bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical validation framework for competence measurement in VET: a validation study of an instrument for measuring basic commercial knowledge and skills in Switzerland
Authors: Rohr-Mentele Silja , Forster-Heinzer Sarah
Published: August 2021

Competence development and measurement are of great interest to vocational education and training (VET). Although there are many instruments available for measuring competence in diverse settings, in many cases, the completed steps of validation are neither documented nor made transparent in a comprehensible manner. Understanding what an instrument actually measures is extremely important, inter alia, for evaluating test results, for conducting replication studies and for enforcing adaptation intentions. Therefore, more thorough and qualitative validation studies are required. This paper presents an approach to facilitate validation studies using the example of thesimuLINCAtest. The approach to validation applied in this study was developed in the field of medicine; nevertheless, it provides a promising means of assessing the validity of (computer-based) instruments in VET. We present the approach in detail along a newly developed computer-based simulation (simuLINCA) that measures basic commercial knowledge and skills of apprentices in Switzerland. The strength of the presented approach is that it provides practical guidelines that help perform the measurement process and support an increase in transparency. Still, it is flexible enough to allow different concepts to test development and validity. The approach applied proved to be practicable for VET and the measurement of occupational competence. After extending and slightly modifying the approach, a practical validation framework, including the description of each step and questions to support the application of it, is available for the VET context. The computer-based test instrument,simuLINCA, provides insights into how a computer-based test for measuring competence in various occupational fields can be developed and validated.SimuLINCAshowed satisfying evidence for a valid measurement instrument. It could, however, be further developed, revised and extended.
Combination of the endoscopic septonasal flap technique and bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents for repair of congenital choanal atresia in neonates and infants: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Peng-peng , Tang Li-xing , Zhang Jie , Yang Xiao-jian , Zhang Wei , Han Yang , Xiao Xiao , Ni Xin , Ge Wen-tong
Published: August 2021

Background

Multiple surgical approaches have been proposed to repair the congenital choanal atresia. However, there remains no general consensus about the optimal surgical technique. This study aimed to describe and evaluate outcomes of the endoscopic septonasal flap technique combined with bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents for repair of congenital choanal atresia in neonates and infants.

Methods

Clinical data of 37 neonates and infants with congenital choanal atresia who received nasal endoscopic surgery with the flap technique between January 2018 and July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent the ultra-low-dose paranasal sinus computed tomography imaging preoperatively to confirm diagnosis and plan the surgery. In these patients, the mirrored L-shaped flap technique was performed for bilateral atresia and the cross-over L-shaped flap technique was performed for unilateral atresia. A total of 22 patients had silicone stents postoperatively and 15 patients had bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents postoperatively. Silicone stents were removed at one month postoperatively under secondary general anesthesia, while no anesthesia was needed to remove the bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 10 months to 3 years.

Results

The septonasal flap technique was performed in all patients. Compared with the silicone stents group, the average operative duration and the hospital length of stay in the bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents group were decreased [(97.46 ± 15.37) min vs (83.49 ± 19.16) min t = 13.733, P < 0.001] [(12.8 ± 3.22) d vs (7.67 ± 3.91) d t = 15.082, P < 0.001], the average number of procedures was reduced [(2.04 ± 0.64) vs (1.00 ± 0.00), t = 82.689, P < 0.001], the differences were statistically significant. There were no reports of postoperative restenosis and complications in the bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents group, and follow-up endoscopic examinations showed patency and stable nasal passages in all cases.

Conclusions

The endoscopic septonasal flap technique can effectively expose and expand the choanal bony structure for repair of congenital choanal atresia in neonates and infants. The combined use of this technique along with bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents can help prevent the need for revision procedures and also against stent-related injuries.
A novel method of reversed migration capillary electrophoresis for determination of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates
Authors: Huang Zhuo , Wang Weike , Xie Lingxian , Lin Li
Published: August 2021

A reversed migration capillary electrophoresis (RMCE) has been developed to determine linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS). The sample stacking and separation conditions have been systematically investigated and optimized under reversed separation voltage at a low pH value. The separation effect of LAS homologs has been greatly improved based on the relative motion of electrophoresis and electroosmotic flow. RMCE demonstrates a good linear range of 0.1 mg/l to 10.0 mg/l, and the detection limit of LAS homologs reaches 0.001–0.004 mg/l. The relative standard deviations (n=6) of peak area and migration time were 2.25–4.40% and 0.67–0.75%, respectively. RMCE has also been applied for LAS detection in practical wastewater. The results show RMCE exhibits easy pretreatment, fast detection, high sensitivity, good peak shapes and resolution, and less solvent consumption, compared with the established high-performance liquid chromatography method.
Physiological and transcriptome analysis elucidates the metabolic mechanism of versatile Porphyridium purpureum under nitrogen deprivation for exopolysaccharides accumulation
Authors: Ji Liang , Li Shaohua , Chen Cheng , Jin Haojie , Wu Haizhen , Fan Jianhua
Published: August 2021

Porphyridium purpureumis a mesophilic, unicellular red alga rich in phycoerythrin, sulfate polysaccharides, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nitrogen deficiency inhibited the growth ofP. purpureumand resulted in yellowing of the cells and thickening of the extracellular viscousness sheath. Under nitrogen stress, the contents of total lipids and exopolysaccharides inP. purpureumwere increased by 65.2% and 188.0%, respectively. We demonstrate that the immediate response ofP. purpureumto nitrogen deficiency is mediated by carbon flow to polysaccharide synthesis, while the synthesis of lipids is enhanced as a permanent energy storage substance at the later stage. Based on transcriptome annotation information, we elucidate the synthesis pathway of polysaccharides fromP. purpureumfrom the perspective of glycosyl-donor interconversion, and demonstrate that the n-6 pathway is the main synthesis pathway of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study not only provides a production strategy for polysaccharides and fatty acids by single-celled marine red algaeP. purpureum, but also provides targets for further genetic modification.
How child mental health training is conceptualized in four low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Vostanis Panos , Eruyar Seyda , Haffejee Sadiyya , O’Reilly Michelle
Published: August 2021

The objective was to establish how stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) conceptualize child mental health impact. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 stakeholders from disadvantaged urban communities in Kenya, South Africa, Turkey and Brazil. Participants represented education, welfare and health care agencies; as well as community and religious groups. Data were analysed through a thematic approach and three related themes were identified. Impact was defined as a process of change, with child-centred outcomes and measures that were broader than mental health symptoms improvement. Beneficiaries were identified at child, family, community and service level. Participants wished to see strategies that ensured sustainability of impact, namely child mental health policy, stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary working, and capacity-building for all stakeholder groups. Child mental health service transformation in LMIC, especially in areas of deprivation, needs to build on existing resources and strengths by co-producing psychosocial outcomes with a range of professional and community stakeholders. Impact on children’s mental wellbeing can be achieved through a co-ordinated strategy that involves designated policy, capacity-building, and interdisciplinary networks with meaningful community involvement.
Impact of a Dedicated Cancer Urgent Care Center on Acute Care Utilization
Authors: Gould Rothberg Bonnie E. , Canavan Maureen E. , Mun Sophia , Sedghi Tannaz , Carafeno Tracy , Raucci Maureen , Dest Vanna , Sinanis Naralys , Gross Cary P. , Adelson Kerin B.
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE:

Acute care imposes a significant burden on patients and cancer care costs. We examined whether an advanced practice provider-driven, cancer-specific urgent care center embedded within a large tertiary academic center decreased acute care use among oncology patients on active therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We conducted a quasi-experimental study anchored around the Oncology Extended Care Clinic (OECC) opening date. We evaluated two parallel 4-month periods: a post-OECC period that followed a 5-month run-in phase, and the identical calendar period 1 year earlier. Our primary outcomes included all emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions during the 3-month window following the index provider visit. We used Poisson models to calculate absolute pre-OECC v post-OECC rate differences.

RESULTS:

Our cohort included 2,095 patients in the pre-OECC period and 2,188 in the post-OECC period. We identified 32.6 ED visits/100 patients and 41.2 hospitalizations/100 patients in the pre-OECC period, versus 28.2 ED visits/100 patients and 26.1 hospitalizations/100 patients post-OECC. After adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, and practice location, we observed a significant decrease of 4.6 ED visits/100 patients during the post-OECC period (95% CI, –8.92/100 to –0.28/100; P = .04) compared with the pre-OECC period. There was no significant association between the OECC opening and hospitalization rate (rate difference: –3.29 admissions/100 patients; 95% CI, –8.24/100 to 1.67/100; P = .19).

CONCLUSION:

Establishing a cancer-specific urgent care center was significantly associated with a modest decrease in emergency room utilization but not with hospitalization rate. Barriers included clinic capacity, patient awareness, and physician comfort with advanced practice provider autonomy. Optimizing workflow and standardizing clinical pathways can create benchmarks useful for value-based payments.
Reformulation of PULSAR for Analysis of Pulsatile LH Secretion and a Revised Model of Estrogen-Negative Feedback in Mice
Authors: Porteous Robert , Haden Patricia , Hackwell Eleni C R , Singline Aaron , Herde Michel K , Desai Reena , Handelsman David J , Grattan David R , Herbison Allan E
Published: August 2021

The recent use of the tail-tip bleeding approach in mice has enabled researchers to generate detailed pulse and surge profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in mice. However, the analysis of pulsatile LH secretion is piecemeal across the field with each laboratory using their own methodology. We have reformulated the once-popular PULSAR algorithm of Merriam and Wachter to operate on contemporary computer systems and provide downloadable and online pulse analysis platforms. As it is now possible to record the activity of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator in freely behaving mice, we have been able to unambiguously define LH pulses in intact and gonadectomized male and female mice. These data sets were used to determine the appropriate PULSAR parameter sets for analyzing pulsatile LH secretion in the mouse. This was then used to establish an accurate model of estrogen negative feedback in the mouse. Intact and ovariectomized mice given Silastic capsules containing 1, 2, and 4 μg 17-β-estradiol/20 g body weight were tail-tip bled at 6-min intervals, and the resultant LH profiles were analyzed with PULSAR. Only the 4 μg 17-β-estradiol capsule treatment was found to return LH pulse amplitude and frequency to that of intact diestrous mice. Ultrasensitive mass spectrometry analysis showed that the 4 μg 17-β-estradiol capsule generated circulating estradiol levels equivalent to that of diestrous mice. It is hoped that the reformulation of PULSAR and generation of a realistic model of estrogen-negative feedback will provide a platform for the more uniform assessment of pulsatile hormone secretion in mice.
An interview with Michael Barresi
Authors: Eve Alex
Published: August 2021

Michael Barresi is Professor of Biological Sciences at Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA, where he uses the zebrafish to understand central nervous system development. Michael is also Program Director of the ‘Student Scientists’ outreach project and has made significant contributions to teaching developmental biology, including being co-author and illustrator of the textbook Developmental Biology, producing developmental documentaries and starting the Online Developmental Teaching Forums. He was awarded the 2021 Viktor Hamburger Outstanding Educator Prize from the Society of Developmental Biology (SDB). We caught up with Michael over Teams to hear more about his career and love of learning.
Cost-effectiveness and public health impact of RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine in Malawi, using a Markov static model
Authors: Ndeketa Latif , Mategula Donnie , Terlouw Dianne J. , Bar-Zeev Naor , Sauboin Christophe J. , Biernaux Sophie
Published: August 2021

Background: The RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine is being assessed in Malawi, Ghana and Kenya as part of a large-scale pilot implementation programme. Even if impactful, its incorporation into immunisation programmes will depend on demonstrating cost-effectiveness. We analysed the cost-effectiveness and public health impact of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine use in Malawi.

Methods: We calculated the Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted by vaccination and compared it to Malawi’s mean per capita Gross Domestic Product. We used a previously validated Markov model, which simulated malaria progression in a 2017 Malawian birth cohort for 15 years. We used a 46% vaccine efficacy, 75% vaccine coverage, USD5 estimated cost per vaccine dose, published local treatment costs for clinical malaria and Malawi specific malaria indicators for interventions such as bed net and antimalarial use. We took a healthcare provider, household and societal perspective. Costs were discounted at 3% per year, no discounting was applied to DALYs. For public health impact, we calculated the DALYs, and malaria events averted.

Results: The ICER/DALY averted was USD115 and USD109 for the health system perspective and societal perspective respectively, lower than GDP per capita of USD398.6 for Malawi. Sensitivity analyses exploring the impact of variation in vaccine costs, vaccine coverage rate and coverage of four doses showed vaccine implementation would be cost-effective across a wide range of different outcomes. RTS,S/AS01 was predicted to avert a median of 93,940 (range 20,490–126,540) clinical cases and 394 (127–708) deaths for the three-dose schedule, or 116,480 (31,450–160,410) clinical cases and 484 (189–859) deaths for the four-dose schedule, per 100 000 fully vaccinated children.

Conclusions: We predict the introduction of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in the Malawian expanded programme of immunisation (EPI) likely to be highly cost effective.
Experts and national consultants’ recommendations regarding management of patients treated for migraine with comorbid depression. Epidemiology. Pathomechanism. Comorbidity. Part 1
Authors: Stępień Adam , Domitrz Izabela , Kozubski Wojciech , Rejdak Konrad , Rożniecki Jacek , Słowik Agnieszka , Woroń Jarosław , Wachowska Katarzyna , Gałecki Piotr
Published: August 2021

Współwystępowanie migreny i depresji stanowi ważny problem kliniczny. Badania populacyjne wskazują, że pacjenci chorujący na migrenę są bardziej niż populacja ogólna narażeni na rozwój depresji. Odwrotna zależność również jest obserwowana w dużych badaniach populacyjnych. Rozpowszechnienie depresji wzrasta, a w konsekwencji wzrastają także koszty jej leczenia i konsekwencje społeczne. W odniesieniu do migreny, jest to druga w kolejności choroba neurologiczna z największym obciążeniem zdrowotnym. Obie jednostki chorobowe istnieją od wielu lat, jednakże dopiero w ostatnim czasie dokonał się postęp w zakresie rozumienia jej patomechanizmu. Etiopatogeneza zarówno migreny jak i depresji nie jest do końca poznana, prawdopodobnie jest wieloczynnikowa i złożona. W literaturze uwzględniane są zaburzenia neuroprzekaźnictwa, układ immunologiczny i predyspozycja genetyczna. Autorzy prezentują teorie etiopatogenetyczne obu chorób, ich rozpowszechnienie. Dzięki postępom w poszukiwaniu przyczyn opisywanych jednostek chorobowych odkrywane i badane są nowe punkty uchwytu dla terapii. Autorzy publikacji analizują także dane dotyczące współchorobowości tych schorzeń, omawiają prawdopodobne czynniki leżące u jej podłoża. Migrena często współwystępuje z różnymi chorobami przewlekłymi. Autorzy opisują predyktory kliniczne wystąpienia depresji u osób chorujących na migrenę, podkreślając znaczenie przesiewowego badania w kierunku depresji osób chorujących na migrenę.
Giving children a voice through partnership: a child rights-based approach to the co-design of postgraduate nurse education
Authors: Allan Elaine , Luders Sadullah
Published: August 2021

Background

There is an increasing need for the voice of children and young people to be more evident in planning and designing services, including the delivery of higher education, for school nurses to ultimately influence service delivery.

Aim

To raise awareness of the importance of children's rights by embedding them in postgraduate school nurse education to influence school nurse service delivery.

Methods

A model was developed through direct partnership with representatives of the Children's Parliament in Scotland. This model facilitated the inclusion of children and young people's opinions in the co-design of postgraduate nurse education in order to incorporate children and young people's rights and opinions and improve the delivery of the school nurse service in Aberdeen.

Results

In a supported environment, children and young people were able to negotiate relationships with multiagency professionals on an equal basis, building connections and trust with them in partnership, based on their perceptions of school nurses' daily actions and characteristics. Their negotiation of relationships identified various change management categories for improving the delivery of higher education and services.

Conclusions

Children and young people have clear opinions and views when consulted in an inclusive age-appropriate way through rights-based participation. It is important that listening and taking due cognisance of children's voices becomes the norm in influencing higher education, and that children and young people have a direct influence on improving children's services.
Parental perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on family-centred care at a paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Bannerman Kieran , Aitken Lorna , Donnelly Peter , Kidson Christopher
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims

Restrictions to clinical practice necessitated by the COVID-19 global pandemic exerted pressures on staff, families and patients within the paediatric intensive care unit of the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. The authors sought to explore parents' experiences during this pandemic.

Methods

A single centre study was performed using a questionnaire distributed to parents of patients in the 22-bed paediatric intensive care unit. The key areas targeted were visiting restrictions, ward round changes, facilities closures and the need to wear personal protective equipment. Free text responses were reviewed by two authors independently and common themes identified.

Results

The findings offer insight into family perceptions that illustrate the negative repercussions of the restrictions to parents. Understanding on the part of the parents was demonstrated throughout; however, restrictions and pandemic interventions also resulted in isolation, distress, exclusion and anxiety.

Conclusions

There are no current studies exploring parental perceptions of COVID-19 interventions within paediatric intensive care units. These findings offer insights that illustrate the unique challenges faced by those who strive to deliver family-centred care, and the additional stress that this can put upon parents. The authors propose adaptive strategies to enhance family-centred care at paediatric intensive care units.
First known case of successful pressure ulcer treatment in a lung transplant patient with post-COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Tong Yilan , Yu Sijiong , Guo Kaijun , Wang Xiangsheng , Wu Yang , Xia Zhongyuan , Li Guang , Hu Haifeng , Yu Mosheng , Zhu Zhanyong
Published: August 2021

Given the current COVID-19 crisis, multiple clinical manifestations and related complications of COVID-19 disease, especially in lung transplant patients following post-COVID-19 pneumonia, are a major challenge. Herein, we report the therapeutic course of the first reported case of sacrococcyx pressure ulcers (PU) in a 65-year-old male COVID-19 patient who underwent lung transplantation and developed a PU following surgery. We used a combination of regulated negative pressure-assisted wound therapy system (RNPT, six treatment courses, five days per treatment course), a skin tension-relief system (an intraoperative aid in minimising wounds caused by sacrococcygeal PUs) and a gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap to repair sacrococcygeal wounds. This successfully treated case provides a reference point for the treatment of similar cases.
People living with diabetes are unaware of their foot risk status or why they are referred to a multidisciplinary foot team
Authors: Walton Daina V , Edmonds Michael E , Bates Maureen , Vas Prashanth R J , Petrova Nina L , Manu Chris A
Published: August 2021

Aim:

People with active diabetic foot disease should be rapidly referred by health professionals along a pathway of care to a multidisciplinary foot team. The aim was to investigate patients' self-reported understanding of their foot risk status and reasons for their referral to a multidisciplinary foot team.

Method:

This seven-month service evaluation included consecutive newly referred patients. Participants completed a questionnaire which asked firstly about their understanding of their foot risk status, secondly about their pathway of care before presentation to the multidisciplinary foot team, and thirdly about their interest in diabetes-related foot education and preferred learning style.

Results:

There were 202 participants; 65% were male, mean age was 64±15 years (mean±standard deviation (SD)), 86% had type 2 diabetes, and mean HbA1c was 65±23mmol/mol (8.3±3.7%). Only 4% of participants knew their current foot risk status and 52% did not know why their care had been escalated to a multidisciplinary foot clinic. Participants with type 2 diabetes more readily expressed an interest in further foot education compared with participants with type 1 diabetes, (70% versus 29%, p=0.001).

Conclusions:

These findings show that people with diabetes and foot disease are less aware of their foot risk status or why they are referred to a multidisciplinary team. Participants indicated a variable interest in further learning about foot complications. These findings indicate possible communication and educational barriers between patients and health professionals which may contribute to delayed presentation or suboptimal engagement.
Quercus infectoria gall extract aids wound healing in a streptozocin-induced diabetic mouse model
Authors: Dardmah Farhad , Farahpour Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Quercus infectoria galls have commonly been used for different therapeutic purposes. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of topical application of an ointment prepared from Quercus infectoria gall hydroethanolic extract on open wound healing in a streptozocin-induced diabetic BALB/c mouse model.

Method:

After induction of diabetes, two circular wounds (5mm) were created on the dorsum of the mice which were then divided into three groups. The mice were treated with soft yellow paraffin (control-sham group) and therapeutic doses of 5% and 10% of an ointment prepared from Quercus infectoria, respectively. To evaluate the effects of the therapeutic ointment on the wound healing process, wound area, histological parameters, mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Bcl-2 and p53, plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and tissue antioxidant capacity were investigated.

Results:

The mice (n=54) were divided into three equal groups. Wound area and concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in both ointment-treated groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, angiogenesis, fibroblast distribution per mm2 of wound tissue, collagen deposition, rapid re-epithelialisation, and the expression of VEGF, Bcl-2 and p53 mRNA, were significantly increased (p<0.05). The administration of the ointment reduced malondialdehyde concentration and increased total antioxidant capacity compared with the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that an ointment prepared from Quercus infectoria gall hydroethanolic extract accelerated open wound healing in a diabetic animal model by shortening the inflammatory phase, inducing apoptosis, up-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and p53 mRNA, antioxidant properties and cellular proliferation.
Surgical wounds in reduction mammoplasty: a comparison of Monocryl and Prolene sutures on scars
Authors: Rezaei Ezzatollah , Farhadi Hamed , Khaniki Saeedeh Hajebi , Zarei Hamzeh , Hojjati Yavar Shams
Published: August 2021

Objective:

The type of suture material affects the quality of scars. The aim of this study was to find the superior suture material for reduction mammoplasty between Prolene and Monocryl based on the comparison of scars.

Method:

A prospective observational study was conducted at a university-based hospital in Mashhad, Iran between October 2015 and September 2017. Monocryl and Prolene suture materials, used for closing the outermost layer in mammoplasty, were compared. Patients' incision scars were assessed objectively according to the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment (POSAS) criteria. The relevant CONSORT guideline was used for reporting this study.

Results:

Seventy-eight women with a mean age of 36.8±9.5 years were entered into the study. The frequency of wound healing in both groups was 97.4% 1 month after surgery and by the third visit, 3 months after surgery, only one patient had a stretched scar. Moreover, wound inflammation in the first two visits was less frequent in the Prolene group that healed completely 3 months after surgery (after excluding the one patient with wide scar inflammation). The frequency of itching of the wound in the Monocryl group was 24.4%, 11.5% and 12.8% in the three follow-up visits, respectively, and the values for the Prolene group were 24.4%, 9.0% and 6.4%, respectively. No significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of wound healing, inflammation and itching (p>0.05). Overall, 94.8% of patients were satisfied with the surgery.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed that there was no significant difference between Monocryl and Prolene. Hence, either of the two suture materials can be used for wound closure in reduction mammoplasty.
Variation in Tensile Properties of Single Vascular Bundles in Moso Bamboo
Authors: Shang Lili , Liu Xing'e , Jiang Zehui , Tian Genlin , Yang Shumin
Published: August 2021

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), an apt example of an anisotropic, functionally graded composite material, is the most important commercial bamboo species of China. This species has excellent mechanical properties due to its unique vascular bundle structure. This article examines the variation in mechanical properties of single vascular bundles with respect to their location within a bamboo culm. The mechanical exfoliation method was used to prepare the single vascular bundle. This study found that moso bamboo has superior stiffness and strength. Additionally, the variation in properties was large in the radial direction but minimal in longitudinal direction. The large variation in mechanical properties of vascular bundles can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of the fibrous sheath and parenchyma rather than to changes in fibrous sheath properties. This study provides a basis for the structure application for moso bamboo.
Cavity-enhanced frequency doubling with a third-order quasi-phase-matched PPKTP crystal
Authors: Niu Su-Jian , Yang Chen , Li Yan , Ge Zheng , Liu Shi-Kai , Zhou Zhi-Yuan , Shi Bao-Sen
Published: August 2021

Blue lasers are very useful for applications in fundamental sciences and advanced technologies. Although the frequency doubling with a first-order quasi-phase-matched (QPM) crystal is an effective approach to obtain blue and UV lasers, the crystal should be poled with a short period, which is technically difficult to fabricate compared with a long period. Using a third-order QPM can be an alternative way to generate blue light, in which the poling period is 3 times larger than that in first-order QPM. In this work, we report on the generation of a 402.5 nm laser by using cavity-enhanced second-harmonic generation and a periodically poled KTP (PPKTP) crystal with a poling period of 10.02 µm. About 36.49 mW output power and 15.3% conversion efficiency are achieved in our experiment.
Quantitative in situ measurement of optical force along a strand of cleaved silica optical fiber induced by the light guided therewithin
Authors: Partanen Mikko , Lee Hyeonwoo , Oh Kyunghwan
Published: August 2021

We propose an optomechanical system to quantify the net force on a strand of cleaved silica optical fiber in situ as the laser light is being guided through it. Four strands of the fiber were bonded to both sides of a macroscopic oscillator, whose movements were accurately monitored by a Michelson interferometer. The laser light was propagating with variable optical powers and frequency modulations. Experimentally, we discovered that the driving force for the oscillator consisted of not only the optical force of the light exiting from the cleaved facets but also the tension along the fiber induced by the light guided therewithin. The net driving force was determined only by the optical power, refractive index of the fiber, and the speed of light, which pinpoints its fundamental origin.
Comparative mapping of crawling-cell morphodynamics in deep learning-based feature space
Authors: Imoto Daisuke , Saito Nen , Nakajima Akihiko , Honda Gen , Ishida Motohiko , Sugita Toyoko , Ishihara Sayaka , Katagiri Koko , Okimura Chika , Iwadate Yoshiaki , Sawai Satoshi
Published: August 2021

Navigation of fast migrating cells such as amoeba Dictyostelium and immune cells are tightly associated with their morphologies that range from steady polarized forms that support high directionality to those more complex and variable when making frequent turns. Model simulations are essential for quantitative understanding of these features and their origins, however systematic comparisons with real data are underdeveloped. Here, by employing deep-learning-based feature extraction combined with phase-field modeling framework, we show that a low dimensional feature space for 2D migrating cell morphologies obtained from the shape stereotype of keratocytes, Dictyostelium and neutrophils can be fully mapped by an interlinked signaling network of cell-polarization and protrusion dynamics. Our analysis links the data-driven shape analysis to the underlying causalities by identifying key parameters critical for migratory morphologies both normal and aberrant under genetic and pharmacological perturbations. The results underscore the importance of deciphering self-organizing states and their interplay when characterizing morphological phenotypes.
Bistability in fatty-acid oxidation resulting from substrate inhibition
Authors: Abegaz Fentaw , Martines Anne-Claire M. F. , Vieira-Lara Marcel A. , Rios-Morales Melany , Reijngoud Dirk-Jan , Wit Ernst C. , Bakker Barbara M.
Published: August 2021

In this study we demonstrated through analytic considerations and numerical studies that the mitochondrial fatty-acid β-oxidation can exhibit bistable-hysteresis behavior. In an experimentally validated computational model we identified a specific region in the parameter space in which two distinct stable and one unstable steady state could be attained with different fluxes. The two stable states were referred to as low-flux (disease) and high-flux (healthy) state. By a modular kinetic approach we traced the origin and causes of the bistability back to the distributive kinetics and the conservation of CoA, in particular in the last rounds of the β-oxidation. We then extended the model to investigate various interventions that may confer health benefits by activating the pathway, including (i) activation of the last enzyme MCKAT via its endogenous regulator p46-SHC protein, (ii) addition of a thioesterase (an acyl-CoA hydrolysing enzyme) as a safety valve, and (iii) concomitant activation of a number of upstream and downstream enzymes by short-chain fatty-acids (SCFA), metabolites that are produced from nutritional fibers in the gut. A high concentration of SCFAs, thioesterase activity, and inhibition of the p46Shc protein led to a disappearance of the bistability, leaving only the high-flux state. A better understanding of the switch behavior of the mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation process between a low- and a high-flux state may lead to dietary and pharmacological intervention in the treatment or prevention of obesity and or non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease.
DeepG4: A deep learning approach to predict cell-type specific active G-quadruplex regions
Authors: Rocher Vincent , Genais Matthieu , Nassereddine Elissar , Mourad Raphael
Published: August 2021

DNA is a complex molecule carrying the instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce. In 1953, Watson and Crick discovered that DNA is composed of two chains forming a double-helix. Later on, other structures of DNA were discovered and shown to play important roles in the cell, in particular G-quadruplex (G4). Following genome sequencing, several bioinformatic algorithms were developed to map G4s in vitro based on a canonical sequence motif, G-richness and G-skewness or alternatively sequence features including k-mers, and more recently machine/deep learning. Recently, new sequencing techniques were developed to map G4s in vitro (G4-seq) and G4s in vivo (G4 ChIP-seq) at few hundred base resolution. Here, we propose a novel convolutional neural network (DeepG4) to map cell-type specific active G4 regions (e.g. regions within which G4s form both in vitro and in vivo). DeepG4 is very accurate to predict active G4 regions in different cell types. Moreover, DeepG4 identifies key DNA motifs that are predictive of G4 region activity. We found that such motifs do not follow a very flexible sequence pattern as current algorithms seek for. Instead, active G4 regions are determined by numerous specific motifs. Moreover, among those motifs, we identified known transcription factors (TFs) which could play important roles in G4 activity by contributing either directly to G4 structures themselves or indirectly by participating in G4 formation in the vicinity. In addition, we used DeepG4 to predict active G4 regions in a large number of tissues and cancers, thereby providing a comprehensive resource for researchers.

Availability: https://github.com/morphos30/DeepG4.
A genetic screen in Drosophila uncovers the multifaceted properties of the NUP98-HOXA9 oncogene
Authors: Gavory Gwenaëlle , Baril Caroline , Laberge Gino , Bidla Gawa , Koonpaew Surapong , Sonea Thomas , Sauvageau Guy , Therrien Marc
Published: August 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) underlies the uncontrolled accumulation of immature myeloid blasts. Several cytogenetic abnormalities have been associated with AML. Among these is theNUP98-HOXA9(NA9) translocation that fuses the Phe-Gly repeats of nucleoporin NUP98 to the homeodomain of the transcription factor HOXA9. The mechanisms enablingNA9-induced leukemia are poorly understood. Here, we conducted a genetic screen inDrosophilafor modifiers ofNA9. The screen uncovered 29 complementation groups, including genes with mammalian homologs known to impinge on NA9 activity. Markedly, the modifiers encompassed a diversity of functional categories, suggesting that NA9 perturbs multiple intracellular events. Unexpectedly, we discovered that NA9 promotes cell fate transdetermination and that this phenomenon is greatly influenced byNA9modifiers involved in epigenetic regulation. Together, our work reveals a network of genes functionally connected to NA9 that not only provides insights into its mechanism of action, but also represents potential therapeutic targets.
Livestock herding and Fulani ethnicity are a combined risk factor for development of early adverse reactions to antivenom treatment: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Nigeria
Authors: Menzies Stefanie K. , Thomas Aniekan O. , Tianyi Frank-Leonel , Abubakar Saidu B. , Nasidi Abdulsalami , Durfa Nandul , Patel Rohit , Trelfa Anna , Lalloo David G. , Habib Abdulrazaq G. , Harrison Robert A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Adverse reactions to antivenom considerably complicate the clinical management of snakebite envenomed patients because it necessitates a temporary suspension of life-saving antivenom, increases costs and can compromise patient outcomes. This study sought to explore the association between cattle-herding occupation and ethnic group and the occurrence of early adverse reactions to antivenom.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between the 25th April and 11th July 2011 at the Kaltungo General Hospital in north east Nigeria. The exposure variable of cattle-herding occupation showed a strong correlation with the ethnic group variable, thus these were combined into a new variable with three categories (Fulani and herder, either Fulani or herder, and neither Fulani nor herder). The outcome variable was the occurrence of early adverse reactions, defined as any new symptoms occurring within 6 hours of antivenom administration. Odds Ratios were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models controlling for potential confounders.

Results

Among 231 envenomed snakebite victims, the overall incidence of early adverse reactions was 11.9% (95% confidence intervals: 8.0–16.9%). Patients who were Fulani and herders had a higher incidence of early adverse reactions compared to patients who were neither Fulani nor herders (20% vs 5.7%). After adjusting for age and gender, victims who were Fulani and herders were 5.9 times more likely to have an early adverse reaction, compared to victims who were neither Fulani nor herders (95% CI: 1.88–18.59; p = 0.002).

Interpretation

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide evidence of higher odds of early adverse reactions among patients from a particular occupation and/or ethnic group. We recommend that snake envenomed patients of Fulani origin be especially closely monitored for adverse reactions, that hospitals receiving these patients be appropriately resourced to manage both envenoming and adverse reactions and that premedication with adrenaline should be considered. Our findings provide an argument for speculation on the influence of immunological or lifestyle-related differences on the occurrence of early adverse reactions to antivenom.
Zoonotic risk factors associated with seroprevalence of Ebola virus GP antibodies in the absence of diagnosed Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Bratcher Anna , Hoff Nicole A. , Doshi Reena H. , Gadoth Adva , Halbrook Megan , Mukadi Patrick , Musene Kamy , Ilunga-Kebela Benoit , Spencer D’Andre , Bramble Matthew S. , McIlwan David , Kelly J. Daniel , Mukadi Daniel , Kingebeni Placide Mbala , Ahuka Steve , Okitolonda-Wemakoy Emile , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean-Jacques , Rimoin Anne W.
Published: August 2021

Background

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a zoonotic filovirus spread through exposure to infected bodily fluids of a human or animal. Though EBOV is capable of causing severe disease, referred to as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), individuals who have never been diagnosed with confirmed, probable or suspected EVD can have detectable EBOV antigen-specific antibodies in their blood. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with detectable antibody levels in the absence of an EVD diagnosis.

Methodology

Data was collected from September 2015 to August 2017 from 1,366 consenting individuals across four study sites in the DRC (Boende, Kabondo-Dianda, Kikwit, and Yambuku). Seroreactivity was determined to EBOV GP IgG using Zaire Ebola Virus Glycoprotein (EBOV GP antigen) ELISA kits (Alpha Diagnostic International, Inc.) in Kinshasa, DRC; any result above 4.7 units/mL was considered seroreactive. Among the respondents, 113 (8.3%) were considered seroreactive. Several zoonotic exposures were associated with EBOV seroreactivity after controlling for age, sex, healthcare worker status, location, and history of contact with an EVD case, namely: ever having contact with bats, ever having contact with rodents, and ever eating non-human primate meat. Contact with monkeys or non-human primates was not associated with seroreactivity.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that some zoonotic exposures that have been linked to EVD outbreaks can also be associated with EBOV GP seroreactivity in the absence of diagnosed EVD. Future investigations should seek to clarify the relationships between zoonotic exposures, seroreactivity, asymptomatic infection, and EVD.
Evaluation of a point-of-care diagnostic to identify glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Brazil
Authors: Zobrist Stephanie , Brito Marcelo , Garbin Eduardo , Monteiro Wuelton M. , Clementino Freitas Suellen , Macedo Marcela , Soares Moura Aline , Advani Nicole , Kahn Maria , Pal Sampa , Gerth-Guyette Emily , Bansil Pooja , Domingo Gonzalo J. , Pereira Dhelio , Lacerda Marcus VG
Published: August 2021

Background

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common enzyme deficiency, prevalent in many malaria-endemic countries. G6PD-deficient individuals are susceptible to hemolysis during oxidative stress, which can occur from exposure to certain medications, including 8-aminoquinolines used to treat Plasmodium vivax malaria. Accordingly, access to point-of-care (POC) G6PD testing in Brazil is critical for safe treatment of P. vivax malaria.

Methodology/Principal findings

This study evaluated the performance of the semi-quantitative, POC STANDARD G6PD Test (SD Biosensor, Republic of Korea). Participants were recruited at clinics and through an enriched sample in Manaus and Porto Velho, Brazil. G6PD and hemoglobin measurements were obtained from capillary samples at the POC using the STANDARD and HemoCue 201+ (HemoCue AB, Sweden) tests. A thick blood slide was prepared for malaria microscopy. At the laboratories, the STANDARD and HemoCue tests were repeated on venous samples and a quantitative spectrophotometric G6PD reference assay was performed (Pointe Scientific, Canton, MI). G6PD was also assessed by fluorescent spot test. In Manaus, a complete blood count was performed.

Samples were analyzed from 1,736 participants. In comparison to spectrophotometry, the STANDARD G6PD Test performed equivalently in determining G6PD status in venous and capillary specimens under varied operating temperatures. Using the manufacturer-recommended reference value thresholds, the test’s sensitivity at the <30% threshold on both specimen types was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] venous 93.6%–100.0%; capillary 93.8%–100.0%). Specificity was 98.6% on venous specimens (95% CI 97.9%–99.1%) and 97.8% on capillary (95% CI 97.0%–98.5%). At the 70% threshold, the test’s sensitivity was 96.9% on venous specimens (95% CI 83.8%–99.9%) and 94.3% on capillary (95% CI 80.8%–99.3%). Specificity was 96.5% (95% CI 95.0%–97.6%) and 92.3% (95% CI 90.3%–94.0%) on venous and capillary specimens, respectively.

Conclusion/Significance

The STANDARD G6PD Test is a promising tool to aid in POC detection of G6PD deficiency in Brazil.

Trial registration

This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT04033640).
Cytomegalovirus infection in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Hunter-Schlichting DeVon , Kelsey Karl T. , Demmer Ryan , Patel Manish , Bueno Raphael , Christensen Brock , Fujioka Naomi , Kolarseri Deepa , Nelson Heather H.
Published: August 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly prevalent herpes virus which persists as a latent infection and has been detected in several different tumor types. HCMV disease is rare but may occur in high-risk settings, often manifesting as a pulmonary infection. To date HCMV has not been investigated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). In a consecutive case series of 144 MPM patients we evaluated two biomarkers of HCMV: IgG serostatus (defined as positive and negative) and DNAemia (>100 copies/mL of cell free HCMV DNA in serum). Approximately half of the MPM patient population was HCMV IgG seropositive (51%). HCMV DNAemia was highly prevalent (79%) in MPM and independent of IgG serostatus. DNAemia levels consistent with high level current infection (>1000 copies/mL serum) were present in 41% of patients. Neither IgG serostatus nor DNAemia were associated with patient survival. In tissues, we observed that HCMV DNA was present in 48% of tumors (n = 40) and only 29% of normal pleural tissue obtained from individuals without malignancy (n = 21). Our results suggest nearly half of MPM patients have a high level current HCMV infection at the time of treatment and that pleural tissue may be a reservoir for latent HCMV infection. These findings warrant further investigation to determine the full spectrum of pulmonary infections in MPM patients, and whether treatment for high level current HCMV infection may improve patient outcomes.