bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LazyB: fast and cheap genome assembly
Authors: Gatter Thomas , von Löhneysen Sarah , Fallmann Jörg , Drozdova Polina , Hartmann Tom , Stadler Peter F.
Published: June 2021

Background

Advances in genome sequencing over the last years have lead to a fundamental paradigm shift in the field. With steadily decreasing sequencing costs, genome projects are no longer limited by the cost of raw sequencing data, but rather by computational problems associated with genome assembly. There is an urgent demand for more efficient and and more accurate methods is particular with regard to the highly complex and often very large genomes of animals and plants. Most recently, “hybrid” methods that integrate short and long read data have been devised to address this need.

Results

is such a hybrid genome assembler. It has been designed specificially with an emphasis on utilizing low-coverage short and long reads. starts from a bipartite overlap graph between long reads and restrictively filtered short-read unitigs. This graph is translated into a long-read overlap graph G. Instead of the more conventional approach of removing tips, bubbles, and other local features, stepwisely extracts subgraphs whose global properties approach a disjoint union of paths. First, a consistently oriented subgraph is extracted, which in a second step is reduced to a directed acyclic graph. In the next step, properties of proper interval graphs are used to extract contigs as maximum weight paths. These path are translated into genomic sequences only in the final step. A prototype implementation of , entirely written in python, not only yields significantly more accurate assemblies of the yeast and fruit fly genomes compared to state-of-the-art pipelines but also requires much less computational effort.

Conclusions

is new low-cost genome assembler that copes well with large genomes and low coverage. It is based on a novel approach for reducing the overlap graph to a collection of paths, thus opening new avenues for future improvements.

Availability

The prototype is available at https://github.com/TGatter/LazyB.
Patient-derived tumor models: a more suitable tool for pre-clinical studies in colorectal cancer
Authors: Rizzo Giulia , Bertotti Andrea , Leto Simonetta Maria , Vetrano Stefania
Published: June 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC), despite the advances in screening and surveillance, remains the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. The biological inadequacy of pre-clinical models to fully recapitulate the multifactorial etiology and the complexity of tumor microenvironment and human CRC’s genetic heterogeneity has limited cancer treatment development. This has led to the development of Patient-derived models able to phenocopy as much as possible the original inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity of CRC, reflecting the tumor microenvironment’s cellular interactions. Implantation of patient tissue into immunodeficient mice hosts and the culture of tumor organoids have allowed advances in cancer biology and metastasis. This review highlights the advantages and limits of Patient-derived models as innovative and valuable pre-clinical tools to study progression and metastasis of CRC, develop novel therapeutic strategies by creating a drug screening platform, and predict the efficacy of clinical response to therapy.
Circ-PNPT1 contributes to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by regulating the function of trophoblast cells through miR-889-3p/PAK1 axis
Authors: Zhang Li , Zeng Ming , Tang Fei , Chen Jun , Cao Dongmei , Tang Ze-nan
Published: June 2021

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common medical complication of pregnancy. CircRNA polyribonucleotide nucleotidyltransferase 1 (circ-PNPT1) has been found to be abnormally expressed in GDM patients. However, function and mechanism of circ-PNPT1 in GDM remain largely undefined.

Methods

Levels of circ-PNPT1, microRNA (miR)-889-3p and PAK1 (p21 (RAC1) activated kinase 1) were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined using cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. The binding interaction between miR-889-3p and circ-PNPT1 or PAK1 was verified using dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays. Exosomes were obtained from culture media by the use of commercial kits and qualified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

Circ-PNPT1 was highly expressed in the placental tissues of GDM and high glucose (HG)-induced trophoblast cells. Knockdown of circ-PNPT1 reversed HG-induced arrest of trophoblast cell viability, migration, invasion and the promotion of cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, we confirmed circ-PNPT1 could promote the expression of PAK1, the target of miR-889-3p, by directly sponging miR-889-3p, and circ-PNPT1 regulated HG-induced trophoblast cell dysfunction by miR-889-3p/PAK1 axis. Further studies showed circ-PNPT1 was packaged into exosomes and could be internalized by surrounding trophoblast cells.

Conclusion

Circ-PNPT1 promoted HG-induced trophoblast cell biological dysfunction through miR-889-3p/PAK1 axis. Meanwhile, it could be transferred from HG-induced trophoblast cells to surrounding untreated cells via exosomes.
Interventions directed at men for preventing intimate partner violence: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Idriss-Wheeler Dina , Hajjar Julia , Yaya Sanni
Published: June 2021

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a population health problem linked to a myriad of negative psychological, physical, emotional, sexual and reproductive health outcomes for women. The movement towards working with boys and men over the past couple of decades has increased the number of interventions specifically directed at men who perpetrate violence against a female partner. There is little evidence-based research on key characteristics of effective interventions directed at men to reduce or prevent IPV against female partners. The objective of this systematic review is to identify interventions specifically directed at males , as the perpetrators of violence against women, that have proven to be effective in preventing or reducing intimate partner violence.

Methods

The following electronic databases will be used to search for peer-reviewed studies: MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), PsycInfo (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (EBSCO), Gender Watch (ProQuest), Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), PROSPERO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Database (Ovid) and SCOPUS. We will include randomized control trials, non-randomized studies of interventions published in peer-reviewed journals and relevant unpublished manuscripts, books/chapters and clinical or programme study reports. Studies have to demonstrate direction of effect (i.e. pre-post intervention/difference between groups) in terms of prevention or reduction in the outlined outcomes. Primary outcomes include change in behaviour and knowledge of male perpetrator regarding the impact of IPV on women as well as women’s experience of IPV. Secondary outcomes include change in behaviours around substance use and social activities, decrease in negative mental health outcomes and interactions with law enforcement. Studies will be screened, appraised and extracted by two reviewers; any conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Narrative synthesis will be used to analyse and present findings. If sufficient and comparable data is available, a meta-analysis will be conducted.

Discussion

This review will provide synthesized evidence on interventions directed at males to reduce or prevent their perpetration of intimate partner violence against female partners. Implications for practice will include key characteristics of interventions proven to be effective based on evidence synthesis and certainty of findings. Recommendations for further research will also be considered.

Systematic review registration

This protocol was submitted for registration in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on September 4, 2020.
Neonatal healthcare-associated infections in Brazil: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Mello Freitas Felipe Teixeira , Viegas Anna Paula Bise , Romero Gustavo Adolfo Sierra
Published: June 2021

Background

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. We reviewed the incidence and the pathogens involved in HAI among infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Brazil.

Methods

A search was conducted in the MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO databases from January 1995 to October 2019. Two authors scrutinized potential articles independently, after one author selected them from screening abstracts from every article flagged as related to neonatal HAI. Then, they were included in the review if they met our inclusion criteria. The studies were evaluated based on a quality score proposed by the authors, rated 0 to 1, with 1 point as the best quality rate. Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for HAI cumulative incidence and incidence density were calculated, when the same denominators were available, using meta-analysis. A quality effect was applied to the models using the MetaXL software. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and the Cochran’s Q test.

Results

Of a total of 5596 citations identified, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review, which comprised 24,408 patients and 312,744 patient-days. Quality of the studies varied between 0.36 and 1 according to the adopted score, and six (40.0%) studies presented a score of 1. Pooled HAI incidence was 36.1 (95% CI 22.8–50.7) infections and 26.3 (95% CI 18.4–35.0) infected patients per 100 patients. Pooled HAI incidence density was 23.5 (95% CI 16.3–33.9) per 1000 patient-days. Pooled incidence density rates of bloodstream infection and ventilator-associated pneumonia were 13.1 per 1000 catheter-days (95% CI 4.3–40.1) and 7.9 per 1000 ventilator-days (95% CI 1.1–55.5), respectively. A high degree of heterogeneity was observed in all models (I2 > 98% and Cochran’s Q test with p < 0.05). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (32.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.8%) and Klebsiella spp. (12.4%) were the most prevalent causative bacterial pathogens.

Conclusions

The findings show high incidence of neonatal HAI in Brazilian NICU; therefore, efforts to standardize the collection and notification of HAI are needed in order to strengthen surveillance in the country and implement preventive measures, routine assessment, and close monitoring of neonates.
Essential newborn care practice and associated factors among health care providers in Northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ashenef Gebrehana , Eshete Akine , Zegeye Betregiorgis , Tarekegn Tadesse Tsehay , Taderegew Mitku Mammo
Published: June 2021

Background

Globally, 2.7 million children die during the neonatal period annually. Ethiopia is one of the ten countries with the highest number of neonatal deaths. The practice of poor essential newborn care contributes to the problem. Hence the study was conducted to assess the essential newborn care practice and associated factors among health care providers from selected health facilities in Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among health care providers working in selected health facilities in Northeast Ethiopia from February-25 to March-25, 2019. Data were collected by a pre-tested questionnaire and an observational checklist. Then data were edited into Epi-data-7.2.0.1 and analyzed by using SPSS-25 software. The degree of association was assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 256 health care providers were included in the study. Overall, 62.9% (95%CI: 57.0–68.8%), and 73.8% (95%CI: 68.4–79.2%) of the health care providers had adequate knowledge and good practice on essential newborn care activities, respectively. The presence of supportive supervision (AOR = 2.09, 95%CI = 1.07–4.11), the interest of health care providers to work at delivery room (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.00–3.88), and availability of vitamin-K (AOR = 4.81, 95%CI = 1.07–21.64) were significantly associated with essential newborn care practices.

Conclusions

A significant number of health care providers had inadequate knowledge and poor practice of essential newborn care. Availability of vitamin-K, the interest of the health care providers to work in the delivery room and the presence of supportive supervision were the factors affecting essential newborn care practice. Hence, giving in-service training, supportive supervision, and providing supplies should be strengthened to enhance essential newborn care activities.
Prognostic factors affecting the short-term efficacy of non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis: a multilevel modeling analysis
Authors: Liu Hui-Jie , Wang Bo , Wang Ao-Chen , Zhang Dan-Hong , Mao Cui , Li Qiu-Hong
Published: June 2021

Background

This study is aimed to analyze the prognostic factors affecting the short-term efficacy of non-surgical treatment of patients in periodontitis from stage II to stage IV by the multilevel modeling analysis.

Materials and methods

A total of 58 patients with chronic periodontitis were included in this study. Patients were clinically explored before and 3 months after the treatment and the difference in probing depth was determined [Reduction of probing depth (Δ PD) = baseline PD – finial probing depth (FPD)] which is considered as the therapeutic evaluation. Three different levels were analyzed: patients, teeth and sites to construct a multi-layer linear model.

Results

Probing depth (PD) improved significantly compared with that before treatment (p < 0.05), in which FPD was (3.90 ± 1.39) mm, and the ΔPD was (1.79 ± 0.97) mm. Compared with the mesial sites and distal sites of the multi-rooted teeth, the number of PD ≥ 5 mm or PD < 5 mm after the treatment was significantly different (P < 0.05), and the proportion of PD < 5 mm was higher in mesial sites. The null model showed that Δ PD varied greatly between groups at various levels (P < 0.001), with prediction variable of site level, tooth level, and patient level accounted for 66%, 18%, and 16% of the overall difference, respectively. The complete model showed that the Δ PD of smokers was significantly lower than that of non-smokers (P < 0.001). The Δ PD of the mesial and distal sites was larger than that of the buccolingual central site (P < 0.001). The Δ PD of single-rooted teeth was larger than that of multi-rooted teeth (P < 0.001). The baseline PD, tooth mobility (TM), bleeding index (BI), clinical attachment loss (CAL) were significantly negatively correlated with Δ PD (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with periodontitis from stage II to stage IV, who were non-smoking, have good compliance, good awareness of oral health, and low percentage sites with PD ≥ 5 mm at baseline, single-rooted teeth with hypomobility, less clinical attachment loss and lower bleeding index and sites of mesial or distal can obtain an ideal short-term efficacy of non-surgical treatment.
Analytical protocols for Phobos regolith samples returned by the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission
Authors: Fujiya Wataru , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Sugahara Haruna , Koike Mizuho , Bajo Ken-ichi , Chabot Nancy L. , Miura Yayoi N. , Moynier Frederic , Russell Sara S. , Tachibana Shogo , Takano Yoshinori , Usui Tomohiro , Zolensky Michael E.
Published: June 2021

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will launch a spacecraft in 2024 for a sample return mission from Phobos (Martian Moons eXploration: MMX). Touchdown operations are planned to be performed twice at different landing sites on the Phobos surface to collect > 10 g of the Phobos surface materials with coring and pneumatic sampling systems on board. The Sample Analysis Working Team (SAWT) of MMX is now designing analytical protocols of the returned Phobos samples to shed light on the origin of the Martian moons as well as the evolution of the Mars–moon system. Observations of petrology and mineralogy, and measurements of bulk chemical compositions and stable isotopic ratios of, e.g., O, Cr, Ti, and Zn can provide crucial information about the origin of Phobos. If Phobos is a captured asteroid composed of primitive chondritic materials, as inferred from its reflectance spectra, geochemical data including the nature of organic matter as well as bulk H and N isotopic compositions characterize the volatile materials in the samples and constrain the type of the captured asteroid. Cosmogenic and solar wind components, most pronounced in noble gas isotopic compositions, can reveal surface processes on Phobos. Long- and short-lived radionuclide chronometry such as 53Mn–53Cr and 87Rb–87Sr systematics can date pivotal events like impacts, thermal metamorphism, and aqueous alteration on Phobos. It should be noted that the Phobos regolith is expected to contain a small amount of materials delivered from Mars, which may be physically and chemically different from any Martian meteorites in our collection and thus are particularly precious. The analysis plan will be designed to detect such Martian materials, if any, from the returned samples dominated by the endogenous Phobos materials in curation procedures at JAXA before they are processed for further analyses.
Neuroendocrine tumor arising from the greater omentum treated with laparoscopic tumor resection: a case report
Authors: Terai Taichi , Nakagawa Kenji , Nakamura Kota , Doi Shunsuke , Morita Kohei , Ohbayashi Chiho , Sho Masayuki
Published: June 2021

Background

Primary omental tumors are extremely rare. Herein, we report the first case of a primary omental neuroendocrine tumor (NET).

Case presentation

A 59-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for the treatment of an 18-mm tumor located at the ventral side of the duodenum. No other tumor was detected. The preoperative imaging diagnosis was omental tumor. A laparoscopic tumor resection was performed. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor consisted of cuboidal cells with eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm showing trabecular or ribbon architecture. No other component was seen. The mitotic count was of 5 per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56. Her Ki-67 index was 5%. These results led to the diagnosis of grade 2 omental NET. The patient was discharged on the 3rd postoperative day without any complications and did not develop any recurrence for 3 years.

Conclusions

We encountered a very rare case of omental NET. Complete resection is recommended with minimally invasive surgery for the diagnosis of NET.
Hypertension, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system-blocking agents, and COVID-19
Authors: Kang Si-Hyuck , Lee Dong-Hoon , Han Kyung-Do , Jung Jin-Hyung , Park Sang-Hyun , Dai Andrew M. , Wei Henry G. , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Youn Tae-Jin , Chae In-Ho , Kim Cheol-Ho
Published: June 2021

Background

There have been concerns regarding the safety of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS)-blocking agents including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study sought to evaluate the impact of hypertension and the use of ACEI/ARB on clinical severity in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A total of 3,788 patients aged 30 years or older who were confirmed with COVID-19 with real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were identified from a claims-based cohort in Korea. The primary study outcome was severe clinical events, a composite of intensive care unit admission, need for ventilator care, and death.

Results

Patients with hypertension (n = 1,190, 31.4 %) were older and had higher prevalence of comorbidities than those without hypertension. The risk of the primary study outcome was significantly higher in the hypertension group, even after multivariable adjustment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.67; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 2.69). Among 1,044 patients with hypertensive medical treatment, 782 (74.9 %) were on ACEI or ARB. The ACEI/ARB subgroup had a lower risk of severe clinical outcomes compared to the no ACEI/ARB group, but this did not remain significant after multivariable adjustment (aOR, 0.68; 95 % CI, 0.41 to 1.15).

Conclusions

Patients with hypertension had worse COVID-19 outcomes than those without hypertension, while the use of RAAS-blocking agents was not associated with increased risk of any adverse study outcomes. The use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs did not increase the risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes, supporting current guidance to continue these medications when indicated.
Clinical application and technical details of cook zenith devices modification to treat urgent and elective complex aortic aneurysms
Authors: Manunga Jesse , Jordano Lia , Mirza Aleem K. , Teng Xiaoyi , Skeik Nedaa , Eisenmenger Laura
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To describe technical details of modifying four different Cook Zenith devices to treat complex aortic aneurysms.

Material

In the first three cases, the modification process involved complete stent graft deployment on a sterile back table. Fenestrations were created using an ophthalmologic cautery and reinforced with a radiopaque snare using a double-armed 4–0 Ethibond locking suture based on measurements obtained on centerline of flow. In each instance, a nitinol wire was withdrawn and redirected through and through the fabric and used as a constraining wire. In the fourth patient, modification involved partial stent graft deployment and creation of additional two fenestrations to accommodate renal arteries. The devices are resheathed and implanted in the standard fashion.

Results

Four patients underwent exclusion of their aneurysms, including thoracoabdominal aneurysms (n = 2), a contained ruptured juxtarenal aneurysm (n = 1), and a ruptured failed previous endovascular repair (n = 1). Fifteen fenestrations were successfully bridged with Atrium iCAST stent grafts. Average graft modification time, operative time, contrast volume, radiation dose, estimated blood loss, and hospital length of stay were 89 min, 155.25 min, 58.8 mL, 2451 mGy, 175 mL, and 4.3 days, respectively. One patient required a secondary intervention to treat a type Ib endoleak. During an average follow-up of 25 months, aneurysm sacs progressively shrank without additional intervention.

Conclusion

Physician-modified fenestrated/branched endografts are a safe alternative to custom made devices, especially in urgent cases and should be part of the armamentarium of any complex aortic program.
Dielectric properties of edible fungi powder related to radio-frequency and microwave drying
Authors: Qi Siying , Han Jiping , Lagnika Camel , Jiang Ning , Qian Chunlu , Liu Chunquan , Li Dajing , Tao Yang , Yu Zhifang , Wang Libin , Zhang Zhongyuan , Liu Chunju , Xiao Yadong , Zhang Min
Published: June 2021

Edible fungi are rich in nutrition, but they are susceptible to spoilage, and often prolonged by drying. RF and microwave energy drying have the advantages of short drying time, high energy efficiency and good process control. However, to develop an effective dielectric drying method, it is important to understand dielectric properties, the major factor characterizing the interaction between the electromagnetic energy and the food. At present, there is a lack of research on dielectric properties of edible fungi. In this study, a vector network analyzer and an open-ended coaxial-line probe were employed to measure the dielectric parameters. The dielectric parameters were observed at different temperatures (25–85 °C) for edible fungi powder with moisture content ranging from 5 to 30% wet basis over a frequency range of 1–3000 MHz. The relationship between the dielectric properties and frequency, temperature, and moisture content were obtained via regression analysis. Further, the dielectric penetration depth was calculated, and the effects of frequency, moisture content, and temperature on the penetration depth were also analyzed. The results showed that the dielectric properties of edible fungi powder increased with an increase in moisture content and temperature, while they decreased with increasing frequency. At high moisture content and temperature, the increase in dielectric properties was slightly larger than that at low moisture content and temperature. The dielectric properties changed more evidently at lower radio frequencies than at higher radio frequencies. The penetration depth decreased with an increase in temperature, moisture content, and frequency. It can be concluded that a large penetration depth at radio frequencies below 100 MHz could be used to dry edible fungi on a large scale, whereas microwave energy could be employed for drying edible fungi on a small scale.
Feasibility of a pharmacy-led intervention to de-implement non-guideline-concordant proton pump inhibitor use
Authors: Musuuza Jackson S. , Fong Emily , Lata Paul , Willenborg Katie , Knobloch Mary Jo , Hoernke Margaret J. , Spiel Andrew R. , Tischendorf Jessica S. , Suda Katie J. , Safdar Nasia
Published: June 2021

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most prescribed medications and are often used unnecessarily. PPIs are used for the treatment of heartburn and acid-related disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that PPIs are associated with serious adverse events, such as increased risk of Clostridioides difficile infection. In this study, we designed and piloted a PPI de-implementation intervention among hospitalized non-intensive care unit patients.

Methods

Using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model as the framework, we developed an intervention with input from providers and patients. On a bi-weekly basis, a trainee pharmacist reviewed a random sample of eligible patients’ charts to assess if PPI prescriptions were guideline-concordant; a recommendation to de-implement non-guideline-concordant PPI therapy was sent when applicable. We used convergent parallel mixed-methods design to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of the intervention.

Results

During the study period (September 2019 to August 2020), 2171 patients with an active PPI prescription were admitted. We randomly selected 155 patient charts for review. The mean age of patients was 70.9 ± 9 years, 97.4% were male, and 35% were on PPIs for ≥5 years. The average time (minutes) needed to complete the intervention was as follows: 5 to assess if the PPI was guideline-concordant, 5 to provide patient education, and 7 to follow-up with patients post-discharge. After intervention initiation, the week-to-week mean number of PPI prescriptions decreased by 0.5 (S<0.0001). Barriers and facilitators spanned the 5 elements of the SEIPS model and included factors such as providers’ perception that PPIs are low priority medications and patients’ willingness to make changes to their PPI therapy if needed, respectively. Ready access to pharmacists was another frequently reported facilitator to guideline-concordant PPI. Providers recommended a PPI de-implementation intervention that is specific and tells them exactly what they need to do with a PPI treatment.

Conclusion

In a busy inpatient setting, we developed a feasible way to assess PPI therapy, de-implement non-guideline-concordant PPI use, and provide follow-up to assess any unintended consequences. We documented barriers, facilitators, and provider recommendations that should be considered before implementing such an intervention on a large scale.
Microseismic monitoring for reliable CO2 injection and storage — Geophysical modeling challenges and opportunities
Authors: Verliac Michel , Le Calvez Joel
Published: June 2021

Recently, the oil and gas industry started to experience a major evolution that could impact the geophysical community for decades. The effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will lead to more renewable energy and less fossil fuel consumption. In parallel, the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) business is expected to develop rapidly. However, reliably injecting massive amounts of CO2 underground is more challenging than producing hydrocarbons from a known reservoir. Site integrity monitoring and CO2 leak detection are among the biggest challenges. Capabilities to address these challenges will be requested by regulators and the public for acceptance. This surveillance requires technologies such as microseismic monitoring either from the surface or borehole. Each CCUS project will need a preinjection feasibility study in order to design the best sensor network architecture and to set performance expectancies. Acquisition will be performed over long periods of time. Data harvesting and processing will be performed permanently in automated workflows. For these objectives, site operators must demonstrate their expertise through permanent benchmarks based on a common modeling and simulating platform. Microseismic monitoring is not fully mature and presents additional unsolved challenges for large-scale projects such as CCUS. Using a common and public geologic model to generate synthetic data is a solution to gain more credibility. Limitations can be mitigated after analyzing and quantifying gaps such as localization uncertainties. The model is complex due to the nature of CO2 injection and will evolve over time. A public consortium, such as the SEG Advanced Modeling (SEAM) Corporation, that gathers expertise to generate a common model and synthetic data sets will give the credibility and openness necessary to progress in scientific knowledge. It will also provide the necessary transparency for regulatory approval and public acceptance. A new common CCUS modeling platform offers opportunities to work more efficiently within different disciplines.
Creating a Blueprint of Well-Being in Oncology: An Approach for Addressing Burnout From ASCO’s Clinician Well-Being Taskforce
Authors: Hlubocky Fay J. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Back Anthony L. , Paice Judith A. , Tetzlaff Eric D. , Friese Christopher R. , Kamal Arif H. , McFarland Daniel C. , Lyckholm Laurie , Gallagher Colleen M. , Chatwal Monica , Saltzman Joel , Dudzinski Denise , Burke John M. , James Ted A. , Page Ray D. , Boyle Deborah A. , Gonzalez Maria M. , Srivastava Piyush
Published: June 2021

Optimizing the well-being of the oncology clinician has never been more important. Well-being is a critical priority for the cancer organization because burnout adversely impacts the quality of care, patient satisfaction, the workforce, and overall practice success. To date, 45% of U.S. ASCO member medical oncologists report experiencing burnout symptoms of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. As the COVID-19 pandemic remains widespread with periods of outbreaks, recovery, and response with substantial personal and professional consequences for the clinician, it is imperative that the oncologist, team, and organization gain direct access to resources addressing burnout. In response, the Clinician Well-Being Task Force was created to improve the quality, safety, and value of cancer care by enhancing oncology clinician well-being and practice sustainability. Well-being is an integrative concept that characterizes quality of life and encompasses an individual's work- and personal health–related environmental, organizational, and psychosocial factors. These resources can be useful for the cancer organization to develop a well-being blueprint: a detailed start plan with recognized strategies and interventions targeting all oncology stakeholders to support a culture of community in oncology.
Διερεύνηση της σχέσης των διαμαρτιών του μεσορχέου με την κρυψορχία μετά από προγεννητική αναστολή των ανδρογόνων
Authors: Μεντεσίδου Αναστασία
Published: June 2021

Εισαγωγή: Στη βιβλιογραφία επικρατεί μεγάλη διχογνωμία σχετικά με το αν τα ανδρογόνα επάγουν την κάθοδο του όρχη μέσω αναπτυξιακών μεταβολών στο σύνδεσμο του οίακα ή μεσω μορφολογικών μεταβολών στον κρανιακό ανελκτήρα σύνδεσμο του όρχη. Η παρούσα μελέτη είχε ως σκοπό να διερευνήσει τη σχέση μεταξύ πιθανών μορφολογικών διαταραχών στο μεσεντέριο του όρχη, ένα ενιαίο σύνολο περιτοναϊκών πτυχών συμπεριλαμβανομένου του συνδέσμου του οίακα και του κρανιακού ανελκτήρα συνδέσμου, και της αποτυχίας στην κάθοδο του όρχη σε επίμυες με έκθεση στο αντιανδρογόνο φλουταμίδη κατά το κρίσιμο προγεννητικό διάστημα για την κάθοδο του όρχη. Υλικά και Μέθοδοι: Έγκυοι θηλυκοί επίμυες Sprague-Dawley έλαβαν υποδορίως 100 mg/kg/ημέρα φλουταμίδης ή το μέσο διάλυσης μόνο (μίγμα καλαμποκέλαιου/αιθανόλης) κατά τις ημέρες κύησης 16-17. Οι αρσενικοί απόγονοι που είχαν εκτεθεί σε φλουταμίδη (n=67), οι αρσενικοί απόγονοι που είχαν εκτεθεί στο μέσο διάλυσης (n=34) και οι θηλυκοί απόγονοι που είχαν εκτεθεί στο μέσο διάλυσης (n=28) υπεβλήθησαν σε χειρουργική διερεύνηση υπό χειρουργικό μικροσκόπιο την ημέρα ζωής 50. Η διερεύνηση περιελάμβανε καθορισμό της ακριβούς θέσης της γονάδας και έκπτυξη και καταμέτρηση των διαστάσεων όλων των περιτοναϊκών πτυχών του γεννητικού μεσεντερίου αμφοτερόπλευρα. Η διερεύνηση της σχέσης των μορφολογικών διαταραχών στο μεσεντέριο του όρχη εξαιτίας του αντιανδρογόνου με την επιτυχή κάθοδο του όρχη (n=61 οσχεϊκοί όρχεις με έκθεση στη φλουταμίδη) ή την αποτυχία της καθόδου του όρχη (n=50 μη κατελθόντες όρχεις με έκθεση στη φλουταμίδη, 33 κρυψορχικοί και 17 έκτοποι) έγινε με ανάλυση λογιστικής παλινδρόμησης. Αποτελέσματα: Το μεσεντέριο του όρχη συνίστατο σε ένα κρανιακό και ένα ουραίο φύλλο, με τα δύο φύλλα να βρίσκονται σε συνέχεια κατά μήκος του σπερματικού πόρου. Η φλουταμίδη είχε ως αποτέλεσμα την αύξηση του μεγέθους του κρανιακού φύλλου και τη μείωση του μεγέθους του ουραίου φύλλου σε σχέση με τους υγιείς μάρτυρες. Από όλες τις μορφολογικές διαταραχές που προκάλεσε η φλουταμίδη στο μεσεντέριο του όρχη, το μεγάλο μήκος της γραμμής καθήλωσης του κρανιακού φύλλου στο οπίσθιο κοιλιακό τοίχωμα και το μικρό μήκος του συνδέσμου του οίακα του ουραίου φύλλου βρέθηκε να έχουν ισχυρή και ανεξάρτητη επίδραση στην πιθανότητα αποτυχίας της καθόδου του όρχη. Η εκτοπία του όρχη, σε αντίθεση με την κρυψορχία, φάνηκε να συσχετίζεται μόνο με την παρουσία οίακα μικρού μήκους. Το γεννητικό μεσεντέριο στο θήλυ διέθετε μόνο κρανιακό φύλλο. Συμπεράσματα: Τα ευρήματα της παρούσας μελέτης αποδεικνύουν το συνδυαστικό ρόλο του κρανιακού και του ουραίου φύλλου του γεννητικού περιτοναίου στην αποτυχία της καθόδου του όρχη, μέσω μιας μη φυσιολογικής μεγάλου μήκους ρίζας (οπίσθιας καθήλωσης) του μεσεντερίου του όρχη και ενός μη φυσιολογικού μικρού μήκους συνδέσμου του οίακα αντίστοιχα. Η αναστολή της φυσιολογικής ανάπτυξης και διαφοροποίησης του μεσεντερίου του όρχη με προγεννητική χορήγηση φλουταμίδης δεν οδηγεί σε θηλεοποίηση της δομής.
Διάγνωση σφαλμάτων ηλεκτρικών κινητηρίων συστημάτων οδηγούμενων από ηλεκτρονικούς μετατροπείς ισχύος
Authors: Σπυρόπουλος Διονύσιος
Published: June 2021

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διατριβής αποτελεί η ανάπτυξη καινοτόμων μεθοδολογιών και αλγορίθμων για την ανίχνευση και τη διάγνωση σφαλμάτων που εμφανίζονται σε ηλεκτρικά κινητήρια συστήματα αποτελούμενα από τριφασικούς ασύγχρονους κινητήρες οδηγούμενους από ηλεκτρονικό μετατροπέα ισχύος με κριτήριο την όσο το δυνατόν πιο αξιόπιστη διάγνωση αυτών. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, ξεκινώντας από την ανάπτυξη νέων μεθοδολογιών για την ανίχνευση ασυμμετριών στο στάτη, η έρευνα επικεντρώθηκε στη συνέχεια στη διάγνωση του σφάλματος της σπασμένης μπάρας του δρομέα του κινητήρα.Προς την κατεύθυνση αυτή, βασικό διαγνωστικό μέσο αποτέλεσε η μελέτη του αρμονικού περιεχομένου του ρεύματος του στάτη του κινητήρα. Για την αξιόπιστη διάγνωση του σφάλματος προτάθηκε η χρήση δύο καινοτόμων μεθοδολογιών που βασίζονται, η, μεν, πρώτη στον αλγόριθμο Goertzel και η, δε, δεύτερη στο μετασχηματισμό Synchrosqueezing Wavelet. Οι δύο αυτές τεχνικές επεξεργασίας σήματος ενώ εμφανίζουν ευρεία χρήση σε άλλα επιστημονικά πεδία (π.χ. επικοινωνίες, σεισμολογία, βιοϊατρική) είτε δεν έχουν χρησιμοποιηθεί καθόλου είτε έχουν διερευνηθεί σε πολύ μικρό βαθμό στον τομέα της διάγνωσης σφαλμάτων ηλεκτρικών μηχανών. Η αποτελεσματικότητα των προτεινόμενων μεθοδολογιών αξιολογείται σε κάθε περίπτωση αρχικά όταν οι υπό μελέτη κινητήρες τροφοδοτούνται από το δίκτυο εναλλασσόμενης τάσης και στη συνέχεια κατά την οδήγησή τους από τον ηλεκτρονικό μετατροπέα ισχύος. Για το σκοπό αυτό σχεδιάστηκε και κατασκευάστηκε στο Εργαστήριο μια πρωτότυπη πειραματική διάταξη. Προκύπτει πως οι προτεινόμενες μεθοδολογίες μπορούν να προσφέρουν σημαντικά πλεονεκτήματα συγκριτικά με άλλες κλασσικές τεχνικές, αποτελώντας σημαντικά εργαλεία στην κατεύθυνση της έγκαιρης και αποτελεσματικής διάγνωσης του σφάλματος. Επιπλέον, προτείνεται μία νέα μεθοδολογία για τη διάγνωση του σφάλματος της σπασμένης μπάρας του δρομέα, με παρακολούθηση του σήματος της μηχανικής ροπής σε συχνότητες πλησίον της 6ης αρμονικής του σήματος. Εξετάζεται κατά πόσον η μέθοδος μπορεί να οδηγήσει στην αξιόπιστη διάγνωση του σφάλματος με την ανάλυση του σήματος στο πεδίο συχνότητας – χρόνου τόσο κατά την εκκίνηση όσο και στη μόνιμη κατάσταση λειτουργίας του κινητήρα. Η εκτεταμένη πειραματική διερεύνηση οδήγησε στο συμπέρασμα πως η συγκεκριμένη τεχνική μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί για την αξιόπιστη διάγνωση του σφάλματος όταν ο κινητήρας τροφοδοτείται από το δίκτυο εναλλασσόμενης τάσης τόσο κατά την εκκίνηση όσο και κατά τη μόνιμη κατάσταση λειτουργίας του.
Εξευρωπαϊσμός και νέες μορφές διακυβέρνησης
Authors: Κούγιας Κωνσταντίνος
Published: June 2021

Όταν θεσπίστηκε η Ευρωπαϊκή Στρατηγική για την Απασχόληση το 1997 με στόχο νασυνεισφέρει στον εκσυγχρονισμό του ευρωπαϊκού κοινωνικού κράτους που τελούσε υπόδιαρκή πίεση εξαιτίας ενός ταχύτατα μεταβαλλόμενου σύνθετου παγκόσμιου περιβάλλοντος, ηκριτική που δέχθηκε κινήθηκε σε δύο διαμετρικές θέσεις. Αφενός εθεάθη ως ένα καινοτόμοεργαλείο δημόσιας πολιτικής, που ευνοεί τη διάχυση μάθησης, την πολυεπίπεδη συμμετοχή,την ευελιξία και το συντονισμό των πολιτικών απασχόλησης, προωθώντας ένα νέο ευρωπαϊκόπρότυπο για την απασχόληση και αφετέρου προσεγγίστηκε με σκεπτικισμό, θεωρούμενη ωςένα αναποτελεσματικό εργαλείο πολιτικής, με περιορισμένη δεσμευτικότητα που κινείται στηλογική του ελάχιστου κοινού παρανομαστή.Δέκα και πλέον χρόνια από τη θέσπιση της στρατηγικής, η παρούσα μελέτη στοχεύει ναεξετάσει συγκριτικά την εγκυρότητα των παραπάνω ισχυρισμών στα εθνικά παραδείγματα τηςΙταλίας και της Σουηδίας. Συνδυάζοντας την έννοια του εξευρωπαϊσμού με τις θεωρητικές προτάσεις του νεο-θεσμισμού και της διακυβέρνησης δικτύων, μελετάται η οργάνωση και η εφαρμογή της Ευρωπαϊκής Στρατηγικής για την Απασχόληση στο εσωτερικό των κρατών μελών και αξιολογούνται οι επιπτώσεις της μέσα από το πρίσμα ενός αξιακού και επιχειρησιακού εξευρωπαϊσμού των πολιτικών απασχόλησης.
Πολιτική κοινωνικοποίηση των μαθητών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες
Authors: Παπανικολάου Νικολέττα
Published: June 2021

Τα παιδιά με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες καταλαμβάνουν ολοένα και αυξανόμενο ποσοστό μαθητών στη σύγχρονη ελληνική τάξη. Οι γνωστικές αλλά και ψυχο-κοινωνικές δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζουν στέκονται εμπόδιο στην ορθή πολιτική διαπαιδαγώγηση και δυσχεραίνουν τη διαμόρφωση της ταυτότητας του πολίτη.Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η διερεύνηση των κοινωνικών και πολιτικών αναπαραστάσεων των μαθητών με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες που φοιτούν στην Ε΄ και Στ΄ δημοτικού σχολείου, η σύγκρισή τους με τις αντίστοιχες αναπαραστάσεις των μαθητών χωρίς Μ.Δ. και η ανίχνευση της σχέσης ανάμεσα σε αυτές και στο Αναλυτικό Πρόγραμμα Σπουδών της Κοινωνικής και Πολιτικής Αγωγής.Πρόκειται για μια έρευνα που έλαβε χώρα το σχολικό έτος 2018-2019 σε 15 σχολεία της ελληνικής επικράτειας. Το δείγμα της έρευνας αποτέλεσαν 86 μαθητές με διαγνωσμένες μαθησιακές δυσκολίες και 314 μαθητές χωρίς διαγνωσμένες μαθησιακές δυσκολίες. Ως ερευνητικό εργαλείο χρησιμοποιήθηκε το ερωτηματολόγιο και ως ανεξάρτητες μεταβλητές ορίστηκαν η ύπαρξη Μ.Δ., το φύλο, η σχολική τάξη και η εθνική προέλευση των γονέων. Η ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων έγινε με τη χρήση S.P.S.S.Ορισμένα από τα ευρήματα συνάδουν με τη θεωρία και τις προϋπάρχουσες έρευνες, ενώ άλλα εισάγουν νέα δεδομένα. Ειδικότερα, οι αναπαραστάσεις των μαθητών του δείγματος εμφανίζουν ετερογένεια, ιδιαίτερα ανάμεσα στους μαθητές χωρίς μαθησιακές δυσκολίες και σε αυτούς με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες. Οι μαθητές χωρίς Μ.Δ. γνωρίζουν επαρκώς ποιος είναι ο ρόλος των πολιτικών κομμάτων και ταυτόχρονα έχουν τάσεις αυτοκατεύθυνσης. Ωστόσο, εξέφρασαν κάποιες στερεοτυπικές αντιλήψεις σχετικά με την εκπροσώπηση των δύο φύλων στην πολιτική σκηνή και τις σχέσεις με τους αλλοδαπούς. Από την άλλη, οι μαθητές με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες κατέχουν μια εξιδανικευμένη εικόνα για την πολιτική και συχνά εμφανίζουν μια στάση αποχής από τις συλλογικές διαδικασίες.Ακόμη, τα ερευνητικά αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι οι πρώιμες πολιτικές αναπαραστάσεις του συνολικού δείγματος της έρευνας περιέχουν τόσο νεωτεριστικά όσο και παραδοσιακά στοιχεία, τα οποία συνθέτουν μια αντιφατική κουλτούρα. Εν τέλει, η πλήρης καταγραφή των αναπαραστάσεων της ομάδας των μαθητών με Μ.Δ. γύρω από τον χώρο της πολιτικής θα μπορούσε να αποτελέσει το βήμα για τη δημιουργία εκπαιδευτικών παρεμβάσεων με σκοπό την άρση των εμποδίων που συναντούν οι μαθητές αυτοί στην ένταξή τους στην κοινωνία.
Ο ρόλος του υποστηρικτικού πλαισίου στην ανάπτυξη του σχολικού εκφοβισμού: Μία οικοσυστημική προσέγγιση
Authors: Κατσαντώνης Ιωάννης Γ. , Ασημακοπούλου Ειρήνη , Φρούντα Μαρία
Published: June 2021

Σύμφωνα με τα προγράμματα διεθνούς αξιολόγησης των μαθητών, τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες παρατηρείται αύξηση των επιπέδων σχολικού εκφοβισμού (bullying) στα ελληνικά σχολεία. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας είναι να εξετάσει την επίδραση των υποστηρικτικών πλαισίων/ περιβαλλόντων στην ανάπτυξη του σχολικού εκφοβισμού στα ελληνικά σχολεία. Αξιοποιώντας τα δεδομένα Ν= 4.141 μαθητών Πρωτοβάθμιας και Δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, διερευνήθηκε η επίδραση του υποστηρικτικού πλαισίου των συμμαθητών, των φίλων και της οικογένειας, καθώς και του κοινωνικο-οικονομικού υποβάθρου της οικογένειας στο σχολικό εκφοβισμό (κυβερνοεκφοβισμό και παραδοσιακό). Τα αποτελέσματα των μοντέλων δομικών εξισώσεων (SEM) έδειξαν πως μόνο τα υποστηρικτικά πλαίσια των συμμαθητών, των φίλων και της οικογένειας είχαν στατιστικά σημαντική επίδραση στον εκφοβισμό, μειώνοντας, έτσι, τα αντιλαμβανόμενα επίπεδα αυτού. Συμπερασματικά, προκρίνεται μια οικοσυστημική θεώρηση τόσο της ανάπτυξης, όσο και της αποδυνάμωσης του σχολικού εκφοβισμού. Εκπαιδευτικές και ψυχολογικές προεκτάσεις των ευρημάτων αυτών συζητούνται διεξοδικά.
Quality of information in news media reports about the effects of health interventions: Systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Oxman Matt , Larun Lillebeth , Pérez Gaxiola Giordano , Alsaid Dima , Qasim Anila , Rose Christopher James , Bischoff Karin , Oxman Andrew David
Published: June 2021

Background

Many studies have assessed the quality of news reports about the effects of health interventions, but there has been no systematic review of such studies or meta-analysis of their results. We aimed to fill this gap (PROSPERO ID: CRD42018095032).

Methods

We included studies that used at least one explicit, prespecified and generic criterion to assess the quality of news reports in print, broadcast, or online news media, and specified the sampling frame, and the selection criteria and technique. We assessed criteria individually for inclusion in the meta-analyses, excluding inappropriate criteria and criteria with inadequately reported results. We mapped and grouped criteria to facilitate evidence synthesis. Where possible, we extracted the proportion of news reports meeting the included criterion. We performed meta-analyses using a random effects model to estimate such proportions for individual criteria and some criteria groups, and to characterise heterogeneity across studies. 

Results

We included 44 primary studies in the qualitative summary, and 18 studies and 108 quality criteria in the meta-analyses. Many news reports gave an unbalanced and oversimplified picture of the potential consequences of interventions. A limited number mention or adequately address conflicts of interest (22%; 95% CI 7%-49%) (low certainty), alternative interventions (36%; 95% CI 26%-47%) (moderate certainty), potential harms (40%; 95% CI 23%-61%) (low certainty), or costs (18%; 95% CI 12%-28%) (moderate certainty), or quantify effects (53%; 95% CI 36%-69%) (low certainty) or report absolute effects (17%; 95% CI 4%-49%) (low certainty). 

Discussion

There is room for improving health news, but it is logically more important to improve the public’s ability to critically appraise health information and make judgements for themselves.
Exploring the impacts of social media and crowdsourcing on disaster resilience
Authors: Clark Nathan , Boersma Kees , Bonati Sara , Fonio Chiara , Gehlhar Simon , Habig Therese , Lüke Richard , Morelli Stefano , Nielsen Anne Bach , Opromolla Antonio , Pazzi Veronica , Raju Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Social media and crowdsourcing (SMCS) are increasingly proving useful for addressing the effects of natural and human-made hazards. SMCS allow different stakeholders to share crucial information during disaster management processes and to strengthen community resilience through engagement and collaboration. To harvest these opportunities there is a need for better knowledge on SMCS for diverse disaster scenarios. These challenges are being addressed within the LINKS Horizon 2020 project. The project aims at strengthening societal resilience by producing advanced learning on the use of SMCS in disasters. This is done through an in-depth study across three knowledge domains (disaster risk perception and vulnerability, disaster management processes, disaster community technologies), the establishment of an interactive Framework, and an online platform in which a community of relevant stakeholders can learn and share knowledge and experiences. This paper provides an overview of the project objectives and approaches and a summary of the initial results.
Activation of regulatory T cells triggers specific changes in glycosylation associated with Siglec-1-dependent inflammatory responses
Authors: Wu Gang , Murugesan Gavuthami , Nagala Manjula , McCraw Alex , Haslam Stuart M. , Dell Anne , Crocker Paul R.
Published: June 2021

Background: Siglec-1 is a macrophage lectin-like receptor that mediates sialic acid-dependent cellular interactions. Its upregulation on macrophages in autoimmune disease was shown previously to promote inflammation through suppressing the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we investigate the molecular basis for Siglec-1 binding to Tregs using in vitro-induced cells as a model system.

Methods: Glycosylation changes that affect Siglec‑1 binding were studied by comparing activated and resting Tregs using RNA-Seq, glycomics, proteomics and binding of selected antibodies and lectins. A proximity labelling and proteomics strategy was used to identify Siglec-1 counter-receptors expressed on activated Tregs.

Results: Siglec-1 binding was strongly upregulated on activated Tregs, but lost under resting conditions. Glycomics revealed changes in N-glycans and glycolipids following Treg activation and we observed changes in expression of multiple ‘glycogenes’ that could lead to the observed increase in Siglec-1 binding. Proximity labelling of intact, living cells identified 49 glycoproteins expressed by activated Tregs that may function as Siglec-1 counter-receptors. These represent ~5% of the total membrane protein pool and were mainly related to T cell activation and proliferation. We demonstrate that several of these counter-receptors were upregulated following activation of Tregs and provide initial evidence that their altered glycosylation may also be important for Siglec-1 binding.

Conclusions: We provide the first comprehensive analysis of glycan changes that occur in activated Tregs, leading to recognition by the macrophage lectin, Siglec-1 and suppression of Treg expansion. We furthermore provide insights into glycoprotein counter-receptors for Siglec-1 expressed by activated Tregs that are likely to be important for suppressing Treg expansion.