bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocols for isolating and characterizing polysaccharides from plant cell walls: a case study using rhamnogalacturonan-II
Authors: Barnes William J. , Koj Sabina , Black Ian M. , Archer-Hartmann Stephanie A. , Azadi Parastoo , Urbanowicz Breeanna R. , Peña Maria J. , O’Neill Malcolm A.
Published: June 2021

Background

In plants, a large diversity of polysaccharides comprise the cell wall. Each major type of plant cell wall polysaccharide, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, has distinct structures and functions that contribute to wall mechanics and influence plant morphogenesis. In recent years, pectin valorization has attracted much attention due to its expanding roles in biomass deconstruction, food and material science, and environmental remediation. However, pectin utilization has been limited by our incomplete knowledge of its structure. Herein, we present a workflow of principles relevant for the characterization of polysaccharide primary structure using nature’s most complex polysaccharide, rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II), as a model.

Results

We outline how to isolate RG-II from celery and duckweed cell walls and from red wine using chemical or enzymatic treatments coupled with size-exclusion chromatography. From there, we applied mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques to determine the glycosyl residue and linkage compositions of the intact RG-II and derived oligosaccharides including special considerations for labile monosaccharides. In doing so, we demonstrated that in the duckweedWolffiella repandathe arabinopyranosyl (Arap) residue of side chain B is substituted atO-2 with rhamnose. We used electrospray-MS techniques to identify non-glycosyl modifications including methyl-ethers, methyl-esters, and acetyl-esters on RG-II-derived oligosaccharides. We then showed the utility of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) to investigate the structure of intact RG-II and to complement the RG-II dimerization studies performed using size-exclusion chromatography.

Conclusions

The complexity of pectic polysaccharide structures has hampered efforts aimed at their valorization. In this work, we used RG-II as a model to demonstrate the steps necessary to isolate and characterize polysaccharides using chromatographic, MS, and NMR techniques. The principles can be applied to the characterization of other saccharide structures and will help inform researchers on how saccharide structure relates to functional properties in the future.
Handwork vs machine: a comparison of rheumatoid arthritis patient populations as identified from EHR free-text by diagnosis extraction through machine-learning or traditional criteria-based chart review
Authors: Maarseveen T. D. , Maurits M. P. , Niemantsverdriet E. , van der Helm-van Mil A. H. M. , Huizinga T. W. J. , Knevel R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Electronic health records (EHRs) offer a wealth of observational data. Machine-learning (ML) methods are efficient at data extraction, capable of processing the information-rich free-text physician notes in EHRs. The clinical diagnosis contained therein represents physician expert opinion and is more consistently recorded than classification criteria components.

Objectives

To investigate the overlap and differences between rheumatoid arthritis patients as identified either from EHR free-text through the extraction of the rheumatologist diagnosis using machine-learning (ML) or through manual chart-review applying the 1987 and 2010 RA classification criteria.

Methods

Since EHR initiation, 17,662 patients have visited the Leiden rheumatology outpatient clinic. For ML, we used a support vector machine (SVM) model to identify those who were diagnosed with RA by their rheumatologist. We trained and validated the model on a random selection of 2000 patients, balancing PPV and sensitivity to define a cutoff, and assessed performance on a separate 1000 patients. We then deployed the model on our entire patient selection (including the 3000). Of those, 1127 patients had both a 1987 and 2010 EULAR/ACR criteria status at 1 year after inclusion into the local prospective arthritis cohort. In these 1127 patients, we compared the patient characteristics of RA cases identified with ML and those fulfilling the classification criteria.

Results

The ML model performed very well in the independent test set (sensitivity=0.85, specificity=0.99, PPV=0.86, NPV=0.99). In our selection of patients with both EHR and classification information, 373 were recognized as RA by ML and 357 and 426 fulfilled the 1987 or 2010 criteria, respectively. Eighty percent of the ML-identified cases fulfilled at least one of the criteria sets.

Both demographic and clinical parameters did not differ between the ML extracted cases and those identified with EULAR/ACR classification criteria.

Conclusions

With ML methods, we enable fast patient extraction from the huge EHR resource. Our ML algorithm accurately identifies patients diagnosed with RA by their rheumatologist. This resulting group of RA patients had a strong overlap with patients identified using the 1987 or 2010 classification criteria and the baseline (disease) characteristics were comparable. ML-assisted case labeling enables high-throughput creation of inclusive patient selections for research purposes.
Translocation of residual ethoprophos and tricyclazole from soil to spinach
Authors: Yuan Xiu , Lee Junghak , Han Heeju , Ju Boeun , Park Eunyoung , Shin Yongho , Lee Jonghwa , Kim Jeong-Han
Published: June 2021

The dissipation of ethoprophos and tricyclazole in soil and their translocation tendency to spinach were investigated. Prior to field trials, the analytical method for the determination of these pesticide residues was optimized and validated on soil and spinach. The field trial was conducted under greenhouse conditions for two different pretreatment periods with the pesticides. After treating with pesticides 30 (PBI-30) and 60 days (PBI-60) before seeding, soil samples were collected on different days for the dissipation study of soil. Spinach samples were harvested from the soil, and 50% and 100% mature spinach samples were collected. The initial amounts of ethoprophos residue in the PBI-60 and PBI-30 soils were 0.21 and 2.74 mg/kg, respectively, and these both decreased to less than 0.01 mg/kg on the day of spinach harvest. Similar initial residues of tricyclazole were observed in the PBI-60 (0.87 mg/kg) and PBI-30 soils (0.84 mg/kg), and these decreased to 0.44 and 0.34 mg/kg, respectively. The half-lives of ethoprophos in the soils were calculated as 7.6 and 4.8 days, respectively, while relatively long half-lives of 36.5 and 77.0 days were calculated for tricyclazole. According to the pesticide residue amounts in the spinach, the translocation rate from the soil to the spinach was determined. In the case of ethoprophos, the residual amount was already rapidly degraded in the soil, and the translocation rate could not be confirmed. On the other hand, for tricyclazole, it was confirmed that 1.19 to 1.61% of the residual amount in soil was transferred to spinach. According to these results, safe management guidelines for tricyclazole in soil were suggested considering the maximum residue limit on spinach.
New possibility for characterization of dissociation behaviour of supramolecular electrolytes: results obtained for the International Humic Substances Society standard and reference samples by coulometry
Authors: Klučáková Martina
Published: June 2021

Background

Humic substances can be considered as polyelectrolytes with supramolecular character and complicated behaviour in water environment. The fractions of humic substances dissolved in water are the most active ones and determinative for their functioning in nature, where the proton-binding and dissociation ability play a crucial role. The dissociation behaviour of humic and fulvic acids can be affected by different circumstances including their concentration which is directly connected with the molecular organization of humic particles in solution and the accessibility of their ionizable functional groups. This study is focused just on these active fractions and their dissociation behaviour in the dependence on their content in studied system.

Results

Standards and reference samples of International Humic Substances Society were used. Flow-through coulometry was used to determine the total content of acidic functional groups in fulvic solutions and humic leachates. The amount of dissociated acidic groups was determined on the basis of potentiometry. Several differences between the behaviour of humic and fulvic acids were found. While whole samples of fulvic acids including the weakest functional groups were analysed, only the active dissolved humic fractions containing stronger acidic functional groups were characterized. The fractions containing higher amounts of the weakest functional groups remained insoluble. The dissociation degree of fulvic acids decreased with their increasing content, but a maximum on its concentration dependence obtained for humic acids was observed.

Conclusions

Two different values of dissociation constants were determined for each sample. The first was determined on the basis of the extrapolation of infinite dilution, second was determined as their average value in the region of high concentrations in which it was constant. Obtained values characterize the functioning of dissolved humic substances from point of view of their dissociation ability. The results obtained by this approach can help to predict the acid–base behaviour of dissolved organic carbon in soil and generally in nature. The acid–base behaviour of dissolved organic carbon depends on its ratio to water. It behaves differently in soil which is dry and in soil which is wet or saturated by water.
Fluctuation in salivary alpha-amylase activity and vital signs during dental implant surgery
Authors: Sabbagh Afnan , Nakata Hidemi , Abdou Ahmed , Kasugai Shohei , Kuroda Shinji
Published: June 2021

Background

Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity is thought to be an indicator of mental stress. However, the relationship between sAA activity and mental stress in patients undergoing dental implant treatment has not been investigated. The present study aimed to examine the correlation between sAA activity and changes in the patient’s vital signs during dental implant surgery.

Results

sAA activity was higher after surgery compared to the pre-surgical measurements. A significant positive correlation was observed between sAA activity and heart rate (HR) (rs=0.434, p=0.007), as well as the peripheral blood oxygen (SpO2) (rs=0.392, p=0.016).

Conclusion

sAA activity and the patient’s stress levels tended to increase after the surgical procedure. A positive correlation was observed between SpO2 and sAA activity. A significant positive correlation was also observed between the between the HR and sAA activity, although there was no correlation between blood pressure and sAA activity. Thus, sAA may be a valuable indicator of the stress and anxiety accumulated during dental implant surgery.
Advancing engagement and capacity for rural cancer control: a mixed-methods case study of a Community-Academic Advisory Board in the Appalachia region of Southwest Virginia
Authors: Zoellner Jamie M. , Porter Kathleen J. , Brock Donna-Jean P. , Mitchell Emma Mc Kim , Chapman Howard , Clarkston Deborah , Cohn Wendy , Hauser Lindsay , Morris Dianne W. , Ramey Sarah Y. , Robinson Brenna , Schriefer Scott , Voges Noelle , Wiseman Kara P.
Published: June 2021

Background

The objectives are to: 1) describe engagement processes used to prioritize and address regional comprehensive cancer control needs among a Community-Academic Advisory Board (CAB) in the medically-underserved, rural Appalachian region, and 2) detail longitudinal CAB evaluation findings.

Methods

This three-year case study (2017–2020) used a convergent parallel, mixed-methods design. The approach was guided by community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles, the Comprehensive Participatory Planning and Evaluation process, and Nine Habits of Successful Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalitions. Meeting artifacts were tracked and evaluated. CAB members completed quantitative surveys at three time points and semi-structured interviews at two time points. Quantitative data were analyzed using analysis of variance tests. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via an inductive-deductive process.

Results

Through 13 meetings, Prevention and Early Detection Action Teams created causal models and prioritized four cancer control needs: human papillomavirus vaccination, tobacco control, colorectal cancer screening, and lung cancer screening. These sub-groups also began advancing into planning and intervention proposal development phases. As rated by 49 involved CAB members, all habits significantly improved from Time 1 to Time 2 (i.e., communication, priority work plans, roles/accountability, shared decision making, value-added collaboration, empowered leadership, diversified funding, trust, satisfaction; all p < .05), and most remained significantly higher at Time 3. CAB members also identified specific challenges (e.g., fully utilizing member expertise), strengths (e.g., diverse membership), and recommendations across habits.

Conclusion

This project’s equity-based CBPR approach used a CPPE process in conjunction with internal evaluation of cancer coalition best practices to advance CAB efforts to address cancer disparities in rural Appalachia. This approach encouraged CAB buy-in and identified key strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities that will lay the foundation for continued involvement in cancer control projects. These engagement processes may serve as a template for similar coalitions in rural, underserved areas.
Gaps in Care and Support for Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer: A Report From the Advanced Breast Cancer Global Alliance
Authors: Fallowfield Lesley , Boyle Frances M. , Travado Luzia , Kiely Belinda E. , Jewell Patti , Aubel Dawn , Cardoso Fatima
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Although new therapeutic options continue to improve disease-related outcomes in advanced breast cancer (ABC), enhanced focus is needed to improve quality of life for patients currently living with ABC.

METHODS

In November 2019, a multidisciplinary workshop to explore patient perceptions of their information and support needs was held at the ABC Global Alliance Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal. Ninety-two attendees from 27 countries participated in the workshop.

RESULTS

Several key unmet needs were identified and discussed in the workshop, including the following: (1) Significant patient knowledge gaps exist related to the diagnosis and management of ABC, and the availability of patient-focused information to support these gaps in knowledge remains limited. (2) The development of meaningful relationships between patients and health care professionals, and the role of patients in decision making, is often overlooked for patients with ABC. (3) Multidisciplinary care approaches are crucial for patients with ABC; however, these often lack effective coordination. (4) Access to clinical trials for ABC also remains limited. (5) Caregivers, friends, and family members do not receive sufficient guidance to support patients with ABC and manage their own well-being.

CONCLUSION

The variety of unmet needs explored in the workshop demonstrates that patients with ABC still face considerable challenges related to quality of care and support, which will not be resolved until tangible action is taken. Issues highlighted in the workshop should be prioritized by working groups to shape the development of community-based solutions. There is a need for the global community to act proactively to maximize awareness of these ongoing unmet needs and existing resources, while socializing and building new initiatives and resources that will help to close these gaps for patients.
Open-Label Phase II Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study of Romyelocel-L Myeloid Progenitor Cells to Reduce Infection During Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Desai Pinkal M. , Brown Janice , Gill Saar , Solh Melham M. , Akard Luke P. , Hsu Jack W. , Ustun Celalettin , Andreadis Charalambos , Frankfurt Olga , Foran James M. , Lister John , Schiller Gary J. , Wieduwilt Matthew J. , Pagel John M. , Stiff Patrick J. , Liu Delong , Khan Irum , Stock Wendy , Kambhampati Suman , Tallman Martin S. , Morris Lawrence , Edwards John , Pusic Iskra , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Mamelok Richard , Wong Alicia , Van Syoc Rodney , Kellerman Lois , Panuganti Swapna , Mandalam Ramkumar , Abboud Camille N. , Ravandi Farhad
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Standard cytotoxic induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) results in prolonged neutropenia and risk of infection. Romyelocel-L is a universal, allogeneic myeloid progenitor cell product being studied to reduce infection during induction chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred sixty-three patients with de novo AML (age ≥ 55 years) receiving induction chemotherapy were randomly assigned on day 0 (d0), of whom 120 were evaluable. Subjects received either romyelocel-L infusion on d9 with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) starting daily d14 (treatment group) or G-CSF daily alone on d14 (control) until absolute neutrophil count recovery to 500/µL. End points included days in febrile episode, microbiologically defined infections, clinically diagnosed infection, and days in hospital.

RESULTS

Mean days in febrile episode was shorter in the treatment arm from d15 through d28 (2.36 v 3.90; P = .02). Similarly, a trend toward decreased microbiologically defined infections and clinically diagnosed infection in the treatment arm was observed from d9 to d28 (35.6% v 47.5%; P = .09), reaching a statistically significant difference from d15 to d28 (6.8% v 27.9%; P = .002). Because of this, antibacterial or antifungal use for treatment of an infection was significantly less in the treatment group (d9-d28: 44.1% v 63.9%; P = .01). Significantly fewer patients in the treatment arm received empiric antifungals from d9 tod28 (42.4% v 63.9%; P = .02) and d15-d28 (42.4% v 62.3%; P = .02). Patients in the treatment arm also had 3.2 fewer hospital days compared with control (25.5 v 28.7; P = .001). Remission rates and days to absolute neutrophil count recovery were similar in the two groups. No patients in the romyelocel-L plus G-CSF group died because of infection compared with two patients in the control arm. No graft-versus-host disease was observed.

CONCLUSION

Subjects receiving romyelocel-L showed a decreased incidence of infections, antimicrobial use, and hospitalization, suggesting that romyelocel-L may provide a new option to reduce infections in patients with AML undergoing induction therapy.
Το πρόβλημα του κακού στην οντολογία του Πρόκλου
Authors: Βαλσαμίδου Παναγιώτα
Published: June 2021

Το πρόβλημα της ύπαρξης του κακού φαντάζει πιο επίκαιρο από ποτέ καιαπασχολεί τον άνθρωπο καθόλη τη διάρκεια του βίου του. Η παρούσαεργασία «Το πρόβλημα του κακού στην οντολογία του Πρόκλου» έχει ως στόχο να φωτίσει την προσωπικότητα αλλά και τις απόψεις του φιλοσόφου με κεντρικό άξονα την έννοια του κακού. Γενικά, το πρόκλειοφιλοσοφικό σύστημα αποσκοπεί στην επιστροφή στο νεοπλατωνικό Εν.Βασική παράμετρός του υπήρξε η τριαδική εξέλιξη των όντων.Συγκεκριμένα, υιοθέτησε το τριαδικό σχήμα του Νεοπλατωνισμού «μονή,πρόοδος, επιστροφή», σύμφωνα με το οποίο η ιστορία του κάθε όντοςεξελίσσεται σε τρία στάδια. Ο Πρόκλος επηρεάζεται καθοριστικά από τον Πλωτίνο, καθώς ταυτίζεται μαζί του στην άποψη πως το κακό είναι ηαπουσία του Αγαθού, ενώ γενικότερα και οι δύο φιλόσοφοι αναπτύσσουντο στοχασμό τους έχοντας ως θεμέλιο τις πλατωνικές θέσεις. Ωστόσο, στον καθορισμό της έννοιας του κακού ο Πρόκλος διαφωνεί με τον Πλωτίνο, ο οποίος το συσχετίζει με την ύλη. Ο Λύκιος θεωρεί πως η πηγήτου κακού είναι διαφορετική, και μάλιστα είναι αδύνατο να αφορά την ύλη, που γεννήθηκε από το Αγαθό και συνιστά κάτι αναγκαίο. Το κακόγια εκείνον δημιουργείται κάπου ανάμεσα στην ύλη και την ψυχή μεαπροσδιόριστο, άτακτο και ασύμμετρο τρόπο. Το κακό διακρίνεται απόμηδαμινό οντολογικό βαθμό, υφίσταται «παρά φύσιν» και η παρασιτικήτου ιδιότητα συνοψίζεται στην ταύτισή του με την παρυπόσταση, η οποίαείναι άσκοπη, αναίτια και αόριστη. Η στέρηση ως γνώρισμα του κακού δενυφίσταται απόλυτη και πλήρης. Το κακό είναι το υπεναντίον του Αγαθούκαι το Αγαθό μέσω της δύναμής του το αγαθύνει. Οι θεοί κατέχουν τηγ νώση του κακού, ενώ οι άνθρωποι το πράττουν. Η απόπειρα τουανθρώπου να αποδεσμευθεί από τα πάθη του το καθιστά δραματικό και 285ακούσιο, ενώ η απομάκρυνση από το Εν αντικατοπτρίζεται έντονα στοανείδεον, δυσειδές και αισχρόν πρόσωπό του.
Ein Ofenkachelfund aus dem ehemaligen St. Leonhardsstift zu Basel
Authors: Grütter Daniel , Rentzel Philippe
Published: June 2021

Die vorgestellten Ofenkacheln stammen aus den Gebäuden des ehemaligen St. Leonhardsstiftes (Leonhardskirchplatz 7) . Die dazugehörigen Öfen wurden anlässlich eines Umbaus abgebrochen und als Bauschutt im Boden eingelagert.

Die Kachelbruchstücke liessen sich mindestens 198 Kachelindividuen zuweisen. Aus 126 Kacheln konnte eine Ofenrekonstruktion vorgenommen werden. Die Besonderheit des Ofenkörpers besteht in der Kombination verschiedener Dekorationstechniken. So setzen sich die Sichtflächen der Eckkacheln aus zwei in Schablonentechnik aufgetragenen Kreismustern und einer reliefierten Ecklisene zusammen.

Die Kacheln datieren aus der Zeit um 1600. Sie dokumentieren den hohen technischen Stand der baslerischen Hafnereiproduktion und liefern eine Fülle aufschlussreicher Informationen über dieses Handwerk.
Baugeschichtliche Untersuchungen im Jahre 1998
Authors: Jaggi Bernard , Reicke Daniel , Ritzmann Hans
Published: June 2021

Im Berichtsjahr wurden von der Abteilung Bauforschung der Basler Denkmalpflege1 insgesamt 45 Objekte bearbeitet. Eigentliche Untersuchungen im Rahmen von Umbauten und Restaurierungen fanden auf 25 Bauplätzen statt. Sie werden im Folgenden kurz vorgestellt, wobei noch nicht abgeschlossene Untersuchungen ohne Befundauswertung lediglich statistisch erfasst sind.
Tätigkeitsbericht der Archäologischen Bodenforschung Basel-Stadt für das Jahr 1998
Authors: Schwarz Peter-Andrew
Published: June 2021

Der Tätigkeitsbericht des Kantonsarchäologen bietet einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Kennzahlen und die Arbeiten in den verschiedenen Abteilungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung im Jahr 1998.

Mit Beiträgen zur Fundchronik im Jahr 1998.
Die bauanalytischen Untersuchungen der Martinskirche von 1982
Authors: Stöckli Werner , Reicke Daniel
Published: June 2021

Die Martinskirche könnte nach ihrem Patrozinium auf fränkische Zeit zurückgehen. In den Urkunden wird sie erstmals 1101/03 erwähnt. Aus einer weiteren Quelle geht hervor, dass 1287 ein umfassender Neubau im Gang war. Beim Erdbeben 1356 wurde die Kirche beschädigt. Wie schwer die Schäden waren, geht aus den Quellen nicht hervor. Zum Umfang der Gebäude-Teile, die aus der Zeit vor 1356 stammen, und zum Ablauf der Erneuerungen und Ergänzungen der Kirche konnten in der Bauanalyse nun wesentliche Fakten neu zusammengetragen werden.
Vorbericht über die Grabungen 2001 im Bereich der spätlatènezeitlichen Siedlung Basel-Gasfabrik
Authors: Hecht Yolanda , Rissanen Hannele , Schaltenbrand Katrin , Spichtig Norbert
Published: June 2021

Berichte zu den archäologischen Untersuchungen in der Fundstelle «Basel-Gasfabrik» im Jahr 2001.
Medieval Europe Basel 2002
Authors: Helmig Guido
Published: June 2021

Vom 10. bis 15. September 2002 fand im Kongresszentrum der Messe Schweiz in Basel der 3. Internationale Kongress der Archäologie des Mittelalters und der Neuzeit statt. 451 Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler aus 27 Ländern Europas sowie aus den Vereinigten Staaten nahmen daran teil.
Eine Basler Ofenhafnerei des 18. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Higy Walter , Matt Christoph Philipp
Published: June 2021

Im Haus Klosterberg 21 in der Basler Steinenvorstadt kam bei Renovationsarbeiten das Fundament eines Keramikbrennofens zum Vorschein. Der Ofen lässt sich mit der Hafnerfamilie Hug in Verbindung bringen, die hier zwischen 1750 und 1830 über vier Generationen hinweg ihr Handwerk betrieb.

Wichtig sind insbesondere die dabei gefundenen Kacheln, die zweifelsfrei der Hug'schen Werkstatt zugewiesen werden können. Diese Funde erlauben es, verschiedene unsignierte, in Basel und in der weiteren Nordwestschweiz stehende Öfen als Produkte dieser hier ansässigen Hafnerfamilie zu identifizieren.

Interessant ist insbesondere auch die Wiederentdeckung eines im 20. Jahrhundert (von Arlesheim oder von Basel?) nach Schloss Wartenfels (Lostorf, SO) verbrachten Hug-Ofens.
Sulfatase 1 and sulfatase 2 as novel regulators of macrophage antigen presentation and phagocytosis
Authors: Kim Hyun-Je , Kim Hee-Sun , Hong Young-Hoon
Published: June 2021

Background: Sulfation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) is critical for the binding and signaling of ligands that mediate inflammation. Extracellular 6-O-endosulfatases regulate posttranslational sulfation levels and patterns of HSPGs. In this study, extracellular 6-O-endosulfatases, sulfatase (Sulf)-1 and Sulf-2, were evaluated for their expression and function in inflammatory cells and tissues. Methods: Harvested human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide, and murine peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β for the evaluation of Sulf-1 and Sulf-2 expression. Sulf expression in inflammatory cells was examined in the human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium by immunofluorescence staining. The antigen presentation and phagocytic activities of macrophages were compared according to the expression state of Sulfs. Sulfs-knockdown macrophages and Sulfs-overexpressing macrophages were generated using small interfering RNAs and pcDNA3.1 plasmids for Sulf-1 and Sulf-2, respectively. Results: Lymphocytes and monocytes showed weak Sulf expression, which remained unaffected by IL-1β. However, peritoneal macrophages showed increased expression of Sulfs upon stimulation with IL-1β. In human RA synovium, two-colored double immunofluorescent staining of Sulfs and CD68 revealed active upregulation of Sulfs in macrophages of inflamed tissues, but not in lymphocytes of lymphoid follicles. Macrophages are professional antigen-presenting cells. The antigen presentation and phagocytic activities of macrophages were dependent on the level of Sulf expression, suppressed in Sulfs-knockdown macrophages, and enhanced in Sulfs-overexpressing macrophages. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that upregulation of Sulfs in macrophages occurs in response to inflammation, and Sulfs actively regulate the antigen presentation and phagocytic activities of macrophages as novel immune regulators.
What you need to know about falls
Authors: Barnard Anna N , Furmedge Daniel S
Published: June 2021

Falls are a common presenting complaint, particularly in older patients, and are associated with significant morbidity. Inpatient falls also have financial implications for healthcare systems, including litigation costs.

This article provides an approach to assessing a patient presenting with a fall, encompassing the cause and consequence of the event. It also highlights the need to consider both the acute and chronic factors that predispose a particular patient to fall.

Chronic factors such as frailty, sarcopenia, cognitive impairment, and continence issues are often under-recognised and, as a result, not managed optimally.

A comprehensive geriatric assessment is an ideal structure to identify modifiable risks. Practical interventions that can be of benefit to minimise a patient's risk of falling include a medication review, assessment of their mobility and their environment. In addition, continence review and visual assessment may be appropriate.
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder or ‘fussy eating’
Authors: Noakes Amy
Published: June 2021

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder is a type of eating disorder in which people avoid certain foods or limit their consumption. It commonly affects children in whom it results in an inability to meet the body's nutritional and energy needs
Influences that affect health visitors' ability to work with fathers who are perpetrators of domestic abuse
Authors: Laffar Karen , Elliott Helen
Published: June 2021

This article outlines a study that explored the factors influencing health visitors' engagement with fathers known to be domestic abuse perpetrators. This qualitative study recruited seven health visitors who participated in semi-structured interviews. Collection of data was between February and March 2018. Findings showed that the health visiting service mainly focused on the mother and children without including fathers who were often ‘invisible’ to services. Other professional groups, alongside the ‘gatekeeping of mothers’, appeared to influence health visitors' perceptions of the perpetrators' ability to be effective fathers. Due to feelings of anxiety and a lack of confidence, health visitors often avoided contact with fathers. This reduced the opportunity for health visitors to promote healthy relationships with fathers and their children.
Home visiting caregiver satisfaction and engagement in South Carolina
Authors: Merrell Melinda A , Crouch Elizabeth , Browder Jennifer , Workman Lauren , Wilson Mary , Malbouf Allyson , Silverman Allie
Published: June 2021

Maternal and child health home visiting programmes demonstrate positive outcomes, yet retention of families in services can be difficult. This study examined caregiver satisfaction with home visiting programmes in South Carolina, USA, including an assessment of facilitators and barriers of satisfaction and overall engagement in services. A non-random, purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit caregivers enrolled in home visiting in South Carolina for study participation. Caregivers rated their satisfaction with home visiting highly and valued their programmes' educational components. Barriers to satisfaction and engagement included logistical factors such as difficulty scheduling appointments. Home visiting programmes should ensure their workforce development and accessibility practices are aligned to meet families' needs to promote retention in services.
Employing Texture Features of Chest X-Ray Images and Machine Learning in COVID-19 Detection and Classification
Authors: Alquran Hiam , Alsleti Mohammad , Alsharif Roaa , Abu Qasmieh Isam , Alqudah Ali Mohammad , Binti Harun Nor Hazlyna
Published: June 2021

The novel coronavirus (nCoV-19) was first detected in December 2019. It had spread worldwide and was declared coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic by March 2020. Patients presented with a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems predominantly the lungs. Severe cases required intensive care unit (ICU) admissions while there were asymptomatic cases as well. Although early detection of the COVID-19 virus by Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is effective, it is not efficient; as there can be false negatives, it is time consuming and expensive. To increase the accuracy of in-vivo detection, radiological image-based methods like a simple chest X-ray (CXR) can be utilized. This reduces the false negatives as compared to solely using the RT-PCR technique. This paper employs various image processing techniques besides extracted texture features from the radiological images and feeds them to different artificial intelligence (AI) scenarios to distinguish between normal, pneumonia, and COVID-19 cases. The best scenario is then adopted to build an automated system that can segment the chest region from the acquired image, enhance the segmented region then extract the texture features, and finally, classify it into one of the three classes. The best overall accuracy achieved is 93.1% by exploiting Ensemble classifier. Utilizing radiological data to conform to a machine learning format reduces the detection time and increase the chances of survival.
Terror threats and civil liberties: when do citizens accept infringements of civil liberties?
Authors: Van der Hell Walter L. Brent , Hrafnkelsson Hjalti Björn , Kristinsson Gunnar Helgi
Published: June 2021

Threats from subversive or threatening enemies are sometimes invoked by governments to justify infringements of civil liberties. The present article is concerned with the factors likely to affect citizen acceptance of such infringements as legitimate and necessary. A survey was conducted to evaluate the disposition of respondents to the relative prioritisation of security over civil liberties. The results indicate that even in a rather secure setting, where threats from terror can be considered relatively distant, citizens have a disposition towards prioritising security, although this depends on the degree of anxiety, political trust and general social trust. Anxiety leads to greater willingness to accept infringements, as does trust in government while general social trust leads to smaller receptiveness in this respect.
Improvement in image quality via the pseudo confocal effect in multidirectional digital scanned laser light-sheet microscopy
Authors: Kaneshiro Junichi , Shioi Go , Okamoto Kazuko , Onami Shuichi , Watanabe Tomonobu M.
Published: June 2021

Multidirectional digital scanned laser light-sheet microscopy (mDSLM) cannot be used with the current pseudo confocal system to reduce blurring and background signals. The multiline scanning for light-sheet illumination and the simple image construction proposed in this study are alternative to the pseudo confocal system. We investigate the effectiveness of our pseudo confocal method combined with mDSLM on artificial phantoms and biological samples. The results indicate that image quality from mDSLM can be improved by the confocal effect; their combination is effective and can be applied to biological investigations.
Physics-trained neural network for sparse-view volumetric laser absorption imaging of species and temperature in reacting flows
Authors: Wei Chuyu , Schwarm Kevin K. , Pineda Daniel I. , Mitchell Spearrin R.
Published: June 2021

A deep learning method for laser absorption tomography was developed to effectively integrate physical priors related to flow-field thermochemistry and transport. Mid-fidelity reacting flow simulations were coupled with a forward molecular absorption model to train a deep neural network that performs the tomographic inversion of laser absorption images to predict temperature and species fields in flames. The method was evaluated through numerical simulation and experimental testing in benchtop laminar flames. The target flow-fields involved a spatially-convolved laminar ethylene-flame doublet, backlit with tunable radiation from a quantum cascade laser near 4.85 µm probing rovibrational absorption transitions of carbon monoxide. 2D images were collected at 11 different projection angles, yielding an aggregate of 50,688 unique lines of sight capturing the scene with a pixel resolution of approximately 70 µm. A convolutional neural network was introduced to efficiently generate temperature and species profiles and trained with a large dataset of large-eddy simulations of laminar flames at variable conditions. The learning-based approach to the inversion problem was found to more accurately predict species and temperature fields of the flame with fewer projection angles, reduce convergence time, and expand the field domain relative to classical linear tomography.
Optimizing the deployment of quantum key distribution switch-based networks
Authors: Tayduganov Andrey , Rodimin Vadim , Kiktenko Evgeniy O. , Kurochkin Vladimir , Krivoshein Evgeniy , Khanenkov Sergey , Usova Vasilisa , Stefanenko Lyudmila , Kurochkin Yury , Fedorov A. K.
Published: June 2021

Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks provide an infrastructure for establishing information-theoretic secure keys between legitimate parties via quantum and authentic classical channels. The deployment of QKD networks in real-world conditions faces several challenges, which are related in particular to the high costs of QKD devices and the condition to provide reasonable secret key rates. In this work, we present a QKD network architecture that provides a significant reduction in the cost of deploying QKD networks by using optical switches and reducing the number of QKD receiver devices, which use single-photon detectors. We describe the corresponding modification of the QKD network protocol. We also provide estimations for a network link of a total of 670 km length consisting of 8 nodes and demonstrate that the switch-based architecture achieves significant resource savings of up to 28%, while the throughput is reduced by 8% only.
Highly stable CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dot-doped tellurite glass nanocomposite scintillator
Authors: Niu Luyue , Wang Sikai , Sui Zexuan , Song Yushou , Zhao Lei , Liu Lu , Ren Jing , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: June 2021

All-inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) appear to be promising scintillators for radiation detection; however, they are suffering from poor stabilities against light, heat, and moisture. Here a strategy of using AgCl as the nucleating agent is developed to facilitate growth of

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PQDs in chemically inert tellurite glasses via controlled crystallization. The PQDs are uniformly dispersed and well protected in the dense glass matrix without aggregation. The nanocomposites thus obtained are featured by excellent optical transparency owing to the unique character of tellurite glass having a refractive index comparable to that of the

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crystal. The X-ray excited radioluminescence properties are comprehensively studied. The results show that

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PQD-doped tellurite glasses are highly stable against continuous X-ray irradiation and repeated heat-cooling cycles (from room temperature up to 573 K) without sacrificing their scintillation properties, thus appearing to be a potential scintillator for long-term practical applications.
Steering non-Hermitian skin modes by synthetic gauge fields in optical ring resonators
Authors: Lin Zekun , Ding Lu , Ke Shaolin , Li Xun
Published: June 2021

We show that the synthetic gauge fields for photons provide a versatile approach to generate and control the non-Hermitian skin effect. By utilizing indirectly coupled optical ring resonator arrays with long-range couplings and on-site gain and loss, we find that the skin effect appears once the gauge field is not an integer multiple of π. In addition to tunable localization direction, the skin modes display anisotropic behaviors with frequency-dependent decay length, which can be explained by the split subregion of the generalized Brillouin zone (GBZ) and an effective model under adiabatic elimination. Through numerical simulation, we can also demonstrate exotic features in propagation effects enabled by the skin effect, including asymmetric transmission and reconfigurable accumulation interface. Our study paves the way to dynamically steer skin modes, which may find applications in laser, optical switch, and signal processing.
Dynamic performance and reflection sensitivity of quantum dot distributed feedback lasers with large optical mismatch
Authors: Dong Bozhang , Duan Jianan , Huang Heming , Norman Justin C. , Nishi Kenichi , Takemasa Keizo , Sugawara Mitsuru , Bowers John E. , Grillot Frédéric
Published: June 2021

This work reports on a high-efficiency InAs/GaAs distributed feedback quantum dot laser. The large optical wavelength detuning at room temperature between the lasing peak and the gain peak causes the static, dynamic, and nonlinear intrinsic properties to all improve with temperature, including the lasing efficiency, the modulation dynamics, the linewidth enhancement factor, and consequently the reflection insensitivity. Results reported show an optimum operating temperature at 75°C, highlighting the potential of the large optical mismatch assisted single-frequency laser for the development of uncooled and isolator-free high-speed photonic integrated circuits.
Bidirectional cascaded deep neural networks with a pretrained autoencoder for dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Kong Weichao , Chen Jun , Huang Zengxin , Kuang Dengfeng
Published: June 2021

Metasurfaces composed of meta-atoms provide promising platforms for manipulating amplitude, phase, and polarization of light. However, the traditional design methods of metasurfaces are time consuming and laborious. Here, we propose a bidirectional cascaded deep neural network with a pretrained autoencoder for rapid design of dielectric metasurfaces in the range of 450 nm to 850 nm. The forward model realizes a prediction of amplitude and phase responses with a mean absolute error of 0.03. Meanwhile, the backward model can retrieve patterns of meta-atoms in an inverse-design manner. The availability of this model is demonstrated by database establishment, model evaluation, and generalization testing. Furthermore, we try to reveal the mechanism behind the model in a visualization way. The proposed approach is beneficial to reduce the cost of computation burden and improve nanophotonic design efficiency for solving electromagnetic on-demand design issues automatically.
Reducing stroke burden through a targeted self-management intervention for reducing stroke risk factors in high-risk Ugandans: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kaddumukasa Mark , Najjuma Josephine , Mbalinda Scovia Nalugo , Kaddumukasa Martin N. , Nakibuuka Jane , Burant Christopher , Moore Shirley , Blixen Carol , Katabira Elly T. , Sajatovic Martha
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Stroke burden is rapidly increasing globally. Modifiable risk factors offer an opportunity to intervene, and targeting hypertension is a key actionable target for stroke risk reduction in sub-Saharan Africa. This 3-site planned randomized controlled trial builds on promising preliminary data.

Methods

A total of 246 Ugandan adults will be recruited randomized to experimental intervention vs. enhanced treatment control. Intervention participants will receive six weekly group-format stroke risk reduction self-management training sessions, and the controls will receive information on cardiovascular risk. The primary study outcome is systolic B.P. measured at baseline, 13-week, 24 weeks (6 months). Secondary outcomes include other biological and behavioral stroke risk factors.

Discussion

The curriculum-guided self-management TargetEd MAnageMent Intervention (TEAM) program is anticipated to reduce the stroke burden in Uganda.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04685408, registered on 28 December 2020.
Development and evaluation of the digital-screen exposure questionnaire (DSEQ) for young children
Authors: Kaur Nimran , Gupta Madhu , Kiran Tanvi , Malhi Prahbhjot , Grover Sandeep
Published: June 2021

Background

Over the last three decades, the accessibility and usage of mobile devices have increased among young children. This study’s objective was to develop a validated caregiver-reported digital-screen exposure questionnaire (DSEQ) for children aged 2–5 years.

Methods

DSEQ was developed in five phases. Phase 1, a draft questionnaire was developed by reviewing the literature on existing tools (n = 2) from 2009–2017. Phase 2, face-to-face interviews with primary caregivers (n = 30) were conducted in a tertiary-care-hospital for acculturation. Nine experts assessed the face and content validity of the draft Hindi and English questionnaire. Phase 3, a pilot study conducted among randomly selected families (n = 40) to evaluate the feasibility of DSEQ in field settings. Phase 4, test-retest reliability was done among 30 primary caregivers selected randomly in another urban cluster. Phase 5, the internal consistency of DSEQ was checked by conducting a cross-sectional study among randomly selected 400 primary caregivers in Chandigarh, North India. IBM SPSS Statistics for Macintosh, version 25.0, was for data management and analysis.

Results

A valid DSEQ with 86 items under five domains, including sociodemographic, screen-time exposure and home media environment, level of physical activity, media-related behaviors, and parental perceptions was developed. The pilot study showed that it was feasible to use the DSEQ in the field. DSEQ was reliable with kappa value ranging from 0.52 to 1.0, and intra-class coefficient of 0.62–0.99 (p<0.05). A strong internal consistency was observed for three domains including, screen-time exposure and home media environment (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.82), media-related behaviors (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.74) and physical activity (Cronbach’s alpha 0.73).

Conclusions

The developed DSEQ has good face and content validity and acceptable evidence of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The DSEQ can be used for measuring digital screen exposure and its correlates among children aged 2 to 5 years.
Short-term changes in radiographic joint space width after jiggling exercise as conservative treatment for hip osteoarthritis: A retrospective case series of nine patients
Authors: Yoshizuka Hisayoshi , Sato Takanori , Murakami Junya , Mitsutake Tsubasa , Hiromatsu Masao
Published: June 2021

Jiggling exercise is a conservative treatment for hip osteoarthritis, which involves continuous shaking of the foot and leg in small oscillations while seated. Previous studies have shown beneficial effects of jiggling exercises for outpatients with advanced- and terminal-stage hip osteoarthritis when performed for longer than 1 year, including increases in joint space width and remission of symptoms. We aimed to use the data from our own treatment to evaluate the short-term impact of intensive jiggling exercises on inpatients with hip osteoarthritis to further examine the clinical utility of this exercise. This retrospective case series study included nine patients (57 ± 12 years) with nine hip joints with advanced- or terminal-stage hip osteoarthritis who performed continuous daily jiggling exercises, beginning from day of hospitalization to 6 months post-discharge. Jiggling exercise was performed seated, using the KENKO YUSURI® automated heel vibrating machine at 3.3–5.0 Hz. The patients were also instructed against weight-bearing during hospitalization. The values of radiographic joint space width and Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score for pain at hospital admission, discharge, and at the 6-month post-discharge checkup were evaluated. Although the hospitalization period and daily time spent performing the jiggling exercise varied in each case (27–98 days and 2–6 hours, respectively), the joint space width increased in all patients and there was an improvement in the hip pain scores in eight patients. The mean values of the minimum joint space width and hip pain scores at discharge were the highest compared to those at hospital admission and 6 months post-discharge. Our results suggest that intensive jiggling exercise for inpatients with advanced- and terminal-stage hip osteoarthritis leads to earlier improvement in joint space width and pain. Daily jiggling exercise for an adequate duration or in combination with non-weight-bearing practices may be a feasible conservative treatment for hip osteoarthritis.