bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrogating settler social work with indigenous persons in Canada
Authors: Morgenshtern Marina , Schmid Jeanette , Yu Nilan
Published: February 2022

This article, towards decolonizing social work, reports on a study that examined the record of Canadian social work regarding Indigenous Canadians through the lens of the national professional association's journal. Noting that the broad dataset of over 1,500 journal articles represents legitimized knowledge within the discipline, the study aimed to develop a history of the present to interrogate the discourses relating to such practice. The study involved an analysis of the contents over the life of the journal from 1932 to 2019.

Findings

The study found that minimal attention was given to Indigenous issues in Canadian social work, only 30 articles touching on Indigenous issues directly. These articles portray contrasting discourses on Indigenous subjectivities and social work responses, reflecting conflicting perspectives in social work.

Applications

These observations should inform the interrogation of contemporary social work practice in Canada regarding its positionality in relation to Indigenous persons. Further, it should contribute to forging social work's future in recognizing the injustices and challenges accompanying its colonial history and present.
Dynamic measurement with in-cycle process excitation of HCCI combustion: The key to handle complexity of data-driven control?
Authors: Bedei Julian , Oberlies Malte , Schaber Patrick , Gordon David , Nuss Eugen , Li Liguang , Andert Jakob
Published: February 2022

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is a low temperature combustion technique with a high potential for reducing emissions while simultaneously improving fuel consumption. However, the high sensitivity to changing boundary conditions and low combustion stability at the edges of the operating range has lead to implementation challenges. Additionally, cyclic coupling through internal exhaust gas recirculation causes cyclic variations of the process, resulting in incomplete combustion, or even misfiring. Thus, consecutive cycles must be decoupled to increase the process stability. To achieve an accurate description of the coupling effects on a cycle-to-cycle and an inner-cyclic timescale, a novel measurement methodology is presented to generate data with a high variance. For this purpose, an active process excitation is performed to capture all relevant interactions between operating and feedback variables to enable modeling of the coupling effects on both timescales. To demonstrate the potential of the methodology, the generated data is used to design multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) models for both cyclic and inner-cyclic timescales. Artificial neural networks are then utilized to address the highly nonlinear process by taking advantage of the large amount of training data. Inverse process models are then used to implement a pure cycle-to-cycle and a multiscale MIMO closed-loop controller. Compared to state-of-the-art rule-based control approaches, the process stability and its thermodynamic efficiency are significantly improved. For the multiscale MIMO controller, a reduction of the standard deviation of the indicated mean effective pressure and the combustion phasing of more than 65% is achieved. In particular, the additional inner-cyclic feedback loop achieves a remarkable reduction of the standard deviation of approximately 35% and a 1.2% higher indicated efficiency compared to the cycle-to-cycle MIMO controller. The dynamic measurement with active in-cycle process excitation has proven to be an enabler for data-driven MIMO control of HCCI on multiple timescales.
Performance Evaluation of Deformable Image Registration Algorithms Using Computed Tomography of Multiple Lung Metastases
Authors: Han Min Cheol , Kim Jihun , Hong Chae-Seon , Chang Kyung Hwan , Han Su Chul , Park Kwangwoo , Kim Dong Wook , Kim Hojin , Chang Jee Suk , Kim Jina , Kye Sunsuk , Park Ryeong Hwang , Chung Yoonsun , Kim Jin Sung
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Various deformable image registration (DIR) methods have been used to evaluate organ deformations in 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) images scanned during the respiratory motions of a patient. This study assesses the performance of 10 DIR algorithms using 4D CT images of 5 patients with fiducial markers (FMs) implanted during the postoperative radiosurgery of multiple lung metastases. Methods: To evaluate DIR algorithms, 4D CT images of 5 patients were used, and ground-truths of FMs and tumors were generated by physicians based on their medical expertise. The positions of FMs and tumors in each 4D CT phase image were determined using 10 DIR algorithms, and the deformed results were compared with ground-truth data. Results: The target registration errors (TREs) between the FM positions estimated by optical flow algorithms and the ground-truth ranged from 1.82 ± 1.05 to 1.98 ± 1.17 mm, which is within the uncertainty of the ground-truth position. Two algorithm groups, namely, optical flow and demons, were used to estimate tumor positions with TREs ranging from 1.29 ± 1.21 to 1.78 ± 1.75 mm. With respect to the deformed position for tumors, for the 2 DIR algorithm groups, the maximum differences of the deformed positions for gross tumor volume tracking were approximately 4.55 to 7.55 times higher than the mean differences. Errors caused by the aforementioned difference in the Hounsfield unit values were also observed. Conclusions: We quantitatively evaluated 10 DIR algorithms using 4D CT images of 5 patients and compared the results with ground-truth data. The optical flow algorithms showed reasonable FM-tracking results in patient 4D CT images. The iterative optical flow method delivered the best performance in this study. With respect to the tumor volume, the optical flow and demons algorithms delivered the best performance.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Mucormycosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Geng Chuanwei , Yu Kai , Li Feng
Published: February 2022

We present a rare case of Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) caused by mucor. The limb was debrided multiple times and the patient received antifungal treatment. The clinical manifestations and laboratory test results of mucor infections, which were significantly different from those caused by common bacteria, are of great value.
Multiple maneuver model of cooperating ground combat troops
Authors: Nohel Jan , Stodola Petr , Flasar Zdeněk , Rybanský Marian
Published: February 2022

The article describes the possibilities of using the Maneuver Control System CZ (MCS CZ) in creating a multiple maneuver of a group of cooperating units. It is a tactical information system designed to support the decision-making of commanders in order to effectively deploy their units on the battlefield. The system evaluates the geographical and hydrometeorological battlefield influences as well as the enemy’s situation to calculate the maneuver axes of a unit composed of up to three teams with the same goal. To verify the calculations of mathematical-algorithmic models of the system, two measurements were performed on model situations. In the first of them, a group of three unmanned systems carried out an attack on an identified delivery system of weapons of mass destruction. The second model situation included a hasty attack by three infantry squads on anti-aircraft equipment. In both cases, the resulting group of maneuvers used the fastest and safe axes of advance, spatially synchronized according to tactical principles. In both cases, the enemy’s weapon systems were quickly attacked and destroyed immediately after their identification from three directions. The commander’s decision-making process was largely replaced by the MCS CZ calculations in model situations, which significantly shortened its duration.
Study on the performance of laterite in removing graphene oxide contaminants from aqueous solution
Authors: Lv Beifeng , Xu Kaitong , Fang Chulei , Yang Qingqian , Li Na , Jiang Ping , Wang Wei
Published: February 2022

To remove graphene oxide contaminant from aqueous solution, laterite was used as an adsorbent to conduct batch adsorption experiments on graphene oxide aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, adsorbent mass, graphene oxide initial concentration, contact time, and temperature on graphene oxide adsorption by laterite were studied predominantly. The results show that graphene oxide adsorption by laterite strongly depends on pH, the kinetic data conforms to the second-order kinetic model, and the isotherm data are in line with Langmuir and Freundlich models. Moreover, temperature increment is more conducive to improving the adsorption capacity. Combined with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman microscopic tests, the internal changes of samples before and after adsorption were further revealed. The comprehensive analysis of the above experimental results shows that laterite is a good material, which can effectively remove graphene oxide contamination from aqueous solutions.
Palladium-catalyzed Hiyama cross-couplings of pyrimidin-2-yl tosylates with organosilanes
Authors: Gong Hai-Peng , Quan Zheng-Jun , Wang Xi-Cun
Published: February 2022

An efficient palladium-catalyzed Hiyama reaction between various pyrimidin-2-yl tosylates with organosilanes has been developed. The use of CuCl with TBAF as additive is essential for promotion of the construction of the carbon–carbon bond. This procedure shows wide functional group tolerance for electrophilic pyrimidin-2-yl tosylates and has been extended to aromatic amino-substituted pyrimidin-2-yl tosylates, affording the desired C2-aryl and alkenyl pyrimidine derivatives in good to excellent yields.
Dynamic Modeling and Control Law Design of a Fuel-electric Hybrid Multi-rotor UAV
Authors: Xu Xice , Lu Yang , Wu Xufeng
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the design of control law for a new concept fuel-electric hybrid multi-rotor UAV with lift/attitude control separation is investigated. The remarkable feature of the UAV is that it has a large proportion of fuel weight. Firstly, based on the quasi-coordinate Lagrangian equation and sloshing equivalent model using the multi-mass-spring analogy, the non-linear dynamic model of the UAV considering the fuel slosh dynamics is established. Compared with the existing multi-rotor modeling method, it is more intuitive and accurate to describe the non-linear coupling process of sloshing and UAV's motion degrees of freedom. Secondly, the attitude control law is designed based on the finite-time sliding mode observer and cascaded continuous sliding mode controller to eliminate the adverse effects of fuel sloshing and mass changing, and only using the measurable angles. Furthermore, aiming at the problem of power redundancy of the altitude channel, a memoryless non-linear altitude authority assignment controller based on vertical acceleration is proposed for improving the control performance. Finally, the simulation results of the waypoint flight illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Transdermal Delivery of Anionic Phospholipid Nanoparticles Containing Fullerene
Authors: Uchida Noriyuki , Yanagi Masayoshi , Hamada Hiroki
Published: February 2022

In this work, we prepared a transparent dispersion of fullerene nanoparticles by sonication with anionic phospholipids of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylglycerol (DPPG) with fluorescently NBD-labeled 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylethanolamine (DPPE). Upon incubation of the fullerene nanoparticles with a rat skin, the nanoparticles successfully penetrated the stratum corneum and reached the epidermis.
Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of Novel Tetrahydrogeranyl Quaternary Ammonium Salts
Authors: Peng Yun , Chang Jiayu , Xiao Zhuangquan , Huang Jiazong , Xu Ting , Chen Shangxing , Fan Guorong , Liao Shengliao , Wang Zongde , Luo Hai
Published: February 2022

Due to the excessive use of antifungal agents, drug resistance and ecological problems are increasing. Some antifungal agents are difficult to degrade and have high toxicity and several side effects. In this study, 15 novel tetrahydrogeranyl quaternary ammonium salts (8a–8o) were synthesized from the natural compound citral. The structures of the quaternary ammonium salts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, and the antifungal activities of these compounds at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL against 10 plant pathogenic fungi were tested. The results showed that compound 8i had the best antifungal activity, and its inhibition rates against Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae, Sphaeropsis sapinea, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum, and Poria vaporaria reached 100%. For Fusarium verticillioides, the inhibition rate of compound 8i was 93.28%, which was higher than that of chlorothalonil. In addition, it was found that the inhibition rates of compounds with N,N-di- n-propyl group (8l, 8m) against R solani, F oxysporum f. sp. niveum, S sapinea, P parasitica var. nicotianae, F verticillioides, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Coriolus versicolor were higher than compounds with N,N-diethyl and N,N-dimethyl groups (8a, 8b, 8j, 8k). The inhibition rates of compounds with morpholine groups (8n, 8o) were generally low.
Bartleby: Procedural and Substantive Ethics in the Design of Research Ethics Systems
Authors: Zong Jonathan , Matias J. Nathan
Published: February 2022

The lack of consent or debriefing in online research has attracted widespread public distrust. How can designers create systems to earn and maintain public trust in large-scale online research? Procedural theories inform processes that enable individuals to make decisions about their participation. Substantive theories focus on the normative judgments that researchers and participants make about specific studies in context. Informed by these theories, we designed Bartleby, a system for debriefing participants and eliciting their views about studies that involved them. We evaluated this system by using it to debrief thousands of participants in a series of observational and experimental studies on Twitter and Reddit. We find that Bartleby addresses procedural concerns by creating new opportunities for study participants to exercise autonomy. We also find that participants use Bartleby to contribute to substantive, value-driven conversations about participant voice and power. We conclude with a critical reflection on the strengths and limitations of reusable software to satisfy values from both procedural and substantive ethical theories.
The Cost of Ambulatory Breast Reduction: Hospital Reimbursement Versus Surgeon Payments
Authors: Terry Peyton H. , Campbell Christopher A. , Black Jonathan S. , Stranix John T. , Forster Grace L. , DeGeorge Brent R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Reduction mammoplasty (RM) is one of the most common operations performed in plastic surgery. While US national surgical expenditures have risen in recent years, studies have reported decreasing reimbursement rates for plastic surgeons. The purpose of this study is to characterize the trends in charges and payments for a common plastic surgery operation, ambulatory RM, for facilities and physicians. Methods: A Medicare patient records database was used to capture hospital, surgeon, and anesthesiologist charges and payments for ambulatory RM from 2005 to 2014. Values were adjusted for inflation. A ratio of hospital to surgeon charges and payments were calculated: charge multiplier (CM) and payment multiplier (PM), respectively. Charges, payments, Charlson comorbidity index, CM, and PM values were analyzed for trends. Results: This study included 1001 patients. During the study period, the facility charge for RM per patient increased from $8477 to $11,102 (31% increase; p < .0005), and the surgeon charge increased from $7088 to $7199 (2% increase; p = .0009). Facility payments increased from $3661 to $3930 (7% increase; p < .0005), and surgeon payments decreased from $1178 to $1002 (15% decrease; p < .0005). CM increased from 1.2 to 1.54, and PM increased from 3.11 to 3.92. Conclusions: Charges and payments to facilities for ambulatory RM increased disproportionately to that of surgeons, likely due in part to rising administrative costs in health care delivery. This may disincentivize plastic surgeons from offering RM at hospital-based surgical centers, limiting patient access to this operation.
Analysis of Athletes Who Did Not Return to Play After Open Latarjet
Authors: Hurley Eoghan T. , Davey Martin S. , Montgomery Connor , Moore David M. , Mojica Edward S. , Gaafar Mohamed , Pauzenberger Leo , Jazrawi Laith M. , Mullett Hannan
Published: February 2022

Background:

The Latarjet procedure is indicated in patients with risk factors for postoperative recurrence, including collision and competitive athletes. However, the factors that prevent athletes from being able return to play (RTP) after the open Latarjet procedure are still unclear and have not been fully elucidated in the literature.

Purpose:

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes and psychological and psychosocial factors associated with athletes who did not RTP after the open Latarjet procedure compared with patients who did RTP.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of athletes who underwent the open Latarjet procedure and subsequently did not RTP after a minimum of 12 months. These patients were pair matched in a 2:1 ratio for age, sex, sport, and level of preoperative play with a control group who returned to play. Patients were evaluated for their psychological readiness to return to sport using the Shoulder Instability–Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI); other measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate factors affecting RTP.

Results:

Included were 35 patients in the no-RTP group and 70 patients in the RTP group. In the no-RTP group, 7 patients (20%) passed the SIRSI benchmark of 56, with a mean overall score of 41.5 ± 21.9; in the RTP group, 57 patients (81.4%) passed the SIRSI benchmark, with a mean overall score of 74.5 ± 19.8 ( P < .0001 for both). Patients in the RTP group had better SSV (88.0 vs 75.7; P <.0001) and VAS pain (1.7 vs 2.9; P = .0046) scores. Of the athletes who did not return, 18 felt persistent pain/apprehension and 17 felt that it was a natural end to their career or that their lifestyle had changed. Multiple logistic regression revealed that thoughts of having to go through surgery and rehabilitation again was significantly associated with lower RTP ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Patients who did not RTP after open Latarjet exhibited poor psychological readiness to RTP and worse pain VAS and SSV scores compared with patients who did RTP.
Arthroscopic Ischial Tuberoplasty: Treatment of Ischiofemoral Impingement
Authors: Sivasundaram Lakshmanan , Hevesi Mario , Jan Kyleen , Paul Katlynn , Nho Shane J.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Ischiofemoral impingement is a rare but increasingly recognized as a source of hip pain. Its etiology is often multifactorial and can be due to congenital, iatrogenic, or extra-articular pathology. Prior literature has described lesser trochanter osteoplasty and iliopsoas release for the treatment of ischiofemoral impingement, but postoperative hip flexor weakness has been noted with this technique. We present a novel technique for the treatment of ischiofemoral impingement, with resection of the ischial tuberosity.

Indications:

Patients with ischiofemoral impingement that remain symptomatic despite nonsurgical management, or patients with persistent gait abnormalities, are considered for surgery.

Technique Description:

In the prone position, direct posterior and posterolateral arthroscopic portals are created in the gluteal fold. The posterior femoral cutaneous and sciatic nerve are identified. Fluoroscopy is used to identify the region of impingement on the ischial tuberosity and the overlying hamstring tendon is elevated off the tuberosity. An arthroscopic burr is used to resect the tuberosity. Fluoroscopy is utilized to confirm adequate resection. This is combined with a dynamic examination under direct arthroscopic visualization with the hip in an extended, adducted, and externally rotated position. To repair the hamstring tendon, 2 double-loaded anchors are placed into the ischium, the sutures of which are used to repair the hamstring tendons using a horizontal mattress configuration. Patients undergo a stepwise postoperative physical therapy protocol, followed by a functional testing profile prior to return to competitive sport.

Results:

Significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes have been reported following treatment of ischiofemoral impingement, with some studies reporting Hip Outcome Score—Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) >90 at 2 years postoperatively. Athletes have been able to return to sport at a mean 5.6 months after surgery. Large studies have yet to report on outcomes compared with nonsurgical or open techniques.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Recent advancements in endoscopic techniques have allowed for adequate visualization and release of ischiofemoral impingement. We present our endoscopic technique of ischial tuberoplasty, which, compared to lesser trochanter osteoplasty and iliopsoas release, may reduce the incidence of postoperative hip flexor weakness.
Molecular mechanisms of leukocyte β2 integrin activation
Authors: Wen Lai , Moser Markus , Ley Klaus
Published: February 2022

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. Although all integrins can undergo activation (affinity change for ligands), the degree of activation is most spectacular for integrins on blood cells. The β2 integrins are exclusively expressed on the surface of all leukocytes including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. They are essential for many leukocyte functions and are strictly required for neutrophil arrest from rolling. The inside-out integrin activation process receives input from chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules. The integrin activation pathway involves many cytoplasmic signaling molecules such as spleen tyrosine kinase, other kinases like Bruton's tyrosine kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinases, phospholipases, Rap1 GTPases, and the Rap1-GTP-interacting adapter molecule. These signaling events ultimately converge on talin-1 and kindlin-3, which bind to the integrin β cytoplasmic domain and induce integrin conformational changes: extension and high affinity for ligand. Here, we review recent structural and functional insights into how talin-1 and kindlin-3 enable integrin activation, with a focus on the distal signaling components that trigger β2 integrin conformational changes and leukocyte adhesion under flow.
Optimization of fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering in cytology image segmentation using the gray wolf algorithm
Authors: Mohammdian-khoshnoud Maryam , Soltanian Ali Reza , Dehghan Arash , Farhadian Maryam
Published: February 2022

Background

Image segmentation is considered an important step in image processing. Fuzzy c-means clustering is one of the common methods of image segmentation. However, this method suffers from drawbacks, such as sensitivity to initial values, entrapment in local optima, and the inability to distinguish objects with similar color intensity. This paper proposes the hybrid Fuzzy c-means clustering and Gray wolf optimization for image segmentation to overcome the shortcomings of Fuzzy c-means clustering. The Gray wolf optimization has a high exploration capability in finding the best solution to the problem, which prevents the entrapment of the algorithm in local optima. In this study, breast cytology images were used to validate the methods, and the results of the proposed method were compared to those of c-means clustering.

Results

FCMGWO has performed better than FCM in separating the nucleus from the other dark objects in the cell. The clustering was validated using Vpc, Vpe, Davies-Bouldin, and Calinski Harabasz criteria. The FCM and FCMGWO methods have a significant difference with respect to the Vpc and Vpe indexes. However, there is no significant difference between the performances of the two clustering methods with respect to the Calinski-Harabasz and Davies-Bouldin indices. The results indicate the better efficacy of the proposed method.

Conclusions

The hybrid FCMGWO algorithm distinguishes the cells better in images with less detail than in images with high detail. However, FCM exhibits unacceptable performance in both low- and high-detail images.
Whole-genome analyses reveal a novel prophage and cgSNPs-derived sublineages of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae ST196
Authors: García-Martín Ana Belén , Roder Thomas , Schmitt Sarah , Zeeh Friederike , Bruggmann Rémy , Perreten Vincent
Published: February 2022

Background

Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae is a fastidious anaerobe spirochete that can cause swine dysentery, a severe mucohaemorragic colitis that affects pig production and animal welfare worldwide. In Switzerland, the population of B. hyodysenteriae is characterized by the predominance of macrolide-lincosamide-resistant B. hyodysenteriae isolates of sequence type (ST) ST196, prompting us to obtain deeper insights into the genomic structure and variability of ST196 using pangenome and whole genome variant analyses.

Results

The draft genome of 14 B. hyodysenteriae isolates of ST196, sampled during a 7-year period from geographically distant pig herds, was obtained by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and compared to the complete genome of the B. hyodysenteriae isolate Bh743-7 of ST196 used as reference. Variability results revealed the existence of 30 to 52 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), resulting in eight sublineages of ST196. The pangenome analysis led to the identification of a novel prophage, pphBhCH20, of the Siphoviridae family in a single isolate of ST196, which suggests that horizontal gene transfer events may drive changes in genomic structure.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the catalogue of publicly available genomes and provides relevant bioinformatic tools and information for further comparative genomic analyses for B. hyodysenteriae. It reveals that Swiss B. hyodysenteriae isolates of the same ST may have evolved independently over time by point mutations and acquisition of larger genetic elements. In line with this, the third type of mobile genetic element described so far in B. hyodysenteriae, the novel prophage pphBhCH20, has been identified in a single isolate of B. hyodysenteriae of ST196.
Computational identification of clonal cells in single-cell CRISPR screens
Authors: Wang Yihan , Xie Shiqi , Armendariz Daniel , Hon Gary C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Single-cell CRISPR screens are powerful tools to understand genome function by linking genetic perturbations to transcriptome-wide phenotypes. However, since few cells can be affordably sequenced in these screens, biased sampling of cells could affect data interpretation. One potential source of biased sampling is clonal cell expansion.

Results

Here, we identify clonal cells in single cell screens using multiplexed sgRNAs as barcodes. We find that the cells in each clone share transcriptional similarities and bear segmental copy number changes. These analyses suggest that clones are genetically distinct. Finally, we show that the transcriptional similarities of clonally expanded cells contribute to false positives in single-cell CRISPR screens.

Conclusions

Experimental conditions that reduce clonal expansion or computational filtering of clonal cells will improve the reliability of single-cell CRISPR screens.
Comparative transcriptome analysis identifies crucial candidate genes and pathways in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during external genitalia development of male geese
Authors: Tang Bincheng , Hu Shenqiang , Ouyang Qingyuan , Wu Tianhao , Lu Yao , Hu Jiwei , Hu Bo , Li Liang , Wang Jiwen
Published: February 2022

Background

All birds reproduce via internal fertilization, but only ~3% of male birds possess the external genitalia that allows for intromission. Waterfowl (e.g., duck and goose) are representatives of them, and the external genitalia development of male geese is directly related to mating ability. Notably, some male geese show abnormal external genitalia development during ontogenesis. However, until now little is known about the molecular mechanisms of the external genitalia development in goose. In the present study, comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testis, and external genitalia isolated from the 245-day-old male Tianfu meat geese showing normal (NEGG, n = 3) and abnormal (AEGG, n = 3) external genitals in order to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling the development of the external genitalia in aquatic bird species.

Results

There were 107, 284, 2192, and 1005 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testis and external genitalia between NEGG and AEGG. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs identified in the hypothalamus were mainly enriched in the ECM-receptor interaction pathway. The ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways were significantly enriched by the DEGs in the pituitary gland. In the testis, the DEGs were enriched in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and purine metabolism. In the external genitalia, the DEGs were enriched in the metabolic, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and WNT signaling pathways. Furthermore, through integrated analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and co-expression network, fifteen genes involved in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and WNT signaling pathways were identified, including KNG1, LPAR2, LPAR3, NPY, PLCB1, AVPR1B, GHSR, GRM3, HTR5A, FSHB, FSHR, WNT11, WNT5A, WIF1, and WNT7B, which could play crucial roles in the development of goose external genitalia.

Conclusions

This study is the first systematically comparing the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testis, and external genitalia transcriptomes of male geese exhibiting normal and abnormal external genitals. Both bioinformatic analysis and validation experiments indicated that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway could regulate the WNT signaling pathway through PLCB1 to control male goose external genitalia development.
Posterior segment complications of Ahmed valve implantation
Authors: Park Yuli , Cho Kyong Jin
Published: February 2022

Background

To assess the time, incidence, and outcome of posterior segment complications of Ahmed valve implantation (AVI).

Methods

248 eyes that underwent AVI were reviewed retrospectively. Visual acuity, preoperative characteristics, and postoperative posterior segment complications were assessed.

Results

The incidence of posterior segment complications of AVI was 31.4% (78/248). The mean follow-up period was 97.4 ± 53.5 months. The mean time to occur posterior segment complication was 1.5 months. The most common posterior segment complication was choroidal detachment (17.7%) and others included ocular decompression retinopathy (3.2%), hypotonic maculopathy (2.8%), vitreous hemorrhage (2.0%), retinal detachment (1.2%), endophthalmitis (1.2%), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (1.2%), epiretinal membrane (0.8%), cystoid macular edema (0.8%), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (0.4%). Older age, hypertension, and postoperative hypotony had an increased risk of posterior segment complications of AVI.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of posterior segment complications of AVI was 31.4%. Older age, hypertension, and postoperative hypotony were significantly associated with posterior segment complications of AVI.
Gestational age specific anthropometric postnatal percentile charts for neonates born at tertiary hospital in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Shakya Anjum , Bhatta Nisha Keshary , Singh Rupa Rajbhandari , Yadav Shankar Prasad , Thakur Jitendra
Published: February 2022

Background and objectives

Birth weight, Head circumference (HC), and Length are important clinical indicators for evaluation of prenatal growth and identification of neonates requiring detail assessment and monitoring. Gestational age-specific percentile charts are essential tool for both obstetricians and pediatricians in their day to day practice. This study aimed to develop gestational age specific percentile chart of Birth weight, Length and HC for neonates.

Methods

In this Cross sectional observational study, HC, Birth weight and Length of live singleton neonates from 28 to 42 weeks of gestation fulfilling the inclusion criteria were measured over a period of one year. Mean, standard deviation, and percentiles values for different gestational age were calculated. Graphs were constructed using two way graph and Lowess smoothening method.

Results

Of total 2662 neonates, male: female ratio was 1.3:1 with maximum neonates in 40 weeks of gestation. The mean Birth weight, HC and Length was 2852.02 gm, 33.6 and 48.42 cm respectively. Overall males have more mean weight than females by 46.35gms. However, mean HC of male and female were similar 33.6 and 33.61 cm respectively and on average males were 0.27 cm longer compared to female. The mean Birth weight, HC and Length at 40 weeks was 3123.43gm (± 427.82), 34.249 cm (± 0.87) and 49.61 cm(± 1.85) respectively. The 10th, 50th and 90th percentile at 40 weeks for Birth weight being 2550gm, 3100gm and 3750gm respectively. The gestational age specific percentile chart and growth curve are appropriately placed in the manuscript.

Conclusions

The percentile charts in this study may be used as reference for local population and similar data from various parts of the nation can provide a national reference curve for healthy neonates.
A cross-sectional study on sleep disturbances and associated factors among nurses
Authors: Van Nguyen Tuan , Liu Hsueh-Erh
Published: February 2022

Background

Many studies have measured sleep disturbances among nurses globally, but none have addressed this issue in Vietnam. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbance and identify associated factors among staff nurses in Vietnam.

To identify sleep disturbances and associated factors among staff nurses in Vietnam.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Participant nurses (n = 420) completed a general information questionnaire, the Vietnamese version of the General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Short Form 12. Data were collected between July and September 2019 from three public hospitals located in southwestern Vietnam. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent Student’s t-test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The average GSDS score was 41.10 (SD = 19.48), indicating sleep disturbances among 46.9% of nurses. Age, health condition, stress, and quality of life had an impact on sleep disturbance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that nurses with high stress and poor physical health status were more likely to experience sleep disturbances.

Conclusion

Vietnamese nursing staff suffers from a high rate of sleep disturbances. Significant predictors included high stress and poor physical health status. Administrators of healthcare services should carefully consider how to conduct interventions to help the nurses handle their sleep disturbances such as stress management and physical health promotion.
Structural racism and COVID-19 response: higher risk of exposure drives disparate COVID-19 deaths among Black and Hispanic/Latinx residents of Illinois, USA
Authors: Holden Tobias M. , Simon Melissa A. , Arnold Damon T. , Halloway Veronica , Gerardin Jaline
Published: February 2022

Background

Structural racism has driven and continues to drive policies that create the social, economic, and community factors resulting in residential segregation, lack of access to adequate healthcare, and lack of employment opportunities that would allow economic mobility. This results in overall poorer population health for minoritized people. In 2020, Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities throughout the United States, including the state of Illinois, experienced disproportionately high rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Public health officials in Illinois implemented targeted programs at state and local levels to increase intervention access and reduce disparities.

Methods

To quantify how disparities in COVID outcomes evolved through the epidemic, data on SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests, COVID-19 cases, and COVID-19 deaths were obtained from the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System for the period from March 1 to December 31, 2020. Relative risks of COVID-19 cases and deaths were calculated for Black and Hispanic/Latinx vs. White residents, stratified by age group and epidemic interval. Deaths attributable to racial/ethnic disparities in incidence and case fatality were estimated with counterfactual simulations.

Results

Disparities in case and death rates became less drastic after May 2020, but did not disappear, and were more pronounced at younger ages. From March to May of 2020, the risk of a COVID-19 case for Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations was more than twice that of Whites across all age groups. The relative risk of COVID-19 death reached above 10 for Black and Hispanic/Latinx individuals under 50 years of age compared to age-matched Whites in the early epidemic. In all Illinois counties, relative risk of a COVID-19 case was the same or significantly increased for minoritized populations compared to the White population. 79.3 and 86.7% of disparities in deaths among Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations, respectively, were attributable to differences in age-adjusted incidence compared to White populations rather than differences in case fatality ratios.

Conclusions

Racial and ethnic disparities in the COVID-19 pandemic are products of society, not biology. Considering age and geography in addition to race/ethnicity can help to identify the structural factors driving poorer outcomes for certain groups. Studies and policies aimed at reducing inequalities in disease exposure may reduce disparities in mortality more than those focused on drivers of case fatality.
Stochastic Petri net model describing the relationship between reported maternal and congenital syphilis cases in Brazil
Authors: Valentim Ricardo A. M. , Caldeira-Silva Gleyson J. P. , da Silva Rodrigo D. , Albuquerque Gabriela A. , de Andrade Ion G. M. , Sales-Moioli Ana Isabela L. , Pinto Talita K. de B. , Miranda Angélica E. , Galvão-Lima Leonardo J. , Cruz Agnaldo S. , Barros Daniele M. S. , Rodrigues Anna Giselle C. D. R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. In 2016, it was declared an epidemic in Brazil due to its high morbidity and mortality rates, mainly in cases of maternal syphilis (MS) and congenital syphilis (CS) with unfavorable outcomes. This paper aimed to mathematically describe the relationship between MS and CS cases reported in Brazil over the interval from 2010 to 2020, considering the likelihood of diagnosis and effective and timely maternal treatment during prenatal care, thus supporting the decision-making and coordination of syphilis response efforts.

Methods

The model used in this paper was based on stochastic Petri net (SPN) theory. Three different regressions, including linear, polynomial, and logistic regression, were used to obtain the weights of an SPN model. To validate the model, we ran 100 independent simulations for each probability of an untreated MS case leading to CS case (PUMLC) and performed a statistical t-test to reinforce the results reported herein.

Results

According to our analysis, the model for predicting congenital syphilis cases consistently achieved an average accuracy of 93% or more for all tested probabilities of an untreated MS case leading to CS case.

Conclusions

The SPN approach proved to be suitable for explaining the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) dataset using the range of 75–95% for the probability of an untreated MS case leading to a CS case (PUMLC). In addition, the model’s predictive power can help plan actions to fight against the disease.
Better understanding care transitions of adults with complex health and social care needs: a study protocol
Authors: Hudon Catherine , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Chouinard Maud-Christine , Doucet Shelley , Dubois Marie-France , Karam Marlène , Luke Alison , Moullec Grégory , Pluye Pierre , Tzenov Amanda , Ouadfel Sarah , Lambert Mireille , Angrignon-Girouard Émilie , Schwarz Charlotte , Howse Dana , MacLeod Krystal Kehoe , Gaudreau André , Sabourin Véronique
Published: February 2022

Background

Adults with chronic conditions who also suffer from mental health comorbidities and/or social vulnerability require services from many providers across different sectors. They may have complex health and social care needs and experience poorer health indicators and high mortality rates while generating considerable costs to the health and social services system. In response, the literature has stressed the need for a collaborative approach amongst providers to facilitate the care transition process. A better understanding of care transitions is the next step towards the improvement of integrated care models. The aim of the study is to better understand care transitions of adults with complex health and social care needs across community, primary care, and hospital settings, combining the experiences of patients and their families, providers, and health managers.

Methods/design

We will conduct a two-phase mixed methods multiple case study (quantitative and qualitative). We will work with six cases in three Canadian provinces, each case being the actual care transitions across community, primary care, and hospital settings. Adult patients with complex needs will be identified by having visited the emergency department at least three times over the previous 12 months. To ensure they have complex needs, they will be invited to complete INTERMED Self-Assessment and invited to enroll if positive. For the quantitative phase, data will be obtained through questionnaires and multi-level regression analyses will be conducted. For the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews and focus groups will be conducted with patients, family members, care providers, and managers, and thematic analysis will be performed. Quantitative and qualitative results will be compared and then merged.

Discussion

This study is one of the first to examine care transitions of adults with complex needs by adopting a comprehensive vision of care transitions and bringing together the experiences of patients and family members, providers, and health managers. By using an integrated knowledge translation approach with key knowledge users, the study’s findings have the potential to inform the optimization of integrated care, to positively impact the health of adults with complex needs, and reduce the economic burden to the health and social care systems.
Development of a novel expression system in lactic acid bacteria controlled by a broad-host-range promoter PsrfA
Authors: Guan Chengran , Yuan Yuan , Ma Yan , Wang Xin , Zhang Chenchen , Lu Maolin , Gu Ruixia , Chen Dawei
Published: February 2022

Background

Latic acid bacteria (LAB) are exploited for development of gene expression system owing to its health promoting properties and a high degree of safety status. Most of the expression systems were constructed in Lactobacillus lactis with inducible promoters. It is necessary to exploit novel promoters to develop LAB host platforms which are indispensable in dairy and health application to satisfy the production demand of increased number of target-genes. Previously, promoter PsrfA had been displayed broad host range and used to construct auto-inducible expression system in B. subtilis and E. coli. In this work, the feasibility of PsrfA in LAB was estimated.

Results

Plasmid with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) inserting downstream of PsrfA was transformed into L. casei 5257, L. plantarum 97, L. fermentum 087 and Weissella confusa 10, respectively. The recombinant strains grew well and displayed different fluorescence which could be detected by spectrophotometer and laser scanning confocal microscope. Moreover, the promoter activity was strain- specifically influenced by particular carbon and nitrogen sources. Heterologous laccase CotA could be expressed by PsrfA in L. casei 5257-05 and L. plantarum 97-06. By adjusting the pH value from 4.5 to 6.5 during incubation, the CotA activity detected from L. plantarum 97-05 and L. casei 5257-05 was increased by 137.7% and 61.5%, respectively. Finally, the fermentation pH was variably up-regulated along with the production of NADH oxidase which was controlled by the PsrfA and its derivative mutated with core regions.

Conclusions

These data suggested that PsrfA was valid for gene expression in different species of LAB. Moreover, PsrfA could be used as an attractive candidate for fine-tuning gene expression in a broad range of prokaryotic expression plants.
Application of CRISPR/Cas9-based mutant enrichment technique to improve the clinical sensitivity of plasma EGFR testing in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kim Boyeon , Kim Yoonjung , Shin Saeam , Lee Seung-Tae , Cho Jae Yong , Lee Kyung-A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Approximately 50%–60% of secondary resistance to primary EGFR- tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) therapy is caused by acquired p.Thr790Met (T790M) mutation; however, highly fragmented, low-quantity circulating tumor DNA is an obstacle for detecting mutations. Therefore, more sensitive mutation detection techniques are required. Here, we report a new mutant enrichment technology, the CRISPR system combined with post-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cell-free DNA (cfDNA) (CRISPR-CPPC) to detect the T790M mutation using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) from cfDNA.

Methods

The CRISPR-CPPC process comprises the following three steps: (1) cfDNA PCR, (2) assembly of post-PCR cfDNA and CRISPR/CRISPR associated protein 9 complex, and (3) enrichment of the target DNA template. After CRISPR-CPPC, the target DNA was detected using ddPCR. We optimized and validated CRISPR-CPPC using reference cfDNA standards and cfDNA from patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent TKI therapy. We then compared the detection sensitivity of CRISPR-CPPC assay with the results of real-time PCR and those of ddPCR.

Results

CRISPR-CPPC aided detection of T790M with 93.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity. T790M mutant copies were sensitively detected achieving an approximately 13-fold increase in the detected allele frequency. Furthermore, positive rate of detecting a low T790M copy number (< 10 copies/mL) were 93.8% (15/16) and 43.8% (7/16) for CRISPR-CPPC assay and ddPCR, respectively.

Conclusions

CRISPR-CPPC is a useful mutant enrichment tool for the sensitive detection of target mutation. When tested in patients with progressive disease, the diagnostic performance of CRISPR-CPPC assay is exceptionally better than that of any other currently available methods.