bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance: Development and Implementation of the Ghanaian National Action Plan (2017–2021)
Authors: Hein Wolfgang , Aglanu Leslie Mawuli , Mensah-Sekyere MacDonnel , Harant Anne , Brinkel Johanna , Lamshöft Maike , Lorenz Eva , Eibach Daniel , Amuasi John
Published: May 2022

In recent years, Ghana has been recognised as a leading player in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa. However, based on our literature review, we could not ascertain whether the core elements of the national action plan (NAP) were implemented in practice. In this paper, we present a qualitative analysis of the development of AMR-related policies in Ghana, including the NAP. We conducted 13 semi-structured expert interviews to obtain at a more thorough understanding of the implementation process for the AMR NAP and to highlight its accomplishments and shortcomings. The results show that AMR policies, as embodied in the NAP, have led to an extended network of cooperation between stakeholders in many political fields. Broadly, limited allocation of financial resources from the government and from international cooperation have been deplored. Furthermore, the opportunity for using the NAP in mainstreaming the response to the threat of AMR has not been seized. To the general public, this remained hidden behind a number of other relevant health topics such as infection prevention, veterinary services and pharmaceutical regulation. As a One Health (OH) challenge, developing countries could integrate AMR NAPs into other health and environmental programmes to improve its implementation in practice.
An Effective Beam Width Model of Slab in Thick Wall-Thick Slab Joints Subjected to Lateral Forces
Authors: Wang Jiehui , Kusunoki Koichi
Published: May 2022

Thick wall-thick slab structures are a newly-developed type of structural system comprising solely of structural floor slabs and shear walls, the former of which is thicker than that of slabs used in typical reinforced concrete frame structures. This study looks to develop a method to predict the initial stiffness of thick wall-thick slab joints under lateral loading by adopting the effective beam width method (EBWM). The height and length of the bearing wall, and the span length of the slab on effective beam width have been considered. Moreover, a correction coefficient that estimates the lateral force applied on the wall top, which is another crucial parameter for predicting the effective beam width and considered as the condition providing initial stiffness, is suggested based on experimental data from the literature. Additionally, by comparing values of the effective beam width obtained from the proposed model with those calculated using equations employed by the current code according to three wall-slab joint specimens, it has been demonstrated the usefulness and accuracy of the proposed method, which works better than the current code method for the wall-slab joints in TWTS cases.
Data-Driven Analysis of European Portuguese Nasal Vowel Dynamics in Bilabial Contexts
Authors: Almeida Nuno , Silva Samuel , Cunha Conceição , Teixeira António
Published: May 2022

European Portuguese (EP) is characterized by a large number of nasals encompassing five phonemic nasal vowels. One notable characteristic of these sounds is their dynamic nature, involving both oral and nasal gestures, which makes their study and characterization challenging. The study of nasal vowels, in particular, has been addressed using a wide range of technologies: early descriptions were based on acoustics and nasalance, later expanded with articulatory data obtained from EMA and real-time magnetic resonance (RT-MRI). While providing important results, these studies were limited by the discrete nature of the EMA-pellets, providing only a small grasp of the vocal tract; by the small time resolution of the MRI data; and by the small number of speakers. To tackle these limitations, and to take advantage of recent advances in RT-MRI allowing 50 fps, novel articulatory data has been acquired for 11 EP speakers. The work presented here explores the capabilities of recently proposed data-driven approaches to model articulatory data extracted from RT-MRI to assess their suitability for investigating the dynamic characteristics of nasal vowels. To this end, we explore vocal tract configurations over time, along with the coordination of velum and lip aperture in oral and nasal bilabial contexts for nasal vowels and oral congeners. Overall, the results show that both generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) and functional linear mixed models (FLMMs) provide an elegant approach to tackle the data from multiple speakers. More specifically, we found oro-pharyngeal differences in the tongue configurations for low and mid nasal vowels: vowel track aperture was larger in the pharyngeal and smaller in the palatal region for the three non-high nasal vowels, providing evidence of a raised and more advanced tongue position of the nasal vowels. Even though this work is aimed at exploring the applicability of the methods, the outcomes already highlight interesting data for the dynamic characterization of EP nasal vowels.
The Ten Commandments of Successful Fishery Management of Wild Brown Trout Salmo trutta Populations in Salmonid Streams in the Bohemian Region (Czech Republic)
Authors: Lyach Roman
Published: May 2022

The brown trout Salmo trutta is a fish species that is vulnerable to climate change and anthropogenic activities in its native range. The case studies of successful restoration of brown trout populations are rare. In this study, fishery managers who successfully restored brown trout populations are sharing their know-how and advice about their conservation strategy. Overall, twenty fishery managers were interviewed to give advice about their successful conservation practices of local brown trout populations. Using a qualitative analysis method, ten main recommendations were extracted: (1) assess the status of local brown trout populations, (2) form a union of fisheries managers and work together, (3) support the ability of the streams to retain water, (4) prevent artificial removal of water from the salmonid streams, (5) adjust the brown trout stocking strategy to individual streams, (6) set strict protection of native wild brown trout populations, (7) enforce angling bans and regulations, (8) support the rearing of brown trout in the aquaculture sector, (9) limit brown trout stocking to genetically native fish, and (10) stock smaller 0 + brown trout instead of large adult ones. In conclusion, the fishery managers agreed on the basic management steps that need to be made to conserve brown trout populations.
Are Quantitative Errors Reduced with Time-of-Flight Reconstruction When Using Imperfect MR-Based Attenuation Maps for 18F-FDG PET/MR Neuroimaging?
Authors: Lindén Jani , Teuho Jarmo , Klén Riku , Teräs Mika
Published: May 2022

We studied whether TOF reduces error propagation from attenuation correction to PET image reconstruction in PET/MR neuroimaging, by using imperfect attenuation maps in a clinical PET/MR system with 525 ps timing resolution. Ten subjects who had undergone 18F-FDG PET neuroimaging were included. Attenuation maps using a single value (0.100 cm−1) with and without air, and a 3-class attenuation map with soft tissue (0.096 cm−1), air and bone (0.151 cm−1) were used. CT-based attenuation correction was used as a reference. Volume-of-interest (VOI) analysis was conducted. Mean bias and standard deviation across the brain was studied. Regional correlations and concordance were evaluated. Statistical testing was conducted. Average bias and standard deviation were slightly reduced in the majority (23–26 out of 35) of the VOI with TOF. Bias was reduced near the cortex, nasal sinuses, and in the mid-brain with TOF. Bland–Altman and regression analysis showed small improvements with TOF. However, the overall effect of TOF to quantitative accuracy was small (3% at maximum) and significant only for two attenuation maps out of three at 525 ps timing resolution. In conclusion, TOF might reduce the quantitative errors due to attenuation correction in PET/MR neuroimaging, but this effect needs to be further investigated on systems with better timing resolution.
Dietary Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Beneficially Alters Fatty Acid Profiles in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat
Authors: Prapa Ioanna , Yanni Amalia E. , Nikolaou Anastasios , Kostomitsopoulos Nikolaos , Kalogeropoulos Nick , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia , Karathanos Vaios T. , Kourkoutas Yiannis
Published: May 2022

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) onset has been associated with diet, among other environmental factors. Adipose tissue and the gut have an impact on β-cell biology, influencing their function. Dietary ingredients affect fatty acid profiles of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and plasma, as well as SCFAs production after microbial fermentation. Pistachios are a rich source of oleic acid, known for their anti-inflammatory actions and favorably affect gut microbiota composition. The purpose of the study was to examine plasma and VAT fatty acids profiles as well as fecal SCFAs after dietary intervention with pistachio nuts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Plasma and VAT fatty acids were determined by GC-MS and SCFAs by HPLC. After 4 weeks of pistachio consumption, MUFA and especially oleic acid were increased in plasma and VAT of diabetic rats while PUFA, total ω6 and especially 18:2ω6, were decreased. Lactic acid, the major end-product of beneficial intestinal microorganisms, such as lactobacilli, was elevated in healthy groups, while decreased levels of isovaleric acid were recorded in healthy and diabetic groups following the pistachio diet. Our results reveal possible beneficial relationships between pistachio nut consumption, lipid profiles and intestinal health in the disease state of T1D.
Reduced Cross-Frequency Coupling and Daytime Sleepiness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Gouveris Haralampos , Koirala Nabin , Anwar Abdul Rauf , Ding Hao , Ludwig Katharina , Huppertz Tilman , Matthias Christoph , Groppa Sergiu , Muthuraman Muthuraman
Published: May 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with sleep-stage- and respiratory-event-specific sensorimotor cortico-muscular disconnection. The modulation of phase–amplitude cross-frequency coupling (PACFC) may influence information processing throughout the brain. We investigated whether sleep-stage-specific PACFC is impaired at the sensorimotor areas in OSA patients. C3 and C4 electrode EEG polysomnography recordings of 170 participants were evaluated. Different frequency band combinations were used to compute CFC modulation index (MI) to assess if MI differs between OSA and non-significant OSA patients in distinct sleep stages. We tested if the CFC-MI could predict daytime sleepiness in OSA. Theta–gamma CFC-MI at cortical sensorimotor areas was significantly reduced during all sleep stages; the delta–alpha CFC-MI was significantly reduced during REM and N1 while increasing during N2 in patients with respiratory disturbance index (RDI) > 15/h compared to those with RDI ≤ 15/h. A sleep stage classification using MI values was achieved in both patient groups. Theta–gamma MI during N2 and N3 could predict RDI and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, while delta–alpha MI during REM predicted RDI. This increase in disconnection at the cortical sensorimotor areas with increasing respiratory distress during sleep supports a cortical motor dysfunction in OSA patients. The MI provides an objective marker to quantify subjective sleepiness and respiratory distress in OSA.
UV-B Filter Octylmethoxycinnamate Is a Modulator of the Serotonin and Histamine Receptors in Human Umbilical Arteries
Authors: Lorigo Margarida , Quintaneiro Carla , Breitenfeld Luiza , Cairrao Elisa
Published: May 2022

Every day, people use personal care products containing UV filters. Although their use initially showed a protective role, toxicity is a concern for human health as several UV filters are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Exposure to EDCs may induce cardiovascular diseases and can affect the health of sensitive people, such as pregnant women. Currently, the world’s most widely used UV-B filter is octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC), an EDC. However, the disruptive effects on pregnant women are little known. The present work proposed to understand how long-term exposure to OMC affects vascular homeostasis. Endothelium-denuded human umbilical artery (HUA) rings were incubated in an organ bath system. Long-term effects of exposure to OMC (0.001–50 μmol/L) were evaluated on the contractile responses of HUA to the application of the contractile agents, serotonin (5-HT) and histamine (Hist). To investigate in more detail the vascular mode of action of OMC, through which it impairs the vascular homeostasis of HUA, the activity and expression of different 5-HT and Hist-receptors involved in contractility processes were studied. Our findings pointed out an increase in the reactivity of HUA to 5-HT and Hist due to OMC exposure. These alterations in reactivity may be precursors of preeclampsia development and/or gestational hypertension.
Wearable Devices for Physical Monitoring of Heart: A Review
Authors: Prieto-Avalos Guillermo , Cruz-Ramos Nancy Aracely , Alor-Hernández Giner , Sánchez-Cervantes José Luis , Rodríguez-Mazahua Lisbeth , Guarneros-Nolasco Luis Rolando
Published: May 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. An effective strategy to mitigate the burden of CVDs has been to monitor patients’ biomedical variables during daily activities with wearable technology. Nowadays, technological advance has contributed to wearables technology by reducing the size of the devices, improving the accuracy of sensing biomedical variables to be devices with relatively low energy consumption that can manage security and privacy of the patient’s medical information, have adaptability to any data storage system, and have reasonable costs with regard to the traditional scheme where the patient must go to a hospital for an electrocardiogram, thus contributing a serious option in diagnosis and treatment of CVDs. In this work, we review commercial and noncommercial wearable devices used to monitor CVD biomedical variables. Our main findings revealed that commercial wearables usually include smart wristbands, patches, and smartwatches, and they generally monitor variables such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and electrocardiogram data. Noncommercial wearables focus on monitoring electrocardiogram and photoplethysmography data, and they mostly include accelerometers and smartwatches for detecting atrial fibrillation and heart failure. However, using wearable devices without healthy personal habits will cause disappointing results in the patient’s health.
A Facile Single-Phase-Fluid-Driven Bubble Microfluidic Generator for Potential Detection of Viruses Suspended in Air
Authors: Man Jia , Man Luming , Zhou Chenchen , Li Jianyong , Liang Shuaishuai , Zhang Song , Li Jianfeng
Published: May 2022

Microfluidics devices have widely been employed to prepare monodispersed microbubbles/droplets, which have promising applications in biomedical engineering, biosensor detection, drug delivery, etc. However, the current reported microfluidic devices need to control at least two-phase fluids to make microbubbles/droplets. Additionally, it seems to be difficult to make monodispersed microbubbles from the ambient air using currently reported microfluidic structures. Here, we present a facile approach to making monodispersed microbubbles directly from the ambient air by driving single-phase fluid. The reported single-phase-fluid microfluidic (SPFM) device has a typical co-flow structure, while the adjacent space between the injection tube and the collection tube is open to the air. The flow condition inside the SPFM device was systematically studied. By adjusting the flow rate of the single-phase fluid, bubbles were generated, the sizes of which could be tuned precisely. This facile bubble generator may have significant potential as a detection sensor in detecting viruses in spread droplets or haze particles in ambient air.
Different Approximation Methods for Calculation of Integrated Information Coefficient in the Brain during Instrumental Learning
Authors: Nazhestkin Ivan , Svarnik Olga
Published: May 2022

The amount of integrated information, Φ, proposed in an integrated information theory (IIT) is useful to describe the degree of brain adaptation to the environment. However, its computation cannot be precisely performed for a reasonable time for time-series spike data collected from a large count of neurons.. Therefore, Φ was only used to describe averaged activity of a big group of neurons, and the behavior of small non-brain systems. In this study, we reported on ways for fast and precise Φ calculation using different approximation methods for Φ calculation in neural spike data, and checked the capability of Φ to describe a degree of adaptation in brain neural networks. We show that during instrumental learning sessions, all applied approximation methods reflect temporal trends of Φ in the rat hippocampus. The value of Φ is positively correlated with the number of successful acts performed by a rat. We also show that only one subgroup of neurons modulates their Φ during learning. The obtained results pave the way for application of Φ to investigate plasticity in the brain during the acquisition of new tasks.
Older Adults and Clutter: Age Differences in Clutter Impact, Psychological Home, and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Swanson Helena L. , Ferrari Joseph R.
Published: May 2022

Previous research found mixed results for clutter’s impact on individuals’ sense of home and subjective well-being in a variety of samples. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, archival data were utilized to examine the relationship between clutter, psychological home, and subjective well-being across two age categories, specifically older adults aged ≥65 (n = 225), and younger adults aged ≤64 (n = 225). Three moderation analyses used age categories as a moderator exploring the relationship between (a) clutter predicting psychological home, (b) psychological home predicting subjective well-being, and (c) clutter predicting subjective well-being. Results found that age categories significantly moderated the relationship between clutter and psychological home but did not moderate the other variable relationships.
Association of Rare Immune-Related Adverse Events to Survival in Advanced Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Real-World Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Kuusisalo Saara , Koivunen Jussi P. , Iivanainen Sanna
Published: May 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with immune-related (ir) adverse events (AEs) resembling autoimmune diseases. In this retrospective cohort study of patients (pts) treated with ICIs at Oulu University Hospital from 2014–2020, we analysed the spectrum of severe irAEs and their prognostic nature, focusing on rare irAEs. Pts (n = 173) with lung cancer (n = 76, 43.9%), melanoma (n = 56, 32.4%), renal and bladder cancers (n = 34, 19.7%), head and neck cancers (n = 4, 2.3%), SCC (n = 2, 1.2%), and CRC (n = 1, 0.6%) receiving single anti-PD-(L)1 (n = 160) or combination (ICI-ICI n = 9, ICI-chemotherapy n = 4) therapy were included. The survival analysis focused on single anti-PD-(L)1-treated patients with melanoma, lung cancer, and renal and bladder cancers (n = 142). Grade ≥ 3 irAEs of multiple aetiology occurred in 29 patients treated with single-PD-L1 therapy (20.4%), which was associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 0.50, CI 0.31–0.78) but not overall survival (OS) (HR 0.88, CI 0.52–1.50). Rare grade ≥ 3 events occurred in 10 (7.0%) pts with no association with PFS (HR 0.90, CI 0.42–1.94). Hence, the presence of rare grade ≥ 3 irAEs was associated with a tendency for inferior OS (HR 1.44, CI 0.66–3.11). Pts with rare grade ≥ 3 irAEs had inferior OS, possibly reflecting the delay in diagnostic workflow and the treatment of irAEs. One explanation for the high incidence of irAEs could be the Finnish population-based genetic variation affecting the immune system.
Improvement in Post-Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Survival of Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Long-Term Institutional Experience
Authors: Nunnelee Jordan , Cottini Francesca , Zhao Qiuhong , Faisal Muhammad Salman , Elder Patrick , Rosko Ashley , Bumma Naresh , Khan Abdullah , Devarakonda Srinivas , Benson Don M. , Efebera Yvonne , Sharma Nidhi
Published: May 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) represents 1.8% of all new cancer cases in the U.S. While not curable, advances in treatment, including autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and maintenance therapy, have dramatically improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed a retrospective survival analysis on newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients receiving ASCT from 1992–2016 at the Ohio State University. A total of 1001 consecutive NDMM patients were eligible. Patients were split into five groups based on historic changes in novel agents for the treatment of MM. Across the years (1992–2016), there was a statistically significant improvement in both PFS (p < 0.01) and OS (p < 0.01). Significant improvements in both PFS and OS were seen in patients ≤65 years (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002) and >65 years old (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001), respectively. Improved PFS and OS were seen in both standard-risk (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) and high-risk patients (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019). The post-transplant response showed statistically significant improvement across the years (p < 0.01). Survival rates for NDMM patients have significantly improved primarily due to the inclusion of novel therapies and post-ASCT maintenance.
New Developments in the Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Targeting, and Treatment of Pediatric Medulloblastoma
Authors: Fang Francia Y. , Rosenblum Jared S. , Ho Winson S. , Heiss John D.
Published: May 2022

Pediatric medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric brain tumor with varying prognoses depending on the distinct molecular subtype. The four consensus subgroups are WNT, Sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4, which underpin the current 2021 WHO classification of MB. While the field of knowledge for treating this disease has significantly advanced over the past decade, a deeper understanding is still required to improve the clinical outcomes for pediatric patients, who are often vulnerable in ways that adult patients are not. Here, we discuss how recent insights into the pathogenesis of pediatric medulloblastoma have directed current and future research. This review highlights new developments in understanding the four molecular subtypes’ pathophysiology, epigenetics, and therapeutic targeting. In addition, we provide a focused discussion of recent developments in imaging, and in the surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy of pediatric medulloblastoma. The article includes a brief explanation of healthcare costs associated with medulloblastoma treatment.
mRNA Subtype of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Significantly Affects Key Characteristics of Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Authors: Peltanová Barbora , Holcová Polanská Hana , Raudenská Martina , Balvan Jan , Navrátil Jiří , Vičar Tomáš , Gumulec Jaromír , Čechová Barbora , Kräter Martin , Guck Jochen , Kalfeřt David , Grega Marek , Plzák Jan , Betka Jan , Masařík Michal
Published: May 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) belong among severe and highly complex malignant diseases showing a high level of heterogeneity and consequently also a variance in therapeutic response, regardless of clinical stage. Our study implies that the progression of HNSCC may be supported by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumour microenvironment (TME) and the heterogeneity of this disease may lie in the level of cooperation between CAFs and epithelial cancer cells, as communication between CAFs and epithelial cancer cells seems to be a key factor for the sustained growth of the tumour mass. In this study, we investigated how CAFs derived from tumours of different mRNA subtypes influence the proliferation of cancer cells and their metabolic and biomechanical reprogramming. We also investigated the clinicopathological significance of the expression of these metabolism-related genes in tissue samples of HNSCC patients to identify a possible gene signature typical for HNSCC progression. We found that the right kind of cooperation between cancer cells and CAFs is needed for tumour growth and progression, and only specific mRNA subtypes can support the growth of primary cancer cells or metastases. Specifically, during coculture, cancer cell colony supporting effect and effect of CAFs on cell stiffness of cancer cells are driven by the mRNA subtype of the tumour from which the CAFs are derived. The degree of colony-forming support is reflected in cancer cell glycolysis levels and lactate shuttle-related transporters.
3D In Vitro Models: Novel Insights into Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Pathophysiology and Drug Screening
Authors: Vazquez-Armendariz Ana Ivonne , Barroso Margarida Maria , El Agha Elie , Herold Susanne
Published: May 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and often lethal interstitial lung disease of unknown aetiology. IPF is characterised by myofibroblast activation, tissue stiffening, and alveolar epithelium injury. As current IPF treatments fail to halt disease progression or induce regeneration, there is a pressing need for the development of novel therapeutic targets. In this regard, tri-dimensional (3D) models have rapidly emerged as powerful platforms for disease modelling, drug screening and discovery. In this review, we will touch on how 3D in vitro models such as hydrogels, precision-cut lung slices, and, more recently, lung organoids and lung-on-chip devices have been generated and/or modified to reveal distinct cellular and molecular signalling pathways activated during fibrotic processes. Markedly, we will address how these platforms could provide a better understanding of fibrosis pathophysiology and uncover effective treatment strategies for IPF patients.
Comparison of Whole Blood Cryopreservation Methods for Extensive Flow Cytometry Immunophenotyping
Authors: Serra Valentina , Orrù Valeria , Lai Sandra , Lobina Monia , Steri Maristella , Cucca Francesco , Fiorillo Edoardo
Published: May 2022

Fresh blood immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, based on the reliable simultaneous detection of several markers in a cell, is the method of choice to study the circulating human immune system. Especially in large and multicenter studies, high sample quality is difficult to achieve, and adequate collection and storage of samples with fine-tuned whole blood cryopreservation is mandatory. Here, we compared the quality of immunophenotypic data obtained from fresh blood with those obtained after five cryopreservation methods by quantifying the levels of 41 immune cell populations. They comprised B and T lymphocyte subsets and their maturation stages, as well as monocytes and granulocytes. Three methods used fixative solutions and two other methods used dimethyl sulfoxide solutions to preserve cell viability. The fixative methods prevented detection of markers critical for identification of B and T cell subsets, including CD27, CXCR3, and CCR6. The other two methods permitted reliable discrimination of most immune-cell populations in thawed samples, though some cell frequencies varied compared to the corresponding fresh sample. Of those two methods, the one preserving blood in media containing dimethyl sulfoxide produced results that were most similar to those with fresh samples.
Physiological Action of Progesterone in the Nonhuman Primate Oviduct
Authors: Slayden Ov D. , Luo Fangzhou , Bishop Cecily V.
Published: May 2022

Therapies that target progesterone action hold potential as contraceptives and in managing gynecological disorders. Recent literature reviews describe the role of steroid hormones in regulating the mammalian oviduct and document that estrogen is required to stimulate epithelial differentiation into a fully functional ciliated and secretory state. However, these reviews do not specifically address progesterone action in nonhuman primates (NHPs). Primates differ from most other mammals in that estrogen levels are >50 pg/mL during the entire menstrual cycle, except for a brief decline immediately preceding menstruation. Progesterone secreted in the luteal phase suppresses oviductal ciliation and secretion; at the end of the menstrual cycle, the drop in progesterone triggers renewed estrogen-driven tubal cell proliferation ciliation secretory activity. Thus, progesterone, not estrogen, drives fallopian tube cycles. Specific receptors mediate these actions of progesterone, and synthetic progesterone receptor modulators (PRMs) disrupt the normal cyclic regulation of the tube, significantly altering steroid receptor expression, cilia abundance, cilia beat frequency, and the tubal secretory milieu. Addressing the role of progesterone in the NHP oviduct is a critical step in advancing PRMs as pharmaceutical therapies.
Improvement of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Primary Correction by Brace Design Optimization
Authors: Strube Patrick , Lindemann Chris , Bahrke Max , Brodt Steffen , Sachse André , Reich Lya I. , Hoelzl Alexander , Zippelius Timo K.
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Primary in-brace correction has been shown to be related to conservative adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treatment outcome. The purpose of the study was to evaluate TLSO brace design changes over eight years regarding primary Cobb correction and de-rotation of the (major) curve. (2) Methods: This retrospective analysis included AIS patients treated with a full-time TLSO-brace in a single Orthopedic University hospital in 2012–2014 and 2017–2019. Brace design changes resulted from an evolutionary process, from a 3-point bending to a 3D TLSO. The brace parameters (presence of an anterior shoulder pad, posterior high-thoracic pad, thoracic space, and angle of the lumbar and thoracic pressure points) were analyzed regarding the primary (major) Cobb angle and apex rotation correction with a multivariate analysis. (3) Results: A total of 74 (63 female) patients were included in the study. The Cobb angle primary correction was significantly improved over the timeframe. The primary correction was significantly influenced by all design parameters and partially by its interactions with (curve specific) different effects on the Cobb correction and apex de-rotation. (4) Conclusions: Knowledge about the effects of brace design parameters on the curve’s angle and rotation correction enables improvements in individualized brace design and the brace optimization process.
Enhanced Electrochemical Conductivity of Surface-Coated Gold Nanoparticles/Copper Nanowires onto Screen-Printed Gold Electrode
Authors: Kusnin Norzila , Yusof Nor Azah , Mutalib Nurul Asyikeen Ab , Mohammad Faruq , Abdullah Jaafar , Sabri Suriana , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Mohamad Saman Ahmad Farabi , Mohd Faudzi Fatin Nabilah , Soleiman Ahmed A.
Published: May 2022

Electrochemical application has been widely used in the study of biosensors. Small biomolecules need a sensitive sensor, as the transducer that can relay the signal produced by biomolecule interactions. Therefore, we are improvising a sensor electrode to enhance electrochemical conductivity for the detection of small DNA molecule interaction. This work describes the enhanced electrochemical conductivity studies of copper nanowires/gold nanoparticles (CuNWs/AuNPs), using the screen-printed gold electrode (SPGE). The AuNPs were synthesized using the Turkevich method as well as characterized by the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) analysis for the particle size and absorption nature, respectively. Further, the surface morphology and elemental analysis of a series of combinations of different ratios of CuNWs-AuNPs-modified SPGE were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) combined with an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results indicate that the nanocomposites of CuNWs-AuNPs have been randomly distributed and compacted on the surface of SPGE, with AuNPs filling the pores of CuNWs, thereby enhancing its electrochemical conductivity. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) method was used for the evaluation of SPGE performance, while the characterization of the electrochemical conductivity of the electrode modified with various concentrations of AuNPs, CuNWs, and different volumes of dithiopropionic acid (DTPA) has been conducted. Of the various parameters tested, the SPGE modified with a mixture of 5 mg/mL CuNWs and 0.25 mM AuNPs exhibited an efficient electrochemical conductivity of 20.3 µA. The effective surface area for the CuNWs-AuNPs-modified SPGE was enhanced by 2.3-fold compared with the unmodified SPGE, thereby conforming the presence of a large active biomolecule interaction area and enhanced electrochemical activity on the electrode surface, thus make it promising for biosensor application.
Development of Liquid Phase Sintering Silicon Carbide Composites for Light Water Reactor
Authors: Hinoki Tatsuya , Kano Fumihisa , Kondo Sosuke , Kawaharada Yoshiyuki , Tsuchiya Yumiko , Lee Moonhee , Sakai Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

Silicon carbide composites are expected for light water reactors. The objective is to understand the steam oxidation behavior and the high-temperature water corrosion behavior of the liquid phase sintering silicon carbide and to develop the liquid phase sintering silicon carbide composites, which are stable at the high-temperature water conditions in normal operation and the high-temperature steam conditions in a severe accident. The steam oxidation experiments were carried out at 1200 and 1400 °C. The high-temperature water corrosion experiments were carried out at 320 and 360 °C. The formation of the silicate, which is expected to have excellent resistance to the steam, was confirmed following the steam exposure at 1400 °C. High-temperature water corrosion resistance was improved by the formation of Yttrium Aluminum Garnet at the grain boundary. The particle-dispersion silicon carbide composite tubes with the modified condition were developed, and the thermal shock experiments from 1200 °C to ambient temperature were carried out. The composite tubes showed excellent oxidation and thermal shock resistance. The particle-dispersion liquid phase sintering silicon carbide composites with the modified condition are promising materials for light water reactors.
DNA Barcoding of Cold-Water Coral-Associated Ophiuroid Fauna from the North Atlantic
Authors: Eichsteller Angelina , Taylor James , Stöhr Sabine , Brix Saskia , Martìnez Arbizu Pedro
Published: May 2022

In this study we focus on the ophiuroid species associated with cold-water corals south of Iceland. The specimens were sampled with the ROV Phoca (GEOMAR) in three different areas, during the recent expedition MSM75 connected to the IceAGE_RR (Icelandic marine Animals: Genetics and Ecology_Reykjanes Ridge hydrothermal vent activity) project. In each area, several corals were sampled and the ophiuroid specimens identified to the species level. The integrative taxonomic approach, based on morphological characters and DNA barcoding with COI of the collected ophiuroids, revealed five species that live on corals: Ophiomitrella clavigera (Ljungman, 1865); Ophiomyxa serpentaria (Lyman, 1883); Ophiacantha cuspidata (Lyman, 1879); Ophiactis abyssicola (M. Sars, 1861); and Ophiolebes bacata Koehler, 1921. Some of the sampled deep-sea corals exclusively host the species O.clavigera. The collected species are therefore associated with different corals but do not demonstrate a species-specific distribution. The video data support the integrative taxonomy and confirm the ecological evidence.
Four in One: Cryptic Diversity in Geoffroy’s Side-Necked Turtle Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger 1812) (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae) in Brazil
Authors: de Carvalho Vinicius Tadeu , Vogt Richard C. , Rojas Rommel R. , Nunes Mário da Silva , de Fraga Rafael , Ávila Robson W. , Rhodin Anders G. J. , Mittermeier Russell A. , Hrbek Tomas , Farias Izeni Pires
Published: May 2022

Turtles are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates, with about 60% of species classified at some level of extinction risk. Compounding this extinction crisis are cryptic species and species complexes that are evaluated under a single species epithet but harbor multiple species, each of which needs to be evaluated independently. The Phrynops geoffroanus species group is a classic example. Described first in 1812, it is currently thought to harbor multiple species. To test this hypothesis, we collected mitochondrial and nuclear genomic data, morphometric data, and distribution and associated biome information. We applied statistically rigorous species delimitation analyses, taxonomic hypotheses tests, and fully coalescent phylogenetic reconstruction methods, concluding that the Phrynops geoffroanus species complex comprises four geographically structured species/lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene and are currently geographically structured along the main South American river basins and biomes. These species/lineages show subtle and largely non-significant differences in shape but are characterized by differences in coloration and patterns of marks on the head and plastron. Our results contribute to the understanding of species diversity and diversification of biodiversity in South America and provide an important basis for the conservation of freshwater turtles.
Hip Preservation Surgery in Osteoarthritis Prevention: Potential Benefits of the Radiographic Angular Correction
Authors: Lamo-Espinosa José M. , Alfonso Adrián , Pascual Elena , García-Ausín Jorge , Sánchez-Gordoa Miguel , Blanco Asier , Gómez-Álvarez Jorge , San-Julián Mikel
Published: May 2022

Objective: The aim of the study is to describe the morphology associated with the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in three different age groups. These data will contribute to defining the morphology associated with early and late hip OA. Methods: We studied 400 hips in 377 patients who had undergone primary THA due to idiopathic OA. Three groups were compared: group 1 (n = 147), younger patients, aged up to 60 years; group 2 (n = 155), patients aged between 61 and 74 years; and group 3 (n = 98), aged 75 or over. Five independent researchers measured the hip angles and the mean values were used to build a database. Results: No differences between groups in sex distribution and BMI were detected. Less coverage of the head (extrusion index), higher Tönnis angle, lower Wiberg and alpha angles characterized early OA hips. These differences increased with age, being greater between group 2 and group 3 (p < 0.01). However, significant differences were still present in the comparison between group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.01)). No differences were detected between group 2 and group 3. Conclusion: Elevated acetabular angle, head extrusion and decreased Wiberg angle characterize hip osteoarthritis at younger ages and should be the focus of hip preservation surgery in terms of osteoarthritis prevention. Pincer-type FAI (higher Wiberg and lower Tönnis angle) and higher alpha angle (CAM) are correlated with the development of later OA. These results shed doubt on applying the hip preservation surgery concept in terms of osteoarthritis prevention in FAI, especially in Pincer-type FAI patients.
U1RNP/lncRNA/Transcription Cycle Axis Promotes Tumorigenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Shun , Zhang Shuaiyin , Huang Mingle , Hu Huanjing , Xie Yubin
Published: May 2022

As a component of the spliceosome, U1 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U1RNPs) play critical roles in RNA splicing, and recent studies have shown that U1RNPs could recruit long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to chromatin which are involved in cancer development. However, the interplay of U1 snRNP, lncRNAs and downstream genes and signaling pathways are insufficiently understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of U1RNPs was found to be significantly higher in tumors than normal tissues in liver hepatocellular carcinomas of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-LIHC) dataset. LncRNAs with potential U1-binding sites (termed U1-lncRNAs) were found to be mostly located in the nucleus and their expression was higher in tumor than in normal tissues Bioinformatic analysis indicated that U1-lncRNAs worked with RNA-binding proteins and regulated the transcription cycle in HCC. A U1-lncRNA risk model was constructed using a TCGA dataset, and the AUCs of this risk model to predict 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival were 0.82, 0.84 and 0.8, respectively. Furthermore, silencing of the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein D2 polypeptide (SNRPD2) resulted in impaired proliferation, G1/M cell cycle arrest and downregulation of transcription-cycle-related genes in HCC cell lines. Taken together, these results indicate that U1RNPs interact with lncRNAs and promote the transcription cycle process in HCC, which suggests that these could be novel biomarkers in the clinical management of HCC.
Control Meets Inference: Using Network Control to Uncover the Behaviour of Opponents
Authors: Cai Zhongqi , Gerding Enrico , Brede Markus
Published: May 2022

Using observational data to infer the coupling structure or parameters in dynamical systems is important in many real-world applications. In this paper, we propose a framework of strategically influencing a dynamical process that generates observations with the aim of making hidden parameters more easily inferable. More specifically, we consider a model of networked agents who exchange opinions subject to voting dynamics. Agent dynamics are subject to peer influence and to the influence of two controllers. One of these controllers is treated as passive and we presume its influence is unknown. We then consider a scenario in which the other active controller attempts to infer the passive controller’s influence from observations. Moreover, we explore how the active controller can strategically deploy its own influence to manipulate the dynamics with the aim of accelerating the convergence of its estimates of the opponent. Along with benchmark cases we propose two heuristic algorithms for designing optimal influence allocations. We establish that the proposed algorithms accelerate the inference process by strategically interacting with the network dynamics. Investigating configurations in which optimal control is deployed. We first find that agents with higher degrees and larger opponent allocations are harder to predict. Second, even factoring in strategical allocations, opponent’s influence is typically the harder to predict the more degree-heterogeneous the social network.
The Effect of Kindergarten Classroom Interaction Quality on Executive Function Development among 5- to 7-Year-Old Children
Authors: Bukhalenkova Daria , Veraksa Aleksander , Chursina Apollinaria
Published: May 2022

The present research addresses the impact of preschool classroom interaction quality on executive function development. CLASS methodology was used to assess the quality of teacher–child interaction in kindergarten groups; “Inhibition”, “Memory for Designs”, and “Sentences Repetition” subtests from the NEPSY-II (memory for designs, sentences repetition, inhibition) and Dimensional Change Card Sort were used for the evaluation of executive functions. Repeated measures were performed to assess the children’s progress, based on the quality of the educational environment in their group. The total sample consisted of 447 children (48.5% boys and 51.5% girls). ANOVA and linear regression analysis demonstrated that children’s progress in executive function development varies for low- and high-quality classrooms. Furthermore, different predictive potential of CLASS domains was shown for the development of executive function components in preschool children.
Conservative but Stable: A SARSA-Based Algorithm for Random Pulse Jamming in the Time Domain
Authors: Chen Yuheng , Niu Yingtao , Chen Changxing , Zhou Quan
Published: May 2022

As a dynamic jamming pattern, random pulse jamming is stochastic, sudden, and not easily perceived or addressed. Random pulse jamming can exert a negative influence on the quality of wireless communication. This paper models an anti-jamming communication under random pulse jamming as a Markov Decision Process and proposes a SARSA-based Time-domain Anti-jamming Algorithm (STAA). Differently from previous research, this study attempts to use the SARSA algorithm to counter random pulse jamming in the time domain. The proposed STAA can achieve high-quality transmission while maintaining small fluctuations in transmission performance when the risk of external interference is high.
Independent Vector Analysis for Blind Deconvolving of Digital Modulated Communication Signals
Authors: Luo Zhongqiang , Guo Ruiming , Li Chengjie
Published: May 2022

For the purpose of overcoming the random permutation ambiguity of the frequency-domain-independent component analysis (FDICA) for blind separation of convolutive mixtures, this paper proposes an independent vector analysis (IVA) detection receiver for blindly deconvolving the convolutive mixtures of digitally modulated signals for wireless communications. The foundation of IVA is through jointly carrying out separation work for different frequency bin data fusion, and the dependencies of frequency bins are exploited in solving the random permutation problem of separation signals. In addition, IVA uses multivariate prior distributions instead of the univariate distribution used in FDICA. Multivariate prior distribution is employed to preserve the interfrequency dependencies for individual sources, which can give rise to separation performance enhancement. Simulation results and analysis corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed detection method.