bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Southern Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Krishnadas Natasha , Taylor Bruce
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Anecdotally, the incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is increasing, linked to an increase in the obesity rate in Australian society. However, formal incidence and prevalence studies are rare. We therefore sought to determine the incidence and clinical features of IIH in Southern Tasmania, Australia.

Method

Neurology discharge summaries and lumbar puncture referrals from the single tertiary referral centre in this region were screened for an IIH diagnosis. All regional neurologists were surveyed to capture patients diagnosed through private neurology clinics. A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether patients met the Modified Dandy Criteria (MDC). Patients were included if they were above the age of 18 years and received a new diagnosis of IIH between June 2016 and June 2018. Population statistics were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Results

IIH incidence was 5.4/100 000. All patients were females, aged between 18 and 45 years. Headache was the most commonly reported symptom, with high rates of pre-existing or concurrent migraine diagnoses. Weight loss and commencement of oral acetazolamide were the most common treatment approaches. Four patients were medically refractory and required surgical intervention.

Conclusion

The incidence of IIH in Southern Tasmania is comparable with the incidence reported in subgroups of females of childbearing age in recent prior studies. The demographic, diagnostic and therapeutic data presented can inform future local health service provision and serve as a baseline for ongoing assessment of change in incidence and treatment of IIH at a community level.
Transgender people’s reasons for primary care visits: a cross-sectional study in France
Authors: Garnier Maud , Ollivier Sarah , Flori Marie , Maynié-François Christine
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Our main objective was to describe transgender people’s reasons for consulting a general practitioner (GP) outside of transition-related issues; the secondary objective was to study the qualitative aspects of the primary care visits for this population.

Design

Descriptive, cross-sectional study in France.

Setting

The study questionnaire was distributed online and to healthcare centres in France.

Participants

Self-identified transgender people aged 18 and older.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Reasons for consulting were collected retrospectively and classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care, second edition (ICPC-2). The answers to the open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively by theme and occurrences.

Results

Out of 320 respondents, 50% visited their GP for a problem unrelated to their transition, with a total of 155 reported reasons. Procedures such as prescription renewal and administrative paperwork represented 33% of the reasons to visit, followed by general symptoms (15%). Benevolence from the physician was the most important criteria for a successful consultation.

Conclusion

Transgender people visit their GP for reasons either related (50%) or unrelated (50%) to transition. When unrelated, reasons appear to be similar to the reasons found in the general population. Further research and training should be developed on comprehensive primary healthcare for transgender people to provide quality patient-centred care for transgender patients.
Queensland Family Cohort: a study protocol
Authors: Borg Danielle , Rae Kym , Fiveash Corrine , Schagen Johanna , James-McAlpine Janelle , Friedlander Frances , Thurston Claire , Oliveri Maria , Harmey Theresa , Cavanagh Erika , Edwards Christopher , Fontanarosa Davide , Perkins Tony , de Zubicaray Greig , Moritz Karen , Kumar Sailesh , Clifton Vicki
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The perinatal–postnatal family environment is associated with childhood outcomes including impacts on physical and mental health and educational attainment. Family longitudinal cohort studies collect in-depth data that can capture the influence of an era on family lifestyle, mental health, chronic disease, education and financial stability to enable identification of gaps in society and provide the evidence for changes in government in policy and practice.

Methods and analysis

The Queensland Family Cohort (QFC) is a prospective, observational, longitudinal study that will recruit 12 500 pregnant families across the state of Queensland (QLD), Australia and intends to follow-up families and children for three decades. To identify the immediate and future health requirements of the QLD population; pregnant participants and their partners will be enrolled by 24 weeks of gestation and followed up at 24, 28 and 36 weeks of gestation, during delivery, on-ward, 6 weeks postpartum and then every 12 months where questionnaires, biological samples and physical measures will be collected from parents and children. To examine the impact of environmental exposures on families, data related to environmental pollution, household pollution and employment exposures will be linked to pregnancy and health outcomes. Where feasible, data linkage of state and federal government databases will be used to follow the participants long term. Biological samples will be stored long term for future discoveries of biomarkers of health and disease.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Mater Research Ethics (HREC/16/MHS/113). Findings will be reported to (1) QFC participating families; (2) funding bodies, institutes and hospitals supporting the QFC; (3) federal, state and local governments to inform policy; (4) presented at local, national and international conferences and (5) disseminated by peer-review publications.
Protective factors and sources of support in the workplace as experienced by UK foundation and junior doctors: a qualitative study
Authors: Riley Ruth , Kokab Farina , Buszewicz Marta , Gopfert Anya , Van Hove Maria , Taylor Anna K , Teoh Kevin , Martin James , Appleby Louis , Chew-Graham Carolyn
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This paper reports findings identifying foundation and junior doctors’ experiences of occupational and psychological protective factors in the workplace and sources of effective support.

Design

Interpretative, inductive, qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 21 junior doctor participants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, anonymised and imported into NVivo V.11 to facilitate data management. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis employing the constant comparative method.

Setting

National Health Service in the UK.

Participants

Participants were recruited from junior doctors through social media (eg, the British Medical Association (BMA) junior doctors’ Facebook group, Twitter and the mental health research charity websites). A purposive sample of 16 females and 5 males, ethnically diverse, from a range of specialities, across the UK. Junior doctor participants self-identified as having stress, distress, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts or having attempted to kill themselves.

Results

Analysis identified three main themes, with corresponding subthemes relating to protective work factors and facilitators of support: (1) support from work colleagues – help with managing workloads and emotional support; (2) supportive leadership strategies, including feeling valued and accepted, trust and communication, supportive learning environments, challenging stigma and normalising vulnerability; and (3) access to professional support – counselling, cognitive–behavioural therapy and medication through general practitioners, specialist support services for doctors and private therapy.

Conclusions

Findings show that supportive leadership, effective management practices, peer support and access to appropriate professional support can help mitigate the negative impact of working conditions and cultures experienced by junior doctors. Feeling connected, supported and valued by colleagues and consultants acts as an important buffer against emotional distress despite working under challenging working conditions.
Threat of COVID-19 impacting on a quaternary healthcare service: a retrospective cohort study of administrative data
Authors: McNamara Elissa , Saxon Leanne , Bond Katherine , Campbell Bruce CV , Douglass Jo , Dutch Martin J , Grigg Leeanne , Johnson Douglas , Knott Jonathan C , Koye Digsu N , Putland Mark , Read David J , Smith Benjamin , Thomson Benjamin NJ , Williamson Deborah A , Tong Steven YC , Fazio Timothy N
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The threat of a pandemic, over and above the disease itself, may have significant and broad effects on a healthcare system. We aimed to describe the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (during a relatively low transmission period) and associated societal restrictions on presentations, admissions and outpatient visits.

Design

We compared hospital activity in 2020 with the preceding 5 years, 2015–2019, using a retrospective cohort study design.

Setting

Quaternary hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

Emergency department presentations, hospital admissions and outpatient visits from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2020, n=896 934 episodes of care.

Intervention

In Australia, the initial peak COVID-19 phase was March–April.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Separate linear regression models were fitted to estimate the impact of the pandemic on the number, type and severity of emergency presentations, hospital admissions and outpatient visits.

Results

During the peak COVID-19 phase (March and April 2020), there were marked reductions in emergency presentations (10 389 observed vs 14 678 expected; 29% reduction; p<0.05) and hospital admissions (5972 observed vs 8368 expected; 28% reduction; p<0.05). Stroke (114 observed vs 177 expected; 35% reduction; p<0.05) and trauma (1336 observed vs 1764 expected; 24% reduction; p<0.05) presentations decreased; acute myocardial infarctions were unchanged. There was an increase in the proportion of hospital admissions requiring intensive care (7.0% observed vs 6.0% expected; p<0.05) or resulting in death (2.2% observed vs 1.5% expected; p<0.05). Outpatient attendances remained similar (30 267 observed vs 31 980 expected; 5% reduction; not significant) but telephone/telehealth consultations increased from 2.5% to 45% (p<0.05) of total consultations.

Conclusions

Although case numbers of COVID-19 were relatively low in Australia during the first 6 months of 2020, the impact on hospital activity was profound.
Evaluation of Artesunate-mefloquine as a Novel Alternative Treatment for Schistosomiasis in African Children (SchistoSAM): protocol of a proof-of-concept, open-label, two-arm, individually-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Roucher Clémentine , Brosius Isabel , Mbow Moustapha , Faye Babacar Thiendella , De Hondt Annelies , Smekens Bart , Arango Diana , Burm Christophe , Tsoumanis Achilleas , Paredis Linda , van Herrewege Yven , Potters Idzi , Cisse Badara , Mboup Souleymane , Polman Katja , Bottieau Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Alternative drugs and diagnostics are needed for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis. The exclusive use of praziquantel (PZQ) in mass drug administration programmes may result in the emergence of drug resistance. PZQ has little activity againstSchistosomalarvae, thus reinfection remains a problem in high-risk communities. Furthermore, the insufficient sensitivity of conventional microscopy hinders therapeutic response assessment. Evaluation of artesunate-mefloquine (AM) as a Novel Alternative Treatment for Schistosomiasis in African Children (SchistoSAM) aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the antimalarial combination artesunate-mefloquine, re-purposed for the treatment of schistosomiasis, and to assess the performance of highly sensitive novel antigen-based and DNA-based assays as tools for monitoring treatment response.

Methods and analysis

The SchistoSAM study is an open-label, two-arm, individually randomised controlled non-inferiority trial, with a follow-up of 48 weeks. Primary school-aged children from the Richard Toll district in northern Senegal, an area endemic forSchistosoma mansoniandSchistosoma haematobium, are allocated to the AM intervention arm (3-day courses at 6-week intervals) or the PZQ control arm (single dose of 40 mg/kg). The trial’s primary endpoints are the efficacy (cure rate (CR), assessed by microscopy) and safety (frequency and pattern of drug-related adverse events) of one AM course versus PZQ at 4 weeks after treatment. Secondary endpoints include (1) cumulative CR, egg reduction rate and safety after each additional course of AM, and at weeks 24 and 48, (2) prevalence and severity of schistosomiasis-related morbidity and (3) malaria prevalence, incidence and morbidity, both after 24 and 48 weeks. CRs and intensity reduction rates are also assessed by antigen-based and DNA-based diagnostic assays, for which performance for treatment monitoring is evaluated.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained both in Belgium and Senegal. Oral assent from the children and signed informed consent from their legal representatives was obtained, prior to enrolment. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03893097; pre-results.
Safety and efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation by Anaerobic Cultivated Human Intestinal Microbiome (ACHIM) in patients with systemic sclerosis: study protocol for the randomised controlled phase II ReSScue trial
Authors: Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Fretheim Håvard H , Sarna Vikas K , Barua Imon , Carstens Maylen N , Distler Oliver , Khanna Dinesh , Volkmann Elizabeth R , Midtvedt Øyvind , Didriksen Henriette , Dhainaut Alvilde , Halse Anne-Kristine , Bakland Gunnstein , Pesonen Maiju , Olsen Inge , Molberg Øyvind
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In the multisystem inflammatory disorder systemic sclerosis (SSc), gastrointestinal tract (GIT) affliction is highly prevalent. There are no known disease modifying therapies and the negative impact is substantial. Aiming for a new therapeutic principle, and inspired by recent work showing associations between gut microbiota changes and GIT symptoms in SSc, we performed a pilot study on faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with the single-donor bacterial culture ‘Anaerobic Cultivated Human Intestinal Microbiome (ACHIM)’. Motivated by positive pilot study signals, we designed the ReSScue trial as a phase II multicentre, placebo-controlled, randomised 20-week trial to evaluate safety and efficacy on lower GIT symptoms of FMT by ACHIM in SSc.

Methods and analyses

We aim to include 70 SSc participants with moderate to severe lower GIT symptoms, defined by the validated patient-reported University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium GIT 2.0 2.0 questionnaire. The trial includes three parts. In part A1 (induction phase) lasting from week 0 to week 12, participants will be randomised 1:1 to repeat infusions of 30 mL ACHIM or placebo at week 0 and 2 by gastroduodenoscopy. In part A2, which is an 8-week subsequent maintenance phase, all study participants will receive 30 mL ACHIM at week 12 and followed until week 20 on continued blind. In part B, which will last until the last participant completes part A2, the participants will be followed through a maximum 16-week extended monitoring period, for longer-term data on safety and intervention effects. Primary endpoint is change from baseline to week 12 in UCLA GIT subscale scores of diarrhoea or bloating, depending on the worst symptom at baseline evaluated separately for each patient. Secondary endpoints are safety measures and changes in UCLA GIT scores (total, diarrhoea and bloating).

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the Northern Norwegian Committee for Medical Ethics. Study findings will be published.

Trial registration number

NCT04300426; Pre-results.

Protocol version

V.3.1.
COVID-19 infection among international travellers: a prospective analysis
Authors: Lunney Meaghan , Ronksley Paul E , Weaver Robert G , Barnieh Lianne , Blue Norman , Avey Marc T , Rolland-Harris Elizabeth , Khan Faisal M , Pang Jack X Q , Rafferty Ellen , Scory Tayler D , Svenson Lawrence W , Rodin Rachel , Tonelli Marcello
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This report estimates the risk of COVID-19 importation and secondary transmission associated with a modified quarantine programme in Canada.

Design and participants

Prospective analysis of international asymptomatic travellers entering Alberta, Canada.

Interventions

All participants were required to receive a PCR COVID-19 test on arrival. If negative, participants could leave quarantine but were required to have a second test 6 or 7 days after arrival. If the arrival test was positive, participants were required to remain in quarantine for 14 days.

Main outcome measures

Proportion and rate of participants testing positive for COVID-19; number of cases of secondary transmission.

Results

The analysis included 9535 international travellers entering Alberta by air (N=8398) or land (N=1137) that voluntarily enrolled in the Alberta Border Testing Pilot Programme (a subset of all travellers); most (83.1%) were Canadian citizens. Among the 9310 participants who received at least one test, 200 (21.5 per 1000, 95% CI 18.6 to 24.6) tested positive. Sixty-nine per cent (138/200) of positive tests were detected on arrival (14.8 per 1000 travellers, 95% CI 12.5 to 17.5). 62 cases (6.7 per 1000 travellers, 95% CI 5.1 to 8.5; 31.0% of positive cases) were identified among participants that had been released from quarantine following a negative test result on arrival. Of 192 participants who developed symptoms, 51 (26.6%) tested positive after arrival. Among participants with positive tests, four (2.0%) were hospitalised for COVID-19; none required critical care or died. Contact tracing among participants who tested positive identified 200 contacts; of 88 contacts tested, 22 were cases of secondary transmission (14 from those testing positive on arrival and 8 from those testing positive thereafter). SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 lineage was not detected in any of the 200 positive cases.

Conclusions

21.5 per 1000 international travellers tested positive for COVID-19. Most (69%) tested positive on arrival and 31% tested positive during follow-up. These findings suggest the need for ongoing vigilance in travellers testing negative on arrival and highlight the value of follow-up testing and contact tracing to monitor and limit secondary transmission where possible.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients without severe male factor infertility: study protocol for the randomised, controlled, multicentre trial INVICSI
Authors: Berntsen Sine , Nøhr Bugge , Grøndahl Marie Louise , Petersen Morten Rønn , Andersen Lars Franch , Englund Anne Lis , Knudsen Ulla Breth , Prætorius Lisbeth , Zedeler Anne , Nielsen Henriette Svarre , Pinborg Anja , Freiesleben Nina La Cour
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Over the last decades, the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased, even among patients without male factor infertility. The increase has happened even though there is no evidence to support that ICSI results in higher live birth rates compared with conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in cases with nonmale factor infertility. The lack of robust evidence on an advantage of using ICSI over conventional IVF in these patients is problematic since ICSI is more invasive, complex and requires additional resources, time and effort. Therefore, the primary objective of the IVF versus ICSI (INVICSI) study is to determine whether ICSI is superior to standard IVF in patients without severe male factor infertility. The primary outcome measure is first live birth from fresh and frozen-thawed transfers after one stimulated cycle. Secondary outcomes include fertilisation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, birth weight and congenital anomalies.

Methods and analysis

This is a two-armed, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial. In total, 824 couples/women with infertility without severe male factor will be recruited and allocated randomly into two groups (IVF or ICSI) in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will be randomised in variable block sizes and stratified by trial site and age. The main inclusion criteria are (1) no prior IVF/ICSI treatment, (2) male partner sperm with an expected count of minimum 2 million progressive motile spermatozoa following density gradient purification on the day of oocyte pick up and (3) age of the woman between 18 and 42 years.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be performed in accordance with the ethical principles in the Helsinki Declaration. The study is approved by the Scientific Ethical Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark. Study findings will be presented, irrespectively of results at international conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04128904. Pre-results.
Tumor-derived lactate inhibit the efficacy of lenvatinib through regulating PD-L1 expression on neutrophil in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Deng Haijing , Kan Anna , Lyu Ning , He Meng , Huang Xin , Qiao Shuang , Li Shaolong , Lu Wenhua , Xie Qiankun , Chen Huiming , Lai Jinfa , Chen Qifeng , Jiang Xiongying , Liu Shousheng , Zhang Zhenfeng , Zhao Ming
Published: June 2021

Background

Neutrophils play a controversial role in tumor development. The function of programmed cell death-1 ligand (PD-L1+) neutrophils, however, may inhibit the cytotoxicity of anti-tumor immunity. In this study, we elucidate the stimulators of PD-L1+neutrophils in tumor microenvironment (TME) and explore the optimal combination to enhance the effect of lenvatinib by inhibiting PD-L1+neutrophils in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Neutrophil infiltration after lenvatinib treatment was examined with RNA sequencing and multicolor flow cytometry analysis in patient samples, subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models. Neutrophils and T cells were isolated from peripheral blood and tumor tissues and purified with magnetic beads for cytotoxicity assay. Metabolites and cytokines were detected by a biochemical analyzer manufactured by Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) and proteome profiler cytokines array. In vitro screening of pathway inhibitors was used to identify possible candidates that could reduce PD-L1+neutrophil infiltration. Further in vivo assays were used for verification.

Results

Lenvatinib increased neutrophil recruitment by inducing CXCL2 and CXCL5 secretion in TME. After entering TME, neutrophils polarized toward N2 phenotype. PD-L1 expression was simultaneously upregulated. Thus, lenvatinib efficacy on tumor cells hindered. The increasing PD-L1+neutrophils positively corelated with a suppressive T cell phenotype. Further investigation indicated that JAK/STAT1 pathway activated by immune-cell-derived interferon γ and MCT1/NF-kB/COX-2 pathway activated by high concentrations of tumor-derived lactate could induce PD-L1+neutrophils. The latter could be significantly inhibited by COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. Further in vivo assays verified that Celecoxib decreased the survival of lactate-stimulated PD-L1+neutrophil and promoted the antitumor effect of lenvatinib.

Conclusions

PD-L1+neutrophils decrease T cell cytotoxicity. Tumor-derived lactate induces PD-L1 expression on neutrophils via MCT1/NF-κB/COX-2 pathway. Thus, COX-2 inhibitor could reduce PD-L1+neutrophil and restore T cell cytotoxicity. This may provide a potent addition to lenvatinib.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: an emerging clinical problem
Authors: Poels Kikkie , Neppelenbroek Suzanne I.M. , Kersten Marie José , Antoni M. Louisa , Lutgens Esther , Seijkens Tom T.P.
Published: June 2021

Antibody-mediated blockade of co-inhibitory molecules such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4, PD1 and PDL1 elicits potent antitumor responses and improves the prognosis of many patients with cancer. As these immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly prescribed to a diverse patient population, a broad range of adverse effects is emerging. Atherosclerosis, a lipid-driven chronic inflammatory disease of the large arteries, may be aggravated by ICI treatment. In this review, we discuss recent clinical studies that analyze the correlation between ICI use and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Indeed, several studies report an increased incidence of atherosclerotic CVD after ICI administration, with the occurrence of pathologies such as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease significantly higher after ICI use. Increased awareness and better monitoring of ICI-treated patients can elucidate risk factors that contribute to ICI-induced aggravation of atherosclerosis and identify promising treatment strategies. For now, optimal cardiovascular risk assessment is required to protect ICI-receiving patients and long-term survivors of cancer from the detrimental effects of ICI therapy on atherosclerotic CVD.
Body composition and risk of heart failure: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oguntade Ayodipupo S. , Jin Danyao , Islam Nazrul , Malouf Reem , Taylor Hannah , Caleyachetty Rishi , Lewington Sarah , Lacey Ben
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Although there is strong evidence of an association between general adiposity and incidence of heart failure, previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have not reliably assessed the association of heart failure risk with other aspects of body composition (such as body fat distribution or lean mass), or between body composition and risk of heart failure subtypes. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies to address these uncertainties, and inform efforts to prevent and treat heart failure.

Methods and analysis

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols statement was used as a template for this protocol. A systematic search of Medline, Embase and Global Health from database inception to present will be conducted to identify prospective studies reporting on the associations between major measures of body composition (body mass index, waist circumference, waist–hip ratio, total body fat, visceral adiposity tissue and lean mass) and risk of heart failure. Article screening and selection will be performed by two reviewers independently, and disagreements will be adjudicated by consensus or by a third reviewer. Data from eligible articles will be extracted, and article quality will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Relative risks (and 95% CIs) will be pooled in a fixed effect meta-analysis, if there is no prohibitive heterogeneity of studies as assessed using the Cochrane Q statistic and I2statistic. Subgroup analyses will be by age, sex, ethnicity and heart failure subtypes. Publication bias in the meta-analysis will be assessed using Egger’s test and funnel plots.

Ethics and dissemination

This work is secondary analyses on published data and ethical approval is not required. We plan to publish results in an open-access peer-reviewed journal, present it at international and national conferences, and share the findings on social media.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020224584.
Electron irradiation and thermal chemistry studies of interstellar and planetary ice analogues at the ICA astrochemistry facility
Authors: Mifsud Duncan V. , Juhász Zoltán , Herczku Péter , Kovács Sándor T. S. , Ioppolo Sergio , Kaňuchová Zuzana , Czentye Máté , Hailey Perry A. , Muiña Alejandra Traspas , Mason Nigel J. , McCullough Robert W. , Paripás Béla , Sulik Béla
Published: June 2021

The modelling of molecular excitation and dissociation processes relevant to astrochemistry requires the validation of theories by comparison with data generated from laboratory experimentation. The newly commissioned Ice Chamber for Astrophysics-Astrochemistry (ICA) allows for the study of astrophysical ice analogues and their evolution when subjected to energetic processing, thus simulating the processes and alterations interstellar icy grain mantles and icy outer Solar System bodies undergo. ICA is an ultra-high vacuum compatible chamber containing a series of IR-transparent substrates upon which the ice analogues may be deposited at temperatures of down to 20 K. Processing of the ices may be performed in one of three ways: (i) ion impacts with projectiles delivered by a 2 MV Tandetron-type accelerator, (ii) electron irradiation from a gun fitted directly to the chamber, and (iii) thermal processing across a temperature range of 20–300 K. The physico-chemical evolution of the ices is studied in situ using FTIR absorbance spectroscopy and quadrupole mass spectrometry. In this paper, we present an overview of the ICA facility with a focus on characterising the electron beams used for electron impact studies, as well as reporting the preliminary results obtained during electron irradiation and thermal processing of selected ices.

Graphic Abstract
Spatio-temporal patterns of extreme fires in Amazonian forests
Authors: Cano-Crespo Ana , Traxl Dominik , Thonicke Kirsten
Published: June 2021

Fires are a fundamental part of the Earth System. In the last decades, they have been altering ecosystem structure, biogeochemical cycles and atmospheric composition with unprecedented rapidity. In this study, we implement a complex networks-based methodology to track individual fires over space and time. We focus on extreme fires—the 5% most intense fires—in the tropical forests of the Brazilian Legal Amazon over the period 2002–2019. We analyse the interannual variability in the number and spatial patterns of extreme forest fires in years with diverse climatic conditions and anthropogenic pressure to examine potential synergies between climate and anthropogenic drivers. We observe that major droughts, that increase forest flammability, co-occur with high extreme fire years but also that it is fundamental to consider anthropogenic activities to understand the distribution of extreme fires. Deforestation fires, fires escaping from managed lands, and other types of forest degradation and fragmentation provide the ignition sources for fires to ignite in the forests. We find that all extreme forest fires identified are located within a 0.5-km distance from forest edges, and up to 56% of them are within a 1-km distance from roads (which increases to 73% within 5 km), showing a strong correlation that defines spatial patterns of extreme fires.
Effects of nondimensional distance between two square cylinders on the dissipation characteristics of the complex flow
Authors: Wei Yikun , Wang Jiajun , Wang Zhengdao
Published: June 2021

In this paper, effects of nondimensional distance between two square cylinders on the dissipation characteristics of the complex flow are investigated. The viscosity entropy generation rates around two serial square cylinders and the lift coefficient are analyzed to fully reveal the statistical features of the flow dissipation. Numerical results mainly show that the major viscosity entropy generation rate appears in the shear intersection region of the main flow and local stationary vortex. The viscosity entropy generation rate increases with increasing nondimensional distance ([Formula: see text]). The increasing slope of the viscosity entropy generation rate at a range of [Formula: see text] is greater than that of [Formula: see text]. It is also found that the viscosity entropy generation rate is kept as a constant when the nondimensional distance [Formula: see text] is greater than 5. At [Formula: see text], the effect of downstream square cylinder becomes negligible on the viscosity entropy generation rate. The fluctuating amplitude increases with increasing the nondimensional distance [Formula: see text]. The high-frequency peak is ascribed to the strong vortex shedding around the downstream square cylinder, and the low-frequency peak is ascribed to the weak vortex shedding around the up square cylinder at [Formula: see text]. Although our focus is mainly on the complex flow around two square cylinders, this work demonstrates the viscosity entropy generation rate with increasing nondimensional distance, which provides nice physical insight into understanding the local flow dissipation characteristics around the two serial square cylinders.
Modern Art Education and Teaching Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zhang Wen , Shankar Achyut , Antonidoss A.
Published: June 2021

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has been intensely employed in art teaching and learning. Including the advancement of smart technologies, there are various difficulties in improving the teaching capability of technical art design courses, including the impact of several variables and the absence of quantitative study, and the imperfection in the index system. The paper proposes the Artificial Intelligence assisted Effective Art Teaching Framework (AIEATF) to expand the ability to adapt to AI-oriented art instruction, develop intelligent teaching styles, and enhance AI-oriented art teaching art knowledge and environment. The potential of improving AI’s effects on major art courses’ teaching effect has been illustrated in detail. On this basis, an assessment model has been developed to consider the enhancing effects. The study’s findings include a valuable guide for educators in art design to strengthen their teaching ability. The experimental results have shown that Modern Painting Perfection Ratio is 87.66%, Computer graphical representation ratio is 88.77%, Photographical Design Percentage ratio is 84.50%, Performance of Carving in Sculpture Ratio is 82.26%, Construction Development Ratio is 93.83%, Expressive Musical Performing Ratio is 92.70%, Energized Dance Performance Ratio is 84.26%, and overall performance ratio is 92.30%.
Parametric Stability Analysis of a Spring Attached, Pre-Twisted, Rotating Sandwich Beam with Tip Mass and Viscoelastic Support
Authors: Nayak D. K. , Dash P. R.
Published: June 2021

This paper inspects the influence of a spring attachment provided on the top elastic layer on the stability of a pre-twisted, rotating sandwich beam having viscoelastic supports at the root under the impact of a periodically varying axial load. The spring is deployed on the beam to achieve more strength to weight ratio without compromising the stability. The beam is exponentially tapered, and a tip mass is at the free end to represent the rotating members in various types of machinery as closely as possible. The ruling equations and inter-related boundary conditions are attained by applying Hamilton’s principle. To obtain the solution, a matrix equation was developed through the assumed-mode variational method. The resulting matrix equation was converted to a coupled Hill’s equation of parametric vibration through the modal matrix corresponding to the free vibration problem. Finally, static and dynamic stability graphs were obtained for several system parameters such as position and length of the attached spring on the top elastic layer, the mass of the spring attachment, stiffness of the spring attachment, angle of pre-twist, tip mass, taper parameter, temperature gradient parameter, setting angle, viscoelastic spring stiffness, etc. to analyze their impact on the system’s stability. Saito and Otomi conditions were used to obtain dynamic stability plots. Greater stability is achieved due to the spring attachment on the top of the top elastic layer.
Hygro-Thermo-Mechanical Vibration and Buckling Analysis of Composite Laminates with Elliptical Cutouts under Localized Edge Loads
Authors: Chandra K. S. Subash , Rajanna T. , Rao K. Venkata
Published: June 2021

Perforated composite laminates are frequently encountered in multiple engineering applications as sub-components of complicated structures. In many of these applications, the primary objective of using the panel is to resist buckling under diverse environmental and loading conditions. This paper is mainly focused on the vibration and buckling responses of composite laminates with elliptical cutouts subjected to localized edge loads under different hygrothermal environments. Toward this, a nine-noded heterosis plate element has been utilized to discretize the plate by adopting a refined meshing pattern around the elliptical cutout. The geometric nonlinearity has been incorporated to predict free vibrations under the hygrothermal environment. Considering the plethora of applications of composite laminates in hygrothermal conditions, a new temperature/moisture-dependent model is presented by taking into consideration various mechanical loadings. For a given environmental and loading condition, the stress distribution within the perforated panel is highly non-uniform in nature and hence, a novel dynamic approach has been proposed to solve buckling problems by adopting two sets of boundary conditions. A MATLAB program has been developed to investigate the effect of various parameters such as elliptical cutout size, elliptical orientation, elliptical cutout eccentricity, thickness and boundary conditions of the laminated composite plate under diverse hygrothermomechanical loading conditions. A notable difference in the critical buckling load is observed when the locally prestressed perforated panels are subjected to complex hygrothermal environments, especially at larger elliptical cutouts and hence the importance of localized edge loads under hygrothermal environment is emphasized.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of serum predicts sensitivity to docetaxel-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Hu Jianian , Shao Xiaoguang , Chi Chenfei , Zhu Yinjie , Xin Zhixiang , Sha Jianjun , Dong Baijun , Pan Jiahua , Xue Wei
Published: June 2021

Docetaxel-based chemotherapy, as the first-line treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), has succeeded in helping quite a number of patients to improve quality of life and prolong survival time. However, almost half of mCRPC patients are not sensitive to docetaxel chemotherapy initially. This study aimed to establish models to predict sensitivity to docetaxel chemotherapy in patients with mCRPC by using serum surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A total of 32 mCPRC patients who underwent docetaxel chemotherapy at our center from July 2016 to March 2018 were included in this study. Patients were dichotomized in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response group ([Formula: see text]) versus PSA failure group ([Formula: see text]) according to the response to docetaxel. In total 64 matched spectra from 32 mCRPC patients were obtained by using SERS of serum at baseline ([Formula: see text]0) and after 1 cycle of docetaxel chemotherapy ([Formula: see text]1). Comparing Raman peaks of serum samples at baseline ([Formula: see text]0) between two groups, significant differences revealed at the peaks of 638, 810, 890 ([Formula: see text]) and 1136[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). The prediction models of peak 1363[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] and principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis (PCA–LDA) based on Raman data were established, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the prediction models were 71%, 80% and 69%, 78% through the way of leave-one-out cross-validation. According to the results of five-cross-validation, the PCA–LDA model revealed an accuracy of 0.73 and AUC of 0.83.
Microstructure features of the BST/(Mg, Ln)-ceramic
Authors: Andryushin K. P. , Nagaenko A. V. , Khasbulatov S. V. , Shilkina L. A. , Glazunova E. V. , Dudkina S. I. , Andryushina I. N. , Reznichenko L. A.
Published: June 2021

Solid solutions of the composition Ba[Formula: see text](Mg, Ln)[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiO3 ([Formula: see text] = 0.01; 0.025; 0.04; [Formula: see text] = 0.20; 0.50; 0.80; Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tu, Yb) were prepared by two-stage solid-phase synthesis followed by sintering using conventional ceramic technology. The influence of rare-earth elements on the microstructure of the prepared ceramic samples was investigated. It was found that regardless of the type of modifiers introduced, the grain landscape of the studied solid solutions with different amounts of SrTiO3 is refined (in the initial system, the average grain size, [Formula: see text], at [Formula: see text] = 0.20 is 6 [Formula: see text]m; at [Formula: see text] = 0.50 is 4 [Formula: see text]m; at [Formula: see text] = 0.80 is 18 [Formula: see text]m) to crystallite sizes not exceeding (2-3) [Formula: see text]m, and compacted. The using of mechanical activation procedures leads to an even greater decrease in the size and an increase in the density of ceramics. The increasing in the concentration of modifiers in each group (within the considered range of dopant variation) against the background of such a fine-grained structure has little effect on the dynamics of changes in [Formula: see text]. It is concluded that it is advisable to use the data obtained in the development of functional materials based on BST/(Mg, Ln) and devices with the participation of these compositions.
Microstructure characterization and properties of porous piezoceramics
Authors: Shvetsova N. A. , Shvetsov I. A. , Lugovaya M. A. , Petrova E. I. , Rybyanets A. N.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a comprehensive study of microstructure/properties interrelations for porous piezoceramics based on PZT composition was performed. Experimental samples of porous piezoceramics were fabricated using a modified method of burning-out a pore former. Porosity dependencies of elastic, dielectric, piezoelectric and electromechanical coefficients of the porous ceramics in the relative porosity range 0-50% were obtained and analyzed. As a result of microstructure analysis, it was found that at any connectivity type (3–0, 3–3) and porosity up to 50% the real structures of porous piezoceramics were close to the matrix medium structure with continuous piezoceramic skeleton. It was also revealed that the microstructural features of porous piezoceramics define the character of the dependences of the dielectric, piezoelectric and electromechanical properties of porous piezoelectric ceramics on porosity. In conclusion, microstructure/properties interrelations, as well as new applications of porous piezoceramics were discussed.
Multi-layer stackable tissue culture platform for 3D co-culture
Authors: Marrero-Berrios Ileana , Shrirao Anil , Rabolli Charles P. , Hirday Rishabh , Schloss Rene S. , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: June 2021

In vitro tools, which can enable development of models that replicate the cell microenvironment associated with complex diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), are critically needed. In OA, catabolic and inflammatory processes orchestrated by multiple cell types lead to the eventual destruction of articular cartilage. To address this need, our group developed a device that will enable investigation of complex cell systems. Our stackable tissue culture insert was fabricated and characterized with respect to biocompatibility, ease of use, and potential for tissue culture applications. The stackable tissue culture inserts can be easily modified, fabricated, and assembled into commercially available multi-well plates. In vitro studies conducted with three different cell types demonstrated high cell viability and functional secretion when cultured in the stackable inserts. Furthermore, synergistic effects when the three cell types were cultured together were observed. This demonstrates the need to more fully interrogate in vitro culture systems, and this stackable insert can provide a tool to fill the current technological void to do so.
Effects of salvianolic acid B on glycometabolism and lipid metabolism in rodents: Meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Bohan , An Tian , Wang Tingye , Bao Xueli , Lian Juan , Wu Yanxiang , Hu Yuanyuan , Zhu Jiajian , Zheng Chunyan , Hu Xuehong , Gao Sihua , Jiang Guangjian
Published: June 2021

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a herb which has been widely used in China. Salvianolic acid B (SalB) is an aqueous bioactive component derived from Danshen. Here, we aimed to estimate the effect of SalB on glycometabolism and lipid metabolism in rats and mice. We searched four databases until November 2020. The outcome measures were fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc). Twenty-four studies involving 547 animals were included. The meta-analysis showed effects of SalB on decreasing the level of FBG, TC, TG, LDLc, and increasing the level of HDLc compared with the control group. In conclusion, the result showed that SalB may regulate the glycometabolism and lipid metabolism in rats or mice, and may be a potential agent for treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
The impact of facies variability within the Harwich Formation on ground engineering in the London area, UK
Authors: Edgar Justyna , Ghail Richard C. , Lawrence James , Skipper Jacqueline , Mason Philippa J.
Published: June 2021

The Eocene Harwich Formation, underlying the Greater London (UK) area, presents many construction problems for design and location of tunnels, pipelines and other engineering infrastructure projects. Variable deposits make up the sequence of the Harwich Formation. These include cemented fault zones, hard grounds, loose gravel and sand that, when unexpectedly encountered, can cause construction delays and increase costs. Here, we interpret borehole cores and logs, and
in situ
observations coupled with borehole-derived samples, and calculate particle-size distributions to develop a general facies model that accounts for the lithological distribution within the Harwich Formation. This provides an improved geological framework for proposed subsurface construction that can reduce inherent engineering uncertainties, not only in the London region but potentially also in other similar geological environments.
Diversity of supergene gold expressions and implications for gold targetting in an equatorial regolith (AMG's Couriège Exploration Prospect, French Guiana)
Authors: Combes Vincent , Teitler Yoram , Eglinger Aurélien , André-Mayer Anne-Sylvie , Heuret Arnauld , Pochon Anthony , Cathelineau Michel , Gibert Pierre
Published: June 2021

The Couriège prospect (French Guiana) provides key examples of the diversity of gold distribution related to supergene processes. The nature of gold in two contrasted weathering profiles is examined as a function of the weathering lithofacies. The autochthonous profile hosts weathered Au-bearing quartz veins whereas the pediment profile is enriched in free gold issued from dismantled gold-bearing quartz veins. The gold distribution is controlled by: (1) the preservation of primary gold as free gold in both transported and autochthonous horizons and as electrum inclusions in detrital pyrite; and (2) the formation of secondary gold through dissolution/precipitation processes, expressed as gold spherulites on the free gold grain surface, an Ag-depleted rim around transported free gold grains and Ag-depleted gold micro-inclusions hosted by oxidized autochthonous pyrite. Gold enrichment through supergene chemical processes remains limited within the truncated autochthonous profile. A new conceptual model is proposed for the area, defining the role of chemical and physical processes in gold endowment and accounting for the geomorphological context. The overall evolution includes (1) deep weathering and peneplenation, (2) dismantlement and transport of lateritic material and (3) the development of a latosol cover. This study highlights that gold exploration in tropical environments must consider the residual v. transported nature and the inheritance of targeted pedogenic horizons.