bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the kidney disease quality of life-36 (KDQOL-36) in Ethiopian patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Gebrie Mignote Hailu , Asfaw Hussen Mekonnen , Bilchut Workagegnehu Hailu , Lindgren Helena , Wettergren Lena
Published: February 2022

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has a direct association with increased morbidity and mortality among end stage renal disease patients. Valid and reliable instruments to measure the HRQOL of patients with end stage renal disease are therefore required. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Amharic version of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) instrument in Ethiopian patients with end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

The KDQOL-36 instrument was developed for individuals with kidney disease who are being treated with dialysis and includes both generic and disease-specific components. The KDQOL-36 was translated to Amharic language and distributed to a cross-sectional sample of 292 hemodialysis patients. The psychometric evaluation included construct validity through corrected item-total correlation, confirmatory factor analysis and known group analysis. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlations between each of the three kidney disease targeted scales (symptoms/problems list, burden of kidney disease and effects of kidney diseases) and the European Quality of Life 5D-5L and Visual Analog Scales. Regarding reliability, internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed.

Results

Two hundred ninety-two patients with a mean age of 48 (SD ± 14.7) completed the questionnaire. Corrected item- total correlation scores were > 0.4 for all items. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a two χ2 /df was 4.4, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.108 (90% CI 0.064–0.095), Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.922, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.948 and Standardized Root mean-squared residual (SRMR) = 0.058) and three χ2 /df = 3.1, RMSEA = 0.085 (90% CI 0.064–0.095), CFI = 0.854, TLI = 0.838 and SRMR = 0.067) factor models for the generic and disease specific components respectively. The mean scores of the three kidney disease targeted domains were correlated to the EQ-5D-5L & VAS with correlation coefficients of large magnitude (0.55–0.81). The reliability of the instrument was satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81–0.91) and Intra-class correlation (ICC) = 0.90–0.96).

Conclusion

The Amharic version of the KDQOL-36 is a reliable and valid instrument recommended for assessment of HRQOL of Ethiopian patients on hemodialysis.
Interleukin-17A pretreatment attenuates the anti-hepatitis B virus efficacy of interferon-alpha by reducing activation of the interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 transcriptional complex in hepatitis B virus-expressing HepG2 cells
Authors: Zhang Jiaxuan , Liu Kai , Zhang Gaoli , Ling Ning , Chen Min
Published: February 2022

Background

Some cytokine signaling pathways can interact with interferon (IFN)-α pathway and thus regulate cell responses to IFN-α. Levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) were found to be elevated in both the peripheral blood and liver in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, how IL-17A affects the anti-HBV activity of IFN-α remains unclear.

Methods

The effects of IL-17A on anti-HBV activity of IFN-α were evaluated in HBV-expressing HepG2 cells (HepG2-HBV1.3) with IL-17A pretreatment and IFN-α stimulation. Culture supernatant levels of HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA, or intracellular expression of HBsAg and HBcAg were detected by ELISA, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), or western blotting (WB). The expression of canonical IFN-α signaling pathway components, including the interferon-α/β receptor (IFNAR), Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1), Tyrosine Kinase 2 (TYK2), the Interferon Stimulated Gene Factor 3 complex (ISGF3) and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), was also examined by RT-qPCR, Immunofluorescence or WB. The effects of IL-17A were further investigated by the suppression of the IL-17A pathway with a TRAF6 inhibitor.

Results

Compared to IFN-α stimulation alone, IL-17A pretreatment followed by IFN-α stimulation increased the levels of HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA, and decreased the levels of ISGF3 complex (phosphorylated (p)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1)/p-STAT2/IRF9) and antiviral-related ISGs (ISG15, ISG20 and Mx1). Interestingly, IL-17A pretreatment increased the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1, SOCS3 and USP18, which were also the ISGs negatively regulating activity of ISGF3. Moreover, IFNAR1 protein expression declined more sharply in the group with IL-17A pretreatment than in the group with IFN-α stimulation alone. Blocking the IL-17A pathway reversed the effects of IL-17A on the IFN-α-induced activation of ISGF3 and anti-HBV efficacy.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that IL-17A pretreatment could attenuate IFN-α-induced anti-HBV activity by upregulating negative regulators of the critical transcriptional ISGF3 complex. Thus, this might be a potential target for improving response to IFN-α therapy.
A UV-LED module that is highly effective at inactivating human coronaviruses and HIV-1
Authors: Persaud Arvin T. , Burnie Jonathan , Thaya Laxshaginee , DSouza Liann , Martin Steven , Guzzo Christina
Published: February 2022

Ultraviolet (UV) light has previously been established as useful method of disinfection, with demonstrated efficacy to inactivate a broad range of microorganisms. The advent of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes provides advantages in ease of disinfection, in that there can be delivery of germicidal UV with the same light unit that delivers standard white light to illuminate a room. Herein we demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes as a means of decontamination by inactivating two distinct virus models, human coronavirus 229E and human immunodeficiency virus. Importantly, the same dose of ultraviolet light that inactivated human viruses also elicited complete inactivation of ultraviolet-resistant bacterial spores (Bacillus pumilus), a gold standard for demonstrating ultraviolet-mediated disinfection. This work demonstrates that seconds of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED) exposure can inactivate viruses and bacteria, highlighting that UV-LED could be a useful and practical tool for broad sanitization of public spaces.
Can we predict which patients with plantar heel pain are more likely to benefit from insoles? A secondary exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rasenberg N. , Dijkgraaf L. J. M. , Bindels P. J. , Bierma‐Zeinstra S. M. , van Middelkoop M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Plantar heel pain (PHP) is a common cause of foot complaints, for which treatment with custom‐made insoles is frequently applied. So far few studies have investigated patient characteristics that predict response to these treatments. The aim of this secondary exploratory analysis was twofold; firstly, to identify patient characteristics that predict prognosis in patients with PHP treated with insoles, and secondly to identify characteristics that might interact with treatment with insoles.

Methods

Data from a randomized trial in which participants received either custom insoles (N = 70) or sham insoles (N = 69) were used. At baseline, information was collected on demographics, foot symptoms, foot and ankle range of motion, navicular drop, presence of neuropathic pain, physical activity and other illnesses in the last 12 months. The primary outcome of this study was the Foot Function Index score (FFI) at 26 weeks. Multivariable linear regression models were generated to identify patients characteristics that predict the outcome for each type of intervention (i.e. insoles and GP‐led usual care).

Results

We found two variables associated with a better function score at 26 weeks in patients treated with insoles, female sex (β − 9.59 95%CI ‐17.87; − 1.31) and a lower FFI score at baseline (β 0.56 95%CI 0.30; 0.82). Explorative analyses in patients treated with insoles showed no significant interaction effects between the type of insole (custom‐made versus sham) and any of the potential predictive factors.

Conclusion

When communicating about the effect of insoles for PHP clinicians should take sex and the amount of pain and disability at first presentation into account. Women and people with better foot function scores at baseline (according to FFI) might respond better to treatment with insoles in terms of foot function.

Trial registration

Trial registration: NTR5346.
miR-27a inhibits molecular adhesion between monocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells; systemic approach
Authors: Shaikhnia Farhad , Ghasempour Ghasem , Mohammadi Asghar , Shabani Mohammad , Najafi Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Objective

The endothelial cells overexpress the adhesion molecules in the leukocyte diapedesis pathway, developing vessel subendothelial molecular events. In this study, miR-194 and miR-27a were predicted and investigated on the expression of adhesion molecules in HUVEC cells. The SELE, SELP, and JAM-B adhesion molecules involved in the leukocyte tethering were predicted on the GO-enriched gene network. Following transfection of PEI-miRNA particles into HUVEC cells, the SELE, SELP, and JAM-B gene expression levels were evaluated by real-time qPCR. Furthermore, the monocyte-endothelial adhesion was performed using adhesion assay kit.

Results

In agreement with the prediction results, the cellular data showed that miR-27a and miR-194 decrease significantly the SELP and JAM-B expression levels in HUVECs (P < 0.05). Moreover, both the miRNAs suppressed the monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Since the miR-27a inhibited significantly the monocyte-endothelial adhesion (P = 0.0001) through the suppression of SELP and JAM-B thus it might relate to the leukocyte diapedesis pathway.
Acceptability of smokers of a conceptual cigarette tracker as wearable for smoking reduction
Authors: Antoun Jumana , Shehab Rana , Sakr Georges , Hlais Sani , Awad Mariette , Romani Maya
Published: February 2022

Objective

The study aims to explore smokers' acceptance of using a conceptual cigarette tracker like a cigarette filter for smoking cessation using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Smokers presenting to the family medicine clinics at a tertiary care center were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire.

Results

A total of 45 participants were included. Two-thirds of the smokers reported that they would like to try such a tracker and perceived its usefulness in reducing the number of daily cigarettes consumed and increasing the motivation to join a smoking cessation program. A range of 40–50% of the participants had a neutral attitude towards the visibility of the tracker and its effect on social acceptance and self-image. The structural equation model with latent variables path analysis showed that only perceived usefulness correlated to the intention to adopt with statistical significance. Visibility was correlated with intention to adopt with a marginal p-value of 0.061. Driven by perceived usefulness, smokers may buy or try a cigarette tracker for smoking reduction or cessation.
Managing patients with heart failure: contemporary real-world experience
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad , Ripplinger Christopher , Chalchal Hafsah , Murthy Dakshina
Published: February 2022

Objective

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease with growing numbers of patients and a significant compromise in quality of life and high mortality. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the current practices in managing patients with HF among patients admitted to the hospital and discharged with a primary diagnosis of HF and patients managed in the heart function clinic.

Results

This study is a retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the hospital and discharged with a primary diagnosis of HF. A total of 448 patient charts were reviewed, of which 173 patients were in the hospital group and 275 patients in the Clinic group. 278 (62.1%) were men, and 170 (37.9%) were women. The Clinic group of patients were significantly received guideline-directed medical therapy (Beta-blockers, Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers, Diuretics, Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists—p < 0.001). The Clinic group of patients (17.1%) were significantly less re-hospitalized (p < 0.001) compared to the Hospital group (28%) at 180 days. Physician led multidisciplinary Heart function clinics have better adherence to guideline directed medical therapy and significantly lower rates of re-hospitalization thereby providing cost effective heart failure management with usual care.
Relationship between spleen size and exercise tolerance in advanced heart failure patients with a left ventricular assist device
Authors: Hiraiwa Hiroaki , Okumura Takahiro , Sawamura Akinori , Araki Takashi , Mizutani Takashi , Kazama Shingo , Kimura Yuki , Shibata Naoki , Oishi Hideo , Kuwayama Tasuku , Kondo Toru , Furusawa Kenji , Morimoto Ryota , Adachi Takuji , Yamada Sumio , Mutsuga Masato , Usui Akihiko , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: February 2022

Objective

Spleen volume increases in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, the relationship between spleen volume and exercise tolerance (peak oxygen consumption [VO2]) in these patients remains unknown. In this exploratory study, we enrolled 27 patients with HF using a LVAD (median age: 46 years). Patients underwent blood testing, echocardiography, right heart catheterization, computed tomography (CT), and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Spleen size was measured using CT volumetry, and the correlations/causal relationships of factors affecting peak VO2 were identified using structural equation modeling.

Results

The median spleen volume was 190.0 mL, and peak VO2 was 13.2 mL/kg/min. The factors affecting peak VO2 were peak heart rate (HR; β = 0.402, P = .015), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP; β =  − 0.698, P = .014), right ventricular stroke work index (β = 0.533, P = .001), blood hemoglobin concentration (β = 0.359, P = .007), and spleen volume (β = 0.215, P = .041). Spleen volume correlated with peak HR, PCWP, and hemoglobin concentration, reflecting sympathetic activity, cardiac preload, and oxygen-carrying capacity, respectively, and was thus related to peak VO2. These results suggest an association between spleen volume and exercise tolerance in advanced HF.
The reproducibility debate is an opportunity, not a crisis
Authors: Munafò Marcus R. , Chambers Chris , Collins Alexandra , Fortunato Laura , Macleod Malcolm
Published: February 2022

There are many factors that contribute to the reproducibility and replicability of scientific research. There is a need to understand the research ecosystem, and improvements will require combined efforts across all parts of this ecosystem. National structures can play an important role in coordinating these efforts, working collaboratively with researchers, institutions, funders, publishers, learned societies and other sectoral organisations, and providing a monitoring and reporting function. Whilst many new ways of working and emerging innovations hold a great deal of promise, it will be important to invest in meta-research activity to ensure that these approaches are evidence based, work as intended, and do not have unintended consequences. Addressing reproducibility will require working collaboratively across the research ecosystem to share best practice and to make the most effective use of resources. The UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) brings together Local Networks of researchers, Institutions, and External Stakeholders (funders, publishers, learned societies and other sectoral organisations), to coordinate action on reproducibility and work to ensure the UK retains its place as a centre for world-leading research. This activity is coordinated by the UKRN Steering Group. We consider this structure as valuable, bringing together a range of voices at a range of levels to support the combined efforts required to enact change.
Complete heart block ensuing from a metastatic small cell carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Pallangyo Pedro , Kweka Garvin , Lyimo Frederick , Mayala Henry , Swai Happiness J. , Mkojera Zabella , Misidai Nsajigwa , Komba Makrina , Millinga Jalack , Bhalia Smita , Mwapinga Faustina , Wibonela Salma , Janabi Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Notwithstanding the diagnostic and therapeutic advancements, the incidence of cardiac metastases has increased in recent decades. Lung cancers are the most common primary malignant neoplasms with cardiac metastasis potential. The clinical presentation of cardiac metastases is either silent or vague, and largely depends on the infiltrated location and tumor burden. Although arrhythmias are not uncommon in metastatic cardiac tumors, complete heart block is relatively a rare manifestation. We present a case of complete heart block due to a metastatic small cell carcinoma in a 67-year-old male of African origin.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old male of African origin from rural Tanzania was referred to us for expert management. He is a retired agromechanic with over 30 years exposure to asbestos-containing brake linings. His past medical history was unremarkable, but the family-social history was evident for a heavy alcohol intake and chronic cigarette smoking. He presented with a 24-week history of progressive shortness of breath and an 8-week history of recurrent syncopal attacks coupled with a significant weight loss. He had normal echocardiographic findings, however, the electrocardiogram showed features of complete heart block. Chest X-ray showed a homogeneous opacification on the right side and computed tomography scan revealed a solid right lung mass with metastases to the liver, heart, bowels, and bone. He underwent bronchoscopy, which revealed an endobronchial mass obstructing the bronchus intermedius. Histological examination of a section of lung biopsy taken during bronchoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of a small cell carcinoma. The patient underwent dual chamber pacemaker implantation with successful sinus rhythm restoration. He made an informed refusal of chemotherapy and inevitably died 18 months post pacing.

Conclusions

Despite the advancements in medical diagnostics and management, lung cancers are often diagnosed in advanced stages, with an inevitable grave prognosis. Small cell carcinoma has the potential to metastasize to the heart, resulting in complete heart block.
Adenosine A1 receptor ligands bind to α-synuclein: implications for α-synuclein misfolding and α-synucleinopathy in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jakova Elisabet , Moutaoufik Mohamed Taha , Lee Jeremy S. , Babu Mohan , Cayabyab Francisco S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Accumulating α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates in neurons and glial cells are the staples of many synucleinopathy disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Since brain adenosine becomes greatly elevated in ageing brains and chronic adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) stimulation leads to neurodegeneration, we determined whether adenosine or A1R receptor ligands mimic the action of known compounds that promote α-syn aggregation (e.g., the amphetamine analogue 2-aminoindan) or inhibit α-syn aggregation (e.g., Rasagiline metabolite 1-aminoindan). In the present study, we determined whether adenosine, A1R receptor agonist N6-Cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) could directly interact with α-syn to modulate α-syn aggregation and neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN).

Methods

Nanopore analysis and molecular docking were used to test the binding properties of CPA and DPCPX with α-syn in vitro. Sprague–Dawley rats were administered with 7-day intraperitoneal injections of the A1R ligands and 1- and 2-aminoindan, and levels of α-syn aggregation and neurodegeneration were examined in the SN pars compacta and hippocampal regions using confocal imaging and Western blotting.

Results

Using nanopore analysis, we showed that the A1R agonists (CPA and adenosine) interacted with the N-terminus of α-syn, similar to 2-aminoindan, which is expected to promote a “knot” conformation and α-syn misfolding. In contrast, the A1R antagonist DPCPX interacted with the N- and C-termini of α-syn, similar to 1-aminoindan, which is expected to promote a “loop” conformation that prevents α-syn misfolding. Molecular docking studies revealed that adenosine, CPA and 2-aminoindan interacted with the hydrophobic core of α-syn N-terminus, whereas DPCPX and 1-aminoindan showed direct binding to the N- and C-terminal hydrophobic pockets. Confocal imaging and Western blot analyses revealed that chronic treatments with CPA alone or in combination with 2-aminoindan increased α-syn expression/aggregation and neurodegeneration in both SN pars compacta and hippocampus. In contrast, DPCPX and 1-aminoindan attenuated the CPA-induced α-syn expression/aggregation and neurodegeneration in SN and hippocampus.

Conclusions

The results indicate that A1R agonists and drugs promoting a “knot” conformation of α-syn can cause α-synucleinopathy and increase neuronal degeneration, whereas A1R antagonists and drugs promoting a “loop” conformation of α-syn can be harnessed for possible neuroprotective therapies to decrease α-synucleinopathy in PD.
Evaluating the impact of malleable factors on percent time lecturing in gateway chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses
Authors: Yik Brandon J. , Raker Jeffrey R. , Apkarian Naneh , Stains Marilyne , Henderson Charles , Dancy Melissa H. , Johnson Estrella
Published: February 2022

Background

Active learning used in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses has been shown to improve student outcomes. Nevertheless, traditional lecture-orientated approaches endure in these courses. The implementation of teaching practices is a result of many interrelated factors including disciplinary norms, classroom context, and beliefs about learning. Although factors influencing uptake of active learning are known, no study to date has had the statistical power to empirically test the relative association of these factors with active learning when considered collectively. Prior studies have been limited to a single or small number of evaluated factors; in addition, such studies did not capture the nested nature of institutional contexts. We present the results of a multi-institution, large-scale (N = 2382 instructors;N = 1405 departments;N = 749 institutions) survey-based study in the United States to evaluate 17 malleable factors (i.e., influenceable and changeable) that are associated with the amount of time an instructor spends lecturing, a proxy for implementation of active learning strategies, in introductory postsecondary chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses.

Results

Regression analyses, using multilevel modeling to account for the nested nature of the data, indicate several evaluated contextual factors, personal factors, and teacher thinking factors were significantly associated with percent of class time lecturing when controlling for other factors used in this study. Quantitative results corroborate prior research in indicating that large class sizes are associated with increased percent time lecturing. Other contextual factors (e.g., classroom setup for small group work) and personal contexts (e.g., participation in scholarship of teaching and learning activities) are associated with a decrease in percent time lecturing.

Conclusions

Given the malleable nature of the factors, we offer tangible implications for instructors and administrators to influence the adoption of more active learning strategies in introductory STEM courses.
Teamwork skills in higher education: is university training contributing to their mastery?
Authors: De Prada Elena , Mareque Mercedes , Pino-Juste Margarita
Published: February 2022

Teamwork skills are considered essential for personal, academic and professional achievement, so universities are increasingly integrating them into their syllabuses. However, little is known about how some specific features of students and their educational development can affect their acquisition. Accordingly, this study aims to fill this gap and describe higher education students’ mastery of teamwork skills and its relation to certain socio-academic variables (gender, academic year and grade point average—GPA). With the aim of determining the level of teamwork skills among university students, an observational, transversal descriptive study was designed with an intentional sample of Spanish university students. The sample is made up of 615 social science degree students. The results suggest significant gender differences, highlighting that female students outdid their male counterparts in most teamwork skills, except leadership. Likewise, students’ skills improved as they progressed in their studies, particularly those skills related to adaptability and decision-making. Finally, a positive relationship was observed between teamwork skills and GPA, except for interpersonal development. A regression analysis confirmed the influence of both academic year and GPA for women whilst no effect was detected in the case of men. Based on these results, it is suggested to make changes in university education programmes to compensate for the influence of socio-academic factors and benefit from the most positive features of each gender regarding teamwork to achieve an equal and fair higher education.
Correlation between functional MRI techniques and early disability in ambulatory patients with relapsing–remitting MS
Authors: Mohamed Al-Amir Bassiouny , Algahalan Hesham Abdelghani , Thabit Mohamed N.
Published: February 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder which can lead to an occasional damage to the central nervous system. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) is an important modality in the diagnosis of MS; however, correlation between cMRI findings and clinical impairment is weak. Non-conventional MRI techniques including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) investigate the metabolic changes over the course of MS and overcome the limits of cMRI.

A total of 80 patients with MS and 20 age and sex-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Ambulatory patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) were recruited. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to assess the disability and the patients were categorized into three groups “no disability”, “minimal disability” and “moderate disability”. All patients underwent cMRI techniques. ADC was measured in MS plaques and in normal appearing white matter (NAWM) adjacent and around the plaque. All metabolites concentrations were expressed as ratios including N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr), choline/N-acetyl-aspartate (Cho/NAA) and choline/creatine (Cho/Cr). ADC and metabolite concentrations were measured in the normal white matter of 20 healthy control subjects.

Results

The study was carried on 80 MS patients [36 males (45%) and 44 females (55%)] and 20 healthy control [8 males (40%) and 12 females (60%)]. The ADC values and MRS parameters in NAWM of patients with MS were significantly different from those of the control group. The number of the plaques on T2 images and black holes were significantly higher at “Minimal disability” group. Most of the enhanced plaques were at the “Moderate disability” group with P value < 0.001. The mean of ADC in the group 1, 2 and 3 of disability was 1.12 ± 0.19, 1.50 ± 0.35, 1.51 ± 0.36, respectively, with P value < 0. 001. In the group 1, 2 and 3 of disability, the mean of NAA/Cr ratio at the plaque was 1.34 ± 0.44, 1.59 ± 0.51 and 1.11 ± 0.15, respectively, with P value equal 0.001.

Conclusion

The non-conventional quantitative MRI techniques are useful tools for detection of early disability in MS patients.
3D structural modeling for seismic exploration based on knowledge graphs
Authors: Zhan Xianglin , Lu Cai , Hu Guangmin
Published: February 2022

Three-dimensional structural models provide valuable references for studying exploration challenges and often are used for survey design and seismic method validation as well as to assist with reservoir interpretation. The current structural modeling strategy primarily relies on seismic images, which can suffer from degraded image quality in areas of complex structures. This leads to less-reliable structural interpretations. It is difficult to build appropriate models with unreliable inputs by data-driven modeling methods when the input data contain no other constraints. To mitigate this problem, we have adopted a knowledge-data-driven structural modeling method for seismic exploration based on knowledge graphs that contain certain digitized prior information related to the subsurface structures. The knowledge graph of the structural models formalizes the knowledge of geoscientists by describing the structural model entities and their interrelations in the form of a graph. We first establish the knowledge graph of the structural model to constrain the model topology, then estimate the geologic intersections (lines) between the geologic surfaces under the guidance of the knowledge graph, and finally reconstruct the surfaces under the constraints of the intersections and generate closed geologic bodies. The knowledge graph defines the overall structure of the model, which sets up a priori constraint for the modeling and plays a role in transferring expertise to computers. We use two field models to demonstrate our structural modeling process and prove the effectiveness and feasibility of the method.
Eyes, the window on psychosis?
Authors: Shoham Natalie , Cooper Claudia
Published: February 2022

Much has been written on the theory that congenital blindness might protect against schizophrenia, but proof remains elusive. It has been suggested that visual ability might be associated with schizophrenia in a bell-shaped distribution, with both lifelong absent and perfect vision being protective. Alternatively, ocular aberrations and schizophrenia may share an aetiology. Any neuronal pathology implicated in schizophrenia could affect the retina, since it is an embryological extension of the brain. The retina is more amenable to direct imaging than other parts of the central nervous system and may give unique insights into schizophrenia-associated neuropathology. It is also possible that psychosis causes visual impairment: people with psychotic illnesses are probably not accessing optical care optimally and have higher levels of risk factors for visual loss.
Growing Old in Yiddish Modernism: The Case of the Young Yankev Glatshteyn
Authors: Yudkoff Sunny S.
Published: February 2022

This article examines the intersection of the Yiddish modernist Yankev Glatshteyn’s poetics of old age with the cultural politics of language. Specifically, the article draws on Robert Pogue Harrison’s concept of “heterochronicity”—the ability to embody many ages at once—to investigate how a young Yiddish poet textualized old age and age ambiguity in his early work. To do so, the article first investigates the cultural assumptions concerning age in European Yiddish writing circulating toward the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth. It then turns to Glatshteyn’s early work, “Mayne lider” (My Poems), in which the heterochronic management of old age functions as a rejoinder to Glatshteyn’s American Yiddish literary predecessors and as a model of his modernist poetics. Finally, the article turns its attention to Glatshteyn’s 1925 poem “Tsu mayn tsveyhundertyorikn geburtstog” (“On the Occasion of My Two-Hundredth Birthday”), analyzing the text as a tendentious reading of T. S. Eliot and the hierarchy of Yiddish-English difference. To grow old in Yiddish was not simply a biological experience for Glatshteyn. Rather, it was an aesthetic commitment—a mode of writing energized by heterochronic entanglements, intertextual confrontation, and the intersecting age-driven assumptions of Yiddish literature and Anglo-American modernism.
Lyric Forms as “Performed” Speech in Das Rheingold and Die Walküre
Authors: Duke Craig
Published: February 2022

There is growing recognition that Richard Wagner's mature works—the music dramas—owed much to earlier nineteenth-century opera. In the often-contentious area of Wagnerian form, analysts have tended to draw more on Wagner's writings and the Formenlehre tradition than on operatic models, but recent studies by Karol Berger and Ji-Yeon Lee have shown examples of opera-specific formal types in the music dramas. This article demonstrates Wagner's continued use of one such formal type—lyric form (AABA or AABC)—in five examples from Das Rheingold and Die Walküre. The first part of this article proposes a conceptual revision of lyric form as a conventional configuration of both music and text, which are united by a shared set of music-rhetorical functions. The second part shows how Wagner's lyric forms integrate into the surrounding dramatic continuity as extroverted, performative monologues within realistic conversations. The third part analyzes the much “looser” lyric form in “Wotan's Farewell” from the end of Die Walküre, which displays both Wotan's intimate, self-expressive communication and Wagner's increasing flexibility with the template. These analyses show that operatic formal types were compatible with Wagner's Gesamtkunstwerk aesthetic, and the analytic method suggests a path toward further engagement with other nineteenth-century opera and other genres that combine music, text, and dramatic storytelling.
Periodicity-Based Descriptions of Rhythms and Steve Reich's Rhythmic Style
Authors: Yust Jason
Published: February 2022

This article demonstrates how to obtain a periodicity-based description of cyclic rhythms using the discrete Fourier transform and applies this to understanding Steve Reich's use of rhythmic canons in a series of works from the early 1970s through the 1990s. The primary analytical tool is the rhythmic spectrum, which omits phase information, but the use of plots that include phase information is also demonstrated in a few instances. The method shows a consistency in Reich's rhythmic language despite experimentations with irregular cycles, which begins with the formulation of his “signature rhythm,” the basic rhythmic pattern of Clapping Music and Music for Pieces of Wood. The article also demonstrates the evolution of Reich's rhythmic experimentation preceding these pivotal pieces, through his “phase” works of the 1960s. It discusses the relationship of the Fourier-based method and concepts of meter, especially nonisochronous meter, maximally even rhythmic patterns, and the potential of rhythmic canons to interlock and make different kinds of combinatorial patterns.
Zebrafish models of alx-linked frontonasal dysplasia reveal a role for Alx1 and Alx3 in the anterior segment and vasculature of the developing eye
Authors: Yoon Baul , Yeung Pan , Santistevan Nicholas , Bluhm Lauren E. , Kawasaki Kenta , Kueper Janina , Dubielzig Richard , VanOudenhove Jennifer , Cotney Justin , Liao Eric C. , Grinblat Yevgenya
Published: February 2022

The cellular and genetic mechanisms that coordinate formation of facial sensory structures with surrounding skeletal and soft tissue elements remain poorly understood. Alx1, a homeobox transcription factor, is a key regulator of midfacial morphogenesis. ALX1 mutations in humans are linked to severe congenital anomalies of the facial skeleton (frontonasal dysplasia, FND) with malformation or absence of eyes and orbital contents (micro- and anophthalmia). Zebrafish with loss-of-function alx1 mutations develop with craniofacial and ocular defects of variable penetrance, likely due to compensatory upregulation in expression of a paralogous gene, alx3. Here we show that zebrafish alx1;alx3 mutants develop with highly penetrant cranial and ocular defects that resemble human ALX1-linked FND. alx1 and alx3 are expressed in anterior cranial neural crest (aCNC), which gives rise to the anterior neurocranium (ANC), anterior segment structures of the eye and vascular pericytes. Consistent with a functional requirement for alx genes in aCNC, alx1; alx3 mutants develop with nearly absent ANC and grossly aberrant hyaloid vasculature and ocular anterior segment, but normal retina. In vivo lineage labeling identified a requirement for alx1 and alx3 during aCNC migration, and transcriptomic analysis suggested oxidative stress response as a key target mechanism of this function. Oxidative stress is a hallmark of fetal alcohol toxicity, and we found increased penetrance of facial and ocular malformations in alx1 mutants exposed to ethanol, consistent with a protective role for alx1 against ethanol toxicity. Collectively, these data demonstrate a conserved role for zebrafish alx genes in controlling ocular and facial development, and a novel role in protecting these key midfacial structures from ethanol toxicity during embryogenesis. These data also reveal novel roles for alx genes in ocular anterior segment formation and vascular development and suggest that retinal deficits in alx mutants may be secondary to aberrant ocular vascularization and anterior segment defects. This study establishes robust zebrafish models for interrogating conserved genetic mechanisms that coordinate facial and ocular development, and for exploring gene­–environment interactions relevant to fetal alcohol syndrome.
Long-term imaging of living adult zebrafish
Authors: Castranova Daniel , Samasa Bakary , Venero Galanternik Marina , Gore Aniket V. , Goldstein Allison E. , Park Jong S. , Weinstein Brant M.
Published: February 2022

The zebrafish has become a widely used animal model due, in large part, to its accessibility to and usefulness for high-resolution optical imaging. Although zebrafish research has historically focused mostly on early development, in recent years the fish has increasingly been used to study regeneration, cancer metastasis, behavior and other processes taking place in juvenile and adult animals. However, imaging of live adult zebrafish is extremely challenging, with survival of adult fish limited to a few tens of minutes using standard imaging methods developed for zebrafish embryos and larvae. Here, we describe a new method for imaging intubated adult zebrafish using a specially designed 3D printed chamber for long-term imaging of adult zebrafish on inverted microscope systems. We demonstrate the utility of this new system by nearly day-long observation of neutrophil recruitment to a wound area in living double-transgenic adult casper zebrafish with fluorescently labeled neutrophils and lymphatic vessels, as well as intubating and imaging the same fish repeatedly. We also show that Mexican cavefish can be intubated and imaged in the same way, demonstrating this method can be used for long-term imaging of adult animals from diverse aquatic species.
Nuclear morphogenesis: forming a heterogeneous nucleus during embryogenesis
Authors: Tsai Albert , Crocker Justin
Published: February 2022

An embryo experiences increasingly complex spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression as it matures, guiding the morphogenesis of its body. Using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy in Drosophila melanogaster embryos, we observed that the nuclear distributions of transcription factors and histone modifications undergo a similar transformation of increasing heterogeneity. This spatial partitioning of the nucleus could lead to distinct local regulatory environments in space and time that are tuned for specific genes. Accordingly, transcription sites driven by different cis-regulatory regions each had their own temporally and spatially varying local histone environments, which could facilitate the finer spatial and temporal regulation of genes to consistently differentiate cells into organs and tissues. Thus, ‘nuclear morphogenesis’ may be a microscopic counterpart of the macroscopic process that shapes the animal body.
RNA-assisted sequestration of RNA-binding proteins by cytoplasmic inclusions of the C-terminal 35-kDa fragment of TDP-43
Authors: Jiang Lei-Lei , Guan Wen-Liang , Wang Jian-Yang , Zhang Shu-Xian , Hu Hong-Yu
Published: February 2022

TDP-43 (also known as TARDBP) is a nuclear splicing factor functioning in pre-mRNA processing. Its C-terminal 35-kDa fragment (TDP-35) forms inclusions or aggregates in cytoplasm, and sequesters full-length TDP-43 into the inclusions through binding with RNA. We extended the research to investigate whether TDP-35 inclusions sequester other RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and how RNA-binding specificity has a role in this sequestration process. We have characterized T-cell restricted intracellular antigen-1 (TIA1) and other RBPs that can be sequestered into the TDP-35 inclusions through specific RNA binding, and found that this sequestration leads to the dysfunction of TIA1 in maturation of target pre-mRNA. Moreover, we directly visualized the dynamic sequestration of TDP-43 by the cytoplasmic TDP-35 inclusions by live-cell imaging. Our results demonstrate that TDP-35 sequesters some specific RBPs and this sequestration is assisted by binding with RNA in a sequence-specific manner. This study provides further evidence in supporting the hijacking hypothesis for RNA-assisted sequestration and will be beneficial to further understanding of the TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Vocalization-associated respiration patterns: thermography-based monitoring and detection of preparation for calling
Authors: Demartsev Vlad , Manser Marta B. , Tattersall Glenn J.
Published: February 2022

Vocal emission requires coordination with the respiratory system. Monitoring the increase in laryngeal pressure, which is needed for vocal production, allows detection of transitions from quiet respiration to vocalization-supporting respiration. Characterization of these transitions could be used to identify preparation for vocal emission and to examine the probability of it manifesting into an actual vocal production event. Specifically, overlaying the subject's respiration with conspecific calls can highlight events of call initiation and suppression, as a means of signalling coordination and avoiding jamming. Here, we present a thermal imaging-based methodology for synchronized respiration and vocalization monitoring of free-ranging meerkats. The sensitivity of this methodology is sufficient for detecting transient changes in the subject's respiration associated with the exertion of vocal production. The differences in respiration are apparent not only during the vocal output, but also prior to it, marking the potential time frame of the respiratory preparation for calling. A correlation between conspecific calls with elongation of the focal subject's respiration cycles could be related to fluctuations in attention levels or in the motivation to reply. This framework can be used for examining the capability for enhanced respiration control in animals during modulated and complex vocal sequences, detecting ‘failed’ vocalization attempts and investigating the role of respiration cues in the regulation of vocal interactions.
Current understanding and future potential applications of cerebral microvascular imaging in infants
Authors: Hwang Misun , Haddad Sophie , Tierradentro-Garcia Luis Octavio , Alves Cesar Augusto , Taylor George A. , Darge Kassa
Published: February 2022

Microvascular imaging is an advanced Doppler ultrasound technique that detects slow flow in microvessels by suppressing clutter signal and motion-related artifacts. The technique has been applied in several conditions to assess organ perfusion and lesion characteristics. In this pictorial review, we aim to describe current knowledge of the technique, particularly its diagnostic utility in the infant brain, and expand on the unexplored but promising clinical applications of microvascular imaging in the brain with case illustrations.
Application of deep learning in teeth identification tasks on panoramic radiographs
Authors: Umer Fahad , Habib Saqib , Adnan Niha
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

To investigate the current developments of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teeth identification on Panoramic Radiographs (PR). Our aim was to evaluate and compare the performances of Deep Learning (DL) models that have been employed in the execution of this task.

Methods:

The systematic review was registered on PROSPERO. All recent studies that utilized DL models for identifying teeth on PRs were included in this review. An extensive search of the medical electronic databases including PubMed NLM, EBSCO Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, and Wiley Cochrane Library was conducted. This was followed by a hand search of the IEEE Xplore database. The diagnostic performance of DL models in teeth identification tasks on PR was the primary outcome assessed in this review. The risk of bias assessment of the included studies was evaluated via the modified QUADAS-2 tool. Owing to the heterogeneity of the reported performance metrics, a meta-analysis was not possible..

Results:

The search yielded a total of 282 articles, out of which 13 relevant ones were included in this review. These studies utilized a diverse range of DL models for teeth identification tasks on PRs and reported their performances using a variety of metrics.

Conclusion:

The results of teeth identification tasks carried out by DL models are encouraging; however, there is a need for the shortcomings that have been identified in our preliminary review, to be addressed by future researchers.
Στοχαστικοί αλγόριθμοι και ανάπτυξη λογισμικού επεξεργασίας δεδομένων φυσικών καταστροφών - γεωκινδύνων
Authors: Κροκίδης Σπυρίδων
Published: February 2022

Το αντικείμενο έρευνας της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής πραγματεύεται την ενόργανη παρακολούθηση σεισμικής και κατολισθητικής δραστηριότητας, μέσω χρήσης στοχαστικών αλγορίθμων και ανάπτυξης λογισμικού επεξεργασίας δεδομένων γεωκινδύνων, τα οποία έχουν ληφθεί τόσο με συμβατικά όσο και με χαμηλού κόστους συστήματα καταγραφής. Η περιοχή μελέτης επικεντρώνεται στην ευρύτερη περιοχή των Ιονίων Νήσων και συγκεκριμένα στην Κέρκυρα και την Λευκάδα. Η καινοτομία της παρούσας διατριβής έγκειται στη διεπιστημονική ανάλυση μεταξύ της Πληροφορικής, της Γεωλογίας και της Σεισμολογίας, στο πλαίσιο μιας ολιστικής προσέγγισης για την έρευνα των γεωκινδύνων στην περιοχή των Ιονίων Νήσων. Η παρούσα διατριβή φιλοδοξεί να συνεισφέρει στο πλαίσιο της διαχείρισης Φυσικών Καταστροφών και ειδικότερα του σεισμικού και κατολισθητικού κινδύνου στα Ιόνια Νησιά, μιας περιοχής η οποία χαρακτηρίζεται σεισμικά και τεκτονικά ως η πιο ενεργή του Ελληνικού χώρου και μια από τις πιο ενεργές παγκοσμίως. Υλοποιήθηκαν πειραματικά μοντέλα προσομοίωσης κατολισθήσεων με συμβατικούς και χαμηλού κόστους αισθητήρες. Επίσης εγκαταστάθηκαν στο πεδίο καινοτόμα καταγραφικά συστήματα παρακολούθησης πρόδρομων φαινομένων κατολισθήσεων και καινοτόμα καταγραφικά συστήματα παρακολούθησης σεισμικής δραστηριότητας με ικανοποιητική απόδοση και πολύ ενθαρυντικά αποτελέσματα. Σε όλα τα στάδια της παρούσας έρευνας η λήψη πρωτογενών δεδομένων συνοδευόταν από την ανάπτυξη κατάλληλου λογισμικού επεξεργασίας και ανάλυσης των δεδομένων, προκειμένου οι συσκευές απόκτησης δεδομένων Φυσικών Καταστροφών που κοστίζουν λιγότερο από τις συμβατικές μονάδες καταγραφής, να παρέχουν την απαραίτητη αποδεκτή ακρίβεια για αποτελεσματική παρακολούθηση της σεισμικότητας και μείωσης της κατολισθητικής επικινδυνότητας σε περιοχές ιδιαίτερου γεωδυναμικού και σεισμοτεκτονικού ενδιαφέροντος.