bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the health and economic impacts of different testing and tracing strategies for COVID-19 in the UK
Authors: Colbourn Tim , Waites William , Manheim David , Foster Derek , Sturniolo Simone , Sculpher Mark , Kerr Cliff C , Colbourn Greg , Bowie Cam , Godfrey Keith M , Peto Julian , Burgess Rochelle A , McCoy David , Alwan Nisreen A , Yao Guiqing , Ouyang Kang , Roderick Paul J , Pizzo Elena , Hill Tony , McGrath Nuala , Orcutt Miriam , Evans Owain , Cheetham Nathan J , Bonell Chris , Gomes Manuel , Panovska-Griffiths Jasmina , Raine Rosalind
Published: December 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is resurgent in the UK and health and economic costs of the epidemic continue to rise. There is a need to understand the health and economic costs of different courses of action.

Methods: We combine modelling, economic analysis and a user-friendly interface to contrast the impact and costs of different testing strategies: two levels of testing within the current test-trace-isolate (TTI) strategy (testing symptomatic people, tracing and isolating everyone) and a strategy where TTI is combined with universal testing (UT; i.e. additional population testing to identify asymptomatic cases). We also model effective coverage of face masks.

Results: Increased testing is necessary to suppress the virus after lockdown. Partial reopening accompanied by scaled-up TTI (at 50% test and trace levels), full isolation and moderately effective coverage of masks (30% reduction in overall transmission) can reduce the current resurgence of the virus and protect the economy in the UK. Additional UT from December 2020 reduces the epidemic dramatically by Jan 2021 when combined with enhanced TTI (70% test-trace levels) and full isolation. UT could then be stopped; continued TTI would prevent rapid recurrence. This TTI+UT combination can suppress the virus further to save ~20,000 more lives and avoid ~£90bn economic losses, though costs ~£8bn more to deliver. We assume that all traced and lab-confirmed cases are isolated. The flexible interface we have developed allows exploration of additional scenarios, including different levels of reopening of society after the second lockdown in England as well as different levels of effective mask coverage.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that increased TTI is necessary to suppress the virus and protect the economy after the second lockdown in England. Additional UT from December 2020 reduces the epidemic dramatically by Jan 2021 and could then be stopped, as continued TTI would prevent rapid recurrence.
CORRELATIONS ANALYSIS OF IMMUNE SYSTEM AND GUT MICROBIOTA INDICES OF RATS IN THE CHRONIC EXPOSITION TO BIOINSECTICIDE ENTOMOPHTHORIN
Authors: Orlenkovich Lilija
Published: December 2020

The analysis of the variation in the number, intensity and direction of correlations between the immune system and the gut microbiota of rats revealed that the T-, B-system and humoral immunity changes as well as cellular and humoral factors of an organism nonspecific defense are accompanied by changes of the Intestinal microbiota of intact and experimental rats
Konkordat jako instrument prawny regulujący stosunki między państwem a Kościołem
Authors: Głuszyńska Irena
Published: December 2020

Concordat – legal instrument regulating relations between state and the Catholic Church As a legal instrument the concordat is closely related to the European culture and tradition. It has its origins in the idea of dualism of politics and religion which accompanied the onset of Christianity in the Roman Empire. As an institution it came into existence in the Middle Ages and evolved considerably over the centuries. The international codification of human rights as well as the doctrinal output of the Vatican Council II exerted considerable influence on the present shape of the concordat. Today it serves as a tool for regulating the relations between the state and the Roman Catholic Church which is represented by the Holy See. The concordat aims to define more precisely the guarantee of religious freedom in both the individual and the community dimension in the way adapted to the needs of a particular country.
Znaczenie kolejnych lokalizacji przystani promów na wyspie Hongkong na tle przemian społecznych i kształtowania się lokalnej tożsamości
Authors: Osińska Małgorzata
Published: December 2020

The meaning of Piers’ locations at Hong Kong Island in the background of social change and the process of shaping of local identity
The aim of this paper is to understand the meaning of the Star Ferry and Queen’s Pier locations for the process of shaping Hong Kong identity and why unlike in previous similar cases, the latest removal of the Star Ferry and Queen’s Pier met with resistance from Hong Kong citizens. Looking at Piers of the saga from the historical perspective, it is found that spatial practice of the pre‑Second World War (WWII) piers was a mirror of a colonial and racially segregated city. The public space in the commercial heart of Hong Kong that housed the previous generations of piers was not accessible to the Chinese community, thus denying them rights to the city. It was only after WWII when the Government carried out further reclamation to meet the needs of an industrialising economy that inclusive public spaces were conceived in the commercial heart, enabling the general public to enjoy the city. Therefore when the Government decided to remove this very first public space in the political and economic heart of the city to conceive further reclamation for restructuring the economy, the citizens were determined to defend it. Piers were a physical and mental border of the two worlds, the edge of the city. With the social changes after WWII they were transformed into symbolic centres with a crucial meaning for shaping of the Hong Kong identity.
Polityka poetycka Giambattisty Vica
Authors: Zając Aleksandra
Published: December 2020

Poetical politics of Giambattista Vico

The article presents a part of Vico’s New Sience that is not so well known, but probably was a solid foundation of Vico’s famous concept of ricorsi. The thinker’s interest in poetical foundation of first societies is in a clear opposition with Cartesian and contractualist’s visions of philosophy and politics dominant in his time. The article shows how Vico’s connection to the renaissance tradition of poetical language gave him tools to explore the antiquity in a fruitfull way for philosophical and historical purposes. Nevertheless, it is partially also the tradition of Heidegger and Foucault, which makes Vico even more interesting to a contemporary reader. The article presents the poetical foundation of politics in concrete steps present in New Sience: the moment of foundation, religion of the first community, its language, morality, social structure, change, etc. It also explains epistemological means of human’s becoming historical and political: ingegno, metaphor, myth, universals, dictionary of humanity, Eternal Ideal History. As to be complete, it deals with the issue so vividly discussed during medieval and renaissance times, that is of Homer, evidencing the pride of scientists. This all brings to the attention of a reader a totally original vision of the beginnings of zoon politicon that was and is in the first instance animal symbolicum.
Światopogląd a nacjonalizm w myśli politycznej Karola Ludwika Konińskiego
Authors: Grzybek Dariusz
Published: December 2020

Neoromantic worldview and idea of nationality in political thought of Karol Ludwik Koniński

This paper analyses concept of nationality in writings of Karol Ludwik Koniński (1891‑1943), polish writer and literary critic. Koniński was exceptional religious thinker, considering idea of Almighty God rather like moral postulate than reality. His philosophical‑theological thinking has many similarities to Simone Weil’s thought. The main concept in Koniński’s thought was distinction between ‘worthwile living’ and ‘worthless living’ inspired by neoromantic thinkers like Jean Marie Guyau, Otto Weininger and Stanisław Brzozowski. In his opinion the most worthy way of living was live in accordance with universal ethics and national culture, considered as moral heritage of past generations. Idea of nation bolstered by Koniński was idea of cultural community inspired by heroic work of national elites. In political context of his times Koniński recognized special task of Poland in propagation of idea political Liberty in East Europe, in his terms it was ‘the Greatness of Poland’. However, he missed economic aspect of political power, in consequence his heroic idea of polish nationality become neoromantic utopia of will.
Korzenie myśli politycznej środowiska skupionego wokół tygodnika „Najwyższy Czas !”
Authors: Ćwiękała Grzegorz
Published: December 2020

The Najwyższy Czas! weekly – the roots of the political thought Conservatism and liberalism as ideologies are in conflict but only seemingly. Synthesis is possible. The proof is given by the journalists of the Najwyższy Czas! weekly. In short: liberalism in economy and conservatism in a social life and in morality. The roots of their conceptions we can find in a number of past and contemporary thoughts of the philosophers, economists, sociologists and politicians. Adam Smith gave the basis for economic opinions, above all about the “invisible hand” in the free market. Edmund Burke was the first conservative, who noticed the essence of liberal values. The propagator of laissez‑faire concept – Frederic Bastiat declared oneself in favour of stable law and the minimal statism (night‑watch state), which will guarantee individual’s freedom. Representatives of Austrian School – Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich August von Hayek specified and extended French thinker’s conceptions, became a natural inspirers of Polish liberal conservatives. The practical ways of applying a liberal economy with preserving conservatives values gave Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.
Credit Risk: Simple Closed-Form Approximate Maximum Likelihood Estimator
Authors: Deo Anand , Juneja Sandeep
Published: December 2020

Interpretable, Computationally Tractable Approximate Parameter Estimation for Corporate Defaults
Design of Automatic Door Lock Control System Library Nurul Jadid University Based On Arduino Uno R3 and QR-Code
Authors: Sholeh Moch Badrus , Herlina Amalia , Hasan Fuad
Published: December 2020

The Nurul Jadid University Library (UNUJA) currently requires valid visitor data, because the number of visitors is an indicator of library performance in terms of disciplining staff / employees. For this reason, the UNUJA library requires an automatic library door lock control system using Arduino Uno and QR-Code. In designing tools, Arduino Uno and QR-Code are integrated with the library database application. Based on testing and analysis, it can be obtained that the success rate of testing tools in reading QR-code is 100 percent. The conclusion is that the assembly of the library door lock control system based on Arduino Uno and integrated QR-Code with the database has been able to read digital input and output.
Öz Şefkatin Cinsiyete Göre İncelenmesi: Meta Analiz Çalışması
Authors: BACANLI Feride , ÇARKIT Ersoy
Published: December 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı öz şefkati cinsiyete göre meta analiz yöntemiyle incelemektir. Bu amaç için 2007-2018 yılları arasında Türkiye’de yürütülen lisansüstü tezler ve makaleler taranmıştır. Tezlere ulaşmak için Yükseköğretim Kurulu Ulusal Tez Merkezi'nden, bilimsel makalelere ulaşmak için Ulusal Akademik Ağ ve Bilgi Merkezi (ULAKBİM) Veri Tabanı'ndan yararlanılmıştır. Bu araştırmanın örneklemini kadın ve erkeklerin ortalama öz şefkat puanlarını, bu puanlara ilişkin standart sapmaları ve çalışmalara katılan kadın ve erkek sayılarını içeren 37 çalışma oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın örneklemi 15493 bireyden oluşmaktadır (10233 kadın - % 66.05). Öz şefkatin cinsiyete göre etki büyüklüğü, Standardize Ortalamalar Farkı (Cohen d) analiz yöntemi kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Yayın yanlılığını belirlemek için uygulanan Egger’in Regresyon Testi, Duval ve Tweedie’nin Kırp-Doldur Yöntemi ve Huni Grafiği sonuçları yayın yanlılığı olmadığını göstermiştir. Araştırma kapsamına alınan çalışmaların etki büyüklüklerinde heterojen bir dağılım olduğu görülmüştür [Q (sd = 36) = 84.045, p = .000, I² = 57.166]. Araştırma sonuçları erkeklerin öz şefkat ortalama puanlarının kadınlarınkinden yüksek olduğunu, ancak aradaki farkın istatistiksel olarak anlamsız olduğunu (d = -0.051, p = .073) göstermiştir.
Detection of lead in soil implying sample heating and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Adeel Umar Zeshan , Liaqat Usman , Ahmed Rizwan , Baig Muhammad Aslam
Published: December 2020

The emission line intensities enhancement and sensitivity of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been a subject of great interest for the last several years to improve the detection of the trace elements in soil and other environmental samples. Among several other methodologies, LIBS of the heated targets is emerging as one of the effective techniques to achieve the objective. We have investigated the effect of target heating (room temperature, 100°C, and 200°C) on the emission enhancement and plasma parameters of the laser-produced plasma on the soil sample containing 80 ppm lead. In addition, the limit of detection (LOD) of lead in soil has been determined at a fixed target temperature (200°C) and with varying lead concentration (20 ppm, 80 ppm, and 100 ppm) in the soil samples. With increasing the target temperature, not only do the emission line intensities, the excitation temperature, and electron number density increase, but also the spectral lines of Pb emerge, which were absent in the soil spectra recorded at room temperature. The limit of detection of lead in LIBS of the heated soil target has been determined as 3.8 ppm. This study reveals the potential application of the LIBS of a pre-heated target for the detection of lead with an improved LOD in the environmental sample.
Role of initial chirp and dispersion on Airy pulse propagation in an optical single-mode fiber
Authors: Zhou Lujia , Song Zhenming , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2020

We study numerically the propagation dynamics of an initially finite-energy chirped Airy pulse in an optical single-mode fiber when the group-velocity dispersion parameter

β
2

and chirp

C

have opposite signs. The different chirp parameters of the Airy pulse represent a special spectrum that improves the propagation. For

β
2

C
<

0

, the chirped Airy pulse forms a weak breakup area. We found the change rule of the main lobe and peak intensity with the pulse propagation distance and the position of the breakup area in order to understand the importance of the initial pulse chirp. The impact of chirp and self-phase modulation to the Airy pulse is discussed.
Closer look at transmissive polarization volume holograms: geometry, physics, and experimental validation
Authors: Feng Xiayu , Lu Lu , Yaroshchuk Oleg , Bos Philip
Published: December 2020

In this work, we took a closer look at transmissive polarization volume holograms (T-PVH) to provide clarifications on their geometry, physics, and optical responses by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation and experimental validation. First, we introduced the four possible geometries of T-PVH and simulated their optical responses in terms of diffraction efficiency, polarization selectivity, and polarization output. It is shown that the configuration we called “Slanted T-PVH (

B

-

θ

/

D

-

θ
+
90

),” where the director is perpendicular to the Bragg planes, has the advantageous property of maintaining circular output polarization states. For this configuration, a detailed simulation of spectral, angular, and polarization responses was completed. Finally, we validated the FDTD simulation results of the Slanted T-PVH (

B

-

θ

/

D

-

θ
+
90

) structures with experiments.
Characterization of fibrillar collagen isoforms in infarcted mouse hearts using second harmonic generation imaging
Authors: Sahu Sushant P. , Liu Qianglin , Prasad Alisha , Hasan Syed Mohammad Abid , Liu Qun , Rodriguez Maria Ximena Bastidas , Mukhopadhyay Orna , Burk David , Francis Joseph , Mukhopadhyay Supratik , Fu Xing , Gartia Manas Ranjan
Published: December 2020

We utilized collagen specific second harmonic generation (SHG) signatures coupled with correlative immunofluorescence imaging techniques to characterize collagen structural isoforms (type I and type III) in a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI). Tissue samples were imaged over a four week period using SHG, transmitted light microscopy and immunofluorescence imaging using fluorescently-labeled collagen antibodies. The post-mortem cardiac tissue imaging using SHG demonstrated a progressive increase in collagen deposition in the left ventricle (LV) post-MI. We were able to monitor structural morphology and LV remodeling parameters in terms of extent of LV dilation, stiffness and fiber dimensions in the infarcted myocardium.
Focus issue introduction: 3D image acquisition and display: technology, perception, and applications
Authors: Javidi Bahram , Hua Hong , Bimber Oliver , Huang Yi-Pai
Published: December 2020

This feature issue of Optics Express is organized in conjunction with the 2020 OSA conference on 3D image acquisition and display: technology, perception and applications which was held virtually in Vancouver from 22 to 26, June 2020 as part of the imaging and sensing congress 2020. This feature issue presents 29 articles based on the topics and scope of the 3D conference. This review provides a summary of these articles.
Multi-wavelength high-energy gas-filled fiber Raman laser spanning from 1.53  µm to 2.4  µm
Authors: Adamu Abubakar I. , Wang Yazhou , Habib Md. Selim , Dasa Manoj. K. , Antonio-Lopez J. E. , Amezcua-Correa Rodrigo , Bang Ole , Markos Christos
Published: December 2020

In this work, we present a high-pulse-energy multi-wavelength Raman
laser spanning from 1.53 µm up to 2.4 µm by employing the cascaded
rotational stimulated Raman scattering effect in a 5 m hydrogen (

H

2

)-filled nested anti-resonant fiber,
pumped by a linearly polarized Er/Yb fiber laser with a peak power of

∼

13

k
W

and pulse duration of

∼

7

n
s

in the C-band. The developed Raman
laser has distinct lines at 1683 nm, 1868 nm, 2100 nm, and 2400 nm,
with pulse energies as high as 18.25 µJ, 14.4 µJ, 14.1 µJ, and 8.2 µJ,
respectively. We demonstrate how the energy in the Raman lines can be
controlled by tuning the

H

2

pressure from 1 bar to 20 bar.
Ink-jet printed, blended polymer-based microdisk resonators for controlling non-specific adsorption of biomolecules
Authors: Nasir Abdul , Yatabe Rui , Mikami Yuya , Yoshioka Hiroaki , Vasa Nilesh , Oki Yuji
Published: December 2020

A blended FC-V-50 and TZ-001 polymer-based microdisk laser was fabricated by the ink-jet printing method and used for biosensing applications. The FC-V-50 polymer has a negative charge due to the presence of carboxyl functional groups, and the TZ-001 polymer has a positive charge due to the tertiary amine group at a pH of seven. In biosensing applications, non-specific adsorption due to opposite charges of biomolecules and microdisk surfaces can adversely affect the performance of the biosensor. By mixing FC-V-50 and TZ-001 polymers in different ratios, the microdisk surface charge was controlled, and the non-specific adsorption of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme was studied. In addition, the label-free biosensing of streptavidin was demonstrated using a blended polymer-based microdisk laser. This work reports, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of a blended polymer microdisk laser for controlling the non-specific adsorption of biomolecules.
Enhanced ablation efficiency using GHz bursts in micromachining fused silica
Authors: Schwarz Simon , Rung Stefan , Esen Cemal , Hellmann Ralf
Published: December 2020

We report on micromilling cavities into fused silica by a 1030 nm femtosecond laser using 2.17 GHz bursts. The milled cavities show an increased depth per layer for a higher number of pulses per burst while the ablation efficiency is also increased. The maximum ablation efficiency for the optimum fluence achieved in our experiments is

3.05

m
m

3

/

m
i
n

/

W

for a burst number of 10, which is 7.4 times higher than for the non-burst condition (

0.41

m
m

3

/

m
i
n

/

W

). Furthermore, the ablation threshold for each sub-pulse is significantly reduced from

0.64

J

/

c
m

2

for the non-burst condition to

0.15

J

/

c
m

2

for 10 bursts. Beside the ablation efficiency, the surface roughness is also increased with the increasing burst number, while two ablation behaviors can be distinguished, namely, a gentle ablation regime for lower burst numbers and a coarse ablation regime, dominated by breaking out the surface rather than ablating it.
Analysis of the resolution enhancement in laser-induced TiO2 nanostructured materials
Authors: Xia Feng , Li Shixia , Zhang Kun , Kong Weijin , Yun Maojin
Published: December 2020

Laser direct writing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructured materials have been widely studied in recent years. Analysis of the kinetics of laser-induced titanium oxidation and an exploration of the key factors for improving resolution are meaningful. In this paper, we propose a simulation model of TiO2/Ti film to study the kinetics of the laser-induced titanium oxidation process. We compared the time-varying oxide thickness with temperature, and analyzed the oxidation degrees, maximum temperature, and the laser-induced Mott potential distribution along the radial direction for laser power changes from 2.8 mW to 3.4 mW. We found that the laser-induced Mott potential is the more crucial factor in the determination of the final oxidation degrees. An effective way to improve the laser machining resolution is to apply the threshold power and short-duration pulse laser irradiates on the film repetitively.
Bursting in cerebellar stellate cells induced by pharmacological agents: Non-sequential spike adding
Authors: Farjami Saeed , Alexander Ryan P. D. , Bowie Derek , Khadra Anmar
Published: December 2020

Cerebellar stellate cells (CSCs) are spontaneously active, tonically firing (5-30 Hz), inhibitory interneurons that synapse onto Purkinje cells. We previously analyzed the excitability properties of CSCs, focusing on four key features: type I excitability, non-monotonic first-spike latency, switching in responsiveness and runup (i.e., temporal increase in excitability during whole-cell configuration). In this study, we extend this analysis by using whole-cell configuration to show that these neurons can also burst when treated with certain pharmacological agents separately or jointly. Indeed, treatment with 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), a partial blocker of delayed rectifier and A-type K+channels, at low doses induces a bursting profile in CSCs significantly different than that produced at high doses or when it is applied at low doses but with cadmium (Cd2+), a blocker of high voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+channels. By expanding a previously revised Hodgkin–Huxley type model, through the inclusion of Ca2+-activated K+(K(Ca)) and HVA currents, we explain how these bursts are generated and what their underlying dynamics are. Specifically, we demonstrate that the expanded model preserves the four excitability features of CSCs, as well as captures their bursting patterns induced by 4-AP and Cd2+. Model investigation reveals that 4-AP is potentiating HVA, inducing square-wave bursting at low doses and pseudo-plateau bursting at high doses, whereas Cd2+is potentiating K(Ca), inducing pseudo-plateau bursting when applied in combination with low doses of 4-AP. Using bifurcation analysis, we show that spike adding in square-wave bursts is non-sequential when gradually changing HVA and K(Ca) maximum conductances, delayed Hopf is responsible for generating the plateau segment within the active phase of pseudo-plateau bursts, and bursting can become “chaotic” when HVA and K(Ca) maximum conductances are made low and high, respectively. These results highlight the secondary effects of the drugs applied and suggest that CSCs have all the ingredients needed for bursting.
A dynamic, ring-forming MucB / RseB-like protein influences spore shape in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Luhur Johana , Chan Helena , Kachappilly Benson , Mohamed Ahmed , Morlot Cécile , Awad Milena , Lyras Dena , Taib Najwa , Gribaldo Simonetta , Rudner David Z. , Rodrigues Christopher D. A.
Published: December 2020

How organisms develop into specific shapes is a central question in biology. The maintenance of bacterial shape is connected to the assembly and remodelling of the cell envelope. In endospore-forming bacteria, the pre-spore compartment (the forespore) undergoes morphological changes that result in a spore of defined shape, with a complex, multi-layered cell envelope. However, the mechanisms that govern spore shape remain poorly understood. Here, using a combination of fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, molecular genetics and transmission electron microscopy, we show that SsdC (formerly YdcC), a poorly-characterized new member of the MucB / RseB family of proteins that bind lipopolysaccharide in diderm bacteria, influences spore shape in the monoderm Bacillus subtilis. Sporulating cells lacking SsdC fail to adopt the typical oblong shape of wild-type forespores and are instead rounder. 2D and 3D-fluorescence microscopy suggest that SsdC forms a discontinuous, dynamic ring-like structure in the peripheral membrane of the mother cell, near the mother cell proximal pole of the forespore. A synthetic sporulation screen identified genetic relationships between ssdC and genes involved in the assembly of the spore coat. Phenotypic characterization of these mutants revealed that spore shape, and SsdC localization, depend on the coat basement layer proteins SpoVM and SpoIVA, the encasement protein SpoVID and the inner coat protein SafA. Importantly, we found that the ΔssdC mutant produces spores with an abnormal-looking cortex, and abolishing cortex synthesis in the mutant largely suppresses its shape defects. Thus, SsdC appears to play a role in the proper assembly of the spore cortex, through connections to the spore coat. Collectively, our data suggest functional diversification of the MucB / RseB protein domain between diderm and monoderm bacteria and identify SsdC as an important factor in spore shape development.
Diminishing effects of mechanical loading over time during rat Achilles tendon healing
Authors: Khayyeri Hanifeh , Hammerman Malin , Turunen Mikael J. , Blomgran Parmis , Notermans Thomas , Guizar-Sicairos Manuel , Eliasson Pernilla , Aspenberg Per , Isaksson Hanna
Published: December 2020

Mechanical loading affects tendon healing and recovery. However, our understanding about how physical loading affects recovery of viscoelastic functions, collagen production and tissue organisation is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate how different magnitudes of loading affects biomechanical and collagen properties of healing Achilles tendons over time. Achilles tendon from female Sprague Dawley rats were cut transversely and divided into two groups; normal loading (control) and reduced loading by Botox (unloading). The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2- and 4-weeks post-injury and mechanical testing (creep test and load to failure), small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and histological analysis were performed. The effect of unloading was primarily seen at the early time points, with inferior mechanical and collagen properties (SAXS), and reduced histological maturation of the tissue in unloaded compared to loaded tendons. However, by 4 weeks no differences remained. SAXS and histology revealed heterogeneous tissue maturation with more mature tissue at the peripheral region compared to the center of the callus. Thus, mechanical loading advances Achilles tendon biomechanical and collagen properties earlier compared to unloaded tendons, and the spatial variation in tissue maturation and collagen organization across the callus suggests important regional (mechano-) biological activities that require more investigation.
The effect of psychological distress on IVF outcomes: Reality or speculations?
Authors: Aimagambetova Gulzhanat , Issanov Alpamys , Terzic Sanja , Bapayeva Gauri , Ukybassova Talshyn , Baikoshkarova Saltanat , Aldiyarova Aidana , Shauyen Fariza , Terzic Milan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Infertility is a problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of stress, depression and anxiety on the IVF outcomes in Kazakhstan.

Methods

The prospective cohort study was performed using questionnaires to assess psychological distress in 304 infertile female in three different cities in Kazakhstan.

Results

The average age of participants was 33.7 years with infertility duration of 5.9 years. Regarding stress, depression and anxiety we found that more than 80% of all respondents had CES-D score higher than 16, indicating that they are at risk of developing clinical depression. On average, FPI subscales’ scores, global stress score and anxiety scale (STAI-S and STAI-T) scores were statistically significantly higher among not pregnant women than pregnant women. Similarly, in simple logistic regression analysis all FPI subscales scores, global stress scale score and anxiety scales’ scores were negatively associated with clinical pregnancy.

Conclusion

Rates of stress, anxiety and depression among IVF patients are higher than in general population. If the level of infertility-related stress is higher, IVF success rate is lower. Findings of our study indicate the need for the specific psychological interventions for all infertility women, to improve IVF success rate.
An evidence-based methodology for systematic evaluation of clinical outcome assessment measures for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Christoforou Andrea N. , Armstrong Melissa J. , Bergin Michael J. G. , Robbins Ann , Merillat Shannon A. , Erwin Patricia , Getchius Thomas S. D. , McCrea Michael , Markowitz Amy J. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Giacino Joseph T.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The high failure rate of clinical trials in traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be attributable, in part, to the use of untested or insensitive measurement instruments. Of more than 1,000 clinical outcome assessment measures (COAs) for TBI, few have been systematically vetted to determine their performance within specific “contexts of use (COU).” As described in guidance issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the COU specifies the population of interest and the purpose for which the COA will be employed. COAs are commonly used for screening, diagnostic categorization, outcome prediction, and establishing treatment effectiveness. COA selection typically relies on expert consensus; there is no established methodology to match the appropriateness of a particular COA to a specific COU. We developed and pilot-tested the Evidence-Based Clinical Outcome assessment Platform (EB-COP) to systematically and transparently evaluate the suitability of TBI COAs for specific purposes.

Methods and findings

Following a review of existing literature and published guidelines on psychometric standards for COAs, we developed a 6-step, semi-automated, evidence-based assessment platform to grade COA performance for six specific purposes: diagnosis, symptom detection, prognosis, natural history, subgroup stratification and treatment effectiveness. Mandatory quality indicators (QIs) were identified for each purpose using a modified Delphi consensus-building process. The EB-COP framework was incorporated into a Qualtrics software platform and pilot-tested on the Glasgow Outcome Scale—Extended (GOSE), the most widely-used COA in TBI clinical studies.

Conclusion

The EB-COP provides a systematic methodology for conducting more precise, evidence-based assessment of COAs by evaluating performance within specific COUs. The EB-COP platform was shown to be feasible when applied to a TBI COA frequently used to detect treatment effects and can be modified to address other populations and COUs. Additional testing and validation of the EB-COP are warranted.
Asymbiotic germination and morphological studies of seeds of Atlantic Rainforest micro-orchids (Pleurothallidinae)
Authors: Koene Franciele Marx , Amano Érika , Smidt Eric de Camargo , Ribas Luciana Lopes Fortes
Published: December 2020

The morphological and morphometric characters of seeds belonging to 11 species of the subtribe Pleurothallidinae using light and scanning electron microscopy were studied to understand thein vitrogermination process. Qualitative data (color, shape, ornamentation) and quantitative ones were also evaluated in seeds and embryos (length, width, volume and air space percentage between the integument and the embryo). The viability of the seeds was evaluated byin vitrogermination in woody plant medium (WPM), and by analysis of the developmental stages of protocorms until seedling formation (two to 24 weeks). Morphometric data showed variations within the genusAciantheraand between species of different genera. The best germination and protocorm formation responses occurred withAcianthera prolifera(92%) andAcianthera ochreata(86%), with the formation of seedlings after 12 and 16 weeks of sowing, respectively. The seeds and embryos ofA.proliferaandA.ochreatawere larger (length, width, and volume) with a structural polarity that may have facilitated their germination comparing to others studied species. Other characteristics ofA.proliferaseeds that may have contributed to these results include the presence of a thin testa without ornamentation and a suspensor. The protocorms ofAnathalis obovata,Dryadella liliputiana, andOctomeria gracillisdeveloped slowly in the WPM, not reaching the seedling stage in 24 weeks of cultivation. This morphological and morphometric study contributes to the understanding of asymbiotic germination of some micro-orchid species.
The prevalence of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow and ulnar nerve dislocation in recreational wheelchair marathon athletes
Authors: Kakita Mari , Mikami Yukio , Ibusuki Tatsuru , Shimoe Takashi , Kamijo Yoshi-ichiro , Hoekstra Sven P. , Tajima Fumihiro
Published: December 2020

Background

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is an entrapment neuropathy, while ulnar nerve dislocation might also be involved in its incidence and severity. Wheelchair marathon athletes may be at an increased risk for Ulnar Neuropathy. However, there is a paucity of research into the prevalence of Ulnar Neuropathy and ulnar nerve dislocation in this population.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow and ulnar nerve dislocation in wheelchair marathon athletes.

Participants

Wheelchair marathon athletes (N = 38) who participated in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Oita International Wheelchair Marathon. 2 athletes participated only one time, 36 athletes repeatedly. Data from athletes`latest assessment were used.

Methods

The day before the race, questionnaires, physical examinations, and ultrasonography were conducted to screen for Ulnar Neuropathy in both upper limbs. Ulnar nerve dislocation was confirmed by physical examination and ultrasonography.

Results

11 (29%) athletes were diagnosed with Ulnar Neuropathy. There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, Body Mass Index, or history of primary illness between athletes with and without Ulnar Neuropathy. In the group without Ulnar Neuropathy, 44% of athletes reported to have been engaging in other wheelchair sports, compared to 9% in the group with Ulnar Neuropathy (p = 0.037). Ulnar nerve dislocation was diagnosed in 15 (39%) athletes by ultrasonography. Out of the 14 elbows of 11 athletes diagnosed with Ulnar Neuropathy, 9 (64%) elbows had ulnar nerve dislocation.

Conclusion

The prevalence of Ulnar Neuropathy in wheelchair marathon athletes was higher than previously reported in able-bodied, non-athlete individuals and lower than in non-athletes with lower limb dysfunction. Therefore, while wheelchair sports may provide some protection against Ulnar Neuropathy, this study further supports the importance of screening for Ulnar Neuropathy, as well as for ulnar nerve dislocation as a potential risk factor for the development of Ulnar Neuropathy.
Presence of anti-nuclear antibodies is a risk factor for the appearance of anti-drug antibodies during infliximab or adalimumab therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mori Ayano , Saito Toshiharu , Takahashi Miho , Shibata Miho , Tsuji Goh , Hatachi Saori , Takahashi Soshi , Kumagai Shunichi
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to directly analyze the potential relationship of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) before and after the administration of TNF-α inhibitors (TNFi) with the appearance of anti-drug antibodies (ADrA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A total of 121 cases, viz., 38, 53, and 30 cases treated with infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADA), and etanercept (ETN), respectively, were enrolled. The ANA titers were measured using indirect immunefluorescence assay (IF-ANA) and multiplex flow immunoassay (ANA Screen) before and serially during the therapy. The anti-IFX antibodies (HACA) and anti-ADA antibodies (AAA) were measured with a radioimmunoassay. ADrA turned positive in 14 (36.8%) among 38 patients treated with IFX, and 16 (30.2%) among 53 treated with ADA. All of them were positive for IF-ANA before TNFi administration, while ADrA never appeared in any of the 15 patients negative for IF-ANA (< 40). IF-ANA of high titers (≥ 320 and ≥ 640) before IFX treatment showed a significant association with the appearance of HACA 52 weeks after IFX (P = 0.040 and 0.017, respectively), whereas AAA appearance was not related to IF-ANA titers before treatment. Moreover, IF-ANA of high titers before IFX treatment was significantly associated with inefficacy and discontinuation of the treatment. The positivity of anti-SS-A antibodies before therapy might be a risk factor for ADrA appearance in patients treated with IFX or ADA. The percentage of patients whose IF-ANA titers increased was significantly higher with IFX than with ADA or ETN treatments (P = 0.026 and 0.022, respectively). High ANA titers and positive ANA Screen after IFX therapy showed a significant association with HACA appearance and possibly led to treatment failure. Among the three TNFi, only IFX showed a close relationship with IF-ANA and ADrA appearance, suggesting the interaction of immunogenicity with autoimmunity as well as the advantage of ANA measurement before TNFi therapy.
Misalignment and tilt effect on aspheric intraocular lens designs after a corneal refractive surgery
Authors: Pérez-Gracia Jesús , Ávila Francisco J. , Ares Jorge , Vallés Juan A. , Remón Laura
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To numerically evaluate and compare the tolerance to misalignment and tilt of aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs) designed for three eyes: with standard cornea and with simulated corneas after myopic and hyperopic laser ablation surgery.

Methods

Three aspheric IOLs of +20.00 diopter (D) with different spherical aberration (SA) (Z40) values have been designed using a theoretical model eye. Drastic changes on the theoretical eye anterior corneal asphericity have been performed to simulate myopic and hyperopic refractive surgeries. The effect of IOL misalignment and tilt on the image quality has been evaluated using a commercial optical software design for the three eye models. Image quality was assessed from the modulation transfer function (MTF), root mean square (RMS) values of defocus, astigmatism, coma and spherical aberration (Z40), and retinal images obtained from a visual simulator using an aleatory optotype of 0.00 LogMar visual acuity (VA).

Results

IOL misalignment and tilt reduced MTF values in general, and increased wavefront aberrations errors. Aberration-free IOLs maintained best the MTF values when misalignments were applied, together with good on-axis optical quality. IOLs with negative SA (Z40) correction decreased the MTF value under 0.43 for misalignments values higher than 0.50 mm with the three corneas. The effect of misalignment on RMS astigmatism and coma was correlated with the IOL SA (Z40) and with the three corneas.

Conclusions

This theoretical study shows that the largest degradation in image quality arises for the IOL with the highest amount of spherical aberration (Z40). Moreover, it has been found that the aspherical design has a more influential role in misalignment tolerance than in tilt tolerance.
Meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy of nucleic acid amplification tests for abdominal tuberculosis: A protocol
Authors: Shen Yanqin , Fang Likui , Ye Bo , Yu Guocan
Published: December 2020

Background

Abdominal tuberculosis is a severe extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which can lead to serious complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for the prognosis and the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is still difficult. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for abdominal tuberculosis using meta-analysis method.

Methods

We will search PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wanfang database for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of NAATs for abdominal tuberculosis until May 2020. We will include a systematic review and meta-analysis that evaluated the accuracy of NAATs for abdominal tuberculosis. Any types of study design with full text will be sought and included. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Stata version 15.0 with the midas command packages will be used to carry out meta-analyses.

Results

The results will provide clinical evidence for diagnostic accuracy of NAATs for abdominal tuberculosis, and this systematic review and meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Conclusion

This overview will provide evidence of NAATs for diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis.

Systematic review registration

INPLASY202060030.
Association between Vitamin D supplementation and mortality in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Peng Liyuan , Li Linjie , Wang Peng , Chong Weelic , Li Yin , Zha Xi , Deng Haidong , Fan Huaqian , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2020

Background

Observational studies suggest that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D status is common and has been associated with higher mortality in critically ill patients. This study aim to investigate whether vitamin D supplementation is associated with lower mortality in critically ill patients.

Method

We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to January 12, 2020, without language restrictions, for randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of vitamin D supplementation with placebo in critically ill patients. Two authors independently performed data extraction and assessed study quality. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at the longest follow-up.

Result

We identified nine trials with a total of 2066 patients. Vitamin D supplementation was not associated with reduced all-cause mortality at the longest follow-up (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.09, I2 = 20%), at 30 days (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.15), at 90 days (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.44), and at 180 days (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.03). Results were similar in the sensitivity analysis. The sample size met the optimum size in trial sequential analysis. Similarly, supplemental vitamin D was not associated with length of ICU stay, hospital stay, or mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplement was not associated with reduced all-cause mortality in critically ill patients.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/bgsjq
Detection and treatment of mental disorders in patients with coronary heart disease (MenDis-CHD): A cross-sectional study
Authors: Peltzer Samia , Müller Hendrik , Köstler Ursula , Schulz-Nieswandt Frank , Jessen Frank , Albus Christian ,   on behalf of the CoRe-Net study group
Published: December 2020

Mental disorders (MD) are associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and with higher CHD-related morbidity and mortality. There is a strong recommendation to routinely screen CHD patients for MDs, diagnosis, and treatment by recent guidelines. The current study aimed at mapping CHD patients' (1) state of diagnostics and, if necessary, treatment of MDs, (2) trajectories and detection rate in healthcare, and (3) the influence of MDs and its management on quality of life and patient satisfaction. The design was a cross-sectional study in three settings (two hospitals, two rehabilitation clinics, three cardiology practices). CHD patients were screened for MDs with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and, if screened-positive, examined for MDs with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Quality of Life (EQ-5D), Patient Assessment of Care for Chronic Conditions (PACIC), and previous routine diagnostics and treatment for MDs were examined. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, and ANOVA were used for analyses. Analyses of the data of 364 patients resulted in 33.8% positive HADS-screenings and 28.0% SCID-I diagnoses. The detection rate of correctly pre-diagnosed MDs was 49.0%. Physicians actively approached approximately thirty percent of patients on MDs; however, only 6.6% of patients underwent psychotherapy and 4.1% medication therapy through psychotherapists/psychiatrists. MD patients scored significantly lower on EQ-5D and the PACIC. The state of diagnostic and treatment of comorbid MDs in patients with CHD is insufficient. Patients showed a positive attitude towards addressing MDs and were satisfied with medical treatment, but less with MD-related advice. Physicians in secondary care need more training inadequately addressing mental comorbidity.
Synthesis and analysis of 4-(3-fluoropropyl)-glutamic acid stereoisomers to determine the stereochemical purity of (4S)-4-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid ([18F]FSPG) for clinical use
Authors: Shih Kai-Ting , Huang Ya-Yao , Yang Chia-Ying , Cheng Mei-Fang , Tien Yu-Wen , Shiue Chyng-Yann , Yen Rouh-Fang , Hsin Ling-Wei
Published: December 2020

(4S)-4-(3-[18F]Fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid ([18F]FSPG) is a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent for measuring the system xC− transporter activity. It has been used for the detection of various cancers and metastasis in clinical trials. [18F]FSPG is also a promising diagnostic tool for evaluation of multiple sclerosis, drug resistance in chemotherapy, inflammatory brain diseases, and infectious lesions. Due to the very short half-life (110 min) of 18F nuclide, [18F]FSPG needs to be produced on a daily basis; therefore, fast and efficient synthesis and analytical methods for quality control must be established to assure the quality and safety of [18F]FSPG for clinical use. To manufacture cGMP-compliant [18F]FSPG, all four nonradioactive stereoisomers of FSPG were prepared as reference standards for analysis. (2S,4S)-1 and (2R,4R)-1 were synthesized starting from protected L- and D-glutamate derivatives in three steps, whereas (2S,4R)-1 and (2R,4S)-1 were prepared in three steps from protected (S)- and (R)-pyroglutamates. A chiral HPLC method for simultaneous determination of four FSPG stereoisomers was developed by using a 3-cm Chirex 3126 column and a MeCN/CuSO4(aq) mobile phase. In this method, (2R,4S)-1, (2S,4S)-1, (2R,4R)-1, and (2S,4R)-1 were eluted in sequence with sufficient resolution in less than 25 min without derivatization. Scale-up synthesis of intermediates for the production of [18F]FSPG in high optical purity was achieved via stereo-selective synthesis or resolution by recrystallization. The enantiomeric excess of intermediates was determined by HPLC using a Chiralcel OD column and monitored at 220 nm. The nonradioactive precursor with >98% ee can be readily distributed to other facilities for the production of [18F]FSPG. Based on the above accomplishments, cGMP-compliant [18F]FSPG met the acceptance criteria in specifications and was successfully manufactured for human use. It has been routinely prepared and used in several pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis-related clinical trials.