bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response system among health facilities in Morogoro Region: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Kashililika Christina Jacob , Moshi Fabiola Vincent
Published: November 2021

Background

When used effectively, the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system can bring into reality a revolutionary victory in the fight against maternal and perinatal mortality from avoidable causes. This study aimed at determining the status of implementation of the system among health facilities in the Morogoro Region.

Method

This study was conducted among 38 health facilities from three districts of the Morogoro region, Tanzania, from April 27, 2020, to May 29, 2020. Quantitative data were collected through document review for MPDSR implementation status. The outcome was determined by using a unique scoring sheet with a total of 30 points. Facilities that scored less than 11 points were considered to be in the pre-implementation phase, those scored 11 to 17 were considered in the implementation phase, and those scored 18 to 30 were considered to be in the institutionalization phase.

Results

The majority 20(53 %) of health facilities were in the pre-implementation phase, only 15(40 %) of assessed health facilities were in the implementation phase, and few 3(8 %) of health facilities were in institutionalization phase. There was a strong evidence that MPDSR implementation was more advanced in urban compared to rural health facilities (Fisher’s test = 6.158, p = 0.049), hospitals compared to health centers (Fisher’s test =14.609, p <0.001) and private and faith-based organization than public facilities (Fisher’s test, 15.897 = p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The study revealed that health facilities in Morogoro Region have not adequately implemented the MPDSR system. The majority of health facilities in rural settings and owned by the government showed poor MPDSR implementation and hence called for immediate action to rectify the situation. Strengthen MPDSR implementation, health facilities should be encouraged to adhere to the available MPDSR guidelines in the process of death reviews. Transparent systems should also be established to ensure thorough tracking and follow-up of recommendations evolving from MPDSR reviews. Health facilities should also consider integrating MPDSR to other quality improvement teams to maximize its efficiency.
Effect of evidence updates on key determinants of measles vaccination impact: a DynaMICE modelling study in ten high-burden countries
Authors: Fu Han , Abbas Kaja , Klepac Petra , van Zandvoort Kevin , Tanvir Hira , Portnoy Allison , Jit Mark
Published: November 2021

Background

Model-based estimates of measles burden and the impact of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) are crucial for global health priority setting. Recently, evidence from systematic reviews and database analyses have improved our understanding of key determinants of MCV impact. We explore how representations of these determinants affect model-based estimation of vaccination impact in ten countries with the highest measles burden.

Methods

Using Dynamic Measles Immunisation Calculation Engine (DynaMICE), we modelled the effect of evidence updates for five determinants of MCV impact: case-fatality risk, contact patterns, age-dependent vaccine efficacy, the delivery of supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs) to zero-dose children, and the basic reproduction number. We assessed the incremental vaccination impact of the first (MCV1) and second (MCV2) doses of routine immunisation and SIAs, using metrics of total vaccine-averted cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) over 2000–2050. We also conducted a scenario capturing the effect of COVID-19 related disruptions on measles burden and vaccination impact.

Results

Incorporated with the updated data sources, DynaMICE projected 253 million measles cases, 3.8 million deaths and 233 million DALYs incurred over 2000–2050 in the ten high-burden countries when MCV1, MCV2, and SIA doses were implemented. Compared to no vaccination, MCV1 contributed to 66% reduction in cumulative measles cases, while MCV2 and SIAs reduced this further to 90%. Among the updated determinants, shifting from fixed to linearly-varying vaccine efficacy by age and from static to time-varying case-fatality risks had the biggest effect on MCV impact. While varying the basic reproduction number showed a limited effect, updates on the other four determinants together resulted in an overall reduction of vaccination impact by 0.58%, 26.2%, and 26.7% for cases, deaths, and DALYs averted, respectively. COVID-19 related disruptions to measles vaccination are not likely to change the influence of these determinants on MCV impact, but may lead to a 3% increase in cases over 2000–2050.

Conclusions

Incorporating updated evidence particularly on vaccine efficacy and case-fatality risk reduces estimates of vaccination impact moderately, but its overall impact remains considerable. High MCV coverage through both routine immunisation and SIAs remains essential for achieving and maintaining low incidence in high measles burden settings.
Assessment tools measuring health-related empowerment in psychosocially vulnerable populations: a systematic review
Authors: Campbell Sandy , Zhai Jianxia , Tan Jing-Yu , Azami Mursal , Cunningham Kym , Kruske Sue
Published: November 2021

Background

Many programs are undertaken to facilitate the empowerment of vulnerable populations across the world. However, an overview of appropriate empowerment measurements to evaluate such initiatives remains incomplete to date. This systematic review aims to describe and summarise psychometric properties, feasibility and clinical utility of the available tools for measuring empowerment in psychosocially vulnerable populations.

Methods

A systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was completed. A descriptive approach was used for data analysis. Papers were eligible if they explored the development, validation, cross-cultural translation or the utility of an empowerment measurement tool in the context of psychosocially vulnerable populations.

Results

Twenty-six included articles described twenty-six separate studies in which 16 empowerment measurement tools were developed, validated/translated, or used. There was heterogeneity in empowerment constructs, samples targeted, and psychometric properties measured. The measurement of reliability of the included instruments was satisfactory in most cases. However, the validity, responsiveness, interpretability, feasibility and clinical utility of the identified measurement tools were often not adequately described or measured.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides a useful snapshot of the strengths as well as limitations of existing health related empowerment measurement tools used with psychosocially vulnerable populations in terms of their measurement properties, and constructs captured. It highlights significant gaps in empowerment tool measurement, development and evaluation processes. In particular, the results suggest that in addition to systematic assessments of psychometric properties, the inclusion of feasibility and clinical utility as outcome measures are important to assess relevance to clinical practice.
Pervasive structural racism in environmental epidemiology
Authors: Perry Melissa J. , Arrington Suzanne , Freisthler Marlaina S. , Ibe Ifeoma N. , McCray Nathan L. , Neumann Laura M. , Tajanlangit Patrick , Trejo Rosas Brenda M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Epistemological biases in environmental epidemiology prevent the full understanding of how racism’s societal impacts directly influence health outcomes. With the ability to focus on “place” and the totality of environmental exposures, environmental epidemiologists have an important opportunity to advance the field by proactively investigating the structural racist forces that drive disparities in health.

Objective

This commentary illustrates how environmental epidemiology has ignored racism for too long. Some examples from environmental health and male infertility are used to illustrate how failing to address racism neglects the health of entire populations.

Discussion

While research on environmental justice has attended to the structural sources of environmental racism, this work has not been fully integrated into the mainstream of environmental epidemiology. Epidemiology’s dominant paradigm that reduces race to a mere data point avoids the social dimensions of health and thus fails to improve population health for all. Failing to include populations who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in health research means researchers actually know very little about the effect of environmental contaminants on a range of population health outcomes. This commentary offers different practical solutions, such as naming racism in research, including BIPOC in leadership positions, mandating requirements for discussing “race”, conducting far more holistic analyses, increasing community participation in research, and improving racism training, to address the myriad of ways in which structural racism permeates environmental epidemiology questions, methods, results and impacts.
Protective effect of quercetin against the metabolic dysfunction of glucose and lipids and its associated learning and memory impairments in NAFLD rats
Authors: Gao Xin-Ran , Chen Zheng , Fang Ke , Xu Jing-Xian , Ge Jin-Fang
Published: November 2021

Background

Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonol reported with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and previous results from the group of this study have demonstrated its neuroprotective effect against lipopolysaccharide-induced neuropsychiatric injuries. However, little is known about its potential effect on neuropsychiatric injuries induced or accompanied by metabolic dysfunction of glucose and lipids.

Methods

A nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rat model was induced via a high-fat diet (HFD), and glucolipid parameters and liver function were measured. Behavioral performance was observed via the open field test (OFT) and the Morris water maze (MWM). The plasma levels of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM1) and TREM2 were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of Synapsin-1 (Syn-1), Synaptatogmin-1 (Syt-1), TREM1 and TREM2 in the hippocampus were detected using western blotting. Morphological changes in the liver and hippocampus were detected by HE and Oil red or silver staining.

Results

Compared with the control rats, HFD-induced NAFLD model rats presented significant metabolic dysfunction, hepatocyte steatosis, and impaired learning and memory ability, as indicated by the increased plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG), the impaired glucose tolerance, the accumulated fat droplets and balloon-like changes in the liver, and the increased escaping latency but decreased duration in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze. All these changes were reversed in QUE-treated rats. Moreover, apart from improving the morphological injuries in the hippocampus, treatment with QUE could increase the decreased plasma concentration and hippocampal protein expression of TREM1 in NAFLD rats and increase the decreased expression of Syn-1 and Syt-1 in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

These results suggested the therapeutic potential of QUE against NAFLD-associated impairment of learning and memory, and the mechanism might involve regulating the metabolic dysfunction of glucose and lipids and balancing the protein expression of synaptic plasticity markers and TREM1/2 in the hippocampus.
The inhibition of circular RNA circNOLC1 by propofol/STAT3 attenuates breast cancer stem cells function via miR-365a-3p/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Liu Yi-Ping , Heng Jin-Yu , Zhao Xin-Yu , Li En-You
Published: November 2021

Background

Breast cancer remains one of the most dreadful female malignancies globally, in which cancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial functions. Circular RNAs have drawn great attention in cancer research area and propofol is a widely applied intravenous anesthetic agent. Methods: In the current study, we explored the function of circular RNA nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1 (circNOLC1) in CSCs of breast cancer and the inhibitory impact of propofol on circNOLC1.

Results

The expression of circNOLC1 was induced in breast cancer tissues compared with the non-tumor tissues. The silencing of circNOLC1 was able to repress the viability of breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, the numbers of colony formation were suppressed by circNOLC1 knockdown in breast cancer cells. The inhibition of circNOLC1 reduced the invasion and migration ability of breast cancer cells. The mRNA and protein levels of E-cadherin were enhanced but Vimentin levels were reduced by the silencing of circNOLC1. The repression of circNOLC1 decreased the side population (SP) ratio in breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, the sphere formation ability of breast cancer cells was attenuated by the silencing of circNOLC1. The levels of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), c-Myc, B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi1), and SRY-box transcription factor 2 (Sox2) were repressed by the depletion of circNOLC1 in the cells. Regarding to the mechanism, circNOLC1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) for microRNA-365a-3p (miR-365a-3p) and the inhibition of miR-365a-3p rescued circNOLC1 depletion-repressed proliferation and cancer stem cell activity of breast cancer. MiR-365a-3p targeted signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in breast cancer cells and circNOLC1 enhanced STAT3 expression by sponging miR-365a-3p. The overexpression of STAT3 could reverse miR-365a-3p or circNOLC1 depletion-inhibited proliferation and cancer stem cell properties of breast cancer. Interestingly, the expression of circNOLC1 and STAT3 was repressed by the treatment of propofol. The enrichment of STAT3 on circNOLC1 promoter was inhibited by propofol. The expression of circNOLC1 was suppressed by the silencing of STAT3 in the cells. The inhibition of circNOLC1 expression by propofol was rescued under the co-treatment of STAT3 overexpression. The overexpression of circNOLC1 rescued propofol-attenuated proliferation and cancer stem cell functions in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Thus, we concluded that circNOLC1 contributes to CSCs properties and progression of breast cancer by targeting miR-365a-3p /STAT3 axis and propofol inhibited circNOLC1 by repressing STAT3 in a feedback mechanism.
Timing of first antenatal care visits and number of items of antenatal care contents received and associated factors in Ethiopia: multilevel mixed effects analysis
Authors: Woldeamanuel Berhanu Teshome , Belachew Tadesse Ayele
Published: November 2021

Background

Receiving quality antenatal care (ANC) from skilled providers is essential to ensure the critical health circumstances of a pregnant woman and her child. Thus, this study attempted to assess which risk factors are significantly associated with the timing of antenatal care and the number of items of antenatal care content received from skilled providers in recent pregnancies among mothers in Ethiopia.

Methods

The data was extracted from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016. A total of 6645 mothers were included in the analysis. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis and multilevel mixed Negative binomial models were fitted to find the factors associated with the timing and items of the content of ANC services. The 95% Confidence Interval of Odds Ratio/Incidence Rate Ratio, excluding one, was reported as significant.

Results

About 20% of the mothers initiated ANC within the first trimester, and only 53% received at least four items of antenatal care content. Being rural residents (IRR = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.75–0.90), wanting no more children (IRR = 0.87; 95%CI: 0.79–0.96), and the husband being the sole decision maker of health care (IRR = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.81–0.96), were associated with reduced items of ANC content received. Further, birth order of six or more (IRR = 0.74; 95%CI: 0.56–0.96), rural residence (IRR = 0.0.41; 95%CI: 0.34–0.51), and wanting no more children (IRR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.48–0.77) were associated with delayed antenatal care utilization.

Conclusions

Rural residences, the poorest household wealth status, no education level of mothers or partners, unexposed to mass media, unwanted pregnancy, mothers without decision-making power, and considerable distance to the nearest health facility have a significant impact on delaying the timing of ANC visits and reducing the number of items of ANC received in Ethiopia. Mothers should start an antenatal care visit early to ensure that a mother receives all of the necessary components of ANC treatment during her pregnancy.
The morphological mapping of lateral compression type 1 pelvic fracture and pelvic ring stability classification: a finite element analysis
Authors: Zhang Bin-Fei , Wang Jun , Zhang Yu-Min , Cheng Hui-Guang , Cheng Qian-Yue , Cao Wen-Wen
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This finite element analysis assessed lateral compression (LC-1) fracture stability using machine learning for morphological mapping and classification of pelvic ring stability.

Methods

Computed tomography (CT) files of LC-1 pelvic fractures were collected. After morphological mapping and producing matrix data, we used K-means clustering in unsupervised machine learning to classify the fractures. Based on these subtypes, we manually added fracture lines in ANSYS software. Finally, we performed a finite element analysis of a normal pelvis and eight fracture subtypes based on von Mises stress and total deformation changes.

Results

A total of 218 consecutive cases were analyzed. According to the three main factors—zone of sacral injury and completion, pubic ramus injury side, and the sagittal rotation of the injured hemipelvis—the LC-1 injuries were classified into eight subtypes (I–VIII). No significant differences in stress or deformation were observed between unilateral and bilateral public ramus fractures. Subtypes VI and VIII showed the maximum stress while subtypes V–VIII showed the maximum deformation in the total pelvis and sacrum. The subtypes did not differ in superior public ramus deformation.

Conclusions

Complete fracture of sacrum zones 2/3 may be a feature of unstable LC-1 fractures. Surgeons should give surgical strategies for subtypes V–VIII.
A protocol for developing a core outcome set for ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Chong Krystle Y. , Solangon Sarah , Kemper James , Barnhart Kurt , Andrieu Pamela Causa , Capmas Perrine , Chacon Carolina , Condous George , de Waard Liesl , Duffy James M. N. , Horne Andrew , Memtsa Maria , Mol Femke , Oza Munira , Strandell Annika , van Wely Madelon , van’t Hooft Janneke , Vuong Lan N. , Zhang Jian , Jurkovic Davor , Mol Ben W. ,   International Collaboration on Core Outcomes in Ectopic Pregnancy
Published: November 2021

Background

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating ectopic pregnancy have reported many different outcomes, which are themselves often defined and measured in distinct ways. This level of variation results in an inability to compare results of individual RCTs. The development of a core outcome set to ensure outcomes important to key stakeholders are collected consistently will guide future research in ectopic pregnancy.

Study aim

To develop and implement a core outcome set to guide future research in ectopic pregnancy.

Methods and analysis

We have established an international steering group of key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals with lived experience of ectopic pregnancy. We will identify potential outcomes from ectopic pregnancy from a comprehensive literature review of published randomised controlled trials. We will then utilise a modified Delphi method to prioritise outcomes. Subsequently, key stakeholders will be invited to score potential core outcomes on a nine-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (not important) to 9 (critical). Repeated reflection and rescoring should promote whole and individual stakeholder group convergence towards consensus ‘core’ outcomes. We will also establish standardised definitions and recommend high-quality measurements for individual core outcomes.

Trial registration

COMET 1492. Registered in November 2019.
Application of electric potential improves ethanol production from xylose by active sludge
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Mingpeng , Zhang Zhaojie , Feng Yujie
Published: November 2021

Background

Low-cost raw materials such as lignocellulosic materials have been utilized in second-generation ethanol production process. However, the sequential and slow conversion of xylose into target products remains one of the main challenges for realizing efficient industrial lignocellulosic biorefinery.

Results

By applying different constant potentials to different microbial electrolysis cells with xylose as the sole carbon source, we analyzed the output of metabolites, microbial community structures, electron flow, and carbon flow in the process of xylose electro-fermentation by domesticated activated sludge. The bioreactors produced currents when applying positive potentials. The peak currents of the + 0.242 V, + 0.542 V and + 0.842 V reactors were 0.96 × 10–6 A, 3.36 × 10–6 A and 6.43 × 10–6 A, respectively. The application of potentials promoted the xylose consumption, and the maximum consumption rate in the + 0.542 V reactor was 95.5%, which was 34.8 times that of the reactor without applied potential. The potential application also promoted the production of ethanol and acetate. The maximum ethanol yield (0.652 mol mol−1 xylose) was obtained in the + 0.842 V reactor. The maximum acetate concentration (1,874 µmol L−1) was observed in the + 0.842 V reactor. The optimal potential for ethanol production was + 0.842 V with the maximum ethanol yield and energy saving. The application of positive potential caused the microorganisms to carry out ethanol fermentation, and the application of negative potential forced the microorganisms to carry out acetic fermentation. The potential application changed the diversity and community structure of microorganisms in the reactors, and the two most significantly changed families were Paenibacillaceae and Bacillaceae.

Conclusion

The constructed microbial electrolysis cells with different potentials obtained better production yield and selectivity compared with the reactor without applied potential. Our work provides strategies for the subsequent fermentation processes with different needs.
Science Tree: a platform for exploring the brazilian academic genealogy
Authors: M. C. Cota João M. , Laender Alberto H. F. , Prates Raquel O.
Published: November 2021

Identifying and studying the formation of researchers over the years is a challenging task, since the current repositories of theses and dissertations are cataloged in a decentralized manner in different digital libraries, many of them with limited scope. In this article, we report our efforts towards building a large repository to record the Brazilian academic genealogy. For this, we collected data from the Lattes platform, an internationally recognized initiative that provides a repository of researchers’ curricula maintained by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and developed a user-oriented platform, named Science Tree, to generate the academic genealogy trees of Brazilian researchers from them, also providing additional data resulting from a series of analyses regarding the main properties of such trees. In order to assess the facilities provided by the Science Tree platform, we conducted an experimental evaluation of it with two groups of users, the first one consisting of 286 researchers who answered an evaluation questionnaire and the second one involving seven researchers with large academic experience who agreed to participate in a face-to-face assessment conducted through a personal interview, during which they performed some pre-defined tasks. The results of these two evaluations with typical users enabled us not only to validate the main features offered by the platform, but also to identify new ones that could be added to it in the future. Overall, our effort has allowed us to identify interesting aspects related to the academic career of the Brazilian researchers, thus highlighting the importance of generating and cataloging their academic genealogy trees.
Note on theoretical and practical solvability of a class of discrete equations generalizing the hyperbolic-cotangent class
Authors: Stević Stevo , Iričanin Bratislav , Kosmala Witold , Šmarda Zdeněk
Published: November 2021

There has been some recent interest in investigating the hyperbolic-cotangent types of difference equations and systems of difference equations. Among other things their solvability has been studied. We show that there is a class of theoretically solvable difference equations generalizing the hyperbolic-cotangent one. Our analysis shows a bit unexpected fact, namely that the solvability of the class is based on some algebraic relations, not closely related to some trigonometric ones, which enable us to solve them in an elegant way. Some examples of the difference equations belonging to the class which are practically solvable are presented, as well as some interesting comments on connections of the equations with some iteration processes.
Comparison of low-concentration carbon dioxide-enriched and tap water immersion on body temperature after passive heating
Authors: Hayashi Keiji
Published: November 2021

Background

Because carbon dioxide (CO2)-enriched water causes cutaneous vasodilation, immersion in CO2-enriched water facilitates heat transfer from the body to the water or from the water to the body. Consequently, immersion in CO2-enriched water raises or reduces body temperature faster than immersion in fresh water. However, it takes time to dissolve CO2 in tap water and because the dissolved CO2 concentration decreases over time, the actual CO2 concentration is likely lower than the stated target concentration. However, it is unclear whether water containing a lower CO2 concentration would also cool the body faster than fresh water after body temperature had been increased.

Methods

Ten healthy males (mean age = 20 ± 1 years) participated in the study. Participants were first immersed for 15 min in a tap water bath at 40 °C to raise body temperature. They then moved to a tap water or CO2-enriched water bath at 30 °C to reduce body temperature. The CO2 concentration was set at 500 ppm. The present study measured cooling time and cooling rate (slope of the regression line relating auditory canal temperature (Tac) to cooling time) to assess the cooling effect of CO2-enriched water immersion.

Results

Immersion in 40 °C tap water caused Tac to rise 0.64 ± 0.25 °C in the tap water session and 0.62 ± 0.27 °C in the CO2-enriched water session (P > 0.05). During the 30 °C water immersion, Tac declined to the baseline within 13 ± 6 min in tap water and 10 ± 6 min in CO2-enriched water (P > 0.05). Cooling rates were 0.08 ± 0.06 °C/min in tap water and 0.08 ± 0.04 °C/min in CO2-enriched water (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

CO2-enriched water containing 500 ppm CO2 did not cool faster than tap water immersion. This suggests that when the water temperature is 30 °C, a CO2 concentration of 500 ppm is insufficient to obtain the advantageous cooling effect during water immersion after body temperature has been increased.
Model of metameric locomotion in smooth active directional filaments with curvature fluctuations
Authors: Du G. , Kumari S. , Ye F. , Podgornik R.
Published: November 2021

Locomotion in segmented animals, such as annelids and myriapods (centipedes and millipedes), is generated by a coordinated movement known as metameric locomotion, which can be also implemented in robots designed to perform specific tasks. We introduce a theoretical model, based on an active directional motion of the head segment and a passive trailing of the rest of the body segments, in order to formalize and study the metameric locomotion. The model is specifically formulated as a steered Ornstein-Uhlenbeck curvature process, preserving the continuity of the curvature along the whole body filament, and thus supersedes the simple active Brownian model, which would be inapplicable in this case. We obtain the probability density by analytically solving the Fokker-Planck equation pertinent to the model. We also calculate explicitly the correlators, such as the mean-square orientational fluctuations, the orientational correlation function and the mean-square separation between the head and tail segments, both analytically either via the Fokker-Planck equation or directly by either solving analytically or implementing it numerically from the Langevin equations. The analytical and numerical results coincide. Our theoretical model can help understand the locomotion of metameric animals and instruct the design of metameric robots.
ALG2 regulates type I interferon responses by inhibiting STING trafficking
Authors: Ji Wangsheng , Zhang Lianfei , Xu Xiaoyu , Liu Xinqi
Published: November 2021

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signaling adaptor, is essential for the type I interferon response to cytosolic double-stranded DNA. Translocation from the ER to perinuclear vesicles following cyclic GMP–AMP (cGAMP) binding is a critical step for STING to activate downstream signaling molecules, which leads to the production of interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we found that apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG2, also known as PDCD6) suppressed STING signaling induced by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection or cGAMP presence. Knockout of ALG2 markedly increased the expression of type I interferons upon cGAMP treatment or HSV-1 infection in THP-1 monocytes. Mechanistically, ALG2 associated with the C-terminal tail of STING and inhibited its trafficking from the ER to the perinuclear region. Furthermore, the ability of ALG2 to coordinate Ca2+ was crucial for its regulation of STING trafficking and DNA-induced innate immune responses. This work suggests that ALG2 is involved in DNA-induced innate immune responses by regulating STING trafficking.
Automatic detection of anteriorly displaced temporomandibular joint discs on magnetic resonance images using a deep learning algorithm
Authors: Lin Bolun , Cheng Mosha , Wang Shuze , Li Fulong , Zhou Qing
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

This study aimed to develop models that can automatically detect anterior disc displacement (ADD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on MRIs before orthodontic treatment to reduce the risk of developing serious complications after treatment.

Methods:

We used 9009 sagittal MRI of the TMJ as input and constructed three sets of deep learning models to detect ADD automatically. Deep learning models were developed using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the ResNet architecture and the “Imagenet” database. Five-fold cross-validation, oversampling, and data augmentation techniques were applied to reduce the risk of overfitting the model. The accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) of the three models were compared.

Results:

The performance of the maximum open mouth position model was excellent with accuracy and AUC of 0.970 (±0.007) and 0.990 (±0.005), respectively. For closed mouth position models, the accuracy and AUC of diagnostic Criteria 1 were 0.863 (±0.008) and 0.922 (±0.009), respectively significantly higher than that of diagnostic Criteria 2 with 0.839 (±0.013) (p = 0.009) and AUC of 0.885 (±0.018) (p = 0.003). The classification activation heat map also improved our understanding of the models and visually displayed the areas that play a key role in the model recognition process.

Conclusion:

Our CNN model resulted in high accuracy and AUC in detecting ADD and can therefore potentially be used by clinicians to assess ADD before orthodontic treatment, and hence improve treatment outcomes.
L’immagine dell’Oriente nella Commedia dell’Arte sull’esempio di commedie e canovacci secenteschi scelti
Authors: Surma-Gawłowska Monika
Published: November 2021

The paper analyses the presence of Oriental themes in the most important canovacci and comedies of the Italian 17th century theatre. Those themes are considered another evidence of the attention paid by professional comedians to current political and social subjects.
Publishing an academic paper: basics of the submission process
Authors: Dippenaar Enrico
Published: November 2021

Publishing an academic paper and going through the submission process can be unfamiliar and daunting. This article will provide a basic overview of where to start, how to search and scrutinise journals to find the right one for your work, checking guidelines and the finer things such as whether or not to pay for your publication, getting everything ready, what to expect during the process of submission, how your manuscript is reviewed and how a decision is made. Familiarising yourself with the basics of the submission process will make it less intimidating as you will know what to expect and how to prepare.
Advanced equine diagnostics – developments in computed tomography
Authors: Hall Anthony , Riley Isabell
Published: November 2021

Advancement in veterinary imaging technologies to assess pathology in the horses has been greatly improved since the development of computed tomography in the 1970s. These technical innovations have enabled faster acquisition times, lower patient doses of radiation and easier care of the patient during scanning. A wide range of computed tomography scanners are now available to the veterinary market, from companies providing second hand refurbished scanners, to those tailoring computed tomography scanners to the veterinary market. In turn, this makes the price of purchase, or rental, much more feasible to the industry. The financial implications of purchasing a scanner need to be reviewed to ensure viability, as well as identifying maintenance costs, space, specialist staffing and case load. However, even with access to advanced imaging devices such as computed tomography, imaging the equine patient comes with its own complexities and limitations. Owing to their size and anatomy, passing the relevant structures through the gantry can be difficult in itself, often requiring the administration of general anaesthetic to acquire suitable images, which comes with its own set of risks and additional costs. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to further develop the skills and abilities needed for standing computed tomography.
Differential mode delay diagnostics for LP modes traversing a few-mode fiber
Authors: Shibata Nori , Watanabe Kimitaka , Ohashi Masaharu , Sasaki Yusuke , Aikawa Kazuhiko
Published: November 2021

We provide differential mode delay (DMD) diagnostics for linearly polarized (LP) modes traversing a few-mode fiber (FMF). We employ a modal interferometer method with a butt coupling mechanism to measure the DMD between any two modes guided in FMFs with step-index (SI) and depressed-cladding profiles. The measurement principle is based on investigating a transmitted spectrum through temporal decomposition by means of a Fourier transform. At least four different temporal waveforms are needed for an FMF supporting four LP modes to estimate the DMD between two different LP modes. A butt coupling mechanism with an air gap between an FMF and a dispersion-shifted fiber is employed for simultaneous DMD measurement. The present diagnostics requires some knowledge of the bending loss characteristics of the FMFs and the butt coupling properties of the circular symmetry modes or circular asymmetry modes in their electric fields. The DMD diagnostics are realized taking the bending loss and butt coupling characteristics into consideration. We present experimental results for the DMD and DMD slope as a function of the wavelength in a 1450–1625 nm telecommunication band.
Vacuum-evaporated lead halide perovskite LEDs [Invited]
Authors: Yan Fei , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: November 2021

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have made impressive progress in
solid-state optoelectronics by virtue of their excellent electronic
and optical features. In the past few years, the light-emitting diode
(LED) adopting LHP emitters have reached a comparable level of
external quantum efficiency (EQE) with organic and colloidal quantum
dot LED counterparts. Apart from solution-processing, all-inorganic
CsPbX3 LEDs can also be fabricated using thermal
evaporation in a single run without breaking vacuum. In principle,
all-evaporated LHP-LEDs in a vacuum demonstrate good uniformity and
reliability in a large-area, especially full color applications where
color pixelation is necessary, although their performance is still
lower than that of the devices using hybrid film depositions. Herein,
the understanding of vacuum-evaporated LHPs and their resulting LEDs,
including the materials, film deposition and device issues, are
reviewed. Additionally, guidelines toward high-performance devices and
their prospects in the future are included.
Cross-population coupling of neural activity based on Gaussian process current source densities
Authors: Klein Natalie , Siegle Joshua H. , Teichert Tobias , Kass Robert E.
Published: November 2021

Because local field potentials (LFPs) arise from multiple sources in different spatial locations, they do not easily reveal coordinated activity across neural populations on a trial-to-trial basis. As we show here, however, once disparate source signals are decoupled, their trial-to-trial fluctuations become more accessible, and cross-population correlations become more apparent. To decouple sources we introduce a general framework for estimation of current source densities (CSDs). In this framework, the set of LFPs result from noise being added to the transform of the CSD by a biophysical forward model, while the CSD is considered to be the sum of a zero-mean, stationary, spatiotemporal Gaussian process, having fast and slow components, and a mean function, which is the sum of multiple time-varying functions distributed across space, each varying across trials. We derived biophysical forward models relevant to the data we analyzed. In simulation studies this approach improved identification of source signals compared to existing CSD estimation methods. Using data recorded from primate auditory cortex, we analyzed trial-to-trial fluctuations in both steady-state and task-evoked signals. We found cortical layer-specific phase coupling between two probes and showed that the same analysis applied directly to LFPs did not recover these patterns. We also found task-evoked CSDs to be correlated across probes, at specific cortical depths. Using data from Neuropixels probes in mouse visual areas, we again found evidence for depth-specific phase coupling of primary visual cortex and lateromedial area based on the CSDs.
Abnormal accumulation of lipid droplets in neurons induces the conversion of alpha-Synuclein to proteolytic resistant forms in a Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Girard Victor , Jollivet Florence , Knittelfelder Oskar , Celle Marion , Arsac Jean-Noel , Chatelain Gilles , Van den Brink Daan M. , Baron Thierry , Shevchenko Andrej , Kühnlein Ronald P. , Davoust Nathalie , Mollereau Bertrand
Published: November 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by alpha-synuclein (αSyn) aggregation and associated with abnormalities in lipid metabolism. The accumulation of lipids in cytoplasmic organelles called lipid droplets (LDs) was observed in cellular models of PD. To investigate the pathophysiological consequences of interactions between αSyn and proteins that regulate the homeostasis of LDs, we used a transgenic Drosophila model of PD, in which human αSyn is specifically expressed in photoreceptor neurons. We first found that overexpression of the LD-coating proteins Perilipin 1 or 2 (dPlin1/2), which limit the access of lipases to LDs, markedly increased triacylglyclerol (TG) loaded LDs in neurons. However, dPlin-induced-LDs in neurons are independent of lipid anabolic (diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1/midway, fatty acid transport protein/dFatp) and catabolic (brummer TG lipase) enzymes, indicating that alternative mechanisms regulate neuronal LD homeostasis. Interestingly, the accumulation of LDs induced by various LD proteins (dPlin1, dPlin2, CG7900 or KlarsichtLD-BD) was synergistically amplified by the co-expression of αSyn, which localized to LDs in both Drosophila photoreceptor neurons and in human neuroblastoma cells. Finally, the accumulation of LDs increased the resistance of αSyn to proteolytic digestion, a characteristic of αSyn aggregation in human neurons. We propose that αSyn cooperates with LD proteins to inhibit lipolysis and that binding of αSyn to LDs contributes to the pathogenic misfolding and aggregation of αSyn in neurons.
The pleiotropic functions of intracellular hydrophobins in aerial hyphae and fungal spores
Authors: Cai Feng , Zhao Zheng , Gao Renwei , Chen Peijie , Ding Mingyue , Jiang Siqi , Fu Zhifei , Xu Pingyong , Chenthamara Komal , Shen Qirong , Bayram Akcapinar Günseli , Druzhinina Irina S.
Published: November 2021

Higher fungi can rapidly produce large numbers of spores suitable for aerial dispersal. The efficiency of the dispersal and spore resilience to abiotic stresses correlate with their hydrophobicity provided by the unique amphiphilic and superior surface-active proteins–hydrophobins (HFBs)–that self-assemble at hydrophobic/hydrophilic interfaces and thus modulate surface properties. Using the HFB-enriched mold Trichoderma (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) and the HFB-free yeast Pichia pastoris (Saccharomycetales, Ascomycota), we revealed that the rapid release of HFBs by aerial hyphae shortly prior to conidiation is associated with their intracellular accumulation in vacuoles and/or lipid-enriched organelles. The occasional internalization of the latter organelles in vacuoles can provide the hydrophobic/hydrophilic interface for the assembly of HFB layers and thus result in the formation of HFB-enriched vesicles and vacuolar multicisternal structures (VMSs) putatively lined up by HFBs. These HFB-enriched vesicles and VMSs can become fused in large tonoplast-like organelles or move to the periplasm for secretion. The tonoplast-like structures can contribute to the maintenance of turgor pressure in aerial hyphae supporting the erection of sporogenic structures (e.g., conidiophores) and provide intracellular force to squeeze out HFB-enriched vesicles and VMSs from the periplasm through the cell wall. We also show that the secretion of HFBs occurs prior to the conidiation and reveal that the even spore coating of HFBs deposited in the extracellular matrix requires microscopic water droplets that can be either guttated by the hyphae or obtained from the environment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that at least one HFB, HFB4 in T. guizhouense, is produced and secreted by wetted spores. We show that this protein possibly controls spore dormancy and contributes to the water sensing mechanism required for the detection of germination conditions. Thus, intracellular HFBs have a range of pleiotropic functions in aerial hyphae and spores and are essential for fungal development and fitness.
Reduction of inappropriate prescriptions in older adults through the support of Asynchronous Geriatric Counseling Online (AGAlink): Implemented in primary care
Authors: Avalos-Mejia Annia Marisol , García-Cruz Juan Carlos , Escobedo de la Peña Jorge , Garrido-Acosta Osvaldo , Juárez-Cedillo Teresa
Published: November 2021

Background/Aim

Medication prescription is a fundamental component in the care of the elderly. Several characteristics of aging and geriatric medicine affect prescriptions for these people and make the selection of drug therapy a difficult and complex process. The objective of this study is to develop a geriatric portal for asynchronous online counseling (AGAlink) for use by physicians specializing in family medicine to reduce medication problems among older adult patients in the first level of care.

Method

A qualitative study was carried out in the first level of care at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), 31 family doctors were interviewed to identify attitudes, preferences about the use of the AGAlink geriatric portal, as well as their recommendations for the implementation of this tool in their daily practice. For the analysis of the data obtained, a qualitative thematic content analysis was used.

Results

90% of the physicians used the geriatric portal outside office hours without the need for the patient to be present. The perception of the physician towards the use of the AGAlink geriatric portal was favorable, provided relevant information and had several positive effects on the process of care for medical prescription. The barriers identified to accept the change in medication were not having the proposed therapeutic option, lack of any laboratory analysis, continuing to consider their experience for the prescription of the medication.

Conclusions

The AGAlink geriatric portal was a tool that was well received by physicians who expressed a positive attitude, considered an investment of a short time that allowed them to update and learn about strategies to reduce the prescription problems presented among the elderly population. However, the main barrier was the use of technology, especially in the doctors with more seniority in the service.
Universal thermal climate index associations with mortality, hospital admissions, and road accidents in Bavaria
Authors: Ghada Wael , Estrella Nicole , Ankerst Donna P. , Menzel Annette
Published: November 2021

When meteorological conditions deviate from the optimal range for human well-being, the risks of illness, injury, and death increase, and such impacts are feared in particular with more frequent and intense extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change. Thermal indices, such as the universal thermal climate index (UTCI), can better assess human weather-related stresses by integrating multiple weather components. This paper quantifies and compares the seasonal and spatial association of UTCI with mortality, morbidity, and road accidents in the federal state of Bavaria, Germany. Linear regression was applied to seasonally associate daily 56 million hospital admissions and 2.5 million death counts (1995–2015) as well as approximately 930,000 road accidents and 1.7 million people injured (2002–2015) with spatially interpolated same day- and lagged- (up to 14 days) average UTCI values. Additional linear regressions were performed stratifying by age, gender, region, and district. UTCI effects were clear in all three health outcomes studied: Increased UTCI resulted in immediate (1–2 days) rises in morbidity and even more strongly in mortality in summer, and lagged (up to 14 days) decreases in fall, winter, and spring. The strongest UTCI effects were found for road accidents where increasing UTCI led to immediate decreases in daily road accidents in winter but pronounced increases in all other seasons. Differences in UTCI effects were observed e.g. between in warmer north-western regions (Franconia, more districts with heat stress-related mortality, but hospital admissions for lung, heart and external reasons decreasing with summer heat stress), the touristic alpine regions in the south (immediate effect of increasing UTCI on road accidents in summer), and the colder south-eastern regions (increasing hospital admissions for lung, heart and external reasons in winter with UTCI). Districts with high percentages of elderly suffered from higher morbidity and mortality, particularly in winter. The influences of UTCI as well as the spatial and temporal patterns of this influence call for improved infrastructure planning and resource allocation in the health sector.