bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effects of a smartphone‐controlled wearable transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation device on bladder reflexes in anesthetized cats
Authors: Liang Yanan , Liao Limin , Wan Xiaoping , Li Xing , Li Xunhua , Wang Yiming
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To explore the inhibitory effects of a novel, smartphone‐controlled, and wearable tibial nerve stimulation device on nonnociceptive and nociceptive bladder reflexes in anesthetized cats and to compare the stimulus results of two current waveforms outputted by this new stimulator.

Materials and Methods

A novel, intelligent tibial nerve stimulator was put on the ankles of 14 cats and controlled by a mobile application. Cystometrograms (CMGs) were performed repeatedly by infusing 0.9% normal saline (NS) and 0.5% acetic acid (AA) through a urethral catheter. Inhibitory effects were explored by measuring the bladder capacity (BC) in two areas: (1) on nonnociceptive bladder reflex (infused with NS) and on nociceptive bladder reflex (filled with AA to induce overactive bladder [OAB] model); and (2) under the stimulation of two different current waveforms (waveforms A and B).

Results

In Group 1, the BC of AA‐induced OAB (41.48 ± 8.40%) was significantly different compared with the capacity of a NS‐infused bladder (104.89 ± 1.32%, p < 0.05). Both NS‐filled (151.35 ± 5.71%, p < 0.05) and AA‐instilled (71.41 ± 9.34%, p < 0.05) bladder volumes significantly increased after tibial nerve stimulation (TNS). In Group 2, the BC increased to 166.18 ± 15.17% (p = 0.026) and 127.64 ± 13.00% (p = 0.239), respectively, after TNS with waveforms A and B current.

Conclusions

Results revealed that this novel, smartphone‐based, wearable, and wireless tibial nerve stimulation system could inhibit the micturition reflex on physiological condition, serving as a potential option for OAB treatment. In addition, the waveforms of stimulation current had an important influence on the effects of TNS.
The role of agroforestry in restoring Brazil's Atlantic Forest: Opportunities and challenges for smallholder farmers
Authors: Shennan‐Farpón Yara , Mills Morena , Souza Aline , Homewood Katherine
Published: January 2022

Restoring the degraded Atlantic Forest is one of the biggest conservation challenges in Brazil. In a biome with high human presence, understanding the potential for restoration approaches, such as agroforestry, to provide benefits to smallholder farmers and biodiversity is essential in developing equitable restoration strategies.

Smallholder or family farmers are essential to national food security, producing most fruit and vegetables consumed in Brazil. Their farms can also provide ecological stepping stones for biodiversity. To better understand their role in Atlantic Forest restoration, this study explores the use of agroforestry by smallholder farmers from the Movimento Sem Terra (MST), the Rural Landless Workers' Movement, in Pontal do Paranapanema.

We use quantitative and qualitative data to assess farmer perceptions of the measures which support agroforestry farming, barriers to implementation and its impact on indicators of wellbeing. We find agroforestry farmers report significant benefits in 8 of 18 tested indicators. Attitudes to agroforestry are varied, but common themes emerge including the high value of tree cover for shade and cooling effects, and the difficulties in selling agroforestry products. Our results show lack of policy support and initial investment needs are the biggest constraints to agroforestry, but opportunity cost is not considered a large barrier.

Tailored policies and financial measures are needed to integrate thousands of smallholder farmers into the Atlantic Forest restoration agenda, helping to reach biome restoration targets while supporting rural livelihoods and national food security. Further research is required into links between additional socio‐economic and biogeographical variables and agroforestry uptake in the region.
Contribution of multiple overexpressed carboxylesterase genes to indoxacarb resistance in Spodoptera litura
Authors: Shi Yao , Li Wenlin , Zhou Yuliang , Liao Xiaolan , Shi Li
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

As an important family of detoxification enzymes, carboxylesterases (CarEs) have important roles in the development of insecticide resistance in almost all agricultural pests. Previous studies have suggested that enhancement of CarE activity is an important mechanism mediating indoxacarb resistance in Spodoptera litura, and several CarE genes have been found to be overexpressed in indoxacarb‐resistant strains. However, the functions of these CarE genes in indoxacarb resistance needs to be further investigated.

RESULTS

The synergist triphenyl phosphate effectively reduced the resistance of S. litura to indoxacarb, suggesting an involvement of CarEs in indoxacarb resistance. Among seven identified S. litura CarE genes (hereafter SlituCOE), six were overexpressed in two indoxacarb‐resistant strains, but there were no significant differences in gene copy number. Knockdown of SlituCOE009 and SlituCOE050 enhanced indoxacarb sensitivity in both susceptible and resistant strains, whereas knockdown of SlituCOE090, SlituCOE093 and SlituCOE074 enhanced indoxacarb sensitivity in only the resistant strain. Knockdown of the sixth gene, SlituCOE073, did not have any effect. Furthermore, simultaneous knockdown of the five SlituCOE genes had a greater effect on increasing indoxacarb sensitivity than silencing them individually. By contrast, overexpression of the five SlituCOE genes individually in Drosophila melanogaster significantly decreased the toxicity of indoxacarb to transgenic fruit flies. Furthermore, modeling and docking analysis indicated that the catalytic pockets of SlituCOE009 and SlituCOE074 were ideally shaped for indoxacarb and N‐decarbomethoxylated metabolite (DCJW), but the binding affinity for DCJW was stronger than for indoxacarb.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that multiple overexpressed CarE genes are involved in indoxacarb resistance in S. litura.
Fast redox switches lead to rapid transformation of goethite in humid tropical soils: A Mössbauer spectroscopy study
Authors: Bhattacharyya Amrita , Kukkadapu Ravi K. , Bowden Mark , Pett‐Ridge Jennifer , Nico Peter S.
Published: January 2022

Humid tropical forest soils experience frequent rainfall, which limits oxygen diffusion and creates redox heterogeneity in upland soils. In this study we gauged the effect of short‐term anoxic conditions on Fe mineralogy of relatively Fe‐ and C‐rich surface soils (C/Fe mole ratio ∼5) from a humid tropical forest in Puerto Rico. Soils subjected to 4‐d oxic/anoxic oscillation were characterized by selective chemical extractions, Mössbauer spectroscopy (MBS), and X‐ray diffraction. Chemical extraction data suggested that rapidly switching redox conditions had subtle effects on bulk Fe mineralogy. Mössbauer, on the other hand, indicated that (a) the soil Fe is a mixture of goethites of varying characteristics with minor contributions from ferrihydrite (<5%) and Fe(III)‐organic matter (OM) phases (∼10%), and (b) anoxic conditions rapidly transformed all forms of goethite to relatively stable Fe oxides. Such fast changes in goethite features could be due to rapid depletion and sorption of bio‐released structural Al or sorbed OM onto residual soil components. The rapid temporal changes in MBS parameters and corresponding pore water nominal oxidation state of C values suggest that Fe‐C transformations in these upland tropical soils are complex and intricately coupled. A comprehensive understanding of the fate of Fe, Al, and OM (Fe‐organic moieties) during redox switches and concurrent changes in pore water chemistry is critical for development of robust transport models in humid tropical soils, which are subject to episodic low‐redox events.
Generation of continuous hybrid zig-zag and contour paths for 3D printing
Authors: Gomez Gorka , Cortés Camilo , Creus Carles , Amilibia Maialen Zelaia , Moreno Aitor
Published: January 2022

The generation of the printing paths is a decisive step in additive manufacturing (AM). There is a variety of patterns that offer different characteristics, but those that are strictly continuous become especially relevant in certain types of AM by extrusion, with materials like bioinks, carbon or clays, since they do not allow the retraction of the material and travelling movements result in the generation of artifacts. In this work, we present (1) a method that generates continuous paths to fill 2D polygons with a hybrid zig-zag and contour pattern with any direction and line separation, which extends an algorithm that decomposes the 2D area to be filled into convex areas, overcoming its limitations to generate less subpolygons in certain cases, (2) a method to join the subpolygon trajectories such that a continuous path that fills the whole polygon is obtained, and (3) a publicly available dataset containing (a) a set of 2D polygons that are relevant to test the performance of the algorithms and (b) the results of filling those polygons with our methodology. Results show that the developed methods produce satisfactory results for the polygons contained in the evaluation dataset, including a couple of demonstrations of real 3D prints with the generated trajectories. Further work is needed to extend the methodology to produce suitable solutions for polygons with curved holes.
Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HCV-infected patients following sustained virologic response
Authors: Khattab Mahmoud A. , Zakaria Yehia , Sadek Eslam , Abd EL Fatah Aliaa S. , Fouad Magdy , Khattab Muhammed , Moness Hend M. , Adel Nashwa Mohamed , Ahmed Elham
Published: January 2022

It is unclear whether direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) result in the complete eradication of HCV infection or whether some quantities of the virus may persist after achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR). Aim The aim of this work was to study the possibility of the persistence of HCV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after achieving SVR following DAA treatment. This study included 100 patients infected with HCV genotype 4, who were candidates for receiving DAAs and who achieved SVR during follow-up, as determined at 12 and/or 24 weeks following the end of treatment. All patients were subjected to demographic, biochemical and hematological assessments. Detection of HCV RNA in the serum and PBMCs and determination of the HCV genotype were performed with real-time PCR. We detected HCV RNA in the PBMCs of 20 out of 100 (20%) patients infected with HCV genotype 4, who achieved SVR. However, the persistent viral load in the PBMCs was very low (range: 400–900 U/mL; mean ± SD: 645.45 ± 153 U/mL). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only the higher posttreatment levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) were significantly predictive of HCV RNA persistence in the PBMCs (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.08–1.55). Additionally, according to the Cox proportional hazard model, liver cirrhosis was the only significant risk factor for the persistence of HCV infection in PBMCs (HR: 5.8; 95% CI: 1.3–26.1; P < 0.02). Our results indicated the persistence of HCV RNA in some HCV patients who achieved SVR after treatment with DAAs.
Cascaded neural network-based CT image processing for aortic root analysis
Authors: Krüger Nina , Meyer Alexander , Tautz Lennart , Hüllebrand Markus , Wamala Isaac , Pullig Marius , Kofler Markus , Kempfert Jörg , Sündermann Simon , Falk Volkmar , Hennemuth Anja
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Careful assessment of the aortic root is paramount to select an appropriate prosthesis for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Relevant information about the aortic root anatomy, such as the aortic annulus diameter, can be extracted from pre-interventional CT. In this work, we investigate a neural network-based approach for segmenting the aortic root as a basis for obtaining these parameters.

Methods

To support valve prosthesis selection, geometric measures of the aortic root are extracted from the patient’s CT scan using a cascade of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). First, the image is reduced to the aortic root, valve, and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT); within that subimage, the aortic valve and ascending aorta are segmented; and finally, the region around the aortic annulus. From the segmented annulus region, we infer the annulus orientation using principal component analysis (PCA). The area-derived diameter of the annulus is approximated based on the segmentation of the aortic root and LVOT and the plane orientation resulting from the PCA.

Results

The cascade of CNNs was trained using 90 expert-annotated contrast-enhanced CT scans routinely acquired for TAVI planning. Segmentation of the aorta and valve within the region of interest achieved an F1 score of 0.94 on the test set of 36 patients. The area-derived diameter within the annulus region was determined with a mean error below 2 mm between the automatic measurement and the diameter derived from annotations. The calculated diameters and resulting errors are comparable to published results of alternative approaches.

Conclusions

The cascaded neural network approach enabled the assessment of the aortic root with a relatively small training set. The processing time amounts to 30 s per patient, facilitating time-efficient, reproducible measurements. An extended training data set, including different levels of calcification or special cases (e.g., pre-implanted valves), could further improve this method’s applicability and robustness.
Soziale Ungleichheit in der Zahngesundheit von Kindern
Authors: Stasch Nicole , Ganahl Kristin , Geiger Harald
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund

Das Risiko für behandlungsbedürftige Karies bei Kindern ist sozial ungleich verteilt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel der Studie war es, den Zusammenhang zwischen regionalen sozioökonomischen Determinanten, Migrationshintergrund und behandlungsbedürftiger Karies bei Volksschulkindern in Vorarlberg im Schuljahr 2016/17 zu untersuchen.

Material und Methoden

Der Zahnstatus und das Alter wurden bei den zahnprophylaktischen Gruppenuntersuchungen der Zahnprophylaxe Vorarlberg GmbH systematisch erfasst. Abhängige dichotome Variable war die behandlungsbedürftige Karies, welche bei mindestens einem kariösen unbehandelten Zahn im Gebiss vorlag (WHO-Methodik). Einflussgrößen auf Gemeindeebene waren der Bildungsstand, der Erwerbsstatus und das Einkommen und auf Schulebene der Migrationshintergrund. Als potenzielle Störfaktoren wurden das Alter und der Urbanisierungsgrad der Gemeinden berücksichtigt. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels eines gemischten logistischen Modells.

Ergebnisse

In Vorarlberg hatten 35,1 % der Volksschulkinder im Schuljahr 2016/17 eine behandlungsbedürftige Karies und durchschnittlich 0,9 kariöse unbehandelte Zähne. Eine erhöhte Chance für einen Behandlungsbedarf hatten Volksschulkinder in Gemeinden mit höherem durchschnittlichen Jahresbrutto, Schulen mit höherem Anteil an Kindern mit Migrationshintergrund und Schulen in einer Gemeinde im ländlich zentralen Raum (Referenz: urbane Zentren).

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Datenlagen des Zahnstatus und der sozialen Indikatoren sollte auf kleinräumiger Ebene – im Idealfall auf Individualebene – verbessert werden. Darüber hinaus sollten bestehende Präventionsangebote evaluiert und Schulen, die bisher nicht teilnehmen, erreicht werden. Weitere Maßnahmen für vulnerable Gruppen sollten geplant, implementiert und evaluiert werden.
Cysteine Peptidase Cathepsin X as a Therapeutic Target for Simultaneous TLR3/4-mediated Microglia Activation
Authors: Pišlar Anja , Nedeljković Biljana Božić , Perić Mina , Jakoš Tanja , Zidar Nace , Kos Janko
Published: January 2022

Microglia are resident macrophages in the central nervous system that are involved in immune responses driven by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Microglia-mediated inflammation can lead to central nervous system disorders, and more than one TLR might be involved in these pathological processes. The cysteine peptidase cathepsin X has been recognized as a pathogenic factor for inflammation-induced neurodegeneration. Here, we hypothesized that simultaneous TLR3 and TLR4 activation induces synergized microglia responses and that these phenotype changes affect cathepsin X expression and activity. Murine microglia BV2 cells and primary murine microglia were exposed to the TLR3 ligand polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) and the TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS), individually and simultaneously. TLR3 and TLR4 co-activation resulted in increased inflammatory responses compared to individual TLR activation, where poly(I:C) and LPS induced distinct patterns of proinflammatory factors together with different patterns of cathepsin X expression and activity. TLR co-activation decreased intracellular cathepsin X activity and increased cathepsin X localization at the plasma membrane with concomitant increased extracellular cathepsin X protein levels and activity. Inhibition of cathepsin X in BV2 cells by AMS36, cathepsin X inhibitor, significantly reduced the poly(I:C)- and LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines as well as apoptosis. Additionally, inhibiting the TLR3 and TLR4 common signaling pathway, PI3K, with LY294002 reduced the inflammatory responses of the poly(I:C)- and LPS-activated microglia and recovered cathepsin X activity. We here provide evidence that microglial cathepsin X strengthens microglia activation and leads to subsequent inflammation-induced neurodegeneration. As such, cathepsin X represents a therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative diseases related to excess inflammation.
A School-Based Approach to Building Resilience and Mental Health Among Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Shochet Ian M. , Saggers Beth R. , Carrington Suzanne B. , Orr Jayne A. , Wurfl Astrid M. , Kelly Rachel L. , Duncan Bonnie M.
Published: January 2022

Tackling mental health difficulties in adolescents on the autism spectrum requires a comprehensive prevention approach. A 3-year multisite proof-of-concept longitudinal study implemented an evidence-based multilevel resilience intervention in schools to promote protective factors at the adolescent, parent, and school level. The intervention, consisting of the adolescent, parent and teacher components of the Resourceful Adolescent Program–Autism Spectrum Disorder (RAP-ASD) augmented with the Index for Inclusion, was implemented in 6 secondary schools with 30 adolescents with an autism diagnosis in Grades 7 and 8, 31 parents of 23 of the adolescents, and school staff. The intervention was implemented with good validity and acceptability. Quantitative data from adolescents and parents were analysed using the Reliable Change Index, and qualitative data were analysed using Consensual Qualitative Research. Triangulated quantitative and qualitative outcomes from the majority of adolescents and their parents showed some evidence for promoting resilience for adolescents with a diagnosis or traits of autism, as reflected in reliable improvements in coping self-efficacy and school connectedness, and a reduction in anxiety symptoms and emotional and behavioural difficulties. A reliable improvement in depressive symptoms was more modest and was only achieved by a small minority of adolescents. This multilevel, strength-focused, resilience-building approach represents a promising and sustainable school-based primary prevention program to improve the quality of life for adolescents on the spectrum by promoting their mental health and providing their families with much needed support.
Perceptions of Risky Play among Kindergarten Teachers in Norway and China
Authors: Liu Junjie , Birkeland Åsta
Published: January 2022

Risky play provides multiple benefits for children’s development. This study compared teachers’ perceptions of risky play in one kindergarten in Norway and one in China, including the concept of risky play, the roles of teachers, the protective strategies adopted, and the factors limiting the practice of risky play. The aim of the article is to identify how teachers perceive risky play in different cultures and broaden our knowledge of what risky play is. The research question is: How do teachers from different cultures perceive different aspects of risky play? The study employs a risk “thermostat” model (Adams, 2001), drawing on teachers’ perceptions of individual propensity to risks, perceived danger, potential rewards, and accidents in children’s risky play. Semi-structured interviews with ten employees revealed that teachers in the two participating kindergartens had different perceptions of risky play. Findings indicated that teachers in the Norwegian kindergarten have theoretical and practical experience of understanding risky play within their cultural background. Guided by the kindergarten philosophy (rules or guidelines that kindergartens should follow, such as letting go of children and encouraging risky play), kindergarten teachers in Anji (a county in China) have learned a little about risky play and are gradually developing their views on it in practice. Teachers in both kindergartens support children’s risky play, although in different ways and with different perceptions. This study contributes information on the differences in risky play across countries with diverse cultures.
Integrin β-like 1 protein (ITGBL1) promotes cell migration by preferentially inhibiting integrin-ECM binding at the trailing edge
Authors: Jang Dong Gil , Kwon Keun Yeong , Song Eun Kyung , Park Tae Joo
Published: January 2022

Background

Cell migration is a basic cellular behavior involved in multiple phenomena in the human body such as embryonic development, wound healing, immune reactions, and cancer metastasis. For proper cell migration, integrin and the ECM binding complex must be disassembled for the retraction of trailing edges.

Objective

Integrin must be differentially regulated at leading edges or trailing edges during cell migration. Previously, we showed that ITGBL1 was a secreted protein and inhibits integrin activity. Therefore, we examined the function of ITGBL1 on the retraction of trailing edges during cell migration.

Methods

To examined the function of ITGBL1 on cell migration, we knocked-down or overexpressed ITGBL1 by using ITGBL1 siRNA or ITGBL1 plasmid DNA in human chondrocytes or ATDC5 cells. We then characterized cellular migration and directionality by performing wound healing assays. Also, to analyze leading-edge formation and trailing-edge retraction, we labeled cell membranes with membrane-GFP and performed live imaging of migrating cells and. Finally, we specifically detected active forms of integrin, FAK and Vinculin using specific antibodies upon ITGBL1 depletion or overexpression.

Result

In this study, ITGBL1 preferentially inhibited integrin activity at the trailing edges to promote cell migration. ITGBL1-depleted cells showed increased focal adhesions at the membranous traces of trailing edges to prevent the retraction of trailing edges. In contrast, overexpression of ITGBL1 upregulated directional cell migration by promoting focal adhesion disassembly at the trailing edges.

Conclusion

ITGBL1 facilitates directional cell migration by promoting disassembly of the trailing edge focal adhesion complex.
Closed Loop Guidance During Close Range Rendezvous in a Three Body Problem
Authors: Galullo Michele , Bucchioni Giordana , Franzini Giovanni , Innocenti Mario
Published: January 2022

The paper presents a novel application of the State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) guidance approach with state constraints for a chaser spacecraft in the close proximity of a passive target. The dynamics are described by full 6 degree of freedom rigid-body relative motion. The final trajectory is defined by a passively safe approaching cone, which acts as path constraint and follows the attitude motion of target. A Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit in the Earth-Moon system is the selected rendezvous scenario to fully validate the proposed solution, even though the parameters related to the constraints and weighting functions are kept as general as possible, thus applicable to other similar missions.
Effects of different amounts of cellulase on the microstructure and soluble substances of cotton stalk bark
Authors: Xie Zhaoyong , Tian Zhongjian , Liu Shan , Ma Hao , Ji Xing-Xiang , Si Chuanling
Published: January 2022

There are plant cuticle and complex cell walls on the outer surface of cotton stalk bark (CSB), which reduce the efficiency of liquid penetration of CSB. To increase the permeability of liquids, these barriers need to be broken. Cellulase can selectively hydrolyze cellulose into glucose, and its action conditions are mild. Therefore, cellulase treatment is one of the excellent ways to break the CSB liquid permeation barrier. This experiment studied the effects of different amounts of cellulase treatment on the enzymatic hydrolysis products and surface of CSB. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nano-CT were used to observe the changes in the microscopic morphology of CSB. Ion chromatography and an ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer were used to determine the dissolution of CSB. The results showed that the cuticle of CSB treated with cellulase was broken, and the cell wall of phloem fibers became thinner, which increased the accessibility of liquid. The content of monosaccharide and lignin in CSB treatment solution increased with the increase of cellulase dosage. Correspondingly, the proportion of polysaccharides on the outer surface of CSB continued to decline and eventually stabilized. These experimental results can provide a reference for improving the permeability of natural fibers and the subsequent treatment effects of biomass products.

Graphical abstract

The pretreatment of cotton stalk barks with cellulase destroyed the dense protective structure of cell wall, and the content of monosaccharide and lignin in the treated solution increased with the increase of cellulase dosage.
Multi‐path separation and parameter estimation by single DMA in fading channel
Authors: Lou Yangming , Jin Liang , Sun Xiaoli , Xu Xiaoming , Zhong Zhou
Published: January 2022

The propagation of electromagnetic waves will produce multi‐path fading of wireless channel, which degrades communication performance substantially. If multi‐path can be separated, better signal transmission and reception strategies can be designed to weaken or eliminate fading and improve signal transmission performance. However, it is challenging for communication nodes with limited number of antennas. A general multi‐path separation and measurement framework based on single dynamic metasurface antenna is established which rapidly changes patterns within a single pilot symbol period so that equivalent multi‐dimensional received signals can be obtained. Based on the framework, a multi‐path channel estimation scheme is proposed. Specifically, the parameter estimation problem is formulated and present the algorithm based on atomic norm minimisation to estimate parameters including angle of arrival and complex gain of each propagation path. Simulation results illustrate that single dynamic metasurface antenna can approach the capability of a conventional multi‐antenna array, and even using single dynamic metasurface antenna with 1‐bit coding can estimate angle of arrivals and complex gains of multi‐path components accurately.
Detailed procedures of retrofilling transformers with FR3 natural ester and residual mineral oil content testing
Authors: Wang Yuan , Wang Ruifeng , Pan Kexin , Xu Yang , Rapp Kevin
Published: January 2022

Several retrofillings have been performed by different utilities in China. However, there is still insufficient understanding of the retrofilling procedures for minimising residual mineral oil and on the effect of the temperature rise of transformers. Following new detailed procedures, an out‐of‐service S11‐M‐315/10 (10 kV 315 kVA) and a new S13‐M‐400/10 (10 kV 400 kVA) distribution transformers were selected to retrofill their mineral oil with FR3, a soybean‐based natural ester. A method was proposed to predict the residual mineral oil content, which uses the kinematic viscosity at 60°C. This method fills a gap in the testing of residual mineral oil content. The mass ratios of residual mineral oil were 1.24% for the S11‐M‐315/10 transformer and 2.05% for the S13‐M‐400/10 transformer, based on the procedures in this study. The fire point of the mixed oil after retrofilling was 352°C, which meets the K‐class less‐flammable requirements, indicating a proper control of residual mineral oil. After retrofilling, the time of reaching the limits of the 1.5 times rated load was 30% longer than that of the mineral oil transformer. Two retrofilled transformers have been operating in good conditions since November 2019 for the S11‐M‐315/10 transformer and December 2020 for the S13‐M‐400/10 transformer.
On extremal leaf status and internal status
Authors: Guo Haiyan , Zhou Bo
Published: January 2022

For a vertex u of a tree T, the leaf (internal, respectively) status of u is the sum of the distances from u to all leaves (internal vertices, respectively) of T. The minimum (maximum, respectively) leaf status of a tree T is the minimum (maximum, respectively) leaf statuses of all vertices of T. The minimum (maximum, respectively) internal status of a tree T is the minimum (maximum, respectively) internal statuses of all vertices of T. We characterize those trees with the smallest (largest, respectively) extremal (minimum and maximum) leaf status and extremal (minimum and maximum) internal status, respectively. We also study the corresponding extremal problems for trees with given parameters, including diameter or maximum degree.
Quo vadis: Freier Wille oder Automatisation des Entscheidens?
Authors: Hantl-Merget Judith
Published: January 2022

Unabhängig davon, ob wir das Thema Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) mögen, uns damit beschäftigen wollen oder nicht: KI wird nach und nach Einzug in die Krankenhäuser halten. Inzwischen steht es für niemanden mehr zur Diskussion, ob die Medizin dieses Tool zur Entscheidungsfindung oder in den Operationssälen nutzt. Es ist so. Aber für die Pflege?
Which triatomic monohalosilylenes, monohalogermylenes, and monohalostannylenes (HMX) fluoresce or phosphoresce and why? An ab initio investigation
Authors: Tarroni Riccardo , Clouthier Dennis J.
Published: January 2022

The possibilities of emission from the Ã1A″ and ã3A″ excited states of the triatomic halosilylenes, halogermylenes, and halostannylenes (HMX, M = Si, Ge, Sn; X = F, Cl, Br, I) have been explored in a series of extensive ab initio calculations. The triplet states are found to have deep bonding wells supporting an extensive manifold of vibrational levels, which could give rise to observable triplet–singlet phosphorescence. The ã–X̃ band systems of the halosilylenes are calculated to occur at the red edge of the visible and are likely to be very weak. In contrast, the HGeX and HSnX triplet–singlet spectra are shifted 1000–2000 cm−1 to the higher energy and are expected to be significantly stronger due to increased spin–orbit coupling, making the spectra viable targets for experimental investigations. The Ã–X̃ fluorescence is found to be limited by the possibility of HMX (Ã1A″) → H (2S) + MX (2Π) dissociation in the excited state, leading to the expectation that HGeF is unlikely to be detectable by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy. The HSiX and HGeX species with known LIF spectra are found to have deeper Ã state bonding wells and minimal or no calculated barriers to dissociation. It is generally found that the intensity in their LIF spectra tails off due to a diminution of vibrational overlap rather than the abrupt opening of a dissociation channel. Few of the HSnX species are known experimentally. HSnF and DSnF are found to dissociate very low down in the Ã state vibrational manifold and are predicted to be unobservable by LIF spectroscopy. The LIF spectrum of HSnCl is expected to consist of only one or two bands, with slightly more activity for DSnCl, precisely as has recently been found experimentally. HSnBr and DSnBr have deeper Ã state bonding wells, and their LIF spectra are thus likely to be more extensive. Although HSnI and DSnI are calculated to have deep bonding wells with respect to the H + MX dissociation, predictions are complicated by the existence of a global small bond angle minimum and the opening of a second SnH + I dissociation channel.
BRUCH MEMBRANE RUPTURE AND CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION COMPLICATING EXTENSIVE MACULAR ATROPHY WITH PSEUDODRUSEN-LIKE APPEARANCE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Romano Dario , Colombo Leonardo , Maltese Paolo , Bertelli Matteo , Rossetti Luca M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To describe a case of extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance complicated by Bruch membrane rupture and choroidal neovascularization, treated with intravitreal injection of an antivascular endothelial growth factor drug.

Methods:

A 54-year-old woman, affected by extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance, has developed Bruch membrane rupture and choroidal neovascularization. This report discusses the development of the disease and the improvement after a single intravitreal injection of Avastin.

Results:

After treatment, the visual acuity increased from 20/400 to 20/200; clinical and anatomical improvement remained stable with a 2-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

Extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance could be complicated by Bruch membrane rupture and subsequent choroidal neovascularization. Antivascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injection could have beneficial effects on this entity, but concern could raise in respect of possible increase of chorioretinal atrophy.
PSEUDOMONAS ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER 0.59 MG FLUOCINOLONE ACETONIDE SURGICAL IMPLANT IN A PATIENT WITH A LONG-STANDING CRAWFORD TUBE
Authors: Lallier Scott , Deaner Jordan D. , Feng Henry , Jaffe Glenn J.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to report a case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis after surgical 0.59 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant in a patient with a long-standing Crawford tube.

Methods:

This was a retrospective case review.

Results:

A 52-year-old woman with a history of bilateral sarcoid-associated panuveitis and nasolacrimal duct obstructions treated with dacryocystorhinostomies and long-standing Crawford tubes underwent placement of a surgical fluocinolone acetonide implant. The Crawford tube was visible throughout the surgery and notably exhibited small amounts of rotation and prolapse with manipulation of the eye. On postoperative Day 4, the patient presented urgently with pain and decreased visual acuity. Endophthalmitis was suspected, and a vitreous tap and intravitreal injections of vancomycin and amikacin were performed. Cultures grew P. aeruginosa. Initially she responded to treatment with no evidence of intraocular infection or inflammation by postoperative Week 3. However, at postoperative Week 4, the patient returned with a yellow purulent subconjunctival nodule and surrounding scleral injection. A second nodule appeared 2 weeks later. The patient was treated with topical and systemic antibiotics. The nodules responded well to treatment showing notable consolidation and revealing an area of scleral thinning as they regressed.

Conclusion:

We present a case of P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis and presumed scleritis after the surgical fluocinolone acetonide implant placement in an eye with a Crawford nasolacrimal tube effectively treated with topical, intravitreal, and systemic antibiotics. Long-standing nasolacrimal duct hardware may allow reflux of nasopharyngeal and nasolacrimal bacteria, contaminating the ocular surface during surgery.
Effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections during the Delta variant epidemic in Japan: Vaccine Effectiveness Real-time Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 (VERSUS)
Authors: Maeda Haruka , Saito Nobuo , Igarashi Ataru , Ishida Masayuki , Suami Kazuya , Yagiuchi Ai , Kimura Yuya , Komino Masaru , Arai Hiromi , Morikawa Toru , Motohashi Iori , Miyazawa Rei , Moriyama Tetsu , Kamura Hiroshi , Terada Mayumi , Kuwamitsu Osamu , Hayakawa Tomoichiro , Sando Eiichiro , Ohara Yasuji , Teshigawara Osamu , Suzuki Motoi , Morimoto Konosuke
Published: January 2022

Background

Although high vaccine effectiveness of messenger RNA (mRNA) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines was reported in studies in several countries, data is limited from Asian countries, especially against the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter test-negative case-control study in patients aged ≥16 visiting hospitals or clinics with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 from July 1 to September 30, 2021, when the Delta variant was dominant (≥90% of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] infections) nationwide in Japan. Vaccine effectiveness of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections was evaluated. Waning immunity among patients aged 16 to 64 was also assessed.

Results

We enrolled 1936 patients, including 396 test-positive cases and 1540 test-negative controls for SARS-CoV-2. The median age was 49 years, 53.4% were male, and 34.0% had underlying medical conditions. Full vaccination (receiving two doses ≥14 days before symptom onset) was received by 6.6% of cases and 38.8% of controls. Vaccine effectiveness of full vaccination against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections was 88.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.8–93.9) among patients aged 16 to 64 and 90.3% (95% CI, 73.6–96.4) among patients aged ≥65. Among patients aged 16 to 64, vaccine effectiveness within one to three months after full vaccination was 91.8% (95% CI, 80.3–96.6), and was 86.4% (95% CI, 56.9–95.7) within four to six months.

Conclusions

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines had high effectiveness against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in Japan during July 1 to September 30, 2021, when the Delta variant was dominant nationwide.
Trends in underlying causes of death in solid organ transplant recipients between 2010 and 2020: Using the CLASS method for determining specific causes of death
Authors: Søborg Andreas , Reekie Joanne , Rasmussen Allan , Cunha-Bang Caspar Da , Gustafsson Finn , Rossing Kasper , Perch Michael , Krohn Paul S. , Sørensen Søren S. , Lund Thomas K. , Sørensen Vibeke R. , Ekenberg Christina , Lundgren Louise , Lodding Isabelle P. , Moestrup Kasper S. , Lundgren Jens D. , Wareham Neval E.
Published: January 2022

Monitoring specific underlying causes of death in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is important in order to identify emerging trends and health challenges.

This retrospective cohort study includes all SOT recipients transplanted at Rigshospitalet between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2019. The underlying cause of death was determined using the newly developed Classification of Death Causes after Transplantation (CLASS) method. Cox regression analyses assessed risk factors for all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Of the 1774 SOT recipients included, 299 patients died during a total of 7511 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) with cancer (N=57, 19%), graft rejection (N=55, 18%) and infections (N=52, 17%) being the most frequent causes of death.

We observed a lower risk of all-cause death with increasing transplant year (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86-0.96 per 1-year increase), alongside death from graft rejection (HR 0.84 per year, 95% CI 0.74-0.95) and death from infections (HR 0.87 per year, 95% CI 0.77-0.98).

Further, there was a trend towards lower cumulative incidence of death from cardiovascular disease, graft failure and cancer in more recent years, while death from other organ specific and non-organ specific causes did not decrease.

All-cause mortality among SOT recipients has decreased over the past decade, mainly due to a decrease in graft rejection- and infection-related deaths. Conversely, causes from a broad range of diseases have remained unchanged, suggesting that cause of death among SOT recipients is increasingly diverse and warrants a multidisciplinary effort and attention in the future.
Omicron (BA.1) SARS-CoV-2 variant is associated with reduced risk of hospitalization and length of stay compared with Delta (B.1.617.2)
Authors: Peralta-Santos André , Rodrigues Eduardo Freire , Moreno Joana , Ricoca Vasco , Casaca Pedro , Fernandes Eugenia , Gomes João Paulo , Ferreira Rita , Isidro Joana , Pinto Miguel , Borges Vítor , Vieira Luís , Duarte Sílvia , Sousa Carlos , Almeida José Pedro , Menezes Luís , Ferreira Bibiana I. , Matias Ana , Pelerito Ana , Freire Samanta , Grilo Teresa , Borges Cláudia Medeiros , Moutinho Vera , Leite Andreia , Kislaya Irina , Rodrigues Ana Paula , Leite Pedro Pinto , Nunes Baltazar
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Early reports showed that Omicron (BA.1) SARS-CoV-2 could be less severe. However, the magnitude of risk reduction of hospitalization and mortality of Omicron (BA.1) infections compared with Delta (B.1.617.2) is not yet clear. This study compares the risk of severe disease among patients infected with the Omicron (BA.1) variant with patients infected with Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in Portugal.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study in individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1stand 29thDecember 2021. Cases were individuals with a positive PCR test notified to the national surveillance system. SARS-CoV-2 variants were classified first by whole genomic sequencing (WGS) and, if this information was unavailable, by detecting the S gene target failure. We considered a hospitalization for all the patients admitted within the 14 days after the SARS-CoV-2 infection; after that period, they were censored.

The comparison of the risk of hospitalization between Omicron (BA.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2) VOC was estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. The mean length of stay was compared using linear regression, and the risk of death between Omicron and Delta patients was estimated with a penalized logistic regression. All models were adjusted for sex, age, previous infection, and vaccination status.

Results

We included 15 978 participants aged 16 or more years old, 9 397 infected by Delta (B.1.617.2) and 6 581 infected with Omicron (BA.1). Within the Delta (B.1.617.2) group, 148 (1.6%) were hospitalized, and 16 (0.2%) were with the Omicron (BA.1). A total of 26 deaths were reported, all in participants with Delta (B.1.617.2) infection. Adjusted HR for hospitalization for the Omicron (BA.1) variant compared with Delta (B.1.617.2) was 0.25 (95%CI 0.15 to 0.43). The length of stay in hospital for Omicron (BA.1) patients was significantly shorter than for Delta (confounding-adjusted difference -4.0 days (95%CI -7.2 to -0.8). The odds of death were 0.14 (95% CI 0.0011 to 1.12), representing a reduction in the risk of death of 86% when infected with Omicron (BA.1) compared with Delta (B.1.617.2).

Conclusion

Omicron (BA.1) was associated with a 75% risk reduction of hospitalization compared with Delta (B.1.617.2) and reduced length of hospital stay.
Annotation of the non-canonical translatome reveals that CHO cell microproteins are a new class of mAb drug product impurity
Authors: Castro-Rivadeneyra Marina , Tzani Ioanna , Kelly Paul , Strasser Lisa , Guapo Felipe , Tierney Ciara , Chain Michelle , Zhang Lin , Clynes Martin , Karger Barry L. , Barron Niall , Bones Jonathan , Clarke Colin
Published: January 2022

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are used to produce almost 90% of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The annotation of non-canonical translation events in these cellular factories remains incomplete, limiting not only our ability to study CHO cell biology but also detect host cell protein (HCP) contaminants in the final mAb drug product. We utilised ribosome footprint profiling (Ribo-seq) to identify novel open reading frames (ORFs) including N-terminal extensions and thousands of short ORFs (sORFs) predicted to encode microproteins. Mass spectrometry-based HCP analysis of four commercial mAb drug products using the extended protein sequence database revealed the presence of microprotein impurities for the first time. We also show that microprotein abundance varies with growth phase and can be affected by the cell culture environment. In addition, our work provides a vital resource to facilitate future studies of non-canonical translation as well as the regulation of protein synthesis in CHO cell lines.
scFeatures: Multi-view representations of single-cell and spatial data for disease outcome prediction
Authors: Cao Yue , Lin Yingxin , Patrick Ellis , Yang Pengyi , Yang Jean Yee Hwa
Published: January 2022

Recent advances in single-cell technologies enable scientists to measure molecular data at high-resolutions and hold the promise to substantially improve clinical outcomes through personalised medicine. However, due to a lack of tools specifically designed to represent each sample (e.g. patient) from the collection of cells sequenced, disease outcome prediction on the sample level remains a challenging task. Here, we present scFeatures, a tool that creates interpretable molecular representation of single-cell and spatial data using 17 types of features motivated by current literature. The feature types span across six distinct categories including cell type proportions, cell type specific gene expressions, cell type specific pathway scores, cell type specific cell–cell interaction scores, overall aggregated gene expressions and spatial metrics. By generating molecular representation using scFeatures for single-cell RNA-seq, spatial proteomic and spatial transcriptomic data, we demonstrate that different types of features are important for predicting different disease outcomes in different datasets and the downstream analysis of features uncover novel biological discoveries.
Single cell genotyping of matched bone marrow and peripheral blood cells in treatment naive and AZA-treated MDS and CMML
Authors: Schnegg-Kaufmann Annatina , Thoms Julie A. I. , Bhuyan Golam Sarower , Hampton Henry R. , Vaughan Lachlin , Rutherford Kayleigh , Kakadia Purvi M. , Johansson Emma M. V. , Failes Tim , Arndt Greg M. , Koval Jason , Lindeman Robert , Warburton Pauline , Rodriguez-Meira Alba , Mead Adam J. , Unnikrishnan Ashwin , Bohlander Stefan K. , Papaemmanuil Elli , Faridani Omid , Jolly Christopher J. , Zanini Fabio , Pimanda John E.
Published: January 2022

Progressively acquired somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells are central to pathogenesis in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). They can lead to proliferative advantages, impaired differentiation and progressive cytopenias. MDS or CMML patients with high-risk disease are treated with hypomethylating agents including 5-azacytidine (AZA). Clinical improvement does not require eradication of mutated cells and may be related to improved differentiation capacity of mutated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, the contribution of mutated HSPCs to steadystate hematopoiesis in MDS and CMML is unclear. To address this, we characterised the somatic mutations of individual stem, progenitor (common myeloid progenitor, granulocyte monocyte progenitor, megakaryocyte erythroid progenitor), and matched circulating (monocyte, neutrophil, naïve B cell) haematopoietic cells in treatment naïve and AZA-treated MDS and CMML via high-throughput single cell genotyping. The mutational burden was similar across multiple hematopoietic cell types, and even the most mutated stem and progenitor clones maintained their capacity to differentiate to mature myeloid and, in some cases, lymphoid cell types in vivo. Our data show that even highly mutated HSPCs contribute significantly to circulating blood cells in MDS and CMML, prior to and following AZA treatment.

Key points

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Highly mutated HSPCs contribute significantly to circulating blood cells in MDS and CMML, prior to and following AZA treatment.

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The mutational burden in matched bone marrow and peripheral blood cells in MDS and CMML was similar throughout myelopoiesis.