bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amikacin Liposomal Inhalation Suspension in the Treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus Lung Infection: A French Observational Experience
Authors: Chiron Raphael , Hoefsloot Wouter , Van Ingen Jakko , Marchandin Hélène , Kremer Laurent , Morisse-Pradier Hélène , Charriot Jeremy , Mallet Jean-Pierre , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Caimmi Davide , Moreau Johan , Dumont Yann , Godreuil Sylvain , Bergeron Anne , Drevait Margot , Bouzat-Rossigneux Elodie , Terrail Nicolas , Andrejak Claire , Veziris Nicolas , Grenet Dominique , Coudrat Alexandre , Catherinot Emilie
Published: September 2022

Background

Mycobacterium abscessus infections remain difficult to manage in both cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF patients and reported clinical outcomes are largely unsatisfactory. Clinical trial data are limited and no approved therapies are currently available for the management of M abscessus lung diseases. As an alternative, cohort studies may provide insightful information into the management of M abscessus pulmonary disease.

Methods

Based on a retrospective observational cohort study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of amikacin liposome inhaled suspension (ALIS) as an adjunct to a standard antibiotic regimen for M abscessus lung infection in both CF and non-CF patients. We also assessed the association of patient drug compliance with culture conversion and clinical outcomes.

Results

Twenty-six patients had long-term follow-up data available. Culture conversion was achieved in 54% (14/26) of the patients with no difference between CF and non-CF patients after an average treatment duration of 10 months. Patient treatment compliance was significantly better in the converter group compared to nonconverters with an odds ratio of 44.78 associated with good compared to poor patient compliance. Overall, 9 patients (35%) experienced an adverse event that led to treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions

ALIS appears beneficial in both CF and non-CF populations with M abscessus lung disease.
Impact of a Pharmacist-Managed Procalcitonin Program on COVID-19 Respiratory Tract Infection Outcomes and Health Care Resource Utilization
Authors: Fratoni Andrew J , Kois Abigail K , Colmerauer Jessica L , Linder Kristin E , Nicolau David P , Kuti Joseph L
Published: September 2022

Patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often receive empiric antibiotic coverage. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker with Food and Drug Administration–approved guidance cutoffs for antibiotic use in lower respiratory tract infections. Herein we describe the implementation and impact of a pharmacist-managed PCT monitoring program in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. In this quasi-experimental, single-center, retrospective study of a prospective antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist-managed program, inpatients who were severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction positive were reviewed during weekday working hours and evaluated for appropriateness of antibiotic treatment by utilizing the PCT biomarker. As needed, the infectious diseases pharmacist offered feedback around antibiotic discontinuation in patients with PCT values ≤0.25 ng/mL. Adherence to PCT cutoffs, clinical outcomes, and utilization of health care resources were quantified and compared with a time frame immediately preceding the program's implementation. A total of 772 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were analyzed. The pre-intervention cohort was comprised of 519 patients, and 253 patients were included after program implementation. Antibiotics were prescribed within 72 hours of admission to 232 (44.7%) and 108 (42.7%) patients during the control and intervention phases, respectively. There was no difference in the primary outcome of percentage of patients who received >1 day of antibiotic therapy (23.5% vs 21.7%; P = .849) or in any secondary outcome including hospital length of stay, 30-day readmission rates, or discharge disposition. In a hospital where the majority of COVID-19 patients did not receive empiric antibiotics, the implementation of a pharmacist-managed PCT monitoring program did not significantly decrease antibiotic use or health care resource utilization.
COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Against Progression to In-Hospital Mortality in Zambia, 2021–2022
Authors: Chanda Duncan , Hines Jonas Z , Itoh Megumi , Fwoloshi Sombo , Minchella Peter A , Zyambo Khozya D , Sivile Suilanji , Kampamba Davies , Chirwa Bob , Chanda Raphael , Mutengo Katongo , Kayembe Mazinga F , Chewe Webster , Chipimo Peter , Mweemba Aggrey , Agolory Simon , Mulenga Lloyd B
Published: September 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are highly effective for reducing severe disease and mortality. However, vaccine effectiveness data are limited from Sub-Saharan Africa. We report COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against progression to in-hospital mortality in Zambia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among admitted patients at 8 COVID-19 treatment centers across Zambia during April 2021 through March 2022, when the Delta and Omicron variants were circulating. Patient demographic and clinical information including vaccination status and hospitalization outcome (discharged or died) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the odds of in-hospital mortality by vaccination status, adjusted for age, sex, number of comorbid conditions, disease severity, hospitalization month, and COVID-19 treatment center. Vaccine effectiveness of ≥1 vaccine dose was calculated from the adjusted odds ratio.

Results

Among 1653 patients with data on their vaccination status and hospitalization outcome, 365 (22.1%) died. Overall, 236 (14.3%) patients had received ≥1 vaccine dose before hospital admission. Of the patients who had received ≥1 vaccine dose, 22 (9.3%) died compared with 343 (24.2%) among unvaccinated patients (P < .01). The median time since receipt of a first vaccine dose (interquartile range) was 52.5 (28–107) days. Vaccine effectiveness for progression to in-hospital mortality among hospitalized patients was 64.8% (95% CI, 42.3%–79.4%).

Conclusions

Among patients admitted to COVID-19 treatment centers in Zambia, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower progression to in-hospital mortality. These data are consistent with evidence from other countries demonstrating the benefit of COVID-19 vaccination against severe complications. Vaccination is a critical tool for reducing the consequences of COVID-19 in Zambia.
The colorful world of cryptophyte phycobiliproteins
Authors: Richardson Tammi L
Published: September 2022

Cryptophytes are flagellated, eukaryotic phytoplankton found in environments ranging from tea-colored ponds to the blue-water open ocean. Cryptophytes vary in color from green to red, a trait that is imparted primarily by their phycobiliprotein (PBP) accessory pigments. These PBPs have likely played a key role in the diversification of cryptophytes into a wide range of aquatic environments over their evolutionary history. This review covers the current knowledge of the origin, structure and function of cryptophyte PBPs and presents evidence for remarkable phenotypic plasticity of PBP absorption, which may help cryptophytes acclimate to changes in their environment like eutrophication (“greening”), permafrost melting (“browning”) or deforestation.
River discharge-related nutrient effects on North Sea coastal and offshore phytoplankton communities
Authors: Groß Elisabeth , Di Pane Julien , Boersma Maarten , Meunier Cédric L
Published: September 2022

As a result of climate change, an increasing number of extreme weather events can be observed. Heavy precipitation events can increase river discharge which causes an abrupt increase of nutrient-rich freshwater into coastal zones. We investigated the potential consequences of nutrient-rich freshwater pulses on phytoplankton communities from three stations in the North Sea. After incubating the phytoplankton cultures with a gradient of nutrient-rich freshwater, we analyzed changes in community diversity, average cell size, growth rate and elemental stoichiometry. Pulses of nutrient-rich freshwater have caused an increase in the growth rate of the phytoplankton communities at two of the three stations and a decrease in cell size within the taxonomic groups of flagellates and diatoms at all stations, indicating a positive selection in favor of smaller taxa. In addition, we observed a decrease in the molar N:P ratio of the phytoplankton communities. Overall, the response of phytoplankton was highly dependent on the initial community structure at each sampling site. Our study demonstrates that the biomass and functional structure of North Sea phytoplankton communities could be altered by an abrupt increase in river discharge, which could have further consequences for higher trophic levels and short-term food web dynamics in the North Sea.
Utility of Erector Spinae Plane Blocks for Postoperative Pain Management and Opioid Reduction Following Lumbar Fusions
Authors: Makanji Heeren S. , Solomito Matthew J. , Maffeo-Mitchell Carla , Esmende Sean , Finkel Kevin
Published: September 2022

Study Design:

Retrospective.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of the erector spinae plane regional anesthesia (ESP) block in reducing opioid medication usage and postanesthesia care unit length of stay (PACU-LOS) for patients undergoing either a posterior or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (PLIF/TLIF).

Summary of Background Data:

Posterior lumbar spine fusion is a common surgical procedure typically associated with significant postoperative pain. Poorly controlled postoperative pain can lead to a number of poor outcomes. Although opioids are a mainstay for pain control, they are associated with adverse effects and a risk of dependence. Therefore, multimodal pain control has become more prevalent in orthopedics and combines traditional opioid and nonopioid pain mediation with general anesthesia protocols and regional nerve blocks.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients undergoing PLIFs or TLIFs between 2019 and 2021. Patients were placed into 2 groups, those receiving an ESP block and those that did not. T tests assuming unequal variances were used to assess differences in pain scores, opioid consumption, and PACU-LOS between groups.

Results:

The study group demonstrated a 35% reduction in opioid use (P=0.016), a 16% reduction in pain with activity (P=0.042), and a 9.7% reduction in pain at rest (P=0.219) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in PACU-LOS between groups (P=0.314).

Conclusion:

The use of an ESP block for patients undergoing PLIFs and TLIFs appears to be a safe and effective means to manage postoperative pain and reduce opioid consumption.
Wave propagation in the marginal ice zone: connections and feedback mechanisms within the air–ice–ocean system
Authors: Thomson Jim
Published: September 2022

The propagation of ocean surface waves within the marginal ice zone (MIZ) is a defining phenomenon of this dynamic zone. Over decades of study, a variety of methods have been developed to observe and model wave propagation in the MIZ, with a common focus of determining the attenuation of waves with increasing distance into the MIZ. More recently, studies have begun to explore the consequences of wave attenuation and the coupled processes in the air–ice–ocean–land system. Understanding these coupled processes and effects is essential for accurate high-latitude forecasts. As waves attenuate, their momentum and energy are transferred to the sea ice and upper ocean. This may compact or expand the MIZ, depending on the conditions, while simultaneously modulating the wind work on the system. Wave attenuation is also a key process in coastal dynamics, where land–fast ice has historically protected both natural coasts and coastal infrastructure. With observed trends of increasing wave activity and retreating seasonal ice coverage, the propagation of waves within the MIZ is increasingly important to regional and global climate trends.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Floes, the marginal ice zone and coupled wave-sea-ice feedbacks
Authors: Horvat Christopher
Published: September 2022

Marginal ice zones (MIZs) are qualitatively distinct sea-ice-covered areas that play a critical role in the interaction between the polar oceans and the broader Earth system. MIZ regions have high spatial and temporal variability in oceanic, atmospheric and ecological conditions. The salient qualitative feature of MIZs is their composition as a mosaic of individual floes that range in horizontal extent from centimetres to tens of kilometres. Thus the floe size distribution (FSD) can be used to quantitatively identify and describe them. Here, the history of FSD observations and theory, and the processes (particularly the impact of ocean waves) that determine floe sizes and size distribution, are reviewed. Coupled wave-FSD feedbacks are explored using a stochastic model for thermodynamic wave-sea-ice interactions in the MIZ, and some of the key open questions in this rapidly growing field are discussed.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Marginal ice zone dynamics: history, definitions and research perspectives
Authors: Dumont Dany
Published: September 2022

Despite enormous scientific and technological progress in numerical weather and climate prediction, sea ice still remains unreliably predicted by models, both in short-term forecasting and climate projection applications. The total ice extent in both hemispheres is tied to the location of the ice edge, and consequently to what happens in the portion of the ice cover immediately adjacent to the open ocean that is called the marginal ice zone (MIZ). There is mounting evidence that processes occurring in the MIZ might play an important role in the polar climate of both hemispheres, yet some key physical processes are still missing in models. As sea ice models developed for climate studies are increasingly used for operational forecasting, the missing physics also impede short-term sea ice prediction skills. This paper is a mini-review that provides a historical perspective on how MIZ research has progressed since the 1970s, with a focus on the fundamental importance of the interactions between sea ice and surface gravity waves on sea ice dynamics. Completeness is not achieved, as the body of literature is huge, scattered and rapidly growing, but the intention is to inform future collaborative research efforts to improve our understanding and predictive capabilities of sea ice dynamics in the MIZ.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Wave-in-ice: theoretical bases and field observations
Authors: Shen Hayley H.
Published: September 2022

There has been a significant increase of studies on wave–ice interactions in the past decades. Through a close look at a representative set of theories, this paper investigates different physical processes that have produced different wave dispersion and attenuation. The existing theories have considered four major processes: scattering, flexural damping, viscoelastic damping and basal friction. Each theory looked into one of these processes and used a different mathematical formulation to model these processes. The low-frequency behaviours of the resulting spectral attenuation in these theories are fundamentally different from each other. Recent field observations have produced a large amount of data to calibrate and validate these theories. The uncertainties in using field measurements to determine attenuation due to ice covers are discussed. Both observational data and applications of these theories in field conditions suggest a multi-physics approach. A number of studies to further the theoretical development are recommended. It will take time for wave-in-ice models to reach the same level of performance as wave models for the open ocean, relying on the combined effort of theoretical, modelling and observational studies.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Modelling attenuation of irregular wave fields by artificial ice floes in the laboratory
Authors: Toffoli A. , Pitt J. P. A. , Alberello A. , Bennetts L. G.
Published: September 2022

A summary is given on the utility of laboratory experiments for gaining understanding of wave attenuation in the marginal ice zone, as a complement to field observations, theory and numerical models. It is noted that most results to date are for regular incident waves, which, combined with the highly nonlinear wave–floe interaction phenomena observed and measured during experimental tests, implies that the attenuation of regular waves cannot necessarily be used to infer the attenuation of irregular waves. Two experiments are revisited in which irregular wave tests were conducted but not previously reported, one involving a single floe and the other a large number of floes, and the transmission coefficients for the irregular and regular wave tests are compared. The transmission spectra derived from the irregular wave tests agree with the regular wave data but are overpredicted by linear models due to nonlinear dissipative processes, regardless of floe configuration.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Wind waves in sea ice of the western Arctic and a global coupled wave-ice model
Authors: Cooper V. T. , Roach L. A. , Thomson J. , Brenner S. D. , Smith M. M. , Meylan M. H. , Bitz C. M.
Published: September 2022

The retreat of Arctic sea ice is enabling increased ocean wave activity at the sea ice edge, yet the interactions between surface waves and sea ice are not fully understood. Here, we examine
in situ
observations of wave spectra spanning 2012–2021 in the western Arctic marginal ice zone (MIZ). Swells exceeding 30 cm are rarely observed beyond 100 km inside the MIZ. However, local wind waves are observed in patches of open water amid partial ice cover during the summer. These local waves remain fetch-limited between ice floes with heights less than 1 m. To investigate these waves at climate scales, we conduct experiments varying wave attenuation and generation in ice with a global model including coupled interactions between waves and sea ice. A weak high-frequency attenuation rate is required to simulate the local waves in observations. The choices of attenuation scheme and wind input in ice have a remarkable impact on the extent of wave activity across ice-covered oceans, particularly in the Antarctic. As well as demonstrating the need for stronger constraints on wave attenuation, our results suggest that further attention should be directed towards locally generated wind waves and their role in sea ice evolution.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Modelling the Arctic wave-affected marginal ice zone: a comparison with ICESat-2 observations
Authors: Boutin G. , Williams T. , Horvat C. , Brodeau L.
Published: September 2022

We evaluate marginal ice zone (MIZ) extent in a wave–ice 25 km-resolution coupled model, compared with pan-Arctic wave-affected sea-ice regions derived from ICESat-2 altimetry over the period December 2018–May 2020. By using a definition of the MIZ based on the monthly maximum of the wave height, we suggest metrics to evaluate the model taking into account the sparse coverage of ICESat-2. The model produces MIZ extents comparable to observations, especially in winter. A sensitivity study highlights the need for strong wave attenuation in thick, compact ice but weaker attenuation as sea ice forms, as the model underestimates the MIZ extent in autumn. This underestimation may be due to limited wave growth in partially covered ice, overestimated sea-ice concentration or the absence of other processes affecting floe size. We discuss our results in the context of other definitions of the MIZ based on floe size and sea-ice concentration, as well as the potential impact of wave-induced fragmentation on ice dynamics, found to be minor at the climate scales investigated here.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Modelling wave–ice interactions in three dimensions in the marginal ice zone
Authors: Perrie Will , Meylan Michael H. , Toulany Bechara , Casey Michael P.
Published: September 2022

This study concerns wave–ice interactions in the marginal ice zone (MIZ). We compare idealized simulations using two recent three-dimensional formulations for wave–ice interactions for flexible ice floes, with selected parametrizations for the scattering of ocean surface waves due to individual ice floes. These parametrizations are implemented in a modern version of the wave model WAVEWATCH III® (hereafter, WW3) as source terms in the action balance equation. The comparisons consist of simple hypothetical experiments to identify characteristics of the wave–ice parametrizations. Comparisons show that the two new wave–ice formulations give attenuation of wave heights that can be less intense in the direction of propagation than those of other considered formulations. Within the wave energy spectrum, the one-dimensional attenuation extends over the entire frequency domain to the high-frequency limit. Within the MIZ beyond the ice edge, there is evidence for a ‘roll-over’ effect in the simulations of attenuation. These new formulations can potentially improve previous parametrizations in simulations of wave scattering and attenuation within the MIZ.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks
Authors: Bennetts Luke G. , Bitz Cecilia M. , Feltham Daniel L. , Kohout Alison L. , Meylan Michael H.
Published: September 2022

The marginal ice zone (MIZ) is the dynamic interface between the open ocean and sea ice-covered ocean. It is characterized by interactions between surface gravity waves and granular ice covers consisting of relatively small, thin chunks of sea ice known as floes. This structure gives the MIZ markedly different properties to the thicker, quasi-continuous ice cover of the inner pack that waves do not reach, strongly influencing various atmosphere–ocean fluxes, especially the heat flux. The MIZ is a significant component of contemporary sea ice covers in both the Antarctic, where the ice cover is surrounded by the Southern Ocean and its fierce storms, and the Arctic, where the MIZ now occupies vast expanses in areas that were perennial only a decade or two ago. The trend towards the MIZ is set to accelerate, as it reinforces positive feedbacks weakening the ice cover. Therefore, understanding the complex, multiple-scale dynamics of the MIZ is essential to understanding how sea ice is evolving and to predicting its future.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Marginal ice zone dynamics
Authors: Squire Vernon A.
Published: September 2022

For the best part of my entire career, I have focused on the marginal ice zone, abbreviated to MIZ by most sea ice scientists. Defined perfunctorily by the National Snow & Ice Data Center as the part of the seasonal ice zone where waves, swells and other open ocean processes affect the sea ice, the MIZ habitually extends from the ice edge some 100–200 km into the ice pack with morphology that varies dramatically spatially and with time. In general, the Antarctic MIZ is wider than MIZs in the Arctic, recognizing that increases in the ferocity and incidence of storms and the durability of ice due to global climate change are already affecting the physical attributes of each MIZ. I provide here a somewhat historically tailored preamble to a unique compilation of up-to-the-minute MIZ research in this theme issue that includes the nexus between contemporary theoretical, modelling and experimental projects. A prognosticative synopsis of these projects is also included later in the volume, framed in the context of the ongoing ontogenesis of the research field.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
A prognosticative synopsis of contemporary marginal ice zone research
Authors: Squire Vernon A.
Published: September 2022

Commentary narrated in this theme issue is recast to contextualize the diverse themes presented into a forward-looking conversation that synthesizes, debates opportunities for multidisciplinary advances and highlights topics that deserve enduring sharpened attention. Research oriented towards foundational elements of the marginal ice zone that relates to three unifying topic subclasses—namely (i) wave propagation through sea ice, (ii) floe size distributions and (iii) ice dynamics and break-up—and is encapsulated in mini-reviews provided by Thomson, Horvat and Dumont is revisited to distill it into a blueprint for the future guided by the cutting-edge, present-day knowledge documented herein by leading practitioners in the field. Six threads are signalled as imperative for prospective research, each with a bearing on Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice canopies in which the propensity for marginal ice zones to coexist with pack ice is greater as a result of global climate change reducing sea-ice resilience while increasing the prevalence and forcefulness of injurious storm winds and waves.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Theory, modelling and observations of marginal ice zone dynamics: multidisciplinary perspectives and outlooks’.
Antimicrobial activity: potential of Spondias purpurea (Anacardiaceae) against bacterial and fungal species
Authors: de Oliveira Thais Emboaba , Greatti Vanessa Raquel , Sorrechia Rodrigo , Pietro Rosemeire C. L. R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. Plants have been used as medicines for centuries to treat human diseases. Studies with plants are extremely important for the development of future drugs that can benefit the human population.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. With the emergence of pathogens resistant to antimicrobial agents, there is an urgent need to direct research towards the discovery of new antimicrobials.

Aim. In this study, Spondias purpurea L. (Anacardiaceae) was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity.

Methodology. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the MIC using the 96-well plate microdilution technique of ethanolic, hexanic and dicloromethanic extracts of dried S. purpurea leaves against bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. The antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) method. To evaluate the safety of extracts, a cytotoxicity study against HaCat, J774 and HepG2 cells was performed.

Results. The extracts had no activity against the bacteria at the maximum concentration of 5.0 mg ml−1, but showed fungistatic action against Candida species and dermatophytes. The ethanolic extract showed 88 % antioxidant activity and showed no significant cytotoxicity against the previously mentioned cells.

Conclusion. This study showed that the 100 % ethanolic (EtOH) extract was favourable for antifungal and antioxidant activities and did not present significant cytotoxicity against the three studied cell lines, indicating that S. purpurea leaves are promising for the development of new antimicrobials.
Analysis and Exploration of the Implementation System of Mixed Ownership of Scientific and Technological Achievements in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Gao Panjun , Qi Yong , Guo Qing
Published: September 2022

Due to the backwardness of the management model and the rigidity of the system, the current service invention system restricts the transformation of scientific and technological achievements of colleges and universities to a certain extent. The mixed ownership system of university post achievements, which gives universities and inventors the freedom to dispose of the rights of scientific and technological achievements, and fundamentally stimulates the enthusiasm of all the achievement owners to transform their achievements, is an important exploration to promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements. However, there are still many problems in the implementation of the mixed ownership of scientific and technological achievements in colleges and universities. Through the questionnaire survey and analysis, it is found that the four problems such as defects in the management system for the distribution of rights and interests of scientific and technological achievements, imperfect evaluation indicators of scientific and technological achievements, imbalance in the service system for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and lack of authoritative standards for the evaluation of the value of the transformation of scientific and technological achievements are the main problems hindering the development of mixed ownership of the current college post achievements. Based on the existing problems, it is proposed to continue to improve the management system, assessment system and service system of mixed ownership of scientific and technological achievements in colleges and universities. The research results can provide new evidence and policy enlightenment for the development of mixed ownership of scientific and technological achievements in colleges and universities in China.
Mortality Doubled After Stressful Football Match
Authors: Rau Roland , Ebeling Marcus , Köppen Bernhard
Published: September 2022

Structured Abstract

Background

Strong emotional stress can lead to death. Even less serious events such as watching stressful football matches are proposed as triggers for mortality. The results are inconclusive, though, probably due to a focus on national teams. Instead, this study analyzes daily mortality after a stressful match of a club team. It also accounts for the role of temperature, a major confounder for daily mortality.

Methods

Daily deaths from 01 January 1999 until 10 July 2020 were used to predict mortality separately for women and men on the day of the match (11 July) and the subsequent days. The time series regression model assumed a negative binomial distribution for the death counts, accounted for potential autocorrelation and included temperature as a regressor. 95% prediction intervals were estimated via bootstrapping.

Results

Two days after the match, mortality was twice as high as expected for men. In contrast to the analysis for women, temperature can be ruled out as a contributing factor.

Conclusion

Watching stressful football matches can be a matter of life and death for susceptible persons. Making people aware of it could be a cost-efficient way to lower the burden of dying from circulatory diseases.
Investigating microglia-neuron crosstalk by characterizing microglial contamination in human and mouse Patch-seq datasets
Authors: Arbabi Keon , Jiang Yiyue , Howard Derek , Nigam Anukrati , Inoue Wataru , Gonzalez-Burgos Guillermo , Felsky Daniel , Tripathy Shreejoy J.
Published: September 2022

Microglia are dynamic immune cells with diverse functional roles, including the regulation of neuronal excitability. Here, we leveraged an inconvenient truth of neuronal Patch-seq datasets — that they routinely display evidence of contamination by surrounding microglia — to better understand aspects of microglia-neuronal crosstalk. We first quantified the presence of microglial transcripts in three Patch-seq datasets of human and mouse neocortical neurons and observed extensive off-target contamination by microglia in each. Variation in microglial contamination was explained foremost by donor identity, especially in human samples, and neuronal cell type identity. Differential expression testing and enrichment analyses suggest that microglial contamination in Patch-seq is reflective of activated microglia and that these transcriptional signatures are distinct from those captured via single-nucleus RNAseq. Finally, neurons with greater microglial contamination differed markedly in their electrophysiological characteristics, including lowered input resistances and more depolarized action potential thresholds. Our results suggest microglial contamination contributes to cell- and donor-related electrophysiological variability and sheds light on how microglia might impact neurons in vivo.
High evidence targets of conserved plant microRNAs and the complexities of their ancient microRNA binding-sites
Authors: Wong Gigi Y. , Millar Anthony A.
Published: September 2022

In plants, high complementarity between microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes is a prerequisite for a miRNA-target interaction (MTI). However, evidence suggests there are complexities beyond complementarity that impacts the strength of the MTI. To explore this, the bioinformatic pipeline TRUEE (Targets Ranked Using Experimental Evidence) was applied to strongly conserved miRNAs to identity their high evidence (HE) targets across species. For each miRNA family, HE targets predominantly consisted of homologues from one conserved target gene family (primary family). If an additional HE target family(s) was identified (secondary family), it was likely functionally related to the primary family. Many primary target families contained highly conserved nucleotide sequences flanking their miRNA binding-sites that were enriched in HE homologues across species, suggesting these sequences facilitate miRNA-mediated regulation. A subset of these flanking sequences are predicted to form conserved RNA secondary structures that preferentially base-pair with the miRNA binding-site, implying that these sites are highly structured. Functional testing of the conserved flanking sequences of the miR160 target, AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 10 (ARF10), found that mutations within these flanking sequences resulted in attenuated ARF10 silencing. Our findings support the notion that features beyond complementarity at highly conserved miRNA binding-sites underpin these ancient MTIs.
Characterizing Cone Spectral Classification by Optoretinography
Authors: Pandiyan Vimal Prabhu , Schleufer Sierra , Slezak Emily , Fong James , Upadhyay Rishi , Roorda Austin , Ng Ren , Sabesan Ramkumar
Published: September 2022

Light propagation in photoreceptor outer segments is affected by photopigment absorption and the phototransduction amplification cascade. Photopigment absorption has been studied using retinal densitometry, while recently, optoretinography (ORG) has provided an avenue to probe changes in outer segment optical path length due to phototransduction. With adaptive optics (AO), both densitometry and ORG have been used for cone spectral classification, based on the differential bleaching signatures of the three cone types. Here, we characterize cone classification by ORG, implemented in an AO line-scan OCT and compare it against densitometry. The cone mosaics of five color normal subjects were classified using ORG showing high probability (∼0.99), low error (<0.22%), high test-retest reliability (∼97%) and short imaging durations (< 1 hour). Of these, the cone spectral assignments in two subjects were compared against AOSLO densitometry. High agreement (mean: 91%) was observed between the two modalities in these 2 subjects, with measurements conducted 6-7 years apart. Overall, ORG benefits from higher sensitivity and dynamic range to probe cone photopigments compared to densitometry, and thus provides greater fidelity for cone spectral classification.
Pose estimation-based visual perception system for analyzing fish swimming
Authors: Wu Xin , Huang Jipeng , Wang Lianming
Published: September 2022

Advances in modern deep learning-based computer vision perception techniques have revolutionized animal movement research methods. These techniques have also opened up new avenues for studying fish swimming. To that end, we have developed a visual perception system based on pose estimation to analyze fish swimming. Our system can quantify fish motion by 3D fish pose estimation and dynamically visualize the motion data of marked keypoints. Our experimental results show that our system can accurately extract the motion characteristics of fish swimming, which analyze how fish bodies and fins work together during different swimming states. This research provides an innovative idea for studying fish swimming, which can be valuable in designing, developing, and optimizing modern underwater robots, especially multi-fin co-driven bionic robotic fish. The code and dataset are available athttps://github.com/wux024/AdamPosePlug.

Abstract Figure
A multiplexed plant-animal SNP array for selective breeding and species conservation applications
Authors: Montanari Sara , Deng Cecilia , Koot Emily , Bassil Nahla V. , Zurn Jason D. , Morrison-Whittle Peter , Worthington Margaret L. , Aryal Rishi , Ashrafi Hamid , Pradelles Julien , Wellenreuther Maren , Chagné David
Published: September 2022

Reliable and high-throughput genotyping platforms are of immense importance for identifying and dissecting genomic regions controlling important phenotypes, supporting selection processes in breeding programmes, and managing wild populations and germplasm collections. Amongst available genotyping tools, SNP arrays have been shown to be comparatively easy to use and generate highly accurate genotypic data. Single species arrays are the most commonly used type so far; however, some multi-species arrays have been developed for closely related species that share SNP markers, exploiting inter-species cross-amplification. In this study, the suitability of a multiplexed plant-animal SNP array, including both closely and distantly related species, was explored. The performance of the SNP array across species for diverse applications, ranging from intra-species diversity assessments to parentage analysis, was assessed. Moreover, the value of genotyping pooled DNA of distantly related species on the SNP array as a technique to further reduce costs was evaluated. SNP performance was generally high, and species-specific SNPs proved suitable for diverse applications. The multi-species SNP-array approach reported here could be transferred to other species to achieve cost savings resulting from the increased throughput when several projects use the same array, and the pooling technique adds another highly promising advancement to additionally decrease genotyping costs by half.
Heritable CRISPR-Cas9 editing of plant genomes using RNA virus vectors
Authors: Uranga Mireia , Aragonés Verónica , Daròs José-Antonio , Pasin Fabio
Published: September 2022

Viral vectors hold enormous potential for genome editing in plants as transient delivery vehicles of CRISPR-Cas components. Here, we describe a protocol to assemble plant viral vectors for single guide RNA (sgRNA) delivery. The obtained viral constructs are based on compact T-DNA binary vectors of the pLX series and are delivered into Cas9-expressing plants through agroinoculation. This approach allows rapidly assessing sgRNA design for plant genome targeting, as well as the recovery of progeny with heritable mutations at targeted loci.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer toUranga et al.1andAragonés et al.2.

Graphical abstract
A modeling framework for translating discrete choice experiment results into cost-effectiveness estimates: an application to designing tailored and scalable HIV and contraceptive services for adolescents in South Africa
Authors: Govathson Caroline , Long Lawrence C , Russell Colin A , Moolla Aneesa , Pascoe Sophie , Nichols Brooke E.
Published: September 2022

Background

Youth in South Africa are disproportionately affected by STIs, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. Despite this, their uptake of HIV and contraceptive services remains a challenge. South Africa urgently needs tailored, scalable interventions to address both HIV infection and early pregnancy prevention for young people. These interventions generally take years to design, implement, and evaluate, leaving a gap. To that end, we have developed a framework to translate the expected impact of facility-level attributes in increasing HIV/contraceptive service uptake for youth from a discrete choice experiment (DCE) into a cost effectiveness analysis (CEA).

Methods

We used a DCE (n=805) conducted in Gauteng, South Africa, which found that staff attitude, confidentiality, Wi-Fi, subsidized food, afternoon hours and youth-only services were preferred attributes of health services. Based on this we simulated uptake of services adapted for these preferences. We divided preferences into modifiable attributes that could readily be adapted (e.g. Wi-Fi), and non-modifiable (more nuanced attributes that are more challenging to cost and evaluate): staff attitude and estimated the incremental change in uptake of services using adapted services. Costs for modifiable preferences were estimated using data from two clinics in South Africa (2019 US$). We determined the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 15 intervention combinations, and report the results of interventions on the cost-effectiveness frontier.

Results

Greatest projected impact on uptake was from friendly and confidential services, both of which were considered non-modifiable (18.5% 95%CI:13.0-24.0%; 8.4% 95%CI:3.0-14.0% respectively). Modifiable factors on their own resulted in only small increases in expected uptake. (Food: 2.3% 95%CI:4.0%-9.00%; Wi-Fi: 3.0% 95%CI: -4.0%-10.0%; Youth only services: 0.3% 95%CI: -6.0%-7.0%; Afternoon services: 0.8% 95%CI: -6.0%-7.0%). The order of interventions on the cost-effectiveness frontier are Wi-Fi and youth-only services (ICER US$7.01-US$9.78), Wi-Fi, youth-only services and food (ICER US$9.32 - US$10.45), followed by Wi-Fi, youth-only services and extended afternoon hours (ICER US$14.46 – US$43.63)

Conclusion

Combining DCE results and costing analyses within a modelling framework provides an innovative way to inform decisions on effective resource utilisation. Modifiable preferences, such as Wi-Fi provision, youth only services and subsidized food, have potential to cost-effectively increase the proportion of youth accessing HIV and contraceptive services.
Beta spectral power during sleep is associated with impaired recall of extinguished fear
Authors: Denis Dan , Bottary Ryan , Cunningham Tony J. , Drummond Sean P.A. , Straus Laura D.
Published: September 2022

The failure to retain memory for extinguished fear plays a major role in the maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with successful extinction recall necessary for symptom reduction. Disturbed sleep, a hallmark symptom of PTSD, impairs fear extinction recall. However, our understanding of the electrophysiological mechanisms underpinning sleep’s role in extinction retention remain underdetermined. We examined the relationship between the microarchitecture of sleep and extinction recall in healthy humans (n=46, both male and females included) and a pilot study in individuals with PTSD (n=12). Participants underwent a fear conditioning and extinction protocol over two days, with sleep recording occurring between conditioning and extinction. Twenty-four hours after extinction learning, participants underwent extinction recall. Power spectral density (PSD) was computed for pre- and post-extinction learning sleep. Increased beta band PSD (∼17-26Hz) during pre-extinction learning sleep was associated with worse extinction recall in healthy participants (r=.41,p=.004). Beta PSD was highly stable across three nights of sleep (intraclass correlations (ICC)>0.92). Individuals with PTSD were found to have increased beta PSD compared to healthy controls (ps < .039), and beta PSD correlated with extinction recall in the PTSD group at a similar magnitude to controls (r=.39). Results suggest beta band PSD is elevated in PTSD, and is specifically implicated in difficulties recalling extinguished fear.

Significance statement

Disturbed sleep is a hallmark feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Certain neural oscillations that occur during sleep have been shown to be altered in PTSD. These include increased 15-30Hz beta oscillations, which are believed to index cortical hyperarousal. Alongside sleep disturbances, patients also show difficulty in recalling extinguished fear. Although prior studies have linked sleep with extinction retention, no studies have investigated the role that neural oscillations during sleep play in this process. Here, we show in both healthy participants and PTSD patients, that increased beta oscillatory power during sleep is associated with impaired extinction retention. Therefore, this study provides new evidence that electrophysiological changes in the sleep EEG of PTSD patients is also implicated in extinction recall processes.
The BigMac dataset: an open resource combining multi-contrast MRI and microscopy in the macaque brain
Authors: Howard Amy FD , Huszar Istvan N , Smart Adele , Cottaar Michiel , Daubney Greg , Hanayik Taylor , Khrapitchev Alexandre A , Mars Rogier B , Mollink Jeroen , Scott Connor , Sibson Nicola R , Sallet Jerome , Jbabdi Saad , Miller Karla L
Published: September 2022

Understanding brain structure and function often requires combining data across different modalities and scales to link microscale cellular structures to macroscale features of whole brain organisation. Here we introduce the BigMac dataset, a resource combining in vivo MRI, extensive postmortem MRI and multi-contrast microscopy for multimodal characterisation of a single whole macaque brain. The data spans modalities (MRI and microscopy), tissue states (in vivo and postmortem), and four orders of spatial magnitude, from microscopy images with micrometre or sub-micrometre resolution, to MRI signals on the order of millimetres. Crucially, the MRI and microscopy images are carefully co-registered together to facilitate quantitative multimodal analyses. Here we detail the acquisition, curation, and first release of the data, that together make BigMac a unique, openly-disseminated resource available to researchers worldwide. Further, we demonstrate example analyses and opportunities afforded by the data, including improvement of connectivity estimates from ultra-high angular resolution diffusion MRI, neuroanatomical insight provided by polarised light imaging and myelin-stained histology, and the joint analysis of MRI and microscopy data for reconstruction of the microscopy-inspired connectome. All data and code are made openly available.