bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species‐specific differences of the avian oesophagus: Histological and Ultrastructural study
Authors: El‐naseery Nesma I. , Mohammed Asmaa A. A. , Abuel‐Atta Ahmed Awad , Ghonimi Wael A. M.
Published: June 2021

The oesophagus is a muscular tube comprised of cervical and thoracic regions. Several studies have clarified the histological structure of the oesophagus. However, its histoarchitecture in relation to variable dietary habits of each species is still unclear. In the current study, 21 pigeons, cattle egrets and ducks, n = 7, each was used. Macroscopically, the oesophagus of cattle egrets either the cervical or thoracic parts was the longest among the pigeons and ducks. Histologically, the oesophagus comprised of four distinct tunicae: mucosa, propria submucosa, musculosa and adventitia or serosa. A great structural variation in these layers among the three investigated species was recorded. In the cervical oesophagus of pigeons, the superficial squamous cells showed perinuclear halo zone, the propria submucosa was characteristically lacked any gland. Moreover, its musculosa was very thick. On the other hand, the intraepithelial glands were characteristically distributed along the whole length of the cattle egret’s oesophagus. Interestingly, the cervical esophagus of the ducks showed submucosal associated lymphatic tissue; diffuse and nodular Ultrastructurally, the oesophageal glands showed secretory granules of variable electron densities, electron‐lucent in the pigeons and ducks and electron‐dense in the cattle egrets.
Reliability and validity of the Cancer Health Literacy Test – Chinese versions: CHLT‐30‐Chinese and CHLT‐6‐Chinese
Authors: Chan Wing‐Lok , Pun Jack , Dong Dong , Siminoff Laura , Dumenci Levent
Published: June 2021

Aims

The Cancer Health Literacy – 30 (CHLT‐30) and Cancer Health Literacy – 6 (CHLT‐6) are widely used instruments to measure cancer health literacy and to identify individuals with limited cancer health literacy, respectively. This study evaluated the psychometric performance of both instruments in Chinese cancer patient population.

Methods

The back‐translation method was used in cross‐cultural adaptation. Chinese versions, labeled as CHLT‐30‐Chinese and CHLT‐6‐Chinese, were administered to a diverse cross‐sectional sample of 602 cancer patients. Of these, 30 patients retook the instruments over a 2‐week interval to estimate test‐retest reliability. Classical and modern psychometric methods were used to estimate the item and test properties.

Results

Model fit statistics confirmed the original measurement structures of CHLT‐30‐Chinese (one‐factor model) and CHLT‐6‐Chinese (latent class model with limited and adequate cancer health literacy classes) providing construct validity evidence. The CHLT‐30‐Chinese showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.83; McDonald's Ω = 0.93) and 2‐week test‐retest reliability (r = 0.78). The CHLT‐6‐Chinese separated limited and adequate cancer health literacy classes well (entropy = 0.77) with the estimated prevalence rates of 19% and 81%, respectively. The CHLT‐6‐Chinese was highly precise in assigning cancer patients into two categories: limited and adequate cancer health literacy classes with probability of 0.95 and 0.90, respectively. Invariant measurement properties of both instruments were supported between male and female patients as well as patients with and without high school diploma.

Conclusions

The findings support the psychometric properties of the CHLT‐30‐Chinese for measuring cancer health literacy as a continuous trait and CHLT‐6‐Chinese for identifying patients with limited cancer health literacy with high precision. The two tools are recommended for use in both daily practice and clinical trials.
Endoscopic trans‐ethmosphenoid optic canal decompression is an optimal choice to save vision for indirect traumatic optic neuropathy
Authors: Gao Yang , Li Jinmiao , Ma Huan , Nie Cong , Lv Xi , Lin Xiaofeng , Shi Jianbo , Lu Rong
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of endoscopic trans‐ethmosphenoid optic canal decompression (ETOCD) and steroid pulse therapy (SPT) for indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (ITON).

Design

Prospective interventional case series.

Methods

Total 140 monocular ITON patients from January 2017 to June 2019 were recruited, including 100 patients received ETOCD (56 patients received ETOCD only and 44 patients received ETOCD combined with SPT before surgery), and 40 patients received SPT only. Their visual acuity (VA) and visual evoked potential (VEP) were analysed before and after treatments. Initial VA, lag time, causes of injuries and age were analysed for evaluating prognosis of treatment.

Results

In contrast with patients received SPT only (15/40 = 38%), the effective rate of patients received ETOCD only and patients received ETOCD combined with SPT were both significantly better (46/56 = 82%, p < 0.001 and 30/44 = 68%, p = 0.005). Whether with SPT before ETOCD or not, after ETOCD, patients with VA improvement showed no significant difference. And 59/76 (77.6%) patients showed improvement within 24 hours. Patients who had residual visions achieved higher effective rate than those with no light perception (56/58 = 97% and 20/42 = 48%; p < 0.001) after ETOCD. For patients with long lag time of 21–90 days, 23/32 (72%) patients presented with vision improvement. Moreover, VEP was significantly improved after ETOCD. No severe complications were observed.

Conclusions

Endoscopic trans‐ethmosphenoid optic canal decompression (ETOCD) is an effective and safe therapy for ITON, which is more effective than SPT. Even for patients with failure in responding to SPT, the successfully physical decompression is the most effective way to rescue optical nerve from permanent damage.
One‐quarter of chronic hepatitis D patients reach HDV‐RNA decline or undetectability during the natural course of the disease
Authors: Palom Adriana , Sopena Sara , Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Carvalho‐Gomes Angela , Madejón Antonio , Rodriguez‐Tajes Sergio , Roade Luisa , García‐Eliz María , García‐Samaniego Javier , Lens Sabela , Berenguer‐Hayme Marina , Rodríguez‐Frías Francisco , Hernandez‐Évole Helena , Isabel Gil‐García Ana , Barreira Ana , Esteban Rafael , Buti Maria
Published: June 2021

Background

Spontaneous HDV‐RNA fluctuations, assessed by nonstandardised in‐house assays, have been reported during the course of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD).

Aims

To evaluate changes in serum HDV‐RNA concentrations in untreated CHD patients and correlate these changes with other HBV markers.

Methods

A total of 323 consecutive serum samples from 56 CHD patients (detectable HDV‐RNA) followed for >3 years were retested for HDV‐RNA levels by a sensitive technique using the first WHO international HDV‐RNA standard. Quantitative HBsAg, HBV‐DNA, and HBV‐RNA were also determined.

Results

Most participants were male, middle‐aged, white European, and HBeAg‐negative (82%). Almost half had liver cirrhosis and 64% were receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues. At inclusion, median‐HDV‐RNA was 5.3 (4.2‐6.5) log10IU/mL, HBsAg 4.0 (3.5‐4.3) log10IU/mL, and HBV‐DNA 1.6 (1.0‐2.6) log10IU/mL; ALT values were normal in 13 (23%). During a mean follow‐up of 5.6 (3‐16) years, 14 (25%) showed ≥2log10 HDV‐RNA decline, including 11 (20%) who spontaneously achieved undetectable HDV‐RNA. Four patients (7%) lost HBsAg, with undetectable HDV‐RNA. The remaining 42 (75%) had persistently detectable HDV‐RNA. During follow‐up, patients with a ≥2log10 HDV‐RNA decline showed a greater HBsAg drop (−0.7 ± 1.1 vs −0.09 ± 0.9 log IU/mL; P = 0.039) than those with a <2 log10 HDV‐RNA decline. Overall, ALT and HBV‐DNA levels decreased over time. There were no differences in clinical outcomes between groups.

Conclusions

One‐quarter of untreated CHD patients showed a ≥2log10 decline in HDV‐RNA and 20% reached HDV‐RNA undetectability during a mean follow‐up of 5.6 years. The decline was associated with ALT decrease. These findings have implications for designing new therapies for CHD.
Observations on the use of a pain numbing device for repetitive percutaneous sampling in sheep
Authors: Munn R , Woodward A , Beths T , Whittem T
Published: June 2021

Aims

To evaluate the success of a commercially available analgesic device (CoolSense; Coolsense Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel) in ameliorating pain while sampling from subcutaneous tissue cages in sheep.

Methods

The CoolSense device was used as part of a major parent study involving repetitive percutaneous sampling of subcutaneous tissue cages in seven sheep. Sampling was performed by passing a hypodermic needle through the skin and withdrawing fluid from the tissue cage. Each sheep had 10 tissue cages that were individually sampled 14 times over 74 h. The device was placed on the skin of the sampling site immediately before sampling cooling and numbing the skin. The reaction of the sheep was observed by the operators, flinching or jumping as the needle was passed through the skin was deemed to be a failure. We recorded the success or failure of the device for each needle stick. This was opportunistic data collection as part of a pharmacokinetic trial, therefore no controls were included.

Results

A total of 1655 observations were recorded and then analysed using a generalised linear mixed model. Overall, 1380 of 1655 (83.4%) observations were recorded as successfully providing analgesia. Marked inter‐occasion variability was noted with success ranging from 61.42% to 92.86% across sheep:period (approximately 140 observations each). As no controls were available, the effect of treatment could not be evaluated.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The CoolSense device is a viable option for veterinary research and clinical applications.
Flexible use of copula‐type model for dose‐finding in drug combination clinical trials
Authors: Hashizume Koichi , Tshuchida Jun , Sozu Takashi
Published: June 2021

Identification of the maximum tolerated dose combination (MTDC) of cancer drugs is an important objective in phase I oncology trials. Numerous dose‐finding designs for drug combination have been proposed over the years. Copula‐type models exhibit distinctive advantages in this task over other models used in existing competitive designs. For example, their application enables the consideration of dose‐limiting toxicities attributable to one of two agents. However, if a particular combination therapy demonstrates extremely synergistic toxicity, copula‐type models are liable to induce biases in toxicity probability estimators due to the associated Fréchet–Hoeffding bounds. Consequently, the dose‐finding performance may be worse than those of other competitive designs. The objective of this study is to improve the performance of dose‐finding designs based on copula‐type models while maintaining their advantageous properties. We propose an extension of the parameter space of the interaction term in copula‐type models. This releases the Fréchet–Hoeffding bounds, making the estimation of toxicity probabilities more flexible. Numerical examples in various scenarios demonstrate that the performance (e.g., the percentage of correct MTDC selection) of the proposed method is better than those exhibited by existing copula‐type models and comparable with those of other competitive designs, irrespective of the existence of extreme synergistic toxicity. The results obtained in this study could motivate the real‐world application of the proposed method in cases requiring the utilization of the properties of copula‐type models.
Election cycles affect deforestation within Brazil's Atlantic Forest
Authors: Ruggiero Patricia G. C. , Pfaff Alexander , Nichols Elizabeth , Rosa Marcos , Metzger Jean Paul
Published: June 2021

Policymakers’ incentives during election campaigns can lead to decisions that significantly affect deforestation. Yet this is rarely studied. For Brazil's Atlantic Forest, a highly biodiverse tropical forest, we link federal‐and‐state as well as municipal elections to annual deforestation between 1991 and 2014. Across 2253 municipalities, those with higher deforestation see a significant rise in deforestation during federal‐and‐state election years. Municipal election years raise deforestation for locations with lower deforestation, whereas all of these increases are accentuated when there is party alignment between different levels of government. This effect of election cycles has fallen over time, to date, yet that cannot be assumed to continue. Our results highlight the need to limit opportunistic behaviors that affect natural resources and the environment with implications for biodiversity, carbon storage, and other ecosystem services.
Survival after orthotopic heart transplantation in patients with BMI > = 35 with and without diabetes
Authors: Fiedler Amy G. , Stalter Lily , Marka Nicholas , Dhingra Ravi , Hermsen Joshua L. , Smith Jason W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipients with a body mass index (BMI) > = 35 have worse survival than those with a BMI < 35. Diabetes is a risk factor for mortality. We evaluated the impact of diabetes on mortality rates after OHT in patients with a BMI > 35.

Methods

Patients > 18 years who underwent OHT 2008–2017 with a BMI > = 35 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. Recipient and donor characteristics were compared. A Kaplan Meier analysis was performed. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model examined the relationship between diabetes and survival. The equivalence of survival outcomes was examined by an unadjusted Cox proportional hazards model and the two one‐sided test procedure, using a pre‐specified equivalence region.

Results

Patients with diabetes were older, had a higher creatinine, lower bilirubin, fewer months on the waitlist, and the donor was less likely to be on inotropes. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed no difference in patient survival. Recipient factors associated with an increased risk of death were increasing bilirubin and machine ventilation. Increasing ischemic time resulted in an increased hazard of death. Long‐term survival outcomes were equivalent.

Conclusions

In OHT recipients with a BMI > 35, there is no statistical difference in longterm survival in recipients with or without diabetes. These results encourage continued consideration for OHT in patients BMI > 35 with coexisting diabetes.
Use of letermovir‐valganciclovir combination as a step‐down treatment after foscarnet for ganciclovir‐resistant CMV infection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Rho Elena , Näf Bettina , Müller Thomas F , Wüthrich Rudolf P , Schachter Thomas , von Moos Seraina
Published: June 2021

Background

Letermovir (LTV) might be an alternative treatment to nephrotoxic foscarnet (FOS) in Ganciclovir (GCV) resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. However, its efficacy in controlling active CMV viremia is unclear, as it is only approved for CMV prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation.

Methods

This case series describes 14 kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with moderate‐level GCV resistant CMV infection, treated by different step‐down strategies after initial FOS therapy: (1) Observation without antiviral follow‐up or switch to valganciclovir (VGCV) (pre‐LTV era), and (2) Switch to LTV±VGCV (LTV era).

Results

One patient died under FOS. Thirteen patients were followed under step‐down regimens. All but two patients had ongoing CMV viremia when stopping FOS. In pre‐LTV era, 5/9 (56%) experienced a CMV breakthrough > 10 000 IU/ml calling for another course of FOS, as compared to 1/4 (25%) in the LTV era. Addition of VGCV to LTV at low‐level viral breakthrough, addressing a possible developing resistance against LTV, prevented viral surge in two patients. In the pre‐LTV era, CMV‐related death or graft loss occurred in three of nine (33%), compared to no death or graft loss in the LTV era.

Conclusion

A step‐down strategy combining LTV+VGCV, might allow to safely stop FOS at ongoing low‐level viremia.
A randomized controlled trial of transition from insulin pump to multiple daily injections using insulin degludec
Authors: Shah Viral N. , Akturk Halis K. , Joseph Hal , Schneider Nicole , Snell‐Bergeon Janet K.
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate two methods of transition from an insulin pump to multiple daily injections (MDI) using long‐acting insulin degludec (IDeg).

Materials and Methods

After a 1‐week run‐in period, adults with type 1 diabetes for longer than 1 year and HbA1c 48‐69 mmol/mol (6.5%‐8.5%), who had been using an insulin pump at least for 6 months, were randomly transitioned to either standard of care (discontinued insulin pump and started IDeg in 1:1 dose) or overlap (IDeg 1:1 at pump basal dose, but pump continued for the first 48 hours with a gradual basal reduction; 50% from 0‐24 hours, 75% from 24‐48 hours and then pump discontinued). Participants used blinded Dexcom G6 and the IDeg dose was not changed during the trial. Primary (% time above 180 mg/dL) and secondary (% time in 70‐180 mg/dL and below 70 mg/dL) outcomes were compared between the two groups during 7 days of randomization.

Results

Age, gender, diabetes duration and basal/bolus insulin doses were similar between patients randomized to standard of care (n = 17) or overlap (n = 13) transition. Compared with overlap transition, the standard of care group spent 4.8% more time in hyperglycaemia (least square mean 4.8% [95% CI –3.3%, 12.9%]) and 5.3% less time in range (−5.3% [−12.6%, −2.0%]), without a significant difference in hypoglycaemia (0.5% [−2.3%,3.4%]). No treatment‐related adverse events were noted in either group.

Conclusion

The overlap transition method may result in a significant improvement in time‐in‐range without increasing hypoglycaemia during the first week of transition from an insulin pump to MDI using IDeg in adults with type 1 diabetes.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors suppress seizures in a rat model of birth asphyxia
Authors: Pospelov Alexey S. , Ala‐Kurikka Tommi , Kurki Samu , Voipio Juha , Kaila Kai
Published: June 2021

Objective

Seizures are common in neonates recovering from birth asphyxia but there is general consensus that current pharmacotherapy is suboptimal and that novel antiseizure drugs are needed. We recently showed in a rat model of birth asphyxia that seizures are triggered by the post‐asphyxia recovery of brain pH. Here our aim was to investigate whether carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs), which induce systemic acidosis, block the post‐asphyxia seizures.

Methods

The CAIs acetazolamide (AZA), benzolamide (BZA), and ethoxzolamide (EZA) were administered intraperitoneally or intravenously to 11‐day‐old rats exposed to intermittent asphyxia (30 min; three 7+3 min cycles of 9% and 5% O2 at 20% CO2). Electrode measurements of intracortical pH, Po2, and local field potentials (LFPs) were made under urethane anesthesia. Convulsive seizures and blood acid‐base parameters were examined in freely behaving animals.

Results

The three CAIs decreased brain pH by 0.14–0.17 pH units and suppressed electrographic post‐asphyxia seizures. AZA, BZA, and EZA differ greatly in their lipid solubility (EZA > AZA > BZA) and pharmacokinetics. However, there were only minor differences in the delay (range 0.8–3.7 min) from intraperitoneal application to their action on brain pH. The CAIs induced a modest post‐asphyxia elevation of brain Po2 that had no effect on LFP activity. AZA was tested in freely behaving rats, in which it induced a respiratory acidosis and decreased the incidence of convulsive seizures from 9 of 20 to 2 of 17 animals.

Significance

AZA, BZA, and EZA effectively block post‐asphyxia seizures. Despite the differences in their pharmacokinetics, they had similar effects on brain pH, which indicates that their antiseizure mode of action was based on respiratory (hypercapnic) acidosis resulting from inhibition of blood‐borne and extracellular vascular carbonic anhydrases. AZA has been used for several indications in neonates, suggesting that it can be safely repurposed for the treatment of neonatal seizures as an add‐on to the current treatment regimen.
Locomotion with a twist: Aquatic beetle walks upside down on the underside of the water's surface
Authors: Gould John , Valdez Jose. W.
Published: June 2021

While animals generally move through the aquatic environment by propelling themselves through the water or walking on submerged substrates, some have evolved the unique capacity to move along the water–air interface. This is because cohesive forces between water molecules cause the surface to be in tension, providing a physical substrate that can be used for support and pushed against for horizontal movement. Herein, we report on the use of the underside of the water's surface for locomotion in an unidentified Australian beetle (likely family: Hydrophilidae). Field observations revealed that the beetle was able to rest and move along the surface of an ephemeral pool inverted without penetrating the surface above. The beetle possessed a layer of trapped air along its abdomen and moved forward by walking, with deformations of the water's surface apparent each time a leg made contact. This appears to be the first visual evidence illustrating the ability of aquatic beetles to directly rest and walk on the underside of the water's surface. We propose that the air bubbles located on the abdomen and/or legs may be providing the upward force necessary for the beetle to be pushed against the underside of the water's surface. The water's surface seems to be acting as a support for the beetle, with the force needed for forward movement generated by the beetle's legs as each transition between the stance and swing phases of walking. Our work adds to the small number of observations of animals using the underside of the water's surface to move and highlights the likely importance of surface tension for locomotion on either side of the water–air interface.
Rapid drone semi‐automated counts of wintering Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) as a tool for amateur researchers
Authors: Valle Roberto G.
Published: June 2021

Drone‐conducted aerial counts of waterbirds are at least as accurate as traditional ground counts and drastically reduce fieldwork resource expenditures, but the image processing can be very time‐consuming. The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy, precision and time requirement of semi‐automated counts, using drone‐derived imagery, carried out with the open‐access ImageJ software, in comparison with conventional ground methods for counting wintering Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus. Semi‐automated counts were easy to execute, affordable and safe for birds. They were faster and yielded more reliable and consistent results than traditional ground count approaches, providing a simple, accessible method for use by amateur ornithologists.
An ultrasonic‐based experimental model to evaluate the setting time of endodontic sealers
Authors: Alves Thais Oliveira , Lopes Fabiane Carneiro , Yamin Paulo André , Navas Elcio Aparecido , da Cruz Filho Antonio Miranda , De‐Deus Gustavo , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião , Silva Ricardo Gariba
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate an ultrasonic‐based experimental model (US), to assess the setting time of AH Plus®, Bio‐C Sealer® and MTA Fillapex®, and compare the results obtained with ANSI/ADA specifications (2012).

Methods

To determine the setting time according to the ANSI/ADA specification, moulds measuring 10 mm (diameter) × 2 mm (thickness) were used, and for the US tests a transducer (1 MHz) and an oscilloscope were used. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to evaluate the changes on chemical structure at the different setting times found by the US and ANSI/ADA methods. After checking the normal distribution, setting time data were analysed using unilateral analysis of variance with Tukey‐HSD post‐test to compare the methods.

Results

AH Plus® and Bio‐C Sealer® had longer mean setting time values for the US method than for the ANSI/ADA (p < .05), whilst for MTA Fillapex® no significant difference was found between the methods (p < .05). FTIR spectra demonstrated that at the setting time determined by the US method, AH Plus® and Bio‐C Sealer® were in a more advanced stage of polymerization than at the ANSI/ADA, whilst there was no significant difference for MTA Fillapex®.

Conclusions

The use of US was effective for setting time determination and measured longer values than ANSI/ADA specification for AH Plus® and Bio‐C Sealer®, identifying the entire (and not only superficial) setting of the endodontic sealers.
CIITA gene polymorphism (rs3087456) in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lima Suelen Cristina , Gomes da Silva Isaura Isabelle Fonseca , Nascimento Denise de Queiroga , de Moura Ronald Rodrigues , Mesquita Matheus da Silva , Asano Nadja Maria Jorge , Fernandes Gisele Vagjel , Valente Lucila Maria , Rushansky Eliezer , Mariano Maria Helena Queiroz de Araújo , Xavier Ricardo Machado , Chies José Artur Bogo , Crovella Sergio , Sandrin‐Garcia Paula
Published: June 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are influenced by genetic variants in immune system HLA genes. The Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex Transactivator (CIITA) is an important co‐activator of the HLA transcriptional complex; the single nucleotide variant (SNV) rs3087456 localized in the gene promoter region (−168 A/G) has been reported as able to modify its transcription level. In our study, we assessed CIITA rs3087456 SNV in 1,044 Brazilians from two Brazilian regions (Northeast and South) to verify the association with susceptibility and clinical manifestations of (SLE) and (RA) using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays System. We observed a protection for a recessive model (GG x AA+AG) for RA susceptibility and increased risk for erosion development in AG genotype patients. No significant association was observed for SLE susceptibility; however, we observed significant increased risk for Class IV and V nephritis development in G allele and GG genotype patients. In conclusion, we showed the contribution of CIITA rs3087456 to SLE or RA clinical features and RA susceptibility in the studied populations.
Widespread misperception about a major East Asian biogeographic boundary exposed through bibliographic survey and biogeographic meta‐analysis
Authors: Komaki Shohei
Published: June 2021

Aim

The Watase line, a major biogeographic boundary between Palearctic and Oriental realms in East Asia, is generally drawn between Akuseki and Kodakara Islands of the Northern Ryukyu archipelago, Japan. However, no evidence can be found to support the positioning of the boundary between these two tiny volcanic islands. This study aimed to confirm whether and where the biogeographical boundary should be drawn.

Location

East Asia.

Taxon

Land snail, ant, dragonfly, butterfly, amphibian, reptile, bird and plant.

Methods

A bibliographic survey was carried out to revisit an original definition of the Watase line and its usage. Biogeographic and meta‐analyses were also performed using a Simpson dissimilarity index calculated from published distribution data to test whether and where any biogeographic boundary exists. To ensure the validity of the study design, similar surveys and analyses were conducted in another region of Southern Ryukyu, where a reliable biogeographic boundary has been proposed as a positive control.

Results

The bibliographic survey showed that the Watase line had been described without specifying the precise position. No revised definition has been proposed for the boundary to date. Biogeographic analyses do not support the existence of a boundary between Akuseki and Kodakara Islands. Meanwhile, the presence of a boundary in Southern Ryukyu was endorsed by both the bibliographic survey and biogeographic analyses, supporting the validity of this study's design.

Main conclusions

This study revealed that the major biogeographic boundary is widely used with deviations from the original definition. Presumably, ideas based on inappropriate evidence, such as the distribution of a symbolic species and unpublished data, have been referred to without being questioned and led to the current widespread misunderstanding. Misunderstandings like these could occur at any biogeographic boundaries around the world, and thus, systematic reviews of all boundaries are needed for an appropriate understanding of biodiversity.
Identification and characterization of N6‐methyladenosine modification of circRNAs in glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Geng Xiuchao , Xu Jianglong , Li Qiang , Hao Liangchao , Zeng Zhaomu , Xiao Menglin , Song Jia , Liu Fulin , Fang Chuan , Wang Hong
Published: June 2021

This research systematically profiled the global N6‐methyladenosine modification pattern of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in glioblastoma (GBM). Based on RNA methylation sequencing (MeRIP sequencing or N6‐methyladenosine sequencing) and RNA sequencing, we described the N6‐methyladenosine modification status and gene expression of circRNAs in GBM and normal brain tissues. N6‐methyladenosine–related circRNAs were immunoprecipitated and validated by real‐time quantitative PCR. Bioinformatics analysis and related screening were carried out. Compared with those of the NC group, the circRNAs from GBM exhibited 1370 new N6‐methyladenosine peaks and 1322 missing N6‐methyladenosine peaks. Among the loci associated with altered N6‐methyladenosine peaks, 1298 were up‐regulated and 1905 were down‐regulated. The N6‐methyladenosine level tended to be positively correlated with circRNA expression. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the biological function of N6‐methyladenosine–modified circRNAs and the corresponding signalling pathways. In addition, through PCR validation combined with clinical data mining, we identified five molecules of interest (BUB1, C1S, DTHD1, F13A1 and NDC80) that could be initial candidates for further study of the function and mechanism of N6‐methyladenosine–mediated GBM development. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the N6‐methyladenosine modification pattern of circRNAs in human GBM, revealing the possible roles of N6‐methyladenosine–mediated novel noncoding RNAs in the origin and progression of GBM.
Effects of different moisture content and varieties on physico–mechanical properties of maize kernel and pedicel
Authors: Su Yuan , Cui Tao , Xia Guoyi , Gao Xiaojun , Li Yibo , Qiao Mengmeng , Xu Yang
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to determine various physical, mechanical, and pedicel strengths of 28 maize cultivars, with initial moisture content ranging between 19.24 to 36.64% (w.b.). These properties are such as slenderness ratio of maize ear, dimensions, density and 100–seed weight of kernels, picking force of kernel pedicel from cob (pedicel strength). The range of the slenderness ratio of maize ear was 24.91–36.99%. The range of weight for kernel and ear were 176.68–300.09 g, 141.78–229.22 g, respectively. In terms of the sphericity of kernels which ranges between 0.62 and 0.77 depending on the cultivars. When the kernel moisture in the range of 19.24–22.50%, the range of required force for remove one kernel from the cob is 4.71–7.94 N. When the kernel moisture is greater than 22.50%, the maximum force required is 28.50 N. The force required to remove kernels from the cob along the axial direction is greater than that at the radial direction. The knowledge of these parameters is important for the development of new threshing equipment and for reducing the losses that occurred in maize production.

Practical Applications

Maize is one of the most versatile cereal crops of the world but has a wide application in many industries. The determination of the physical and mechanical properties of maize ear, kernel, and pedicel will provide the reference to design the process of threshing equipment, postharvest machinery, and so forth, in the processing and manufacturing industries.
Prevalence of sleep disruption and determinants of sleepiness in a cohort of Italian hospital physicians: The PRESOMO study
Authors: Lecca Rosamaria , Bonanni Enrica , Battaglia Elvia , Maestri Michelangelo , Figorilli Michela , Congiu Patrizia , Gioi Gioia , Meloni Federico , Cocco Pierluigi , Puligheddu Monica
Published: June 2021

Nightshift work can cause daytime somnolence and decreased alertness, and can increase risk of medical errors, occupational injuries and car accidents. We used a structured questionnaire, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), to assess the prevalence and the determinants of sleep disruption in 268 Italian University hospital physicians from Cagliari (N = 57), Milan (N = 180) and Pisa (N = 31), who participated in the multicentre study on the prevalence of sleep disturbance among hospital physicians (PRESOMO); 198 of them (74%) were engaged in nightshift work. We explored the association between history of nightshift work and poor sleep quality and daytime somnolence with multivariate logistic regression, adjusting by personal and lifestyle covariates. Age, female gender, taking medication interfering with sleep and an elevated ESS score were significant predictors of poor sleep quality and daytime somnolence. Nightshift work was associated with a higher prevalence of unrestful sleep (84% versus 70%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–5.05) and daytime dozing (57% versus 35%; OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.03–3.64), with an upward trend by years of engagement in nightshift work for both conditions (p = .043 and 0.017, respectively), and by number of nightshifts/year for unrestful sleep (p = .024). Such an association was not detected with the ESS scale. Our results suggest that nightshift work significantly affects sleep quality and daytime somnolence in hospital physicians, who might underestimate their daytime dozing problem, when asked to subjectively scale it.
Conservation genomics reveals pesticide and pathogen exposure in the declining bumble bee Bombus terricola
Authors: Tsvetkov Nadejda , MacPhail Victoria J. , Colla Sheila R. , Zayed Amro
Published: June 2021

In recent years, many pollinators have experienced large population declines, which threaten food security and the stability of natural ecosystems. Bumble bees are particularly important because their ability to “buzz” pollinate and tolerate cooler conditions make them critical pollinators for certain plants and regions. Here, we apply a conservation genomics approach to study the vulnerable Bombus terricola. We sequenced RNA from 30 worker abdomens, 18 of which were collected from agricultural sites and 12 of which were collected from nonagricultural sites. We found transcriptional signatures associated with exposure to insecticides, with gene expression patterns suggesting that bumble bees were exposed to neonicotinoids and/or fipronil—two compounds known to negatively impact bees. We also found transcriptional signatures associated with pathogen infections. In addition to the transcriptomic analysis, we carried out a metatranscriptomic analysis and detected five pathogens in the abdomens of workers, three of which are common in managed honey bee and bumble bee colonies. Our conservation genomics study provides functional support for the role of pesticides and pathogen spillover in the decline of B. terricola. We demonstrate that conservation genomics is an invaluable tool which allows researchers to quantify the effects of multiple stressors that impact pollinator populations in the wild.
Vortex‐induced vibration measurement of a long‐span suspension bridge through noncontact sensing strategies
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhou Liming , Tian Yongding , Yu Shanshan , Zhao Wenju , Cheng Yuyao
Published: June 2021

Long‐span bridges are susceptible to vortex‐induced vibration (VIV), which affects the serviceability and safety of bridges when the vibration amplitude is too large and lasts for a long time. Traditional contact‐type sensing technologies (i.e., accelerometers and linear variable differential transformer) are inconvenient and dangerous to be installed on long‐span bridges for monitoring VIV events. To address this limitation, this article focuses on the VIV measurement of a long‐span suspension bridge through noncontact sensing strategies. The contribution of this article lies in (1) noncontact sensing technologies including microwave radar, optical camera and video equipment were employed to measure multiple‐point displacements of the studied bridge under VIV events; (2) dynamic properties of the bridge (i.e., natural frequency, damping ratio, mode shapes) and characteristics of the VIV event (i.e., single‐mode vibration and dominant vibration mode switch) were identified by analyzing monitoring data; (3) an early warning framework for VIV event of long‐span suspension bridges was proposed based on monitored dynamic responses and wind fields; specifically, two indicators, the dominant vibration frequency and the similarity between bridge shape and vibration mode shape, were proposed to identify the VIV event, and then the root mean square (RMS) of measured response was further calculated to determine whether there is a need to trigger the warning system or not. The proposed noncontact VIV measurement strategy has the advantage of rapid measurement of vibration magnitude, rapid identification of dynamic properties of the studied bridge and characteristics of the VIV event, which are helpful for the government and bridge owners to make decisions on vibration mitigation measures and to avoid safety issues.
Indoor camera pose estimation via style‐transfer 3D models
Authors: Chen Junjie , Li Shuai , Liu Donghai , Lu Weisheng
Published: June 2021

Many vision‐based indoor localization methods require tedious and comprehensive pre‐mapping of built environments. This research proposes a mapping‐free approach to estimating indoor camera poses based on a 3D style‐transferred building information model (BIM) and photogrammetry technique. To address the cross‐domain gap between virtual 3D models and real‐life photographs, a CycleGAN model was developed to transform BIM renderings into photorealistic images. A photogrammetry‐based algorithm was developed to estimate camera pose using the visual and spatial information extracted from the style‐transferred BIM. The experiments demonstrated the efficacy of CycleGAN in bridging the cross‐domain gap, which significantly improved performance in terms of image retrieval and feature correspondence detection. With the 3D coordinates retrieved from BIM, the proposed method can achieve near real‐time camera pose estimation with an accuracy of 1.38 m and 10.1° in indoor environments.
An optimization strategy to improve the deep learning‐based recognition model of leakage in shield tunnels
Authors: Xue Yadong , Jia Fei , Cai Xinyuan , Shadabfar Mahdi , Huang Hongwei
Published: June 2021

Due to the interference problems of complex on‐site installations attached to shield tunnel lining surface, deep learning models, developed for leakage datasets of shield tunnels, are not prepared to meet engineering requirements. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to optimize the original model based on the characteristics of leakage datasets. For this purpose, the present study adopted Mask R‐CNN as the baseline and improved its performance from two aspects, including the properties of shield tunnel leakage datasets and detection errors of the original model in the testing set. With reference to the properties of leakage datasets, the model compression technique was implemented to remove the redundant parameters in the training stage and enhance the detection accuracy and speed of the original model. Besides, three error types were grouped to explore the optimization direction in practical application. Accordingly, four different optimization measurements were fulfilled step‐by‐step to improve the model performance. It was concluded that the compressed model with 62% sparsity reached average precision (AP) of 0.399 at the detection speed of 7 frames per second (FPS), which was 0.144 higher and 2 FPS faster than that of the original model, respectively. The improvements in the model concerned were also quite different with the three error types moderated, indicating that the optimization direction of the original model needed to be focused on the error types with higher AP promotion. In addition, the AP value of the original model significantly augmented from 25.5% to 51.1% upon minimizing the detection errors on shield tunnel leakage datasets.
Balanced semisupervised generative adversarial network for damage assessment from low‐data imbalanced‐class regime
Authors: Gao Yuqing , Zhai Pengyuan , Mosalam Khalid M.
Published: June 2021

In recent years, applying deep learning (DL) to assess structural damages has gained growing popularity in vision‐based structural health monitoring (SHM). However, both data deficiency and class imbalance hinder the wide adoption of DL in practical applications of SHM. Common mitigation strategies include transfer learning, oversampling, and undersampling, yet these ad hoc methods only provide limited performance boost that varies from one case to another. In this work, we introduce one variant of the generative adversarial network (GAN), named the balanced semisupervised GAN (BSS‐GAN). It adopts the semisupervised learning concept and applies balanced‐batch sampling in training to resolve low‐data and imbalanced‐class problems. A series of computer experiments on concrete cracking and spalling classification were conducted under the low‐data imbalanced‐class regime with limited computing power. The results show that the BSS‐GAN is able to achieve better damage detection in terms of recall and score than other conventional methods, indicating its state‐of‐the‐art performance.
A simple high‐volume culture technique—Good substitute for polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Aspergillus species in bronchoalveolar lavage samples
Authors: Subhagan Haritha , Savio Jayanthi , Padaki Priyadarshini , Srivastava Sweta , Thomas Pavana , Veerappan Rajeshwari , Ramachandran Priya , Michael Raj Ashok John
Published: June 2021

Background

Aspergillus species is the most common agent of invasive pulmonary fungal disease. Culture‐based diagnosis considered as gold standard is limited by the fungal load in samples. Detection of Aspergillus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been included as a diagnostic criterion by European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Most routine laboratories lack facilities for molecular diagnosis. Better yield using high‐volume culture (HVC) technique has been reported. Studies have not compared HVC and PCR for detection of Aspergillus species in respiratory samples from patients with suspected invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA) not on antifungal therapy.

Objective

This pilot study compared HVC and PCR for the detection of Aspergillus species in respiratory samples from treatment naïve patients.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from 30 patients with clinical suspicion of IPA were evaluated. Direct microscopy, culture both conventional (CC) and HVC and qualitative Pan Aspergillus PCR were performed. Latent class model was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Sensitivity of HVC (100%) was better compared with CC (60%) and comparable to that of PCR (100%). Specificities of CC, HVC and PCR were 100%, 100% and 25%, respectively.

Conclusion

High‐volume culture is a simple cost‐effective technique with a high sensitivity and specificity. It can be easily introduced in routine microbiology laboratories. In centres with the availability of infrastructure for molecular analysis, Aspergillus PCR with other mycological techniques can be used for better diagnosis and management of patients with IPA.
Dietary shifts in a group of early Eocene euarchontans (Microsyopidae) in association with climatic change
Authors: Selig Keegan R. , Chew Amy E. , Silcox Mary T.
Published: June 2021

Microsyopidae is a family of plesiadapiforms known from over 1500 stratigraphically controlled specimens from the southern Bighorn Basin of Wyoming spanning the first three million years of the early Eocene. The early Eocene is characterized by rapid fluctuations in climate during the period represented by this collection of microsyopids, making this an ideal sample to examine how climate may have influenced early stem primate biology, particularly diet. An evolving lineage of microsyopids is known from before, during, and after Biohorizon A, a faunal turnover event associated with a period of localized cooling. Dental topographic analysis (DTA) metrics quantify functional aspects of molars including curvature, complexity and relief, and covary with diet in extant taxa. Here, we use DTA to examine microsyopid dietary change over time, particularly in association with this cooling event. Our results suggest that microsyopids had molars that are functionally like extant insectivorous/omnivorous euarchontans. The earliest occurring species, Arctodontomys wilsoni, is characterized by molars that became more like modern insectivores over time. During Biohorizon A, A. wilsoni is replaced by A. nuptus, which has molars that are more like those of extant omnivores with a mixed diet including fruit. After Biohorizon A, A. nuptus appears more insectivorous, as is the later occurring Microsyops angustidens, which evolves from A. nuptus. Overall, we provide potential evidence for a causal scenario in which local climate change coincided with a dietary transition among microsyopids. Our results have implications for understanding how diet was a prime mover for the evolution of Primates.
Cryptochromes are the dominant photoreceptors mediating heliotropic responses of Arabidopsis inflorescences
Authors: Serrano Alejandro Miguel , Vanhaelewyn Lucas , Vandenbussche Filip , Boccalandro Hernán Esteban , Maldonado Belén , Van Der Straeten Dominique , Ballaré Carlos Luis , Arana María Verónica
Published: June 2021

Inflorescence movements in response to natural gradients of sunlight are frequently observed in the plant kingdom and are suggested to contribute to reproductive success. Although the physiological and molecular bases of light‐mediated tropisms in vegetative organs have been thoroughly investigated, the mechanisms that control inflorescence orientation in response to light gradients under natural conditions are not well understood. In this work, we have used a combination of laboratory and field experiments to investigate light‐mediated re‐orientation of Arabidopsis thaliana inflorescences. We show that inflorescence phototropism is promoted by photons in the UV and blue spectral range (≤500 nm) and depends on multiple photoreceptor families. Experiments under controlled conditions show that UVR8 is the main photoreceptor mediating the phototropic response to narrowband UV‐B radiation, and phototropins and cryptochromes control the response to narrowband blue light. Interestingly, whereas phototropins mediate bending in response to low irradiances of blue, cryptochromes are the principal photoreceptors acting at high irradiances. Moreover, phototropins negatively regulate the action of cryptochromes at high irradiances of blue light. Experiments under natural field conditions demonstrate that cryptochromes are the principal photoreceptors acting in the promotion of the heliotropic response of inflorescences under full sunlight.