bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Landscape Design of Hakka Characteristic Towns from the Perspective of Regional Culture
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Lee Kun-Fa
Published: June 2021

Featured towns, along with regional towns in just a few years, have shown an explosive growth of a new industry as a new carrier. In the past, the construction of “a thousand towns with one side” or achievement towns has failed. This study takes the Hakka characteristic town of Zhongyuan Township, Jing’an, Jiangxi as an example, extracts the local regional culture and integrates it into the landscape design, and builds a unique characteristic town with characteristic principles and characteristics as the core.
Safety Evaluation of Large-size Transportation Bridges Based on Combination Weighting Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method
Authors: Liu Hua , Li Bin , Sun Yiqi , Dou Xiaozheng , Zhang Yongfu , Fan Xianghui
Published: June 2021

The load of large-size vehicles has not been clearly defined in the existing bridge design codes in our country. When large-size vehicles cross the bridge, the bridge has certain safe-ty hazards. At present, there are not many evaluation methods for the driving safety of large-size transportation bridge structures. In order to scientifically evaluate the traffic safety of the large-size transportation bridge structure, this paper considers the factors of bridge, traffic and environment, and establishes the evaluation index system for the operation safety of the large-size transportation bridge structure, using the comprehensive weighting method of the G1-entropy weight method. Calculating the weight and combining the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the traffic of the large-scale transportation bridge in Huanglong County, Shaanxi Province, the results show that the traffic safety level of the bridge is level II, which has good safety.
The 150th anniversary ofThe Descent of Man: Darwin and the impact of sex-role reversal on sexual selection research
Authors: Fritzsche Karoline , Henshaw Jonathan M , Johnson Bernadette D , Jones Adam G
Published: June 2021

The year 2021 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s extraordinary book The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. Here, we review the history and impact of a single profound insight from The Descent of Man: that, in some few species, females rather than males compete for access to mates. In other words, these species are ‘sex-role reversed’ with respect to mating competition and sexual selection compared to the majority of species in which sexual selection acts most strongly on males. Over the subsequent 150 years, sex-role-reversed species have motivated multiple key conceptual breakthroughs in sexual selection. The surprising mating dynamics of such species challenged scientists’ preconceptions, forcing them to examine implicit assumptions and stereotypes. This wider worldview has led to a richer and more nuanced understanding of animal mating systems and, in particular, to a proper appreciation for the fundamental role that females play in shaping these systems. Sex-role-reversed species have considerable untapped potential and will continue to contribute to sexual selection research in the decades to come.
Optimization and Validation of a Facile RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Betrixaban and Lercanidipine in Pharmaceutical and Biological Matrices
Authors: El-Masry Amal A , El-Wasseef Dalia R , Eid Manal , Shehata Ihsan A , Zeid Abdallah M
Published: June 2021

A simple, accurate, rapid and sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was established for determination of a novel non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant drug, betrixaban, and its co-administered calcium-channel blocker drug, lercanidipine, in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids. The proposed HPLC method was the first chromatographic method applied to estimate this mixture in a short chromatographic run (<6 min), high resolution between betrixaban/lercanidipine (Rs = 7.12) and acceptable values of limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and percentage of relative standard deviation (%RSD). The chromatographic separation was performed on a cyano column using a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile:methanol:water (35:35:30, v/v/v) containing 0.2% orthophosphoric acid adjusted to pH 3.2 by triethylamine, programmed with a flow rate of 1 mL/min with UV detection at 240 nm. The proposed method showed linearity over the concentration ranges of (0.20–20.0 μg/mL) and (0.25–25.0 μg/mL) for betrixaban and lercanidipine, respectively. All validation parameters met the acceptance criteria according to ICH guidelines in terms of linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, robustness, specificity and system suitability. The method was applied to assay the studied analytes in their pharmaceutical formulations with high % recovery (98–102%) and low %RSD (<1.5). Furthermore, the proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of betrixaban in spiked human plasma.
On the phenology of protists: recurrent patterns reveal seasonal variation of protistan (Rhizaria: Cercozoa and Endomyxa) communities in tree canopies
Authors: Walden Susanne , Jauss Robin-Tobias , Feng Kai , Fiore-Donno Anna Maria , Dumack Kenneth , Schaffer Stefan , Wolf Ronny , Schlegel Martin , Bonkowski Michael
Published: June 2021

Tree canopies are colonized by billions of highly specialized microorganisms that are well adapted to the highly variable microclimatic conditions, caused by diurnal fluctuations and seasonal changes. In this study, we investigated seasonality patterns of protists in the tree canopies of a temperate floodplain forest via high-throughput sequencing with group-specific primers for the phyla Cercozoa and Endomyxa. We observed consistent seasonality, and identified divergent spring and autumn taxa. Tree crowns were characterized by a dominance of bacterivores and omnivores, while eukaryvores gained a distinctly larger share in litter and soil communities on the ground. In the canopy seasonality was largest among communities detected on the foliar surface: In spring, higher variance within alpha diversity of foliar samples indicated greater heterogeneity during initial colonization. However, communities underwent compositional changes during the aging of leaves in autumn, highly reflecting recurring phenological changes during protistan colonization. Surprisingly, endomyxan root pathogens appeared to be exceptionally abundant across tree canopies during autumn, demonstrating a potential role of the canopy surface as a physical filter for air-dispersed propagules. Overall, about 80% of detected OTUs could not be assigned to known species—representing dozens of microeukaryotic taxa whose canopy inhabitants are waiting to be discovered.
The Nexus of Sensory Loss, Cognitive Impairment, and Functional Decline in Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Liu Chiung-ju , Chang Pei-Shiun , Griffith Cheryl F , Hanley Stephanie I , Lu Yvonne
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

The prevalence of cognitive impairment and sensory loss in hearing or vision increases with age. Based on the Information Processing Model, cognitive impairment coupled with sensory loss may exacerbate disability in late life. Yet this issue has not been systematically studied. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the literature that studied the relationship between cognitive impairment, sensory loss, and activities of daily living in older adults.

Research Design and Methods

Two reviewers independently screened 1,410 studies identified from 5 electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINHAL, and Web of Science). The search was completed in June 2020. A study was eligible if it included measurements of cognitive function, vision or hearing, and activities of daily living. Additionally, the data analyses must address how cognitive impairment and sensory loss are related to the performance of activities of daily living.

Results

The final review included 15 studies. Findings show an additive effect of cognitive impairment and sensory loss on the activities of daily living. Cognitive impairment or vision loss independently relates to the decline in activities of daily living. Hearing loss relates to the decline only when the loss is severe, or if the daily task is hearing - specific.

Discussion and Implications

Older adults with coexisting sensory loss and cognitive impairment have the highest risk or prevalence of disability, comparing to cognitive impairment or sensory loss alone. This finding highlights the importance of developing interventions to reduce the risk of disability for older adults experiencing multiple impairments.
Stationary peaks in a multivariable reaction–diffusion system: foliated snaking due to subcritical Turing instability
Authors: Knobloch Edgar , Yochelis Arik
Published: June 2021

An activator–inhibitor–substrate model of side branching used in the context of pulmonary vascular and lung development is considered on the supposition that spatially localized concentrations of the activator trigger local side branching. The model consists of four coupled reaction–diffusion equations, and its steady localized solutions therefore obey an eight-dimensional spatial dynamical system in one spatial dimension (1D). Stationary localized structures within the model are found to be associated with a subcritical Turing instability and organized within a distinct type of foliated snaking bifurcation structure. This behavior is in turn associated with the presence of an exchange point in parameter space at which the complex leading spatial eigenvalues of the uniform concentration state are overtaken by a pair of real eigenvalues; this point plays the role of a Belyakov–Devaney point in this system. The primary foliated snaking structure consists of periodic spike or peak trains with $N$ identical equidistant peaks, $N=1,2,\dots \,$, together with cross-links consisting of nonidentical, nonequidistant peaks. The structure is complicated by a multitude of multipulse states, some of which are also computed, and spans the parameter range from the primary Turing bifurcation all the way to the fold of the $N=1$ state. These states form a complex template from which localized physical structures develop in the transverse direction in 2D.
Barriers to evidence-based practice implementation in physiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Paci Matteo , Faedda Gianni , Ugolini Alessandro , Pellicciari Leonardo
Published: June 2021

Background

To review and meta-analyse the evidence about the prevalence of barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) reported in physiotherapy.

Methods

Two independent investigators conducted an extensive electronic search in EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases from their inception to July 2020 and included the retrieved articles if they investigated barriers to EBP among physiotherapy professionals. Subsequently, they extracted data and assessed the methodological quality using a scale described in a similar previous study. The outcome for meta-analysis was frequency of each reported barrier. Sub-analyses were performed grouping studies based on countries where surveys were performed, classified as either developed or developing countries.

Results

Twenty-nine articles were included in the systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Risk of bias assessment of included studies showed a median score: 4 points (interquartile range: 3–4). The findings of meta-analysis revealed that lack of time was the most frequently reported barrier (53.0% [95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 44.0–62.0]), followed by language (36.0% [95%CI 16.0–62.0]), lack of access (34.0% [95%CI 23.0.27]) and lack of statistical skills (31.0% [95%CI 20.0–44.0]). Lack of skills and lack of generalizability were declared as barriers by 27.0% [95%CI 18.0–38.0] and 23.0% [95%CI 15.0–33.0] of responders, respectively. Lack of support and lack of interest are less frequent, with 16.0% [95%CI 11.0–24.0] and 9.0% [95%CI 6.0–15.0] of responses, respectively. Barriers reported in investigations performed in developed countries were less frequent when compared to those performed in developing countries.

Conclusion

Organizational issues and methodological skills seem key issues to allow the implementation of EBP, suggesting the need to adopt or enhance organizational and training strategies to facilitate the implementation of the EBP. Quantitative synthesis showed high heterogeneity for all analyses, and therefore, pooled data should be interpreted with caution.
Identification of new semen trait-related candidate genes in Duroc boars through genome-wide association and weighted gene co-expression network analyses
Authors: Mei Quanshun , Fu Chuanke , Sahana Goutam , Chen Yilong , Yin Lilin , Miao Yuanxin , Zhao Shuhong , Xiang Tao
Published: June 2021

Semen traits are crucial in commercial pig production since semen from boars is widely used in artificial insemination for both purebred and crossbred pig production. Revealing the genetic architecture of semen traits potentially promotes the efficiencies of improving semen traits through artificial selection. This study is aimed to identify candidate genes related to the semen traits in Duroc boars. First, we identified the genes that were significantly associated with three semen traits, including sperm motility (MO), sperm concentration (CON), and semen volume (VOL) in a Duroc boar population through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Second, we performed a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A total of 2, 3, and 20 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with MO, CON, and VOL, respectively. Based on the haplotype block analysis, we identified one genetic region associated with MO, which explained 6.15% of the genetic trait variance. ENSSSCG00000018823 located within this region was considered as the candidate gene for regulating MO. Another genetic region explaining 1.95% of CON genetic variance was identified, and, in this region, B9D2, PAFAH1B3, TMEM145, and CIC were detected as the CON-related candidate genes. Two genetic regions that accounted for 2.23% and 2.48% of VOL genetic variance were identified, and, in these two regions, WWC2, CDKN2AIP, ING2, TRAPPC11, STOX2, and PELO were identified as VOL-related candidate genes. WGCNA analysis showed that, among these candidate genes, B9D2, TMEM145, WWC2, CDKN2AIP, TRAPPC11, and PELO were located within the most significant module eigengenes, confirming these candidate genes’ role in regulating semen traits in Duroc boars. The identification of these candidate genes can help to better understand the genetic architecture of semen traits in boars. Our findings can be applied for semen traits improvement in Duroc boars.
Morphometric and physiological maturity of male Jonah crab, Cancer borealis Stimpson, 1859 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Cancridae), in southern New England, USA
Authors: Lawrence Amanda , Stevens Bradley G , Shank Burton , Chung J Sook
Published: June 2021

Fisheries management requires a thorough understanding of the processes involved in reproduction, including the ability to distinguish sexually mature individuals. The Jonah crab, Cancer borealisStimpson, 1859, occurs from Newfoundland to Florida, but the fishery is concentrated in New England. The crab contributes to a significant and growing male-driven fishery; however, little is known about its life history. We investigated the relationship between morphometrics and physiological maturity, and the size at which these life changes occur in the southern New England stock. The size at 50% sexual maturity (SM50) in male C. borealis was estimated morphometrically to be 105.9 mm carapace width (CW). This size is larger than the estimate of 98.3 mm CW for the species in the Mid-Atlantic Bight but lower than the estimate of 127.6 on the Scotian Shelf, consistent with a poleward gradient in size at maturity. The gonadosomatic index differs significantly between CW size groups, maturity status, and season whereas spermatophore size was not related to CW. Fisheries management should include multiple measures of sexual maturity and consider factors including geographical distribution when establishing and assessing guidelines for this economically important species.
Chefs-d’œuvre of the Sternberg collection
Authors: Zlatohlávková Eliška , Zapletalová Jana , Kindl Miroslav
Published: June 2021

This article concerns the contents of the little-known picture gallery of the Sternbergs, one of the oldest noble families in Bohemia. The remnants of the originally extensive artistic collection are now on display at the Častolovice chateau in the Czech Republic. The aim here is to present the history of the collection with the aid of recently discovered archival documents and the results of a recently completed survey of selected masterpieces based on stylistic analysis and non-invasive physical examination.
An Annotated Edition of Chaucer Belonging to Stephan Batman
Authors: Leahy Conor
Published: June 2021

This article introduces a copy of The Woorkes of Geffrey Chaucer (1561) formerly belonging to the writer, cleric, limner, and book-collector Stephan Batman (c. 1542–1584). The volume is currently held at the Guildhall Library (SR 2.3.3), and contains Batman’s annotations and manicules throughout the text. It also features a 28-line poem in Batman’s hand, a short booklist of medieval chronicles, and five line drawings. The book thus offers a fresh insight into the reading practices of one of the most industrious English antiquaries of the sixteenth century, and sheds new light on Chaucer’s sixteenth-century reception.
The EBLM project – VIII. First results for M-dwarf mass, radius, and effective temperature measurements using CHEOPS light curves
Authors: Swayne M I , Maxted P F L , Triaud A H M J , Sousa S G , Broeg C , Florén H-G , Guterman P , Simon A E , Boisse I , Bonfanti A , Martin D , Santerne A , Salmon S , Standing M R , Van Grootel V , Wilson T G , Alibert Y , Alonso R , Anglada Escudé G , Asquier J , Bárczy T , Barrado D , Barros S C C , Battley M , Baumjohann W , Beck M , Beck T , Bekkelien A , Benz W , Billot N , Bonfils X , Brandeker A , Busch M-D , Cabrera J , Charnoz S , Collier Cameron A , Csizmadia Sz , Davies M B , Deleuil M , Deline A , Delrez L , Demangeon O D S , Demory B-O , Dransfield G , Ehrenreich D , Erikson A , Fortier A , Fossati L , Fridlund M , Futyan D , Gandolfi D , Gillon M , Guedel M , Hébrard G , Heidari N , Hellier C , Heng K , Hobson M , Hoyer S , Isaak K G , Kiss L , Kunovac Hodžić V , Lalitha S , Laskar J , Lecavelier des Etangs A , Lendl M , Lovis C , Magrin D , Marafatto L , McCormac J , Miller N , Nascimbeni V , Olofsson G , Ottensamer R , Pagano I , Pallé E , Peter G , Piotto G , Pollacco D , Queloz D , Ragazzoni R , Rando N , Rauer H , Ribas I , Santos N C , Scandariato G , Ségransan D , Smith A M S , Steinberger M , Steller M , Szabó Gy M , Thomas N , Udry S , Walter I , Walton N A , Willett E
Published: June 2021

The accuracy of theoretical mass, radius, and effective temperature values for M-dwarf stars is an active topic of debate. Differences between observed and theoretical values have raised the possibility that current theoretical stellar structure and evolution models are inaccurate towards the low-mass end of the main sequence. To explore this issue, we use the CHEOPS satellite to obtain high-precision light curves of eclipsing binaries with low-mass stellar companions. We use these light curves combined with the spectroscopic orbit for the solar-type companion to measure the mass, radius, and effective temperature of the M-dwarf star. Here, we present the analysis of three eclipsing binaries. We use the pycheops data analysis software to fit the observed transit and eclipse events of each system. Two of our systems were also observed by the TESS satellite – we similarly analyse these light curves for comparison. We find consistent results between CHEOPS and TESS, presenting three stellar radii and two stellar effective temperature values of low-mass stellar objects. These initial results from our on-going observing programme with CHEOPS show that we can expect to have ∼24 new mass, radius, and effective temperature measurements for very low-mass stars within the next few years.
DERIVATION OF LOCAL DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS FOR COMMON ADULT COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EXAMINATIONS IN MOROCCAN HOSPITAL
Authors: Benmessaoud M , Housni A , Elmabrouki M , Essasnaoui F , Sadiki N , Dadouch A , Labzour A
Published: June 2021

The purpose was to derive local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for adults common computed tomography (CT) examinations in Moroccan hospital. The data of patients were collected retrospectively from one facility for 2 months period. The proposed LDRLs were defined as 75th percentile of spreads for CT dose index-volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP). Findings were compared with diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of France, Australia and Egypt. A total of 259 cases were enrolled including 53% of male and 47% of female. The corresponding LDRLs in terms of CTDIvol (mGy) were 58, 15, 15 and 14 for head, chest, abdomen–pelvis and chest–abdomen–pelvis CT examinations, respectively. For DLP (mGy.cm) were 1298, 944, 1874 and 2026, respectively. The proposed LDRLs for CTDIvol were almost similar to DRLs of Australia, higher than those of France and lower than Egyptian DRLs. In terms of DLP, LDRLs were higher than compared studies with exception of head CT, which were lower and higher for CTDIvol than Egyptian DRLs. The results highlight higher radiation doses during adult CT scans, indicating the need to spread the same investigation regarding other imaging procedures including different radiological examinations across Moroccan hospitals.
Pilot of a Training Format for Clinicians' Continuing Professional Development: Open House With Rotating Short Segments
Authors: Cheung Iva W. , Bland Vanessa R. , Castro-Noriega Elisa , Silva Diego S. , Miller Kimberly J. , Michalak Erin E. , Goldsmith Charles H.
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Access to continuing professional development offered at lunchtime is limited by hospital scheduling that has staff members taking their lunch breaks at different times. To overcome this barrier, we developed a three-part training format with (1) a focus group segment soliciting participants' opinions on the training's target behavior, (2) a didactic segment introducing tools to support the behavior, and (3) a question-and-answer segment about the session topic. We rotated through these segments, each 15 minutes long, over 3 hours. Participants could join at any segment and experience the full curriculum after 45 minutes.

Methods:

We piloted this training format five times at three hospitals. Our training aimed to encourage clinicians to consistently inform involuntary patients about their Mental Health Act rights. We gauged the effect of the training and participants' opinions of the session using the Continuing Professional Development Reaction questionnaire and a session evaluation, respectively.

Results:

Continuing Professional Development-Reaction results (n = 80) showed a detectable increase in clinicians' intent to consistently give involuntary patients rights advice. Participants reported finding the training organized, informative, and valuable.

Discussion:

The open house with rotating short segments is a feasible and adaptable training format to engage clinicians in voluntary continuing professional development.
Bridging the Divide: An Analysis of Allied Health Quality and Research Projects
Authors: Dennett Amy M. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Porter Judi , Evans Jane , Horne-Thompson Anne L. , Harding Katherine E.
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

A range of activities are conducted in health care settings aiming to improve health care processes and outcomes. In many settings, these activities are classified into two broad domains of “quality improvement” and “health services research” each with its own methods, continuing education, support structures, and governance systems. We aimed to explore differences and similarities in the purpose, methods, and outcomes of approved allied health projects conducted under each of these domains at a large metropolitan health network.

Method:

Using observational methods, we evaluated allied health quality improvement and research projects approved through the relevant governance systems in a single health network during a 12-month reporting period. Project leaders were surveyed, and project documentation was evaluated using the SQUIRE tool.

Results:

Allied health professionals were motivated to undertake both quality improvement (n = 13) and research projects (n = 15) to improve health care. Research projects were more likely to be disseminated externally, but quality improvement projects were more frequently reported to result in internal practice change. Methods were well documented for research projects, but this information was frequently lacking for quality improvement projects. Research projects were also more likely to be supported by external funding than quality improvement projects.

Implications:

Allied health clinicians conducting improvement activities using research and quality improvement projects share common goals. There are likely to be opportunities to enhance value and implementation of findings into practice by bridging the divide between health service research and quality improvement activities in health networks.
Simultaneous Quantification of 11 Antiseizure Medications and Metabolites in Serum for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection: A Short Communication
Authors: Lipecki Yannick , Haen Ekkehard
Published: June 2021

Background:

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antiseizure medications (ASMs) is widely used to guide therapy, avoid toxicity, and assess patient compliance. Commercial immunologic quantification methods are common practice; however, as they are only applicable to one specific drug and prone to cross-reacting metabolites, their practical applicability is limited. In this article, the authors proposed a high-performance liquid chromatography method using ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) for simultaneous quantification of 11 ASMs and active metabolites (carbamazepine, felbamate, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, zonisamide, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, and licarbazepine) in serum.

Methods:

Chromatographic separation was performed on a Phenomenex Luna PFP(2) (3-µm particle size; 150 × 4.6 mm i.d.) analytical column. The mobile phase comprised phosphate buffer (20 mM; pH 3), acetonitrile (ACN), and methanol using gradient elution. Analyses were conducted at 35°C and a 1.3-mL/min flow rate. The detection wavelength for all analytes was 210 nm. The samples were prepared by protein precipitation using ACN.

Results:

The HPLC-UV method was validated according to the FDA guidelines and applied to measure patient samples in TDM. Calibration curves showed excellent linearity (r2 > 0.99) and covered the entire reference range for each analyte. Intraday and interday imprecisions and inaccuracies were <10% for all samples. Extensive stability testing showed no significant degradation (<15%), and interference measurements additionally ensured clinical applicability. Furthermore, the sensitivity was comparable with that of previously published HPLC methods using mass spectrometry.

Conclusions:

The authors developed an HPLC-UV method for the simultaneous quantification of 11 ASMs in the human serum and demonstrated its practical applicability in TDM. The method requires only standard laboratory equipment and simple sample preparation, making TDM available in less specialized laboratories.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STOPPER POSITION AND INJECTION VOLUME IN RANIBIZUMAB AND AFLIBERCEPT PREFILLED SYRINGES
Authors: Hinkle John W. , Hsu Jason
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To determine the relationship between stopper position and injection volume in aflibercept and ranibizumab prefilled syringes (PFS).

Methods:

Empty aflibercept 2.0 mg PFS and ranibizumab 0.3 mg and 0.5 mg PFS were collected and refilled with saline. The stopper was positioned relative to the preprinted mark, and resulting injection volumes were recorded. The position for double the on-label volume was confirmed with repeated testing. The quantitative relationship between position and volume was calculated.

Results:

In ranibizumab PFS, doubling the distance increased the volume injected by 2.6 times. Positioning the stopper 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, and 0 mm proximal to and 1.0 mm distal to the mark injected volumes of 0.13, 0.1, 0.08, 0.05, and 0.03 mL, respectively. The relationship between position (x) and volume (y) was y = 0.019x + 0.048. In aflibercept PFS, doubling the distance increased the volume injected by 3.2 times. Positioning the stopper 2.5, 2.0, 1.0, and 0 mm proximal to and 1.0 mm distal to the mark injected volumes of 0.16, 0.14, 0.11, 0.05, and 0.02 mL, respectively. The relationship between position (x) and volume (y) was y = 0.041x + 0.059.

Conclusion:

Proper positioning of the stopper at the preprinted mark accurately delivers the on-label volume with both the ranibizumab and aflibercept PFS. However, small variations in stopper position appear to have substantial effects on the volume of drug injected.
IMAGING ARTIFACTS IN FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME IMAGING OPHTHALMOSCOPY
Authors: Dysli Chantal , Dysli Muriel , Lincke Joel , Jaggi Damian , Wolf Sebastian , Zinkernagel Martin S.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To investigate and quantify the influence of imaging artifacts on retinal fluorescence lifetime (FLIO) values and to provide helpful hints and tricks to avoid imaging artifacts and to improve FLIO image acquisition quality.

Methods:

A systematic analysis of potential parameters influencing FLIO quality and/or fluorescence lifetime values was performed in a prospective systematic experimental imaging study in five eyes of five healthy subjects. For image acquisition, a fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope (Heidelberg Engineering) was used. Quantitative analysis of FLIO lifetime changes due to imaging artifacts was performed.

Results:

Imaging artifacts with significant influence on fluorescence lifetimes included too short image acquisition time, insufficient illumination, ocular surface problems, and image defocus. Prior use of systemic or topical fluorescein makes analysis of retinal fluorescence lifetimes impossible.

Conclusion:

Awareness of possible sources of imaging artifacts is important for FLIO image acquisition and analysis. Therefore, standardized imaging and analysis procedure in FLIO is crucial for high-quality image acquisition and the possibility for systematic quantitative fluorescence lifetime analysis.
Myopic shift after Salzmann nodule excision
Authors: Witsberger Emily M. , Maguire Leo J. , Patel Sanjay V.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To quantify changes in manifest refractive error and mean keratometric power (Km) at 1 month and ≥12 months after Salzmann nodule excision.

Setting:

Cornea service at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Design:

Retrospective consecutive case series.

Methods:

Changes in manifest refractive error (spherical equivalent), Km, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were compared for 73 eyes of 58 patients who underwent Salzmann nodule excision. Eyes with ocular comorbidities were excluded. Comparisons between preoperative and postoperative measurements were made by using generalized estimating equation models.

Results:

Mean patient age was 66 years, and 53 patients (91%) were female. Spherical equivalent manifest refractive error was −0.27 ± 2.66 diopters (D) before nodule excision and became more myopic (−1.10 ± 2.78 D) at 1 month after nodule excision (n = 69, P < .001) with no change at 12 months (n = 14, P = .13). A myopic shift ≥0.5 D occurred in 65% of eyes and ≥1.0 D in 36% of eyes. Km increased from 42.7 ± 2.11 D before nodule excision to 44.2 ± 1.82 D at 1 month after excision (n = 49, P < .001). CDVA improved from 0.18 ± 0.15 logMAR (Snellen equivalent 20/30) before nodule excision to 0.05 ± 0.09 logMAR (20/22, n = 69, P < .001) at 1 month after excision with no change at 12 months (n = 14, P = .73).

Conclusions:

In addition to known changes in cylinder, Salzmann nodule excision is associated with a myopic shift in most eyes caused by corneal steepening. Patients should be counseled about the likelihood of refractive changes, and cataract surgery should be deferred until refractive stability is achieved.
Chronic widespread pain in children and adolescents presenting in primary care: prevalence and associated risk factors
Authors: Somayajula Glenys G. , Campbell Paul , Protheroe Joanne , Lacey Rosie J. , Dunn Kate M.
Published: June 2021

A significant proportion of children/adolescents report chronic widespread pain (CWP), but little is known about clinically relevant CWP or what factors lead to onset in this population. Objectives were to report the primary care consultation prevalence of CWP and investigate risk factors associated with onset. A validated algorithm for identifying CWP status from primary care electronic healthcare records was applied to a child or adolescent population (aged 8-18 years). The algorithm records patients who have recurrent pain consultations (axial skeleton and upper or lower limbs) or those with a nonspecific generalised pain disorder (eg, fibromyalgia). Prevalence was described, and a nested case-control study was established to identify risk factors associated with CWP onset using logistic regression producing odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Two hundred seventy-one children or adolescents were identified with CWP, resulting in a 5-year consultation prevalence of 3.19%. Risk factors significantly associated with CWP onset were as follows: mental health (eg, anxiety/neurosis consultations), neurological (eg, headaches), genitourinary (eg, cystitis), gastrointestinal (eg, abdominal pain), and throat problems (eg, sore throats). Children or adolescents with 1 or 2 risk factors (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.6-2.9) or 3 or more risk factors (OR 9.17, 95% CI 5.9-14.3) were at significantly increased odds of CWP onset compared with those with none. Findings show a significant proportion of the child or adolescent primary care population has CWP. Most risk factors involved pain-related conditions, suggesting potential pathways of pain development. Further work is now needed to better understand the development of CWP in children and adolescents.
Changes to the activity and sensitivity of nerves innervating subchondral bone contribute to pain in late-stage osteoarthritis
Authors: Morgan Michael , Thai Jenny , Nazemian Vida , Song Richard , Ivanusic Jason J.
Published: June 2021

Although it is clear that osteoarthritis (OA) pain involves activation and/or sensitization of nociceptors that innervate knee joint articular tissues, much less is known about the role of the innervation of surrounding bone. In this study, we used monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA in male rats to test the idea that pain in OA is driven by differential contributions from nerves that innervate knee joint articular tissues vs the surrounding bone. The time-course of pain behavior was assayed using the advanced dynamic weight-bearing device, and histopathology was examined using haematoxylin and eosin histology. Extracellular electrophysiological recordings of knee joint and bone afferent neurons were made early (day 3) and late (day 28) in the pathogenesis of MIA-induced OA. We observed significant changes in the function of knee joint afferent neurons, but not bone afferent neurons, at day 3 when there was histological evidence of inflammation in the joint capsule, but no damage to the articular cartilage or subchondral bone. Changes in the function of bone afferent neurons were only observed at day 28, when there was histological evidence of damage to the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Our findings suggest that pain early in MIA-induced OA involves activation and sensitization of nerves that innervate the joint capsule but not the underlying subchondral bone, and that pain in late MIA-induced OA involves the additional recruitment of nerves that innervate the subchondral bone. Thus, nerves that innervate bone should be considered important targets for development of mechanism-based therapies to treat pain in late OA.
The potential of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection tests in the screening of asymptomatic persons
Authors: Wachinger Jonas , Olaru Ioana Diana , Horner Susanne , Schnitzler Paul , Heeg Klaus , Denkinger Claudia M.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To assess the performance of antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for SARS CoV-2 when implemented for large-scale universal screening of asymptomatic individuals.

Methods

This study presents data from a pragmatic implementation study for universal Ag-RDT-based screening at a tertiary care hospital in Germany where all incoming patients without symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 were screened with an Ag-RDT prior to admission since October 2020.

Result

In total, 49,542 RDTs were performed in 27,199 asymptomatic individuals over a duration of five months. Out of 222 positive results, 196 underwent in-house confirmatory testing with PCR, out of which 170 were confirmed positive, indicating a positive predictive value (PPV) of 86.7%. Negative Ag-RDTs were not routinely tested with PCR, but a total of 94 cases of false negative Ag-RDTs were detected due to PCR tests being performed within the following five days with a median CT-value of 33.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that Ag-RDTs can have a high diagnostic yield for transmission relevant infections with limited false-positives when utilized at the point of care on asymptomatic patients and thus can be a suitable public-health test for universal screening.
BNT162b2 mRNA vaccinations in Israel: understanding the impact and improving the vaccination policies by redefining the immunized population
Authors: Ross Chana , Spector Oren , Tsadok Meytal Avgil , Weiss Yossi , Barnea Royi
Published: June 2021

By the end of February 2021, when 48% of the Israeli population was immune, the number of new positive COVID-19 cases significantly dropped across all ages. Understanding which parameters influenced this drop and how to minimize the number of hospitalizations and overall positive cases is urgently needed.

In this study we conducted an observational analysis which included COVID-19 data with over 12,000,000 PCR tests from 250 cities in Israel. In addition, we performed a simulation of different vaccination campaigns to find the optimal policy.

Our analysis revealed that cities with younger populations reached a decrease in new cases when a lower percentage of their residents were immunized, showing that median age is a crucial parameter effecting overall immunity, while other parameters appeared to be insignificant. This variance between cities is explained by recalculating the immunized population and multiplying each individual by a factor symbolizing the impact of their age on the spread on the virus. This factor is easily calculated from historical data of positive cases per age.

The simulation proves that prioritizing different age groups or changing the rate of vaccinations drastically effects the overall hospitalizations and positive cases.

One-Sentence Summary

understanding what influences reaching covid-19 overall immunity and how to maximize the effect of the vaccination campaign.
Pulsation changes link to impaired glymphatic function in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Li Mosi , Kitamura Akihiro , Beverley Joshua , Koudelka Juraj , Duncombe Jessica , Platt Bettina , Wiegand Ulrich K. , Carare Roxana O. , Kalaria Rajesh N. , Iliff Jeffrey J. , Horsburgh Karen
Published: June 2021

Large vessel disease and carotid stenosis are key mechanisms contributing to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and dementia. Our previous work, and that of others, using rodent models, demonstrated that bilateral common carotid stenosis (BCAS) leads to cognitive impairment via gradual deterioration of the glial-vascular unit and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein. Since brain-wide drainage pathways (glymphatic) for waste clearance, including Aβ removal, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of VCI via glial mechanisms, we hypothesized that glymphatic function would be impaired in a BCAS model and exacerbated in the presence of Aβ. Male wild- type and Tg-SwDI (model of microvascular amyloid) mice were subjected to BCAS or sham surgery which led to a reduction in cerebral perfusion and impaired spatial learning and memory. After 3 months survival, glymphatic function was evaluated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fluorescent tracer influx. We demonstrated that BCAS caused a marked regional reduction of CSF tracer influx in the dorsolateral cortex and CA1-DG molecular layer. In parallel to these changes increased reactive astrogliosis was observed post-BCAS. To further investigate the mechanisms that may lead to these changes, we measured the pulsation of cortical vessels. BCAS impaired vascular pulsation in pial arteries in WT and Tg-SwDI mice. Since our findings show that BCAS may influence VCI by impaired glymphatic drainage and reduced vascular pulsation we propose that these additional targets need to be considered when treating VCI.
An Unsupervised Graph Embeddings Approach to Multiplex Immunofluorescence Image Exploration
Authors: Innocenti Christopher , Zhang Zhenning , Selvaraj Balaji , Gaffney Isabelle , Frangos Michalis , Cohen-Setton Jake , Dillon Laura A L , Surace Michael J , Pedrinaci Carlos , Hipp Jason , Baykaner Khan
Published: June 2021

Understanding the complex biology of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is necessary to understand the mechanisms of action of immuno-oncology therapies and to match the right therapies to the right patients. Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) is a useful technology that has tremendous potential to further our understanding of cancer patho-biology; however, tools that fully leverage the high dimensionality of this data are still in their infancy. We describe here a novel deep learning pipeline aimed to allow Graph-based Inspection of Tissues via Embeddings, GraphITE. GraphITE transforms mIF data into a graph representation, where unsupervised learning algorithms can be utilised to generate embeddings representing cellular ‘neighbourhoods’. The embeddings can be downprojected and explored for clustering analysis, and patterns can be mapped back to the image as well as interrogated for phenotypical, morphological, or structural distinctiveness. GraphITE supports the extraction of information not only on the phenotypes of individual cells or the relationships between specific cell types, but is able to characterize cell neighborhoods to look for more complex interactions, thereby allowing pathologists and data scientists to explore mIF data sets, uncovering patterns that are otherwise obscured by the high-dimensionality of the data. In this work, we showcase the current setup of the system, going from raw input data all the way to a user friendly exploration tool. Using this tool, we show how the data can be navigated in a way previously not possible.
Draft genome assembly data of Anoxybacillus sp. strain MB8 isolated from Tattapani hot springs, India
Authors: Vishnu Prasoodanan P K , Menon Shruti S. , Saxena Rituja , Waiker Prashant , Sharma Vineet K.
Published: June 2021

Discovery of novel thermophiles has shown promising applications in the field of biotechnology. Due to their thermal stability, they can survive the harsh processes in the industries, which make them important to be characterized and studied. Members of Anoxybacillus are alkaline tolerant thermophiles and have been extensively isolated from manure, dairy-processed plants, and geothermal hot springs. This article reports the assembled data of an aerobic bacterium Anoxybacillus sp. strain MB8, isolated from the Tattapani hot springs in Central India, where the 16S rRNA gene shares an identity of 97% (99% coverage) with Anoxybacillus kamchatkensis strain G10. The de novo assembly and annotation performed on the genome of Anoxybacillus sp. strain MB8 comprises of 2,898,780 bp (in 190 contigs) with a GC content of 41.8% and includes 2,976 protein-coding genes,1 rRNA operon, 73 tRNAs, 1 tm-RNA and 10 CRISPR arrays. The predicted protein-coding genes have been classified into 21 eggNOG categories. The KEGG Automated Annotation Server (KAAS) analysis indicated the presence of assimilatory sulfate reduction pathway, nitrate reducing pathway, and genes for glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and glycoside transferase (GTs). GHs and GTs hold widespread applications, in the baking and food industry for bread manufacturing, and in the paper, detergent and cosmetic industry. Hence, Anoxybacillus sp. strain MB8 holds the potential to be screened and characterized for such commercially relevant enzymes.

Specifications Table

Values of Data

The Anoxybacillus sp. strain MB8 genome assembly data provides insights into functional potential of thermophilic enzymes of this thermotolerant microbe.

The presence of genes for Glycoside Hydrolase (GHs) like alpha-amylase, pullulanase, neopullulanase, alpha-glucosidase, beta-fructofuranosidase etc. and genes for Glycosyl Transferase (GTs) like sucrose synthase, maltodextrin phosphorylase, starch synthase, and glycogen phosphorylase were identified, which hold strong industrial values.

The taxonomic annotation of Anoxybacillus sp. strain MB8 using different approaches indicates that the closest relatives were Anoxybacillus gonensis NZ CP012152T (96.86% ANI) and Anoxybacillus kamchatkensis G10 NZ CP025535 (96.83% ANI) obtained from. The strain MB8 most likely belongs to the same subspecies of Anoxybacillus gonensis NZ CP012152T.
A rat model of pregnancy in the male parabiont
Authors: Zhang Rongjia , Liu Yuhuan
Published: June 2021

Male pregnancy is a unique phenomenon in syngnathidae which refers to embryo or fetus incubation by males. However, whether male mammalian animals have the potential to conceive and maintain pregnancy remains unclear. Here, we constructed a rat model of pregnancy in the male parabiont using a four-step strategy. First, a heterosexual parabiotic pair was produced by surgically joining a castrated male rat and a female rat. After 8 weeks, uterus transplantation was performed on the male parabiont. After recovery, blastocyst-stage embryos were transplanted to the grafted uterus of the male parabiont and the native uterus of the female parabiont. Caesarean section was performed at embryonic day 21.5. The success rate of the model was 3.68%, and pups were only delivered from the male parabiont under pregnant blood exposure. Our results reveal the potential for rat embryonic development in male parabionts, which may have a profound impact on reproductive biology.

One-sentence summary

A rat model of pregnancy was constructed in the male parabiont using a four-step strategy.