bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ МОРФОЛОГІЧНОГО АНАЛІЗУ АРТЕРІАЛЬНИХ ОСЦИЛОГРАМ ДЛЯ ОЦІНКИ ДИНАМІКИ ГЕМОДИНАМІЧНИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВ У ПРОБІ МАРТІНЕ-КУШЕЛЕВСЬКОГО
Authors: Vakulenko Dmitro
Published: September 2021

Вступ. Проба Мартіне-Кушелевського (20 присідань за 30 с) -   простий, високо інформативний метод вивчення стану серцево-судинної системи (ССС), успішно використовується  протягом багатьох десятиліть. Застосування електронних тонометрів дає можливість удосконалити метод, фіксувати частоту серцевих скорочень,  артеріальний      тиск  (АТ), артеріальні пульсації впродовж усього дослідження,   більш детально оцінити   особливості діяльності ССС.
Мета. Вивчити функціональну здатність ССС  адаптуватися до  компресії судин плеча при вимірюванні АТ у стані спокою, після проби Мартіне-Кушелевського  за допомогою (запропонованого авторами роботи) морфологічного аналізу артеріальних осцилограм (АОГ)  та обгрунтувати його інформативність.
 Матеріали та методи. Обстежено  89  осіб  віком 18-55 років, без скарг на стан здоров’я.  Вивчено показники як самої проби, так і    АОГ, зареєстрованих  до, після навантаження, через 3 хв відпочинку.  Оцінку морфологічних даних АОГ проводили  (відповідно до запропонованих авторами критеріїв) за п’ятибальною системою. Результати порівняно між собою.
Результати дослідження та їх аналіз. У стані спокою  найчастіше реєструвались найкращі,  1-й (28%) та  2-й (53%)  типи АОГ. Після навантаження  –   3-й тип (54%), який зріс на 37%  за рахунок зменшення відсотку АОГ   1-го та  2-го типів.  Після 3 хв відпочинку  (навіть при нормотонічному типі реакції)  АОГ мали динаміку як в бік «покращення», так і «погіршення».  Нерідко у випадках, коли  цифрові  показниками проби незначно відрізнялись між собою ,   реєструвались найрізноманітніші типи АОГ.  Найчастіше – при  неадекватній реакції АТ. Відмічене  пов’язане з різними рівнями  адаптаційної здатності нервово-рефлекторних механізмів кровообігу до компресії та навантаження,  в’язко-пружних властивостей судинної стінки, що підтверджується морфологічним аналізом АОГ.
Висновки. Застосування морфологічного аналізу АОГ при проведенні  проби Мартіне-Кушелевського дає можливість більш детально оцінити стан гемодинамічних процесів обстежених, їх рівень здоров’я та адаптаційні можливості, завчасно діагностувати  початкові відхилення від меж норми.
МІКРОСКОПІЧНІ ЗМІНИ ЕКЗОКРИННОЇ ЧАСТИНИ ПІДШЛУНКОВОЇ ЗАЛОЗИ В ПІЗНІ ТЕРМІНИ ПІСЛЯ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЇ ТЕРМІЧНОЇ ТРАВМИ ШКІРИ
Authors: Зикова Н. П. , Небесна З. М. , Гетманюк І. Б.
Published: September 2021

Резюме. Проблема опіків в Україні, особливо в теперішній час, набула актуального значення. Тому дослідження мікроскопічних змін підшлункової залози дають можливість встановити вплив термічних опіків на організм людини.

Мета дослідження – встановити особливості структурної перебудови компонентів екзокринної частини підшлункової залози в пізні терміни після експериментальної термічної травми шкіри.

Матеріали і методи. Досліди проведено на 20 статевозрілих білих щурах. Опік ІІІ ступеня (20 % поверхні тіла) наносили мідними пластинами, нагрітими у воді при температурі 97–100 °С на епільовану поверхню шкіри спини тварин після знеболювання тіопентал-натрієвим наркозом. Декапітацію щурів проводили на 14 та 21 доби експерименту. Для гістологічних досліджень забирали шматочки підшлункової залози, які обробляли за загальноприйнятою методикою.

Результати. Проведені дослідження встановили, що на 14–21 доби спостерігались ділянки атрофії екзокринної частини паренхіми органа. Візуально зменшилась площа ацинусів і панкреатоцитів. Серед нечисельних малозмінених кінцевих секреторних відділів спостерігалися групи клітин з характерними ознаками деструкції панкреатоцитів: втрата апікальної еозинофілії та базальної базофілії цитоплазми, пікноз ядер та їх ексцентричне розташування. Виявлялися ознаки каріорексису окремих ядер. Плазмолеми екзокринних клітин були нечіткими, в їх цитоплазмі помітно зменшувався вміст зимогенних гранул. Судини були значно розширені й кровонаповнені, подекуди зустрічалися стази та крововиливи.

Висновки. У пізні терміни експерименту після термічної травми виявлені значні зміни структурної організації екзокринної частини залози. Відбувалися незворотні деструктивні зміни екзокриноцитів, що знижувало функціональну активність залози.
УЛЬТРАСТРУКТУРНІ ЗМІНИ ПЕЧІНКИ ПРИ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНІЙ ГІПЕРГОМОЦИСТЕЇНЕМІЇ НА ТЛІ ГІПО- ТА ГІПЕРТИРЕОЗУ
Authors: Нечипорук В. М. , Небесна З. М. , Ковальчук О. В. , Пентюк Л. О. , Корда М. М.
Published: September 2021

Резюме. Гормони щитоподібної залози відіграють вирішальну роль у підтриманні метаболічного гомео­стазу протягом усього життя. Загальновідомо, що печінка та щитоподібна залоза тісно пов’язані між собою, при цьому тиреоїдні гормони відіграють важливу роль у ліпогенезі de novo, бета-окисненні жирних кислот, обміні холестеролу та вуглеводному обміні. Високий рівень циркулюючого гомоцистеїну (ГЦ) (гіпергомоцистеїнемія (ГГЦ)) є незалежним фактором розвитку атеросклерозу, індукує завершення клітинного циклу, пришвидшує процеси старіння, викликає апоптоз в ендотеліальних клітинах та нейронах.

Мета дослідження – встановити реорганізацію структурних компонентів печінки за умов змодельованої гіпергомоцистеїнемії, гіпер- та гіпотиреозу та при їх поєднаному впливові.

Матеріали і методи. Тіолактонову ГГЦ моделювали введенням тваринам екзогенного ГЦ у вигляді тіо­лактону в дозі 100 мг/кг маси тіла один раз на добу протягом 28 діб. Гіпертиреоз моделювали шляхом щоденного введення L-тироксину в дозі 200 мкг/кг протягом 21-ї доби, гіпотиреоз – шляхом щоденного введення мерказолілу в дозі 10 мг/кг упродовж 21-ї доби. Окремій групі тварин вводили L-тироксин і мерказоліл паралельно з ГЦ.

Результати. Встановлено, що за умов змодельованої ГГЦ, гіпо- та гіпертиреозу в печінці дослідних тварин спостерігаються розлади мікроциркуляції, що на субмікроскопічному рівні проявляється сладжами та стазами формених ементів крові у розширених просвітах синусоїдів, ушкодження ультраструктури ендотеліальних клітин, розширені окремі канальці ендоплазматичної сітки, вакуолі й канальці комплексу Гольджі, поодинокі мітохондрії із гомогенним, світлим матриксом і лізованими кристами, розширені простори Діссе, в яких наявні клітини Купфера, просвітлена, набрякла та деструктивно змінена цитоплазма ендотеліоцитів синусоїдів, в просвітах яких наявні формені елементи крові, вакуолеподібні структури.

Висновки. Результати дослідження показали, що і ГГЦ, і гіпо- чи гіпертиреоз окремо та особливо їх поєднання зумовлюють розвиток деструктивних та некротичних змін у печінці. Розвиваються незворотні ушкодження компонентів ядер та органел гепатоцитів, що призводить до порушення синтетичних, енергетичних та детоксикаційних процесів у печінці.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ЗМІН РЕПАРАТИВНОЇ ЗДАТНОСТІ ШКІРИ ПІСЛЯОПЕРАЦІЙНИХ РАН ЩУРІВ ІЗ СТРЕПТОЗОТОЦИНОВИМ ЦУКРОВИМ ДІАБЕТОМ
Authors: Лоза Є. О. , Гомелюк Т. М. , Криницька І. Я. , Марущак М. І.
Published: September 2021

Резюме. Цукровий діабет (ЦД) у всьому світі визнаний одним із найбільш важливих неінфекційних захворювань. ЦД та його ускладнення є одними з найважливіших причин смертності, при цьому одним з важливих наслідків ЦД є порушення здатності до репарації.

Мета дослідження – виявити зміни репаративної здатності шкіри при різних способах закриття післяопераційних ран щурів за умов стрептозотоцинового цукрового діабету.

Матеріали і методи. Експериментальні дослідження проведено на 130 білих безпородних статевозрілих щурах-самцях, яких поділили на 4 групи: перша (30 тварин) – здорові, яким накладено вузлові шви на операційну рану; друга група (30 щурів) – здорові, яким для фіксації країв рани застосували шкірний клей; третя (30 тварин) – з цукровим діабетом, яким накладено вузлові шви на операційну рану; четверта група (30 щурів) – з цукровим діабетом, яким для фіксації країв рани застосували шкірний клей. Для контролю всі отримані результати порівнювали із показниками інтактних тварин (10 щурів).

Результати. Результати наших досліджень показують, що рановий процес призводить до зниження репаративної здатності шкіри на ранньому терміні спостереження. У віддаленому терміні спостереження у здорових групах щурів відбувається відновлення репаративної здатності дерми на відміну від груп щурів із стрептозотоциновим цукровим діабетом.

Висновки. Отримані результати свідчать про зниження репаративної здатності шкіри, зумовленої рановим процесом у щурів з експериментальним цукровим діабетом стосовно здорових щурів при застосуванні шкірного клею. При цьому застосування його є ефективнішим для формування нормотрофічного рубця за умов цукрового діабету, порівняно із накладанням вузлових швів для фіксації країв ран.
INCIDENCE OF COVID-19 AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF TERNOPIL NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY: A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY
Authors: Pereviznyk B. O. , Dzhavadova N. A. , Pokryshko O. V.
Published: September 2021

Summary. SARS-CoV-2 became a global pandemic challenge for billions of people by reaching people of diffe­rent nationalities and age groups. Ukraine lists 80470 foreign students who are enrolled into university studies. Ternopil National Medical University (TNMU) includes 2414 foreign students who are enrolled in university studies with the biggest majority of Indian students.

The aim of the study – to assess the incidence of COVID-19 in students and identify the possible predisposing factors for disease appearance among the foreign students of TNMU.

Materials and Methods. The study included 641 medical students of TNMU from different countries. The questionnaire included 8 questions to evaluate the presence of risk factors among TNMU foreign students and identify the percentage of students who were already exposed to COVID-19.

Results. The amount of students that proved PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection since the start of the pandemic equaled 7.17% (n=46). An evident contact with COVID-19 case prior to the personal disease appearance was proved by only 11.85 % of students (n=76). PCR-confirmed ca­ses in families of TNMU foreign medical students equaled 14.35% (n=92). 

Conclusions. General incidence of COVID-19 among foreign students of TNMU is low. It is influenced by multiple factors including healthy lifestyle, small amount of smokers, and absence of chronic respiratory problems, current lockdown measures, good physical and mental health status.
Interleukin-1RA Mitigates SARS-CoV-2–Induced Inflammatory Lung Vascular Leakage and Mortality in Humanized K18-hACE-2 Mice
Authors: Xiong Shiqin , Zhang Lianghui , Qadir Abdul S. , Richner Justin M. , Class Jake , Rehman Jalees , Malik Asrar B.
Published: September 2021

Objective:

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, often as a result of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Respiratory failure is characterized by a hyperinflammatory immune response, lung vascular injury, and edema formation. The potential for immunomodulatory therapy to prevent lung vascular injury and edema formation is not well understood.

Approach and Results:

We show that SARS-CoV-2 infection in humanized K18-hACE-2 mice activated inflammatory NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3)–caspase-1 pyroptotic signaling in lungs, release of IL (interleukin)-1β, and downregulation of the lung endothelial adherens junction protein VE (vascular endothelial)-cadherin. Primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and displayed pyroptosis-like injury. We observed profound lung vascular injury post–SARS-CoV-2 infection and resultant protein-rich lung edema formation. Selective blockade of IL-1 receptor signaling by IL-1RA (IL-1 receptor antagonist) anakinra prevented downregulation of VE-cadherin, as well as accompanying lung vascular hyperpermeability. IL-1RA also significantly increased survival.

Conclusions:

These results provide insights into the central role of NLRP3–caspase-1 pyroptotic innate immune signaling and loss of lung endothelial adherens junctions in the mechanism of acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by SARS-CoV-2. Our data show that treatment with IL-1RA during activation of inflammasome provides the ideal scenario for preventing lung vascular injury and respiratory failure in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Graphic Abstract:

A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Deep Learning–Based Automated Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Scoring: A Timely Proof-of-Principle Study
Authors: Nielsen Maximilian , Waldmann Moritz , Frölich Andreas M. , Flottmann Fabian , Hristova Evelin , Bendszus Martin , Seker Fatih , Fiehler Jens , Sentker Thilo , Werner Rene
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose:

Mechanical thrombectomy is an established procedure for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Mechanical thrombectomy success is commonly assessed by the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score, assigned by visual inspection of X-ray digital subtraction angiography data. However, expert-based TICI scoring is highly observer-dependent. This represents a major obstacle for mechanical thrombectomy outcome comparison in, for instance, multicentric clinical studies. Focusing on occlusions of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery, the present study aimed to develop a deep learning (DL) solution to automated and, therefore, objective TICI scoring, to evaluate the agreement of DL- and expert-based scoring, and to compare corresponding numbers to published scoring variability of clinical experts.

Methods:

The study comprises 2 independent datasets. For DL system training and initial evaluation, an in-house dataset of 491 digital subtraction angiography series and modified TICI scores of 236 patients with M1 occlusions was collected. To test the model generalization capability, an independent external dataset with 95 digital subtraction angiography series was analyzed. Characteristics of the DL system were modeling TICI scoring as ordinal regression, explicit consideration of the temporal image information, integration of physiological knowledge, and modeling of inherent TICI scoring uncertainties.

Results:

For the in-house dataset, the DL system yields Cohen’s kappa, overall accuracy, and specific agreement values of 0.61, 71%, and 63% to 84%, respectively, compared with the gold standard: the expert rating. Values slightly drop to 0.52/64%/43% to 87% when the model is, without changes, applied to the external dataset. After model updating, they increase to 0.65/74%/60% to 90%. Literature Cohen’s kappa values for expert-based TICI scoring agreement are in the order of 0.6.

Conclusions:

The agreement of DL- and expert-based modified TICI scores in the range of published interobserver variability of clinical experts highlights the potential of the proposed DL solution to automated TICI scoring.
Treatment-Relevant Findings in Transesophageal Echocardiography After Stroke: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Thomalla Götz , Upneja Mira , Camen Stephan , Jensen Märit , Schröder Julian , Barow Ewgenia , Boskamp Stefan , Ostermeier Birgit , Kissling Sandra , Leinisch Elke , Tiburtius Claudia , Clausen Henning , Cheng Bastian , Blankenberg Stefan , Nedelmann Max , Steinbrecher Andreas , Andres Frank , Rosenkranz Michael , Sinning Christoph , Schnabel Renate B. , Gerloff Christian
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose:

Cardiac ultrasound to identify sources of cardioembolism is part of the diagnostic workup of acute ischemic stroke. Recommendations on whether transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) should be performed in addition to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are controversial. We aimed to determine the incremental diagnostic yield of TEE in addition to TTE in patients with acute ischemic stroke with undetermined cause.

Methods:

In a prospective, observational, pragmatic multicenter cohort study, patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with undetermined cause before cardiac ultrasound were studied by TTE and TEE. The primary outcome was the rate of treatment-relevant findings in TTE and TEE as defined by a panel of experts based on current evidence. Further outcomes included the rate of changes in the assessment of stroke cause after TEE.

Results:

Between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019, we enrolled 494 patients, of whom 492 (99.6%) received TTE and 454 (91.9%) received TEE. Mean age was 64.7 years, and 204 (41.3%) were women. TEE showed a higher rate of treatment-relevant findings than TTE (86 [18.9%] versus 64 [14.1%],
P
<0.001). TEE in addition to TTE resulted in 29 (6.4%) additional patients with treatment-relevant findings. Among 191 patients ≤60 years additional treatment-relevant findings by TEE were observed in 27 (14.1%) patients. Classification of stroke cause changed after TEE in 52 of 453 patients (11.5%), resulting in a significant difference in the distribution of stroke cause before and after TEE (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In patients with undetermined cause of stroke, TEE yielded a higher number of treatment-relevant findings than TTE. TEE appears especially useful in younger patients with stroke, with treatment-relevant findings in one out of seven patients ≤60 years.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03411642.
The Efficiency of University Technology Transfer in China
Authors: Li Dongfu (Franco) , Fu Xiaoqing (Maggie)
Published: September 2021

There has been no significant improvement in China's comprehensive innovation capability over the past decade despite the country's tremendously large investment in research and development. This study uses a three-stage procedure (i.e., research innovation, experimental development, and value creation) to understand this disappointing outcome by estimating the efficiency of the technology transfer operating through major Chinese universities. We find a substantial decrease in the average level of efficiency across the three stages, with the value creation stage identified as the weakest link. An analysis of the determinants suggests that universities with better faculty quality, experienced technology transfer offices, more affiliated investment funds, and a comprehensive rather than specialized focus perform better in all three stages.
Multiple records and polymorphism of Parastichopus regalis (Cuvier, 1817) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Stichopodidae) along the Algerian coast
Authors: KHODJA IHCENE , MEZALI KARIM , THANDAR AHMED S.
Published: September 2021

The family Stichopodidae is represented in the Mediterranean Sea by the genus Parastichopus which includes two non-endemic species; Parastichopus tremulus (Gunnerus, 1767) and Parastichopus regalis (Cuvier, 1817). On the Algerian coast (southwestern Mediterranean Sea), two morphotypes of P. regalis were observed, one with dark spots on the dorsal surface and the other non-spotted. In total, 65 individuals of P. regalis were recorded from 22 stations along the Algerian coast during an oceanographic campaign. Twelve individuals (6 of each morphotype) were used for a comparative study of the morphological (including endoskeletal) characteristics. Table ossicles, the only ossicles of the body wall of the two morphotypes of P. regalis, are here compared with regard to the disk diameter of the tables and the total area of the surface of the disc. Statistical analysis did not show any significant differences between the spotted and the non-spotted morphotypes.
A Constraint Method for Supersaturation in a Variational Data Assimilation System
Authors: Sawada Ken , Honda Yuki
Published: September 2021

The reproducibility of precipitation in the early stages of forecasts, often called a spindown or spinup problem, has been a significant issue in numerical weather prediction. This problem is caused by moisture imbalance in the analysis data, and in the case of the Japan Meteorological Agency’s (JMA’s) mesoscale data assimilation system, JNoVA, we found that the imbalance stems from the existence of unrealistic supersaturated states in the minimal solution of the cost function in JNoVA. Based on the theory of constrained optimization problems, we implemented an exterior penalty function method for the mixing ratio within JNoVA to suppress unrealistic supersaturated states. The advantage of this method is the simplicity of its theory and implementation. The results of twin data assimilation cycle experiments conducted for the heavy rain event of July 2018 over Japan show that—with the new method—unrealistic supersaturated states are reduced successfully, negative temperature bias to the observations is alleviated, and a sharper distribution of the mixing ratio is obtained. These changes help to initiate the development of convection at the proper location and improve the fractions skill score (FSS) of precipitation in the early stages of the forecast. From these results, we conclude that the initial shock caused by moisture imbalance is mitigated by implementing the penalty function method, and the new moisture balance has a positive impact on the reproducibility of precipitation in the early stages of forecasts.
Spectral Emission Signatures from Cased High‐Explosive Charges
Authors: Butler Austin , Amondson David , Krier Herman , Glumac Nick
Published: September 2021

Spectroscopic signatures of cased high-explosive charge denotations are examined using emission spectroscopy with sub nanometer resolution. Eleven distinct case materials are investigated for atomic features of their major alloying elements. Molecular features of case material combustion products are also investigated for five case materials. Emission is monitored within the 275–425 nm range for atomic features and in the 310–755 nm range for molecular features. Major alloying elements with concentrations greater than 5% are generally detected through atomic emission. Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Ni are all detected in concentrations less than 5%. Undetected elements include Zn, Nb, Ta, and V. Molecular emission from aluminum monoxide, titanium monoxide, and CN is measured for aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and carbon fiber cases, respectively.
Students’ experiences of blended laboratory animal science courses
Authors: Haser Çiğdem , Hakyemez-Paul Sevcan , Kujala Ella , Chrusciel Paulina , Laine Varpu , Yatkin Emrah
Published: September 2021

Students and course providers have found online options for laboratory animal science (LAS) courses helpful because the content is accessible with flexible timing options. This study aimed to explore whether a blended LAS course with video lectures would be preferred and perceived effective, accounting for students’ educational levels as well as prior experiences and future expectations in the use of animals. Data were collected by a feedback survey including three 5-Likert type scales and open-ended questions created by the authors. Of the 134 course students from various programmes, 101 consented to the use of their responses in this study. The analyses indicated that the respondents were generally satisfied with the blended course, especially the hands-on components, even though some found video lectures challenging due to their own ineffective time and study management skills. Plans to use animals in the future increased satisfaction with the course significantly, while the education level or previous experience with animals did not affect the outcome. Background variables did not affect views about video lectures significantly. Conclusively, the blended structure seemed to provide sustainable LAS course experiences for normal and unpredictable times.
In Defence of New Testament Satanologies: A Response to Farrar and Williams
Authors: de Bruin Tom
Published: September 2021

Satan is a key figure in many New Testament books. The authors of these books build on hugely diverse Second Temple traditions and themes. A recurring trend in New Testament Satanology is to assume or argue for a monolithic image of Satan throughout the New Testament. This trend is seen, most recently, in Farrar and Williams’s (2016) argument for a distinct, coherent Satanology, published in this journal. Such a uniform New Testament Satanology is untenable: there is only evidence of New Testament Satanologies. Within the 27 books of the New Testament, and indeed within works of a single author, various – sometimes almost contradictory – Satanologies are evident. As such, the New Testament authors continue the Second Temple trend of diverse Satan traditions, and any examination of Satan should keep this front and centre.
Looking for Ariadne’s thread: A systematic review on party-group relations in the last 20 years
Authors: Lisi Marco , Oliveira Rui , Loureiro João
Published: September 2021

All too often, research on the relationship between political parties and interest groups has followed different paths. In a research field dominated by multiple and disconnected approaches, an overview of where we stand and what we know is pertinent. This study reviews and assesses the empirical evidence brought forward through a systematic analysis of 182 studies on the topic. We address three key questions. What are the analytical and theoretical perspectives employed in this scholarship? What is the focus of the research? What are the research strategies used to assess party-group relations? We answer these questions by analyzing an original, built-for-purpose dataset providing information on the analytical frameworks, research designs, and focus employed in recent studies. The analysis shows that this field of research has grown significantly over the last decade and that multiple research strategies have been employed, with a predominance of qualitative and case study approaches. The findings also suggest that different conceptualizations of party-group relations have been adopted, while the American literature tends to adopt a distinct theoretical perspective from European studies. Finally, the analytical focus has privileged economic organizations, but it has moved progressively away from the study of organizational linkages.
Single-cell RNA-seq reveals the transcriptional landscape in ischemic stroke
Authors: Zheng Kai , Lin Lingmin , Jiang Wei , Chen Lin , Zhang Xiyue , Zhang Qian , Ren Yi , Hao Junwei
Published: September 2021

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a detrimental neurological disease with limited treatments options. It has been challenging to define the roles of brain cell subsets in IS onset and progression due to cellular heterogeneity in the CNS. Here, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to comprehensively map the cell populations in the mouse model of MCAO (middle cerebral artery occlusion). We identified 17 principal brain clusters with cell-type specific gene expression patterns as well as specific cell subpopulations and their functions in various pathways. The CNS inflammation triggered upregulation of key cell type-specific genes unpublished before. Notably, microglia displayed a cell differentiation diversity after stroke among its five distinct subtypes. Importantly, we found the potential trajectory branches of the monocytes/macrophage’s subsets. Finally, we also identified distinct subclusters among brain vasculature cells, ependymal cells and other glia cells. Overall, scRNA-seq revealed the precise transcriptional changes during neuroinflammation at the single-cell level, opening up a new field for exploration of the disease mechanisms and drug discovery in stroke based on the cell-subtype specific molecules.
Comparative vulnerability of PET radioligands to partial inhibition of P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain barrier: A criterion of choice?
Authors: Breuil Louise , Marie Solène , Goutal Sébastien , Auvity Sylvain , Truillet Charles , Saba Wadad , Langer Oliver , Caillé Fabien , Tournier Nicolas
Published: September 2021

Only partial deficiency/inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) function at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is likely to occur in pathophysiological situations or drug-drug interactions. This raises questions regarding the sensitivity of available PET imaging probes to detect moderate changes in P-gp function at the living BBB. In vitro, the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the potent P-gp inhibitor tariquidar in P-gp-overexpressing cells was significantly different using either [11C]verapamil (44 nM), [11C] N-desmethyl-loperamide (19 nM) or [11C]metoclopramide (4 nM) as substrate probes. In vivo PET imaging in rats showed that the half-maximum inhibition of P-gp-mediated efflux of [11C]metoclopramide, achieved using 1 mg/kg tariquidar ( in vivo IC50 = 82 nM in plasma), increased brain exposure by 2.1-fold for [11C]metoclopramide (p < 0.05, n = 4) and 2.4-fold for [11C]verapamil (p < 0.05, n = 4), whereby cerebral uptake of the “avid” substrate [11C] N-desmethyl-loperamide was unaffected (p > 0.05, n = 4). This comparative study points to differences in the “vulnerability” to P-gp inhibition among radiolabeled substrates, which were apparently unrelated to their “avidity” (maximal response to P-gp inhibition). Herein, we advocate that partial inhibition of transporter function, in addition to complete inhibition, should be a primary criterion of evaluation regarding the sensitivity of radiolabeled substrates to detect moderate but physiologically-relevant changes in transporter function in vivo.
Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture 2020: Re-engineering truth and certainty in occupational therapy
Authors: Preston Jenny
Published: September 2021

The Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture is awarded on an annual basis to a member of high standing within the occupational therapy profession. The 2020 lecture was delivered by Dr Jenny Preston MBE who contested the underlying assumptions of truth and certainty by considering how we generate, create and understand knowledge within the occupational therapy profession. Through the principles of process re-engineering, Dr Preston sought to define, analyse and identify how we interpret and apply that knowledge within our broad understanding of truth to capture the impact of occupational therapy. Finally, Dr Preston attempted to design and develop a future state in which evidence and practice are entwined to create the best possible outcomes.
Regional Bicycle Network Evaluation and Strategic Planning: A Quantitative Methodological Approach Despite Limited Data Sources for Cycling
Authors: van Dulmen Alex , Fellendorf Martin
Published: September 2021

In cases where budgets and space are limited, the realization of new bicycle infrastructure is often hard, as an evaluation of the existing network or the benefits of new investments is rarely possible. Travel demand models can offer a tool to support decision makers, but because of limited data availability for cycling, the validity of the demand estimation and trip assignment are often questionable. This paper presents a quantitative method to evaluate a bicycle network and plan strategic improvements, despite limited data sources for cycling. The proposed method is based on a multimodal aggregate travel demand model. Instead of evaluating the effects of network improvements on the modal split as well as link and flow volumes, this method works the other way around. A desired modal share for cycling is set, and the resulting link and flow volumes are the basis for a hypothetical bicycle network that is able to satisfy this demand. The current bicycle network is compared with the hypothetical network, resulting in preferable actions and a ranking based on the importance and potentials to improve the modal share for cycling. Necessary accompanying measures for other transport modes can also be derived using this method. For example, our test case, a city in Austria with 300,000 inhabitants, showed that a shift of short trips in the inner city toward cycling would, without countermeasures, provide capacity for new longer car trips. The proposed method can be applied to existing travel models that already contain a mode choice model.
Car-Following Model Calibration Based on Driving Simulator Data to Study Driver Characteristics and to Investigate Model Validity in Extreme Traffic Situations
Authors: Berghaus Moritz , Kallo Eszter , Oeser Markus
Published: September 2021

In this paper we use traffic data from a driving simulator study to calibrate four different car-following models. We also present two applications for which the calibration results can be used. The first application relied on the advantage that driving simulator data also contain information on driver characteristics, for example, age, gender, or the self-assessment of driver behavior. By calibrating the models for each driver individually, the resulting model parameters could be used to analyze the influence of driver characteristics on driver behavior. The analysis revealed that certain characteristics, for example, self-identification as an aggressive driver, were reflected in the model parameters. The second application was based on the capability to simulate dangerous situations that require extreme driving behavior, which is often not included in datasets from real traffic and cannot be provoked in field studies. The model validity in these situations was analyzed by comparing the prediction errors of normal and extreme driving behavior. The results showed that all four car-following models underestimated the deceleration in an emergency braking scenario in which the drivers were momentarily shocked. The driving simulator study was validated by comparing the calibration results with those obtained from real trajectory data. We concluded that driving simulator data were suitable for the two proposed applications, although the validity of driving simulator studies must always be regarded.
Data-Driven Method for the Prediction of Estimated Time of Arrival
Authors: Gui Xuhao , Zhang Junfeng , Peng Zihan , Yang Chunwei
Published: September 2021

Predicting the estimated time of arrival (ETA) plays an essential role in decision support (conflict detection, arrival sequencing, or trajectory optimization) for air traffic controllers. In this paper, a new multiple stages strategy for ETA prediction is proposed based on radar trajectories, including arrival pattern identification, arrival pattern classification, and flight time estimation. First, an intention-oriented trajectory clustering method is developed based on a new trajectory representation technique. Such a proposed trajectory clustering method can group trajectories into different arrival patterns in an efficient way. Second, an arrival pattern classification model is constructed based on random forest and XGBoost algorithms. Then, a flight time regression model is trained for each arrival pattern by using the XGBoost algorithm. Information on current states, historical states, and traffic situations is considered to build the feature set during these processes. Finally, the arrival operation toward Guangzhou International Airport is chosen as a case study. The results illustrate that the proposed method and feature engineering approach could improve the performance of ETA prediction. The proposed multiple stages strategy is superior to the single-model-based ETA prediction.
Twelve-Year Analysis of Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting’s Official Hashtag
Authors: Das Subasish , Dutta Anandi
Published: September 2021

Twitter, among other social media platforms, has become more popular over time. Social media platforms underpin the way scholars share ideas, propagate the latest emergence of evidence, and adopt new practices, by providing a virtual platform for interacting, socializing, and sharing information from academic conferences with the outside world beyond the physical location. The Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting (TRBAM) is the largest annual conference for transportation engineering and science, and the hashtag for the conference, #TRBAM, was used first in 2009. This paper aims to perform an observational study based on the interactions on Twitter surrounding this hashtag by collecting all original #TRBAM tweets for 12 years (2009–2020). A general trend in the data is that the quantitative measures (tweets, retweets, and favorites) are all much higher during the conference month compared with other months. Top trending topics included: transit, safety, bike or non-motorized mode of transportation, data, and freight. Overall, the communication pattern shows more dispersion than the central tendency. The findings of this study highlight the need to implement and improve strategies to help transportation research communities encourage continuous and active participation during and after conferences. More active engagement among attendees will help maintain the momentum of information sharing and expand the traffic safety platform globally.
Sterile peri-graft abscess formation following aortic replacement: A word of caution for usage of BioGlue®
Authors: Yilmaz Nurcan , Sologashvili Tornike , Huber Christoph , Cikirikcioglu Mustafa
Published: September 2021

We report sterile peri-graft abscess formation following an ascending aortic and hemiarch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection, possibly caused as a reaction to BioGlue®. The patient was successfully treated by drainage, cleaning, removal of BioGlue® remnants, three sessions of negative-pressure wound dressing, and secondary chest closure.
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer: What’s the best in 2021
Authors: Cellini Francesco , Tagliaferri Luca , Frascino Vincenzo , Alitto Anna Rita , Fionda Bruno , Boldrini Luca , Romano Angela , Casà Calogero , Catucci Francesco , Mattiucci Gian Carlo , Valentini Vincenzo
Published: September 2021

Radiotherapy is highly involved in the management of prostate cancer. Its features and potential applications experienced a radical evolution over last decades, as they are associated to the continuous evolution of available technology and current oncological innovations. Some application of radiotherapy like brachytherapy have been recently enriched by innovative features and multidisciplinary dedications. In this report we aim to put some questions regarding the following issues regarding multiple aspects of modern application of radiation oncology: the current application of radiation oncology; the modern role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for both the management of primary lesions and for lymph-nodal recurrence; the management of the oligometastatic presentations; the role of brachytherapy; the aid played by the application of the organ at risk spacer (spacer OAR), fiducial markers, electromagnetic tracking systems and on-line Magnetic Resonance guided radiotherapy (MRgRT), and the role of the new opportunity represented by radiomic analysis.
Structural Barriers to Accessing the Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) Offices at the University of California (UC) Campuses
Authors: Mitra Atreyi , Swendeman Dallas , Sumstine Stephanie , Sorin Cierra Raine , Bloom Brittnie E. , Wagman Jennifer A.
Published: September 2021

In order to continue pushing college campuses to the forefront of survivor-centered practice and student-centered care, it is imperative that the barriers students experience in accessing campus sexual violence resource centers be documented and addressed. This research evaluates student and staff perceptions of barriers to accessing the Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) offices on three University of California (UC) campuses. Data were collected by researchers from UC Speaks Up, a cross-campus research initiative at UC Los Angeles (UCLA), UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), and UC San Diego (UCSD) aimed at understanding factors that both contribute to and prevent sexual violence among college students. This analysis only included data that yielded insights into CARE’s accessibility. Thematic analysis of 63 interviews and 27 focus group discussions was conducted using Dedoose. The following six thematic codes emerged from the data: (1) awareness of office, (2) confidentiality of services, (3) physical accessibility, (4) accessibility for vulnerable and marginalized groups, (5) utilization experiences, and (6) limited institutional support. To increase the accessibility of sexual violence resource centers in higher education, this study indicates that universities and campus sexual violence resource centers should (1) encourage survivor-centered cross-campus collaborations between sexual violence resource centers and other campus entries, (2) add more trainings that are tailored to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized communities, (3) increase the resource’s campus-wide office exposure through multiple prevention education opportunities, and (4) better fund sexual violence resource centers. Implications for future research are discussed to maximize this study’s public health impact.
Reassessing the framework for the protection of civil servant whistleblowers in the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Kagiaros Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR or Court) has included civil servant whistleblowers in the protective ambit of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The article argues that the Court should revisit its approach to proportionality in such cases. When determining whether a restriction to a civil servant whistleblower's free speech was necessary in a democratic society, the Court weighs what the article identifies as the quasi-public watchdog function of whistleblowers (namely their role in imparting information on matters of public concern) against their duties and responsibilities as civil servants. In some instances, the Court gives primacy to whistleblowers’ duties of loyalty to the government over their contribution to the accountability of public bodies. The article challenges this approach on the basis that it fails to adequately consider the key justification that underpins the Court's recognition of whistleblowing as speech, namely the audience interest in receiving the information the whistleblower discloses. The article argues that the Court should give primacy to the watchdog function of whistleblowers. It concludes by making suggestions on how the ECtHR can adopt a more principled approach to proportionality in whistleblowing cases.
PEEK based cranial reconstruction using thermal assisted incremental sheet forming
Authors: Chen Lin-feng , Chen Fei , Gatea Shakir , Ou Hengan
Published: September 2021

Compared to conventional sheet forming operations, incremental sheet forming (ISF) is a flexible forming technique that can achieve higher formability in terms of localized deformation. Due to excellent mechanical properties and X-ray penetration, polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is an ideal alternative to titanium alloy and stainless steel in orthopedic applications. In this study, a 3-axis desktop manufacturing system has been fabricated to investigate the temperature-dependent formability of PEEK in terms of manufacturing the cranial plate by using the ISF technique. Meanwhile, the forming force, temperature distribution, geometrical accuracy, and thermal properties were obtained and analyzed. The findings indicate that the ISF technique provides technological and economic advantages in cranial reconstruction by using PEEK.
Cibinetide Protects Isolated Human Islets in a Stressful Environment and Improves Engraftment in the Perspective of Intra Portal Islet Transplantation
Authors: Yao Ming , Domogatskaya Anna , Ågren1 Nils , Watanabe Masaaki , Tokodai Kazuaki , Brines Michael , Cerami Anthony , Ericzon Bo-Göran , Kumagai-Braesch Makiko , Lundgren Torbjörn
Published: September 2021

During intra-portal pancreatic islet transplantation (PITx), innate immune reactions such as the instant blood mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) cause an immediate loss of islets. The non-hematopoietic erythropoietin analogue cibinetide has previously shown islet-protective effects in mouse PITx. Herein, we aimed to confirm cibinetide’s efficacy on human islets, and to characterize its effect on IBMIR. We cultured human islets with pro-inflammatory cytokines for 18 hours with or without cibinetide. ATP content and caspase 3/7 activity were measured. Dynamic glucose perfusion assay was used to evaluate islet function. To evaluate cibinetides effect on IBMIR, human islets were incubated in heparinized polyvinyl chloride tubing system with ABO compatible blood and rotated for 60 minutes to mimic the portal vein system. Moreover, human islets were transplanted into athymic mice livers via the portal vein with or without perioperative cibinetide treatment. The mice were sacrificed six days following transplantation and the livers were analyzed for human insulin and serum for human C-peptide levels. Histological examination of recipient livers to evaluate islet graft infiltration by CD11b+ cells was performed. Our results show that cibinetide maintained human islet ATP levels and reduced the caspase 3/7 activity during culture with pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved their insulin secreting capacity. In the PVC loop system, administration of cibinetide reduced the IBMIR-induced platelet consumption. In human islet to athymic mice PITx, cibinetide treatment showed an increased amount of human insulin in the livers and higher serum human C-peptide, while histological examination of the livers showed reduced infiltration of pro-inflammatory CD11b+ cells around islets grafts compared to the controls. In summary, Cibinetide protected isolated human islets in a pro-inflammatory milieu and reduced IBMIR related platelet consumption. It improved engraftment of human islets in athymic mice. The study confirms that cibinetide is a promising agent to be used in clinical PITx.
Mohalla Clinic: A Case on Healthcare Service Operations and Quality
Authors: Prashar Anupama
Published: September 2021

The study presents a case study on service operations and service quality aspects of Mohalla Clinics, the public healthcare service setups in the innermost densely inhibited, yet unserved urban neighbourhoods of National Capital Territory of Delhi. It also describes the scalability consideration of public healthcare services. The case presents analysis of operational challenges in delivery of public healthcare services in developing countries. It characterizes the public healthcare service offering by the elements of service package and illustrates the adoption of service blueprint as a tool for service process planning. Additionally, it allows to comprehend the phenomena of quality management in healthcare service delivery and adoption of technology-driven innovations in healthcare service delivery. The case illustrates the challenges of healthcare operations and health service design in the low-cost and high-volume environments.
The Chinese version of the Barcelona Music Reward Questionnaire (BMRQ): Associations with personality traits and gender
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Xu Ming , Jin Zhishuai , Xia Lu , Lian Qiaoping , Huyang Sizhu , Wu Daxing
Published: September 2021

Sensitivity to music reward varies across individuals. The Barcelona Music Reward Questionnaire (BMRQ) is an effective tool in the assessment of sensitivity to music reward. The current study investigated the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the BMRQ, including its internal consistency, factor structure, criterion-related validity, and measurement invariance across gender. In addition, the relationship between personality traits and sensitivity to music reward was explored. A total of 1,120 Chinese undergraduate students completed a pen-and-paper version of the BMRQ, either in individual sessions or in class groups. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit for the revised model of the BMRQ. In addition, good internal consistency reliability of the overall scale and criterion-related validity with the BIS/BAS scale were also supported in this study. Evidence of configural, metric, and scalar invariance supported its measurement invariance across gender. On this basis, women in our sample reported themselves more sensitive than men to music reward. Results also showed that the personality traits Openness to Experience and Agreeableness were the strongest contributors to music reward sensitivity, while Extraversion did not make a significant contribution. These findings may provide a reference point for therapists wishing to predict the efficacy of music therapy for individuals.