bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional inhomogeneity of electron-temperature-gradient turbulence in the edge of tokamak plasmas
Authors: Parisi J.F. , Parra F.I. , Roach C.M. , Hardman M.R. , Schekochihin A.A. , Abel I.G. , Aiba N. , Ball J. , Barnes M. , Chapman-Oplopoiou B. , Dickinson D. , Dorland W. , Giroud C. , Hatch D.R. , Hillesheim J.C. , Ruiz Ruiz J. , Saarelma S. , St-Onge D. , JET Contributors
Published: June 2022

Nonlinear multiscale gyrokinetic simulations of a Joint European Torus edge pedestal are used to show that electron-temperature-gradient (ETG) turbulence has a rich three-dimensional structure, varying strongly according to the local magnetic-field configuration. In the plane normal to the magnetic field, the steep pedestal electron temperature gradient gives rise to anisotropic turbulence with a radial (normal) wavelength much shorter than in the binormal direction. In the parallel direction, the location and parallel extent of the turbulence are determined by the variation in the magnetic drifts and finite-Larmor-radius (FLR) effects. The magnetic drift and FLR topographies have a perpendicular-wavelength dependence, which permits turbulence intensity maxima near the flux-surface top and bottom at longer binormal scales, but constrains turbulence to the outboard midplane at shorter electron-gyroradius binormal scales. Our simulations show that long-wavelength ETG turbulence does not transport heat efficiently, and significantly decreases overall ETG transport—in our case by ∼40%—through multiscale interactions.
3D printed bioresorbable scaffolds for articular cartilage tissue engineering: a comparative study between neat polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactide-b-ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) block copolymer
Authors: Urtaza Uzuri , Guaresti Olatz , Gorroñogoitia Izar , Zubiarrain-Laserna Ana , Muiños-López Emma , Granero-Moltó Froilán , Lamo de Espinosa JM , López-Martinez Tania , Mazo Manuel , Prósper Felipe , Zaldua Ane Miren , Anakabe Jon
Published: June 2022

This work identifies and describes different material-scaffold geometry combinations for cartilage tissue engineering (CTE). Previously reported potentially interesting scaffold geometries were tuned and printed using bioresorbable polycaprolactone and poly(lactide-b-ethylene) block copolymer. Medical grades of both polymers were 3D printed with fused filament fabrication technology within an ISO 7 classified cleanroom. Resulting scaffolds were then optically, mechanically and biologically tested. Results indicated that a few material-scaffold geometry combinations present potential for excellent cell viability as well as for an enhance of the chondrogenic properties of the cells, hence suggesting their suitability for CTE applications.
Beyond the lockdowns: satellite observations of aerosol optical depth through 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Smith Sarah Elise , Ting Mingfang , Wu Yutian , Zheng Cheng
Published: June 2022

Anticipated future reductions in aerosol emissions are expected to accelerate warming and substantially change precipitation characteristics. Therefore, it is vital to identify the existing patterns and possible future pathways of anthropogenic aerosol reductions. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted abrupt, global declines in transportation and industrial activities, providing opportunities to study the aerosol effects of pandemic-driven emissions changes. Here, measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD) from two satellite instruments were used to characterize aerosol burdens throughout 2020 in four Northern Hemisphere source regions (Eastern & Central China, the United States, India, and Europe). In most regions, record-low measures of AOD persisted beyond the earliest ‘lockdown’ periods of the pandemic. Record-low values were most concentrated during the boreal spring and summer months, when 56% to 72% of sampled months showed record-low AOD values for their respective regions. However, in India and Eastern & Central China, the COVID-19 AOD signature was eclipsed by sources of natural variability (dust) and a multi-year trend, respectively. In the United States and Europe, a likely COVID-19 signal peaks in the summer of 2020, contributing as much as −.01 to −.03 AOD units to observed anomalies.
The role of food and land use systems in achieving India’s sustainability targets
Authors: Jha Chandan Kumar , Singh Vartika , Stevanović Miodrag , Dietrich Jan Philipp , Mosnier Aline , Weindl Isabelle , Popp Alexander , Traub Guido Schmidt , Ghosh Ranjan Kumar , Lotze-Campen Hermann
Published: June 2022

The food and land use sector is a major contributor to India’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On one hand, India is committed to sustainability targets in the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sectors, on the other, there is little clarity whether these objectives can align with national developmental priorities of food security and environmental protection. This study fills the gap by reviewing multiple corridors to sustain the AFOLU systems through an integrated assessment framework using partial equilibrium modeling. We create three pathways that combine the shared socio-economic pathways with alternative assumptions on diets and mitigation strategies. We analyze our results of the pathways on key indicators of land-use change, GHG emissions, food security, water withdrawals in agriculture, agricultural trade and production diversity. Our findings indicate that dietary shift, improved efficiency in livestock production systems, lower fertilizer use, and higher yield through sustainable intensification can reduce GHG emissions from the AFOLU sectors up to 80% by 2050. Dietary shifts could help meet EAT-Lancet recommended minimum calorie requirements alongside meeting mitigation ambitions. Further, water withdrawals in agriculture would reduce by half by 2050 in the presence of environmental flow protection and mitigation strategies. We conclude by pointing towards specific strategic policy design changes that would be essential to embark on such a sustainable pathway.
Hematological biomarkers of systemic inflammation in genuine (physiologic and pathologic) halitosis
Authors: Park Seoeun , Jo Jung Hwan , Kim Young Ku , Park Ji Woon
Published: June 2022

Halitosis is an unpleasant odor discharged through the oral cavity with a prevalence as high as 30%–50% of the general population. Conventional diagnostic methods have been focused on mouth air analysis measuring the amount of sulfur compounds which does not directly reflect the cause of halitosis. Also, the possible role of halitosis as an indicator of general health status has been steadily suggested and inflammation has been constantly associated with aversive body odor. Therefore, this study aimed to search for inter-relationships between hematologic indicators, clinical characteristics, and halitosis measurement that can predict the presence of pathologic halitosis and its intensity. Furthermore, the tentative relationship between halitosis and the presence of systemic inflammation was investigated. A total of 125 patients were divided into 103 patients in the genuine halitosis group (value ⩾80 ppb) and 22 patients in the pseudo halitosis group (value <80 ppb) based on portable sulfide monitor measurements. Clinical examination and hematological indices including inflammatory prognostic factors and halitosis measurements including organoleptic testing, portable sulfide monitor, and gas chromatography were evaluated. The genuine halitosis group showed a significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) count (p< 0.01) compared to the pseudo halitosis group. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, β = 0.341, p < 0.05) values and duration of halitosis (β= 0.353, p < 0.05) showed a significant association with halitosis intensity and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values (β = 3.859, p < 0.05) were significantly related to genuine halitosis diagnosis. A new WBC cut-off value of 5575 μl−1 showed near to fair discriminative power in predicting genuine halitosis (area under the curve 0.661, p < 0.05). The results of this study showing an increased WBC count in genuine halitosis and its strong association with hematologic indices of subclinical inflammation including ESR and NLR suggest inflammatory hematologic markers as potential diagnostic tools in the diagnosis of genuine halitosis.
Investigation of stimulated growth effect using pulsed cold atmospheric plasma treatment on Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: LI Mengqi , HUANG Xiaoyi , XIONG Zilan
Published: June 2022

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) driven by pulsed high-voltage power has specific advantages in various fields, such as the growth promotion of edible fungi in plasma agriculture. Compared with other strains,Ganoderma lucidumhas the significant advantage of high medicinal value, but the shortcomings of low yield, long growth cycle, and an uneven market quality. In this study,Ganoderma lucidumwas treated with a CAP powered by a homemade pulsed high-voltage power supply. Three groups ofGanoderma lucidumwere treated under different conditions. The stalk lengths and pileus areas ofGanoderma lucidumwere recorded to evaluate growth status. Results showed that treatment frequency affected growth status considerably.Ganoderma lucidumwas treated with 40 s plasma once a week and showed an improved growth status with a 33.63% increase in average stalk length and a 28% increase in the number of individuals whose pileus areas was greater than the average. Meanwhile, the growth speed was accelerated. However, treatment at an excessive frequency would damage and slow down the growth ofGanoderma lucidum.
On asymptotic behavior of solutions to cubic nonlinear Klein-Gordon systems in one space dimension
Authors: Masaki Satoshi , Segata Jun-ichi , Uriya Kota
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we consider the large time asymptotic behavior of solutions to systems of two cubic nonlinear Klein-Gordon equations in one space dimension. We classify the systems by studying the quotient set of a suitable subset of systems by the equivalence relation naturally induced by the linear transformation of the unknowns. It is revealed that the equivalence relation is well described by an identification with a matrix. In particular, we characterize some known systems in terms of the matrix and specify all systems equivalent to them. An explicit reduction procedure from a given system in the suitable subset to a model system, i.e., to a representative, is also established. The classification also draws our attention to some model systems which admit solutions with a new kind of asymptotic behavior. Especially, we find new systems which admit a solution of which decay rate is worse than that of a solution to the linear Klein-Gordon equation by logarithmic order.
Generalized hypergeometric arithmetic 𝒟-modules under a 𝓅-adic non-Liouvilleness condition
Authors: Miyatani Kazuaki
Published: June 2022

We prove that the arithmetic

D

\mathscr {D}

-modules associated with the

p
p

-adic generalized hypergeometric differential operators, under a

p
p

-adic non-Liouvilleness condition on parameters, are described as an iterative multiplicative convolution of (hypergeometric arithmetic)

D

\mathscr {D}

-modules of rank one. As a corollary, we prove the overholonomicity of hypergeometric arithmetic

D

\mathscr {D}

-modules under a

p
p

-adic non-Liouvilleness condition.
Virtualization and standardization of a health-system specialty pharmacy call center
Authors: Pierce Gabrielle , Khamo Nehrin , Kumor Lisa , Rim Matthew
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provided an opportunity to change how health-system specialty pharmacy (HSSP) call center operations are organized. This article describes the steps taken to virtualize the current operations of a specialty pharmacy services call center and evaluate the impact.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the normal provision of healthcare necessitated that HSSPs drastically modify existing procedures to both accommodate the expectations of staff and overcome the many barriers to care being experienced by patients. To fully understand and improve upon the workflow processes of an HSSP call center, a combination of qualitative feedback from patients, quantitative claims data, and quality metrics was evaluated. This project was divided into 3 phases: phase 1 (baseline) from July 2020 through August 2020, phase 2 (implementation) from September 2020 through December 2020, and phase 3 (analysis) from January 2021 through March 2021. Phase 1 included baseline review of workflow. Phase 2 encompassed development of new standard operating procedures (SOPs), making critical decisions to promote virtual capabilities of staff, and collaboration with team members to increase efficiency of current workflow. During phase 3, an evaluation of operational and service-related metrics was conducted to determine the impact of phase 2 workflow changes. Optimization of the specialty pharmacy call center allowed for staff members to transition to remote work to minimize exposure risk and prioritize the safety of patients and team members.

Conclusion

The call center team was able to transition to fully remote operations, implement new SOPs, and undergo significant workflow changes to optimize performance while still maintaining all call center metric goals and without increased complaints from patients or errors. This approach allowed for added staff value and safety and improved organization during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cognitive and neural underpinnings of discourse coherence in post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Alyahya Reem S W , Lambon Ralph Matthew A , Halai Ajay , Hoffman Paul
Published: June 2022

Although impaired discourse production is one of the prominent features of aphasia, only a handful of investigations have addressed the cognitive, linguistic and neural processes that support the production of coherent discourse. In this study, we investigated the cognitive and neural correlates of discourse coherence in a large mixed cohort of patients with post-stroke aphasia, including the first voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping of coherence deficits. Discourse responses using different tasks were collected from 46 patients with post-stroke aphasia, including a wide range of classifications and severity levels, and 20 matched neuro-typical controls. Global coherence, defined as the degree to which utterances related to the expected topic of discourse, was estimated using a previously validated computational linguistic approach. Coherence was then related to fundamental language and cognitive components in aphasia identified using an extensive neuropsychological battery. Relative to neuro-typical controls, patients with aphasia exhibited impaired coherence, and their ability to maintain coherent discourse was related to their performance on other language components: phonological production, fluency and semantic processing, rather than executive functions or motor speech. These results suggest that impairments in core language components play a role in reducing discourse coherence in post-stroke aphasia. Whole-brain voxel-wise lesion-symptom mapping using univariate and multivariate approaches identified the contribution of the left prefrontal cortex, and particularly the inferior frontal gyrus (pars triangularis), to discourse coherence. These findings provide convergent evidence for the role of the inferior frontal gyrus in maintaining discourse coherence, which is consistent with the established role of this region in producing connected speech and semantic control (organizing and selecting appropriate context-relevant concepts). These results make an important contribution to understanding the root causes of disrupted discourse production in post-stroke aphasia.
Plasma biomarkers for prognosis of cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Kivisäkk Pia , Magdamo Colin , Trombetta Bianca A , Noori Ayush , Kuo Yi kai E , Chibnik Lori B , Carlyle Becky C , Serrano-Pozo Alberto , Scherzer Clemens R , Hyman Bradley T , Das Sudeshna , Arnold Steven E
Published: June 2022

Plasma-based biomarkers present a promising approach in the research and clinical practice of Alzheimer's disease as they are inexpensive, accessible and minimally invasive. In particular, prognostic biomarkers of cognitive decline may aid in planning and management of clinical care. Although recent studies have demonstrated the prognostic utility of plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer pathology or neurodegeneration, such as pTau-181 and NF-L, whether other plasma biomarkers can further improve prediction of cognitive decline is undetermined. We conducted an observational cohort study to determine the prognostic utility of plasma biomarkers in predicting progression to dementia for individuals presenting with mild cognitive impairment due to probable Alzheimer's disease. We used the Olink™ Proximity Extension Assay technology to measure the level of 460 circulating proteins in banked plasma samples of all participants. We used a discovery data set comprised 60 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (30 progressors and 30 stable) and a validation data set consisting of 21 stable and 21 progressors. We developed a machine learning model to distinguish progressors from stable and used 44 proteins with significantly different plasma levels in progressors versus stable along with age, sex, education and baseline cognition as candidate features. A model with age, education, APOE genotype, baseline cognition, plasma pTau-181 and 12 plasma Olink protein biomarker levels was able to distinguish progressors from stable with 86.7% accuracy (mean area under the curve = 0.88). In the validation data set, the model accuracy was 78.6%. The Olink proteins selected by the model included those associated with vascular injury and neuroinflammation (e.g. IL-8, IL-17A, TIMP-4, MMP7). In addition, to compare these prognostic biomarkers to those that are altered in Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia relative to controls, we analyzed samples from 20 individuals with Alzheimer, 30 with non-Alzheimer dementias and 34 with normal cognition. The proteins NF-L and PTP-1B were significantly higher in both Alzheimer and non-Alzheimer dementias compared with cognitively normal individuals. Interestingly, the prognostic markers of decline at the mild cognitive impairment stage did not overlap with those that differed between dementia and control cases. In summary, our findings suggest that plasma biomarkers of inflammation and vascular injury are associated with cognitive decline. Developing a plasma biomarker profile could aid in prognostic deliberations and identify individuals at higher risk of dementia in clinical practice.
Fingerprinting seizure outcome after temporal lobe surgery using preoperative connectomic mapping
Authors: Keller Simon S
Published: June 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Presurgical temporal lobe epilepsy connectome fingerprint for seizure outcome prediction’ by Morgan et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcac128) in Brain Communications
Chitosan-Coated Resveratrol and Quercetin Nanoparticles: Synergistical Antibacterial Activities and Improvement of Nutrition Value
Authors: Zhou Fang , Fan Zhaoyang , Hu Qiaobin , Wang Shu
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Many fresh fruits have short shelf life due to microbial growth. Trans-resveratrol (R) and quercetin (Q) have antimicrobial property, but they are easily degraded and have low bioavailability. These issues can be overcome by biocompatible lipid nanoparticles (NPs) using vitamin E as a hdrophobic core. Coating R and Q NPs (RQ-NPs) with chitosan (CS), can enhance their stability, antibacterial effect, and bioavailability. The objectives of this project are to make and optimize CS-coated R-NPs, Q-NPs and RQ-NPs, measure their characteristics, evaluate their antibacterial effect, investigate fresh-keeping property when coating them on fruits, and determine their bioavailability.

Methods

The size, polydispersity indexes (PDI) and zeta potential of NPs were measured using Zetasizer Pro. Their chemical stability was measured using HPLC. The S. enteritidis, L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and S. aureus were used to evaluate their antibacterial effect. After coating strawberry with NPs, the protective effect was determined by maintained quality. Mice were given NPs via oral gavage, and the bioavailability were determined based on blood R and Q concentrations.

Results

The mean particle size of R-NPs, Q-NPs and RQ-NPs was around 50, 30, and 40 nm, and zeta potential was around −2, −10 and −8 mV, respectively. Their PDI were less than 0.3 R-NPs containing 200 μg/mL of R and Q-NPs containing 300 μg/mL of Q significantly inhibited bacteria growth. A a lower concentration of R and Q in RQ-NPs (containing 150 μg/mL of R and 90 μg/mL of Q) exhibited similar antibacterial effect. After coating NPs with CS, their PDI remained under 0.3, but the size of of R-NPs, Q-NPs and RQ-NPs was about 90, 55, 60 nm, and zeta potential was around +30, +15 and +25 mV, respectively. CS-coated NPs were stable at 4°C and 22°C for at least 5 days and 3 days. CS-coated NPs exhibited enhanced antibacterial effect and prolonged the shelf life of strawberry furtherly. Nanoencapsulation also increased oral bioavailability in mice.

Conclusions

RQ-NPs showed a synergistic antibacterial effect, and CS coating increased their stability and antibacterial effect. CS-coated RQ-NPs maintained freshness of strawberry, and showed enhanced bioavailability in mice, indicating their potential implementation in active food packaging.

Funding Sources

NIH 1R15AT010395-01 and American Heart Association 19AIREA34480011.
Rebound Phenomenon After Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in High-Risk Persons
Authors: Ranganath Nischal , O’Horo John C , Challener Douglas W , Tulledge-Scheitel Sidna M , Pike Marsha L , O’Brien Michael , Razonable Raymund R , Shah Aditya
Published: June 2022

In a cohort of 483 high-risk patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for COVID-19, 2 patients (0.4%) required hospitalization by day 30. Four patients (0.8%) experienced rebound of symptoms, which were generally mild, at a median of 9 days after treatment, and all resolved without additional COVID-19–directed therapy.
The role of inflammation and the possibilities of inflammation reduction to prevent cardiovascular events
Authors: Maierean Serban , Webb Richard , Banach Maciej , Mazidi Mohsen
Published: June 2022

Chronic systemic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Whether this relationship extends to subclinical inflammation, quantified by values of circulating markers associated with inflammation in the high range of the normal interval, remains debatable. This narrative review evaluates evidence exploring this relationship. A review of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, including diet and lifestyle strategies, supplements, nutraceuticals, and other natural substances aimed at reducing inflammation was also conducted, since few reviews have synthesized this literature. PubMed and EMBASE were used to search the literature and several well-studied triggers of inflammation [oxidized LDL, Lp(a), as well as C-reactive protein (CRP)/high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)] were included to increase sensitivity and address the lack of existing reviews summarizing their influence in the context of inflammation. All resulting references were assessed. Overall, there is good data supporting associations between circulating hs-CRP and CV outcomes. However, the same was not seen in studies evaluating triggers of inflammation, such as oxidized LDL or Lp(a). There is also insufficient evidence showing treatments to target inflammation and lead to reductions in hs-CRP result in improvements in CV outcomes, particularly in those with normal baseline levels of hs-CRP. Regarding pharmacological interventions, statins, bempedoic acid, and apabetalone significantly reduce circulating hs-CRP, unlike PCSK-9 inhibitors. A variety of natural substances and vitamins were also evaluated and none reduced hs-CRP. Regarding non-pharmacological interventions, weight loss was strongly associated with reductions in circulating hs-CRP, whereas various dietary interventions and exercise regimens were not, unless accompanied by weight loss.
Rock magnetic fingerprint of Mt Etna volcanic ash
Authors: Vigliotti Luigi , Bilardello Dario , Winkler Aldo , Del Carlo Paola
Published: June 2022

A detailed rock magnetic study was conducted on ash samples collected from different products erupted during explosive activity of Mount Etna, Italy, in order to test the use of magnetic properties as discriminating factors among them, and their explosive character in particular. Samples include tephra emplaced during the last 18 ka: the benmoreitic Plinian eruptions of the Pleistocene Ellittico activity from marine core ET97-70 (Ionian Sea) and the basaltic Holocene FG eruption (122 BC), the Strombolian/Phreatomagmatic/sub-Plinian eruptions (namely, the Holocene TV, FS, FL, ETP products and the 1990, 1998 eruptions) collected from the slope of the volcano, and the Recent explosive activity (lava fountains referred to as ‘Ash Rich Jets and Plumes’, or ARJP) that occurred in the 2001–2002 period, related to flank eruptions. Mössbauer spectrometry informs that a single magnetic mineral dominates the three groups, which are characterized by variable magnetic grain sizes and composition. Detailed rock-magnetic investigations, ranging from low temperature to high temperature remanence and susceptibility experiments, indicate that the more explosive products of the Plinian eruptions and ARJP activity tephra, are characterized by oxidized Ti-rich titanomagnetites, with dominant Curie Temperatures between 230 and 330 °C. The FG and ARJP tephra are also characterized by contrasting, yet overall higher, coercivity distributions and higher magnetizations and susceptibilities, including below room temperature. In contrast, most of the Strombolian/sub-Plinian eruptions have a magnetic signature dominated by less coercive magnetite and/or Ti-poor titanomagnetite. Magnetic differences observed between the Late Pleistocene and Holocene FG Plinian eruptions can be attributed to the different composition of the former eruptions, which were fed by more evolved magmas, whereas geochemical variations characterizing the products erupted in the last few decades can be responsible for the differences between the Holocene and recent Strombolian/sub-Plinian products. Importantly, detailed magnetic investigation of sideromelane and tachylite clasts, the two end members of the juvenile fraction extracted from the ash of the most explosive products, determines that the tachylite fraction is responsible for the magnetic signature of the Plinian FG and ARJP tephra, and is attributed to the intense fragmentation that characterizes these activities, likely resulting from undercooling processes. Moreover, the abundant superparamagnetic grains associated with these eruptive styles are believed to represent the nanolite fraction responsible for the increasing viscosity of these magmas, and to be responsible for their explosive character. The distinctive magnetic properties that characterize the tachylite-bearing tephra, representative of the fragmentation process that distinguishes the most explosive activities, provides a useful magnetic tool that can complement traditional volcanological investigations.
Teleradiology in India during the COVID-19 pandemic: merits, pitfalls and future perspectives
Authors: Rackimuthu Sudhan , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Ray Ishita , Sahito Abdul Moiz , Chawla Pranshu , Ghosh Diya
Published: June 2022

The field of teleradiology has been of interest for almost 55 years and its potential prospects for healthcare have been constantly assessed and investigated. In view of the global preventive measures, such as social distancing and hand hygiene, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further accentuated the necessity for telemedicine and teleradiology. In a country as densely populated as India wherein radiology services are often fragmented, teleradiology can prove to be a lifesaving technology and aid dampen the repercussions stemming from the highly skewed doctor to patient ratio. Although innovative, the effective adoption of teleradiology faces several obstacles in India, such as inadequate technological infrastructure, a lack of knowledge among most medical practitioners, urban–rural disparities and a lack of financing. Similar challenges continue to also be faced by several other developing countries across the globe. This article therefore aims to elaborate on the most important facets of implementation of teleradiology observed in the Indian context to help provide salient pointers for the readership of relevant jurisdictions who may be embracing comparable teleradiology challenges. Despite the hurdles, the future of teleradiology seems promising. The respective governments, policymakers and all relevant stakeholders must continue to take decisive action to ensure that this potential is fully exploited by allocation of necessary funds, strengthening of information technology and its related fields, involvement of human resources with adequate technical and administrative expertise as well as taking continued action to improve existing telemedicine and teleradiology services.
Label-Free Characterization and Quantification of Mucosal Inflammation in Common Murine Colitis Models With Multiphoton Imaging
Authors: Kreiss Lucas , Thoma Oana-Maria , Lemire Sarah , Lechner Kristina , Carlé Birgitta , Dilipkumar Ashwathama , Kunert Timo , Scheibe Kristina , Heichler Christina , Merten Anna-Lena , Weigmann Benno , Neufert Clemens , Hildner Kai , Vieth Michael , Neurath Markus F , Friedrich Oliver , Schürmann Sebastian , Waldner Maximilian J
Published: June 2022

Background

Clinical challenges in inflammatory bowel diseases require microscopic in vivo evaluation of inflammation. Here, label-free imaging holds great potential, and recently, our group demonstrated the advantage of using in vivo multiphoton endomicroscopy for longitudinal animal studies. This article extends our previous work by in-depth analysis of label-free tissue features in common colitis models quantified by the multiphoton colitis score (MCS).

Methods

Fresh mucosal tissues were evaluated from acute and chronic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), TNBS, oxazolone, and transfer colitis. Label-free imaging was performed by using second harmonic generation and natural autofluorescence. Morphological changes in mucosal crypts, collagen fibers, and cellularity in the stroma were analyzed and graded.

Results

Our approach discriminated between healthy (mean MCS = 2.5) and inflamed tissue (mean MCS > 5) in all models, and the MCS was validated by hematoxylin and eosin scoring of the same samples (85.2% agreement). Moreover, specific characteristics of each phenotype were identified. While TNBS, oxazolone, and transfer colitis showed high cellularity in stroma, epithelial damage seemed specific for chronic, acute DSS and transfer colitis. Crypt deformations were mostly observed in acute DSS.

Conclusions

Quantification of label-free imaging is promising for in vivo endoscopy. In the future, this could be valuable for monitoring of inflammatory pathways in murine models, which is highly relevant for the development of new inflammatory bowel disease therapeutics.
Economic analysis of biosecurity adoption in dairy farming: evidence from Ireland
Authors: Osawe Osayanmon W , Läpple Doris , Mee John F
Published: June 2022

Given the significant negative impact of livestock disease outbreaks on animal and public health, preventing disease spread through biosecurity practices is important. In this study, we used a nationally representative dataset that included information on biosecurity practices of almost 300 Irish dairy farmers. We applied parametric and nonparametric estimation methods to assess the economic implications of adopting the following biosecurity measures: vaccination, bulk tank milk testing for diseases, and not pooling colostrum. We found mixed evidence of biosecurity practices on economic outcomes, measured as gross margins per cow. Specifically, we found that vaccination and testing bulk tank milk for diseases were significantly associated with better economic outcomes for dairy farms. However, we found no significant association with the economic performance of not pooling colostrum from more than one animal. Our findings have important policy implications required for targeting support for the adoption of biosecurity practices in dairy herds.
Revision of the taxonomic position ofPseudocyprettaKlie, 1932 (Ostracoda: Cyprididae), with a redescription ofP. maculataKlie, 1932
Authors: Savatenalinton Sukonthip , Palero Ferran , Mesquita-Joanes Francesc
Published: June 2022

Pseudocypretta maculata Klie, 1932, type species of the genus, is redescribed based on new material from Thailand. The main diagnostic features of the species are the presence of marginal septa, presence of Wouters organ on the first antenna, strongly serrated claw G2 of the second antenna (A2), small β seta on the mandibular palp, elongated terminal segment of the maxillular palp, smooth and large bristles on the third endite of the maxillula, undivided penultimate segment of the second thoracopod (T2), absence of d1 seta on the T2, completely separated terminal segment of the third thoracopod, absence of a pincer organ, and reduced caudal ramus with a triangular base. The taxonomic position of PseudocyprettaKlie, 1932 is also revised. Based on molecular analysis using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), Pseudocypretta appears closer to Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900 than to Cyprettinae Hartmann, 1971. This result is congruent with morphological evidence and, among other cypridopsine genera, Pseudocypretta shows highest similarity with CyprettadopsisSavatenalinton, 2020 given its reduced caudal ramus, the strongly serrated claw G2 of the A2, absence of pincer organ, and presence of marginal septa. Pseudocypretta is therefore allocated to the tribe Cyprettadopsini Savatenalinton, 2020.
Genomic Determinants of Early Recurrences in Low-Stage, Low-Grade Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Safdar Nida S , Stasenko Marina , Selenica Pier , Martin Axel S , da Silva Edaise M , Sebastiao Ana Paula Martins , Krystel-Whittemore Melissa , Abu-Rustum Nadeem R , Reis-Filho Jorge S , Soslow Robert A , Shen Ronglai , Mueller Jennifer J , Oliva Esther , Weigelt Britta
Published: June 2022

Low-stage, low-grade endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC), the most common histologic type of endometrial cancer, typically has a favorable prognosis. A subset of these cancers, however, displays an aggressive clinical course with early recurrences, including distant relapses. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Using a combination of whole-exome and targeted capture sequencing of 65 FIGO stage IA and IB grade 1 EECs treated with surgery alone, we demonstrate that chromosome 1q gain (odds ratio [OR] = 8.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59 to 54.6; P = .02), PIK3CA mutation (OR = 9.16, 95% CI = 1.95 to 61.8; P = .01), and DNA mismatch repair-deficient molecular subtype (OR = 7.92, 95% CI = 1.44 to 87.6; P = .02) are independent predictors of early recurrences within 3 years in this patient population. Chromosome 1q gain was validated in an independent dataset of stage I grade 1 EECs subjected to whole-exome sequencing. Our findings expand on the repertoire of genomic parameters that should be considered in the evaluation of patients with low-stage, low-grade EEC.
Change in seed dormancy status controls seasonal timing of seed germination in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)
Authors: Song Yuan , Zhang Mingyi , Guo Yun , Gao Xiaoye
Published: June 2022

Seed dormancy ensures seedling establishment in the favorable season in a seasonally changing environment. Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) seeds have morphophysiological dormancy after dispersal in autumn. A small fraction of seeds germinates in the first spring, but most seeds germinate in the second spring following dispersal. It is not clear how dormancy status changes and thus drives germination characteristic. Fresh Korean pine seeds were buried between litterfall and soil in Fenglin National Nature Reserves, Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, in middle October 2018 and regularly exhumed. Field germination percentage, embryo growth, seed viability and laboratory germination percentage of exhumed seeds were determined. The physiological dormancy part of morphophysiological dormancy was gradually released during the first winter, but reinduced in the first summer following dispersal. The reinduced physiological dormancy was broken again in the second autumn and winter. The morphological dormancy part of morphophysiological dormancy was slowly released over the first summer but rapidly broken during the second early and middle autumn. In the second spring, Korean pine seeds completely escaped from morphophysiological dormancy. The physiological dormancy part of morphophysiological dormancy was completely released, but the morphological dormancy part was still maintained, leading to very low germination in the first spring in the field. Relief of morphophysiological dormancy enables a high percentage of seeds to germinate at relatively low temperature (alternating day/night temperature above 10/5 °C) in the second spring. Korean pine provides an example of the change in dormancy status of seeds with morphophysiological dormancy.
#53 Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Among Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell (HCT) Recipients: Preliminary Results from a Multi-Site U.S. Study.
Authors: Ross Hailey S
Published: June 2022

Background

RSV is the most common lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among children. Serious adverse outcomes are more likely among immunocompromised patients, including progression to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and increased mortality rates. We present interim analysis results from a multi-site study to characterize morbidity and mortality associated with RSV infection among pediatric HCT patients.

Method

Pediatric (< 18 years old at transplant) HCT recipients from 10 U.S. transplant centers part of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Transplant Network (PIDTRAN) who underwent HCT between 2010 and 2019 and were RSV positive during pre-transplant conditioning or within 365 days of HCT were identified from medical records. Demographics, underlying condition, and clinical characteristics were abstracted and entered in an electronic REDCap survey. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the clinical course and outcomes of RSV infection.

Results

In total, 108 HCT patients were eligible with 108 (96%) reporting 1 case of RSV within 365 days of transplant and 5 (4%) reported 2 episodes resulting in 113 RSV episodes included in the analysis. Approximately half (53.7%) were male, 53 (49.1%) were white/Caucasian, with a median age of 7 years at the time of RSV diagnosis. The majority only received 1 HCT (84%) prior to RSV diagnosis. The most common HCT was allogeneic type (77.8%), 63 (59%) received myeloablative conditioning, and 23 (22.3%) were t-cell depleted. Just over one third (38%) had received systemic steroids in the 2 weeks prior to RSV diagnosis. Among the 113 episodes, 3 (2.7%) received palivizumab and 34 (30%) received IVIG in the 4 weeks prior to RSV diagnosis. One fourth (25.6%) were hospitalized due to RSV and 13 (11.5%) were diagnosed with LRTI at presentation and 3 (2.7%) progressed to LRTI after initial diagnosis of a URTI. Fifteen (13.3%) received at least 4 hours of oxygen support each day (at least one day), including 2 (13.3%) requiring mechanical ventilation. A quarter (24.8%) were treated with ribavirin, 10 (9%) received IVIG, and 15 (13.4%) received palivizumab for treatment of RSV. Seven (6.3%) deaths related to RSV were reported.

Conclusion

Preliminary results from this continuing multi-site study demonstrate RSV is an ongoing concern among HCT recipients with 1 in 10 developing LRTI and a quarter requiring hospitalization. These data help our understanding of RSV infections in this population and inform future prospective study designs to better define RSV risk as well as help address optimal prophylaxis and treatment strategies for HCT recipients at risk for severe illness.
#25 The highly conserved stem-loop II RNA element (s2m) is critical for the lifecycle of astrovirus VA1 but is dispensable for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Janowski Andrew B
Published: June 2022

Background

RNA viruses often contain important elements for the viral lifecycle in the untranslated regions (UTR) of the genome. The stem-loop II (s2m) element is a RNA structural motif in the 3’ UTR that is 39-43 nucleotides in length and is present in members of the Astroviridae, Caliciviridae, Picornaviridae, Reoviridae, and Coronaviridae viral families, including SARS coronavirus 1 and 2 (SARS-CoV-1 and -2). Despite the first description of this element twenty-five years ago, the functional significance of the s2m sequence to the viral lifecycle remains poorly understood. The conservation of the s2m in many viral genomes suggests some fitness benefit to viruses that maintain it.

Method

To test the significance of the s2m element, we developed reverse genetic systems for astrovirus VA1 (VA1) and SARS-CoV-2. For both viruses, we introduced deletions and mutations predicted to significantly disrupt the secondary structure of the s2m. Recombinant viruses were passaged and the infectious viral titer was measured. To evaluate the in vivo significance of the s2m, we used a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recombinant viruses were intranasally inoculated and viral RNA and infectious viral titers measured from the nasal washes and the lungs three and six days after infection. A clinical SARS-CoV-2 isolate containing a deletion of the s2m was also propagated and the viral titer measured in a multi-step growth curve.

Results

The s2m in VA1 was critical to the viral lifecycle as deletion of the s2m resulted in recombinant virus that could not be rescued and propagated. Introduction of one or two nucleotide mutations that disrupt predicted G-C binding pairs in the s2m element also resulted in recombinant virus that was not viable. Compensatory mutations that restored G-C base pairings in the s2m element supported recovery and propagation of the virus with similar viral titers compared to wild-type (WT) VA-1. In contrast, the s2m in SARS-CoV-2 was dispensable. SARS-CoV-2 genomes containing a deletion or mutation of the s2m could be rescued and propagated in cell culture and had similar viral titers compared to the WT SARS-CoV-2 in multi-step growth curves. In the hamster model, there was also no difference in the amount of viral RNA and infectious virus in the lung and nasal washes of infected animals. We also identified a clinical SARS-CoV-2 isolate that contained a deletion of the s2m and it showed no differences in the growth in a multi-step growth curve compared to a SARS-CoV-2 virus with an intact s2m.

Conclusion

The s2m is essential for the lifecycle of astrovirus VA1 but dispensable for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting differing functions of the s2m that is virus dependent. Future experiments will identify the mechanistic basis for the divergent role of the s2m in each viral lifecycle.
#31 Bloodstream Infections and Microbiology during Induction Chemotherapy over a Decade at a Community Pediatric Cancer Center
Authors: Vandenheuvel Julia
Published: June 2022

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children with leukemia. They are at an increased risk of infectious complications secondary to intense chemotherapeutic regimens during induction resulting in prolonged and profound neutropenia. To our knowledge, there is limited literature regarding pathogens and antibiotic resistance from smaller institutions similar to ours. The primary objective of this review was to describe the microbiology of BSIs, and second to evaluate our rates of BSIs during induction chemotherapy as compared to larger institutions.

Method

Retrospective chart review of 82 eligible patients between the age of 1 and 21 years with newly diagnosed leukemia between May 1, 2010 and May 31, 2020. Patients who did not complete the entirety of induction chemotherapy at our hospital were excluded. A microbiologically documented infection was defined as a causative pathogen isolated from the blood in the setting of fever and/or neutropenia. Neutropenia was defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 0.5x109 cells/L.

Results

Of the 82 patients, 12 (14.6%) patients had a BSI during induction chemotherapy. The most common organisms identified were Gram-positive cocci (75%), Gram-negative bacilli (16.6%), and Gram-negative cocci (8.3%). Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was the most frequently isolated organism (42%) overall. No methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified. Of the Gram-negative bacteria isolated, Escherichia coli (8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%) were identified. No extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) or multi-drug resistant organisms were identified. No fungi were isolated.

Conclusion

The incidence of BSIs in children during induction chemotherapy at our institution is similar to what is reported from larger, academic centers. Gram-positive cocci comprise 75% of BSIs with no MRSA isolates in 10 years. Our antibiogram shows no resistant Gram-negative bacteria. This is in contrast to what is reported to larger pediatric cancer centers. Therefore, current empiric monotherapy with a fourth generation cephalosporin at the onset of febrile neutropenia remains adequate for our pediatric oncology patients.