bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Referral thresholds for an integrated learning disability eye care pathway: a consensus approach
Authors: Pilling Rachel F. , Donaldson Lisa , Karas Marek , Leitch R. Jane , Bunting Howard , Naru Ravi , Ilett Gordon
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Local Optometric Support Unit (LOCSU) have published their refreshed clinical pathway for eye care for people with a learning disability. The document sets out the adjustments to practice that a community optometrist might make in order to provide optimal care for a person with learning disability attending a primary eye care assessment. The pathway specifically points to the need to retain patients in primary care where appropriate and ‘reduce the number of people with learning disability who are inappropriately referred into the Hospital Eye Service (HES).’ Pivotal to this refreshed pathway is the integration with secondary care, with local arrangements to facilitate referral and hospital management where appropriate. There are few ophthalmologists nationally who frequently encounter patients with a learning disability in their hospital practice and knowing where to start when creating referral criteria or KPIs may create a barrier to services becoming established. In order to address this gap in experience, we set about developing a set of consensus statements regarding referral thresholds for ocular conditions commonly encountered in adults with learning disability.

Method

A series of video interviews were undertaken with eye health professionals with a range of experience in eye care for people with learning disability. Each contributor commented on the usability and clarity of each element of the referral criteria. In addition, each contributor was asked to express the overriding principles by which they make decisions regarding referral thresholds for patients with learning disability. These were collated into the final document which was circulated and agreed by all participants.

Results

A table setting out referral thresholds for commonly encountered eye conditions in adults with learning disabilities is presented.

Conclusion

We have presented a succinct set of consensus statements relating referral thresholds for common presentations of visual problems in adults with learning disability in the UK distilled from the collective experience of a group of eye health professionals. The intention was not to present a comprehensive review of management of each condition. Rather, the consensus statements may form the starting point from which each area could develop locally agreed criteria, as is suggested by the LOCSU pathway guidance.
Multiple concurrent and convergent stages of genome reduction in bacterial symbionts across a stink bug family
Authors: Otero-Bravo Alejandro , Sabree Zakee L.
Published: April 2021

Nutritional symbioses between bacteria and insects are prevalent and diverse, allowing insects to expand their feeding strategies and niches. A common consequence of long-term associations is a considerable reduction in symbiont genome size likely influenced by the radical shift in selective pressures as a result of the less variable environment within the host. While several of these cases can be found across distinct insect species, most examples provide a limited view of a single or few stages of the process of genome reduction. Stink bugs (Pentatomidae) contain inherited gamma-proteobacterial symbionts in a modified organ in their midgut and are an example of a long-term nutritional symbiosis, but multiple cases of new symbiont acquisition throughout the history of the family have been described. We sequenced the genomes of 11 symbionts of stink bugs with sizes that ranged from equal to those of their free-living relatives to less than 20%. Comparative genomics of these and previously sequenced symbionts revealed initial stages of genome reduction including an initial pseudogenization before genome reduction, followed by multiple stages of progressive degeneration of existing metabolic pathways likely to impact host interactions such as cell wall component biosynthesis. Amino acid biosynthesis pathways were retained in a similar manner as in other nutritional symbionts. Stink bug symbionts display convergent genome reduction events showing progressive changes from a free-living bacterium to a host-dependent symbiont. This system can therefore be used to study convergent genome evolution of symbiosis at a scale not previously available.
Free neighborhood choice boosts socially optimal outcomes in stag-hunt coordination problem
Authors: Riedl Arno , Rohde Ingrid M. T. , Strobel Martin
Published: April 2021

Situations where independent agents need to align their activities to achieve individually and socially beneficial outcomes are abundant, reaching from everyday situations like fixing a time for a meeting to global problems like climate change agreements. Often such situations can be described as stag-hunt games, where coordinating on the socially efficient outcome is individually optimal but also entails a risk of losing out. Previous work has shown that in fixed interaction neighborhoods agents’ behavior mostly converges to the collectively inefficient outcome. However, in the field, interaction neighborhoods often can be self-determined. Theoretical work investigating such circumstances is ambiguous in whether the efficient or inefficient outcome will prevail. We performed an experiment with human subjects exploring how free neighborhood choice affects coordination. In a fixed interaction treatment, a vast majority of subjects quickly coordinates on the inefficient outcome. In a treatment with neighborhood choice, the outcome is dramatically different: behavior quickly converges to the socially desirable outcome leading to welfare gains 2.5 times higher than in the environment without neighborhood choice. Participants playing efficiently exclude those playing inefficiently who in response change their behavior and are subsequently included again. Importantly, this mechanism is effective despite that only few exclusions actually occur.
Vitamin D intoxication in patients with cystic fibrosis: report of a single-center cohort
Authors: Planté-Bordeneuve Thomas , Berardis Silvia , Bastin Pierre , Gruson Damien , Henri Laurence , Gohy Sophie
Published: April 2021

Vitamin D toxicity is associated with accidental overdoses due to manufacturing or intake errors and its secondary hypercalcemia can result in severe morbidity. Although patients with cystic fibrosis are potentially at increased risk for this intoxication as prescription of vitamin D preparations is a common practice in this population, the frequency of such events is currently unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of all the files of cystic fibrosis patients followed at the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc over a 10-year period, recording 25(OH)- and 1,25(OH)2vitamin D levels as well as demographic data, lung function tests, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and results from pharmacological analysis of magistral liposoluble vitamins preparations. A total of 244 patients were included in the study. 13 patients (5%) had serum vitamin D levels corresponding to vitamin D overdose. Patients who had experienced an overdose were more likely to be F508del homozygous or suffer from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. 2 patients developed significant hypercalcemia necessitating monitoring and hospitalization. Errors in the preparation of magistral liposoluble vitamin pills were identified in several intoxicated patients. Retrospective assessment of the dosing errors with the local pharmacists showed that trituration and dosing errors were their most frequent causes.
The effect of cellphone position on driving and gaze behaviour
Authors: Turnbull Philip R. K. , Khanal Safal , Dakin Steven C.
Published: April 2021

Legislation frequently restricts the use of cellphones while driving. Despite this, many people continue to interact with cellphones covertly while driving, typically by concealing their device in their lap. This strategy leads to frequent diversion of the drivers’ gaze from the road ahead, potentially reducing their driving performance. To evaluate the influence of cellphone use on driving, 30 participants took part in three randomly ordered 7-min virtual reality driving simulations. In each condition, drivers were presented with either (a) no cellphone, (b) a cellphone fixed to the windscreen, or (c) a cellphone positioned at lap level. Their task was to maintain road position and observe speed limits while answering maths problems (delivered intermittently via ‘text message’) and searching for external target objects. Outcome measures included speed, lane position standard deviation (LPSD), and fixation behaviour, which were compared between trials. In trials where a cellphone was present, participants shifted fixation more frequently, drove approximately 6 km/h faster, exhibited a lower LPSD and spent more time in the correct lane on the road (compared to the no-cellphone condition; all p < 0.001). Cellphone position influenced eye gaze behaviour, with drivers looking at the cellphone less frequently, and the speedometer more frequently. when the cellphone was in their lap compared to when the cellphone was positioned on the windscreen. Our results are consistent with participants driving more cautiously—checking speed and lane position more frequently—when they have a cellphone in the lap. Real-world driving data would be useful to determine whether this change in driving behaviour we observed is sufficient to offset the increased risk introduced by spending less time looking at the road ahead.
Visualizing the in-vivo application of zinc in sensitive skin using reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Ahn Hye-Jin , Kim Hae Jin , Ham Hyein , Baek Ji Hwoon , Lee Young , Alamgir Mahin , Rao Babar , Shin Min Kyung
Published: April 2021

Findings obtained on objective assessments to evaluate sensitive skin do not correlate well with the symptomatology. We utilized reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to compare transepidermal application of zinc in sensitive and non-sensitive skin. Thirty-six subjects participated in this study. They were divided into groups based on lactic acid sting test (LAST):‘stinger’ and ‘non-stinger’; transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements; and sensitivity self-assessments: ‘sensitive’ and ‘non-sensitive’. RCM images were taken to visualize transepidermal application of topically-applied zinc. The intensity of zinc reflectance at different depths was measured by ImageJ software. Based on LAST scores, the ‘stinger’ group showed significantly higher reflectance of zinc at 8 µm (stratum corneum) [face (P < 0.001), forearm (P = 0.004)], and at 80–104 µm (dermo-epidermal junction layer) on the face. High-TEWL group showed increased zinc reflectance at 8–24 µm (tight junction layer, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences amongst subjects self-reporting ‘sensitive’ and ‘non-sensitive’ skin. RCM demonstrates that in sensitive skin, there is deeper and higher reflectance of zinc at multiple depths. Structural differences are also visualized. We suggest that RCM is a useful tool for evaluating skin barrier integrity.
Genetic diversity and population structure of razor clam Sinonovacula constricta in Ariake Bay, Japan, revealed using RAD-Seq SNP markers
Authors: Orita Ryo , Nagano Yukio , Kawamura Yoshio , Kimura Kei , Kobayashi Genta
Published: April 2021

The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta is a commercially important bivalve in Japan. The current distribution of this species in Japan is limited to Ariake Bay, where the fishery stock is declining. It is necessary to understand the genetic population structure of this species in order to restore the fishery stock while preserving the genetic diversity of the clam. Here, we report for the first time the genetic population structure of S. constricta in Ariake Bay, Japan. Paired-end restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) analyzed samples of S. constricta collected from seven mudflats located along Ariake Bay. Two different genetic populations exist in Ariake Bay, one inhabiting wild habitats and the other inhabiting the transplanted area of artificial seedlings. Our results suggest that genetic differentiation occurred between these two populations (Fst value = 0.052), and a high level of genetic differentiation is maintained between the two groups. In the future, monitoring the interbreeding status of the two genetically distinct populations and the genetic differentiation within each population is important for conserving the genetic diversity of S. constricta in Japan.
Changes in vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms in later life in England
Authors: Di Gessa Giorgio , Biddulph Jane P. , Zaninotto Paola , de Oliveira Cesar
Published: April 2021

Inadequate vitamin D levels have been associated with increased risk of depression. However, most of these studies are cross-sectional and failed to investigate the effect of changes in vitamin D levels. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association of changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with depressive symptoms in 3365 participants of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a large nationally-representative study of older adults. Based on their vitamin D levels at baseline and follow-up (sufficient ≥ 50 nmol/L; insufficient < 50 nmol/L), participants were classified as follows: with sufficient levels at both waves; with sufficient levels at baseline but not at follow-up; with insufficient levels at baseline but ≥ 50 nmol/L at follow-up; and with levels < 50 nmol/L at each time point. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 8-point CES-D scale. Data were analysed using logistic regression models. Compared with those with sufficient levels of vitamin D at both waves, only those with insufficient levels throughout were more likely to report elevated depressive symptoms (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.00–1.93). Becoming or no longer being vitamin D deficient was, in the short term, not associated with elevated depressive symptoms. Further evidence is required on whether vitamin D supplementation might contribute to the prevention or treatment of depression as well as on the duration of time for changes in vitamin D levels to lead to detectable changes in depressive symptoms.
Size reduction and performance improvement of a microstrip Wilkinson power divider using a hybrid design technique
Authors: Jamshidi Mohammad Behdad , Roshani Saeed , Talla Jakub , Roshani Sobhan , Peroutka Zdenek
Published: April 2021

In the design of a microstrip power divider, there are some important factors, including harmonic suppression, insertion loss, and size reduction, which affect the quality of the final product. Thus improving each of these factors contributes to a more efficient design. In this respect, a hybrid technique to reduce the size and improve the performance of a Wilkinson power divider (WPD) is introduced in this paper. The proposed method includes a typical series LC circuit, a miniaturizing inductor, and two transmission lines, which make an LC branch. Accordingly, two quarter-wavelength branches of the conventional WPD are replaced by two proposed LC branches. Not only does this modification lead to a 100% size reduction, an infinite number of harmonics suppression, and high-frequency selectivity theoretically, but it also results in a noticeable performance improvement practically compared to using quarter-wavelength branches in the conventional microstrip power dividers. The main important contributions of this technique are extreme size reduction and harmonic suppression for the implementation of a filtering power divider (FPD). Furthermore, by tuning the LC circuit, the arbitrary numbers of unwanted harmonics are blocked while the operating frequency, the stopband bandwidth, and the operating bandwidth are chosen optionally. The experimental result verifies the theoretical and simulated results of the proposed technique and demonstrates its potential for improving the performance and reducing the size of other similar microstrip components.
Author Correction: Tuning the hierarchical pore structure of graphene oxide through dual thermal activation for high-performance supercapacitor
Authors: Kim Jeongpil , Eum Jeong-Hyun , Kang Junhyeok , Kwon Ohchan , Kim Hansung , Kim Dae Woo
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Circumventing paclitaxel resistance in breast cancer cells using a nanoemulsion system and determining its efficacy via an impedance biosensor
Authors: Attari Farnoosh , Hazim Habibullah , Zandi Ashkan , Mazarei Zeinab , Rafati Hasan
Published: April 2021

Nanocarriers as one of the best strategies to circumvent drug resistance.
Catalytic lignin valorization over HSZ-supported CuNiAl-based catalysts with microwave heating
Authors: Liu Peng , Chen Changzhou , Zhou Minghao , Xia Haihong , Li Jing , Sharma Brajendra K. , Jiang Jianchun
Published: April 2021

Microwave assisted lignin depolymerization was investigated over HSZ-supported CuNiAl-based catalysts.
Beyond peptide bond formation: the versatile role of condensation domains in natural product biosynthesis
Authors: Dekimpe Sofie , Masschelein Joleen
Published: April 2021

Condensation domains perform highly diverse functions during natural product biosynthesis and are capable of generating remarkable chemical diversity.
Nanoporous carbon doped ceria bismuth oxide solid solution for photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Ansari Kahkashan , Dalela Saurabh , Kumar Sudhish , Chouhan Neelu
Published: April 2021

Carbon-doped ceria bismuth oxide solid solution can break pure water into H2 and O2 under natural sunlight as well as under artificial light. Hydrogen generation activity proportionate to the degree of porosity of the solid solutions.
Towards atomic precision in HMF and methane oxidation electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Li Junnan , Kornienko Nikolay
Published: April 2021

With the increasing emphasis on transitioning to a sustainable society, electrosynthetic routes to generate fuels and chemicals are rapidly gaining traction.
19F-Tagged metal binding pharmacophores for NMR screening of metalloenzymes
Authors: Prosser Kathleen E. , Kohlbrand Alysia J. , Seo Hyeonglim , Kalaj Mark , Cohen Seth M.
Published: April 2021

This study demonstrates the screening of a collection of twelve 19F-tagged metal-binding pharmacophores (MBPs) against the Zn(ii)-dependent metalloenzyme human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) by 19F NMR.
Synthesis of bifunctional disiloxanes via subsequent hydrosilylation of alkenes and alkynes
Authors: Szyling Jakub , Januszewski Rafał , Jankowska Kamila , Walkowiak Jędrzej , Kownacki Ireneusz , Franczyk Adrian
Published: April 2021

Synthesis of unsymmetrical and bifunctional building blocks based on 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane is presented which allows compounds with a wide spectrum of reactive groups bonded to alkenes and alkynes to be obtained.
In2S3/BiOI composites boost visible-light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride
Authors: Hu Panbing , Xin Yanmei , Yao Congfei , Miao Yuqing
Published: April 2021

In2S3/BiOI composites have potential to degrade tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light due to the synergistic effect between In2S3 and BiOI.
Surface oxygen vacancies of TiO2 nanorods by electron beam irradiation for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Huang Jing , Chen Tao , Zhao Mingyang , Yi Ping , Zhao Feifan , He Bing , Wang Yang , Chen Yihuang , Liu Xueqin , Li Zhen
Published: April 2021

TiO2 nanorods with oxygen vacancies are produced via a facial, controllable and scalable high energy electron beam irradiation treatment, resulting in a remarkable enhancement of photocurrent density of about 85.4% at 1.23 VRHE.
The nature of the intermolecular interaction in (H2X)2(X = O, S, Se)
Authors: Fernández-Alarcón Alberto , Guevara-Vela José Manuel , Casals-Sainz José Luis , Francisco Evelio , Costales Aurora , Martín Pendás Ángel , Rocha-Rinza Tomás
Published: April 2021

We address the question whether (H2S)2and (H2Se)2are H-bonded clusters. Our wave function analyses indicate that these clusters are not H-bonded and more importantly, they spotlight too lenient criteria for the occurrence of hydrogen bonds.
Intramolecular CH3-migration-controlled cation reactions in the VUV photochemistry of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol investigated by synchrotron photoionization mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations
Authors: Li Yanbo , Chen Weiye , Zhu Long , Wang Huanhuan , Guan Jiwen , Shan Xiaobin , Liu Fuyi , Wang Zhandong
Published: April 2021

CH3 migration-controlled fragmentations via conventional TS and roaming pathways are reported in the dissociative photoionization of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, which are examined by synchrotron photoionization spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Ring-contraction of hantzsch esters and their derivatives to pyrroles via electrochemical extrusion of ethyl acetate out of aromatic rings
Authors: Liu Xu , Liu Chang , Cheng Xu
Published: April 2021

Cut an acetate ester out of a Hantzsch ester. With a 4-electron electrochemical reduction, the Hantzsch-ester-derived pyridine was converted to a polysubstituted pyrrole in one step by dearomatization, ring-contraction, and rearomatization process.
A review of thermal and thermocatalytic valorization of food waste
Authors: Ebikade Elvis Osamudiamhen , Sadula Sunitha , Gupta Yagya , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: April 2021

A review of thermal and thermocatalytic valorization of food waste into biobased platform chemicals. A detailed summary of process level and fundamental kinetic insights are provided towards upgrading FW to useful products for a circular economy.
A biocompatible dual-AIEgen system without spectral overlap for quantitation of microbial viability and monitoring of biofilm formation
Authors: He Wei , Zheng Zheng , Bai Haotian , Xiong Ling-Hong , Wang Lei , Li Yinghui , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Hu Qinghua , Cheng Jinquan , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2021

A dual-AIEgen system for microbial imaging and metabolic status sensing has been realized through chemistry strategies. This dual-AIEgen system can detect general microbes and identify their viabilities as well as their microbial biofilms.
An easily obtained hypercrosslinked pyrene-based porous organic polymer as a high performance electrode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Huiqin , Li Zhen , Meng Zhiying , Guo Xinya , Du Ya , Yang Haishen
Published: April 2021

A novel hypercrosslinked pyrene-based porous organic polymer was achieved in one step as an excellent electrode material.
Insights into the existing form of glycolaldehyde in methanol solution: an experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Li Yuehui , Shi Yantao , Song Xuedan , Zhao Zhengyan , Zhang Naitian , Hao Ce
Published: April 2021

Glycolaldehyde (HOCH2CHO, GA), the simplest molecule containing both hydroxyl and aldehyde groups, is structurally the most elementary member of the monosaccharide sugars, which may provide new clues for probing the origin of life on planets like the Earth.
Core–shell ZIF-8@polydopamine nanoparticles obtained by mitigating the polydopamine coating induced self-etching of MOFs: prototypical metal ion reservoirs for sticking to and killing bacteria
Authors: Tu Yingxue , Lei Caifen , Deng Fei , Chen Yiang , Wang Ying , Zhang Zhenkun
Published: April 2021

ZIF-8@PDA nanoparticles can work as metal ion reservoirs that locally release metal ions to kill bacteria after sticking to them.
Facile preparation of a rubidium ion-imprinted polymer by bulk polymerization for highly efficient separation of rubidium ions from aqueous solution
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Hu Yulei , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Hewei , Zhang Bing , Ren Zhongqi
Published: April 2021

A novel rubidium ion-imprinted polymer was prepared by bulk polymerization for selective adsorption of Rb(i).
Sizing up (K1−xNax)NbO3films: a review of synthesis routes, properties & applications
Authors: Burns Stuart R. , Dolgos Michelle R.
Published: April 2021

This review discusses (K,Na)NbO3thin films, with a focus on synthesis, chemically modifying properties, plus piezoelectric and biomedical KNN devices.
Comparative study of the photophysical and crystallographic properties of 4-(9H-pyreno[4,5-d]imidazol-10-yl)phenol and its alkylated derivatives
Authors: Tabasi Zahra A. , Walsh Joshua C. , Bodwell Graham J. , Thompson David W. , Zhao Yuming
Published: April 2021

The photophysical and crystallographic properties of a para-hydroxphenyl-substituted pyrenoimidazole and its decylated analogues were investigated. The fluorescence of these compounds is sensitive to environmental acidity and basicity.
The block copolymer shuffle in size exclusion chromatography: the intrinsic problem with using elugrams to determine chain extension success
Authors: Philipps Kai , Junkers Tanja , Michels Jasper J.
Published: April 2021

Is an increase in hydrodynamic volume always expected in block copolymer synthesis? Why SEC is sometimes not the last word.
Bayesian estimation‐based sentiment word embedding model for sentiment analysis
Authors: Tang Jingyao , Xue Yun , Wang Ziwen , Hu Shaoyang , Gong Tao , Chen Yinong , Zhao Haoliang , Xiao Luwei
Published: April 2021

Sentiment word embedding has been extensively studied and used in sentiment analysis tasks. However, most existing models have failed to differentiate high‐frequency and low‐frequency words. Accordingly, the sentiment information of low‐frequency words is insufficiently captured, thus resulting in inaccurate sentiment word embedding and degradation of overall performance of sentiment analysis. A Bayesian estimation‐based sentiment word embedding (BESWE) model, which aims to precisely extract the sentiment information of low‐frequency words, has been proposed. In the model, a Bayesian estimator is constructed based on the co‐occurrence probabilities and sentiment probabilities of words, and a novel loss function is defined for sentiment word embedding learning. The experimental results based on the sentiment lexicons and Movie Review dataset show that BESWE outperforms many state‐of‐the‐art methods, for example, C&W, CBOW, GloVe, SE‐HyRank and DLJT1, in sentiment analysis tasks, which demonstrate that Bayesian estimation can effectively capture the sentiment information of low‐frequency words and integrate the sentiment information into the word embedding through the loss function. In addition, replacing the embedding of low‐frequency words in the state‐of‐the‐art methods with BESWE can significantly improve the performance of those methods in sentiment analysis tasks.
A pre‐processing technique to decrease inspection time in glass tube production lines
Authors: De Vitis Gabriele Antonio , Foglia Pierfrancesco , Prete Cosimo Antonio
Published: April 2021

In case of glass tube for pharmaceutical applications, high‐quality defect detection is made via inspection systems based on computer vision. The processing must guarantee real‐time inspection and meet increasing rate and quality requirements. Defect detection in glass tubes is complicated by aspects that hamper the efficiency of state‐of‐the‐art techniques. This paper presents a pre‐processing algorithm which excludes portions of the image where defects are surely absent. The approach decreases the time for defect detection and classification phases (any detection algorithm can be applied), as they are applied only in high‐probability candidate sub‐image. We derive a methodology to get robust values of algorithm's parameters during production. The algorithm relies on detrended standard deviation and double threshold hysteresis, which solve issues related to the misalignment between illuminator and acquisition camera, and enable a robust detection despite rotation, vibration, and irregularities of tubes. We consider Canny, MAGDDA, and Niblack algorithms. The solution keeps the detection quality of such algorithms and reaches a 4.69× throughput gain. It represents a methodology to obtain defect detection in time‐constrained environments through a software‐only approach, and can be exploited in parallel/accelerated solutions and in contexts where a linear camera is utilized on both flat and uneven surfaces.
Falling motion detection algorithm based on deep learning
Authors: Zhu Na , Zhao Guangzhe , Zhang Xiaolong , Jin Zhexue
Published: April 2021

Falling is a significant cause of injuries and even death in the elderly. The timely detection of the fall action helps to rescue people who may have physical health problems due to the fall, so fall detection is necessary. The traditional fall detection methods are mostly based on wearable devices, which need to be worn all the time, and the cost of the device is high. In recent years, the fall detection method based on computer vision has become a research hot spot. This paper proposes a framework for falling motion detection based on deep learning. To quickly and accurately classify human movements, a method using bone key points as the feature descriptors of human movements is proposed. The OpenPose algorithm is used to extract the human skeleton point information as the primary human body feature, and then use the deep learning method to classify further and recognise our action features. In this paper, four types of daily actions, such as falling and walking, are classified and recognised. The results show that the algorithm achieves an accuracy of 99.4% on our dataset. Simultaneously, 86.1% accuracy is reached in the public dataset fall detection dataset.
Enhancement algorithm for high visibility of underwater images
Authors: Mathur Monika , Goel Nidhi
Published: April 2021

Underwater image enhancement has been attracting researchers in present day scenario for exploring the marine life. But underwater images suffer from various glitches like haziness, low contrast and faded colours due to absorption and scattering properties of light in water. To overcome these issues, the present paper proposes an enhancement method for underwater images. The proposed enhancement method comprises of three steps, i.e. automatic white balancing, dehazing and Rayleigh stretching in spatial domain. Automatic white balancing technique removes the colour cast from underwater images. Haze removal algorithm efficiently overcomes the haziness but it also reduces the local contrast and making the image appear dull. For improving the dehazing result and the visual quality simultaneously, the proposed method process the image by histogram stretching technique based on Rayleigh distribution. The proposed method corrects the colour cast and improves the contrast along with removing the haze from underwater images. Subjective and objective analysis on dataset validates the efficiency of proposed method and the enhanced images achieve better visual quality as compared to the existing methods. High values of EMEE, EME, UIQM and UCIQE for different types of underwater images further proves the potential and efficacy of the proposed method.
Analysis of glucose‐dependent dielectric properties of aqueous‐based solution: A proof of concept
Authors: Satish  , Sen Kushal , Anand Sneh
Published: April 2021

In spite of widespread research and exploration, the status of non‐invasive blood glucometer for diabetic people is far from satisfactory. This unlocks the prospect for further significant research in the field of non‐invasive blood glucose sensing. An approach towards the research on the development of non‐invasive blood glucometer relies on the establishment of correlation, if any, exists between the dielectric properties of blood and the blood glucose level. In this context, the in‐vitro study is undertaken as a proof of concept using a standard liquid‐dielectric‐test‐fixture. The research is conducted to analyse the variation in dielectric properties of aqueous‐based solution with respect to glucose concentration by utilising test fixture. The employed measurement set‐up and the procedure used for the estimation of dielectric properties (complex‐relative‐permittivity and dissipation factor) of the solution under test are presented. The measurement set‐up is validated by determining the dielectric properties of the reference liquid. The evaluation of uncertainty‐in‐measurement in the complex‐relative‐permittivity and dissipation factor is also provided in detail. However, the variation in dielectric properties is found to be small under tested conditions, and the in‐vitro study conducted out in the perspective of proof of concept has provided an insight that the change in glucose concentration results in quantifiable variation in dielectric properties.
Modelling the evolution of the Sun’s open and total magnetic flux
Authors: Krivova N. A. , Solanki S. K. , Hofer B. , Wu C.-J. , Usoskin I. G. , Cameron R.
Published: April 2021

Solar activity in all its varied manifestations is driven by the magnetic field. Two global quantities are particularly important for many purposes, the Sun’s total and open magnetic flux, which can be computed from sunspot number records using models. Such sunspot-driven models, however, do not take into account the presence of magnetic flux during grand minima, such as the Maunder minimum. Here we present a major update of a widely used simple model, which now takes into account the observation that the distribution of all magnetic features on the Sun follows a single power law. The exponent of the power law changes over the solar cycle. This allows for the emergence of small-scale magnetic flux even when no sunspots have been present for multiple decades and leads to non-zero total and open magnetic flux also in the deepest grand minima, such as the Maunder minimum, thus overcoming a major shortcoming of the earlier models. The results of the updated model compare well with the available observations and reconstructions of the solar total and open magnetic flux. This opens up the possibility of improved reconstructions of the sunspot number from time series of the cosmogenic isotope production rate.
Tay-Sachs Disease: Two Novel Rare HEXA Mutations from Pakistan and Morocco
Authors: Bibi Farah , Ullah Asmat , Bourinaris Thomas , Efthymiou Stephanie , Kriouile Yamna , Sultan Tipu , Haider Shahzad , Salpietro Vincenzo , Houlden Henry , Kaukab Raja Ghazala
Published: April 2021

Background Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a rare autosomalrecessive genetic disorder characterized by progressive destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by genetic variations in the HEXA gene leading to a deficiency of β hexosaminidase A (HEXA) isoenzyme activity. This study aimed to identify causative gene variants in 3 unrelated consanguineous families presented with TSD from Pakistan and Morocco.

Methods Detailed clinical investigations were carried out on probands in 3 unrelated consanguineous families of Pakistani and Moroccan origin. Targeted gene sequencing and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) were performed for variant identification. Candidate variants were checked for co-segregation with the phenotype using Sanger sequencing. Public databases including ExAC, GnomAD, dbSNP and the 1,000 Genome Project were searched to determine frequencies of the alleles. Conservation of the missense variants was ensured by aligning orthologous protein sequences from diverse vertebrate species.

Results We report on 3 children presented with Tay-Sachs Disease. The β hexosaminidaseA enzyme activity was reduced in the Pakistani patient in one of the pedigrees. Genetic testing revealed 2 novel homozygous variants (p.Asp386Alafs*13 and p.Trp266Gly) in the gene HEXA in Pakistani and Moroccan patients respectively.The third family of Pakistani origin revealed a previously reported variant (p.Tyr427Ilefs*5) in HEXA. p.Tyr427Ilefs*5 is the most commonly occurring pathogenic variationin Ashkenazi but was not reported in Pakistani population.

Conclusion Our study further expands the ethnic and mutational spectrum of Tay-Sachs disease emphasizing the usefulness of WES as a powerful diagnostic tool where enzymatic activity is not performed for Tay-Sachs disease. The study recommends targeted screening for these mutations (p.Tyr427Ilefs5) for cost effective testing of TSD patients. Further, the study would assist in carrier testing and prenatal diagnosis of the affected families.
Der Lichen planus des Ösophagus – Eine unterschätzte Erkrankung
Authors: Monasterio Carmen , Decker Annegrit , Schauer Franziska , Büttner Nico , Schmidt Arthur , Schmitt-Gräff Annette , Kreisel Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Eine Beteiligung des Ösophagus bei der Hauterkrankung Lichen planus wurde erstmals 1982 beschrieben und fast 30 Jahre lang als eine Rarität angesehen. Untersuchungen der letzten 10 Jahre aber zeigen, dass diese Erkrankung weniger selten ist als angenommen. Es ist sogar anzunehmen, dass der ösophageale Lichen planus (Esophageal Lichen planus, ELP) häufiger ist als die Eosinophile Ösophagitis (EoE). Die Ösophagusbeteiligung betrifft meist Frauen im mittleren Alter. Das Hauptsymptom ist eine Dysphagie. Endoskopisch erkennt man in der Speiseröhre eine charakteristische Schleimhautablösung, eine Trachealisierung, und gelegentlich Hyperkeratosen und bei langem Bestehen auch Stenosen. Wegweisend ist die Histologie mit einer subepithelialen Ablösung sowie einem bandförmigen Infiltrat aus T-Lymphozyten, dem Nachweis von apoptotischen Keratinozyten (Civatte Bodies) und Dyskeratosen. Die direkte Immunfluoreszenz zeigt Fibrinogen-Ablagerungen entlang der Basalmembran. Eine etablierte Therapie gibt es bisher nicht. Die Behandlung mit topischen Steroiden ist in 2/3 der Fälle wirksam. Eine Therapie wie beim klassischen Lichen planus scheint unwirksam zu sein. Bei symptomatischen Stenosen kann eine Dilatation indiziert sein. Der ELP reiht sich in die Gruppe der „neuen“ immunologisch vermittelten Erkrankungen des Ösophagus ein.
Auswirkungen der COVID-19 Pandemie auf die medizinische Versorgung von Patienten mit angeborenen Blutungsneigungen
Authors: Olivieri Martin , Halimeh Susan , Wermes Cornelia , Hassenpflug Wolf , Holstein Katharina , von Mackensen Sylvia
Published: April 2021

Fragestellung Chronische Erkrankungen, wie z. B. angeborene Blutungsneigungen (IBD: Inherited Bleeding Disorders), gehen häufig mit einem erhöhten Versorgungsaufwand einher. Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der COVID-19 Pandemie, inklusive Isolation und Triageierung, haben zu Einschränkungen in der Krankenversorgung von chronisch kranken Patienten geführt. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, die Auswirkungen der COVID-19 Pandemie auf die Krankenversorgung von IBD-Patienten zu untersuchen.

Methodik In dieser multizentrischen Querschnittsstudie zur Bewertung der Auswirkungen von COVID-19 auf die psychische Gesundheit und Versorgungsqualität von Patienten mit angeborener Blutungsneigung wurde ein ad-hoc Fragebogen an 586 Patienten/Eltern von Kindern mit Hämophilie A, B oder von Willebrand Syndrom Typ 3 verschickt. Neben demografischen und klinischen Daten wurden IBD Patienten zu ihren Gedanken, Sorgen und Erfahrungen in Bezug auf ihre medizinische Versorgung während der COVID-19 Pandemie befragt. Unterschiede zwischen klinischen Subgruppen wurden berechnet.

Ergebnisse Signifikante Unterschiede zeigten sich zwischen Subgruppen (Schweregrad, Art der Therapie, Produktklasse, Komorbiditäten) bezüglich Übertragung von COVID-19 durch Plasmaprodukte, Auswirkungen COVID-19 positiver Testergebnisse, Angst COVID-19 zu bekommen, verzögerter Medikamentenversorgung und Physiotherapiebehandlung.

Diskussion Die medizinische Versorgung von IBD-Patienten, die eine kontinuierliche Versorgung mit lebensnotwendigen Medikamenten benötigen, stellt in Pandemiezeiten eine besondere Herausforderung dar. Daher sollten Sorgen und Ängste von IBD-Patienten ernst genommen und innovative Kommunikationswege zur Aufrechterhaltung von Therapiestandards und Versorgungsqualität etabliert werden.
Proline-Histidine Dipeptide: A Suitable Template for Generating Ion-Tagged Organocatalysts for the Asymmetric Aldol Reaction
Authors: Inani Heena , Singh Avtar , Zlotin Sergei G. , Easwar Srinivasan , Bhati Meeta , Kumari Kiran , Kucherenko Alexander S.
Published: April 2021

Proline-histidine dipeptide laid the foundation for the construction of three new ion-tagged organocatalysts, utilising the imidazole moiety of histidine for generating the quaternary species. A brief comparative investigation of the catalysts in the enamine-mediated direct asymmetric aldol reaction brought out their contrasting features, particularly under aqueous conditions. The best among them was also utilised in preparing some derivatives and effecting a desymmetrisation.
Papillary Muscle Heads Focalization for Functional Mitral Regurgitation with Severe Tethering
Authors: Hata Masatoshi , Bleiziffer Sabine , Schramm René , Gummert Jan F.
Published: April 2021

We performed “Papillary muscle heads focalization” for three patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation with severe leaflet tethering (coaptation distance ≥1 cm and/or posterior leaflet angle ≥45 degrees). All separated papillary muscle heads were sutured together and both the anterolateral and posteromedial papillary muscles were reconstructed as single head papillary muscles. The stitches are positioned to adjust the levels of mitral leaflet tips, concerning the length of the marginal chordae connected to each head. A downsized annuloplasty is performed concomitantly. At discharge, no patient showed moderate/severe mitral regurgitation. Their coaptation lengths were 7.1, 8.5, and 8.3 mm.
Facial Transplantation
Authors: Horen Sydney R. , Lopez Joseph , Dorafshar Amir H.
Published: April 2021

Facial transplantation represents a unique surgical solution for challenging facial injury patterns in which conservative reconstructive techniques fail to provide a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result. With advances in the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation over the past 15 years, more than 40 of these procedures have been performed worldwide with two recent reports of facial re-transplantation. In this article we discuss the multidisciplinary approach that is required for successful transplantation as well as the surgical techniques used and postoperative management. With ongoing research, recent technological innovation, and increased efforts to promote greater generalizability and transparency in this field, patients with these complex injuries will continue to see improvements in their treatment options, and thus quality of life.
Combined Transcavernous and Kawase's Approach for Gross Total Resection of a Cavernous Sinus Meningioma
Authors: Elshamy Walid , Ozaydin Burak , Pyle G. Mark , Baskaya Mustafa K.
Published: April 2021

Microsurgery of cavernous sinus (CS) lesions is generally considered to be associated with a high rate of morbidity and cranial nerve deficits. The success for surgical removal of CS meningiomas is debatable and achieving a good functional outcome with preservation of the cranial nerves is the goal. Surgery of these lesions is challenging, recurrence rates are high, and therapeutic strategies remain controversial. In this video, we present a case of a CS meningioma that extended to Meckel's cave and the posterior fossa in a 46-year-old woman with history of a left-sided cerebellopontine angle World Health Organization (WHO) grade-I meningioma with extension to the left CS. Seven years ago, she had a microsurgical resection of a Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma. She later received radiotherapy for the slowly growing meningioma of the posterior CS. The patient presented with newly onset headache and facial pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a meningioma of the left CS and Meckel's cave extending into the ambient cistern, with a mild mass effect on the pons, and a size increase compared with prior imaging. Since this area previously received radiotherapy, and the patient was symptomatic from trigeminal compression, the decision was made to proceed with surgical resection of the tumor via combined transcavernous and anterior petrosectomy. Postoperatively, the patient woke up with the same neurological status. MRI confirmed gross total resection of the tumor. The histopathology was a WHO grade-II chordoid meningioma. The patient is currently receiving radiotherapy. This video demonstrates the surgical approach and the resection steps of this pathology.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/HrU1VOzUGWU.
COVID-19: Psychological Impact on Lockdown Population
Authors: Rajachandrasekar Bhuvaneswari , Muraleedharan K. C. , Raj Neethu , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , MS Aneena
Published: April 2021

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to surge throughout the entire world. Most of the impacted countries implemented preventive measures and lockdown to control the spread of the disease. This restriction developed psychological resilience in a wide range of the population. The objective of this study is to explore the impact on the mental health of the individuals caused by the unforeseen lockdown.

Methods A cross-sectional online survey form had been designed leveraging the Google form. In the introduction section, the purpose of study and the details of the investigators were elaborately explained. The survey response was voluntary and ensured the confidentiality of the responder. The online survey consent procedures were well documented and shared with the participants. The Google forms were circulated through various social media platforms for data capturing, and the data were analysed using statistical software SPSS 23.0. A chi-squared test was performed to determine the association between demographic data and emotional data during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Result A total of 2,150 responses were received out of which two of them were discarded due to insufficient data so total 2,148 responses were taken for analysis. The prevalence rate of emotional disturbance is 56.8% and 43.2% in females and males respectively (p-value = 0.001). The participant age ranges between 18 and 98 years, the mean age of participants is 33.25 years and the standard deviation is 12.24. The emotional disturbance response data are significantly associated with marital status (p-value = 0.021), socioeconomic status (p-value < 0.001), occupation (p-value = 0.019), loved one who were affected with COVID-19 (p-value = 0.034), preventive medicines taken (p-value = 0.017), sleep disturbance (p-value < 0.001), need of psychological support (p-value = 0.001), difficulty in monthly bill settlement (p-value < 0.0001), anxiouness and worry all the time during COVID-19 (p-value < 0.0001).

Conclusion The survey data discovered the significant association between lockdown during COVID-19 and the emotional disturbance of the general population. These findings required additional research to identify mental health further.