bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitisation patterns and allergy outcomes in pregnant women living in the urban area
Authors: Danielewicz Hanna , Dębińska Anna , Myszczyszyn Grzegorz , Myszkal Anna , Hirnle Lidia , Drabik-Chamerska Anna , Kalita Danuta , Boznański Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Background

Worldwide, allergy affects more than one billion people, with particularly rising prevalence in industrialised areas. Specifically, young adults appear to be predominantly targeted for an allergy diagnosis. Allergic diseases in pregnancy are mainly pre-existing but could also occur de novo. The immunological changes while pregnant, with increased Th2 lymphocyte activity, can facilitate allergen sensitisation.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of specific IgE (sIgE) sensitisation to common inhalant and food allergens in pregnancy, and assess its relationship to self-reported allergic disease.

Methods

We assessed 200 pregnant women, aged 20–38 years (mean age = 29 years), participant of ELMA (Epigenetic Hallmark of Maternal Atopy and Diet) study, living in a metropolitan area, with no pregnancy associated metabolic complications, for total IgE and allergen specific IgE to 20 allergens.

Results

48% of pregnant women were sensitised to at least one allergen, at a cut-off point of 0.35 kU/L and they were assigned as atopic. However 42% in atopic group were not reporting any allergic disease. The most common inhalant allergens were: pollen (24.5%) and animal dander (23.5%). The most common food allergens were: cow’s milk (5.5%) and apples (4.5%). 7.5% of women reported asthma, 21.5% allergic rhinitis, 11.5% atopic dermatitis and 18.5% food allergy. 8.5% of were taking medication for asthma or allergies. Atopic dermatitis had the highest tendency to become more severe during pregnancy. Total IgE values were significantly higher in atopic women.

Conclusions

Allergic sensitisation is a common phenomenon in pregnancy. Some sensitisations could be asymptomatic. Further studies should investigate if sensitisation in mothers confers risks for immune alterations in their children.
Single-participant structural similarity matrices lead to greater accuracy in classification of participants than function in autism in MRI
Authors: Leming Matthew J. , Baron-Cohen Simon , Suckling John
Published: May 2021

Background

Autism has previously been characterized by both structural and functional differences in brain connectivity. However, while the literature on single-subject derivations of functional connectivity is extensively developed, similar methods of structural connectivity or similarity derivation from T1 MRI are less studied.

Methods

We introduce a technique of deriving symmetric similarity matrices from regional histograms of grey matter volumes estimated from T1-weighted MRIs. We then validated the technique by inputting the similarity matrices into a convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify between participants with autism and age-, motion-, and intracranial-volume-matched controls from six different databases (29,288 total connectomes, mean age = 30.72, range 0.42–78.00, including 1555 subjects with autism). We compared this method to similar classifications of the same participants using fMRI connectivity matrices as well as univariate estimates of grey matter volumes. We further applied graph-theoretical metrics on output class activation maps to identify areas of the matrices that the CNN preferentially used to make the classification, focusing particularly on hubs.

Limitations

While this study used a large sample size, the majority of data was from a young age group; furthermore, to make a viable machine learning study, we treated autism, a highly heterogeneous condition, as a binary label. Thus, these results are not necessarily generalizable to all subtypes and age groups in autism.

Results

Our models gave AUROCs of 0.7298 (69.71% accuracy) when classifying by only structural similarity, 0.6964 (67.72% accuracy) when classifying by only functional connectivity, and 0.7037 (66.43% accuracy) when classifying by univariate grey matter volumes. Combining structural similarity and functional connectivity gave an AUROC of 0.7354 (69.40% accuracy). Analysis of classification performance across age revealed the greatest accuracy in adolescents, in which most data were present. Graph analysis of class activation maps revealed no distinguishable network patterns for functional inputs, but did reveal localized differences between groups in bilateral Heschl’s gyrus and upper vermis for structural similarity.

Conclusion

This study provides a simple means of feature extraction for inputting large numbers of structural MRIs into machine learning models. Our methods revealed a unique emphasis of the deep learning model on the structure of the bilateral Heschl’s gyrus when characterizing autism.
DPSCs treated by TGF-β1 regulate angiogenic sprouting of three-dimensionally co-cultured HUVECs and DPSCs through VEGF-Ang-Tie2 signaling
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Liu Junqing , Zou Ting , Qi Yubingqing , Yi Baicheng , Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal , Zhang Chengfei
Published: May 2021

Background

Maintaining the stability and maturation of blood vessels is of paramount importance for the vessels to carry out their physiological function. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs), pericytes, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are involved in the maturation process of the newly formed vessels. The aim of this study was to investigate whether transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) treatment could enhance pericyte-like properties of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and how TGF-β1-treated DPSCs for 7 days (T-DPSCs) stabilize the newly formed blood vessels.

Methods

We utilized TGF-β1 to treat DPSCs for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression of SMC markers. Functional contraction assay was conducted to assess the contractility of T-DPSCs. The effects of T-DPSC-conditioned media (T-DPSC-CM) on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration were examined by MTT, wound healing, and trans-well migration assay. Most importantly, in vitro 3D co-culture spheroidal sprouting assay was used to investigate the regulating role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-angiopoietin (Ang)-Tie2 signaling on angiogenic sprouting in 3D co-cultured spheroids of HUVECs and T-DPSCs. Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) and VEGF were used to treat the co-cultured spheroids to explore their roles in angiogenic sprouting. Inhibitors for Tie2 and VEGFR2 were used to block Ang1/Tie2 and VFGF/VEGFR2 signaling.

Results

Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that the expression of SMC-specific markers (α-SMA and SM22α) were significantly increased after treatment with TGF-β1. Contractility of T-DPSCs was greater compared with that of DPSCs. T-DPSC-CM inhibited HUVEC migration. In vitro sprouting assay demonstrated that T-DPSCs enclosed HUVECs, resembling pericyte-like cells. Compared to co-culture with DPSCs, a smaller number of HUVEC sprouting was observed when co-cultured with T-DPSCs. VEGF and Ang2 co-stimulation significantly enhanced sprouting in HUVEC and T-DPSC co-culture spheroids, whereas VEGF or Ang2 alone exerted insignificant effects on HUVEC sprouting. Blocking Tie2 signaling reversed the sprouting inhibition by T-DPSCs, while blocking VEGF receptor (VEGFR) signaling boosted the sprouting inhibition by T-DPSCs.

Conclusions

This study revealed that TGF-β1 can induce DPSC differentiation into functional pericyte-like cells. T-DPSCs maintain vessel stability through Ang1/Tie2 and VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling.
Inductive coupling for wireless power transfer and near-field communication
Authors: Degen Christoph
Published: May 2021

This paper gives an overview of optimizing wireless power transfer systems using magnetic coupling. Optimization aims to maximize either the power transfer efficiency or the transferred power. The resulting load calculation and matching strategies are revisited. Moreover, the coupling system is described, starting with its equivalent circuit and scattering parameters. In addition to wireless power transfer, communication in RFID and NFC systems and its frequency characteristics and bandwidth issues are highlighted. The focus in this paper is on load modulation for data transfer between a tag and reader. For this purpose, subcarrier voltages are derived using time-domain as well as frequency-domain signal analysis.
Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 for volume replacement therapy in surgical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xu Yi , Wang Siying , He Leilei , Yu Hong , Yu Hai
Published: May 2021

Background

The safety of perioperative intravenous hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products, specifically HES 130/0.4, continues to be the source of much debate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to update the existing evidence and gain further insight into the clinical effects of HES 130/0.4 on postoperative outcomes for volume replacement therapy in surgical patients.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to March 2020 for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on perioperative use of HES 130/0.4 in adult surgical patients. The primary outcome was postoperative mortality and secondary outcomes were the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT). The analysis was performed using the random-effects method and the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We performed the risk-of-bias assessment of eligible studies and assessed the overall quality of evidence for each outcome.

Results

Twenty-five RCTs with 4111 participants were finally included. There were no statistical differences between HES 130/0.4 and other fluids in mortality at 30 days (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.86, p = 0.20), the incidence of AKI (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.53, p = 0.07), or requirement for RRT (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.53, p = 0.43). Overall, there was a moderate certainty of evidence for all the outcomes. There was no subgroup difference related to the type of surgery (p = 0.17) in the incidence of AKI. As for the type of comparator fluids, however, there was a trend that was not statistically significant (p = 0.06) towards the increased incidence of AKI in the HES 130/0.4 group (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.54) compared with the crystalloid group (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.91). Subgroup analyses according to the type of surgery demonstrated consistent findings.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that the use of HES 130/0.4 for volume replacement therapy compared with other fluids resulted in no significant difference in postoperative mortality or kidney dysfunction among surgical patients. Given the absent evidence of confirmed benefit and the potential trend of increased kidney injury, we cannot recommend the routine clinical use of HES 130/0.4 for volume replacement therapy in surgical patients from the perspective of benefit/risk profile. However, the results need to be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size, and further well-powered RCTs are warranted.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registry reference: CRD42020173058
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing results from 13 hospitals in Viet Nam: VINARES 2016–2017
Authors:   the VINARES consortium, Vu Tien Viet Dung , Choisy Marc , Do Thi Thuy Nga , Nguyen Van Minh Hoang , Campbell James I. , Le Thi Hoi , Nguyen Vu Trung , Wertheim Heiman F. L. , Pham Ngoc Thach , Nguyen Van Kinh , van Doorn H. Rogier
Published: May 2021

Objective

To analyse data from 2016–17 from a hospital-based antimicrobial resistance surveillance with national coverage in a network of hospitals Viet Nam.

Methods

We analysed data from 13 hospitals, 3 less than the dataset from the 2012–13 period. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing data from the clinical microbiology laboratories from samples sent in for routine diagnostics were used. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2018 guidelines were used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing interpretation. WHONET was used for data entry, management and analysis.

Results

42,553 deduplicated isolates were included in this analysis; including 30,222 (71%) Gram-negative and 12,331 (29%) Gram-positive bacteria. 8,793 (21%) were from ICUs and 7,439 (18%) isolates were from invasive infections. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently detected species with 9,092 (21%) and 4,833 isolates (11%), respectively; followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (3,858 isolates – 9.1%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (3,870 isolates – 9%). Bacteria were mainly isolated from sputum (8,798 isolates – 21%), blood (7,118 isolates – 17%) and urine (5,202 isolates – 12%). Among Gram-positives 3,302/4,515 isolates (73%) of S. aureus were MRSA; 99/290 (34%) of Enterococcus faecium were resistant to vancomycin; and 58% (663/1,136) of Streptococcus pneumoniae proportion were reduced susceptible to penicillin. Among Gram-negatives 59% (4,085/6,953) and 40% (1,186/2,958) of E. coli and K. pneumoniae produced ESBL and 29% (376/1,298) and 11% (961/8,830) were resistant to carbapenems, respectively. 79% (2855/3622) and 45% (1,514/3,376) of Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were carbapenem resistant, respectively. 88% (804/911) of Haemophilus influenzae were ampicillin resistant and 18/253 (7%) of Salmonella spp. and 7/46 (15%) of Shigella spp. were resistant to fluoroquinolones. The number of isolates from which data were submitted in the 2016–2017 period was twice as high as in 2012–2013. AMR proportions were higher in 2016–2017 for most pathogen-antimicrobial combinations of interest including imipenem-resistant A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa and Enterobacterales.

Conclusions

The data show alarmingly high and increasing resistant proportions among important organisms in Viet Nam. AMR proportions varied across hospital types and should be interpreted with caution because existing sampling bias and missing information on whether isolates were community or hospital acquired. Affordable and scalable ways to adopt a sample- or case-based approach across the network should be explored and clinical data should be integrated to help provide more accurate inferences of the surveillance data.
Influence of individual tree characteristics, spatial structure and logging history on tree-related microhabitat occurrence in North American hardwood forests
Authors: Martin Maxence , Raymond Patricia , Boucher Yan
Published: May 2021

Background

Tree-related microhabitats (hereafter, “TreMs”) are key components of forest biodiversity but they are still poorly known in North American hardwood forests. The spatial patterns of living trees bearing TreMs (hereafter, “TreM-trees”) also remain to be determined. As logging practices can lead to a loss of TreM-trees and of their associated biodiversity, it is essential to identify the factors explaining TreM occurrence to better integrate them into forest management. We therefore inventoried TreMs in 4 0.5-ha survey strips in northern hardwood forests in Quebec, Canada, while recording the spatial location of each tree. Two strips were located in unmanaged old-growth forests, and 2 were in forests managed under selection cutting. All 4 stands were dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrn.). Beech bark disease, an exotic pathology, was observed in all the strips.

Results

Large diameter at breast height and low tree vigor were the main characteristics explaining the presence of TreMs at the tree scale. TreM-trees presented slight spatial aggregation patterns. These aggregates, however, were not well-defined and were generally constituted by a large number of trees bearing few different types of TreMs. Two TreM classes (broken branch or top and woodpecker lodge) also presented a spatial aggregation. Logging practices had no significant effect on TreM occurrence. Beech bark disease increased the frequency of senescent beeches. The impact of this pathology on TreMs was however mitigated by the small size of infected trees and probably by the short time elapsed since its appearance.

Conclusion

The factors explaining the presence and abundance of TreMs on trees has so far been little studied in North American hardwood forests. Our results highlight that TreM-tree characteristics in the surveyed forests are consistent with those of previous studies conducted in other forest types and regions (e.g., Europe or Northwestern America). To our knowledge, this study is also the first to identify a spatial aggregation of TreM-trees and of specific TreM classes. It will be nevertheless necessary to determine whether the small impact of logging activities we observed results from current or past management practices.
Intrabronchial migration of hemostatic agent through a bronchial fistula after lung transplantation: a case report
Authors: Nobori Yuya , Sato Masaaki , Hirata Yasutaka , Yamauchi Haruo , Konoeda Chihiro , Kitano Kentaro , Nakajima Jun
Published: May 2021

Background

A bronchial fistula is a relatively rare and potentially fatal complication after lung transplantation. Thoracic surgeons and pulmonologists often face challenges when selecting treatment options. We herein report an exceptional case of intrabronchial migration of a nonabsorbable hemostatic agent, which had been placed around the pulmonary artery at the time of lung transplantation, through a bronchial fistula.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man developed respiratory distress 1 year after left single-lung transplantation for idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Bronchoscopic examination revealed an apparent foreign body protruding from the mediastinum into the distal site of the bronchial anastomosis. The foreign body was easily removed bronchoscopically and appeared to be a hemostatic agent that had been placed during the previous lung transplantation. The patient developed a similar clinical episode and finally developed hemoptysis. Computed tomography revealed a foreign body located between the bronchus and pulmonary artery, partially protruding into the bronchial lumen. Given the possibility of a bronchopulmonary arterial fistula, surgical treatment was performed. The foreign body was located between the bronchus and left pulmonary artery and was easily removed. Multiple bronchial fistulas were found, and all were closed with direct sutures. Bypass grafting of the left pulmonary artery was then performed, initially with a homograft but eventually with an extended polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The patient was finally discharged 5 months after the surgery.

Conclusion

We experienced an extremely rare case of intrabronchial migration of hemostatic agents used during the previous lung transplantation through a bronchial fistula, which were successfully managed by direct bronchial closure and bypass grafting of the left pulmonary artery.
The value of the modern embryologist to a successful IVF system: revisiting an age-old question
Authors: Choucair Fadi , Younis Nagham , Hourani Alia
Published: May 2021

Background

The embryology laboratory remains one of the primary factors influencing the overall performance of the IVF clinic. Clinical embryology, however, has undergone remarkable advancements over the last decade. These developments in both practice and education have been driven together by science and technology.

Main body

The changes in clinical embryology practice have created a significant challenge for both the profession and the embryologist. New competencies for embryologists have subsequently emerged to provide and manage high-quality services for their patients and clinics. Embryologists’ efficacy behind the scenes reflects positively on the success of the fertility clinic. This framework will serve as the flagship document to shed light on the often-overlooked value of the embryologist as an intellectual and intangible asset for the clinic.

Conclusion

To fully leverage a modern embryologist’s skill set, significant investment is required from the IVF clinics’ leadership, which is associated with a substantial return on the IVF clinic’s success. From their side, embryologists should be up to date on further developments and innovations. On the other hand, mentors need to mend the curriculum to allow for better training of high-caliber embryologists.
Thermal injury in tonsils and its relation to postoperative pain—a histopathological and clinical study
Authors: Obeidat Mohammad , Martins Sónia , Aloqaily Ayat , Santos Margarida , Carneiro Fátima , Spratley Jorge
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare thermal injury and depth of necrosis of using different monopolar power settings in partial tonsillectomy and correlate the results with the postoperative pain score.

Results

The study included a total of 15 patients with mean of age of 5.7 ± 2.57 years. The mean depth of injury was significantly higher for the 25 W side (0.973 ± 0.613) versus the 15 W side (0.553 ± 0.218) (p = 0.023). The postoperative pain score showed no significant differences between both sides.

Conclusion

The histopathologic depth of thermal injury is significantly higher with the 25 W monopolar microdissection in comparison to the 15 W; however, it does not seem to correlate with the postoperative pain level. Apparently, power settings of 25 W can be safely used for pediatric intracapsular tonsillectomies, without added postoperative morbidity despite the deeper tissue injury observed in the tonsil.
The extracellular matrix protein agrin is essential for epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during heart development
Authors: Sun Xin , Malandraki-Miller Sophia , Kennedy Tahnee , Bassat Elad , Klaourakis Konstantinos , Zhao Jia , Gamen Elisabetta , Vieira Joaquim Miguel , Tzahor Eldad , Riley Paul R.
Published: May 2021

During heart development, epicardial cells residing within the outer layer undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migrate into the underlying myocardium to support organ growth and morphogenesis. Disruption of epicardial EMT results in embryonic lethality, yet its regulation is poorly understood. Here, we report epicardial EMT within the mesothelial layer of the mouse embryonic heart at ultra-high resolution using scanning electron microscopy combined with immunofluorescence analyses. We identified morphologically active EMT regions that associated with key components of the extracellular matrix, including the basement membrane-associated proteoglycan agrin. Deletion of agrin resulted in impaired EMT and compromised development of the epicardium, accompanied by downregulation of Wilms’ tumor 1. Agrin enhanced EMT in human embryonic stem cell-derived epicardial-like cells by decreasing β-catenin and promoting pFAK localization at focal adhesions, and promoted the aggregation of dystroglycan within the Golgi apparatus in murine epicardial cells. Loss of agrin resulted in dispersal of dystroglycan in vivo, disrupting basement membrane integrity and impairing EMT. Our results provide new insights into the role of the extracellular matrix in heart development and implicate agrin as a crucial regulator of epicardial EMT.
It takes a village: microbiota, parainflammation, paligenosis and bystander effects in colorectal cancer initiation
Authors: Wang Xingmin , Undi Ram Babu , Ali Naushad , Huycke Mark M.
Published: May 2021

Sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of worldwide cancer mortality. It arises from a complex milieu of host and environmental factors, including genetic and epigenetic changes in colon epithelial cells that undergo mutation, selection, clonal expansion, and transformation. The gut microbiota has recently gained increasing recognition as an additional important factor contributing to CRC. Several gut bacteria are known to initiate CRC in animal models and have been associated with human CRC. In this Review, we discuss the factors that contribute to CRC and the role of the gut microbiota, focusing on a recently described mechanism for cancer initiation, the so-called microbiota-induced bystander effect (MIBE). In this cancer mechanism, microbiota-driven parainflammation is believed to act as a source of endogenous mutation, epigenetic change and induced pluripotency, leading to the cancerous transformation of colon epithelial cells. This theory links the gut microbiota to key risk factors and common histologic features of sporadic CRC. MIBE is analogous to the well-characterized radiation-induced bystander effect. Both phenomena drive DNA damage, chromosomal instability, stress response signaling, altered gene expression, epigenetic modification and cellular proliferation in bystander cells. Myeloid-derived cells are important effectors in both phenomena. A better understanding of the interactions between the gut microbiota and mucosal immune effector cells that generate bystander effects can potentially identify triggers for parainflammation, and gain new insights into CRC prevention.
Ripple effects of research capacity strengthening: a study of the effects of a project to support test facilities in three African countries towards Good Laboratory Practice certification
Authors: Begg Sara , Wright Alexandra , Small Graham , Abdoulaye Diabate , Kisinza William , Koudou Benjamin , Moore Sarah , Mosha Franklin , Edi Constant , Kirby Matthew , Kija Patrick , Malima Robert , Moore Jason , Bates Imelda
Published: May 2021

Background: Strengthening capacity for public health research is essential to the generation of high-quality, reliable scientific data. This study focuses on a research capacity strengthening project supporting seven test facilities in Africa conducting studies on mosquito vector control products towards Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certification. It captures the primary effects of the project on each facility’s research capacity, the secondary effects at the individual and institutional level, and the ripple effects that extend beyond the research system. The relationships between effects at different levels are identified and compared to an existing framework for the evaluation of research capacity strengthening initiatives.

Methods: To capture the views of individuals engaged in the project at all levels within each facility, a maximum-variation purposive sampling strategy was used. This allowed triangulation between different data sources. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals in three facilities and a combination of email and remote video-call interviews were conducted with individuals at two further facilities.

Results: We found that, despite a focus of the GLP certification project at the institutional level, the project had effects also at individual (including enhanced motivation, furtherment of careers) and national/international levels (including development of regional expertise). In addition, we detected ripple effects of the project which extended beyond the research system.

Conclusion: This study shows that research capacity strengthening interventions that are focussed on institutional level goals require actions also at individual and national/international levels. The effects of engagement at all three levels can be amplified by collaborative actions at the national/international level. These findings show that research capacity strengthening projects must develop plans that address and evaluate impact at all three levels. Capturing the ripple effects of investment in research capacity strengthening should also be planned for from the beginning of projects to support further engagement of all stakeholders.
Split anterior tibialis tendon transfer to peroneus brevis for spastic equinovarus in children with hemiplegia
Authors: Wong Peter , Fransch Shaneil , Gallagher Charles , Francis Kate Louise , Khot Abhay , Rutz Erich , Graham H. Kerr
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to report the safety and eff-cacy of soft-tissue surgery incorporating split transfer of tibi-alis anterior to peroneus brevis (SPLATT-PB) for children with hemiplegic spastic equinovarus.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of children and adolescents with spastic hemiplegia who had a novel combination of SPLATT-TB, intramuscular tenotomy of tibialis posterior and either spasticity management or gastrocsole-us lengthening as the index surgery. The principal outcome measures were changes in pain and difficulty with shoe wear and radiological parameters obtained from weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the affected foot before and after surgery.

Results

A total of 63 patients with symptomatic spastic equinovarus met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at surgery was 9.8 years (6 to 18) and the mean follow-up was seven years (range 3 to 10 years). Foot pain and problems with shoe wear improved after surgery. Seven radiological criteria showed a clinically and statistically significant improvement at follow-up, the majority being in the normal range. There were 11 surgical adverse events, all classified as Modified Cla-vien-Dindo Grade II. Three patients required further surgery for recurrent equinus, eight patients required further surgery for valgus deformities and four patients required bony surgery for residual varus deformities.

Conclusion

Soft-tissue surgery for spastic equinovarus was successful in the majority of children with spastic hemiplegia, particularly between ages eight and 12 years, resulting in a plantigrade, flexible foot with minimal pain or limitations in shoe-wear. Children younger than 8 years at index surgery were more prone to overcorrection into valgus. Children older than 12 years had persistent varus deformities requiring bony surgery.

Level of evidence

Level IV, retrospective case series
Are Women Better Energy Managers in a Developing Country?
Authors: Qammar Naseha Wafa , Afridi Zohaib Ur Rehman
Published: May 2021

Energy Management at household level is multifaceted issue due to factorsinvolving gender, education and awareness to energy usage. This study wasconducted in Peshawar city, Pakistan which is capital city of the provinceand densely populated. This study identifies the role of women in energymanagement at household level keeping in view household’s characteristicsin an underdeveloped country. The key factors included were (1) educationand job status (2) characteristics of nuclear and joint family system (3)energy consumption pattern of the households and (4) awareness of energymanagement and its implementation amongst the females in the household.One-way ANOVA test shows that women spend more than three hours whileutilizing energy appliances. In addition, awareness of high billing cost perunit, electricity consumption during peak hours’ unit, idea of renewableenergy sources and their use cum awareness level was found to be extremelylow. The results show that the education of husband and wife is indistinguish-able and the females are the major decision makers in carrying the householdchores. Males are the sole bread winners of the house and majority of thefemales are housewives despite of attaining higher education. Despite thefact that women are aware of household energy management, there is still a need for full implementation and awareness among women in the household.Lastly, trend of nuclear family system is making pace in the Pakistan andenergy management and utility bills are handled independently. The resultscan be used for policy making in developing countries.
Optimal Design for Biodiesel Supply Chain: Case Study
Authors: Silalahi Fitriani Tupa R. , Simatupang Togar M. , Siallagan Manahan
Published: May 2021

One renewable energy form currently being promoted is that of biodiesel asa substitute for diesel fuel. This involves mixing biodiesel with petrodieselin proportions governed by the respective regulations of each country. Thepurposes of this research are to support the exploiting of biodiesel forms ofrenewable energy and to optimize the palm oil-sourced biodiesel supply chainby conducting an Indonesia-based case study. The optimization process wasimplemented in accordance with the government’s mandate and long-termplanning. There are two decision variables to consider. First, the model willidentify the optimum delivery point locations as a blending terminal betweenbiodiesel and petrodiesel (petroleum diesel). Second, it will determine thelocation of biodiesel plants’ construction in order to satisfy the government’smandate. The results show that, while determining delivery point locationsaffects supply chain costs, it does not do so significantly. More influentialis determining the construction locations of biodiesel plants and this studyprovides a model for deciding the delivery points and locations of biodieselplants in order to minimize biodiesel supply chain costs in Indonesia. This study presents in detail biodiesel supply chain process in Indonesia and basedon the literature, no research was found on studying optimization biodieselsupply chain in Indonesia.
Analysis of Carbon Saving by the Adoption of Electric Vehicles in a Region Where Electricity Generation is Dominated by Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Pyakurel Parakram , Quintal Filipe , Auger James , Hanna Julian
Published: May 2021

One method of reducing atmospheric CO2 emissions in the transportationsector is the replacement of conventional fossil fuel-based vehicles withElectric Vehicles (EVs). However, fossil fuels are still the primary sourceof electricity production in many regions and the utilization of EVs in suchregions increases the electricity demand because of battery charging. Thisresults in increased burning of fossil fuels by thermal power plants andtherefore can offset savings in CO2 emissions resulting from the adoptionof EVs. In this paper, we consider a scenario where all fossil fuel-basedconventional vehicles are replaced by EVs and then estimate the net CO2emission savings resulting from the adoption of EVs in a region whereelectricity is primarily supplied by thermal plants. Only emissions generatedduring the operational phase of vehicle use are considered; emissions duringthe production phase are not considered. The region under consideration is Madeira, Portugal where thermal plants account for 80% of the total electric-ity produced. Our findings suggest that although EVs have huge potential tosave CO2 emissions, a substantial amount of the savings can be offset due tothe increased burning of fossil fuels by thermal plants to meet the electricaldemand of charging batteries.
Rapid computational cell-rotation around arbitrary axes in 3D with multi-core fiber
Authors: Sun Jiawei , Koukourakis Nektarios , Guck Jochen , Czarske Jürgen W.
Published: May 2021

Optical trapping is a vital tool in biology, allowing precise optical manipulation of nanoparticles, micro-robots, and cells. Due to the low risk of photodamage and high trap stiffness, fiber-based dual-beam traps are widely used for optical manipulation of large cells. Besides trapping, advanced applications like 3D refractive index tomography need a rotation of cells, which requires precise control of the forces, for example, the acting-point of the forces and the intensities in the region of interest (ROI). A precise rotation of large cells in 3D about arbitrary axes has not been reported yet in dual-beam traps. We introduce a novel dual-beam optical trap in which a multi-core fiber (MCF) is transformed to a phased array, using wavefront shaping and computationally programmable light. The light-field distribution in the trapping region is holographically controlled within 0.1 s, which determines the orientation and the rotation axis of the cell with small retardation. We demonstrate real-time controlled rotation of HL60 cells about all 3D axes with a very high degree of freedom by holographic controlled light through an MCF with a resolution close to the diffraction limit. For the first time, the orientation of the cell can be precisely controlled about all 3D axes in a dual-beam trap. MCFs provide much higher flexibility beyond the bulky optics, enabling lab-on-a-chip applications and can be easily integrated for applications like contactless cell surgery, refractive index tomography, cell-elasticity measurement, which require precise 3D manipulation of cells.
Dynamic fluorescence lifetime sensing with CMOS single-photon avalanche diode arrays and deep learning processors
Authors: Xiao Dong , Zang Zhenya , Sapermsap Natakorn , Wang Quan , Xie Wujun , Chen Yu , Uei Li David Day
Published: May 2021

Measuring fluorescence lifetimes of fast-moving cells or particles have broad applications in biomedical sciences. This paper presents a dynamic fluorescence lifetime sensing (DFLS) system based on the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) principle. It integrates a CMOS 192 × 128 single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array, offering an enormous photon-counting throughput without pile-up effects. We also proposed a quantized convolutional neural network (QCNN) algorithm and designed a field-programmable gate array embedded processor for fluorescence lifetime determinations. The processor uses a simple architecture, showing unparallel advantages in accuracy, analysis speed, and power consumption. It can resolve fluorescence lifetimes against disturbing noise. We evaluated the DFLS system using fluorescence dyes and fluorophore-tagged microspheres. The system can effectively measure fluorescence lifetimes within a single exposure period of the SPAD sensor, paving the way for portable time-resolved devices and shows potential in various applications.
Thermalization of isolated Bose–Einstein condensate under a parity–time-symmetric environment
Authors: Akram Javed , Hussain Asad , Nouman Muhammad , Hussain Jameel
Published: May 2021

The postulates of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) expresses that the thermalization occurs due to the individual eigenstate of the system’s Hamiltonian. But the ETH sheds no light on the dynamics that lead toward the thermalization. In this paper, we observe the thermalization of a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) confined in an optical lattice potential that is embedded on the harmonic trap. Such optical lattice potential offers local friction to the oscillating BEC. The spread in the temporal density plot of BEC shows the thermalization of the BEC. Moreover, we observe that the presence of a parity–time (PT)-symmetric potential greatly influences the BEC dynamics and the thermalization of the system. The presence of a PT-symmetric potential offers a way to manipulate the mean position of the BEC to a desired location and for a desired length of time.
A first-takes-all model of centriole copy number control based on cartwheel elongation
Authors: Dias Louro Marco António , Bettencourt-Dias Mónica , Carneiro Jorge
Published: May 2021

How cells control the numbers of subcellular components is a fundamental question in biology. Given that biosynthetic processes are fundamentally stochastic it is utterly puzzling that some structures display no copy number variation within a cell population. Centriole biogenesis, with each centriole being duplicated once and only once per cell cycle, stands out due to its remarkable fidelity. This is a highly controlled process, which depends on low-abundance rate-limiting factors. How can exactly one centriole copy be produced given the variation in the concentration of these key factors? Hitherto, tentative explanations of this control evoked lateral inhibition- or phase separation-like mechanisms emerging from the dynamics of these rate-limiting factors but how strict centriole number is regulated remains unsolved. Here, a novel solution to centriole copy number control is proposed based on the assembly of a centriolar scaffold, the cartwheel. We assume that cartwheel building blocks accumulate around the mother centriole at supercritical concentrations, sufficient to assemble one or more cartwheels. Our key postulate is that once the first cartwheel is formed it continues to elongate by stacking the intermediate building blocks that would otherwise form supernumerary cartwheels. Using stochastic models and simulations, we show that this mechanism may ensure formation of one and only one cartwheel robustly over a wide range of parameter values. By comparison to alternative models, we conclude that the distinctive signatures of this novel mechanism are an increasing assembly time with cartwheel numbers and the translation of stochasticity in building block concentrations into variation in cartwheel numbers or length.
Agent-based model provides insight into the mechanisms behind failed regeneration following volumetric muscle loss injury
Authors: Westman Amanda M. , Peirce Shayn M. , Christ George J. , Blemker Silvia S.
Published: May 2021

Skeletal muscle possesses a remarkable capacity for repair and regeneration following a variety of injuries. When successful, this highly orchestrated regenerative process requires the contribution of several muscle resident cell populations including satellite stem cells (SSCs), fibroblasts, macrophages and vascular cells. However, volumetric muscle loss injuries (VML) involve simultaneous destruction of multiple tissue components (e.g., as a result of battlefield injuries or vehicular accidents) and are so extensive that they exceed the intrinsic capability for scarless wound healing and result in permanent cosmetic and functional deficits. In this scenario, the regenerative process fails and is dominated by an unproductive inflammatory response and accompanying fibrosis. The failure of current regenerative therapeutics to completely restore functional muscle tissue is not surprising considering the incomplete understanding of the cellular mechanisms that drive the regeneration response in the setting of VML injury. To begin to address this profound knowledge gap, we developed an agent-based model to predict the tissue remodeling response following surgical creation of a VML injury. Once the model was able to recapitulate key aspects of the tissue remodeling response in the absence of repair, we validated the model by simulating the tissue remodeling response to VML injury following implantation of either a decellularized extracellular matrix scaffold or a minced muscle graft. The model suggested that the SSC microenvironment and absence of pro-differentiation SSC signals were the most important aspects of failed muscle regeneration in VML injuries. The major implication of this work is that agent-based models may provide a much-needed predictive tool to optimize the design of new therapies, and thereby, accelerate the clinical translation of regenerative therapeutics for VML injuries.
Computational phenotyping of brain-behavior dynamics underlying approach-avoidance conflict in major depressive disorder
Authors: Pedersen Mads L. , Ironside Maria , Amemori Ken-ichi , McGrath Callie L. , Kang Min S. , Graybiel Ann M. , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Frank Michael J.
Published: May 2021

Adaptive behavior requires balancing approach and avoidance based on the rewarding and aversive consequences of actions. Imbalances in this evaluation are thought to characterize mood disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD). We present a novel application of the drift diffusion model (DDM) suited to quantify how offers of reward and aversiveness, and neural correlates thereof, are dynamically integrated to form decisions, and how such processes are altered in MDD. Hierarchical parameter estimation from the DDM demonstrated that the MDD group differed in three distinct reward-related parameters driving approach-based decision making. First, MDD was associated with reduced reward sensitivity, measured as the impact of offered reward on evidence accumulation. Notably, this effect was replicated in a follow-up study. Second, the MDD group showed lower starting point bias towards approaching offers. Third, this starting point was influenced in opposite directions by Pavlovian effects and by nucleus accumbens activity across the groups: greater accumbens activity was related to approach bias in controls but avoid bias in MDD. Cross-validation revealed that the combination of these computational biomarkers were diagnostic of patient status, with accumbens influences being particularly diagnostic. Finally, within the MDD group, reward sensitivity and nucleus accumbens parameters were differentially related to symptoms of perceived stress and depression. Collectively, these findings establish the promise of computational psychiatry approaches to dissecting approach-avoidance decision dynamics relevant for affective disorders.
Long-term comparison between index selection and optimal independent culling in plant breeding programs with genomic prediction
Authors: Batista Lorena G. , Gaynor Robert Chris , Margarido Gabriel R. A. , Byrne Tim , Amer Peter , Gorjanc Gregor , Hickey John M.
Published: May 2021

In the context of genomic selection, we evaluated and compared breeding programs using either index selection or independent culling for recurrent selection of parents. We simulated a clonally propagated crop breeding program for 20 cycles using either independent culling or an economic index with two unfavourably correlated traits under selection. Cycle time from crossing to selection of parents was kept the same for both strategies. Both methods led to increasingly unfavourable genetic correlations between traits and, compared to independent culling, index selection led to larger changes in the genetic correlation between the two traits. When linkage disequilibrium was not considered, the two methods had similar losses of genetic diversity. Two independent culling approaches were evaluated, one using optimal culling levels and one using the same selection intensity for both traits. Optimal culling levels outperformed the same selection intensity even when traits had the same economic importance. Therefore, accurately estimating optimal culling levels is essential for maximizing gains when independent culling is performed. Once optimal culling levels are achieved, independent culling and index selection lead to comparable genetic gains.