bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 pandemic preparedness simulation tool: CovidSIM
Authors: Schneider Kristan A. , Ngwa Gideon A. , Schwehm Markus , Eichner Linda , Eichner Martin
Published: November 2020

Background

Efficient control and management in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic needs to carefully balance economical and realizable interventions. Simulation models can play a cardinal role in forecasting possible scenarios to sustain decision support.

Methods

We present a sophisticated extension of a classical SEIR model. The simulation tool CovidSIM Version 1.0 is an openly accessible web interface to interactively conduct simulations of this model. The simulation tool is used to assess the effects of various interventions, assuming parameters that reflect the situation in Austria as an example.

Results

Strict contact reduction including isolation of infected persons in quarantine wards and at home can substantially delay the peak of the epidemic. Home isolation of infected individuals effectively reduces the height of the peak. Contact reduction by social distancing, e.g., by curfews, sanitary behavior, etc. are also effective in delaying the epidemic peak.

Conclusions

Contact-reducing mechanisms are efficient to delay the peak of the epidemic. They might also be effective in decreasing the peak number of infections depending on seasonal fluctuations in the transmissibility of the disease.
Objective understanding of the Nutri-score front-of-pack label by European consumers and its effect on food choices: an online experimental study
Authors: Egnell Manon , Talati Zenobia , Galan Pilar , Andreeva Valentina A. , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Gombaud Marion , Dréano-Trécant Louise , Hercberg Serge , Pettigrew Simone , Julia Chantal
Published: November 2020

Background

The effectiveness of Front-of-Pack nutrition Labels (FoPLs) may be influenced by national context. In light of the ongoing efforts to harmonize FoPLs across Europe, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of five FoPLs (Health Star Rating system, Multiple Traffic Lights, Nutri-Score, Reference Intakes, Warning symbols) on consumer understanding and food choice in 12 European countries.

Methods

In 2018–2019, for three food categories, approximately 1000 participants per country were asked to select which food they would prefer to purchase between three products with distinct nutritional quality profiles, and then to rank the products by nutritional quality. Participants (N = 12,391 in total) completed these tasks first with no FoPL and then, after randomization to one of the five FoPLs, with a FoPL on the food packages. Associations between FoPLs and change in (i) nutritional quality of food choices and (ii) ability to correctly rank the products by nutritional quality were assessed with logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics of participants, conducted overall and by country.

Findings

Compared with the Reference Intakes, the Nutri-Score (OR = 3.23[2.75–3.81]; p < 0.0001), followed by the Multiple Traffic Lights (OR = 1.68[1.42–1.98]; p < 0.0001), was the most effective FoPL in helping consumers identify the foods’ nutritional quality, overall and in each of the 12 countries. Differences between FoPLs regarding food choice modifications were smaller, but the effect of the Nutri-Score seemed slightly higher in eliciting healthier food choices overall compared with the Reference Intakes, followed by the Warning symbols, the Multiple Traffic Lights and the Health Star Rating system.

Interpretation

In the context of FoPL harmonization in Europe, these findings from an online experiment provide insights into the Nutri-Score’s effectiveness on European consumers.
The reciprocal effects of physical activity and happiness in adolescents
Authors: van Woudenberg Thabo J. , Bevelander Kirsten E. , Burk William J. , Buijzen Moniek
Published: November 2020

Background

Positive associations exist between physical activity and happiness in adolescents. However, previous studies have mostly used self-reported measures and cross-sectional designs. There is a need for more insight into the directionality and duration of this association. The current study was the first to investigate whether an increase in physical activity leads to happiness and whether adolescents become more physically active when they are happier. These two effects were studied between (on a day-to-day basis) and within days (on an hour-to-hour basis).

Methods

The study used data from theMyMovezproject in which 1484 adolescents between the ages of 8 and 17 years wore an accelerometer on their wrist and answered experience sampling questions on happiness at random moments during the day for several weeks in 2016–2018.

Results

The preregistered analyses demonstrated an association between physical activity and happiness. More specifically, the number of steps per day predicted the experienced happiness on that day. In addition, a short-term reciprocal effect of physical activity and happiness was observed. Happiness was predicted by the number of steps accumulated in the previous hour and it also predicted the number of steps accumulated in the subsequent hour. However, convincing evidence was found that these effects did not occur in the long-term between days. The number of steps on the previous day did not predict happiness, nor did happiness predict the number of steps of the subsequent day.

Conclusions

This study confirms an association between physical activity and happiness in adolescents and shows that in the short-term, physical activity promotes happiness and vice versa. Therefore, we conclude that physical activity is not only important for the physical health of youth, but also plays an important role in their mental well-being. In addition, this knowledge can be used to further understand the importance of physical activity in adolescents’ health and help in promoting a healthy lifestyle among youth.

Trial registration

The data used are stored at the Data Archiving and Networked Services (10.17026/dans-zz9-gn44). Hypotheses, study design, sample, data collection procedure, measured variables, and plan of analysis were preregistered on the Open Science Framework (OSF,https://osf.io/5yk7r/).
Correction to: Retrospective analysis of fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in the interdisciplinary management of primary optic nerve sheath meningiomas
Authors: Eckert Franziska , Clasen Kerstin , Kelbsch Carina , Tonagel Felix , Bender Benjamin , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Zips Daniel , Thorwarth Daniela , Frey Bettina , Becker Gerd , Wilhelm Helmut , Paulsen Frank
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Pin vs plate fixation for metacarpal fractures: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Xiangting , Zhang Hongwei , Wu Jingying , Wang Shiwei , Miao Lin
Published: November 2020

Background

The differences in the clinical and functional outcomes of closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation and open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) using plate and screws have been systematically synthesized by one meta-analysis. With newer studies being published, an effort to update the earlier meta-analysis is necessary.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were done systematically through PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Google scholar databases. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, prospective comparative non-randomized studies, and even studies reporting findings from retrospective chart review were eligible to be included. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 13.0. GRADE assessment was done to assess the quality of pooled evidence.

Results

A total of 9 studies were included. The pooled estimates did not suggest any significant differences in the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score [WMD − 0.77; 95% CI, − 3.55, 2.00; I2 = 75.5%], range of movement (ROM) of the metacarpophalangeal joint (o) [WMD 4.44; 95% CI, − 4.19, 13.07; I2 = 86.0%], and grip strength [WMD − 4.63; 95% CI, − 14.52, 5.26; I2 = 86.9%] among the two intervention modalities. No difference was seen in the risk of complications between the two interventions (RR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.57, 1.53; I2 = 31.2%). For all the outcomes, the quality of pooled evidence was judged as low to very low.

Conclusion

No significant long-term differences were noted in the functional outcomes suggesting that both these techniques are comparable. The choice of modality should be made based on the skills and preference of the surgeon and availability of resources.
The effect of distal radius fractures involving the distal radioulnar articular joint on forearm rotation
Authors: Kong Lingde , Fu Meng , Lu Jian , Zhou Yanqing , Zhang Zuzhuo , Zhang Bing
Published: November 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to predict the function of the forearm rotation on the basis of the articular surface of the sigmoid notch from three-dimensional reconstruction images.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent volar plate fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs) in our institution between January 2017 and July 2019. The 3D image of the sigmoid notch on the fractured distal radius was reconstructed and looked up from the ulnar view to determine the existence of gaps or steps. Patients with or without gaps/steps on the sigmoid notch were included in the case group or control group, respectively. The patients’ basic data and postoperative data were collected and compared.

Results

A total of 81 patients were included. There were 33 patients in the case group, and 48 patients in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline. The total range of motion (ROM) of rotation in the case group and control group was 130.3 ± 6.2° and 145.3 ± 6.7°, respectively (P < 0.001). The percentage of rotation ROM of contralateral limb in the case group and control group was 72.3 ± 3.1% and 80.7 ± 3.6%, respectively (P < 0.001). VAS during forearm rotation was 2.1 ± 0.7 in the case group, which is significantly higher than that in the control group (1.5 ± 0.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study proposed a new method to assess the articular surface of the sigmoid notch which is based on 3D reconstruction images. With the assistance of this method, we found that gaps or steps on the sigmoid notch not only limit forearm pronation rotation and supination rotation, but also cause apparent wrist pain during forearm rotation movement and poor wrist ability.
The effect of age when group housed and other management factors on playing and non-nutritive sucking behaviour in dairy calves: a cross sectional observational study
Authors: Reipurth Masja , Klausen Stephanie Kruuse , Denwood Matthew , Forkman Björn , Houe Hans
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate if calves’ play behaviour and non-nutritive sucking behaviour, as indirect measures of welfare status, are associated with the age of the calf when group housed, age when observed, age difference within the group, pen size, milk feeding system, current or previous sicknesses, access to dry teat, indoor/outdoor rearing, sex, organic/conventional farm, group size and regrouping events. An observational study was conducted on 176 Danish dairy calves in the age range of 1–12 weeks, on both conventional (n = 17) and organic (n = 5) farms. All calves had been group housed before 8 weeks of age and had spent various periods of time with the dam and/or individually housed before being group housed. Behaviour was recorded continuously by filming each individual calf over a period of 30 min.

Results

The calf’s age when group housed for the first time was not found to be significantly associated with duration of either play behaviour (P = 0.55) or non-nutritive sucking behaviour (P = 0.44). It was found that calves had significantly reduced odds of playing for longer than the mean play duration (5.5 s) for each day of their lives (OR = 0.97, P = 0.003). Also, they had reduced odds of performing non-nutritive sucking behaviour for longer than the mean non-nutritive sucking duration (145.5 s) when milk was allocated by drinker buckets fitted with a teat compared to by bowl or trough (OR = 0.06, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

No significant associations were found between calves’ age when group housed for the first time and play and non-nutritive sucking behaviour. It was found that calves’ play behaviour decreased with increasing age, and that non-nutritive sucking behaviour decreased when milk was allocated with a teat compared to no teat.
Therapeutic targeting of FLT3 and associated drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Gebru Melat T. , Wang Hong-Gang
Published: November 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease caused by several gene mutations and cytogenetic abnormalities affecting differentiation and proliferation of myeloid lineage cells. FLT3 is a receptor tyrosine kinase commonly overexpressed or mutated, and its mutations are associated with poor prognosis in AML. Although aggressive chemotherapy often followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplant is the current standard of care, the recent approval of FLT3-targeted drugs is revolutionizing AML treatment that had remained unchanged since the 1970s. However, despite the dramatic clinical response to targeted agents, such as FLT3 inhibitors, remission is almost invariably short-lived and ensued by relapse and drug resistance. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand the molecular mechanisms driving drug resistance in order to prevent relapse. In this review, we discuss FLT3 as a target and highlight current understanding of FLT3 inhibitor resistance.
Enhancing the antibacterial activities of sow milk via site-specific knock-in of a lactoferrin gene in pigs using CRISPR/Cas9 technology
Authors: Han Xiaosong , Gao Yang , Li Guanglei , Xiong Youcai , Zhao Changzhi , Ruan Jinxue , Ma Yunlong , Li Xinyun , Li Changchun , Zhao Shuhong , Xie Shengsong
Published: November 2020

Colostrum quality is a vital factor in mortality and growth performance for piglets. Lactoferrin is an immuno-active milk protein that contributes to the formation of a protective layer above intestinal mucosa, possesses the antibacterial and antiviral activities that are favorable for piglet development. However, there is a notable reduction in lactoferrin in sow milk during lactation after the first few days, which causes many piglets to fail to ingest enough colostrum thereby leading to an increase in piglet mortality. In this study, we successfully constructed genome-edited Large-White pigs with marker-free site-specific knock-in of lactoferrin gene in the 3′-end of Casein alpha-s1 via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated homologous recombination. Thus, the lactoferrin protein can be expressed in the mammary gland in the control of Casein alpha-s1 promoter. As expected, the lactoferrin protein in genetically modified pigs sustained high expression in both colostrum and milk when compared with wild-type pigs. Moreover, the bacterial plate assay indicated that the milk from genetically modified pigs showed bacteriostatic effects when compared with control pigs. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the milk from genetically modified pigs had antibacterial activity which may reduce the costs of veterinary drug and improve the surviving rate of piglets, which is promising for pig breeding.
Increasing incidence of anaphylaxis in Hong Kong from 2009 to 2019—discrepancies of anaphylaxis care between adult and paediatric patients
Authors: Li Philip Hei , Leung Agnes S. Y. , Li Rebecca M. Y. , Leung Ting-fan , Lau Chak-sing , Wong Gary W. K.
Published: November 2020

Background

Anaphylaxis has been increasing in developed countries but there is very little published data on the burden of anaphylaxis and the pattern of adrenaline autoinjector (AAI) prescription from Asia. We aim to determine the incidence rates of anaphylaxis and prescription rates of AAI over the past decade in Hong Kong.

Methods

Using a centralized electronic database of Hong Kong’s sole public-funded healthcare provider, we obtained and analysed all patients between 2009 and 2019 with physician-reported diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Incidence rates were calculated using population statistics as the denominator. Patients’ prescriptions on discharge were collected to determine the AAI prescription rates.

Results

The overall 10-year estimated incidence rate of anaphylaxis was 3.57 per 100,000 person-years. An increasing trend over time across both paediatric and adult populations from 2009 to 2014 was found, which remained stable until 2019. This was more marked among the paediatric population (paediatric vs adult incidence rate ratio in 2019: 3.51 [95% CI 1.12–2.66] vs 1.82 [95% CI 1.05–1.60]). There was an overall increasing rate of AAI prescription for patients admitted for anaphylaxis, but the overall AAI prescription rate was less than 15% and was significantly less likely to be prescribed for the adult compared to paediatric patients (36.5% vs. 89.4%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

An increasing trend of anaphylaxis incidence rates over the past decade is evident in Asian populations, with a discrepantly low rate of AAI prescription, particularly in the adult patients.
Creating and curating a community of practice: introducing the evidence synthesis Hackathon and a special series in evidence synthesis technology
Authors: Haddaway Neal R. , Westgate Martin J.
Published: November 2020

Evidence synthesis is a vital part of evidence-informed decision-making, but high growth in the volume of research evidence over recent decades has made efficient evidence synthesis increasingly challenging. As the appreciation and need for timely and rigorous evidence synthesis continue to grow, so too will the need for tools and frameworks to conduct reviews of expanding evidence bases in an efficient and time-sensitive manner. Efforts to future-proof evidence synthesis through the development of new evidence synthesis technology (ESTech) have so far been isolated across interested individuals or groups, with no concerted effort to collaborate or build communities of practice in technology production. We established the evidence synthesis Hackathon to stimulate collaboration and the production of Free and Open Source Software and frameworks to support evidence synthesis. Here, we introduce a special series of papers on ESTech, and invite the readers of environmental evidence to submit manuscripts introducing and validating novel tools and frameworks. We hope this collection will help to consolidate ESTech development efforts and we encourage readers to join the ESTech revolution. In order to future-proof evidence synthesis against the evidence avalanche, we must support community enthusiasm for ESTech, reduce redundancy in tool design, collaborate and share capacity in tool production, and reduce inequalities in software accessibility.
Characterization of TMAO productivity from carnitine challenge facilitates personalized nutrition and microbiome signatures discovery
Authors: Wu Wei-Kai , Panyod Suraphan , Liu Po-Yu , Chen Chieh-Chang , Kao Hsien-Li , Chuang Hsiao-Li , Chen Ying-Hsien , Zou Hsin-Bai , Kuo Han-Chun , Kuo Ching-Hua , Liao Ben-Yang , Chiu Tina H. T. , Chung Ching-Hu , Lin Angela Yu-Chen , Lee Yi-Chia , Tang Sen-Lin , Wang Jin-Town , Wu Yu-Wei , Hsu Cheng-Chih , Sheen Lee-Yan , Orekhov Alexander N. , Wu Ming-Shiang
Published: November 2020

The capability of gut microbiota in degrading foods and drugs administered orally can result in diversified efficacies and toxicity interpersonally and cause significant impact on human health. Production of atherogenic trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) from carnitine is a gut microbiota-directed pathway and varies widely among individuals. Here, we demonstrated a personalized TMAO formation and carnitine bioavailability from carnitine supplements by differentiating individual TMAO productivities with a recently developed oral carnitine challenge test (OCCT). By exploring gut microbiome in subjects characterized by TMAO producer phenotypes, we identified 39 operational taxonomy units that were highly correlated to TMAO productivity, including Emergencia timonensis, which has been recently discovered to convert γ-butyrobetaine to TMA in vitro. A microbiome-based random forest classifier was therefore constructed to predict the TMAO producer phenotype (AUROC = 0.81) which was then validated with an external cohort (AUROC = 0.80). A novel bacterium called Ihubacter massiliensis was also discovered to be a key microbe for TMA/TMAO production by using an OCCT-based humanized gnotobiotic mice model. Simply combining the presence of E. timonensis and I. massiliensis could account for 43% of high TMAO producers with 97% specificity. Collectively, this human gut microbiota phenotype-directed approach offers potential for developing precision medicine and provides insights into translational research.
From control to elimination: a spatial-temporal analysis of malaria along the China-Myanmar border
Authors: Huang Fang , Zhang Li , Xue Jing-Bo , Zhou Hong-Ning , Thi Aung , Zhang Jun , Zhou Shui-Sen , Xia Zhi-Gui , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: November 2020

Background

Malaria cases have declined significantly along the China-Myanmar border in the past 10 years and this region is going through a process from control to elimination. The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiology of malaria along the border, will identify challenges in the progress from control to elimination.

Methods

National reported malaria cases from China and Myanmar, along with the data of 18 Chinese border counties and 23 townships in Myanmar were obtained from a web-based diseases information reporting system in China and the national malaria control program of Myanmar, respectively. Epidemiological data was analyzed, including the number of reported cases, annual parasite index and proportion of vivax infection. Spatial mapping of the annual parasite index (API) at county or township level in 2014 and 2018 was performed by ArcGIS. The relationship of malaria endemicity on both sides of the border was evaluated by regression analysis.

Results

The number of reported malaria cases and API declined in the border counties or townships. In 2014, 392 malaria cases were reported from 18 Chinese border counties, including 8.4% indigenous cases and 91.6% imported cases, while the highest API (0.11) was occurred in Yingjiang County. There have been no indigenous cases reported since 2017, but 164 imported cases were reported in 2018 and 97.6% were imported from Myanmar. The average API in 2014 in 23 Myanmar townships was significantly greater than that of 18 Chinese counties (P < 0.01). However, the API decreased significantly in Myanmar side from 2014 to 2018 (P < 0.01). The number of townships with an API between 0 and 1 increased to 15 in 2018, compared to only five in 2014, while still four townships had API > 10. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species along the border. The number of reported malaria cases and the proportion of vivax infection in the 18 Chinese counties were strongly correlated with those of the 23 Myanmar townships (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Malaria elimination is approaching along the China-Myanmar border. However, in order to achieve the malaria elimination in this region and prevent the re-establishment of malaria in China after elimination, continued political, financial and scientific commitment is required.
Is bullying in adolescence associated with the development of depressive symptoms in adulthood?: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Winding Trine Nøhr , Skouenborg Lisbeth Astrid , Mortensen Vibeke Lie , Andersen Johan Hviid
Published: November 2020

Background

Being bullied in adolescence is linked to mental health problems like anxiety, depressive- and somatic symptoms and can have negative consequences on both an individual and a societal level. However, evidence regarding the long-term mental health consequences of bullying in adolescence is limited. The aim of this study was to examine whether being bullied at age 15 or 18 was associated with experiencing depressive symptoms at age 28, and to examine whether being bullied at both ages 15 and 18 increased the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms at age 28.

Methods

A prospective cohort study, which applied data from the West Jutland Cohort Study, was conducted. Bullying and depressive symptoms were measured on the basis of self-reported data from surveys in 2004, 2007 and 2017. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. A total of 1790 participants were included in the study, and analyzed by multiple logistic regressions.

Results

The results showed associations between being bullied at age 15 or 18 and the reporting of depressive symptoms at age 28 when adjusted for potential confounders. An exposure–response relationship was seen in those who were bullied at both ages 15 and 18. This group had the highest risk of developing depressive symptoms at age 28.

Conclusions

Being bullied in adolescence was associated with developing depressive symptoms in adulthood and there was an exposure–response relationship between being bullied over time and the later reporting of depressive symptoms. The results highlight the need to provide more detailed information to schools and local communities about the negative consequences of bullying. Such increased awareness may help reduce the risk of young people developing depressive symptoms later in life.
Expanding capacity in mental health research in intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hassiotis Angela , Langdon Peter , Courtenay Ken , Hall Ian , Lloyd-Evans Bryn , Romeo Renee , Kouroupa Athanasia , Crossey Vicky , Taggart Laurence
Published: November 2020

Although the research base on mental health in intellectual disabilities is advancing, there are long-standing barriers that hinder successful completion of funded studies. A variety of stakeholders hold the key to mitigating the challenges and arriving at sustainable solutions that involve researchers, experts by experience, clinicians and many others in the research pathway. Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic can also contribute to improvements in the conduct of research in the medium to long term. People with an intellectual disability and mental health conditions deserve high standards of evidence-based care.
“lighght” and “covfefe”
Authors: Rippeon Andrew
Published: November 2020

This article brings together print-material histories (from typesetting and typewriting to Twitter) to consider such seemingly disparate textual practices as concrete poetry, Twitter bots, Insta-poetry, and political tweets. With initial attention to Donald Trump’s infamous “covfefe” tweet and Aram Saroyan’s equally notorious “lighght,” this article explores the inscriptive and interpretive contexts and the social and political consequences of these texts. Exploring the poetics of political tweets and the politics of concrete poetry, the article establishes a framework that is neither purely literary nor purely political in nature but, rather, explores and examines inscription and media themselves. Turning in its final moments to contemporary Insta-poetry, the article ultimately considers the subjectivities and socialities enabled by print materiality, from typewritten text to digital social media.
Drivers of plasticity in freeze tolerance in the intertidal mussel, Mytilus trossulus
Authors: Kennedy Jessica R. , Harley Christopher D. G. , Marshall Katie E.
Published: November 2020

Freezing is an extreme stress to living cells, and so freeze tolerant animals often accumulate protective molecules (termed cryoprotectants) to prevent the cellular damage caused by freezing. The bay mussel, Mytilus trossulus, is an ecologically important intertidal invertebrate that can survive freezing. While much is known about the biochemical correlates of freeze tolerance in insects and vertebrates, the cryoprotectants that are used by intertidal invertebrates are not well characterized. Previous work has proposed two possible groups of low-molecular weight cryoprotectants in intertidal invertebrates: osmolytes and anaerobic byproducts. In our study, we examined which group of candidate cryoprotectants correlate with plasticity in freeze tolerance in mussels using 1H NMR metabolomics. We found that M. trossulus freeze tolerance varies on a seasonal basis, along an intertidal shore level gradient, and with changing salinity. Acclimation to increased salinity (30 ppt compared to 15 ppt) increased freeze tolerance, and mussels were significantly more freeze tolerant during the winter. Mussel freeze tolerance also increased with increasing shore level. There was limited evidence that anaerobic byproduct accumulation was associated with increased freeze tolerance. However, osmolyte accumulation was correlated with increased freeze tolerance after high salinity acclimation and in the winter. The concentration of most low-molecular weight metabolites did not vary with shore level, indicating that another mechanism is likely responsible for this pattern of variation in freeze tolerance. By identifying osmolytes as a group of molecules that assist in freezing tolerance, we have expanded the known biochemical repertoire of the mechanisms of freeze tolerance.
Inventories Audit: Preparation for Planning and Conducting
Authors: Zolotareva G. , Fedorenko Ilya , Denisenko Galina
Published: November 2020

Inventories are a common type of assets in many enterprises. Th e current methodological recommendations for the inventories audit do not disclose the actions of the auditor in preparation for the audit. Th e article provides recommendations on the auditor’s actions at the stage of preparation for planning and conducting for inventories audit.
Modernization of the State Internal Financial Audit System of the Russian Federation
Authors: Pavlova Larisa
Published: November 2020

Th e article examines the ongoing changes in the fi eld of internal fi nancial audit in Russia, carried out in four

vectors: regulatory; personnel; empowering the internal auditor with de facto independence and improving automated

systems. Th e assessment of the quality of the internal fi nancial audit system in the Russian Federation was carried out

according to the data of regulatory authorities and from the point of view of the heads of fi nancial services of budgetary

institutions. Measures are proposed to improve the state internal fi nancial audit.
EquineReview
Authors: Parker Russell
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Facial nerve paralysis, synovitis following blackthorn injury and sepsis of the calcaneal bursae are discussed in this month's selection of three recent papers for equine practitioners.
Jointly recognizing OAM mode and compensating wavefront distortion using one convolutional neural network
Authors: Lu Chenda , Tian Qinghua , Xin Xiangjun , Liu Bo , Zhang Qi , Wang Yongjun , Tian Feng , Yang Leijing , Gao Ran
Published: November 2020

In this work, a new recognition method of orbital angular momentum (OAM) is proposed. The method combines mode recognition and the wavefront sensor-less (WFS-less) adaptive optics (AO) by utilizing a jointly trained convolutional neural network (CNN) with the shared model backbone. The CNN-based AO method is implicitly applied in the system by providing additional mode information in the offline training process and accordingly the system structure is rather concise with no extra AO components needed. The numerical simulation result shows that the proposed method can improve the recognition accuracy significantly in different conditions of turbulence and can achieve similar performance compared with AO-combined methods.
Thickness-dependent optical properties of yttrium fluoride ultrathin films in the visible band
Authors: Shan Yao , Liu Pian , Chen Yao , Tu Huatian , Zhang Haotian , Zheng Yuxiang , Zhang Rongjun , Wang Songyou , Chen Liangyao
Published: November 2020

Yttrium fluoride (YF3) thin films with a thickness range of 10.8−1079.0 nm were prepared by electron beam evaporation. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to study the thickness-dependent optical properties of YF3 ultrathin films in the 300−820 nm wavelength range. With increasing thicknesses, the refractive indices of the intrinsic YF3 films increase slightly and approach that of bulk YF3 due to the decrease of void fractions. The effective refractive indices of the YF3 films also increase with increasing thicknesses, due to the surface and interface effects besides the contribution of decrease of void fractions.
Application of a ZnO nanorod layer to display retarder: dependence of the optical property on synthesis conditions
Authors: Nguyen Van Chuc , Kim Jongyoon , Dang Phuc Toan , Zumuukhorol Munkhsaikhan , Cuong Tran Viet , Hong Chang-Hee , Lee Ji-Hoon
Published: November 2020

A series of zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) were grown by chemical bath deposition and their optical properties as a retarder for display devices were investigated. The effect of the precursors, growth time, and calcination time on the morphology and the optical properties was examined. The vertically-grown ZnO NRs layer represented positive c-plate property. We simulated the antireflection property of a quasi-circular polarizer containing the ZnO NRs layer for an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The quasi-circular polarizer with the ZnO NRs layer showed better antireflection property than the polarizer containing no ZnO NRs layer.
Transcriptome profiling of laser-captured crown root primordia reveals new pathways activated during early stages of crown root formation in rice
Authors: Lavarenne Jérémy , Gonin Mathieu , Champion Antony , Javelle Marie , Adam Hélène , Rouster Jacques , Conejéro Geneviève , Lartaud Marc , Verdeil Jean-Luc , Laplaze Laurent , Sallaud Christophe , Lucas Mikael , Gantet Pascal
Published: November 2020

Crown roots constitute the main part of the rice root system. Several key genes involved in crown root initiation and development have been identified by functional genomics approaches. Nevertheless, these approaches are impaired by functional redundancy and mutant lethality. To overcome these limitations, organ targeted transcriptome analysis can help to identify genes involved in crown root formation and early development. In this study, we generated an atlas of genes expressed in developing crown root primordia in comparison with adjacent stem cortical tissue at three different developmental stages before emergence, using laser capture microdissection. We identified 3975 genes differentially expressed in crown root primordia. About 30% of them were expressed at the three developmental stages, whereas 10.5%, 19.5% and 12.8% were specifically expressed at the early, intermediate and late stages, respectively. Sorting them by functional ontology highlighted an active transcriptional switch during the process of crown root primordia formation. Cross-analysis with other rice root development-related datasets revealed genes encoding transcription factors, chromatin remodeling factors, peptide growth factors, and cell wall remodeling enzymes that are likely to play a key role during crown root primordia formation. This atlas constitutes an open primary data resource for further studies on the regulation of crown root initiation and development.
UCP3 reciprocally controls CD4+ Th17 and Treg cell differentiation
Authors: O’Connor Emma B. , Muñoz-Wolf Natalia , Leon Gemma , Lavelle Ed C. , Mills Kingston H. G. , Walsh Patrick T. , Porter Richard K.
Published: November 2020

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are members of the mitochondrial anion carrier superfamily that can mediate the transfer of protons into the mitochondrial matrix from the intermembrane space. We have previously reported UCP3 expression in thymocytes, mitochondria of total splenocytes and splenic lymphocytes. Here, we demonstrate that Ucp3 is expressed in peripheral naive CD4+ T cells at the mRNA level before being markedly downregulated following activation. Non-polarized, activated T cells (Th0 cells) from Ucp3-/- mice produced significantly more IL-2, had increased expression of CD25 and CD69 and were more proliferative than Ucp3+/+ Th0 cells. The altered IL-2 expression observed between T cells from Ucp3+/+ and Ucp3-/- mice may be a factor in determining differentiation into Th17 or induced regulatory (iTreg) cells. When compared to Ucp3+/+, CD4+ T cells from Ucp3-/- mice had increased FoxP3 expression under iTreg conditions. Conversely, Ucp3-/- CD4+ T cells produced a significantly lower concentration of IL-17A under Th17 cell-inducing conditions in vitro. These effects were mirrored in antigen-specific T cells from mice immunized with KLH and CT. Interestingly, the altered responses of Ucp3-/- T cells were partially reversed upon neutralisation of IL-2. Together, these data indicate that UCP3 acts to restrict the activation of naive T cells, acting as a rheostat to dampen signals following TCR and CD28 co-receptor ligation, thereby limiting early activation responses. The observation that Ucp3 ablation alters the Th17:Treg cell balance in vivo as well as in vitro suggests that UCP3 is a potential target for the treatment of Th17 cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
In vitro mechanical vibration down-regulates pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic signaling in human vocal fold fibroblasts
Authors: Hortobagyi David , Grossmann Tanja , Tschernitz Magdalena , Grill Magdalena , Kirsch Andrijana , Gerstenberger Claus , Gugatschka Markus
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Voice rest following phonotrauma or phonosurgery has a considerable clinical impact, but clinical recommendations are inconsistent due to inconclusive data. As biopsies of the vocal folds (VF) for molecular biology studies in humans are unethical, we established a newin vitromodel to explore the effects of vibration on human vocal fold fibroblasts (hVFF) in an inflammatory and normal state, which is based on previously published models.

Methods

By using a phonomimetic bioreactor we were able to apply predefined vibrational stress patterns on hVFF cultured under inflammatory or normal conditions. Inflammatory and pro-fibrotic stimuli were induced by interleukin (IL)1β and transforming growth factor (TGF)β1, respectively. Mechanical stimulation was applied four hours daily, over a period of 72 hours. Outcome measurements comprised assessment of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related components, angiogenic factors, and inflammatory and fibrogenic markers on gene expression and protein levels.

Results

Under inflammatory conditions, the inflammatory cytokine IL11, as well as the myofibroblast marker alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were significantly reduced when additional vibration was applied. The desirable anti-fibrotic ECM component hyaluronic acid was increased following cytokine treatment, but was not diminished following vibration.

Conclusion

Our experiments revealed the effect of vibrational stress on hVFF in an inflammatory state. Elevated levels of certain pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic factors could be mitigated by additional vibrational excitation in anin vitrosetting. These findings corroborate clinical studies which recommend early voice activation following an acute event.
Impaired arterial vitamin D signaling occurs in the development of vascular calcification
Authors: Lim Kenneth , Molostvov Guerman , Lubczanska Maria , Fletcher Simon , Bland Rosemary , Hiemstra Thomas F. , Zehnder Daniel
Published: November 2020

Conflicting data exists as to whether vitamin D receptor agonists (VDRa) are protective of arterial calcification. Confounding this, is the inherent physiological differences between human and animal experimental models and our current fragmented understanding of arterial vitamin D metabolism, their alterations in disease states and responses to VDRa’s. Herein, the study aims to address these problems by leveraging frontiers in human arterial organ culture models. Human arteries were collected from a total of 24 patients (healthy controls, n = 12; end-stage CKD, n = 12). Cross-sectional and interventional studies were performed using arterial organ cultures treated with normal and calcifying (containing 5mmol/L CaCl2and 5mmol/L β-glycerophosphate) medium,ex vivo. To assess the role of VDRa therapy, arteries were treated with either calcitriol or paricalcitol. We found that human arteries express a functionally active vitamin D system, including the VDR, 1α-hydroxylase and 24-hydroxylase (24-OHase) components and these were dysregulated in CKD arteries. VDRa therapy increased VDR expression in healthy arteries (p<0.01) but not in CKD arteries. Arterial 1α-OHase (p<0.05) and 24-OHase mRNA and protein expression were modulated differentially in healthy and CKD arteries by VDRa therapy. VDRa exposure suppressed Runx2 and MMP-9 expression in CKD arteries, however only paricalcitol suppressed MMP-2. VDRa exposure did not modulate arterial calcification in all organ culture models. However, VDRa reduced expression of senescence associated β-galactosidase (SAβG) staining in human aortic-smooth muscle cells under calcifying conditions,in vitro. In conclusion, maladaptation of arterial vitamin D signaling components occurs in CKD. VDRa exposure can exert vasculo-protective effects and seems critical for the regulation of arterial health in CKD.
Tunable Q wavelet transform based emotion classification in Parkinson’s disease using Electroencephalography
Authors: Murugappan Murugappan , Alshuaib Waleed , Bourisly Ali K. , Khare Smith K. , Sruthi Sai , Bajaj Varun
Published: November 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a severe incurable neurological disorder. It is mostly characterized by non-motor symptoms like fatigue, dementia, anxiety, speech and communication problems, depression, and so on. Electroencephalography (EEG) play a key role in the detection of the true emotional state of a person. Various studies have been proposed for the detection of emotional impairment in PD using filtering, Fourier transforms, wavelet transforms, and non-linear methods. However, these methods require a selection of basis and are confined in terms of accuracy. In this paper, tunable Q wavelet transform (TQWT) is proposed for the classification of emotions in PD and normal controls (NC). EEG signals of six emotional states namely happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust are studied. Power, entropy, and statistical moments based features are elicited from the highpass and lowpass sub-bands of TQWT. Six features selected by statistical analysis are classified with a k-nearest neighbor, probabilistic neural network, random forest, decision tree, and extreme learning machine. Three performance measures are obtained, maximum mean accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 96.16%, 97.59%, and 88.51% for NC and 93.88%, 96.33%, and 81.67% for PD are achieved with a probabilistic neural network. The proposed method proved to be very effective such that it classifies emotions in PD and could be used as a potential tool for diagnosing emotional impairment in hospitals.
Learning curve and performance in simulated difficult airway for the novel C-MAC® video-stylet and C-MAC® Macintosh video laryngoscope: A prospective randomized manikin trial
Authors: Pius James , Noppens Ruediger R.
Published: November 2020

Difficult airways can be managed with a range of devices, with video laryngoscopes (VLs) being the most common. The C-MAC®Video-Stylet (VS; Karl-Storz Germany), a hybrid between a flexible and a rigid intubation endoscope, has been recently introduced. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of the VS compared to a VL (C-MAC Macintosh blade, Karl-Storz Germany) with regards to the learning curve for each device and its ability to manage a simulated difficult airway manikin. This is a single-center, prospective, randomized, crossover study involving twenty-one anesthesia residents performing intubations on a Bill 1™(VBM, Germany) airway manikin model. After a standardized introduction, six randomized attempts with VL and VS were performed on the manikin. This was followed by intubation in a simulated difficult airway (cervical collar and inflated tongue) with both devices in a randomized fashion. The primary end-point of this study was the total time to intubation. All continuous variables were expressed as the median [interquartile range] and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. A 2-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’spost hoctest was used to compare both devices at each trial. All reportedpvalues are two sided. The median total time to intubation on a simulated difficult airway was faster with the VS compared to VL (17 [13.5–25] secvs23 [18.5–26.5] sec, respectively; 95% CI;P= 0.031). Additionally, on a normal airway manikin, the VS has a comparable learning curve to the VL. In this manikin-based study, the novel VS was comparable to the VL in terms of learning curve in a normal airway. In a simulated difficult airway, the total time to intubation, though likely not clinically relevant, was faster with the VS to the VL. However, given the above findings, this study justifies further human clinical trials with the VS to see if similar benefits–faster time to intubation and similar learning curve to VL–are replicated clinically.
Influence of quantified dry cupping on soft tissue compliance in athletes with myofascial pain syndrome
Authors: Chiu Yen-Chun , Manousakas Ioannis , Kuo Shyh Ming , Shiao Jen-Wen , Chen Chien-Liang
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a quantitative dry cupping system that can monitor negative pressure attenuation and soft tissue pull-up during cupping to quantify soft tissue compliance.

Methods

Baseball players with myofascial pain syndrome were recruited to validate the benefits of cupping therapy. Nine of 40 baseball players on the same team were diagnosed with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome; another nine players from the same team were recruited as controls. All participants received cupping with a negative pressure of 400 mmHg for 15 minutes each time, twice a week, for 4 weeks. Subjective perception was investigated using upper extremity function questionnaires, and soft tissue compliance was quantified objectively by the system.

Results

During the 15-minute cupping procedure, pressure attenuation in the normal group was significantly greater than that in the myofascial group (p= 0.017). The soft tissue compliance in the normal group was significantly higher than that in the myofascial group (p= 0.050). Moreover, a 4-week cupping intervention resulted in an obvious increase in soft tissue lift in the myofascial pain group (p= 0.027), although there was no statistical difference in the improvement of soft tissue compliance. Shoulder (p= 0.023) and upper extremity function (p= 0.008) were significantly improved in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

This quantitative cupping monitoring system could immediately assess tissue compliance and facilitate the improvement of soft tissues after cupping therapy. Hence, it can be used in athletes to improve their functional recovery and maintain soft tissues health during the off-season period.