bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of delayed chemoradiotherapy with elevated Epstein-Barr virus DNA load and adverse clinical outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Cheng-Long , Fang Xue-Liang , Mao Yan-Ping , Guo Rui , Li Wen-Fei , Xu Si-Si , Ma Jun , Chen Lei , Tang Ling-Long
Published: October 2022

Background:

To summarize the impact of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy delays on patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We retrospectively included 233 patients with stage II-IVa NPC treated with RT and chemotherapy between December 11, 2019 and March 11, 2020. The outcomes were elevation in the EBV DNA load between two adjacent cycles of chemotherapy or during RT, and 1-year disease-free survival (DFS).

Results:

RT delay occurred in 117 (50%) patients, and chemotherapy delay occurred in 220 (94%) patients. RT delay of ≥ 6 days was associated with a higher EBV DNA elevation rate (20.4% vs. 3.6%, odds ratio [OR] = 6.93 [95% CI = 2.49–19.32], P < 0.001), and worse 1-year DFS (91.2% vs. 97.8%, HR = 3.61 [95% CI = 1.37–9.50], P = 0.006), compared with on-schedule RT or delay of < 6 days. Chemotherapy delay of ≥ 10 days was not associated with a higher EBV DNA elevation rate (12.5% vs. 6.8%, OR = 1.94 [95% CI = 0.70–5.40], P = 0.20), or worse 1-year DFS (93.8% vs. 97.1%, HR = 3.73 [95% CI = 0.86–16.14], P = 0.059), compared with delay of < 10 days. Multivariable analyses showed RT delay of ≥ 6 days remained an independent adverse factor for both EBV DNA elevation and DFS.

Conclusion:

To ensure treatment efficacy for patients with nonmetastatic NPC, initiation of RT should not be delayed by more than 6 days; the effect of chemotherapy delay requires further investigation.
Proenkephalin A 119–159 predicts early and successful liberation from renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a post hoc analysis of the ELAIN trial
Authors: von Groote Thilo , Albert Felix , Meersch Melanie , Koch Raphael , Porschen Christian , Hartmann Oliver , Bergmann Deborah , Pickkers Peter , Zarbock Alexander
Published: October 2022

Background

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) remains the key rescue therapy for critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI). However, there are currently no tools available to predict successful liberation from RRT. Biomarkers may allow for risk stratification and individualization of treatment strategies. Proenkephalin A 119–159 (penKid) has been suggested as a promising marker of kidney function in the context of AKI, but has not yet been evaluated for RRT liberation in critically ill patients with AKI.

Methods

This post hoc analysis included 210 patients from the randomized clinical ELAIN trial and penKid levels were measured in the blood of these patients. Competing risk time-to-event analyses were performed for pre-RRT penKid at initiation of RRT and in a landmark analysis at day 3 after initiation of RRT. Competing risk endpoints were successful liberation from RRT or death without prior liberation from RRT.

Results

Low pre-RRT penKid levels (penKid ≤ 89 pmol/l) at RRT initiation were associated with early and successful liberation from RRT compared to patients with high pre-RRT penKid levels (subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) 1.83, 95%CI 1.26–2.67, p = 0.002, estimated 28d-cumulative incidence function (28d-CIF) of successful liberation from RRT 61% vs. 45%, p = 0.022). This association persisted in the landmark analysis on day 3 of RRT (sHR 1.78, 95%CI 1.17–2.71, p = 0.007, 28d-CIF of successful liberation from RRT 67% vs. 47%, p = 0.018). For both time points, no difference in the competing event of death was detected.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients with RRT-dependent AKI, plasma penKid appears to be a useful biomarker for the prediction of shorter duration and successful liberation from RRT and may allow an individualized approach to guide strategies of RRT liberation in critically ill patients with RRT-dependent AKI.

Trial registration: The ELAIN trial was prospectively registered at the German Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier: DRKS00004367) on 28th of May 2013.

Graphical Abstract
Insight into the hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic impacts of aliskiren in streptozotocin-induced diabetic liver disease in mice
Authors: Mahfoz Amal M. , Gawish Aya Y.
Published: October 2022

Background

Diabetic hepatopathy is a serious complication of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. An efficient antidiabetic drug which keeps normal liver tissues is not available. The renin-angiotensin system has been reported to be involved in both diabetic state and liver function. Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor and a recently antihypertensive drug with poly-pharmacological properties. The aim of the current study is to explore the possible hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of action of aliskiren against streptozotocin (STZ) induced liver toxicity.

Methods

Mice were distributed to 3 groups; first: the normal control group, second: the diabetic control group, third: the diabetic group which received aliskiren (25 mg/kg; oral) for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and liver function tests were evaluated spectrophotometrically. ELISA technique was used to measure the expression levels of TNF-α and adiponectin. Furthermore, a Histopathological examination of liver samples was done.

Results

It was shown that aliskiren treatment ameliorated the STZ-induced oxidative stress and elevated inflammatory biomarkers, hypercholesterolemia, serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase levels in diabetic mice. In addition, hepatocellular necrosis, and fibrosis were improved by aliskiren treatment.

Conclusion

aliskiren protects against the liver damage caused by STZ-induced diabetes. This can be explained by its ability to block angiotensin-II, and its anti-diabetic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Aliskiren could be a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent liver diseases associated with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Graphical Abstract
Diabetic ketoacidosis and coronavirus disease 2019-associated mucormycosis: a case report
Authors: Monroig Vanessa , Tarquinio Keiko M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Mucormycosis is a rare, life-threatening fungal infection that affects immunocompromised hosts. Diabetes mellitus is a common predisposing condition and most often presents with rhino-orbital-cerebral infection. Association with coronavirus disease 2019 infection was revealed following a resurgence in cases of mucormycosis during the second wave of the pandemic wherein poorly controlled diabetes mellitus was the most significant risk factor in the affected population. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis has a high mortality rate, and cerebral involvement is a poor prognostic factor. Herein, we report a case of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus with concurrent coronavirus disease 2019 infection complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis and rhinocerebral mucormycosis at presentation, describe the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, and discuss the interventions that ultimately resulted in a favorable clinical response.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a previously healthy 13-year-old African American female patient with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus and concurrent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection whose disease course was complicated by rhinocerebral mucormycosis. She presented with fever, altered mental status, and Kussmaul respirations and was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis with concern for cerebral edema. Concern for infectious cerebritis arose due to recurring fevers and persistently altered mental status despite correction of her metabolic derangements. This raised concern for infectious cerebritis and prompted evaluation with serial head imaging, lumbar puncture, and initiation of broad empiric antimicrobial regimen. Head imaging revealed an evolving cerebral abscess, and fungal deoxyribonucleic acid was identified on blood metagenomics testing, which ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Treatment was challenging as she required surgical debridement of the frontal lobe and aggressive antifungal therapy complicated by electrolyte derangements and electrocardiogram changes that necessitated modification of the antimicrobial regimen. Despite these challenges and high mortality rate, the patient was discharged from the hospital in stable condition to inpatient rehabilitation service for reconditioning after prolonged hospitalization.

Conclusion

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis mortality is associated with delays in therapeutic interventions, thus a high index of suspicion and early recognition were essential for timely initiation of antifungal therapy and surgical debridement.
Cave feature extraction and classification from rockery point clouds acquired with handheld laser scanners
Authors: Lou Lizhi , Wei Chaoxu , Wu Hangbin , Yang Chen
Published: October 2022

Rockeries are unique elements of Chinese classical gardens with historical, cultural, artistic, and scientific value. One of the essential characteristics of garden rockery is the cave features since cave morphological features determine the degree of “Tou” (riddled through) and “Lou” (hollowed out well) features as the defined by rockery appreciation theory, which is important for rockery heritage conservation, assessment, and management. However, in heritage studies, accurately identifying and evaluating rockery caves is a difficult task because of a cave's irregular shape. This paper proposes a methodology to extract and classify cave features by point clouds obtained from data using a handheld laser scanner with a camera. Without completing surface reconstruction, the rockery point cloud is first sliced into chips, then cave chips were extracted from these approximately two-dimensional chips and next merged to obtain three-dimensional cave point clouds. Finally, the cave boundary points are extracted from the cave and fitted by an ellipse for classification. To extract and classify cave features, a methodology to improve rockery digitalization quality is also proposed. The raw point cloud data were preprocessed by pose adjustment, noise removal, and hole repair. The experimental results for the two rockeries in Tongji University and Qiuxiapu Garden indicate that the improved digitization scheme generates complete and closed rockery point clouds, all types of caves were effectively extracted and classified by our proposed method. Additionally, the extracted caves are still represented by point clouds, which suggest the possibility for other research in the future.
Implementing the European Society for Medical Oncology Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets in a Comprehensive Profiling Program: Impact on Precision Medicine Oncology
Authors: Martin-Romano Patricia , Mezquita Laura , Hollebecque Antoine , Lacroix Ludovic , Rouleau Etienne , Gazzah Anas , Bahleda Rastilav , Planchard David , Varga Andrea , Baldini Capucine , Postel-Vinay Sophie , Friboulet Luc , Loriot Yohann , Verlingue Loic , Geraud Arthur , Camus Maud Ngo , Nicotra Claudio , Soria Jean Charles , André Fabrice , Besse Benjamin , Massard Christophe , Italiano Antoine
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

To facilitate implementation of precision medicine in clinical management of cancer, the European Society of Medical Oncology proposed in 2018 a new scale to harmonize and standardize the reporting and interpretation of clinically relevant genomics data (ESMO Scale of Actionability of molecular Targets [ESCAT]). This study aims to characterize the clinical impact of matching targetable genomic alterations (GAs) in patients with advanced cancer according to ESCAT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analysis of next-generation sequencing results from 552 patients is included in two prospective precision medicine studies at Gustave Roussy. End points included objective response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival according to ESCAT.

RESULTS

Molecular data from 516 patients were available and discussed within a Molecular Tumor Board. The most common tumor types were GI (n = 164; 30%), lung (n = 137; 25%), and urologic tumors (n = 68; 13%). Overall, 379 GAs were considered as actionable targets according to ESCAT in 348 (67%) patients. In 31 (6%) patients, two concomitant actionable targets were identified. On the basis of ESCAT, GAs were considered to be classified as tier I in 120 patients (29%), II in 25 patients (5%), III in 80 patients (16%), and IV in 153 patients (30%). A total of 136 patients (27%) received a matched therapy. ESCAT was significantly associated with objective response rates and clinical benefit rates. The median progression-free survival was 6.5 months (95% CI, 4.2 to 8.9), 3 months (95% CI, 1 to not available), 3 months (95% CI, 2.2 to 3.8), and 4 months (95% CI, 2.8 to 6.3) for ESCAT I, II, III, and IV, respectively ( P = .0125).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of ESCAT classification for clinical decision making by Molecular Tumor Board is feasible and useful to better tailor therapies in patients with cancer.
The ERM-1 membrane-binding domain directs erm-1 mRNA localization to the plasma membrane in the C. elegans embryo
Authors: Winkenbach Lindsay P. , Parker Dylan M. , Williams Robert T. P. , Nishimura Erin Osborne
Published: October 2022

mRNA localization and transport are integral in regulating gene expression. In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, the maternally inherited mRNA erm-1 (Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin) becomes concentrated in anterior blastomeres. erm-1 mRNA localizes within those blastomeres to the plasma membrane where the essential ERM-1 protein, a membrane-actin linker, is also found. We demonstrate that the localization of erm-1 mRNA to the plasma membrane is translation dependent and requires its encoded N-terminal, membrane-binding (FERM) domain. By perturbing translation through multiple methods, we found that erm-1 mRNA localization at the plasma membrane persisted only if the nascent peptide remained in complex with the translating mRNA. Indeed, re-coding the erm-1 mRNA coding sequence while preserving the encoded amino acid sequence did not disrupt erm-1 mRNA localization, corroborating that the information directing mRNA localization resides within its membrane-binding protein domain. A single-molecule inexpensive fluorescence in situ hybridization screen of 17 genes encoding similar membrane-binding domains identified three plasma membrane-localized mRNAs in the early embryo. Ten additional transcripts showed potential membrane localization later in development. These findings point to a translation-dependent pathway for localization of mRNAs encoding membrane-associated proteins.
Hybridization alters maternal and paternal genome contributions to early plant embryogenesis
Authors: Alaniz-Fabián Jaime , Orozco-Nieto Axel , Abreu-Goodger Cei , Gillmor C. Stewart
Published: October 2022

After fertilization, zygotic genome activation results in a transcriptionally competent embryo. Hybrid transcriptome experiments in Arabidopsis have concluded that the maternal and paternal genomes make equal contributions to zygotes and embryos, yet embryo defective (emb) mutants in the Columbia (Col) ecotype display early maternal effects. Here, we show that hybridization of Col with Landsberg erecta (Ler) or Cape Verde Islands (Cvi) ecotypes decreases the maternal effects of emb mutants. Reanalysis of Col/Ler and Col/Cvi transcriptomes confirmed equal parental contributions in Col/Cvi early embryos. By contrast, thousands of genes in Col/Ler zygotes and one-cell embryos were biallelic in one cross and monoallelic in the reciprocal cross, with analysis of intron reads pointing to active transcription as responsible for this parent-of-origin bias. Our analysis shows that, contrary to previous conclusions, the maternal and paternal genomes in Col/Ler zygotes are activated in an asymmetric manner. The decrease in maternal effects in hybrid embryos compared with those in isogenic Col along with differences in genome activation between Col/Cvi and Col/Ler suggest that neither of these hybrids accurately reflects the general trends of parent-of-origin regulation in Arabidopsis embryogenesis.
Identification of Metal Type Prints, Recarved Woodblock Prints and Woodblock Recarving Sequences through Image Analyses: Comparisons among Six Versions of Jeungdoga Scripts
Authors: Yoo Woo Sik
Published: October 2022

Some books were printed using metal type and woodblocks in the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. In some cases, there are postscripts that record the printing method, printing period, and the background that led to the printing. However, it is difficult to accurately determine the printing dates based solely on that information. When there are several versions of the same old book, it is possible to obtain evidence that can provide clues to determine the printing method and date of each version by image comparison and analysis between versions. In this study, images of six very similar versions of Jeungdoga Scripts (南明泉和尙頌證道歌) estimated to have been printed with metal type and woodblocks between the 13th and 16th centuries were compared and analyzed. The printing method, sequence, and date were estimated. By quantifying and comparing the inked areas of randomly selected characters and corresponding characters in identical locations of different versions, the increase in stroke thickness and printing area in recarved versions was confirmed. Deformation and engraving errors in several characters were found in later versions. Of the six versions, it was concluded that the Gongin version (空印本) was printed in early September 1239 with metal type, and is the earliest version. The other five versions were printed after being engraved with woodblocks in the following order: Banyasa Temple version (般若寺本), Daegu version (大邱本) in 1472, Samseong version (三省本), Jongno Library (鍾路圖書館本) in 1526, and th e National Central Library version (國立中央圖書館本).
A Study on Restoration of Mounting the Four-fold Screen of the Sun, Moon and Five Peaks in Injeongjeon, Changdeokgung Palace: Focusing on Adhesion and Stabilization Treatment for Gold Leaf
Authors: Yang Min Jeong , Song Jung Won , Jeong Hee Won
Published: October 2022

The Four-fold Screen of the Sun, Moon and Five Peaks in Injeongjeon, Changdeokgung Palace is a representative royal decorative painting made to divide the space inside the palace or to decorate and direct a specific space in the Joseon Dynasty. This painting has been repaired several times, but severely damaged by external ultraviolet rays and pollution. To study the Four-fold Screen of the Sun, Moon and Five Peaks from the Joseon Dynasty, records and similar cultural heritages were researched. Conservation treatment was performed based on the research results. This study sought to determine the appropriate concentration of adhesive and gold leaf stabilization treatment. The study a ssumed tha t the silk wa s mounted on a folding screen to ma ke a new decora tive silk a nd a tta ch gold leaf during the mounting process. Properties of the adhesives were compared by observing and measuring viscosity and adhesion, and color values, and gloss of the specimens before and after stabilization treatment. The most suitable adhesive for gold leaf adhesion was rabbit skin glue 5% and funori 4% in a 5:1(v/v) ratio. In addition, when the gold leaf surface was coated with 1% rabbit skin glue, the yellow color of the gold leaf was further emphasized. This stabilization treatment was effective in preventing peeling of the gold leaf surface.
Consideration on the Cleaning Effect of Black Contaminants using Visible-Near-Infrared (VNIR) Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Ahn Yu Bin , Cho Ha Jin , Lee Myeong Seong
Published: October 2022

VNIR hyperspectral images can be analyzed in situations involving color changes, such as before and after cleaning, without pre-treatment. In this study, to analyze the application of the VNIR hyperspectral system, we compared the black contaminants on the surface of the Jigwangguksa Pagoda upper stereobate at Beopcheonsa Temple, Wonju before and after cleaning with laser. After a preliminary experiment to evaluate the applicability of VNIR hyperspectral imaging, we took images of the four sides (north, south, east, and west). The 823 nm band image was used for comparing before and after cleaning. As per the result of the image differencing analysis about before and after cleaning, the spectral reflectance of the area where the cleaning was performed showed a tendency to increase. Additionally, it was found that not only the washed area but also the extent of change could be calculated through monochrome for quantitative comparison, and imaging analysis using the VNIR hyperspectral system was sufficiently effective for comparison before and after cleaning.
Characteristics of the Stamp Image by Different Binders of Red Stamp Ink Pastes
Authors: You Song E , Chung Yong Jea
Published: October 2022

The material properties of the stamp ink paste determine the shape, differences in color, imprint characteristics, and damage patterns of the stamp images. It was previously confirmed that the major difference between the records of the preparation of red ink pastes was that the type of colorant was different for oil and glue. Therefore, in this study, the characteristics of stamp images for each colorant of stamp ink paste were investigated, the shape and physicochemical changes in the stamp at different environmental conditions were compared, and the presence of microorganisms was determined. In animal glue stamp images, the pigment filled the fibrous pores on the support surface, and as deterioration progressed, the stamp image was not significantly damaged. Investigation of the surface of the castor oil stamp images confirmed that the stamp ink paste was entirely adsorbed onto the support fiber. Additionally, oil that diffused around the stamp images during stamping was a factor causing the yellowing of the support. Using these results, it was possible to identify the yellowing around the stamp images observed in the current artifact. In addition to stamp ink paste, stamp images, and mineral pigment elements, stamp ink paste also needs to be comprehensively studied, particularly the type of oil, stamp material, and containing agent.
Changes in the Detection Performance of Termatrac T3i as a Reticulitermes Speratus Detection Device According to the Wood(Species and Moisture Content) and Detection(Depth and Direction) Condition
Authors: Im Ik-Gyun , Han Gyu-Seong
Published: October 2022

This study confirmed the detection performance and applicability of microwave devices used to detect subterranean termites inside the wood. The detection performance of Termatrac T3i decreased as the specific gravity and moisture content increased due to the anisotropy and wave absorption characteristics of wood. Additionally, Termatrac T3i was able to detect termites within a radius of 50 mm and a maximum depth of 50 mm based on the measurement point due to the strong straightness of the 2.4 GHz microwave. These results suggest that the measurement interval and depth o f Termatrac T3i sho uld be set within 100 mm and 50 mm to determine the termite activity inside the pine wood member. Additionally, the applicability according to the detection performance of Termatrac T3i was investigated. The results confirmed the damage pattern in which Reticulitermes speratus preferentially attacked the sapwood of the wood member, and that the average sapwood width of the pine tree used as the wood member of the wooden structure was approximately 60-70 mm. Therefore, Termatrac T3i, which has been confirmed to be able to measure termite activity up to 50 mm deep in a straight line for pine trees, is considered to be applicable to the detection of activity of R. speratus, which prefers sapwood.
Perception of health care students towards lectures as a teaching and learning method in the COVID era - A multicentric cross-sectional study from India
Authors: Singh Vijay Pratap , Ramakrishna Anand , Sinha Neloy , Khandelwal Bidita , Joseph Nitin , Barua Purnima
Published: October 2022

The sudden precipitation of the pandemic forced undergraduates to take refuge at home, deserting the campus. Consequently, the age-old classroom in person teaching-learning (T-L) method shifted and lessons had to be conducted online. In previous decades, archetypical classroom lectures survived a lot of criticism in the face of the quasi-passive nature of T-L  methodology. There are very few studies that reflect undergraduate students' perceptions of lectures. This study aimed to evaluate undergraduate students’ perceptions of lectures using an online questionnaire with 13 items, which was circulated to undergraduate students of medical, physiotherapy, and nursing courses in three settings at different locations of private and public health schools. There was a total of 877 responses. The surveyed students were in favor of lectures and considered them indispensable for undergraduate learning. They preferred it as a kind of organized learning through the teacher’s own experiences. Our study suggests that it is not the ‘lecture’ that requires mending but possibly teachers require better training, application of effective audio-visual aids, and innovative techniques to sustain students' interest in the class.
Evaluation of clinical efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Al-Haddad Maryam , Bairam Ahsan , Hussain Haider , Majeed Suhad , Al-Jalehawi Ahmad
Published: October 2022

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by deteriorating articular cartilage. Most patients may not get enough control of symptoms in spite of the availability of various treatment options. Because of the synergistic impact of flavonoids and ginkgolides, Ginkgo biloba (GB) has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties besides its generally safe profile. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) in patient with Knee OA.

Methods: This is a randomized double blinded clinical trial conducted in a private orthopaedic clinic in Al-Najaf Government-Iraq. Patients were randomized into two groups; Group A administered the standard treatment (diclofenac capsule 100 milligram sustained released with paracetamol 1 gram twice daily) with GBE 120 milligram twice daily, while Group B administered the standard treatment with placebo (starch) capsule only. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was performed to assess the efficacy of the GBE in patient with Knee OA for eight weeks.

Results: 60 patients successfully completed the eight weeks follow up. Pain, symptoms, sport, activity of daily living (ADL) scores showed significant improvement in Group A from the first two weeks after treatment with GB in comparison with group B. however, scores of quality of life (QOL) were not significantly improved in two group comparison at each assessment week. Only 10 patients reported gastrointestinal adverse effects during the study which were all mild.

Conclusions: GB may provide additional beneficial health effects to patients with knee OA based on KOOS scores when add to the standard treatment regime.

Registration: ClincialTrials.gov (NCT05398874, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05398874).
Editorial
Authors: Varghese Bindi
Published: October 2022

Sustainability bestows a plethora of benefits such as natural resource conservation, cultural heritage preservation, revenue generation, economic growth, employment creation, wildlife conservation, and so on (Frent, 2016). Sustainable development practices should satisfy the needs of the present without compromising future resources (Brundtland, 1985; Ryan, 2002) Sustainability meticulously concerns the present and future aspects and aims at reaping the benefits for a longer time. Place, quality, experience, and responsibility are the key ingredients of sustainability, whereas it could be maximised by a range of factors like prudent utilisation of resources, imbibing conservation attitudes, responsible behaviour, and balancing the economy, socio-cultural and environmental practices (WTO, 2005).
СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ СЕТЕВЫХ НАУЧНЫХ ЛАБОРАТОРИЙ В РОССИЙСКИХ УНИВЕРСИТЕТАХ И ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКИХ ИНСТИТУТАХ
Authors: VASILIEVA M. , FROLOV. V
Published: October 2022

Издание посвящено рассмотрению и анализу актуальных аспектов создания и развития сетевых научных лабораторий, технологиям моделирования сетевых научных структур в российских вузах и исследовательских институтах. В нем также описаны основные сетевые модели инициации и функционирования научных лабораторий, создаваемых в университетах и исследовательских институтах Российской Федерации. Материалы настоящего здания подготовлены работниками Псковского государственного университета в рамках реализации программы Министерства науки и высшего образования Российской Федерации «Приоритет–2030» (проект «Разработка организационно-управленческой модели сетевой научной (научно-образовательной) лаборатории») и могут быть использованы другими вузами и исследовательскими институтами Российской Федерации в качестве организационно-методических рекомендаций для создания и развития на своей базе собственных современных сетевых научных структур (лабораторий, центров, институтов).
Preferencje metodologiczne w zakresie andragogiki prezentowane w tekstach opublikowanych w wybranych polskich czasopismach
Authors: Szarota Zofia
Published: October 2022

Status naukowy andragogiki/teorii edukacji dorosłych jako autonomicznej dyscypliny naukowej pozostaje w fazie wznoszącej. W artykule odnoszę się do jednego z obszarów konstytuowania się dyscypliny, to jest do metod prowadzenia badań naukowych, ze wskazaniem paradygmatów i koncepcji służących procesowi budowania teorii naukowej. W oparciu o analizę treści artykułów zawartych w czterech wiodących tytułach naukowych periodyków ukazuję współczesne sposoby definiowania andragogiki, udzielam odpowiedzi na pytania o obszar badań, strategie podejmowanych eksploracji, ich paradygmatyczne umocowanie, wybrane metody i zastosowane techniki oraz potencjalne uznanie środowiska dla przedstawicieli danej szkoły metodologicznej.
Osądzanie refleksyjne – tutorzy i tutees na temat trudnych poznawczo problemów
Authors: Perkowska-Klejman Anna
Published: October 2022

Niniejszy artykuł prezentuje badania przeprowadzone w celu uzyskania odpowiedzi na pytanie, w jaki sposób tutorzy (nauczyciele akademiccy) i tutees (studenci) formują osądy na temat kilku trudnych poznawczo problemów. W badaniu skoncentrowano się na opisie intelektualnych procedur stosowanych w refleksyjnym osądzaniu tutorów i tutees. Rozstrzygano, na ile jest to myślenie na poziomie prerefleksyjnym, quasirefleksyjnym i refleksyjnym. Podczas badania tutorzy i tutees byli postawieni wobec kilku niejednoznacznych tematów i mieli za pomocą krótkich odpowiedzi ustosunkować się do własnych źródeł poznania, przekonań i wiedzy. Badanym zadawano serię pytań skoncentrowanych wokół pięciu tematów, np. stosowania leków w terapii zaburzeń psychicznych; przyczyn alkoholizmu. Badania zostały przeprowadzone za pomocą pisemnego kwestionariusza zainspirowanego Wywiadem osądzania refleksyjnego (Reflective Judgment Interwiew), opracowanego przez King i Kitchener w oparciu o Model osądzania refleksyjnego. Model zakłada trzy stadia myślenia: prerefleksyjne, quasirefleksyjne i refleksyjne, podzielone na siedem etapów. Analiza wyników badań pozwoliła ustalić m.in. to z jakich źródeł korzystają badani uzasadniając swe sądy, na ile są pewni swojej wiedzy, czy dopuszczają inne punkty widzenia. Tutorzy najczęściej prezentowali stadium refleksyjne, a tutees stadium quasi-refleksyjne. Ustalono jednak, że poziom refleksyjności niektórych badanych spośród tutees zmieniał się w zależności od rozważanego zagadnienia, natomiast w grupie tutorów nie zaobserwowano istotnych różnic w myśleniu reflek- syjnym po zmianie tematu. Dodatkowe analizy z uwzględnieniem płci i kierunku studiów nie wykazały znaczących różnic międzygrupowych w myśleniu studentów. Badani tutorzy i tutees okazali się grupą niezwykłą, kompetentną i wyrafinowaną w zakresie rozwiązywania trudnych poznawczo problemów. Rekomendowane jest zindywidualizowane podejście do edukacji studentów poprzez stosowanie metody tutoringu.
Is the Care Quality Commission really necessary?
Authors: Finch John
Published: October 2022

In questioning the need for yet another layer of the inspection industry within the NHS, John Finch, a journalist specialising in clinical law and ethics, suggests not only is the Care Quality Commission a superfluous body but it has been impacted from a fundamental design fault. The reason for the Care Quality Commission's continued existence is debatable.
BANN shines a light on innovative practice
Authors: Dulhanty Louise , Holden Samantha
Published: October 2022

The British Association of Neuroscience Nurses (BANN) is driven in supporting the development of roles within Neuroscience Nursing. In the next few issues of the British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, the BANN column will shine a light on neuroscience nurses who have gone above and beyond the expected. The aim is for the words of these individuals to inspire other neuroscience nurses. The first of this series highlights the fantastic career of Samantha Holden, a motor neurone disease Nurse Specialist and Care Centre Coordinator.
Encouraging uptake of the HPV vaccine: A guide for nurses
Authors: Heffernan Catherine
Published: October 2022

The HPV Vaccine is a key factor in preventing cancer so why is uptake not higher? By Catherine Heffernan
Cares Act, Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, Dale Folwell, Medicare, North Carolina, North Carolina State Health Plan, North Carolina state treasurer, profit, profit margin,
Authors:   Phoenix Pulmonary and Critical Care Research and Education Foundation, Gilbert, AZ USA, Robbins Richard
Published: October 2022

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. The VA patient waiting scandal in Phoenix is well documented. What is also well documented is that at least 70% of VA medical centers were engaged in similar schemes. Now a report prepared for the North Carolina State Treasurer’s Office revealed that many state hospitals and lobbyists are also guilty of misrepresentation. The hospitals did not lose billions of dollars on Medicare patients as they previously claimed, but in fact made large profits from 2015 to 2020 (1). “What we’re seeing is the biggest transfer of wealth in my lifetime in North Carolina,” North Carolina state Treasurer Dale Folwell said at a press conference on Oct. 25. “It’s a transfer of wealth especially from lower fixed-income people to these big multibillion-dollar corporations who disguise themselves as nonprofits”(2). “North Carolina hospital lobbyists claimed they lost $3.1 billion on Medicare in 2 …020—the same year hospitals reaped $87 million in Medicare profits,” …
Rapid change in polarization accompanying Fabry–Pérot resonance in anodic porous alumina coated with a gold thin film
Authors: Matsuda Toyonori , Tsunoda Isao , Nagata Masanori , Kawakita Takao , Noguchi Shumpei
Published: October 2022

We experimentally investigate the polarization property of the
specularly reflected light from an anodic porous alumina (APA)
membrane coated with a gold (Au) thin film. As a result, we reveal a
rapid change in the normalized Stokes parameter

s
3

of the specularly reflected light
around the angle of incidence

θ

A

at which the resonance absorption of
the incident light occurs. The rapid change in

s
3

demonstrates that the specularly
reflected light can rapidly be right- to left-elliptically polarized
via linear polarization at the zero-crossing point

θ

Z

of

s
3

. Moreover,

θ

Z

is located close to

θ

A

, and

θ

Z

as well as

θ

A

depend on the occurrence conditions
of the resonance absorption. From numerical aspects based on the
Maxwell Garnett effective medium approximation, we clarify that the
rapid change in

s
3

accompanies the Fabry–Pérot (FP)
resonance in the Au-coated APA membrane. The numerical results also
suggest that the change in the refractive index of the filling
material into nanopores of the Au-coated APA membrane can be
successfully estimated by using the rapid change in

s
3

.
Model to subtract contributions of scattered radiation from measured direct transmittance and specular reflectance by light diffusing materials
Authors: Vargas William E. , Jiménez Diego M. , Montero Mavis L.
Published: October 2022

The formalism of the Lorenz–Mie (LM) theory is used to estimate the contributions of radiation being scattered into the detector acceptance angle of spectrophotometers (with or without an integrating sphere) to the apparent direct transmittance and specular reflectance measurements. These contributions are subtracted from the measurements before doing the inversion to obtain the spectral variation of the scattering and absorption (S&A) coefficients of optically particulate liquid samples, decoupling the contribution to extinction from these two mechanisms. The method is applied to transmittance spectra of Pickering emulsions of dodecane oil (DO) and DO micelles with saturated dissolved Nile red dye, stabilized with anatase (

T
i
O

2

) in water. What we believe to be novel expressions are given to estimate the forward and backward average path-length parameters of propagating diffuse radiation from its equivalent quantities defined within the formalism of the LM theory and to relate these single particle average path-length parameters with the forward scattering ratio, asymmetry parameter, and higher-order coefficients in the expansion of the LM phase function. This novel approach makes it possible to avoid the underestimation of the S&A coefficients, which arises when the correction is not made by subtracting that contribution due to scattered radiation that is reaching the detectors from the directional reflectance and transmittance measurements.
Non-invasive optical monitoring of human lungs: Monte Carlo modeling of photon migration in Visible Chinese Human and an experimental test on a human
Authors: Guo Jianghui , Meng Shuo , Su Hengjie , Zhang Bowen , Li Ting
Published: October 2022

The human lung was quantified and visualized by photon transport in this paper. A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of voxelized media was used with the visible Chinese human (VCH). This study theoretically explored the feasibility of non-invasive optical detection of pulmonary hemodynamics, and investigated the optimal location of the light source in the lung photon migration and optimized the source-detector distance. The light fluence intensity showed that the photon penetration depth was 6-8.4 mm in the human lung. The optimal distance from the light source to the detector was 2.7-2.9 cm, but the optimal distance of the superior lobe of right lung was 3.3-3.5 cm. We then conducted experiments on diffuse light reflectance using NIRS on 14 volunteers. These measurements agree well with the simulation results. All the results demonstrated the great potential of non-invasive monitoring of pulmonary hemodynamics and contribute to the study of human lungs in the biomedical optics community
Excitation-based fully connected network for precise NIR-II fluorescence molecular tomography
Authors: Cao Caiguang , Xiao Anqi , Cai Meishan , Shen Biluo , Guo Lishuang , Shi Xiaojing , Tian Jie , Hu Zhenhua
Published: October 2022

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) is a novel imaging modality to obtain fluorescence biomarkers' three-dimensional (3D) distribution. However, the simplified mathematical model and complicated inverse problem limit it to achieving precise results. In this study, the second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging was adopted to mitigate tissue scattering and reduce noise interference. An excitation-based fully connected network was proposed to model the inverse process of NIR-II photon propagation and directly obtain the 3D distribution of the light source. An excitation block was embedded in the network allowing it to autonomously pay more attention to neurons related to the light source. The barycenter error was added to the loss function to improve the localization accuracy of the light source. Both numerical simulation and in vivo experiments showed the superiority of the novel NIR-II FMT reconstruction strategy over the baseline methods. This strategy was expected to facilitate the application of machine learning in biomedical research.
Optimal sequence-based design for multi-antigen HIV-1 vaccines using minimally distant antigens
Authors: Lewitus Eric , Hoang Jennifer , Li Yifan , Bai Hongjun , Rolland Morgane
Published: October 2022

The immense global diversity of HIV-1 is a significant obstacle to developing a safe and effective vaccine. We recently showed that infections established with multiple founder variants are associated with the development of neutralization breadth years later. We propose a novel vaccine design strategy that integrates the variability observed in acute HIV-1 infections with multiple founder variants. We developed a probabilistic model to simulate this variability, yielding a set of sequences that present the minimal diversity seen in an infection with multiple founders. We applied this model to a subtype C consensus sequence for the Envelope (Env) (used as input) and showed that the simulated Env sequences mimic the mutational landscape of an infection with multiple founder variants, including diversity at antibody epitopes. The derived set of multi-founder-variant-like, minimally distant antigens is designed to be used as a vaccine cocktail specific to a HIV-1 subtype or circulating recombinant form and is expected to promote the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Translational buffering by ribosome stalling in upstream open reading frames
Authors: Bottorff Ty A. , Park Heungwon , Geballe Adam P. , Subramaniam Arvind Rasi
Published: October 2022

Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are present in over half of all human mRNAs. uORFs can potently regulate the translation of downstream open reading frames through several mechanisms: siphoning away scanning ribosomes, regulating re-initiation, and allowing interactions between scanning and elongating ribosomes. However, the consequences of these different mechanisms for the regulation of protein expression remain incompletely understood. Here, we performed systematic measurements on the uORF-containing 5′ UTR of the cytomegaloviral UL4 mRNA to test alternative models of uORF-mediated regulation in human cells. We find that a terminal diproline-dependent elongating ribosome stall in the UL4 uORF prevents decreases in main ORF protein expression when ribosome loading onto the mRNA is reduced. This uORF-mediated buffering is insensitive to the location of the ribosome stall along the uORF. Computational kinetic modeling based on our measurements suggests that scanning ribosomes dissociate rather than queue when they collide with stalled elongating ribosomes within the UL4 uORF. We identify several human uORFs that repress main ORF protein expression via a similar terminal diproline motif. We propose that ribosome stalls in uORFs provide a general mechanism for buffering against reductions in main ORF translation during stress and developmental transitions.
Modeling the efficacy of CRISPR gene drive for snail immunity on schistosomiasis control
Authors: Grewelle Richard E. , Perez-Saez Javier , Tycko Josh , Namigai Erica K. O. , Rickards Chloe G. , De Leo Giulio A.
Published: October 2022

CRISPR gene drives could revolutionize the control of infectious diseases by accelerating the spread of engineered traits that limit parasite transmission in wild populations. Gene drive technology in mollusks has received little attention despite the role of freshwater snails as hosts of parasitic flukes causing 200 million annual cases of schistosomiasis. A successful drive in snails must overcome self-fertilization, a common feature of host snails which could prevents a drive’s spread. Here we developed a novel population genetic model accounting for snails’ mixed mating and population dynamics, susceptibility to parasite infection regulated by multiple alleles, fitness differences between genotypes, and a range of drive characteristics. We integrated this model with an epidemiological model of schistosomiasis transmission to show that a snail population modification drive targeting immunity to infection can be hindered by a variety of biological and ecological factors; yet under a range of conditions, disease reduction achieved by chemotherapy treatment of the human population can be maintained with a drive. Alone a drive modifying snail immunity could achieve significant disease reduction in humans several years after release. These results indicate that gene drives, in coordination with existing public health measures, may become a useful tool to reduce schistosomiasis burden in selected transmission settings with effective CRISPR construct design and evaluation of the genetic and ecological landscape.
Learning to diagnose common thorax diseases on chest radiographs from radiology reports in Vietnamese
Authors: Nguyen Thao , Vo Tam M. , Nguyen Thang V. , Pham Hieu H. , Nguyen Ha Q.
Published: October 2022

Deep learning, in recent times, has made remarkable strides when it comes to impressive performance for many tasks, including medical image processing. One of the contributing factors to these advancements is the emergence of large medical image datasets. However, it is exceedingly expensive and time-consuming to construct a large and trustworthy medical dataset; hence, there has been multiple research leveraging medical reports to automatically extract labels for data. The majority of this labor, however, is performed in English. In this work, we propose a data collecting and annotation pipeline that extracts information from Vietnamese radiology reports to provide accurate labels for chest X-ray (CXR) images. This can benefit Vietnamese radiologists and clinicians by annotating data that closely match their endemic diagnosis categories which may vary from country to country. To assess the efficacy of the proposed labeling technique, we built a CXR dataset containing 9,752 studies and evaluated our pipeline using a subset of this dataset. With an F1-score of at least 0.9923, the evaluation demonstrates that our labeling tool performs precisely and consistently across all classes. After building the dataset, we train deep learning models that leverage knowledge transferred from large public CXR datasets. We employ a variety of loss functions to overcome the curse of imbalanced multi-label datasets and conduct experiments with various model architectures to select the one that delivers the best performance. Our best model (CheXpert-pretrained EfficientNet-B2) yields an F1-score of 0.6989 (95% CI 0.6740, 0.7240), AUC of 0.7912, sensitivity of 0.7064 and specificity of 0.8760 for the abnormal diagnosis in general. Finally, we demonstrate that our coarse classification (based on five specific locations of abnormalities) yields comparable results to fine classification (twelve pathologies) on the benchmark CheXpert dataset for general anomaly detection while delivering better performance in terms of the average performance of all classes.