Search

Current shading strategies used to protect outdoor playgrounds from harmful solar radiation include the placement of artificial cloth weaves or permanent roofing over a playground site, planting trees in proximity to playground equipment, and using vegetation or surface texture variations to cool playground surfaces. How and where an artificial shade structure is placed or a tree is planted to maximize the shade protection over specific playground areas, requires careful assessment of local seasonal sun exposure patterns. The Playground Shade Index (PSI) is introduced here as a design metric to enable shade and solar ultraviolet exposure patterns to be derived in an outdoor space using conventional aerial views of suburban park maps. The implementation of the PSI is demonstrated by incorporating a machine learning design tool to classify the position of trees from an aerial image, thus enabling the mapping of seasonal shade and ultraviolet exposure patterns within an existing 7180 m2 parkland. This is achieved by modeling the relative position of the sun with respect to nearby buildings, shade structures, and the identified evergreen and deciduous tree species surrounding an outdoor playground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signal‐to‐noise ratio received at Earth is typically larger than 10 dB‐Hz for radio tracking of a spacecraft in deep space, allowing a phase‐locked loop to execute reliable carrier tracking. Recently, missions have been proposed to utilize low‐gain antennas for Doppler tracking where the signal‐to‐noise ratio may be at the single‐digit (dB‐Hz) level. In this work, we discuss spacecraft Doppler tracking at these low signal‐to‐noise ratios through an analysis of thermal noise on the radio link, results from ground testing with the Deep Space Network, and demonstrations with an active spacecraft. We show that by utilizing an open‐loop receiver to capture the carrier signal and by applying post‐processing techniques, radio data with the signal‐to‐noise ratio as low as 4 dB‐Hz can be used to derive Doppler data with precision sufficient for tracking a spacecraft in deep space. Plain Language Summary: Typical deep‐space probes utilize High Gain Antennas for radio tracking that enable large signal‐to‐noise ratios despite the long distances from Earth. When a Low Gain Antenna is used instead, the signal‐to‐noise ratio is decreased, resulting in increased thermal noise and questions about the ability to track. This work shows that signals can be tracked with the Deep Space Network's Open Loop Receiver down to 4 dB‐Hz with sufficient precision for radio science experiments. Key Points: Spacecraft Doppler measurements can be acquired at low signal‐to‐noise ratios with open‐loop receiversExperiments with Deep Space Network ground systems show Dopper data with a signal‐to‐noise ratio as low as ∼4 dB‐Hz can be usedTypical Doppler measurements at low signal‐to‐noise ratio maintain a line‐of‐sight velocity precision of <0.1 mm/s at 60‐s integration time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound dressings are one of the most used treatments for chronic wounds. Moreover, 3D printing has been emerging as a promising strategy for printing 3D printed wound constructs, being able of manufacturing multi layers, with a solid 3D structure. Although all these promising effects of 3D printed wound constructs, there is still few studies and limited understanding of the interaction of these dressings with skin tissue and their effect on the process of skin wound healing. In this context, the aim of this work was to perform a systematic review of the literature to examine the effects of 3D printed wound constructs on the process of skin wound healing in animal models. The articles were selected from three databases following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) descriptors "3D printing," "skin," "wound," and "in vivo." After the selection, exclusion and inclusion criteria, nine articles were analyzed. This review confirms the significant benefits of using 3D printed wound constructs for skin repair and regeneration. All the used inks demonstrated the ability of mimicking the structure of skin tissue and promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and mobility. Furthermore, in vivo findings showed full wound closure in most of the studies, with well‐organized dermal and epidermal layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to compute the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of ion radiation therapy with the Mayo Clinic Florida microdosimetric kinetic model (MCF MKM), it is necessary to process entire microdosimetric distributions. Therefore, a posteriori RBE recalculations (i.e., for a different cell line or another biological endpoint) would require whole spectral information. It is currently not practical to compute and store all this data for each clinical voxel. Purpose: To develop a methodology that allows to store a limited amount of physical information without losing accuracy in the RBE calculations nor the possibility of a posteriori RBE recalculations. Methods: Computer simulations for four monoenergetic 12C ion beams and a 12C ion spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) were performed to assess lineal energy distributions as a function of the depth within a water phantom. These distributions were used in combination with the MCF MKM to compute the in vitro clonogenic survival RBE for human salivary gland tumor cells (HSG cell line) and human skin fibroblasts (NB1RGB cell line). The RBE values were also calculated with a new abridged microdosimetric distribution methodology (AMDM) and compared with the reference RBE calculations using the entire distributions. Results: The maximum relative deviation between the RBE values computed using the entire distributions and the AMDM was 0.61% (monoenergetic beams) and 0.49% (SOBP) for the HSG cell line, while 0.45% (monoenergetic beams) and 0.26% (SOBP) for the NB1RGB cell line. Conclusion: The excellent agreement between the RBE values computed using the entire lineal energy distributions and the AMDM represents a milestone for the clinical implementation of the MCF MKM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present observations of Uranus in northern spring with the Very Large Array from 0.7 to 5 cm. These observations reveal details in thermal emission from Uranus' north pole at 10s of bars, including a dark collar near 80°N and a bright spot at the polar center. The bright central spot resembles observations of polar emission on Saturn and Neptune at shallower pressures. We constrain the variations in temperature and NH3/H2S abundances which could explain these features. We find that the brightness temperature of the polar spot can be recreated through 5 K temperature gradients and/or 10× depletion of NH3 or H2S vapor between 10 and 20 bars, both consistent with the presence of a cyclonic polar vortex. The contrast of the polar spot may have increased since 2015, which would suggest seasonal evolution of Uranus' polar circulation at depth. Plain Language Summary: New radio telescope observations of Uranus several interesting features, including a compact feature at the center of the North Pole which appears warmer than its surroundings. This feature likely indicates the presence of a polar cyclone and shows similarities to polar features observed on other giant planets in the solar system. Key Points: Very Large Array observations in 2021 and 2022 reveal a bright, compact spot centered at Uranus' pole at several wavelengthsConstraints on horizontal temperature and composition gradients necessary to explain the polar emission structure are derivedInferred patterns in temperature, zonal wind speed and trace gas variations are consistent with the presence of a compact cyclonic vortex [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the definition of fitness, prognosis, and risk of death represents an open question. Methods: In the present study, we tested the impact on survival of disease-and patient-related parameters in a large cohort of elderly AML patients homogeneously assigned to treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Results: In 131 patients with a median age of 76 years, we confirmed that early response (<0.001) and biology-based risk classification (p = 0.003) can select patients with better-predicted survival. However, a full disease-oriented model had limitations in stratifying our patients, prompting us to investigate the impact of baseline comorbidities on overall survival basing on a comorbidity score. The albumin level (p = 0.001) and the presence of lung disease (p = 0.013) had a single-variable impact on prognosis. The baseline comorbidity burden was a powerful predictor of patients' frailty, correlating with increased incidence of adverse events, especially infections, and predicted overall survival (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The comorbidity burden may contribute to impact prognosis in addition to disease biology. While the therapeutic armamentarium of elderly AML is improving, a comprehensive approach that combines AML biology with tailored interventions to patients' frailty is likely to fully exploit the anti-leukemia potential of novel drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The assessment of the ventricular myocardial substrate critically depends on the size of mapping electrodes, their orientation with respect to wavefront propagation, and interelectrode distance. We conducted a dual‐center study to evaluate the impact of microelectrode mapping in patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Methods: We included 21 consecutive patients (median age, 68 [12], 95% male) with structural heart disease undergoing CA for electrical storm (n = 14) or recurrent VT (n = 7) using the QDOT Micro catheter and a multipolar catheter (PentaRay, n = 9). The associations of peak‐to‐peak maximum standard bipolar (BVc) and minibipolar (PentaRay, BVp) with microbipolar (BVμMax) voltages were respectively tested in sinus rhythm with mixed effect models. Furthermore, we compared the features of standard bipolar (BE) and microbipolar (μBE) electrograms in sinus rhythm at sites of termination with radiofrequency energy. Results: BVμMax was moderately associated with both BVc (β =.85, p <.01) and BVp (β =.56, p <.01). BVμMax was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.93−1.04, p <.01) mV larger than corresponding BVc, and 0.27 (95% CI: 0.16−0.37, p <.01) mV larger than matching BVp in sinus rhythm, with higher percentage differences in low voltage regions, leading to smaller endocardial dense scar (2.3 [2.7] vs. 12.1 [17] cm2, p <.01) and border zone (3.2 [7.4] vs. 4.8 [20.1] cm2, p =.03) regions in microbipolar maps compared to standard bipolar maps. Late potentials areas were nonsignificantly greater in microelectrode maps, compared to standard electrode maps. At sites of VT termination (n = 14), μBE were of higher amplitude (0.9 [0.8] vs. 0.4 [0.2] mV, p <.01), longer duration (117 [66] vs. 74 [38] ms, p <.01), and with greater number of peaks (4 [2] vs. 2 [1], p <.01) in sinus rhythm compared to BE. Conclusion: microelectrode mapping is more sensitive than standard bipolar mapping in the identification of viable myocytes in SR, and may facilitate recognition of targets for CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Regional Science Policy & Practice is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: To examine ways in which human‐centred design was integrated into a nursing school's research processes involving individuals with multiple chronic conditions. Design: Cross‐sectional survey study. Methods: Three surveys were sent out, with surveys 1 and 2 involving faculty who had worked closely with design strategists and survey 3 as a school‐wide survey eliciting experience with human‐centred design, respectively. Results: Survey respondents (n = 7 for surveys 1 and 2 and n = 36 for survey 3) had no or minimal experience with human‐centred design. Faculty respondents indicated it helped engaging various stakeholders, particularly in intervention development. Key lessons learned included: (1) the importance of designer involvement from study conception, (2) distinguishing a design strategist's skillset from strictly visual design, (3) challenges during the ethical review processes, and (4) sustainability of resources. The dynamic approach of human‐centred design has benefited our efforts to advance the science of caring for individuals with multiple chronic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Consumer interest in safeguarding animal welfare and increased demand for fresh aquatic products support the need to understand the effects of stunning methods used in aquaculture on the biochemical process affecting fish fillet quality. The present paper aimed at comparing electrical stunning (ES) and cold shock (ICE) in Salmo carpio, an Italian endemic under‐investigated species. Rigor mortis evolution, fillet adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP), shape, colour, pH and water holding capacity were assessed by integrating chemical and image analyses. RESULTS: Seventy‐two fish (24 fish per treatment) were stunned by ES, ICE or anaesthesia (AN, used as control), then percussively slaughtered. ES and ICE hastened rigor mortis onset and resolution (21 and 28 h post mortem) compared to AN. This was confirmed by the faster ATP degradation in ES and ICE. Fillet shape features varied during rigor mortis, according to the stunning method, with the perimeter showing irreversible variation in ES and ICE groups. Initial circularity was recovered only in AN, while ICE and ES fillets showed significantly different values, between 0 and 192 h. CONCLUSION: ES is a promising stunning technique for S. carpio, but parameters should be optimized, because of the adverse effect on muscle activity which caused a fast pH drop, and the presence of blood spots in the fillets. Further studies are needed to understand whether fillet shape changes can interfere with filleting or fillet processing and consumer appreciation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gram staining differentiates bacteria as gram‐positive and gram‐negative, depending on their cell wall constituents, and coloring cells in violet and pink, respectively. Sometimes, a subpopulation of the same bacterial species assumes different colors, ranging from pink to violet, for reasons that are not completely understood yet. We analyze conventional brightfield images and use an automated pipeline to count pink and violet cells. The ImageJ‐based processing algorithm quantifies the gram variability in Acinetobacter baumannii ACICU in the stationary phase of growth with a percentage of 66% pink cells. Different bacterial strains and cell growth stages have been considered. Research Highlights: Gram staining differentiates bacteria into gram‐positive (violet) and gram‐negative (pink). Gram variability represents an inhomogeneous distribution of pink and violet cells within the same species. We developed an ImageJ‐based pipeline for the quantification of Gram variability in Acinetobacter baumannii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the 2018 collapse of Morandi highway bridge in Genova, new Italian guidelines (GL) were issued for prioritization of safety evaluations and retrofit interventions on existing bridges. Among several novelties, GL introduced new traffic load models (TLMs) which can be adopted for existing bridges in case of noncompliant safety checks according to the Italian building code (NTC) provisions. In this study, a class of simply supported, beam‐type, prestressed concrete bridge decks built between 1970 and 1980 in Italy is considered. Assuming geometric, material, and load random variables together with consideration of capacity model uncertainty, Monte Carlo sampling technique was implemented in MATLAB in order to randomly generate deck models and to evaluate their traffic‐load fragility. Fragility analysis was carried out to compare vulnerability levels of existing Italian bridges under different load patterns provided by GL and NTC. In addition to a prescribed TLM, the sensitivity of fragility to bridge usage limitations, such as reduced distance of external load lane from kerb or reduced number of lanes, was also quantified to support decision‐making by road management companies. In the final part of the study, the annual failure probability of selected bridges was estimated using a European weigh‐in‐motion database and convolution of fragility and hazard. Analysis results show that structural fragility significantly depends on the load pattern, indicating that more realistic vehicle models should be developed to achieve a target safety level conforming to modern codes for constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings are highly vulnerable to seismic ground motion, calling for quantitative risk assessment and mitigation programmes in different earthquake‐prone countries to reduce future losses. Despite the effectiveness of base isolation technology in reducing seismic response of buildings, the high costs of conventional isolators prevent their application to low‐cost housing in developing countries. Fiber‐reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) have been recently developed as low‐cost isolators suitable for application to URM buildings. The structural performance assessment of base isolated URM buildings using FREIs can be a sustainable solution for a large‐scale mitigation of seismic risk. In this context, the present study presents the seismic fragility analysis of both fixed‐base and base‐isolated URM buildings. Five URM building archetypes were considered to account for variation in geometry and building configuration. A number of static pushover analyses and nonlinear time history analyses were carried out to assess the capacity and demand of the selected buildings, respectively, while considering the uncertainties associated with material properties, capacity model, damage state and earthquake ground motion. The fragility curves were developed for both fixed‐base and base‐isolated configurations of the different archetypes. The results show that the probability of slight to moderate damage to fixed‐base URM buildings is significantly higher than their base‐isolated counterparts, demonstrating that FREIs significantly improve their seismic performance. These outcomes address further research in promoting the development of FREIs to reduce the vulnerability of URM buildings in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-one patients (75%) received anthracycline/etoposide-based therapy (9 out of 31 were I IDH2 i SP I R172 i sp mutated) and 4 of them (4/31, 13%) were consolidated with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in first complete remission (CR1); ASCT recipients were all I IDH2 i SP I WT i sp . Patients with I IDH2 i SP I WT i sp AITL achieved CR1 in 14/32 (44%), as opposed to 9/10 (90%) of I IDH2 i SP I R172 i sp patients ( I p i = .018). Thirty-two patients (32/42, 76%) were I IDH2 i SP I WT i sp , and 10 patients (10/42, 24%) were I IDH2 i SP I R172 i sp mutated. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Influenza is a persistent public health problem associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Drug use is related to myriad health complications, but the relationship between drug use and severe influenza outcomes is not well understood. The study objective was to evaluate the relationship between drug use and severe influenza‐associated outcomes. Methods: Data were collected by the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv‐NET) from the 2016–2017 through 2018–2019 influenza seasons. Among persons hospitalized with influenza, descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to analyze differences in demographic characteristics, risk and behavioral factors, and severe outcomes (intensive care unit [ICU] admission, mechanical ventilation, or death) between people who use drugs (PWUD), defined as having documented drug use within the past year, and non‐PWUD. Results: Among 48,430 eligible hospitalized influenza cases, 2019 were PWUD and 46,411 were non‐PWUD. PWUD were younger than non‐PWUD and more likely to be male, non‐Hispanic Black or Hispanic/Latino, smoke tobacco, abuse alcohol, and have chronic conditions including asthma, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease, or immunosuppressive conditions. PWUD had greater odds of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation, but not death compared with non‐PWUD; however, these findings were not statistically significant after adjustment. Opioid use specifically was associated with increased risk of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: These results support targeted initiatives to prevent influenza in this population, including influenza vaccination, which remains one of the most important tools to prevent influenza infection and associated severe outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was undertaken to explore the gene expression profile of primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV). Methods: Brain specimens of 4 patients with granulomatous vasculitis (GV), 5 with lymphocytic vasculitis (LV), 4 with amyloid β‐related angiitis (ABRA), and 4 normal controls were studied. RNA‐sequencing was performed using the Illumina Hiseq‐4,000 platform and the Illumina TruSeq Total‐RNA library. Student t test and false discovery rate tests were performed for each of the differentially expressed transcripts. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used for the pathway expression analysis. CIBERSORT was used to estimate the abundances of different immune cell subsets in the tissues based on gene expression data. Results: Transcripts differentially expressed between PCNSV and normal brain indicated that endosomal, mitochondrial, and ribosome dysfunction, alterations in protein synthesis, and noncoding RNAs might be involved in PCNSV. Pathway analysis revealed the activation of dendritic cell maturation and antigen processing as well as neuroinflammation in PCNSV versus normal brain, whereas oxidative phosphorylation was inhibited. CIBERSORT estimation of immune cell subsets suggested that activated NK cells, M1 macrophages, memory B cells, and follicular helper T cells were likely to be more prevalent in PCNSV samples. Naïve CD4 T cells and monocytes were mainly estimated to be present in GV and ABRA. Plasma cell and γδ T‐cell signatures were mainly found in LV and normal brain. GV showed higher levels of genes associated with macrophage activities and T cells. ABRA showed higher levels of long noncoding RNAs and miR‐616. LV showed higher levels of genes encoding immunoglobulins. Interpretation: RNA sequencing confirmed PCNSV heterogeneity. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:120–130 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5‐year‐old spayed female American Staffordshire was referred for weakness, reluctance to move and distension of the abdomen. Three weeks before, the dog underwent surgery for excision of a nodular mass suspected to be a non‐epitheliotropic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (NE‐CTCL). Computed tomography revealed heterogeneous enhancing mesenteric masses and nodular lesions of soft tissue density, and infiltration of the abdominal muscular wall. Moreover, a pattern of diffuse muscle nodules in the skeletal muscles was visible, with lesions showing homogenous, heterogeneous or ring enhancement. Necrosis was histologically observed and these lesions were infiltrated by CD3‐positive and CD20‐, CD79a‐ and Iba1‐negative neoplastic lymphocytes. On the basis of the immunopathological features metastatic NE‐CTCL was suspected. Skeletal muscle metastasis has been rarely reported in small animals and this case report further confirms that this possibility should be considered in dogs with lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of 3D‐printed hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds for stimulating bone healing has been increasing over the years. Although all the promising effects of these scaffolds, there are still few studies and limited understanding of their interaction with bone tissue and their effects on the process of fracture healing. In this context, this study aimed to perform a systematic literature review examining the effects of different 3D‐printed HA scaffolds in bone healing. The search was made according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis (PRISMA) orientations and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) descriptors "3D printing," "bone," "HA," "repair," and "in vivo." Thirty‐six articles were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus databases. After eligibility analyses, 20 papers were included (covering the period of 2016 and 2021). Results demonstrated that all the studies included in this review showed positive outcomes, indicating the efficacy of scaffolds treated groups in the in vivo experiments for promoting bone healing in different animal models. In conclusion, 3D‐printed HA scaffolds are excellent candidates as bone grafts due to their bioactivity and good bone interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Juno Extended Mission presented the first opportunity to acquire gravity measurements of Ganymede since the end of the Galileo mission. These new Juno data offered the chance to carry out a joint analysis with the Galileo data set, improving our knowledge of Ganymede's gravity field and shedding new light upon its interior structure. Through reconstruction of Juno's and Galileo's orbit during the Ganymede flybys, the gravity field of the moon was estimated. The results indicate that Ganymede's degree‐2 field is compatible with a body in hydrostatic equilibrium within 1−휎 and hint at regional gravity anomalies with amplitudes exceeding those inferred by Cassini for Titan. Our explicit treatment of non‐hydrostatic effects leads to wider confidence intervals for the derived moment of inertia with respect previous analyses. The higher central value of the derived moment of inertia indicates a lesser degree of Ganymede's differentiation. Plain Language Summary: On 7 June 2021, Juno performed the first close flyby of Ganymede, the largest satellite of Jupiter (and the largest moon in the Solar System), since the end of the Galileo mission. The gravity field of Ganymede was reconstructed using the radio tracking data from all of the Ganymede encounters of both the Galileo and Juno missions. The data analysis hints at localized gravity anomalies. Interpretation of the gravity data suggests a slightly higher moment of inertia with respect previous publications, indicating a lesser degree of differentiation. Key Points: Joint analysis of the Juno and Galileo data leads to a Ganymede's degree‐2 gravity compatible with hydrostatic equilibrium within 1−σThe data hints at regional gravity anomalies with amplitudes exceeding those inferred by Cassini for TitanTreatment of non‐hydrostatic effects leads to wider confidence intervals for the derived moment of inertia with respect to previous studies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In June 2021, the Juno spacecraft executed a close flyby of Ganymede. During the encounter, Juno passed behind Ganymede for 15 min as observed from Earth, providing the geometry to conduct a radio occultation experiment to probe Ganymede's tenuous ionosphere. X‐band and Ka‐band radio links were transmitted from Juno to antennas at the Deep Space Network. Electrons encountered along the radio propagation path advance the signal's phase and a linear combination the two frequencies allows for a direct measurement of the electron content along the propagation path. On occultation ingress, an ionosphere peak of 2,000 ± 500 (1‐σ) cm−3 near the surface was observed. On occultation egress, no statistically significant ionosphere was detected. Ingress observation viewed where Ganymede's intrinsic magnetic field lines are open whereas egress observation viewed where the field lines are closed, implying electron impact ionization plays a key role in the generation of the ionosphere. Plain Language Summary: Juno conducted a flyby of Ganymede, the largest Galilean moon of Jupiter, on 7 June 2021. During the flyby, the Juno spacecraft set behind Ganymede as observed by the Earth. Juno's radio signals were captured by the Deep Space Network during this time to make radio occultation measurements of Ganymede's ionosphere. Elevated electron density was measured on occultation ingress but no statistically significant ionosphere was detected on egress. These results are consistent with Galileo's radio occultation observations and provide insight into the generation mechanisms of Ganymede's ionosphere. Key Points: A dual‐frequency radio occultation experiment of Ganymede's ionosphere was conducted with the Juno spacecraft on 7 June 2021Ingress observed an ionosphere with peak density 2,000 ± 500 (1‐σ) cm−3 but no statistically significant signature was detected on egressIngress detection occurred in the open field line region, where higher electron impact ionization rates may increase the electron density [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: We evaluated the clinical and neurophysiological efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in a neurophysiologically homogeneous group of patients with monoclonal gammopathy and immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein antibody (anti‐MAG) demyelinating polyneuropathy. Methods: Twenty three anti‐MAG‐positive polyneuropathic patients were prospectively evaluated before and for 2 years after treatment with RTX 375 mg/m2. The Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability scale (INCAT‐ds), modified INCAT sensory score (mISS), Medical Research Council sum score, Patients' Global Impression of Change scale were used, IgM levels were assessed and extensive electrophysiological examinations were performed before (T0) and 1 year (T1) and 2 years (T2) after RTX treatment. Results: At T1 and T2 there was a significant reduction from T0 both in mISS and in INCAT‐ds, with a p value < 0.001 in the inferential Friedman's test overall analysis. Ulnar nerve Terminal Latency Index and distal motor latency significantly changed from T0 to T1 and in the overall analysis (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002), and ulnar nerve sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude was significantly increased at T2 from T1, with a p value < 0.001 in the overall analysis. Analysis of the receiver‐operating characteristic curves showed that a 41.8% increase in SNAP amplitude in the ulnar nerve at T2 from T0 was a fair predictor of a mISS reduction of ≥2 points (area under the curve 0.85; p = 0.005; sensitivity: 90.9%, specificity: 83.3%). Conclusions: This study suggests that RTX is effective in patients with clinically active demyelinating anti‐MAG neuropathy over 2 years of follow‐up, and that some neurophysiological variables might be useful for monitoring this efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish the positive predictive values (PPV) of cfDNA testing based on data from a nationwide survey of independent clinical cytogenetics laboratories. Methods: Prenatal diagnostic test results obtained by Italian laboratories between 2013 and March 2020 were compiled for women with positive non‐invasive prenatal tests (NIPT), without an NIPT result, and cases where there was sex discordancy between the NIPT and ultrasound. PPV and other summary data were reviewed. Results: Diagnostic test results were collected for 1327 women with a positive NIPT. The highest PPVs were for Trisomy (T) 21 (624/671, 93%) and XYY (26/27, 96.3%), while rare autosomal trisomies (9/47, 19.1%) and recurrent microdeletions (8/55, 14.5%) had the lowest PPVs. PPVs for T21, T18, and T13 were significantly higher when diagnostic confirmation was carried out on chorionic villi (97.5%) compared to amniotic fluid (89.5%) (p < 0.001). In 19/139 (13.9%), of no result cases, a cytogenetic abnormality was detected. Follow‐up genetic testing provided explanations for 3/6 cases with a fetal sex discordancy between NIPT and ultrasound. Conclusions: NIPT PPVs differ across the conditions screened and the tissues studied in diagnostic testing. This variability, issues associated with fetal sex discordancy, and no results, illustrate the importance of pre‐ and post‐test counselling. Key points: What's already known about this topic?The reported performance of cfDNA testing by NIPT laboratories is often based on incomplete follow‐up.Data from cytogenetics laboratories can provide an alternative, independent, assessment on the positive predictive value (PPV), risk in cases when there is no result, and help explain contradictory fetal sex assignments.Prior cytogenetic laboratory studies assessing PPV from have been based on small numbers of cases. What does this study add?PPV is higher when the diagnostic testing is based on CVS compared to amniocentesis, presumably because CVS includes cases with confined placental mosaicism.In a high proportion of no result cases, a cytogenetic abnormality may be present. Therefore, these do need to be considered high‐risk pregnancies.Diverse disorders of sexual development can be present when fetal sex assignments based on ultrasound and NIPT are discordant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hot smoking and liquid smoke on process yield, physicochemical properties, microbiological parameters, fatty acid profile, benzo(a)pyrene levels, and sensory profile of Pantanal yacare tail fillets. The fillets were subjected to two types of smoking processes: hot smoking and liquid smoke flavoring. RESULTS: The process yield of liquid‐smoked fillets was higher (69.8%) compared to hot‐smoked fillets (58.0%). All fillets were with good microbiological quality and low benzo(a)pyrene levels and were well accepted by consumers. The hot‐smoked fillets and the liquid‐smoked fillets presented 456.2 and 589.7 g kg−1 moisture, 262.3 and 263.7 g kg−1 crude protein, 218 and 85 g kg−1 total lipids, and 26.0 and 20.9 g kg−1 ash, respectively. The major fatty acids identified in the smoked tail fillets were palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. CONCLUSION: The liquid‐smoked fillets had lower lipid content, and higher process yield because of lower losses; thus, they proved to be more advantageous and practical to obtain than the hot‐smoked fillets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Insect‐derived proteins are a promising, valuable and permitted ingredient for poultry feed. However, more emphasis should be given to their effects on avian species different from chicken, such as quail (Coturnix coturnix), whose rearing represents an important activity. The present paper provides novel information about the impact of graded dietary levels of Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal on quail growth and meat quality. RESULTS: Four diets were formulated with graded inclusion levels of TM, namely 1.65, 3.3 and 6.6 g on 100 g feed (T1.65, T3.3, T6.6, respectively) to partially replace the conventional proteins of a control diet (C). A total of 192 birds were allotted to one of the groups and fed for 35 days. The inclusion of TM meal linearly increased feed conversion ratio, and decreased carcass and breast weight. Texture and water holding capacity of meat were linearly reduced with increasing TM in diet, while fatty acid composition was not affected. However, the meat from quails fed diets including TM was subject to greater thermal damage than the C group; hence further studies are encouraged. CONCLUSION: TM meal inclusion at higher levels than 1.65% slightly impaired the growth performance of Japanese quails. Negligible effects on physical properties such as colour, texture, cooking loss and also on the fatty acid profile of the raw and cooked meat was found after including TM in quails' diet up to 3.3%. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the plethora of intriguing phenomena observed in heterostructure stacks of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (2D‐TMDC) flakes, their application in functional devices is still hampered due to the lack of reliable growth methodologies for large‐area heterostructures. Here, a scalable process for obtaining as‐grown transition metal di‐chalcogenide heterostructures by a combination of atomic layer deposition of monolayer MoS2 and solution‐based processing of ultrathin WS2 is presented. Spatially uniform optical and electrical characteristics of the individual TMDC layers and heterostructures are demonstrated down to micrometer length scales using Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and light‐beam‐induced current measurements. An enhanced photogenerated current is observed for lateral MoS2–MoS2/WS2 heterostructures demonstrating the suitability of this approach for the preparation of functional devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antigen‐directed target therapy for B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) is now the standard of care for relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease. A comprehensive determination of the target itself is mandatory to aid physician's choice. We determined baseline Cluster of differentiation 22 (CD22) expression percentage and fluorescent intensity on lymphoblasts of 30 patients with R/R B‐ALL treated with anti‐CD22 immunoconjugate drug Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (INO) and analyzed the impact of both parameters on patient outcome. Most patients (24/30, 80%) had a high leukemic blast CD22‐positivity defined as ≥90%. We did not observe a benefit in terms of complete remission, overall survival (OS) and duration of response (DoR) for patients with CD22 ≥ 90% versus CD22 < 90%. Concerning CD22‐FI quartile analysis we appreciated a trend for superior response rates in higher quartiles (Q2‐Q4) compared to Q1 and a significant benefit in terms of OS and DoR for patients with higher CD22‐FI. INO demonstrates to be effective also in patients with lower CD22 expression, but therapeutical benefits are more evident in patients with higher CD22‐FI. The evaluation of both CD22 percentage and CD22‐FI of the leukemic blast may help physicians in therapeutic choices for R/R B‐ALL patients when multiple treatment options are available, although no CD22 expression threshold can currently be identified below which INO should be considered not effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During summer of 2019/2020, Sydney, Australia, experienced several days of extreme air pollution and low visibility due to bushfires. This research presents a case study that investigates the erythemal UV irradiance and resulting 1 h erythemal and 8 h actinic exposures during the worst of these days. Air quality, meteorological and UV data used in the analysis were readily available online or by request from governmental agencies. Analysis showed that even for the lowest visibility day (which had a minimum visibility of less than a kilometer) on 10 December 2019, there was a cumulative 1 h erythemal UV exposure of over 4 SED (standard erythema dose) and a cumulative 8 h exposure of 17 SED by the late afternoon. The 1 h exposure exceeded that of a minimum erythemal dose. Even on this extremely hazy day, these cumulative exposures are enough to exceed the recommended daily exposure limit for actinic exposures weighted with the health sensitivity spectrum for the skin and eyes set by the International Commission of Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) being a heterogeneous group of lymphoid neoplasms. Topics include characterized by the monoclonal proliferation of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and other organs; and randomized trials asparaginase-containing regimens demonstrating a survival benefit for pediatric patients.

Introduction: Some abnormal electrocardiographic findings were independently associated with increased mortality in patients admitted for COVID‐19; however, no studies have focussed on the prognosis impact of the interatrial block (IAB) in this clinical setting. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence and clinical implications of IAB, both partial and advanced, in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Materials: We retrospectively evaluated 300 consecutive COVID‐19 patients (63.22 ± 15.16 years; 70% males) admitted to eight Italian Hospitals from February 2020 to April 2020 who underwent twelve lead electrocardiographic recording at admission. The study population has been dichotomized into two groups according to the evidence of IAB at admission, both partial and advanced. The differences in terms of ARDS in need of intubation, in‐hospital mortality and thromboembolic events (a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke and transient ischaemic attack) have been evaluated. Results: The presence of IAB was noticed in 64 patients (21%). In the adjusted logistic regression model, the partial interatrial block was found to be an independent predictor of ARDS in need of intubation (HR: 1.92; p:.04) and in‐hospital mortality (HR: 2.65; p:.02); moreover, the advanced interatrial block was an independent predictor of thrombotic events (HR: 7.14; p <.001). Conclusions: Among COVID‐19 patients hospitalized in medical wards, the presence of interatrial block is more frequent than in the general population and it might be useful as an early predictor for increased risk of incident thrombotic events, ARDS in need of intubation and in‐hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid nanoparticles, composed of an iron oxide magnetic core embedded with gold fractal‐grown hyper branches, have been synthesized by a seed‐mediated growth approach. Magnetic and plasmonic properties have been described respectively through ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) and extinction spectra. According to the hydroxylamine amount, used as a surface catalysed reducing agent, the number of branches and the intensity of the fractal growth have been finely tuned and were observed through TEM microscopy. The magnetic core allowed their motion control via an external magnetic field. The plasmonic properties of these hyper‐branched hybrid nanoparticles were recorded similar to those shown by the branched gold nanoparticles, but it is interesting to note that they showed an encouraging photothermal response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major liver disease worldwide. Bile acid dysregulation may be a key feature in its pathogenesis and progression. Aims: To characterise the relationship between bile acid levels and NAFLD at the population level Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study in Guatemala in 2016 to examine the prevalence of NAFLD. Participants (n = 415) completed questionnaires, donated blood samples and had a brief medical exam. NAFLD was determined by calculation of the fatty liver index. The levels of 15 circulating bile acids were determined by LC–MS/MS. Adjusted prevalence odds ratios (PORadj) and 95% CI were calculated to examine the relationships between bile acid levels (in tertiles) and NAFLD. Results: Persons with NAFLD had significantly higher levels of the conjugated primary bile acids glycocholic acid (GCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1 = 1.85), taurocholic acid (TCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1 = 2.45) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1 = 2.10), as well as significantly higher levels the unconjugated secondary bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1 = 1.78) and its conjugated form, taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1 = 1.81). Conclusions: The bile acid levels of persons with and without NAFLD differed significantly. Among persons with NAFLD, higher levels of the conjugated forms of CA (i.e. GCA, TCA) and the secondary bile acids that derive from CA (i.e. DCA, TDCA) may indicate there is hepatic overproduction of CA, which may affect the liver via aberrant signalling mediated by the bile acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Two‐dimensional strain echocardiography (2D‐SE) is a reliable method for measuring deformation of the left ventricle. Aim of the study: Aim of the study was to determine changes in 2D‐SE parameters over time collected during dipyridamole stress echo‐cardiography (dipy‐stress) and prognosis of patients with non‐diagnostic dipy‐stress results. Methods: In the first phase of the study, assessment of a prospective enrolled population with a non‐diagnostic dipy‐stress test result was conducted, checking through coronary CT angiography (CCTA) the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). In the follow‐up phase, an echocardiographic re‐evaluation and outcome analysis during a mean follow‐up of 78 months was carried out. Results: In the first phase, Global Circumferential Strain (GCS) values were similar in the CCTA positive and CCTA negative groups at rest and after stress. For Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), there was a significant reduction (p <.0001) in the CCTA positive group compared to the CCTA negative group. After 78 ± 9 months none of the enrolled patients experimented cardiac events. Values of GCS, both at rest and after stress, did not differ statistically comparing follow‐up values with baseline ones. No statistically significant changes were seen in the same analysis for GLS rest and stress values, between baseline and follow‐up in the two groups. Conclusions: Performing 2D‐SE during dipy‐stress can detect mild CAD that conventional stress‐tests miss. Patients with mild coronary stenosis may have a favorable mid‐term prognosis, but efforts should be made to investigate the decrease trend in GLS, at rest and after stress, reported in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with our understanding of endochondral ossification, much less is known about the coordinated arrest of growth defined by the narrowing and fusion of the cartilaginous growth plate. Throughout the musculoskeletal system, appropriate cell and tissue responses to mechanical force delineate morphogenesis and ensure lifelong health. It remains unclear how mechanical cues are integrated into many biological programs, including those coordinating the ossification of the adolescent growth plate at the cessation of growth. Primary cilia are microtubule‐based organelles tuning a range of cell activities, including signaling cascades activated or modulated by extracellular biophysical cues. Cilia have been proposed to directly facilitate cell mechanotransduction. To explore the influence of primary cilia in the mouse adolescent limb, we conditionally targeted the ciliary gene Intraflagellar transport protein 88 (Ift88fl/fl) in the juvenile and adolescent skeleton using a cartilage‐specific, inducible Cre (AggrecanCreERT2Ift88fl/fl). Deletion of IFT88 in cartilage, which reduced ciliation in the growth plate, disrupted chondrocyte differentiation, cartilage resorption, and mineralization. These effects were largely restricted to peripheral tibial regions beneath the load‐bearing compartments of the knee. These regions were typified by an enlarged population of hypertrophic chondrocytes. Although normal patterns of hedgehog signaling were maintained, targeting IFT88 inhibited hypertrophic chondrocyte VEGF expression and downstream vascular recruitment, osteoclastic activity, and the replacement of cartilage with bone. In control mice, increases to physiological loading also impair ossification in the peripheral growth plate, mimicking the effects of IFT88 deletion. Limb immobilization inhibited changes to VEGF expression and epiphyseal morphology in Ift88cKO mice, indicating the effects of depletion of IFT88 in the adolescent growth plate are mechano‐dependent. We propose that during this pivotal phase in adolescent skeletal maturation, ciliary IFT88 protects uniform, coordinated ossification of the growth plate from an otherwise disruptive heterogeneity of physiological mechanical forces. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons heterozygous for the risk allele have a two-fold higher risk of liver disease, while persons who are homozygous have a greater than threefold risk.3 In Guatemala, we estimate that >30% of NAFLD among adults may be related to rs738409. Definition of liver disease The primary measure of liver disease was an elevated level of ALT or AST, hereafter referred to as elevated ALT/AST. Keywords: genetics; Guatemala; Latinos; NAFLD; PNPLA3 EN genetics Guatemala Latinos NAFLD PNPLA3 1470 1474 5 06/13/22 20220601 NES 220601 INTRODUCTION Spurred by the epidemics of diabetes and obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common chronic liver conditions in the world.1 In the Americas, individuals of Latino ancestry experience disproportionate rates of NAFLD and other liver disorders.2 Genetic susceptibility to NAFLD has been identified, with the I149M polymorphism (rs738409) in the patatin-like phospholipase gene I PNPLA3 i found to be most consistently associated. As shown in Table 2, the frequencies of the previously reported risk allele at each loci were: I PNPLA3 i rs738409 G allele = 0.69, I NCAN i rs2228603 T allele = 0.01, I GCKR i rs780094 T allele = 0.39 and I LYPLAL1 i rs12137855 C allele = 0.94. [Extracted from the article]

In this work, the impact of different Cu(In1‐xGax)(Se1‐ySy)2 solar cell structures on the shift of the dominant recombination region at varying light intensities was investigated. A new parameter was proposed to account for the dominant recombination region relative to the minimum band gap location in a graded absorber. Additionally, the influence of shunt resistances on the dominant recombination location for different CIGSSe solar cell structures was modeled. Within the investigated illumination range, correlations between the dominant recombination location and solar cell parameters as well as their temperature dependence were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their high abundance and diversity, ostracods adapted to a particular chemosynthetic environment and its surroundings have rarely been studied. Therefore, the thresholds and environmental characteristics shaping their assemblages are poorly known. Here, we report a detailed study of the ostracod assemblages occurring around the Zannone Giant Pockmark, a CO2 hydrothermal vent system recently discovered in the central‐eastern Tyrrhenian Sea. Although among crustaceans, ostracods seem to have the longest stratigraphic record in fossil seeps and hydrothermal vents starting in the Palaeozoic, our results indicate that their occurrence is driven by CO2 that represents an insurmountable threshold for ostracods' life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]