bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noise in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery operating rooms: A systematic review
Authors: Sampieri Gianluca , Namavarian Amirpouyan , Levin Marc , Philteos Justine , Lee Jong Wook , Koskinen Anni , Lin Vincent , Lee John
Published: February 2021

Objective

Noise in operating rooms (OR) can have negative effects on both patients and surgical care workers. Noise can also impact surgical performance, team communication, and patient outcomes. Such implications of noise have been studied in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and urology. High noise levels have also been demonstrated in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) procedures. Despite this, no previous study has amalgamated the data on noise across all OHNS ORs to determine how much noise is present during OHNS surgeries. This study aims to review all the literature on noise associated with OHNS ORs and procedures.

Methods

Ovid Medline, EMBASE Classic, Pubmed, SCOPUS and Cochrane databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines. Data was collected on noise measurement location and surgery type. Descriptive results and statistical analysis were completed using Stata.

Results

This search identified 2914 articles. Final inclusion consisted of 22 studies. The majority of articles analyzed noise level exposures during mastoid surgery (18/22, 82%). The maximum noise level across all OHNS ORs and OHNS cadaver studies were 95.5 a-weighted decibels (dBA) and 106.6 c-weighted decibels (dBC), respectively ( P = 0.2068). The mean noise level across all studies was significantly higher in OHNS cadaver labs (96.9 dBA) compared to OHNS ORs (70.1 dBA) ( P = 0.0038). When analyzed together, the mean noise levels were 84.9 dBA.

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrates that noise exposure in OHNS surgery exceeds safety thresholds. Further research is needed to understand how noise may affect team communication, surgical performance and patient outcomes in OHNS ORs.

Graphical Abstract
Latent profiles of patients with borderline pathology based on the alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders
Authors: Gamache Dominick , Savard Claudia , Leclerc Philippe , Payant Maude , Côté Alexandre , Faucher Jonathan , Lampron Mireille , Tremblay Marc
Published: February 2021

Background

There have been multiple attempts to try to parse out heterogeneity within borderline pathology by identifying patient subtypes; thus far, these works have yielded few consistent results. Recent developments in the operationalization of borderline pathology may provide new opportunities to identify clinically and conceptually meaningful subgroups of patients. The Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) offers a categorical-dimensional operationalization of Borderline personality disorder (BPD) that has yet to be tested for identification of patient subgroups. The purpose of the present study is to test whether the combination of the Criterion A elements (pertaining to level of severity) and the seven pathological facets from Criterion B that define BPD in the AMPD can yield meaningful patient profiles.

Methods

A total of 211 outpatients from a specialized PD treatment program (133 women, Mage = 33.66, SD = 10.97) were selected based on the presence of at least moderate borderline pathology according to cutoffs recently proposed for the Borderline Symptom List-23. Valid Criterion A (Self and Interpersonal Functioning Scale) and B (Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Faceted Brief Form) self-reports were administered to measure elements and facets that define BPD in the AMPD model; these variables were used as indicators in a latent profile analysis (LPA).

Results

The optimal solution generated by LPA yielded four distinct profiles: (a) Borderline traits; (b) Moderate pathology with Impulsivity; (c) Moderate pathology with Identity problems and Depressivity; and (d) Severe pathology. Clinically meaningful distinctions emerged among profiles on AMPD indicators and external variables relevant to PD, especially aggression and impulsivity.

Conclusions

Profiles reflected both the “severity” and “style” components imbedded within Criterion A and B of the AMPD, as they were mainly distinguished by a continuum of severity but also by some meaningful qualitative differences that may have important clinical implications for treatment planning and contracting. Results also suggest that the four Criterion A elements have independent value to identify important differences in patients with borderline pathology. They also highlight that some Criterion B facets that define BPD in the AMPD may be especially important to identify subgroups of patients, mainly Impulsivity and Depressivity.
Universal health coverage and COVID-19: recent developments and implications
Authors: Hussain Rabia , Arif Sara
Published: February 2021

Universal health coverage (UHC) is meant to access the key health services including disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and health promotion. UHC varies according to demographics, epidemiology, and technology-based trends, as well as according to people’s expectations. Globally, the transition towards UHC has been associated with the intent of improving accessibility and affordability of healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the health systems of even the most developed economies of the world in an unprecedented manner. The situation is also very challenging for the countries with the existing health inequities as well as the countries with the developing healthcare systems. This has amplified the need to accelerate efforts to build strong and resilient health systems to achieve progress towards UHC. This commentary discusses a global overview of UHC in the wake of COVID19. It also highlights the initiatives taken by Pakistan to promote the goals of UHC.
International Geomagnetic Reference Field: the thirteenth generation
Authors: Alken P. , Thébault E. , Beggan C. D. , Amit H. , Aubert J. , Baerenzung J. , Bondar T. N. , Brown W. J. , Califf S. , Chambodut A. , Chulliat A. , Cox G. A. , Finlay C. C. , Fournier A. , Gillet N. , Grayver A. , Hammer M. D. , Holschneider M. , Huder L. , Hulot G. , Jager T. , Kloss C. , Korte M. , Kuang W. , Kuvshinov A. , Langlais B. , Léger J.-M. , Lesur V. , Livermore P. W. , Lowes F. J. , Macmillan S. , Magnes W. , Mandea M. , Marsal S. , Matzka J. , Metman M. C. , Minami T. , Morschhauser A. , Mound J. E. , Nair M. , Nakano S. , Olsen N. , Pavón-Carrasco F. J. , Petrov V. G. , Ropp G. , Rother M. , Sabaka T. J. , Sanchez S. , Saturnino D. , Schnepf N. R. , Shen X. , Stolle C. , Tangborn A. , Tøffner-Clausen L. , Toh H. , Torta J. M. , Varner J. , Vervelidou F. , Vigneron P. , Wardinski I. , Wicht J. , Woods A. , Yang Y. , Zeren Z. , Zhou B.
Published: February 2021

In December 2019, the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) Division V Working Group (V-MOD) adopted the thirteenth generation of the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF). This IGRF updates the previous generation with a definitive main field model for epoch 2015.0, a main field model for epoch 2020.0, and a predictive linear secular variation for 2020.0 to 2025.0. This letter provides the equations defining the IGRF, the spherical harmonic coefficients for this thirteenth generation model, maps of magnetic declination, inclination and total field intensity for the epoch 2020.0, and maps of their predicted rate of change for the 2020.0 to 2025.0 time period.
The CSES global geomagnetic field model (CGGM): an IGRF-type global geomagnetic field model based on data from the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite
Authors: Yang Yanyan , Hulot Gauthier , Vigneron Pierre , Shen Xuhui , Zhima Zeren , Zhou Bin , Magnes Werner , Olsen Nils , Tøffner-Clausen Lars , Huang Jianpin , Zhang Xuemin , Yuan Shigeng , Wang Lanwei , Cheng Bingjun , Pollinger Andreas , Lammegger Roland , Dai Jianpin , Lin Jun , Guo Feng , Yu Jingbo , Wang Jie , Wu Yingyan , Zhao Xudong , Zhu Xinghong
Published: February 2021

Using magnetic field data from the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) mission, we derive a global geomagnetic field model, which we call the CSES Global Geomagnetic Field Model (CGGM). This model describes the Earth’s magnetic main field and its linear temporal evolution over the time period between March 2018 and September 2019. As the CSES mission was not originally designed for main field modelling, we carefully assess the ability of the CSES orbits and data to provide relevant data for such a purpose. A number of issues are identified, and an appropriate modelling approach is found to mitigate these. The resulting CGGM model appears to be of high enough quality, and it is next used as a parent model to produce a main field model extrapolated to epoch 2020.0, which was eventually submitted on October 1, 2019 as one of the IGRF-13 2020 candidate models. This CGGM candidate model, the first ever produced by a Chinese-led team, is also the only one relying on a data set completely independent from that used by all other candidate models. A successful validation of this candidate model is performed by comparison with the final (now published) IGRF-13 2020 model and all other candidate models. Comparisons of the secular variation predicted by the CGGM parent model with the final IGRF-13 2020–2025 predictive secular variation also reveal a remarkable agreement. This shows that, despite their current limitations, CSES magnetic data can already be used to produce useful IGRF 2020 and 2020–2025 secular variation candidate models to contribute to the official IGRF-13 2020 and predictive secular variation models for the coming 2020–2025 time period. These very encouraging results show that additional efforts to improve the CSES magnetic data quality could make these data very useful for long-term monitoring of the main field and possibly other magnetic field sources, in complement to the data provided by missions such as the ESA Swarm mission.
Do self-created metacognitive prompts promote short- and long-term effects in computer-based learning environments?
Authors: Engelmann Katharina , Bannert Maria , Melzner Nadine
Published: February 2021

Students must engage in self-regulated learning in computer-based learning environments; however, many students experience difficulties in doing so. Therefore, this study aims to investigate self-created metacognitive prompts as a means of supporting students in their learning process and improving their learning performance. We conducted an experimental study with a between-subject design. The participants learned with self-created metacognitive prompts (n = 28) or without prompts (n = 29) in a hypermedia learning environment for 40 min while thinking aloud. In a second learning session (stability test), all participants learned about a different topic without prompts. The results showed no clear effect of the self-created metacognitive prompts on the learning process and performance. A deeper analysis revealed that students’ prompt utilization had a significant effect on performance in the second learning session. This study contributes to the research investigating how students can be supported in ways that enhance their learning process and performance.
Post-stroke dysphagia: frequency, risk factors, and topographic representation: hospital-based study
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Abbass Mohamed A. , Soliman Radwa K. , Zaki Ahmed F. , Gamea Ayman
Published: February 2021

Background

The frequency of dysphagia varies considerably across literature. Post-stroke dysphagia is a common cause of increased morbidity and length of hospitalization. This study aimed to estimate the frequency, risk factors of dysphagia following first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and its neuroradiological correlation.

Methods

Two hundred fifty patients (180 ischemic and 70 hemorrhagic strokes) with first-ever stroke were recruited within 72 h of onset. Detailed history, neurological examination, and computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance were done for each patient. Severity of stroke was evaluated by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Swallowing function was assessed by water swallowing test (WST) and dysphagia outcome severity scale (DOSS).

Results

Ninety-eight (39.2%) of all stroke patients had dysphagia, 57 (31.7%) of ischemic group, 41 (58.6%) of hemorrhagic group. The mean age of ischemic group with dysphagia was older than ages of non-dysphagic and older than hemorrhagic stroke with dysphagia group. The mean total NIHSS was higher in dysphagic group than non-dysphagic group in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Dysphagia in ischemic group was highly associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Dysphagia was commonly associated with middle cerebral artery (MCA), brainstem, and capsular infarctions as well as with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with ventricular extension. Stroke severity and lesion size were the main determinant of dysphagia severity.

Conclusions

The frequency of post-stroke dysphagia is consistent with other studies. Advanced age, DM, HTN, and AF were the main risk factors. MCA, brain stem, capsular infarctions, and ICH with ventricular extension were frequently associated with dysphagia. Stroke severity and lesion size were independent predictors of dysphagia severity.
Internal and external determinants of corporate social responsibility practices in multinational enterprise subsidiaries in developing countries: evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Gulema Tolossa Fufa , Roba Yadessa Tadesse
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the study is to investigate the internal drivers and external determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies practiced by multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) using institutional theory and the resource-based view. We propose that MNEs’ local business orientations and political behaviors are highly related to firms’ CSR selection as internal and external determinants, respectively, and we integrate the actual CSR practices from different characteristics to exploring and exploiting strategies. A multiple regression analysis was conducted by using survey data collected from MNE subsidiaries operating in Ethiopia. We found that firms who are oriented to raise competitiveness with collaborative attitudes toward host governments seek more exploring CSR practices. On the other hand, firms’ local orientation that is to build legitimacy with accommodative attitudes toward host governments has positive relations with exploiting CSR practices. Furthermore, contrary to the expectation the result revealed that exploiting CSR practices are positively related to both orientations, which implies that traditional CSR practices are treated fundamentally of importance in developing countries.
A rare association of tonsillar tuberculosis and lichen scrofulosorum
Authors: Harit Anshika , Sahoo Anjan Kumar , Singh Ishwar
Published: February 2021

Background

Both tonsillar tuberculosis and lichen scrofulosorum are sporadic presentations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Lichen scrofulosorum commonly presents in children and young adults as lichenoid eruptions over the skin. Granulomatous inflammation of the tonsils, however, presents as non-specific sore throat and foreign body sensation in the throat. The concomitant presentation of the abovementioned tubercular manifestations has not been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a case of an 11-year-old male patient who presented with a history of recurrent sore throat and ulcerative lesion over the tonsil. Systemic examination revealed multiple perifollicular eruptions over the trunk and back. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological findings of epithelioid cell granulomas with Langerhans giant cells following biopsy from the tonsil and skin lesions. Antitubercular therapy was initiated soon after. The patient responded to treatment as early as 6 weeks and was completely asymptomatic at 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of granulomatous tonsillitis should alert the physician to the possibility of underlying systemic tuberculosis. In our case, coexistence of lichen scrofulosorum helped us to substantiate the diagnosis based on the biopsy report. Response to antitubercular agents is excellent and should be started at the earliest.
Direct updating of rock-physics properties using elastic full-waveform inversion
Authors: Hu Qi , Keating Scott , Innanen Kristopher A. , Chen Huaizhen
Published: February 2021

Quantitative estimation of rock-physics properties is an important part of reservoir characterization. Most current seismic workflows in this field are based on amplitude variation with offset. Building on recent work on high-resolution multiparameter inversion for reservoir characterization, we have constructed a rock-physics parameterized elastic full-waveform inversion (EFWI) scheme. Within a suitably formed multiparameter EFWI, in this case a 2D frequency-domain isotropic-elastic full-waveform inversion with a truncated Gauss-Newton optimization, any rock-physics model with a well-defined mapping between its parameters and seismic velocity/density can be examined. We select a three-parameter porosity, clay content, and water saturation (PCS) parameterization, and we link them to elastic properties using three representative rock-physics models: the Han empirical model, the Voigt-Reuss-Hill boundary model, and the Kuster and Toksöz inclusion model. Numerical examples suggest that conditioning issues, which make a sequential inversion (in which velocities and density are first determined through EFWI, followed by PCS parameters) unstable, are avoided in this direct approach. Significant variability in inversion fidelity is visible from one rock-physics model to another. However, the response of the inversion to the range of possible numerical optimization and frequency selections, as well as acquisition geometries, varies widely. Water saturation tends to be the most difficult property to recover in all situations examined. This can be explained with radiation pattern analysis, in which very low relative scattering amplitudes from saturation perturbations are observed. An investigation performed with a Bayesian approach illustrates that the introduction of prior information may increase the inversion sensitivity to water saturation.
Dictionary learning and shift-invariant sparse coding denoising for controlled-source electromagnetic data combined with complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Li Guang , He Zhushi , Tang Jingtian , Deng Juzhi , Liu Xiaoqiong , Zhu Huijie
Published: February 2021

Controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data recorded in industrialized areas are inevitably contaminated by strong cultural noise. Traditional noise attenuation methods are often ineffective for intricate aperiodic noise. To address the abovementioned problem, we have developed a novel noise isolation method based on the fast Fourier transform, complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD), and shift-invariant sparse coding (SISC, an unsupervised machine-learning algorithm under a data-driven framework). First, large powerline noise is accurately subtracted in the frequency domain. Then, the CEEMD-based algorithm is used to correct the large baseline drift. Finally, taking advantage of the sparsity of periodic signals, SISC is applied to autonomously learn a feature atom (the useful signal with a length of one period) from the detrended signal and recover the CSEM signal with high accuracy. We determine the performance of the SISC by comparing it with three other promising signal processing methods, such as the mathematic morphology filtering, soft-threshold wavelet filtering, and K-singular-value decomposition (another dictionary learning method) sparse decomposition. Experimental results illustrate that SISC provides the best performance. Robustness test results indicate that SISC can increase the signal-to-noise ratio of noisy signal from 0 to more than 15 dB. Case studies of synthetic and real data collected in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan indicate that our method is capable of effectively recovering the useful signal from the observed data contaminated with different kinds of strong ambient noise. The curves of U/I and apparent resistivity after applying our method improved greatly. Moreover, our method performs better than the robust estimation method based on correlation analysis.
Differential Mitochondrial Gene Expression in Adipose Tissue Following Weight Loss Induced by Diet or Bariatric Surgery
Authors: van der Kolk Birgitta W , Muniandy Maheswary , Kaminska Dorota , Alvarez Marcus , Ko Arthur , Miao Zong , Valsesia Armand , Langin Dominique , Vaittinen Maija , Pääkkönen Mirva , Jokinen Riikka , Kaye Sanna , Heinonen Sini , Virtanen Kirsi A , Andersson Daniel P , Männistö Ville , Saris Wim H , Astrup Arne , Rydén Mikael , Blaak Ellen E , Pajukanta Päivi , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Pietiläinen Kirsi H
Published: February 2021

Context

Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy homeostasis, yet their role in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) during different types of weight-loss interventions remains unknown.

Objective

To investigate how SAT mitochondria change following diet-induced and bariatric surgery–induced weight-loss interventions in 4 independent weight-loss studies.

Methods

The DiOGenes study is a European multicenter dietary intervention with an 8-week low caloric diet (LCD; 800 kcal/d; n = 261) and 6-month weight-maintenance (n = 121) period. The Kuopio Obesity Surgery study (KOBS) is a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery study (n = 172) with a 1-year follow-up. We associated weight-loss percentage with global and 2210 mitochondria-related RNA transcripts in linear regression analysis adjusted for age and sex. We repeated these analyses in 2 studies. The Finnish CRYO study has a 6-week LCD (800-1000 kcal/d; n = 19) and a 10.5-month follow-up. The Swedish DEOSH study is a RYGB surgery study with a 2-year (n = 49) and 5-year (n = 37) follow-up.

Results

Diet-induced weight loss led to a significant transcriptional downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation (DiOGenes; ingenuity pathway analysis [IPA] z-scores: −8.7 following LCD, −4.4 following weight maintenance; CRYO: IPA z-score: −5.6, all P < 0.001), while upregulation followed surgery-induced weight loss (KOBS: IPA z-score: 1.8, P < 0.001; in DEOSH: IPA z-scores: 4.0 following 2 years, 0.0 following 5 years). We confirmed an upregulated oxidative phosphorylation at the proteomics level following surgery (IPA z-score: 3.2, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Differentially regulated SAT mitochondria-related gene expressions suggest qualitative alterations between weight-loss interventions, providing insights into the potential molecular mechanistic targets for weight-loss success.
Vertebral Fracture Assessment in Postmenopausal Women With Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Cipriani Cristiana , Minisola Salvatore , Bilezikian John P , Diacinti Davide , Colangelo Luciano , Piazzolla Valentina , Angelozzi Maurizio , Nieddu Luciano , Pepe Jessica , Diacinti Daniele
Published: February 2021

Context

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder whose skeletal features include suppression of bone turnover and greater volume and width of the trabecular compartment. Few and inconsistent data are available on the prevalence of vertebral fractures (VF).

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of VF assessed by vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) in postmenopausal women with chronic postsurgical hypoparathyroidism.

Design

Cross-sectional study

Setting

Ambulatory referral center.

Patients or Other Participants

Fifty postmenopausal women (mean age 65.4 ± 9 years) with chronic postsurgical hypoparathyroidism and 40 age-matched healthy postmenopausal women (mean age 64.2 ± 8.6).

Main outcome measures

Lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip bone mineral density were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Inc., USA) in all subjects. Site-matched spine trabecular bone score was calculated by TBS iNsight (Medimaps, Switzerland). Assessment of VF was made by VFA (iDXA, Lunar GE, USA) using the semiquantitative method and the algorithm-based qualitative assessment.

Results

All-site BMD values were higher in the hypoparathyroid vs the control group. By VFA, we observed a 16% prevalence of VF in hypoparathyroid women vs 7.5% in control subjects. Among those with hypoparathyroidism who fractured, 5 (62.5%) had grade 1 wedge, 2 (25%) had grade 2 wedge, and 1 (12.5%) had grade 2 wedge and grade 2 biconcave VF. In the hypoparathyroid group, 57% with VFs and 32% without VFs had symptoms of hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusion

We demonstrate for the first time that in postmenopausal women with chronic postsurgical hypoparathyroidism, VFs are demonstrable by VFA despite normal BMD.
Hepatic Ago2 Regulates PPARα for Oxidative Metabolism Linked to Glycemic Control in Obesity and Post Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Bhattacharjee Jashdeep , Borra Vishnupriya J , Salem Esam S B , Zhang Cai , Murakami Kazutoshi , Gill Rupinder K , Kim Ahlee , Kim James K , Salazar-Gonzalez Rosa-Maria , Warren Mikako , Kohli Rohit , Nakamura Takahisa
Published: February 2021

Argonaute 2 (Ago2) is the main component of the RNA-induced silencing complex. We recently showed that liver-specific Ago2-deficiency in mice (L-Ago2 knockout [KO] mice) enhances mitochondrial oxidation and alleviates obesity-associated pathophysiology. However, the precise mechanisms behind the role of hepatic Ago2 in regulating the mitochondrial oxidation associated with glucose metabolism are still unclear. Here, we show that hepatic Ago2 regulates the function of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα) for oxidative metabolism. In both genetically and diet-induced severe obese conditions, L-Ago2 KO mice developed obesity and hepatic steatosis but exhibited improved glucose metabolism accompanied by lowered expression levels of pathologic microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-802, miR-103/107, and miR-152, and enhanced expression of PPARα and its target genes regulating oxidative metabolism in the liver. We then investigated the role of hepatic Ago2 in the outcomes of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) in which PPARα plays a crucial role in a drastic transcription reprogram associated with improved glycemia post VSG. Whereas VSG reduced body weight and improved fatty liver in wild-type mice, these effects were not observed in hepatic Ago2-deficient mice. Conversely, glucose metabolism was improved in a hepatic Ago2-dependent manner post VSG. Treating Ago2-deficient primary hepatocytes with WY-14643, a PPARα agonist, showed that Ago2-deficiency enhances sensitivity to WY-14643 and increases expression of PPARα target genes and mitochondrial oxidation. Our findings suggest that hepatic Ago2 function is intrinsically associated with PPARα that links Ago2-mediated RNA silencing with mitochondrial functions for oxidation and obesity-associated pathophysiology.
An Inhibitory Circuit From Brainstem to GnRH Neurons in Male Mice: A New Role for the RFRP Receptor
Authors: Constantin Stephanie , Pizano Katherine , Matson Kaya , Shan Yufei , Reynolds Daniel , Wray Susan
Published: February 2021

RFamide-related peptides (RFRPs, mammalian orthologs of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone) convey circadian, seasonal, and social cues to the reproductive system. They regulate gonadotropin secretion by modulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons via the RFRP receptor. Mice lacking this receptor are fertile but exhibit abnormal gonadotropin responses during metabolic challenges, such as acute fasting, when the normal drop in gonadotropin levels is delayed. Although it is known that these food intake signals to the reproductive circuit originate in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the brainstem, the phenotype of the neurons conveying the signal remains unknown. Given that neuropeptide FF (NPFF), another RFamide peptide, resides in the NTS and can bind to the RFRP receptor, we hypothesized that NPFF may regulate GnRH neurons. To address this question, we used a combination of techniques: cell-attached electrophysiology on GnRH-driven green fluorescent protein–tagged neurons in acute brain slices; calcium imaging on cultured GnRH neurons; and immunostaining on adult brain tissue. We found (1) NPFF inhibits GnRH neuron excitability via the RFRP receptor and its canonical signaling pathway (Gi/o protein and G protein–coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels), (2) NPFF-like fibers in the vicinity of GnRH neurons coexpress neuropeptide Y, (3) the majority of NPFF-like cell bodies in the NTS also coexpress neuropeptide Y, and (4) acute fasting increased NPFF-like immunoreactivity in the NTS. Together these data indicate that NPFF neurons within the NTS inhibit GnRH neurons, and thus reproduction, during fasting but prior to the energy deficit.
Masculinized Drosophila females adapt their fighting strategies to their opponent
Authors: Monyak Rachel E. , Golbari Nicole M. , Chan Yick-Bun , Pranevicius Ausra , Tang Grace , Fernández Maria Paz , Kravitz Edward A.
Published: February 2021

Many animal species show aggression to gain mating partners and to protect territories and other resources from competitors. Both male and female fruit flies of the species Drosophila melanogaster exhibit aggression in same-sex pairings, but the strategies used are sexually dimorphic. We have begun to explore the biological basis for the differing aggression strategies, and the cues promoting one form of aggression over the other. Here, we describe a line of genetically masculinized females that switch between male and female aggression patterns based on the sexual identity of their opponents. When these masculinized females are paired with more aggressive opponents, they increase the amount of male-like aggression they use, but do not alter the level of female aggression. This suggests that male aggression may be more highly responsive to behavioral cues than female aggression. Although the masculinized females of this line show opponent-dependent changes in aggression and courtship behavior, locomotor activity and sleep are unaffected. Thus, the driver line used may specifically masculinize neurons involved in social behavior. A discussion of possible different roles of male and female aggression in fruit flies is included here. These results can serve as precursors to future experiments aimed at elucidating the circuitry and triggering cues underlying sexually dimorphic aggressive behavior.
Validation of a deep-learning semantic segmentation approach to fully automate MRI-based left-ventricular deformation analysis in cardiotoxicity
Authors: Karr Julia , Cohen Michael , McQuiston Samuel A , Poorsala Teja , Malozzi Christopher
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Left-ventricular (LV) strain measurements with the Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) MRI sequence provide accurate estimates of cardiotoxicity damage related to chemotherapy for breast cancer. This study investigated an automated and supervised deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) model for LV chamber quantification before strain analysis in DENSE images.

Methods:

The DeepLabV3 +DCNN with three versions of ResNet-50 backbone was designed to conduct chamber quantification on 42 female breast cancer data sets. The convolutional layers in the three ResNet-50 backbones were varied as non-atrous, atrous and modified, atrous with accuracy improvements like using Laplacian of Gaussian filters. Parameters such as LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and ejection fraction (LVEF) were quantified, and myocardial strains analyzed with the Radial Point Interpolation Method (RPIM). Myocardial classification was validated with the performance metrics of accuracy, Dice, average perpendicular distance (APD) and others. Repeated measures ANOVA and intraclass correlation (ICC) with Cronbach’s α (C-Alpha) tests were conducted between the three DCNNs and a vendor tool on chamber quantification and myocardial strain analysis.

Results:

Validation results in the same test-set for myocardial classification were accuracy = 97%, Dice = 0.92, APD = 1.2 mm with the modified ResNet-50, and accuracy = 95%, Dice = 0.90, APD = 1.7 mm with the atrous ResNet-50. The ICC results between the modified ResNet-50, atrous ResNet-50 and vendor-tool were C-Alpha = 0.97 for LVEF (55±7%, 54±7%, 54±7%, p = 0.6), and C-Alpha = 0.87 for LVEDD (4.6 ± 0.3 cm, 4.6 ± 0.3 cm, 4.6 ± 0.4 cm, p = 0.7).

Conclusion:

Similar performance metrics and equivalent parameters obtained from comparisons between the atrous networks and vendor tool show that segmentation with the modified, atrous DCNN is applicable for automated LV chamber quantification and subsequent strain analysis in cardiotoxicity.

Advances in knowledge:

A novel deep-learning technique for segmenting DENSE images was developed and validated for LV chamber quantification and strain analysis in cardiotoxicity detection.
Paediatric bone lesions: diagnostic accuracy of imaging correlation and CT-guided needle biopsy for differentiating benign from malignant lesions
Authors: Vidoni Alessandro , Pressney Ian , Saifuddin Asif
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To determine the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT-guided needle biopsy (CT-NB) for distinguishing benign and malignant lesions in children with suspected primary bone tumours, and to assess the correlation between imaging diagnosis and final diagnosis.

Methods:

Retrospective review of children who underwent CT-NB of a suspected primary bone tumour between October 2016 and October 2019. Data collected included anatomical location, imaging diagnosis, type of needle, type of biopsy sample, CT-NB diagnosis, final diagnosis and post-procedural complications. The final diagnosis was established based on surgical histology or clinical/imaging follow-up.

Results:

125 patients met the inclusion criteria (68M, 57F: mean age 11 years; range 10 months–18 years). Biopsy was performed using a 10 cm Jamshidi needle (10G n = 96; 13 G n = 8); 14G Tru-Cut needle (n = 18); 14G Temno needle (n = 3). The commonest anatomical locations were the femur (n = 40), tibia (n = 25) and humerus (n = 16), while the commonest diagnoses were osteosarcoma (n = 35), CRMO (n = 15) and LCH (n = 14). A benign tumour was correctly identified on imaging in 100% of cases, and a malignant tumour in 95.8%. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of CT-NB for distinguishing malignant from benign lesions were 98%, 100 and 99%. Of 24 indeterminate biopsy results, all that had a non-aggressive radiological appearance were benign. No immediate complications were recorded.

Conclusion:

CT-NB represents a safe and very effective tool for differentiating benign and malignant lesions in children presenting with a suspected primary bone tumour. Suspected radiological diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the management of indeterminate biopsy results.

Advances in knowledge:

Paediatric bone tumours pose a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The interpretation of the imaging findings is essential for the successful management of indeterminate histological results.
Low-dose CT urography using deep learning image reconstruction: a prospective study for comparison with conventional CT urography
Authors: Cheng Yannan , Han Yangyang , Li Jianying , Fan Ganglian , Cao Le , Li Junjun , Jia Xiaoqian , Yang Jian , Guo Jianxin
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

To compare the image quality of low-dose CT urography (LD-CTU) using deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) with conventional CTU (C-CTU) using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V).

Methods:

This was a prospective, single-institutional study using the excretory phase CTU images for analysis. Patients were assigned to the LD-DLIR group (100kV and automatic mA modulation for noise index (NI) of 23) and C-ASIR-V group (100kV and NI of 10) according to the scan protocols in the excretory phase. Two radiologists independently assessed the overall image quality, artifacts, noise and sharpness of urinary tracts. Additionally, the mean CT attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) in the urinary tracts were evaluated.

Results:

26 patients each were included in the LD-DLIR group (10 males and 16 females; mean age: 57.23 years, range: 33–76 years) and C-ASIR-V group (14 males and 12 females; mean age: 60 years, range: 33–77 years). LD-DLIR group used a significantly lower effective radiation dose compared with the C-ASIR-V group (2.01 ± 0.44 mSv vs 6.9 ± 1.46 mSv, p < 0.001). LD-DLIR group showed good overall image quality with average score >4 and was similar to that of the C-ASIR-V group. Both groups had adequate and similar attenuation value, SNR and CNR in most segments of urinary tracts.

Conclusion:

It is feasibility to provide comparable image quality while reducing 71% radiation dose in low-dose CTU with a deep learning image reconstruction algorithm compared to the conventional CTU with ASIR-V.

Advances in knowledge:

(1) CT urography with deep learning reconstruction algorithm can reduce the radiation dose by 71% while still maintaining image quality.
The student-teacher relationship scale in a Greek sample of preadolescents: reliability and validity data
Authors: P. Galanaki Evangelia , D. Vassilopoulou Helen
Published: February 2021

THE ABSTRACT IS AVAILABLE IN THE PDF
Η σχέση μεταξύ των γνωστικών και των συναισθηματικών πλευρών της έννοιας του εαυτού και η διαφοροποίησή τους στους τύπους προσκόλλησης προς τους γονείς
Authors: Δασκάλου Βασιλική , Συγκολλίτου Έφη
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Top health research funders’ guidance on selecting journals for funded research
Authors: Shamseer Larissa , Cobey Kelly D. , Page Matthew J. , Brehaut Jamie C. , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Straus Sharon E. , Stewart Lesley A. , Moher David
Published: February 2021

Background: Funded health research is being published in journals that many regard as “predatory”, deceptive, and non-credible. We do not currently know whether funders provide guidance on how to select a journal in which to publish funded health research.

Methods: We identified the largest 46 philanthropic, public, development assistance, public-private partnership, and multilateral funders of health research by expenditure, globally as well as four public funders from lower-middle income countries, from the list at https://healthresearchfunders.org. One of us identified guidance on disseminating funded research from each funders’ website (August/September 2017), then extracted information about selecting journals, which was verified by another assessor. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Results were summarized descriptively. This research used publicly available information; we did not seek verification with funding bodies.

Results: The majority (44/50) of sampled funders indicated funding health research. 38 (of 44, 86%) had publicly available information about disseminating funded research, typically called “policies” (29, 76%). Of these 38, 36 (95%) mentioned journal publication for dissemination of which 13 (36.11%) offer variable guidance on selecting a journal, all of which relate to the funder’s open access mandate. Six funders (17%) outlined publisher requirements or features by which to select a journal. One funder linked to a document providing features of journals to look for (e.g. listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals) and to be wary of (e.g., no journal scope statement, uses direct and unsolicited marketing).

Conclusions: Few funders provided guidance on how to select a journal in which to publish funded research. Funders have a duty to ensure that the research they fund is discoverable by others. This research is a benchmark for funder guidance on journal selection prior to the January 2021 implementation of Plan S (a global, funder-led initiative to ensure immediate, open access to funded, published research).
Influence of polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor gene on allograft rejection after kidney transplantation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Eiamsitrakoon Thanee , Tharabenjasin Phuntila , Pabalan Noel , Jarjanazi Hamdi , Tasanarong Adis
Published: February 2021

Background: Reported associations of allograft rejection in kidney transplant patients with VEGF single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been inconsistent between studies, which prompted a meta-analysis to obtain more precise estimates.

Methods: Using the PICO elements, kidney transplant patients (P) were compared by genotype data between rejectors (I) and non-rejectors (C) in order to determine the risk of allograft rejection (O) attributed to the VEGF SNPs. Literature search of four databases yielded seven articles. To calculate risks for allograft rejection, four SNPs were examined. Using the allele-genotype model we compared the variant (var) with the wild-type (wt) and heterozygous (var-wt) alleles. Meta-analysis treatments included outlier and subgroup analyses, the latter was based on ethnicity (Indians/Caucasians) and rejection type (acute/chronic). Multiple comparisons were corrected with the Bonferroni test.

Results: Five highly significant outcomes (Pa < 0.01) survived Bonferroni correction, one of which showed reduced risk for the var allele (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45-0.82). The remaining four indicated increased risk for the wt allele where the chronic rejection (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.36-3.24) and Indian (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.84) subgroups were accorded susceptibility status.

Conclusions: Risk associations for renal allograft rejection were increased and reduced on account of the wt and var alleles, respectively. These findings could render the VEGF polymorphisms useful in the clinical genetics of kidney transplantation.
Cloning data with unchanged estimates of estimable non-linear functions of parameters
Authors: Hussain Sajid , Daniyal Muhammad , Ogundokun Roseline Oluwaseun , Shad Muhammad Yousaf , Iqbal Zafar , Ahmed Rashid
Published: February 2021

Non-linear regression models occur in the fields of biology, banking, economics, and sociology, population and biological growth. The absolute growth, growth of humans, and most importantly, an economic variable is appropriately described by non-linear regression models. In this article, we present cloned datasets for bivariate and multivariate non-linear regression models with the same non-linear regression fit. The application of such cloned datasets is used for the confidentiality of sensitive data for publication purposes. In this article, we present cloned data sets which will yield the same fitted non-linear regression models.
Association between metabolic syndrome components and the risk of developing nephrolithiasis: A systematic review and bayesian meta-analysis
Authors: Rahman Ilham Akbar , Nusaly Ilham Fauzan , Syahrir Syakri , Nusaly Harry , Mansyur Makbul Aman
Published: February 2021

Background: There is increasing evidence that nephrolithiasis is a systemic disease, as opposed to an isolated urinary metabolic problem, after considerable links were found between nephrolithiasis and systemic diseases such as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The interplay between these four factors defines metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this review we aim to clarify the associations of MetS and its components to kidney stone incident.

Methods: Online databases of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1998 up to October 2020 to identify observational studies examining the association between metabolic syndrome components and kidney stone incident. Bayesian random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed to observe the association. Linear dose-response analysis was conducted to shape the direction of the association. Data analysis was performed using STATA, and R statistics.

Results: A total of 25 potentially relevant studies (n = 934,588 participants) were eventually identified. The pooled results suggested that metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk of nephrolithiasis with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.769 (95% CI: 1.386 – 2.309).  The summary OR of hypertension and dyslipidemia for developing nephrolithiasis were 1.613 (95% CI: 1.213 – 2.169) and 1.586 (95% CI: 1.007 – 2.502) respectively. The presence of diabetes mellitus and obesity had an OR of 1.552 (95% CI: 1.027 – 2.344) and 1.531 (95% CI: 1.099 – 2.109) respectively. Our results revealed that the increasing number of MetS traits will increase the risk of developing nephrolithiasis, the higher the fasting plasma glucose, and body mass index, the higher the risk of kidney stones incident.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that hypertension, diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia are associated with increased risk of developing nephrolithiasis. Linear significant association between MetS components and nephrolithiasis were revealed in our study which reinforced the notion that should be considered a systemic disorder.
Exploring the critical points of teaching STEM subjects in the time of COVID 19: the experience of the course "Microscopy Techniques for Forensic Biology"
Authors: Brunelli Elvira , Macirella Rachele
Published: February 2021

Background: The University was among the first structures to be hit by the health emergency, transferring all its teaching and research activities remotely. It was not easy for teachers and students to find themselves suddenly shifted into different teaching and socializing context.

Results: This article describes and analyzes the online teaching experience carried out for the course of Microscopy Techniques for Forensic Biology offered as a part of the Master's degree program in Biology at the University of Calabria (Italy). A cross-sectional survey (pilot study) was designed to investigate the accessibility of distance learning along with an evaluation of adjustments needed for the conversion from offline to online instruction. Particular attention has been paid to learning material and lesson duration, with specific emphasis on practical activities.

Conclusions: The author's intent is that of opening a comparison between the strengths and weaknesses that emerged in this experience, highlighting, in particular, how the educational relationship between teacher and student has changed.
Intel Realizes $25 Billion by Applying Advanced Analytics from Product Architecture Design Through Supply Chain Planning
Authors: Heiney John , Lovrien Ryan , Mason Nicholas , Ovacik Irfan , Rash Evan , Sarkar Nandini , Travis Harry , Zhao Zhenying , Ching Kalani , Shirodkar Shamin , Kempf Karl
Published: February 2021

Due to its scale, the complexity of its products and manufacturing processes, and the capital-intensive nature of the semiconductor business, efficient product architecture design integrated with supply chain planning is critical to Intel’s success. In response to an exponential increase in complexities, Intel has used advanced analytics to develop an innovative capability that spans product architecture design through supply chain planning with the dual goals of maximizing revenue and minimizing costs. Our approach integrates the generation and optimization of product design alternatives using genetic algorithms and device physics simulation with large-scale supply chain planning using problem decomposition and mixed-integer programming. This corporate-wide capability is fast and effective, enabling analysis of many more business scenarios in much less time than previous solutions, while providing superior results, including faster response time to customers. Implementation of this capability over the majority of Intel’s product portfolio has increased annual revenue by an average of $1.9 billion and reduced annual costs by $1.5 billion, for a total benefit of $25.4 billion since 2009, while also contributing to Intel’s sustainability efforts.