bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artery of Percheron in the Differential Diagnosis of Acute Altered Mental Status
Authors: Pérez Pañart Maria Isabel , Sierra Bergua Beatriz
Published: October 2021

Bilateral thalamic infarction is a rare entity (it occurs in 0.6% of ischemic strokes) and can be confused with other vascular etiologies such as basilar syndrome and deep cerebral venous thrombosis, as well as neoplasms, infections, or toxins. It is typically characterized by the triad of altered mental status, vertical gaze paralysis, and memory impairment, although their symptoms can be highly variable. We describe the case of a young man who came to the emergency department presenting diplopia, speech alteration, and decreased level of consciousness with frequent fluctuations. Baseline computerized tomography was normal, and because of the clinical findings, thrombolysis was performed. Subsequently made magnetic resonance showed a bilateral acute thalamic infarction caused by an obstruction of the Percheron artery. Although Percheron syndrome has been previously described in medical journals, our case is an unusual case in which we could perform an acute intravenous thrombolytic treatment. Besides, it is important for emergency physicians to enclose the Percheron syndrome in the differential diagnosis of coma in young people so that emergent treatments such as thrombolysis can be employed.
Determinants of Human Capital Development in Ethiopia: Implications to Education Policy
Authors: Bareke Misganu Legesse , Agezew Birhanu Haile , Dedho Negash Haile , Lebeta Mulugeta Fufa , Demissie Mesfin Molla , Yimer Berhanu Mekonnen , Herut Adane Hailu
Published: October 2021

The role of human capital development in the era of globalization, knowledge-based economy, and technological development cannot be underestimated. This is mainly attached to the creative and adaptive capacity of human capital (HC) in bringing multidimensional changes and developments for the individual, organization, and the country at large. However, the scenario of HC in Sub-Saharan Africa and specifically in Ethiopia remains the lowest compared to the world standard. With this premise, this study is meant to analyze the macroeconomic determinants of HC development in Ethiopia using the Autoregressive Distributed Log (ARDL) model. Time series data from 1981 to 2018 was considered for the study. The empirical result of the study revealed that GDP per capita, openness, and education policy variables were found to have a positive and significant effect on human capital development in the short and long run. On the contrary, inflation has a negative effect on human capital development only in the short run. On the other hand, no evidence was found on whether the government’s expenditure and capital-labor ratio have significant effects on human capital development. Therefore, the Ethiopian government is strongly advised to investigate its educational investment strategies in such a way that it can promote the development of HC.
An Innovative Conceptual Model to Structure Financing Package of Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Soleymani Hanieh , Ravanshadnia Mehdi , Montazer Mehdi
Published: October 2021

Understanding the correct way to determine the financing package for infrastructure projects, identifying proper processes, resources, techniques, and instruments to realize successful financing approaches, and private sector participation in providing development infrastructures are irrefutable. The main purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive model covering these complex issues. To this end, using the library studies, receiving expert opinion, and recognizing international financing processes, information was gathered on this subject; therefore, in this paper, the model of designing financing package for infrastructure projects is processed and identified, and designing the financing structure is closely related to the ownership structure of the project and its guaranteed package. These will change in a repeatable process until the end of the preparation phase and sometimes in project steps. The ownership of the infrastructure projects is determined by this repeatable process, which defines initial sponsors, costs, and benefits for partners, types of financial instruments, and techniques and evaluates risks and capital structure. In this paper, we suggest a model to help practitioners more effectively and systematically finance infrastructures. The development of guidelines and information resources in this field is one of the effective measures to build capacity and eliminate possible ambiguities and misunderstandings about public‐private partnership.
Deformation Prediction of Foundation Pit Based on Exponential Power Product Model of Improved Algorithm
Authors: Jing Chuankui , Wang Hao , Li Hongsong
Published: October 2021

In order to improve the prediction accuracy of foundation pit deformation, an improved optimization algorithm of supply and demand-exponential power product foundation pit deformation prediction model (ISDO-EPP model) is proposed. Through six standard test functions and three application examples, the optimization ability of the ISDO algorithm is verified, and the optimization results are compared with those of basic supply demand optimization algorithm (SDO), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), grey wolf optimization algorithm (GWO), moth swarm algorithm (MSA), and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO). Taking the settlement prediction of three foundation pits as an example, the delay time and embedding dimension of each case are determined by autocorrelation function method and false nearest neighbor method, and input and output vectors are constructed to train and predict each model. The results show that the search ability of the ISDO algorithm is better than that of SDO and other five algorithms, and the ISDO algorithm has better search accuracy, global search ability, and robustness. The absolute values of average relative errors of the ISDO-EPP model for three cases are 0.73%, 3.36%, and 1.33%, respectively, which are better than ISDO-SVM and ISDO-BP models. It shows that the ISDO algorithm can effectively optimize the parameters of the EPP model, and the ISDO-EPP model is feasible and effective for deformation prediction.
Clinical Consequences of Variable Results in the Measurement of Free Thyroid Hormones: Unusual Presentation of a Family with a Novel Variant in the THRB Gene Causing Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Syndrome
Authors: Campi Irene , Agostini Maura , Marelli Federica , de Filippis Tiziana , Romartinez-Alonso Beatriz , Rajanayagam Odelia , Rurale Giuditta , Gentile Ilaria , Spagnolo Federica , Andreasi Massimiliano , Ferraù Francesco , Cannavò Salvatore , Fugazzola Laura , Chatterjee Krishna V. , Persani Luca
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Resistance to thyroid hormone β (RTHβ) is an inherited syndrome caused by dominant negative variants in the THRB gene (NM_000461.5). The clinical picture of RTHβ is variable, and patients harboring the same variant may display different degrees of disease severity. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old man presented with thyrotoxicosis and central hyperthyroidism and was found to have a novel variant in the exon 10 of THRB gene (c.C1282G, p.L428V), located within the third hot spot region of the C-terminal of the receptor. Surprisingly, the same variant was found in two other relatives with an apparent normal thyroid function at initial screening. After exclusion of a TSH-secreting adenoma and serum interference in the proband, and the finding that exogenous levothyroxine failed to suppress the TSH in the brother affected by nodular goiter, relatives’ thyroid function tests (TFTs) were reassessed with additional analytical method revealing biochemical features consistent with RTHβ in all carriers of the p.L428V variant. Functional studies showed a slightly impaired in vitro transcriptional activity of p.L428V. Interestingly‚ the expression of the human p.L428V thyroid hormone receptor beta in the zebrafish embryo background generated a phenotype consistent with RTHβ. Conclusion: Variable results of TFTs on some immunoassays can be a cause of RTHβ diagnostic delay, but the genotype-phenotype correlation in this family and functional studies support p.L428V as a novel THRB variant expanding the spectrum of gene variants causing RTHβ. In vivo, rather than in vitro, functional assays may be required to demonstrate the dominant negative action of THRB variants.
Piezoelectric Properties of (1 – X)BiScO3 – XPbTiO3 System for Actuator Applications
Authors: Ji Jae-Hoon , Koh Jung-Hyuk
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTIn this research, the crystalline and piezoelectric properties of (1 – X )BiScO3–XPbTiO3 (X = 0.60, 0.62, 0.64, 0.66 and 0.68) ceramics were investigated to determine the optimized composition for energy harvester
and sensor applications. BS-PT ceramics have strong merits in terms of their high Curie temperature and piezoelectric charge coefficient. Devices of the (1 – X )BS-XPT ceramics were fabricated by a conventional mixed-oxide sintering process with nano-powders. By employing
the X-ray diffraction patterns, the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region of the monoclinic and tetragonal phases was identified at X = 0.64. Near the MPB region, the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of BS-PT ceramics were improved compared with those of other composition.
By optimizing the compositions of the BS-PT ceramics, the maximum values of the dielectric constant (εr), piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33), electromechanical coupling factor (kp) and remanent polarization (Pr) were obtained, with
values of 1387, 417 pC/N, 51.4% and 44.8 µC/cm2, respectively. Moreover, a high Curie temperature of 399.2 °C and inverse piezoelectric charge coefficient of 574 pm/V were observed for the 0.36BS–0.64PT composition, which can be a huge merit for actuator applications.
These high piezoelectric charge coefficients and inverse piezoelectric charge coefficients can be the strong merits for energy harvester and actuator applications.
Enhanced Room-Temperature Catalytic Decomposition of Cumene Hydroperoxide into Phenol and Acetone
Authors: Hsu Hsiu-Ling , Alharthy Rima D.
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTPhenol is an important industrial chemical that was manufactured by the Hock process. The sulphuric acid used in the Hock process to break cumene hydroperoxide into phenol and acetone suffers from environmental problems along with low selectivity towards the desired
products. There are several solid acid catalysts have been tried in cumene hydroperoxide decomposition into an ecofriendly process. In the present work, an efficient environmentally friendly and economically benefitted zeolite-based catalyst was synthesized and tested for breaking cumene hydroperoxide
(CHPO) into phenol and acetone. Beta zeolite and ZSM-5 zeolite were synthesised with nano crystalline geometry by hydrothermal method and tested their efficiency to break CHPO. The morphology and structure of nanocrystalline zeolite materials was investigated by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS),
X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) methods. From DLS studies it is documented that the zeolite particle size is tuneable as evidenced from particle size growths with the ageing time under hydrothermal treatment process. XRD analysis confirms the zeolite Beta and
ZSM-5. The mean crystal size of Beta and ZSM-5 obtained from SEM analysis are 45 nm and 18.3 nm respectively. The optimization of reaction conditions for CHPO decomposition such as catalyst quantity and initial concentration of CHPO has been done using nanocrystalline Beta catalyst. The optimum
catalyst amount and concentration of CHPO are 0.03 g and 15 mmol respectively. The results showed that the nanocrystalline Beta zeolite catalyst exhibits exceptional activity with 100% conversion of CHPO and yielded exclusively phenol and acetone at room temperature. No other by-products are
detected. Also, the catalyst is stable and exhibits high product selectivity for phenol and acetone. The nature of the enhanced activity at room temperature for the decomposition of CHPO is suggested that higher accessibility of the active sites that are proposed to be associated with the
zeolite with nano configuration with higher surface area and short distances for diffusion inside the channels in the nanocrystalline zeolite particles. The possibility of commercialization of beta zeolite is proved by complete conversion of CHPO with selective formation of phenol and acetone.
Impact of the gut microecology on Campylobacter presence revealed by comparisons of the gut microbiota from chickens raised on litter or in individual cages
Authors: Yan Wei , Zhou Qianqian , Yuan Zhongyang , Fu Liang , Wen Chaoliang , Yang Ning , Sun Congjiao
Published: October 2021

Background

Poultry is the major reservoir of Campylobacter that contributes to human campylobacteriosis and threatens food safety. Litter contact has been linked to Campylobacter colonization, but the gut microecological impact underlying this link remains not fully clear. Here, we sought to investigate the impact of the gut microecology on the presence of Campylobacter by examining the microbiota in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ceca, and feces from chickens raised on commercial litter and in individual cages at 0–57 days of age.

Results

Through litter contact, the presence of Campylobacter was found to benefit from microecological competition among Lactobacillus, Helicobacter, and genera that are halotolerant and aerobic or facultatively anaerobic in the upper intestine, such as Corynebacterium and Brachybacterium. The presence was also promoted by the increased abundance in obligate anaerobic fermentation microbes, especially members of the orders Clostridiales and Bacteroidales. The longitudinal analysis supported the vertical or pseudo-vertical transmission but suggested that colonization might occur immensely at 7–28 days of age. We observed a host genetic effect on the gut microecology, which might lead to increased heterogeneity of the microecological impact on Campylobacter colonization.

Conclusions

The findings advance the understanding of the gut microecological impact on Campylobacter presence in the chicken gut under conditions of litter contact and suggest that manipulations of the gut microecology, as well as the microbes identified in the Campylobacter association networks, might be important for the development of intervention strategies.
The association between social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Australian women
Authors: Bedaso Asres , Adams Jon , Peng Wenbo , Sibbritt David
Published: October 2021

Background

Antenatal depression and antenatal anxiety adversely affect several obstetric and foetal outcomes, and increase the rate of postnatal mental illness. Thus, to tackle these challenges the need for social support during pregnancy is vital. However, an extensive literature search failed to show a published study on the relationship between domains of social support and antenatal depressive, as well as antenatal anxiety symptoms in Australia. This study examined the association between domains of social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Australian women.

Methods

The current study used data obtained from the 1973–78 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), focusing upon women who reported being pregnant (n = 493). Depression and anxiety were assessed using the 10 item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D-10) scale, and the 9-item Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scale (GADS) respectively. The 19 item-Medical Outcomes Study Social Support index (MOSS) was used to assess social support. A logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between domains of social support and antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms after adjusting for potential confounders.

Result

The current study found 24.7 and 20.9% of pregnant women screened positive for depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, our study found that the odds of antenatal depressive symptoms was about four and threefold higher among pregnant women who reported low emotional/informational support (AOR = 4.75; 95% CI: 1.45, 15.66; p = 0.010) and low social support (overall support) (AOR = 3.26; 95%CI: 1.05, 10.10, p = 0.040) respectively compared with their counterpart. In addition, the odds of antenatal anxiety symptoms was seven times higher among pregnant women who reported low affectionate support/positive social interaction (AOR = 7.43; 95%CI: 1.75, 31.55; p = 0.006).

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of pregnant Australian women had depressive symptoms and/or anxiety symptoms, which poses serious health concerns. Low emotional/informational support and low affectionate support/positive social interaction have a significant association with antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. As such, targeted screening of expectant women for social support is essential.
Adverse childhood experiences and substance misuse in young people in India: results from the multisite cVEDA cohort
Authors: Fernandes G. S. , Spiers A. , Vaidya N. , Zhang Y. , Sharma E. , Holla B. , Heron J. , Hickman M. , Murthy P. , Chakrabarti A. , Basu D. , Subodh B. N. , Singh L. , Singh R. , Kalyanram K. , Kartik K. , Kumaran K. , Krishnaveni G. , Kuriyan R. , Kurpad S. , Barker G. J. , Bharath R. D. , Desrivieres S. , Purushottam M. , Orfanos D. P. , Toledano M. B. , Schumann G. , Benegal V.
Published: October 2021

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increases vulnerability to externalising disorders such as substance misuse. The study aims to determine the prevalence of ACEs and its association with substance misuse.

Methods

Data from the Consortium on Vulnerability to Externalising Disorders and Addictions (cVEDA) in India was used (n = 9010). ACEs were evaluated using the World Health Organisation (WHO) Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire whilst substance misuse was assessed using the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. A random-effects, two-stage individual patient data meta-analysis explained the associations between ACEs and substance misuse with adjustments for confounders such as sex and family structure.

Results

1 in 2 participants reported child maltreatment ACEs and family level ACEs. Except for sexual abuse, males report more of every individual childhood adversity and are more likely to report misusing substances compared with females (87.3% vs. 12.7%). In adolescents, family level ACEs (adj OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.5–11.7) and collective level ACEs (adj OR 6.6, 95% CI 1.4–31.1) show associations with substance misuse whilst in young adults, child level ACEs such as maltreatment show similar strong associations (adj OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.5).

Conclusion

ACEs such as abuse and domestic violence are strongly associated with substance misuse, most commonly tobacco, in adolescent and young adult males in India. The results suggest enhancing current ACE resilience programmes and ‘trauma-informed’ approaches to tackling longer-term impact of ACEs in India.

Funding

Newton Bhabha Grant jointly funded by the Medical Research Council, UK (MR/N000390/1) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR/MRC-UK/3/M/2015-NCD-I).
Hydrogeogenic fluoride in groundwater and dental fluorosis in Thai agrarian communities: a prevalence survey and case–control study
Authors: Rojanaworarit Chanapong , Claudio Luz , Howteerakul Nopporn , Siramahamongkol Auamduan , Ngernthong Pattraravith , Kongtip Pornpimol , Woskie Susan
Published: October 2021

Background

Dental fluorosis can be a disease of social inequity in access to safe drinking water. This dental public health issue becomes prominent in socially disadvantaged agrarian communities in fluoride endemic areas where the standard irrigation system is unavailable and groundwater containing natural fluoride is the major drinking water source. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in children and to evaluate its association with fluoride in groundwater in the aforementioned setting in Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 289 children in Nakhon Pathom Province was conducted in 2015. Children with very mild to severe fluorosis were regarded as ‘cases’ while their counterparts were ‘controls’ for a subsequent case–control study. Records of fluoride concentrations in groundwater used for household supply corresponding to resident and number of years by age of each child during 2008–2015 were retrieved. Other exposure variables were measured using a questionnaire. Prevalence ratio (PR), a measure indicating the relative effect of different levels of fluoride on dental fluorosis, was obtained from Poisson regression with robust standard error.

Result

There were 157 children with very mild to moderate dental fluorosis (54.3% prevalence). The univariable analysis revealed that the prevalence of dental fluorosis among children with fluoride concentrations in water sources of 0.7–1.49 (index category 1) and ≥ 1.5 ppm (index category 2) was 1.62 (95% CI; 0.78, 3.34) and 2.75 (95% CI; 1.42, 5.31) times the prevalence among those with fluoride < 0.7 ppm (referent category). After adjusting for all covariates, the adjusted prevalence ratios in both index categories were 1.64 (95% CI; 0.24, 11.24) and 2.85 (95% CI; 0.44, 18.52) which were close to their corresponding crude estimates. Since the magnitude of confounding, measured by (PRcrude–PRadjusted)/PRadjusted, were less than 10% for both index categories; this indicated the limited confounding effect of all covariates.

Conclusions

In fluoride endemic areas, groundwater containing natural fluoride utilized for household consumption resulted in high dental fluorosis prevalence, particularly in the groundwater with fluoride concentrations of ≥ 1.5 ppm.
Salivary pH changes under the effect of stainless steel versus elastomeric ligatures in fixed orthodontic patients: a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Al-Haifi Hend Abulkarem Abdullah , Ishaq Ramy Abdulrahman Ali , Al-Hammadi Maged Sultan Abdullah
Published: October 2021

Background

Fluctuations in pH of saliva during a prolonged treatment course influences the enamel demineralization progress, which is one of the complications of fixed orthodontic treatment. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate and compare the short-term effects of stainless steel (SS) versus elastomeric (EM) ligatures on salivary pH in patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment.

Methods

Seventy participants were enrolled in the study (54 female, 16 male) aged 19–36 years who met specific inclusion criteria. They were randomly selected and allocated into two equal groups through computer-generated randomization. All patients received fixed orthodontic treatment using conventional orthodontic brackets. Two commonly used archwire ligature methods were used: SS and EMs. An unstimulated (resting) salivary sample was collected before tying of the ligatures at T0 (baseline), 2 weeks, 6 (weeks), and 12 (weeks). Salivary pH was measured using a digital pH meter. The level of significance was set at p value < 0.05.

Results

The salivary pH level was stable between T0 and T1 (6.72 ± 0.14), then significantly and progressively increased from T1 to T2 (6.78 ± 0.13) and from T2 to T3 (6.81 ± 0.14) with (p < 0.05) in the SS group. In the EM group, the salivary pH level was significantly decreased in all follow-up periods; T0 (6.77 ± 0.16), T1 (6.72 ± 0.14), T2 (6.67 ± 0.13) and T3 (6.64 ± 0.13).

Conclusion

The EM ligatures showed a significant decrease in salivary pH to an unfavorable level, which increased the risk of enamel demineralization. Therefore, EMs as ligature material is preferably should not be recommended in patients with high caries index or inadequate oral hygiene.

Trial registrationANZCTR.org. (ACTRN12618001647224)http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12618001647224.aspx. Registration Date: 5/10/2018, “Retrospectively registered”.
Applying artificial neural network for early detection of sepsis with intentionally preserved highly missing real-world data for simulating clinical situation
Authors: Kuo Yao-Yi , Huang Shu-Tien , Chiu Hung-Wen
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Some predictive systems using machine learning models have been developed to predict sepsis; however, they were mostly built with a low percent of missing values, which does not correspond with the actual clinical situation. In this study, we developed a machine learning model with a high rate of missing and erroneous data to enable prediction under missing, noisy, and erroneous inputs, as in the actual clinical situation.

Materials and methods

The proposed artificial neural network model was implemented using the MATLAB ANN toolbox, based on stochastic gradient descent. The dataset was collected over the past decade with approval from the appropriate institutional review boards, and the sepsis status was identified and labeled using Sepsis-3 clinical criteria. The imputation method was built by last observation carried forward and mean value, aimed to simulate clinical situation.

Results

The mean area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of classifying sepsis and nonsepsis patients was 0.82 and 0.786 at 0 h and 40 h prior to onset, respectively. The highest model performance was found for one-hourly data, demonstrating that our ANN model can perform adequately with limited hourly data provided.

Conclusions

Our model has the moderate ability to predict sepsis up to 40 h in advance under simulated clinical situation with real-world data.
The IDeaS initiative: pilot study to assess the impact of rare diseases on patients and healthcare systems
Authors: Tisdale Ainslie , Cutillo Christine M. , Nathan Ramaa , Russo Pierantonio , Laraway Bryan , Haendel Melissa , Nowak Douglas , Hasche Cindy , Chan Chun-Hung , Griese Emily , Dawkins Hugh , Shukla Oodaye , Pearce David A. , Rutter Joni L. , Pariser Anne R.
Published: October 2021

Background

Rare diseases (RD) are a diverse collection of more than 7–10,000 different disorders, most of which affect a small number of people per disease. Because of their rarity and fragmentation of patients across thousands of different disorders, the medical needs of RD patients are not well recognized or quantified in healthcare systems (HCS).

Methodology

We performed a pilot IDeaS study, where we attempted to quantify the number of RD patients and the direct medical costs of 14 representative RD within 4 different HCS databases and performed a preliminary analysis of the diagnostic journey for selected RD patients.

Results

The overall findings were notable for: (1) RD patients are difficult to quantify in HCS using ICD coding search criteria, which likely results in under-counting and under-estimation of their true impact to HCS; (2) per patient direct medical costs of RD are high, estimated to be around three–fivefold higher than age-matched controls; and (3) preliminary evidence shows that diagnostic journeys are likely prolonged in many patients, and may result in progressive, irreversible, and costly complications of their disease

Conclusions

The results of this small pilot suggest that RD have high medical burdens to patients and HCS, and collectively represent a major impact to the public health. Machine-learning strategies applied to HCS databases and medical records using sentinel disease and patient characteristics may hold promise for faster and more accurate diagnosis for many RD patients and should be explored to help address the high unmet medical needs of RD patients.
Upregulation of cathepsin L gene under mild cold conditions in young Japanese male adults
Authors: Yasukochi Yoshiki , Shin Sora , Wakabayashi Hitoshi , Maeda Takafumi
Published: October 2021

Background

Physiological thermoregulatory systems in humans have been a key factor for adaptation to local environments after their exodus from Africa, particularly, to cold environments outside Africa. Recent studies using high-throughput sequencing have identified various genes responsible for cold adaptation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying initial thermoregulation in response to acute cold exposure remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated transcriptional profiles of six young Japanese male adults exposed to acute cold stress.

Methods

In a climatic chamber, the air temperature was maintained at 28°C for 65 min and was then gradually decreased to 19°C for 70 min. Saliva samples were obtained from the subjects at 28°C before and after 19°C cold exposure and were used for RNA sequencing.

Results

In the cold exposure experiment, expression levels of 14 genes were significantly changed [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] although the degree of transcriptional changes was not high due to experimental conditions or blunted transcriptional reaction in saliva to cold stress. As a result, differential gene expression analyses detected the cathepsin L (CTSL) gene to be significantly upregulated, with FDR < 0.05 and log2fold change value > 1; thus, this gene was identified as a differentially expressed gene. Given that the cathepsin L protein is related to invasion of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), mild cold stress might alter the susceptibility to coronavirus disease-19 in humans. The gene ontology enrichment analysis for 14 genes with FDR < 0.05 suggested that immune-related molecules could be activated by mild cold stress.

Conclusions

The results obtained from this study indicate thatCTSLexpression levels can be altered by acute mild cold stress.
Depth- and temperature-specific fatty acid adaptations in ctenophores from extreme habitats
Authors: Winnikoff Jacob R. , Haddock Steven H. D. , Budin Itay
Published: October 2021

Animals are known to regulate the composition of their cell membranes to maintain key biophysical properties in response to changes in temperature. For deep-sea marine organisms, high hydrostatic pressure represents an additional, yet much more poorly understood, perturbant of cell membrane structure. Previous studies in fish and marine microbes have reported correlations with temperature and depth of membrane-fluidizing lipid components, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids. Because little has been done to isolate the separate effects of temperature and pressure on the lipid pool, it is still not understood whether these two environmental factors elicit independent or overlapping biochemical adaptive responses. Here, we use the taxonomic and habitat diversity of the phylum Ctenophora to test whether distinct low-temperature and high-pressure signatures can be detected in fatty acid profiles. We measured the fatty acid composition of 105 individual ctenophores, representing 21 species, from deep and shallow Arctic, temperate, and tropical sampling locales (sea surface temperature, −2° to 28°C). In tropical and temperate regions, remotely operated submersibles (ROVs) enabled sampling down to 4000 m. We found that among specimens with body temperatures 7.5°C or colder, depth predicted fatty acid unsaturation levels. In contrast, in the upper 200 m of the water column, temperature predicted fatty acid chain lengths. Taken together, our findings suggest that lipid metabolism may be specialized with respect to multiple physical variables in diverse marine environments. Largely distinct modes of adaptation to depth and cold imply that polar marine invertebrates may not find a ready refugium from climate change in the deep.
Measuring Purpose in Life in College Students: An Assessment of Invariance Properties by College Year and Undergraduate School
Authors: Anghel Ella , Ludlow Larry , Szendey Olivia , Matz-Costa Christina , O’Keefe Theresa , Braun Henry
Published: October 2021

Purpose in life is a key construct in the development of young adults, particularly college students. There are many instruments measuring sense of purpose in life, but few studies have examined their measurement properties among college students. The current study compares the measurement invariance properties of the Purpose in Life (PIL) scale and the Claremont Purpose Scale (CPS) across college year and undergraduate school. Using both a unidimensional and a two-dimensional model, we found that the PIL’s interpretability is limited among college students. Using a three-dimensional model, the CPS was invariant with respect to both grouping variables. The study suggests that the CPS can be used to make meaningful comparisons among college students categorized by school year and undergraduate school. The study also has some implications about the construct of purpose in life; namely, scale structures that work well statistically and theoretically among adults might not generalize to young adults.
Older people’s long-term care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Awuviry-Newton Kofi , Nkansah Jacob Oppong , Newton Abraham , Abekah-Carter Kwamina
Published: October 2021

This study explores older people’s long-term care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. A qualitative descriptive approach employing semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from 15 older people from Southern Ghana. Analysis of interview data resulted in five interrelated themes: (1) sources and type of long-term care; (2) older people’s satisfaction with the long-term care received; (3) changes in their long-term care; (4) feelings of neglect regarding long-term care; and (5) older people’s resilience in long-term care. The sustainability of long-term care depends on the state’s ability to devise innovative long-term care policies and programmes to promote older people’s and their carers’ well-being.
Material and relational challenges of home-based renal care: a parental perspective on child chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bruno de Sousa Andréa , Wickström Anette
Published: October 2021

Caring for a child with chronic kidney disease requires parents to reorganise mundane routines and develop advanced technical skills. Parents’ strategies used to meet these challenges need greater understanding. This article takes inspiration from phenomenology of practice and material culture studies to analyse interviews with parents in Portugal. It shows that although home-based care leads to worsened social inequities, parents use the available financial and human resources to manage the situation and create normality. While they experience becoming confined and close relationships are strained, the mundane practices and social relations of care bring hope and meaning to the family.
Aberration calibration and correction with nano-scatterers in digital holographic microscopy for semiconductor metrology
Authors: Messinis Christos , van Schaijk Theodorus T. M. , Pandey Nitesh , Koolen Armand , Shlesinger Ilan , Liu Xiaomeng , Witte Stefan , de Boer Johannes F. , den Boef Arie
Published: October 2021

Overlay metrology measures pattern placement between two layers in a semiconductor chip. The continuous shrinking of device dimensions drives the need to explore novel optical overlay metrology concepts that can address many of the existing metrology challenges. We present a compact dark-field digital holographic microscope that uses only a single imaging lens. Our microscope offers several features that are beneficial for overlay metrology, like a large wavelength range. However, imaging with a single lens results in highly aberrated images. In this work, we present an aberration calibration and correction method using nano-sized point scatterers on a silicon substrate. Computational imaging techniques are used to recover the full wavefront error, and we use this to correct for the lens aberrations. We present measured data to verify the calibration method and we discuss potential calibration error sources that must be considered. A comparison with a ZEMAX calculation is also presented to evaluate the performance of the presented method.
Freeform imaging system with resolution that varies with the field angle in two dimensions
Authors: Wu Weichen , Zhang Benqi , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2021

The human eye’s resolution varies with the field angle and has high center resolution and low edge resolution characteristics. In this paper, a freeform imaging system is presented that has resolution distribution characteristics similar to those of the human eye. Field-dependent parameters are used to describe the system’s optical properties and a direct design method is proposed to realize the novel functionality. An off-axis reflective freeform imaging system with high center resolution and low edge resolution within a square 30°×30° field of view (FOV) is designed using this method. The maximum instantaneous field of view (IFOV) ratio of center field resolution to edge field resolution is 0.47. Only three freeform surfaces are used to attain good image quality. Simultaneous improvements are observed in both resolution and FOV while the detector remains fixed.
Characteristics of multi-mode lasing in cesium lead bromide perovskite microwires with an isosceles right triangle cross-section
Authors: Wu Sheng-Chan , Liu Ya-Chi , Lin Li-Jyuan , Chang Yia-Chung , Hsu Hsu-Cheng
Published: October 2021

The CsPbBr3 microwires with unique isosceles right triangle cross-sections are commonly observed via chemical vapor deposition method. In this work, we study the correlations between measured multi-mode lasing behaviors and the simulation of the mode patterns inside the triangular-rod microcavity. We confirm that lasing action with higher-order transverse modes can well sustain, even when these modes experience large optical loss due to the isosceles triangle cross-section. By comparing the experimental and simulation results, the higher-order transverse modes tend to show up prior to the fundamental transverse modes for wider microwires. We attribute this behavior to the nonuniform field distribution caused by the high absorption efficiency of CsPbBr3. We also elaborate on the difficulties to sustain the whispering gallery mode in the CsPbBr3 triangular-rod microcavity, which implies that the lateral dimension and geometry of the cavity should be considered carefully for the future design of low threshold wire-based laser devices.
Range-precision improvement of a time-of-flight range sensor using dual reference plane sampling
Authors: Furuhashi Tatsuki , Yasutomi Keita , Hatada Ryosuke , Tamaya Mitsuru , Kagawa Keiichiro , Kawahito Shoji
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to achieve high range precision in the sub-100 µm order with time-of-flight (TOF) range imaging for 3-D scanners. The precision of a TOF range imager was improved using dual reference plane sampling (DRPS). DRPS using two short-pulse lasers reduces driver jitter, which limits the range precision below sub-100 µm. A proof-of-concept measurement system implemented using a TOF range imager demonstrated the reduction in driver jitters, resulting in reduced column-to-column variation in range precision. The developed system also achieved a high precision of 52 µm using a single frame and 27 µm using a 10-frame average.
Drug repurposing for Chagas disease: In vitro assessment of nimesulide against Trypanosoma cruzi and insights on its mechanisms of action
Authors: Trindade Joana D’Arc S. , Freire-de-Lima Célio Geraldo , Côrte-Real Suzana , Decote-Ricardo Debora , Freire de Lima Marco Edilson
Published: October 2021

Chagas disease is a neglected illness caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and its treatment is done only with two drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole. However, both drugs are ineffective in the chronic phase, in addition to causing serious side effects. This context of therapeutic limitation justifies the continuous research for alternative drugs. Here, we study the in vitro trypanocidal effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide, a molecule that has in its chemical structure a toxicophoric nitroaromatic group (NO2). The set of results obtained in this work highlights the potential for repurposing nimesulide in the treatment of this disease that affects millions of people around the world.
Effects of a snack on performance and errors during a simulated 16-h night shift: A randomized, crossover-controlled, pilot study
Authors: Oriyama Sanae , Yamashita Kotomi
Published: October 2021

Background

Night shift workers might not eat due to their busy schedules during the night shift. However, food may not only satisfy hunger, but also affect performance and errors. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a snack on performance and errors during 2-day, 16-h, simulated night shifts.

Methods

A randomized, repeated-measure, crossover study was performed to investigate subjective and cognitive performance in 15 healthy female adults (mean age, 21.7 years) after they consumed a snack (352 kcal) during a simulated night shift (16:00 to 09:00) from October to November 2018. The participants were kept awake from waking up in the morning to the next day at 09:00. Subjects were tested for performance on the Uchida-Kraepelin test, as well as for subjective feeling, body temperature, psychomotor vigilance test, and heart rate variability, before and after they consumed the snack. One day before the experiment, all participants wore an actigraphy monitoring device to determine their sleep state.

Results

There was no difference between having (Snack condition) and not having (Skipping condition) the snack in sleep states the day before the experiment. On the day of the experiment, between 16:00 and 09:00, subjective sleepiness, fatigue, and body temperature were not different between the two conditions. Subjects maintained performance on the Uchida-Kraepelin test and showed a significant improvement in false starts on the psychomotor vigilance test, the primary outcome measure, in the Snack condition compared with the Skipping condition. The Snack condition was also associated with decreased high-frequency power, a decreased low-frequency power/high-frequency power ratio, and increased heart rate in the vagally mediated heart rate variability indices, which may reflect a higher ability to modulate cognitive and behavioral processes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that providing a snack to shift workers during night shifts might improve work safety and efficiency.
Refractive results with SMILE using lower energy settings in the United States
Authors: Liu Erica T. , Sella Ruti , Goernert Phillip , Kim Kevin , Chen Henry , Lin Robert T.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To report the visual and refractive results of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with low energy settings in the United States (US) and to evaluate outcomes for low astigmatism treatment.

Setting

Private clinical practice.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 462 consecutive eyes that underwent SMILE with lower energy settings. Inclusion criteria included all patients between the ages of 19–39 with myopic astigmatism up to -11.25 diopters (D) spherical equivalent (sphere up to -10.00 D, astigmatism up to -3.00 D), and corrected distance visual acuity of at least 20/25. Eyes with low astigmatism (0.25 D-0.50 D) were also included. Outcome analysis was performed according to the Standard Graphs for Reporting Refractive Surgery at postoperative month (POM) 1, and POM 3–6 when data were available.

Results

The mean preoperative spherical equivalent treated was -4.96 ± 2.07; at POM 1, 92% of eyes achieved uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better and maintained visual stability throughout the remainder of the study. At last visit, 431 eyes (93%) achieved UCVA of 20/20 or better, and 461 eyes (99.8%) were 20/25 or better. Ninety-seven (21%) eyes gained at least 1 Snellen line of corrected distance visual acuity and no eyes lost 2 or more lines. Almost all eyes (n = 453, 98%) were within 0.5D of target; 85% of eyes with low astigmatism had ≤0.25 D at last visit compared to 80% of eyes with moderate astigmatism.

Conclusions

SMILE with U.S.-approved low energy settings is safe, predictable, and efficacious and provides patients with a fast visual recovery.
Can we use the internet to study speech production? Yes we can! Evidence contrasting online versus laboratory naming latencies and errors
Authors: Fairs Amie , Strijkers Kristof
Published: October 2021

The closure of cognitive psychology labs around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented in-person testing. This has caused a particular challenge for speech production researchers, as before the pandemic there were no studies demonstrating that reliable overt speech production data could be collected via the internet. Here, we present evidence that both accurate and reliable overt articulation data can be collected from internet-based speech production experiments. We tested 100 participants in a picture naming paradigm, where we manipulated the word and phonotactic frequency of the picture names. We compared our results to a lab-based study conducted on different participants which used the same materials and design. We found a significant word frequency effect but no phonotactic frequency effect, fully replicating the lab-based results. Effect sizes were similar between experiments, but with significantly longer latencies in the internet-collected data. We found no evidence that internet upload or download speed affected either naming latencies or errors. In addition, we carried out a permutation-style analysis which recommends a minimum sample size of 40 participants for online production paradigms. In sum, our study demonstrates that internet-based testing of speech production is a feasible and promising endeavour, with less challenges than many researchers (anecdotally) assumed.
Preserving cultural craft heritage: Digitizing a traditional Syrian clothing collection
Authors: Sklar Monica , McIntyre Katherine Hill , Autry Sharon
Published: October 2021

This project explores the importance of the preservation of diverse private collections of crafted artefacts, and specifically improving digital access. The focus is on the transformation of an assemblage of 100 Syrian garments held in the United States into a museum-quality, publicly accessible archive. Private collections that are not financially endowed face various challenges, including their culturally valuable content being inaccessible and underseen. The goal of archiving and exhibiting this collection of garments is to share Syria’s dress and craft history as a form of identity, community, economy, artistic expression and technological development. Each item is unique, representing an everyday life that no longer exists. As people moved to new geographical locations, craft traditions were not always carried with them. Consequently, the garments and accessories in this collection feature dyeing techniques, metalwork and symbolic representations of different generations of Syrian people from this ancient to present civilization. Throughout the research process, we learned to synthesize the core issues of contemporary craft heritage management, with an initial goal to build a new digital archiving method and template to benefit small or private collections outside of institutions. First, we determined how to do so using affordable and accessible tools, in line with manageable industry standards. Digital photography, metadata development, object labelling, and anecdotal interviews complement the existing collection information. The long-term goal is the dissemination of the collection through exhibitions, interactive websites, symposiums and publications. Museums are working harder to diversify their collections, and many private collections represent marginalized cultures or do not fit within the established parameters of public institutions. This study touches upon the disparate and specific needs of private versus public collecting, and how to bridge some of the gaps using standardized digitization techniques towards similar preservation and outreach goals.
Acting for Real: Drama Therapy Process, Technique, and Performance, Renée Emunah (2020)
Authors: Kidder Bobbi
Published: October 2021

Review of: Acting for Real: Drama Therapy Process, Technique, and Performance, Renée Emunah (2020)

2nd ed., New York and Oxon: Routledge, 382 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-13884-964-8, h/bk, $120; ISBN 978-1-13884-965-5, p/bk, $35.96; ISBN: 978-1-31572-540-6, e/bk, $35.96