumption of NUC worsens the environment in the sub-sampled period. The results may have policy consequences for the selected developed countries regarding NUC and CO2 nexus.