bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of common risk factors between polycystic ovary syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease: a narrative review
Authors: Sarahian Nahid , Sarvazad Hosna , Sajadi Elham , Rahnejat Nasrin , Eskandari Roozbahani Narges
Published: July 2021

Background

The most common endocrine and metabolic disorders in premenopausal women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and/or ultrasound evidence of small ovarian cysts. Obesity and insulin resistance are also the main factors influencing the clinical manifestations of this syndrome. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most typical progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain, and recent studies suggest a relationship between endocrinal dysregulation and neuronal loss during AD pathology.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the common risk factors for Alzheimer’s and PCOS based on previous studies. Knowing the common risk factors and eliminating them may prevent neurodegenerative Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

Method

In this narrative review, international databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and the Web of Science, were searched to retrieve the relevant studies. The relevant studies’ summaries were categorized to discuss the possible pathways that may explain the association between Alzheimer’s and PCOS signs/symptoms and complications.

Results

According to our research, the factors involved in Alzheimer’s and PCOS disorders may share some common risk factors. In patients with PCOS, increased LH to FSH ratio, decreased vitamin D, insulin resistance, and obesity are some of the most important factors that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Global infectious disease research collaborations in crises: building capacity and inclusivity through cooperation
Authors: Fanning Jonathon P. , Murthy Srinivas , Obonyo Nchafatso G. , Baillie J. Kenneth , Webb Steve , Dalton Heidi J. , Fraser John F.
Published: July 2021

Background

The initial research requirements in pandemics are predictable. But how is it possible to study a disease that is so quickly spreading and to rapidly use that research to inform control and treatment?

Main body

In our view, a dilemma with such wide-reaching impact mandates multi-disciplinary collaborations on a global scale. International research collaboration is the only means to rapidly address these fundamental questions and potentially change the paradigm of data sharing for the benefit of patients throughout the world. International research collaboration presents significant benefits but also barriers that need to be surmounted, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusion

Facilitating international cooperation, by building capacity in established collaborative platforms and in low- and middle-income countries, is imperative to efficiently answering the priority clinical research questions that can change the trajectory of a pandemic.
Impact of a “vegetables first” approach to complementary feeding on later intake and liking of vegetables in infants: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rapson Jeanette P. , von Hurst Pamela R. , Hetherington Marion M. , Conlon Cathryn A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Vegetables as first complementary foods for infants may programme taste preferences that lead to improved vegetable intake in children. Yet few studies have investigated the impact of a ”vegetables first” approach to complementary feeding, especially in New Zealand. The purpose of this randomised control trial is to investigate the effect of starting complementary feeding with vegetables only on infants’ later intake and liking of vegetables, compared to those starting with fruit and vegetables.

Methods/design

One-hundred and twenty mother-infant pairs living in Auckland, New Zealand, will be randomised to receive either vegetables only (intervention) or fruit and vegetables (control) for 28 days, starting from the first day of complementary feeding at around 4–6 months of age. Infants will be presented with a brassica (broccoli), followed by a green leafy vegetable (spinach) and sweet fruit (pear) at 9 months of age. The primary outcome measures of intake of each food will be assessed using a weighed food diary. Secondary outcome measures of overall intake, liking and wanting of vegetables will be assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, liking tool and video coding tool, respectively, at 9, 12, and 24 months of age. Infant growth and iron status will be assessed as part of health screening and monitoring at baseline, post intervention and 9 months of age. Other biological samples to be collected include infant stool samples, vitamin D (mother and infant), iron status (mother), and mothers’ diet.

Discussion

This randomised, controlled trial will be the first to our knowledge to investigate a “vegetables first” approach to complementary feeding on infants’ liking and intake of vegetables in New Zealand. Comparison against standard practice (fruit and vegetables as first foods) should complement other trials underway, such as the Baby’s First Bites and Nordic OTIS trial. Results may contribute to the evidence supporting complementary feeding guidelines in New Zealand and worldwide.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12619000737134. Registered on 16 May 2019.
The Community PrEP Study: a randomized control trial leveraging community-based platforms to improve access and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa—study protocol
Authors: Medina-Marino Andrew , Bezuidenhout Dana , Hosek Sybil , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Atujuna Millicent , Bezuidenhout Charl , Ngwepe Phuti , Peters Remco P.H. , Little Francesca , Celum Connie L. , Daniels Joseph , Bekker Linda-Gail
Published: July 2021

Background

HIV incidence among South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remains high, but could be reduced by highly effective pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Unfortunately, AGYW report significant barriers to clinic-based sexual and reproductive health services. Even when AGYW access PrEP as an HIV prevention method, poor prevention-effective use was a serious barrier to achieving its optimal HIV prevention benefits. Determining the acceptability and feasibility of community-based platforms to increase AGYW’s access to PrEP, and evaluating behavioural interventions to improve prevention-effective use of PrEP are needed.

Methods

We propose a mixed-methods study among AGYW aged 16–25 years in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the first component, a cross-sectional study will assess the acceptability and feasibility of leveraging community-based HIV counselling and testing (CBCT) platforms to refer HIV-negative, at-risk AGYW to non-clinic-based, same-day PrEP initiation services. In the second component, we will enrol 480 AGYW initiating PrEP via our CBCT platforms into a three-armed (1:1:1) randomized control trial (RCT) that will evaluate the effectiveness of adherence support interventions to improve the prevention-effective use of PrEP. Adherence will be measured over 24 months via tenofovir-diphosphate blood concentration levels. Qualitative investigations will explore participant, staff, and community experiences associated with community-based PrEP services, adherence support activities, study implementation, and community awareness. Costs and scalability of service platforms and interventions will be evaluated.

Discussion

This will be the first study to assess the acceptability and feasibility of leveraging CBCT platforms to identify and refer at-risk AGYW to community-based, same-day PrEP initiation services. It will also provide quantitative and qualitative results to inform adherence support activities and services that promote the prevention-effective use of PrEP among AGYW. By applying principles of implementation science, behavioural science, and health economics research, we aim to inform strategies to improve access to and prevention-effective use of PrEP by AGYW.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03977181. Registered on 6 June 2019—retrospectively registered.
Effects of early respiratory physiotherapy on spontaneous respiratory activity of preterm infants: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Di Polito Alessia , Del Vecchio Arianna , Tana Milena , Papacci Patrizia , Vento Anna Laura , Campagnola Benedetta , Celona Sefora , Cricenti Laura , Bastoni Ilaria , Tirone Chiara , Lio Alessandra , Aurilia Claudia , Bottoni Anthea , Paladini Angela , Cota Francesco , Ferrara Paola Emilia , Ronconi Gianpaolo , Vento Giovanni
Published: July 2021

Background

Tactile maneuvers stimulating spontaneous respiratory activity in preterm infants are recommended since birth, but data on how and how often these maneuvers are applied in clinical practice are unknown. In the last years, most preterm newborns with respiratory failure are preferentially managed with non-invasive respiratory support and by stimulating spontaneous respiratory activity from the delivery room and in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), in order to avoid the risks of intubation and prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Methods

Preterm infants with gestational age < 31 weeks not intubated in the delivery room and requiring non-invasive respiratory support at birth will be eligible for the study. They will be randomized and allocated to one of two treatment groups: (1) the study group infants will be subject to the technique of respiratory facilitation within the first 24 h of life, according to the reflex stimulations, by the physiotherapist. The newborn is placed in supine decubitus and a slight digital pressure is exerted on a hemithorax. The respiratory facilitation technique will be performed for about three minutes and repeated for a total of 4/6 times in sequence, three times a day until spontaneous respiratory activity is achieved; thus, no respiratory support is required; (2) the control group infants will take part exclusively in the individualized postural care program. They will perform the technique of respiratory facilitation and autogenous drainage.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of early respiratory physiotherapy in reducing the incidence of intubation and mechanical ventilation in the first week of life (primary outcome).

Discussion

The technique of respiratory facilitation is based on reflex stimulations, applied early to preterm infant. Slight digital pressure is exerted on a “trigger point” of each hemithorax, to stimulate the respiratory activity with subsequent increase of the ipsilateral pulmonary minute ventilation and to facilitate the contralateral pulmonary expansion. This mechanism will determine the concatenation of input to all anatomical structures in relation to the area being treated, to promote spontaneous respiratory activity and reducing work of breathing, avoiding or minimizing the use of invasive respiratory support.

Trial registration

UMIN-CTR Clinical Trial UMIN000036066. Registered on March 1, 2019. Protocol 1. https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr
AGILE: a seamless phase I/IIa platform for the rapid evaluation of candidates for COVID-19 treatment: an update to the structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised platform trial letter
Authors: Griffiths Gareth O. , FitzGerald Richard , Jaki Thomas , Corkhill Andrea , Reynolds Helen , Ewings Sean , Condie Susannah , Tilt Emma , Johnson Lucy , Radford Mike , Simpson Catherine , Saunders Geoffrey , Yeats Sara , Mozgunov Pavel , Tansley-Hancock Olana , Martin Karen , Downs Nichola , Eberhart Izabela , Martin Jonathan W. B. , Goncalves Cristiana , Song Anna , Fletcher Tom , Byrne Kelly , Lalloo David G. , Owen Andrew , Jacobs Michael , Walker Lauren , Lyon Rebecca , Woods Christie , Gibney Jennifer , Chiong Justin , Chandiwana Nomathemba , Jacob Shevin , Lamorde Mohammed , Orrell Catherine , Pirmohamed Munir , Khoo Saye ,   on behalf of the AGILE investigators
Published: July 2021

Background

There is an urgent unmet clinical need for the identification of novel therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19. A number of COVID-19 late phase trial platforms have been developed to investigate (often repurposed) drugs both in the UK and globally (e.g. RECOVERY led by the University of Oxford and SOLIDARITY led by WHO). There is a pressing need to investigate novel candidates within early phase trial platforms, from which promising candidates can feed into established later phase platforms. AGILE grew from a UK-wide collaboration to undertake early stage clinical evaluation of candidates for SARS-CoV-2 infection to accelerate national and global healthcare interventions.

Methods/design

AGILE is a seamless phase I/IIa platform study to establish the optimum dose, determine the activity and safety of each candidate and recommend whether it should be evaluated further. Each candidate is evaluated in its own trial, either as an open label single arm healthy volunteer study or in patients, randomising between candidate and control usually in a 2:1 allocation in favour of the candidate. Each dose is assessed sequentially for safety usually in cohorts of 6 patients. Once a phase II dose has been identified, efficacy is assessed by seamlessly expanding into a larger cohort. AGILE is completely flexible in that the core design in the master protocol can be adapted for each candidate based on prior knowledge of the candidate (i.e. population, primary endpoint and sample size can be amended). This information is detailed in each candidate specific trial protocol of the master protocol.

Discussion

Few approved treatments for COVID-19 are available such as dexamethasone, remdesivir and tocilizumab in hospitalised patients. The AGILE platform aims to rapidly identify new efficacious and safe treatments to help end the current global COVID-19 pandemic. We currently have three candidate specific trials within this platform study that are open to recruitment.

Trial registration

EudraCT Number: 2020-001860-27 14 March 2020

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04746183 19 February 2021

ISRCTN reference: 27106947
The TANDEM trial: protocol for the process evaluation of a randomised trial of a complex intervention for anxiety and/or depression in people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Kelly Moira , Steed Liz , Sohanpal Ratna , Pinnock Hilary , Barradell Amy , Dibao-Dina Clarisse , Mammoliti Kristie-Marie , Wileman Vari , Rowland Vickie , Newton Sian , Moore Anna , Taylor Stephanie
Published: July 2021

Background

TANDEM is a randomised controlled trial of a complex healthcare intervention to improve the psychological and physical health of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anxiety and/or depression. Based on health psychology theory set out in a logic model, respiratory health professionals were recruited and trained to deliver a cognitive behavioural approach intervention (The TANDEM intervention) under the supervision of senior cognitive behavioural practitioners. Here, we describe the protocol for the process evaluation commissioned alongside the trial. A realist approach that includes attention to describing contexts and mechanisms has been adopted.

Methods

We set up a multi-disciplinary team to develop and deliver the process evaluation. The mixed-methods design incorporates quantitative process data; monitoring of intervention fidelity; qualitative interviews with patients, carers, health professionals (facilitators) and clinical supervisors about their perspectives on acceptability of the intervention; and exploration with all stakeholders (including management/policy-makers) on future implementation. Normalisation process theory (NPT) will inform data collection and interpretation with a focus on implementation. Quantitative process data will be analysed descriptively. Qualitative interview data will be analysed before the trial outcomes are known using analytic induction and constant comparison to develop themes. Findings from the different elements will be reported separately and then integrated.

Conclusion

Detailed description and analysis of study processes in a research trial such as TANDEM enables research teams to describe study contexts and mechanisms and to examine the relationship with outcomes. In this way, learning from the trial goes beyond the randomised control trial (RCT) model where effectiveness is prioritised and makes it possible to explore issues arising for post-trial study implementation.

Trial registration

ISRCTN ISRCTN59537391. Registered on 20 March 2017. Trial protocol version 6.0, 22 April 2018.

Process evaluation protocol version 4.0, 1 November 2020.
At the tip of an iceberg: citizen science and active surveillance collaborating to broaden the known distribution of Aedes japonicus in Spain
Authors: Eritja Roger , Delacour-Estrella Sarah , Ruiz-Arrondo Ignacio , González Mikel A. , Barceló Carlos , García-Pérez Ana L. , Lucientes Javier , Miranda Miguel Á. , Bartumeus Frederic
Published: July 2021

Background

Active surveillance aimed at the early detection of invasive mosquito species is usually focused on seaports and airports as points of entry, and along road networks as dispersion paths. In a number of cases, however, the first detections of colonizing populations are made by citizens, either because the species has already moved beyond the implemented active surveillance sites or because there is no surveillance in place. This was the case of the first detection in 2018 of the Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus, in Asturias (northern Spain) by the citizen science platform Mosquito Alert.

Methods

The collaboration between Mosquito Alert, the Ministry of Health, local authorities and academic researchers resulted in a multi-source surveillance combining active field sampling with broader temporal and spatial citizen-sourced data, resulting in a more flexible and efficient surveillance strategy.

Results

Between 2018 and 2020, the joint efforts of administrative bodies, academic teams and citizen-sourced data led to the discovery of this species in northern regions of Spain such as Cantabria and the Basque Country. This raised the estimated area of occurrence of Ae. japonicus from < 900 km2 in 2018 to > 7000 km2 in 2020.

Conclusions

This population cluster is geographically isolated from any other population in Europe, which raises questions about its origin, path of introduction and dispersal means, while also highlighting the need to enhance surveillance systems by closely combining crowd-sourced surveillance with public health and mosquito control agencies’ efforts, from local to continental scales. This multi-actor approach for surveillance (either passive and active) shows high potential efficiency in the surveillance of other invasive mosquito species, and specifically the major vector Aedes aegypti which is already present in some parts of Europe.

Graphical abstract
Blood glucose promotes dengue virus infection in the mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: Weng Shih-Che , Tsao Po-Nien , Shiao Shin-Hong
Published: July 2021

Background

Dengue fever is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease globally. More than 2.5 billion people live in dengue-endemic areas. Previous studies suggested an interrelationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Conversely, glycolysis is a critical metabolic pathway for optimal dengue virus (DENV) replication. However, little is known concerning the effect of glucose on DENV replication in mosquitoes. In this study, we investigated the impact of glucose on DENV replication in mosquitoes Aedes aegypti.

Methods

Mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti UGAL/Rockefeller strain) were orally infected with DENV (serotype 2, 16681 strain) through infectious blood feeding. The DENV infection and transmission rates were determined by examining mosquito bodies and saliva, respectively, for DENV positivity at different time points after infection. In addition, a reverse genetic approach was applied by introducing double-stranded RNA against genes of interest into the mosquitoes to inhibit gene expression.

Results

Our data revealed a significant increase of DENV genome levels in mosquitoes consuming an infectious blood meal supplemented with glucose, suggesting that blood glucose is an important factor for viral replication. Interestingly, a significant increase of DENV E protein levels was detected in the saliva 4 days faster in mosquitoes that consumed infectious blood meals supplemented with glucose than in those consuming infectious blood meals alone. Furthermore, we perform RNAi to silence AKT or TOR and investigate the molecular mechanism regulating the glucose-mediated enhancement of viral replication. Silencing of AKT or TOR significantly reduced DENV titers in mosquitoes.

Conclusions

This study suggested that blood glucose is beneficial to DENV replication and that it facilitates virus transmission in mosquitoes via AKT and TOR signaling. Therefore, our results strengthen our understanding of dengue fever and DM co-morbidity and possibly reveal new targets for specific antiviral therapies.

Graphical abstract
Automated procedure assessing the accuracy of HRCT–PET registration applied in functional virtual bronchoscopy
Authors: Opposits Gábor , Nagy Marianna , Barta Zoltán , Aranyi Csaba , Szabó Dániel , Makai Attila , Varga Imre , Galuska László , Trón Lajos , Balkay László , Emri Miklós
Published: July 2021

Background

Bronchoscopy serves as direct visualisation of the airway. Virtual bronchoscopy provides similar visual information using a non-invasive imaging procedure(s). Early and accurate image-guided diagnosis requires the possible highest performance, which might be approximated by combining anatomical and functional imaging. This communication describes an advanced functional virtual bronchoscopic (fVB) method based on the registration of PET images to high-resolution diagnostic CT images instead of low-dose CT images of lower resolution obtained from PET/CT scans. PET/CT and diagnostic CT data were collected from 22 oncological patients to develop a computer-aided high-precision fVB. Registration of segmented images was performed using elastix.

Results

For virtual bronchoscopy, we used an in-house developed segmentation method. The quality of low- and high-dose CT image registrations was characterised by expert’s scoring the spatial distance of manually paired corresponding points and by eight voxel intensity-based (dis)similarity parameters. The distribution of (dis)similarity parameter correlating best with anatomic scoring was bootstrapped, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated separately for acceptable and insufficient registrations. We showed that mutual information (MI) of the eight investigated (dis)similarity parameters displayed the closest correlation with the anatomy-based distance metrics used to characterise the quality of image registrations. The 95% confidence intervals of the bootstrapped MI distribution were [0.15, 0.22] and [0.28, 0.37] for ﻿insufficient and acceptable registrations, respectively. In case of any new patient, a calculated MI value of registered low- and high-dose CT image pair within the [0.28, 0.37] or the [0.15, 0.22] interval would suggest acceptance or rejection, respectively, serving as an aid for the radiologist.

Conclusion

A computer-aided solution was proposed in order to reduce reliance on radiologist’s contribution for the approval of acceptable image registrations.
The zeros of monotone operators for the variational inclusion problem in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Tianchai Pattanapong
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we introduce a regularization method for solving the variational inclusion problem of the sum of two monotone operators in real Hilbert spaces. We suggest and analyze this method under some mild appropriate conditions imposed on the parameters, which allow us to obtain a short proof of another strong convergence theorem for this problem. We also apply our main result to the fixed point problem of the nonexpansive variational inequality problem, the common fixed point problem of nonexpansive strict pseudocontractions, the convex minimization problem, and the split feasibility problem. Finally, we provide numerical experiments to illustrate the convergence behavior and to show the effectiveness of the sequences constructed by the inertial technique.
S-derivative of perturbed mapping and solution mapping for parametric vector equilibrium problems
Authors: Deng Xicai , Zhao Wei
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we deal with the sensitivity analysis in vector equilibrium problems by using the S-derivative of a set-valued mapping. We first investigate the S-derivative on a kind of set-valued gap function for the vector equilibrium problems. Based on these results, S-derivative estimations on a perturbed mapping for the parametric vector equilibrium problem are given. Moreover, we provide some examples to illustrate the obtained results. Finally, we derive the S-derivative estimations of a solutions mapping of the parametric vector equilibrium problems via S-derivative estimations of a kind of the parametric variational system.
Metadata schema and ontology for capturing and processing of 3D cultural heritage objects
Authors: Homburg Timo , Cramer Anja , Raddatz Laura , Mara Hubert
Published: July 2021

Motivated by the increased use of 3D acquisition of objects by cultural heritage institutions, we were investigating ontologies and metadata schemes for the acquisition process to provide details about the 3D capturing, which can be combined with preexisting ontologies describing an object. Therefore we divided the 3D capturing workflow into common steps starting with the object being placed in front of a 3D scanner to preparation and publication of the 3D datasets and/or derived images. While the proposed ontology is well defined on a coarse level of detail for very different techniques, e.g. Stucture from Motion and LiDAR we elaborated the metadata scheme in very fine detail for 3D scanners available at our institutions. This includes practical experiments with measurement data from past and current projects including datasets published at Zenodo as guiding examples and the source code for their computation. Additionally, the free and Open Source GigaMesh Software Framework’s analysis and processing methods have been extended to provide metadata about the 3D processing steps like mesh cleaning as well as 2D image generation. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and give an outlook about future extensions.
Interdisciplinary approach to studying written nomadic sources in the context of modern historiology
Authors: Ibrayeva Akmaral , Temirkhanova Assemgul , Kartova Zaure , Sadykov Tlegen , Abuov Nurbolat , Pleshakov Anatoliy
Published: July 2021

This article uses an interdisciplinary approach to analyze textual sources from nomadic civilization. Linguistic analysis has been increasingly used due to the emergence of a huge array of autochthonous and authentic written sources. It is impossible to extract the necessary historical information from those sources without using a new research method. This study aims to apply discourse analysis to medieval textual sources called edicts published in 1400–1635 by the leaders of the Central Asian states. This approach is expected to enable a detailed study of the structure of edicts, as well as speech patterns and terms used in the text. The results of the study revealed the structure of the examined edicts, as well as socio-cultural, economic, and communicative features of the nomadic society. First, the discourse repertoire of Edicts from Sygnak is rather unique, as evidenced by comparative analysis of patents from the cities of Sygnak, Sayram and Turkestan located in the Syr Darya basin. Second, edicts in this study reflect the result of the mutual influence of sedentary and mobile lifeways. Third, the arguments behind certain speech patterns used in the examined edicts emerged under the influence of Turkic traditions.
Net-exergetic, hydraulic and thermal optimization of coaxial heat exchangers using fixed flow conditions instead of fixed flow rates
Authors: Blanke Tobias , Hagenkamp Markus , Döring Bernd , Göttsche Joachim , Reger Vitali , Kuhnhenne Markus
Published: July 2021

Previous studies optimized the dimensions of coaxial heat exchangers using constant mass flow rates as a boundary condition. They show a thermal optimal circular ring width of nearly zero. Hydraulically optimal is an inner to outer pipe radius ratio of 0.65 for turbulent and 0.68 for laminar flow types. In contrast, in this study, flow conditions in the circular ring are kept constant (a set of fixed Reynolds numbers) during optimization. This approach ensures fixed flow conditions and prevents inappropriately high or low mass flow rates. The optimization is carried out for three objectives: Maximum energy gain, minimum hydraulic effort and eventually optimum net-exergy balance. The optimization changes the inner pipe radius and mass flow rate but not the Reynolds number of the circular ring. The thermal calculations base on Hellström’s borehole resistance and the hydraulic optimization on individually calculated linear loss of head coefficients. Increasing the inner pipe radius results in decreased hydraulic losses in the inner pipe but increased losses in the circular ring. The net-exergy difference is a key performance indicator and combines thermal and hydraulic calculations. It is the difference between thermal exergy flux and hydraulic effort. The Reynolds number in the circular ring is instead of the mass flow rate constant during all optimizations. The result from a thermal perspective is an optimal width of the circular ring of nearly zero. The hydraulically optimal inner pipe radius is 54% of the outer pipe radius for laminar flow and 60% for turbulent flow scenarios. Net-exergetic optimization shows a predominant influence of hydraulic losses, especially for small temperature gains. The exact result depends on the earth’s thermal properties and the flow type. Conclusively, coaxial geothermal probes’ design should focus on the hydraulic optimum and take the thermal optimum as a secondary criterion due to the dominating hydraulics.
Molar mass determination of lignins and characterization of their polymeric structures by multi-detector gel permeation chromatography
Authors: Gaugler Evamaria C. , Radke Wolfgang , Vogt Andrew P. , Smith Dawn A.
Published: July 2021

Molar masses, Mark-Houwink-Sakurada (MHS) exponents, and refractive index increments (dn/dc) for three lignins were determined without derivatization by multi-detector gel permeation chromatography (GPC) in dimethylformamide (DMF) with 0.05 M lithium bromide (LiBr). The lack of effectiveness of fluorescence filters on molar mass determination by GPC-multi-angle laser light scattering (MALS) was confirmed for softwood kraft lignin (Indulin AT) and revealed for mixed hardwood organosolv lignin (Alcell) as well as soda straw/grass lignin (Protobind 1000). GPC with viscometry detection confirmed that these lignins were present as compact molecules. The MHS exponent α for Indulin AT and Alcell was in the order of 0.1. Additionally, the intrinsic viscosity of Protobind 1000 for a given molar mass was much lower than that of either Alcell or Indulin AT. This is the first report of dn/dc values for these three lignins in DMF with 0.05 M LiBr.
Effectiveness and costs of interventions to reduce the within-farm Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence on pig farms in the Netherlands
Authors: Eppink Dorien M. , Wisselink Henk J. , Krijger Inge M. , van der Giessen Joke W.B. , Swanenburg Manon , van Wagenberg Coen P.A. , van Asseldonk Marcel A.P.M. , Bouwknegt Martijn
Published: July 2021

Background

The parasiteToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)is recognized as one of the major foodborne pathogens with a high human disease burden. To controlT. gondiiinfections in pigs, European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) advises serological testing of pigs and audits of pig farms to identify risk factors forT. gondiiinfection. In line with this approach, the aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness and costs of intervention measures implemented to reduce theT. gondiiseroprevalence on finishing pig farms in the Netherlands. A crossover clinical trial was conducted at five case farms were their own control and the cross-over moment was the implementation of interventions to reduce risk factors. Each of the case farms had a farm-specific intervention strategy with one principal intervention measure (neutering of cats, professional rodent control or covering food storage).

Results

All finishing pig farms (n = 5) showed a reduction inT. gondiiseroprevalence within one year of implementing the intervention strategy. Cat neutering (n = 3) and feed coverage (n = 1) showed statistically significant reductions in seroprevalence. Rodent control (n = 1) did not show a statistically significant reduction. The estimated reduction in seroprevalence in response to the neutering of cats and feed coverage were 67 and 96 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the within-farmT. gondiiseroprevalence within one year after interventions were implemented to reduceT. gondiirisk factors. This information is essential and encouraging for policy makers, food business operators, and farmers to implement in their risk assessment and to apply to food safety control systems.
Defining and measuring completion and assessment biases with respect to English language and development status: not all MOOCs are equal
Authors: Karp Gershon Sa’ar , Ruipérez-Valiente José A. , Alexandron Giora
Published: July 2021

The emergence of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) broadened the educational landscape by providing free access to quality learning materials for anyone with a device connected to the Internet. However, open access does not guarantee equals opportunities to learn, and research has repetitively reported that learners from affluent countries benefit the most from MOOCs. In this work, we delve into this gap by defining and measuring completion and assessment biases with respect to learners’ language and development status. We do so by performing a large-scale analysis across 158 MITx MOOC runs from 120 different courses offered on edX between 2013 and 2018, with 2.8 million enrollments. We see that learners from developing countries are less likely to complete MOOCs successfully, but we do not find evidence regarding a negative effect of not being English-native. Our findings point out that not only the specific population of learners is responsible for this bias, but also that the course itself has a similar impact. Independent of and less frequent than completion bias, we found assessment bias, that is when the mean ability gained by learners from developing countries is lower than that of learners from developed countries. The ability is inferred from the responses of the learners to the course-assessment using item response theory (IRT). Finally, we applied differential item functioning (DIF) methods with the objective of detecting items that might be causing the assessment bias, obtaining weak, yet positive results with respect to the magnitude of the bias reduction. Our results provide statistical evidence on the role that course design might have on these biases, with a call for action so that the future generation of MOOCs focus on strengthening their inclusive design approaches.
A decision support system based on radiomics and machine learning to predict the risk of malignancy of ovarian masses from transvaginal ultrasonography and serum CA-125
Authors: Chiappa Valentina , Interlenghi Matteo , Bogani Giorgio , Salvatore Christian , Bertolina Francesca , Sarpietro Giuseppe , Signorelli Mauro , Ronzulli Dominique , Castiglioni Isabella , Raspagliesi Francesco
Published: July 2021

Background

To evaluate the performance of a decision support system (DSS) based on radiomics and machine learning in predicting the risk of malignancy of ovarian masses (OMs) from transvaginal ultrasonography (TUS) and serum CA-125.

Methods

A total of 274 consecutive patients who underwent TUS (by different examiners and with different ultrasound machines) and surgery, with suspicious OMs and known CA-125 serum level were used to train and test a DSS. The DSS was used to predict the risk of malignancy of these masses (very low versus medium-high risk), based on the US appearance (solid, liquid, or mixed) and radiomic features (morphometry and regional texture features) within the masses, on the shadow presence (yes/no), and on the level of serum CA-125. Reproducibility of results among the examiners, and performance accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were tested in a real-world clinical setting.

Results

The DSS showed a mean 88% accuracy, 99% sensitivity, and 77% specificity for the 239 patients used for training, cross-validation, and testing, and a mean 91% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 80% specificity for the 35 patients used for independent testing.

Conclusions

This DSS is a promising tool in women diagnosed with OMs at TUS, allowing to predict the individual risk of malignancy, supporting clinical decision making.
Trigeminal nerve stimulation: a recently approved treatment approach in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Çöpür Mazlum , Çöpür Sidar
Published: July 2021

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with its high prevalence is a growing area of concern and research, whereas exact underlying pathophysiology remains unknown. Behavioral therapy and multiple medications include methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and amphetamines while trigeminal nerve stimulator (TNS) is the first medical device in ADHD with FDA approval. The aim of this article is to evaluate the latest studies in this field.
Development of an indirect immunofluorescence assay for PCV3 antibody detection based on capsid protein
Authors: Yao Lun , Li Chang , Wang Junwei , Cheng Yufang , Ghonaim Ahmed H. , Sun Qi , Yu Xuexiang , Niu Weijie , Fan Shengxian , He Qigai
Published: July 2021

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a novel porcine circovirus associated with porcine dermatitis and nephritis syndrome (PDNS), reproductive failure, and multisystemic inflammation. Capsid protein (Cap) encoded by PCV3 ORF2 gene has been identified as an immunogenic protein. Currently, there is no immunofluorescence assay (IFA) available for serological diagnosis. Here, the N-terminal 33 amino acids of Cap protein were predicted to serve as a PCV3 nuclear localization signal (NLS). Two types of recombinant plasmids were constructed for recombinant protein expression in Sf9 cells by using a baculovirus expression system: plasmid rvBac-Pc for full-length Cap protein expression and rvBac-Sc for Cap protein expression with a honeybee melittin signal peptide in place of the predicted NLS sequence. Expression of the nuclear localization sequences was further analyzed by IFA. Strong and specific fluorescence signals were observed in the nucleus of rvBac-Pc-transfected cells and in the cytoplasm of rvBac-Sc-transfected cells. No cross-reactivity was observed with porcine circovirus type 2, porcine pseudorabies virus, classical swine fever virus, or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. In summary, we developed two fluorescence detection modes for Cap protein that can be used to detect PCV3 antibodies. This method is suitable  for the diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of PCV3. This study provides a reliable detection method for monitoring PCV3 antibody level in pigs in the future.
Local measurement of vortex statistics in quantum turbulence
Authors: Woillez Eric , Valentin Jérôme , Roche Philippe-E.
Published: July 2021

The density fluctuations of quantum vortex lines are measured in a turbulent flow of superfluid He, at temperatures corresponding to superfluid fractions of 16%, 47% and 81%. The probe is a micro-fabricated second sound resonator allowing for local and small-scale measurements in the core of the flow, downstream a grid at a 10-mesh size. Remarkably, all the vortex power spectra collapse on a single master curve, independently from the superfluid fraction and the mean velocity. By contrast with previous measurements, we report a peculiar shape of the power spectra. The vortex density probability distributions are found to be strongly skewed, similarly to the vorticity distributions observed in classical turbulence. Implications of those results are discussed.
Acidification can directly affect olfaction in marine organisms
Authors: Porteus Cosima S. , Roggatz Christina C. , Velez Zelia , Hardege Jörg D. , Hubbard Peter C.
Published: July 2021

In the past decade, many studies have investigated the effects of low pH/high CO2 as a proxy for ocean acidification on olfactory-mediated behaviours of marine organisms. The effects of ocean acidification on the behaviour of fish vary from very large to none at all, and most of the maladaptive behaviours observed have been attributed to changes in acid–base regulation, leading to changes in ion distribution over neural membranes, and consequently affecting the functioning of gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated (GABAergic) neurotransmission. Here, we highlight a possible additional mechanism by which ocean acidification might directly affect olfaction in marine fish and invertebrates. We propose that a decrease in pH can directly affect the protonation, and thereby, 3D conformation and charge distribution of odorants and/or their receptors in the olfactory organs of aquatic animals. This can sometimes enhance signalling, but most of the time the affinity of odorants for their receptors is reduced in high CO2/low pH; therefore, the activity of olfactory receptor neurons decreases as measured using electrophysiology. The reduced signal reception would translate into reduced activation of the olfactory bulb neurons, which are responsible for processing olfactory information in the brain. Over longer exposures of days to weeks, changes in gene expression in the olfactory receptors and olfactory bulb neurons cause these neurons to become less active, exacerbating the problem. A change in olfactory system functioning leads to inappropriate behavioural responses to odorants. We discuss gaps in the literature and suggest some changes to experimental design in order to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their effects on the associated behaviours to resolve some current controversy in the field regarding the extent of the effects of ocean acidification on marine fish.
Objective Assessment of Postoperative Morbidity After Breast Cancer Treatments with Wearable Activity Monitors: The “BRACELET” Study
Authors: Che Bakri Nur Amalina , Kwasnicki Richard M. , Dhillon Kieran , Khan Naairah , Ghandour Omar , Cairns Alexander , Darzi Ara , Leff Daniel R.
Published: July 2021

Background

Current validated tools to measure upper limb dysfunction after breast cancer treatment, such as questionnaires, are prone to recall bias and do not enable comparisons between patients. This study aimed to test the feasibility of wearable activity monitors (WAMs) for achieving a continuous, objective assessment of functional recovery by measuring peri-operative physical activity (PA).

Methods

A prospective, single-center, non-randomized, observational study was conducted. Patients undergoing breast and axillary surgery were invited to wear WAMs on both wrists in the peri-operative period and then complete upper limb function (DASH) and quality-of-life (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the construct validity and concurrent validity of WAMs.

Results

The analysis included 39 patients with a mean age of 55 ± 13.2 years. Regain of function on the surgically treated side was observed to be an increase of arm activity as a percentage of preoperative levels, with the greatest increase observed between the postoperative days 1 and 2. The PA was significantly greater on the side not treated by surgery than on the surgically treated side after week 1 (mean PA, 75.8% vs. 62.3%; p < 0.0005) and week 2 (mean PA, 91.6% vs. 77.4%; p < 0.005). Subgroup analyses showed differences in recovery trends between different surgical procedures. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by a significant negative moderate correlation between the PA and DASH questionnaires (R = −0.506; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility and validity of WAMs to objectively measure postoperative recovery of upper limb function after breast surgery, providing a starting point for personalized rehabilitation through early detection of upper limb physical morbidity.
Experimentation with Self-Serving Attribution Biases
Authors: Hestermann Nina , Le Yaouanq Yves
Published: July 2021

We study an experimentation problem in a situation where the outcomes depend on the decision-maker’s intrinsic ability and on an external variable. We analyze the mistakes made by individuals who hold inaccurate prior beliefs about their ability. Overconfident individuals take too much credit for their successes and excessively blame external factors if they fail. They are too easily dissatisfied with their environment, which leads them to experiment in variable environments and revise their self-confidence over time. In contrast, underconfident individuals might be trapped in low-quality environments and incur perpetual utility losses. (JEL D11, D83, D91)
Government Financing of R&D: A Mechanism Design Approach
Authors: Lach Saul , Neeman Zvika , Schankerman Mark
Published: July 2021

We study how to design an optimal government loan program for risky R&D projects with positive externalities. With adverse selection, the optimal government contract involves a high interest rate but nearly zero cofinancing by the entrepreneur. This contrasts sharply with observed loan schemes. With adverse selection and moral hazard, allowing for two levels of effort by the entrepreneur, the optimal policy consists of a menu of at most two contracts, one with high interest and zero self-financing and a second with a lower interest plus cofinancing. Calibrated simulations assess welfare gains from the optimal policy, observed loan programs, and a direct subsidy to private venture capital firms. The gains vary with the size of the externalities, the cost of public funds, and the effectiveness of the private venture capital industry. (JEL D82, D86, G24, L26, O31, G32, H81)