bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left atrial ıntramural hematoma after radiofrequency catheter ablation of left lateral accessory pathway
Authors: Yaşar Salim , Gökoğlan Yalçın , Görmel Suat , Asil Serkan , Kabul Hasan Kutsi
Published: July 2021

We report a case of left atrial hematoma after ablation of left lateral concealed accessory pathway. A 46-year-old male patient experienced chest pain after radiofrequency ablation. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography revealed the intramural mass consistent with hematoma in the left atrium. He was hemodynamically stable, and conservative approach was decided. Atrioventricular groove is a vulnerable part of left atrium, and ablation of left free wall accessory pathway may require targeting both atrial and ventricular surfaces of the mitral annulus. Avoidance of forceful catheter manipulation during the electrophysiological procedure is important for prevention of this complication. Optimal periprocedural anticoagulation might reduce the risk of procedure-related thromboembolic complications, but electrophysiologists should always pay attention to an intramural hematoma that may occur after radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of Resinicium sensu lato from Asia-Pacific revealing a new genus and five new species (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota)
Authors: Yu Jia , Wang Xue-Wei , Liu Shi-Liang , Shen Shan , Zhou Li-Wei
Published: July 2021

Resinicium, belonging to Hymenochaetales, Agaricomycetes, is a worldwide genus of corticioid wood-inhabiting fungi. To improve the knowledge of species diversity within the Hymenochaetales, two dozen specimens from Asia-Pacific preliminarily identified to be members of Resinicium sensu lato were carefully studied from morphological and phylogenetic perspectives. From these specimens, a new monotypic genus Skvortzoviella, and five new species, viz. Resinicium austroasianum, R. lateastrocystidium, Skvortzovia dabieshanensis, S. qilianensis and Skvortzoviella lenis are described; moreover, a new basal lineage of Resinicium represented by a Vietnam specimen and three Chinese specimens of S. pinicola are identified. The six newly proposed taxa are morphologically compared with related genera and species, while the family positions of Resinicium, Skvortzovia, and Skvortzoviella within the Hymenochaetales are still ambiguous. In addition, the ancestral geographic origin of Resinicium, even though inconclusive, is now thought to be Asia-Pacific instead of tropical America as previously assumed.
Phytochemical evaluation and pharmacognostic standardization of Syzygium palghatense endemic to Western Ghats
Authors: Snehalatha V. R. , Rasmi A. R.
Published: July 2021

Background

The plants belonging to the genus Syzygium has received much attention since ancient times due to its multidimensional uses for mankind. These plants in general, reported to contain a wide array of phytomolecules with a broad spectrum of biological activities that include antihypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antihypertensive properties. The pharmacological potential of S. palghatense which is endemic to Western Ghats has not yet been investigated. The present study was intended to examine the potential benefits of the leaves and bark of S. palghatense.

Results

Morpho-anatomical studies of S. palghatense provided useful details for the identification. The pharmacological characterization of the plants shows significant results in their studied parameters. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher in methanolic extracts of leaves and bark of S. palghatense. Methanolic extract of the leaves and bark have superior antioxidant capacity when compared with the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and distilled water extracts. A significant result in alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzyme activity was exhibited when antidiabetic study was performed.

Conclusion

The current study showed that the methanolic extract of S. palghatense leaves and bark have significant pharmacognostic properties and potential antioxidant and antidiabetic compounds. Phytochemical studies portray the presence of several biologically active secondary metabolites, including essential oil, alkaloid, glycosides, carbohydrate, tannins, reducing sugar, phenolics, and saponins, which may be the reason for its biological properties. As compared to bark, leaves of S. palghatense possess significant activity toward all the biological properties tested.
Measuring impacts of microplastic treatments via image recognition on immobilised particles below 100 μm
Authors: Lenz Robin , Enders Kristina , Fischer Franziska , Brandt Josef , Fischer Dieter , Labrenz Matthias
Published: July 2021

The treatment of samples for microplastic (MP) analysis requires purification steps that sufficiently reduce the non-MP content while preserving the targeted particles integrity. Besides their macromolecular structure this also encompasses their in situ numbers and sizes. However, any step of sample manipulation will come at a cost: particle loss, fragmentation, coagulation or degradation may lead to distorted results, predominantly in the smaller fraction of the MP size range. Therefore, the evaluation of MP resistivity against applied methods such as chemical digestions is a vital criterion for obtaining meaningful results on MP content of a sample. We developed a framework to test the applicability of MP purification methods and apply it to four protocols commonly used to prepare environmental samples for MP particle identification. The approach was designed for MP particles being too small to be handled manually (i.e. 10–70 μm). The evaluation consists of a two-tiered assay: a simple particle suspension approach is used to confirm a post-treatment qualitative recognisability of the target polymers by the analysis method of choice (here Raman and FTIR). In a following quantitative part, immobilised particles are used to evaluate the preservation of particle numbers and areas after the treatment on an individual particle level. A Python image analysis package was written that identifies, matches and measures particles on pairs of pre- and post-treatment images, and is available as open source software. Our results show that the chemical digestions using hydrogen peroxide, cooled Fenton’s and a combined alkaline / oxidative treatment using potassium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite are suitable methods for preparing MP samples for a microspectroscopic analyses. Also acidic sodium polytungstate solution used for MP density separations and a pentane based protocol for lipid removal were found applicable for small sized MP. Certain degradative effects were found when acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is exposed to acidic treatments, as well as for MP from acrylate and epoxy based paint resins in strong oxidative regimes. Several paint resins tested here were spectroscopically not identifiable by polymer attributed bands even before treatment, indicating that these materials might slip through analyses of environmental samples and consequently being underreported. We conclude that evaluating chemical treatment procedures on MP < 100 μm is feasible, despite limitations of the current methodology which we discuss. Our results provide more certainty on the tested methods for MP studies specifically targeting small sizes and should be extended for more protocols used in MP laboratory practises.
An SR protein is essential for activating DNA repair in malaria parasites
Authors: Goyal Manish , Singh Brajesh Kumar , Simantov Karina , Kaufman Yotam , Eshar Shiri , Dzikowski Ron
Published: July 2021

Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of human malaria, replicates within the erythrocytes of its host, where it encounters numerous pressures that cause extensive DNA damage, which must be repaired efficiently to ensure parasite survival. Malaria parasites, which have lost the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway for repairing DNA double-strand breaks, have evolved unique mechanisms that enable them to robustly maintain genome integrity under such harsh conditions. However, the nature of these adaptations is unknown. We show that a highly conserved RNA splicing factor, P. falciparum (Pf)SR1, plays an unexpected and crucial role in DNA repair in malaria parasites. Using an inducible and reversible system to manipulate PfSR1 expression, we demonstrate that this protein is recruited to foci of DNA damage. Although loss of PfSR1 does not impair parasite viability, the protein is essential for their recovery from DNA-damaging agents or exposure to artemisinin, the first-line antimalarial drug, demonstrating its necessity for DNA repair. These findings provide key insights into the evolution of DNA repair pathways in malaria parasites as well as the ability of the parasite to recover from antimalarial treatment.
Why cardiac nurses need good sleep health literacy
Authors: Grande Michael Le , Kerr Debra , Beauchamp Alison , Jackson Alun
Published: July 2021

A holistic view of patient health recognises sleep as an important pillar of wellbeing. There is increasing evidence that sleep disorders are associated with both the cause and consequences of a patient's cardiac conditions. It follows, therefore, that recognition and treatment of these disorders may be of particular importance in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. The purpose of this commentary is to outline how two major sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnoea and insomnia) are associated with poor sleep quality, psychological health and cardiac health. It is hoped that health professionals, including cardiac nurses, can obtain a basic understanding of these associations so that they may better explain the importance of screening and treatment for sleep disorders to their patients.
Knowledge and education to inform evidence-based practice in gastrointestinal nursing: a scoping review
Authors: Munnelly Stacey , Howard Victoria , Hall Veronica , Richardson James , Kirkbride Matthew
Published: July 2021

Background:

Gastrointestinal (GI) nursing incorporates a plethora of specialisms, involving caring for patients with complex pathologies requiring specialist management and nursing care. GI nurses work across a range of clinical areas and have differing levels of knowledge and skill. However, there are gaps in knowledge specific to GI nursing, and there are barriers to education and evidence-based practice (EBP). Innovative educational strategies and the recent development of competency frameworks, such as those for endoscopy and hepatology nursing, have paved the way for other sub-specialisms, yet the different approaches to upskill the workforce require investigation.

Aims:

This article aims to identify the breadth and depth of research regarding the knowledge and educational needs of GI nurses and to understand the best approach to education and EBP.

Methods:

A scoping review was performed using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A search was conducted in two bibliographic databases and across relevant UK organisations.

Findings:

The database search identified 31 relevant papers published from 2010 to 2021. The studies varied in purpose, method and recommendations, but all reported consistent results, specifically that GI nurses' knowledge requires attention. Many ways were proposed to assess learning needs and educational strategies to improve knowledge and EBP.

Conclusion:

GI nurses' knowledge requires development, to improve both the confidence and clinical practice of nurses and the experiences and clinical outcomes of patients. The educational and development requirements of GI nurses vary across a wide spectrum of needs and draw on a vast range of resources and evidence bases. Solutions do not need to be expensive or time consuming and can be practical, making use of existing resources and delivered at local, regional and national levels. At the same time, to deliver true EBP, nurses must develop the critical analysis skills required to locate, appraise and organise evidence, interpreting it into the practicalities for decision making. Future researchers should consider exploration of the instruments used to measure EBP and the competence of GI nurses, to evaluate the effectiveness of different educational models and assist educators in the development and refinement of specialist educational programmes.
More than a ‘lifestyle’ choice? Does a patient's use of alcohol affect professionals' perceptions of harm and safeguarding responsibilities when it comes to self-neglect? A case study in alcohol-related liver disease
Authors: Phillips Clare , Darch Richard , Farmbrough Anya
Published: July 2021

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is the leading cause of liver disease in the UK, with hospital admissions and deaths continuing to rise. Using a case study that demonstrates a familiar presentation, we consider the challenges and complexities of safeguarding in a patient with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and ARLD, with particular regard to self-neglect. Self-neglect can be a subjective and contentious subject, and, in patients with AUD, it may be interpreted as a lifestyle choice. Hepatology nurses often have regular contact and longstanding relationships with this patient group and thus, as part of the multidisciplinary team, have the potential to play an important role in recognising and escalating safeguarding concerns.
Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of St. Vincent, West Indies
Authors: Wetterer James Kelly
Published: July 2021

The ants of Saint Vincent have long been one of the most thoroughly documented ant faunas of any Caribbean island. Ant specimens collected more than 100 years ago on St. Vincent include 76 valid taxa. In ten days surveying ants on Saint Vincent, I found eleven species not found by previous researchers. Eight are widespread Neotropical species (Anochetus inermis, Camponotus claviscapus, Cyphomyrmex minutus, Odontomachus ruginodis, Pheidole exigua, Pheidole moerens, Rogeria curvipubens, Solenopsis corticalis) and three are Old World exotics (Cardiocondyla minutior, Syllophopsis sechellensis, Trichomyrmex destructor). Ant records from St. Vincent include more Neotropical species (72) and fewer Old World exotic species (15) than the neighboring Caribbean islands of similar size: Barbados and Grenada. Factors that may contribute to this pattern are that, compared to Barbados and Grenada, Saint Vincent has more mountainous terrain, more intact forest, lower human population density, and fewer international tourist visits.
Comparative Analysis of the Process of Training Education Managers in Educational Institutions
Authors: Kusainov Askarbek K. , Yessenova Kamchat A. , Kassymova Roza S. , Moldassan Kuanysh S. , Sembayeva Ardak M.
Published: July 2021

Context: A significant part of future specialists receive only practical skills without formal practical exam situation. In this regard, there is a need to train a manager who can adapt and be ready to carry out his/her activities in a specific profile interaction. The aim of the experimental study was to develop and test the advanced working hypothesis about the possibility of effective formation of readiness for future self-realisation of future education managers.Approach: The work uses mathematical methods for testing the hypothesis of testing the readiness of education managers with verification of competency type.Findings: The novelty of the study is determined by what the authors are considering "the possibility of training a manager in accordance" including not only the standards for the provision of educational services to the population, but also the possibility of introducing world-class training standards. The authors show that the basis for such a development may be the readiness to work in a globalised environment. The dynamics of changes in the indicators of the levels of readiness for professional self-realization of students studying in the control and experimental groups from the first to the fourth year were compiled and recorded. The methodology of vocational training of students for the purpose of their self-realisation during training has been specified. The practical significance of the study is determined by the fact that integration with the global educational environment should be based on international standards for the provision of educational services. Conclusion: The results of this research can be useful and interesting to international readers, as the parameters of educational and methodological support have been developed and tested, which contains a set of situational exercises to form readiness for professional self-realisation for future education managers. Also, the conducted analysis indicated serious problems with the employment of university graduates both in the Republic of Kazakhstan and in the Republic of Lithuania.
Assessment of multi-GNSS precise orbit and clock products from different analysis centers based on precise point positioning
Authors: Li Weiguo
Published: July 2021

Performance of 24h static Precise Point Positioning (PPP) solutions based on multi-GNSS precise satellite orbit and clock products from four analysis centers and seven various constellation combinations was studied to evaluate their quality and characteristics. Data from ten European and four Chinese GNSS stations and 152 days long period from year 2020 were processed. Obtained coordinates were firstly compared with those provided by IGS final weekly combined solution. In Europe, the best agreement with this reference product was reached by solutions including Galileo signals, namely by a combination of GPS+GLONASS+Galileo systems with a mean RMS of 11 mm. This situation was different in China where inclusion of Galileo always led to worse results and the best agreement was achieved by a combination of GPS+GLONASS systems. Although product provided by German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) could be selected as the best performing over Europe and product by Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE) over China, differences between individual precise products were mostly at a minimal level. Secondly, coordinates repeatability over the processed period was computed in order to assess the positioning stability. In this regard, the lowest values in both horizontal and vertical direction were reached by GPS+GLONASS solutions. From the perspective of precise products, the repeatability results were dependent on the selected constellation where mainly a specific behavior of product from Wuhan University (WUM) for Galileo system was observed.
Free-carrier generation dynamics induced by ultrashort intense terahertz pulses in silicon
Authors: Ovchinnikov A. V. , Chefonov O. V. , Agranat M. B. , Kudryavtsev A. V. , Mishina E. D. , Yurkevich A. A.
Published: July 2021

We report the results of experimental studies and numerical simulation of the dynamics of the electron-hole pairs formation in silicon under the action of a two-period terahertz pulse with a maximum electric field strength of up to 23 MV/cm. It is shown that an inhomogeneous distribution of the charge carrier concentration over the depth of the silicon sample is formed, which persists for several microseconds. This inhomogeneity is formed due to a sharp increase in the rate of filling the conduction band with free carriers in the subsurface input layer of the silicon wafer, which occurs at a field strength above 15 MV/cm.
State evolution formula and stability analysis of a paraxial optical system
Authors: Liu Wanguo , Hu Hai
Published: July 2021

By analyzing the phase vector evolution of a paraxial optical system (POS) with a variational background refractive index, we obtain a continuous dynamic equation, called state evolution formula (SEF), which simultaneously gives the phase vector transformation and ray trajectory inside and outside the optical elements. Compared with ray transfer matrix method, this phase-vector equation is universal in treating problems about propagation and stability of paraxial rays, since it extends the linear and discrete matrix equation to a differential equation. It takes a consistent form for both continuous and discontinuous cases without considering the special rays, even the input and output states present a nonlinear relation. Based on the SEF, we further propose a rigorous criterion about whether a continuous and non-periodic POS is stable. This formula provides a reference model for the theoretical analysis of ray dynamics in geometric and physical optical systems.
Optical Kerr effect field measurements and ad hoc engineering model comparisons
Authors: Stotts Larry B. , Oliver Antonio , DiComo Gregory , Helle Michael , Young Jeremy , Isaacs Joshua , Peñano Joseph R. , Tellez Jason A. , Schmidt Jason D. , Coffaro Joseph , Urick Vincent J.
Published: July 2021

Optical Kerr effects induced by the propagation of high peak-power laser beams through real atmospheres have been a topic of interest to the nonlinear optics community for several decades. This paper proposes a new analytical model for predicting the filamentation/light channel onset distance in real atmospheres based on modulation instability model considerations. The normalized intensity increases exponentially as the beam propagates through the medium. It is hypothesized that this growth can be modeled as a weighted ratio of the Gaussian beam diameter at range to the lateral coherence radius and can be used to set the power ratio for an absorbing, turbulent, nonlinear media to estimate the beam collapse distance. Comparison of onset distance predictions with those found from computer simulation and deduced from field experiments will be presented. In addition, this model will be used with an analytical approach to quantify the expected radius of light channels resulting from self-focusing both with and without the production of a plasma filament. Finally, this paper will describe a set of 1.5-micron, variable focal length USPL field experiments. Comparisons of theoretical radius calculations to measurements from field experiments will be presented.
Research on a 4×1 fiber signal combiner with high beam quality at a power level of 12kW
Authors: Min Fu , Zhixian Li , Zefeng Wang , Zilun Chen , Xiaojun Xu
Published: July 2021

At present, increasing the output power of a single fiber laser is a problem worthy of attention, and a fiber signal combiner which can carry high power and high beam quality is a solution to this problem. In this paper, a high beam quality 4×1 fiber signal combiner was developed. Firstly, the simulation model of a 4×1 fiber signal combiner was established, and the factors affecting the beam quality and the transmission efficiency of combiner were simulated. Secondly, based on corrosion technology, a high beam quality 4×1 fiber signal combiner with an output fiber of 50/400 µm (NA=0.12) was fabricated by using the taper-fused fiber bundles technology according to simulation results. Finally, four Yb-doped fiber lasers with a central wavelength of 1080 nm were used to test the output power and beam quality of combiner. The test result showed that the total output power of the signal combiner was 12.03 kW, the overall transmission efficiency was more than 96%, and the M2 factor was measured to be 4.03.
Single-frequency integrated laser on erbium-doped lithium niobate on insulator
Authors: Xiao Zeyu , Wu Kan , Cai Minglu , Li Tieying , Chen Jianping
Published: July 2021

The erbium-doped lithium niobate on insulator (Er:LNOI) platform has great promise in the application of telecommunication, microwave photonics, and quantum photonics, due to its excellent electro-optic, piezo-electric, nonlinear nature, as well as the gain characteristics in the telecommunication C-band. Here, we report a single-frequency Er:LNOI integrated laser based on a dual-cavity structure. Facilitated by the Vernier effect and gain competition, the single-frequency laser can operate stably at 1531 nm wavelength with a 1484 nm pump laser. The output laser has a power of 0.31 µW, a linewidth of 1.2 MHz, and a side mode suppression ratio of 31 dB. Our work allows the direct integration of this laser source with existing LNOI components and paves the way for a fully integrated LNOI system.
SNAP microwave optical filters
Authors: Sumetsky M.
Published: July 2021

If the originally flat bottom of a wide quantum well with multiple eigenstates is periodically modulated, its eigenvalues rearrange into denser groups separated by wider gaps. We show that this effect, if implemented in an elongated bottle microresonator [also called a surface nanoscale axial photonics (SNAP) microresonator] allows us to design microwave photonic tunable filters with an outstanding performance.
Phase change material enabled 2 × 2 silicon nonvolatile optical switch
Authors: Yang Xing , Nisar Muhammad Shemyal , Yuan Wei , Zheng Fengang , Lu Liangjun , Chen Jianping , Zhou Linjie
Published: July 2021

Recently, large-scale photonic integrated circuits have seen rapid development. Optical switches are the elementary units used to realize optical routers and processors. However, the high static power and large footprint of silicon electro-optic and thermo-optic switches are becoming an obstacle for further scaling and high-density integration. In this Letter, we demonstrate a

2

×

2

nonvolatile silicon Mach–Zehnder optical switch enabled by low-loss phase change material

S

b

2

S

3

. Changing the phase state of

S

b

2

S

3

can switch the optical transmission between the bar and cross paths. As no static power is required to maintain the phase state, it can find promising applications in optical switch matrices and reconfigurable optical circuits.
Hot-pressed Fe2+:ZnSe ceramics with powders fabricated via grinding chemical vapor deposition ZnSe polycrystalline
Authors: Luo Yongzhi , Yin Ming , Chen Lan , Yu Shengquan , Kang Bin
Published: July 2021

In this work, Fe2+:ZnSe powders were prepared by grinding a mixture consisting of high-purity ZnSe obtained via chemical vapor deposition and thermally diffused Fe2+:ZnSe. In this manner, it was possible to avoid the presence of harmful H2Se gases and achieve homogeneous distribution of Fe2+ ions in the synthesis of Fe2+:ZnSe powders. Fe2+:ZnSe transparent ceramics were fabricated by hot-pressing as-obtained powders. Phase structure and microstructural properties of the powders and ceramics were studied via X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. As-prepared Fe2+:ZnSe ceramics exhibited dense microstructure with relative density higher than 99%, but few residual micropores were found to be localized at grain boundaries. 1.0-mm-thick Fe2+:ZnSe ceramic sintered at 900 °C showed the best optical transmission, namely ∼63% at 5 µm and ∼69% at 14 µm. Additionally, hot-pressed Fe2+:ZnSe ceramics displayed an absorption peak at around 3 µm. These Fe2+:ZnSe ceramics are promising candidates as mid-infrared laser gain materials.
On the origin of photon mass, momentum, and energy in a dielectric medium [Invited]
Authors: Chichkov Nikolai B. , Chichkov Boris N.
Published: July 2021

The debate and controversy concerning the momentum of light in a dielectric medium (Abraham vs Minkowski) is well-known and still not fully resolved. In this paper, we investigate the origin of both momenta in the frame of special relativity by considering photons in media as relativistic quasiparticles. We demonstrate for the first time to the best of our knowledge that the Minkowski form of the photon mass, momentum, and energy follows directly from the relativistic energy conservation law. We introduce a new expression for the momentum of light in a dispersive medium, consistent with the experimentally observed propagation of photons at the group velocity. Finally, the effect of light-induced optical stretching is discussed, which can be used for experimental verification of the existing expressions for the photon momentum.
Spatio-temporal modeling of the crowding conditions and metabolic variability in microbial communities
Authors: Angeles-Martinez Liliana , Hatzimanikatis Vassily
Published: July 2021

The metabolic capabilities of the species and the local environment shape the microbial interactions in a community either through the exchange of metabolic products or the competition for the resources. Cells are often arranged in close proximity to each other, creating a crowded environment that unevenly reduce the diffusion of nutrients. Herein, we investigated how the crowding conditions and metabolic variability among cells shape the dynamics of microbial communities. For this, we developed CROMICS, a spatio-temporal framework that combines techniques such as individual-based modeling, scaled particle theory, and thermodynamic flux analysis to explicitly incorporate the cell metabolism and the impact of the presence of macromolecular components on the nutrients diffusion. This framework was used to study two archetypical microbial communities (i) Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica that cooperate with each other by exchanging metabolites, and (ii) two E. coli with different production level of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that compete for the same nutrients. In the mutualistic community, our results demonstrate that crowding enhanced the fitness of cooperative mutants by reducing the leakage of metabolites from the region where they are produced, avoiding the resource competition with non-cooperative cells. Moreover, we also show that E. coli EPS-secreting mutants won the competition against the non-secreting cells by creating less dense structures (i.e. increasing the spacing among the cells) that allow mutants to expand and reach regions closer to the nutrient supply point. A modest enhancement of the relative fitness of EPS-secreting cells over the non-secreting ones were found when the crowding effect was taken into account in the simulations. The emergence of cell-cell interactions and the intracellular conflicts arising from the trade-off between growth and the secretion of metabolites or EPS could provide a local competitive advantage to one species, either by supplying more cross-feeding metabolites or by creating a less dense neighborhood.
Powerful detection of polygenic selection and evidence of environmental adaptation in US beef cattle
Authors: Rowan Troy N. , Durbin Harly J. , Seabury Christopher M. , Schnabel Robert D. , Decker Jared E.
Published: July 2021

Selection on complex traits can rapidly drive evolution, especially in stressful environments. This polygenic selection does not leave intense sweep signatures on the genome, rather many loci experience small allele frequency shifts, resulting in large cumulative phenotypic changes. Directional selection and local adaptation are changing populations; but, identifying loci underlying polygenic or environmental selection has been difficult. We use genomic data on tens of thousands of cattle from three populations, distributed over time and landscapes, in linear mixed models with novel dependent variables to map signatures of selection on complex traits and local adaptation. We identify 207 genomic loci associated with an animal’s birth date, representing ongoing selection for monogenic and polygenic traits. Additionally, hundreds of additional loci are associated with continuous and discrete environments, providing evidence for historical local adaptation. These candidate loci highlight the nervous system’s possible role in local adaptation. While advanced technologies have increased the rate of directional selection in cattle, it has likely been at the expense of historically generated local adaptation, which is especially problematic in changing climates. When applied to large, diverse cattle datasets, these selection mapping methods provide an insight into how selection on complex traits continually shapes the genome. Further, understanding the genomic loci implicated in adaptation may help us breed more adapted and efficient cattle, and begin to understand the basis for mammalian adaptation, especially in changing climates. These selection mapping approaches help clarify selective forces and loci in evolutionary, model, and agricultural contexts.
Effects of diaphragmatic control on multiparametric analysis of the sniff nasal inspiratory pressure test and inspiratory muscle activity in healthy subjects
Authors: Benício Kadja , Resqueti Vanessa R. , Dias Fernando A. L. , Pennati Francesca , Aliverti Andrea , Medeiros da Fonseca Jéssica Danielle , Fregonezi Guilherme A. F.
Published: July 2021

Background

We investigated the influence of diaphragmatic activation control (diaphC) on the relaxation rate, contractile properties and electrical activity of the inspiratory muscles of healthy subjects. Assessments were performed non-invasively using the sniff inspiratory pressure test (SNIP) and surface electromyography, respectively.

Methods

Twenty-two subjects (10 men and 12 women) performed 10 sniff maneuvers in two different days: with and without diaphC instructions. For the SNIP test with diaphC, the subjects were instructed to perform intense activation of the diaphragm. The tests with the best SNIP values were used for analysis.

Results

The maneuver with diaphC when compared to the maneuver without diaphC exhibited significant lower values for: SNIP (p <0.01), maximum relaxation rate (MRR) (p <0.01), maximum rate of pressure development (MRPD) (p <0.01), contraction times (CT) (p = 0.02) and electrical activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) (p <0.01), scalene (SCL) (p = 0.01) and intercostal (CI) (p = 0.03) muscles. In addition, the decay constant (tau, τ) and relaxation time (½ RT) did not present any changes.

Conclusion

The diaphragmatic control performed during the SNIP test influences the inspiratory pressure and the contractile properties of inspiratory muscles. This occurs due to changes in the pattern of muscle recruitment, which change force velocity characteristics of the test. Thus, instruction on diaphC should be encouraged for better performance of the SNIP test and for evaluation targeting the diaphragm muscle activity.
Electronic patient-reported outcome measures using mobile health technology in rheumatology: A scoping review
Authors: Shelton Jaclyn , Casey Sierra , Puhl Nathan , Buckingham Jeanette , Yacyshyn Elaine
Published: July 2021

Objective

This scoping review aims to characterize the current literature on electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) in rheumatology and assess the feasibility and utility of ePROMs and mobile health technology in the management of rheumatic disease.

Introduction

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used in rheumatology as they are important markers of disease activity and overall function, encourage shared decision-making, and are associated with high rates of patient satisfaction. With the widespread use of mobile devices, there is increasing interest in the use of mobile health technology to collect electronic PROMs (ePROM).

Inclusion criteria

All primary studies that involve the collection of ePROMs using mobile devices by individuals with a rheumatic disease were included. Articles were excluded if ePROMs were measured during clinic appointments.

Methods

A scoping review was performed using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL with index terms and key words related to “patient-reported outcome measures”, “rheumatic diseases”, and “mobile health technology”.

Results

A total of 462 records were identified after duplicates were removed. Of the 70 studies selected for review, 43% were conference proceedings and 57% were journal articles, with the majority published in 2016 or later. Inflammatory arthritis was the most common rheumatic disease studied. Generic ePROMs were used over three times more often than disease-specific ePROMs. A total of 39 (56%) studies directly evaluated the feasibility of ePROMs in clinical practice, 19 (27%) were clinical trials that used ePROMs as study endpoints, 9 (13%) were focus groups or surveys on smartphone application development, and 3 (4%) did not fit into one defined category.

Conclusion

The use of ePROMs in rheumatology is a growing area of research and shows significant utility in clinical practice, particularly in inflammatory arthritis. Further research is needed to better characterize the feasibility of ePROMs in rheumatology and their impact on patient outcomes.
Hypertension among people living with HIV/AIDS in Cameroon: A cross-sectional analysis from Central Africa International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS
Authors: Dzudie Anastase , Hoover Donald , Kim Hae-Young , Ajeh Rogers , Adedimeji Adebola , Shi Qiuhu , Pefura Yone Walter , Nsame Nforniwe Denis , Thompson Njie Kinge , Pascal Kengne Andre , Ebasone Peter Vanes , Barche Blaise , Bissek Anne Cecile Zoung-Kany , Nash Denis , Yotebieng Marcel , Anastos Kathryn
Published: July 2021

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) success has led people to live longer with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) and thus be exposed to increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Hypertension (HTN), the biggest contributor to CVD burden, is a growing concern among PLWH. The current report describes the prevalence and predictors of HTN among PLWH in care in Cameroon.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included all PLWH aged 20 years and above who received care between 2016 and 2019 at one of the three Central Africa International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (CA-IeDEA) sites in Cameroon (Bamenda, Limbe, and Yaoundé). HTN was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mm Hg or self-reported use of antihypertensive medication. Logistic regressions models examined the relationship between HTN and clinical characteristics, and HIV-related factors.

Results

Among 9,839 eligible PLWH, 66.2% were women and 25.0% had prevalent HTN [age-standardized prevalence 23.9% (95% CI: 22.2–25.6)], among whom 28 (1.1%) were on BP lowering treatment, and 6 of those (21.4%) were at target BP levels. Median age (47.4 vs. 40.5 years), self-reported duration of HIV infection (5.1 vs 2.8 years years), duration of ART exposure (4.7 vs 2.3 years), and CD4 count (408 vs 359 cell/mm3) were higher in hypertensives than non-hypertensives (all p<0.001). Age and body mass index (BMI) were independently associated with higher prevalent HTN risk. PLWH starting ART had a 30% lower risk of prevalent HTN, but this advantage disappeared after a cumulative 2-year exposure to ART. There was no significant association between other HIV predictive characteristics and HTN.

Conclusion

About a quarter of these Cameroonian PLWH had HTN, driven among others by age and adiposity. Appropriate integration of HIV and NCDs services is needed to improve early detection, treatment and control of common comorbid NCD risk factors like hypertension and safeguard cardiovascular health in PLWH.
Pain modulation by your partner: An experimental investigation from a social-affective perspective
Authors: Hillmer Katrin , Kappesser Judith , Hermann Christiane
Published: July 2021

Background

Social context such as the relationship between a person experiencing pain and a caregiver has been shown to affect the experience of pain, yet, results are not consistent. Possibly, differential effects of interpersonal relationships are modulated by affective states expressed by social partners. Viewing partner pictures in experimental designs is not only associated with lowered perceived pain intensity, but also affects neural responses. However, the role of affective modulation is not clear. The present study aimed to systematically examine the pain modulating effects of stimuli varying in affect and social content including personal relevance using subjective report and psychophysiological measures of facial and autonomic activity.

Methods

Twenty-nine women underwent a tonic heat pain paradigm with simultaneous picture viewing to investigate the influence of their partners’ faces with a neutral facial expression compared to strangers’ happy, angry and neutral facial expressions on pain intensity and accompanying psychophysiological parameters (facial activity: corrugator muscle activity, autonomic activity: skin conductance level, heart rate). In addition to perceived partner support and relationship characteristics, the contribution of the affective value (valence, arousal) of the partner faces to the observed pain modulation was examined.

Results

Partner and happy faces reduced self-reported pain intensity and corrugator activity, the latter being lowest when viewing partner faces as compared to all other picture categories. As corrugator activity is indexing stimulus unpleasantness and a core feature of the facial pain expression, this physiological pattern matches well with the subjective ratings. Neutral objects, neutral and angry faces had no effect on pain self-report, although angry faces were rated as highly negative. Partner faces also led to increased skin conductance, being an index of motivational activation, and heart rate deceleration, possibly reflecting increased sensory intake. Partner-related pain modulation was primarily related to perceived arousal of the partner’s picture, i.e., the intensity of the activation of approach motivation, and pain-related catastrophizing.

Discussion

Our results are partially consistent with emotional pain control models, especially regarding the modulatory influence of valence. Within the context of socially adaptive behavior, they particularly underline the social signal value of emotion and attachment figures. Clinically, our results imply that just looking at pictures of one’s partner when undergoing acute painful procedures can have a robust hypoalgesic effect.
Developing a core outcome set for periodontal trials
Authors: Lamont Thomas J. , Clarkson Jan E. , Ricketts David N. J. , Heasman Peter A. , Ramsay Craig R. , Gillies Katie
Published: July 2021

Background

There is no agreement which outcomes should be measured when investigating interventions for periodontal diseases. It is difficult to compare or combine studies with different outcomes; resulting in research wastage and uncertainty for patients and healthcare professionals.

Objective

Develop a core outcome set (COS) relevant to key stakeholders for use in effectiveness trials investigating prevention and management of periodontal diseases.

Methods

Mixed method study involving literature review; online Delphi Study; and face-to-face consensus meeting.

Participants

Key stakeholders: patients, dentists, hygienist/therapists, periodontists, researchers.

Results

The literature review identified 37 unique outcomes. Delphi round 1: 20 patients and 51 dental professional and researchers prioritised 25 and suggested an additional 11 outcomes. Delphi round 2: from the resulting 36 outcomes, 13 patients and 39 dental professionals and researchers prioritised 22 outcomes. A face-to-face consensus meeting was hosted in Dundee, Scotland by an independent chair. Eight patients and six dental professional and researchers participated. The final COS contains: Probing depths, Quality of life, Quantified levels of gingivitis, Quantified levels of plaque, Tooth loss.

Conclusions

Implementation of this COS will ensure the results of future effectiveness trials for periodontal diseases are more relevant to patients and dental professionals, reducing research wastage. This could reduce uncertainty for patients and dental professionals by ensuring the evidence used to inform their choices is meaningful to them. It could also strengthen the quality and certainty of the evidence about the relative effectiveness of interventions.

Registration

COMET Database: http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/265?result=true
High regional variation in prostate surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia in Switzerland
Authors: Wertli Maria M. , Zumbrunn Brigitta , Weber Pascal , Haynes Alan G. , Panczak Radoslaw , Chiolero Arnaud , Rodondi Nicolas , Aujesky Drahomir
Published: July 2021

Background

Among various treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), surgical therapy is the most invasive. As Switzerland has the highest transurethral prostatectomy rate among OECD countries, we assessed the regional variation in prostate surgery for BPH and explored potential determinants of variation.

Methods

We conducted a population-based analysis using discharge data for men aged ≥40 years with transurethral or simple prostatectomy from all Swiss hospitals during 2013–2018. After excluding patients with genitourinary/prostate cancer, we derived hospital service areas (HSAs) by analyzing patient flows. We calculated age-standardized mean procedure rates and variation indices (extremal quotient [EQ] and systematic component of variation [SCV]). We estimated the reduction in variance across HSAs of prostatectomy rates in multilevel regression models, with incremental adjustment for age, regional cultural and socioeconomic factors, disease burden, density of urologists, and the time since urologists’ graduation.

Results

Overall, 44,253 prostatectomies (42,710 transurethral and 1543 simple) from 44 HSAs were analyzed. The mean age-standardized prostate surgery rate was 314 (range 166–500) per 100,000 men aged ≥40 years per year. The EQ was 3.01 and the SCV 5.53, indicating a high regional variation. In multivariate models, men aged 75–79 years had an 11.6-fold higher prostatectomy rate than those aged 50–54 years. French/Italian language areas had a 21% lower rate than Swiss German speaking areas. Socioeconomic factors, disease burden, and density of urologist/time since graduation were not associated with prostatectomy rates. After full adjustment, 80% of the variance in prostate surgery across HSAs remained unexplained.

Conclusion

We found a remarkably high regional variation in prostate surgery rates for BPH within Switzerland.
A mathematical investigation into the uptake kinetics of nanoparticles in vitro
Authors: West Hannah , Roberts Fiona , Sweeney Paul , Walker-Samuel Simon , Leedale Joseph , Colley Helen , Murdoch Craig , Shipley Rebecca J. , Webb Steven
Published: July 2021

Nanoparticles have the potential to increase the efficacy of anticancer drugs whilst reducing off-target side effects. However, there remain uncertainties regarding the cellular uptake kinetics of nanoparticles which could have implications for nanoparticle design and delivery. Polymersomes are nanoparticle candidates for cancer therapy which encapsulate chemotherapy drugs. Here we develop a mathematical model to simulate the uptake of polymersomes via endocytosis, a process by which polymersomes bind to the cell surface before becoming internalised by the cell where they then break down, releasing their contents which could include chemotherapy drugs. We focus on two in vitro configurations relevant to the testing and development of cancer therapies: a well-mixed culture model and a tumour spheroid setup. Our mathematical model of the well-mixed culture model comprises a set of coupled ordinary differential equations for the unbound and bound polymersomes and associated binding dynamics. Using a singular perturbation analysis we identify an optimal number of ligands on the polymersome surface which maximises internalised polymersomes and thus intracellular chemotherapy drug concentration. In our mathematical model of the spheroid, a multiphase system of partial differential equations is developed to describe the spatial and temporal distribution of bound and unbound polymersomes via advection and diffusion, alongside oxygen, tumour growth, cell proliferation and viability. Consistent with experimental observations, the model predicts the evolution of oxygen gradients leading to a necrotic core. We investigate the impact of two different internalisation functions on spheroid growth, a constant and a bond dependent function. It was found that the constant function yields faster uptake and therefore chemotherapy delivery. We also show how various parameters, such as spheroid permeability, lead to travelling wave or steady-state solutions.