bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of rumen and oral microbiota in calves is influenced by age and time of weaning
Authors: Amin Nida , Schwarzkopf Sarah , Kinoshita Asako , Tröscher-Mußotter Johanna , Dänicke Sven , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , Huber Korinna , Frahm Jana , Seifert Jana
Published: April 2021

Background

The rumen bacterial communities are changing dynamically throughout the first year of calf’s life including the weaning period as a critical event. Rumen microbiome analysis is often limited to invasive rumen sampling procedures but the oral cavity of ruminants is expected to harbour rumen microbes due to regurgitation activity. The present study used buccal swab samples to define the rumen core microbiome and characterize the shifts in rumen and oral microbial communities occurring as result of calf’s age as well as time of weaning.

Results

Buccal swab samples of 59 calves were collected along the first 140 days of life and compared to stomach tubing sample of the rumen at day 140. Animals were randomly divided into two weaning groups. Microbiota of saliva and rumen content was analysed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Our study showed that most rumen-specific bacterial taxa were equally observed in rumen samples as well as in the buccal swabs, though relative abundance varied. The occurrence of rumen-specific OTUs in buccal swab samples increased approximately 1.7 times from day 70 to day 140, indicating the gradual development of rumen as calf aged. The rumen-specific bacterial taxa diversity increased, and inter-animal variations decreased with age. Early weaning (7 weeks of age) rapidly increased the rumen microbial diversity from pre- to post-weaned state. Rumen microbiota of early-weaned calves seemed to have a suppressed growth of starch- and carbohydrate-utilizing bacteria and increased fibre degraders. Whereas, in late-weaned calves (17 weeks of age) no impact of dietary modifications on rumen microbiota composition was observed after weaning. Oral-specific bacterial community composition was significantly affected by calf’s age and time of weaning.

Conclusions

The present study showed the significant impact of calf’s age and weaning on the establishment of rumen- and oral-specific bacterial communities utilizing buccal swab samples. The results emphasize the possibility of using buccal swab samples as a replacement of complex stomach tube method for large-scale predictive studies on ruminants. For in-depth rumen microbiome studies, the time of sampling should be carefully considered using an active phase of regurgitation.
Evaluation of immediate impact of Faculty Development Programme using a pretest–post-test study design format
Authors: Hassan Shahid , Venkateswaran Sunil Pazhayanur , Nadarajah Vishna Devi
Published: April 2021

Background

Workshops are the most common models to enhance knowledge and skills in a specific subject area with an intent to explore, solve a problem and/or innovate new things. The most important aspect of a workshop is the transfer of knowledge in a safe learning environment as a faculty development activity (FDA). At International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia’s first private medical university which was established in 1992, Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) are run throughout the year in order to enhance the knowledge and skills in teaching and assessment. In order to sustain this faculty development, IMU has a dedicated medical education unit called the IMU Centre of Education (ICE) with dedicated staff and respected faculty developers who are academic role models to the faculty of the institution. However, FDA are collaboratively run by ICE and IMU Centre for lifelong learning (ICL).

Objectives

To determine the immediate impact of faculty development workshops for health professionals in teaching schools of IMU to enhance the teaching and assessment abilities of the faculty.

Methodology

A retrospective quantitative research design was developed to collect data from multiple standard setting workshops using a 3-point Likert scale. A 20 items questionnaire as a pretest from the participants with and without the prior reading of online posted reading materials. An interventional hands-on workshop and a post-test score, using the same 20 items questionnaire, followed the workshop intervention. A collated quantitative data were gathered from a sample of 139 participants attending the standard setting workshops. Data were analysed using pairedttest, one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA with effect size in SPSS version 24.

Results

A mean difference between pretest and post-test score was significant att(138) = 92.24,p < 0.01. A barely significant difference of mean scores between pre-read, partially read and not-read participants was found atF(1, 136) = 9.402,p =  < 0.05 andη2 = 0.121 by one-way ANOVA. A post-test difference of the mean scores across those read, partially read and not-read for reading materials on a controlled pretest score determined by one-way ANCOVA remained non-significant atF(1, 136) = 0.240,p = 0.787 associated with a practical effect size = 0.4% only.

Conclusion

A significant difference of the mean pretest and post-test score within the group was also significant between the groups. A post-test score, controlling on pretest score, was found not significant and is suggestive of an effectively delivered workshop for all participants. As a practical guide, a 7-step plan is recommended to ensure immediate impact of FDP. Majority of the participants rated the workshop as good in terms of content, organisation, delivery and usefulness. A high percentage of survey respondents reported that similar workshops to be offered in future.
Increasing risk-concordant cardiovascular care in diverse health systems: a mixed methods pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomized implementation trial of shared decision making (SDM4IP)
Authors: Ridgeway Jennifer L. , Branda Megan E. , Gravholt Derek , Brito Juan P. , Hargraves Ian G. , Hartasanchez Sandra A. , Leppin Aaron L. , Gomez Yvonne L. , Mann Devin M. , Nautiyal Vivek , Thomas Randal J. , Behnken Emma M. , Torres Roldan Victor D. , Shah Nilay D. , Khurana Charanjit S. , Montori Victor M.
Published: April 2021

Background

The primary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events is often less intense in persons at higher CV risk and vice versa. Clinical practice guidelines recommend that clinicians and patients use shared decision making (SDM) to arrive at an effective and feasible prevention plan that is congruent with each person’s CV risk and informed preferences. However, SDM does not routinely happen in practice. This study aims to integrate into routine care an SDM decision tool (CV Prevention Choice) at three diverse healthcare systems in the USA and study strategies that foster its adoption and routine use.

Methods

This is a mixed method, hybrid type III stepped wedge cluster randomized study to estimate (a) the effectiveness of implementation strategies on SDM uptake and utilization and (b) the extent to which SDM results in prevention plans that are risk-congruent. Formative evaluation methods, including clinician and stakeholder interviews and surveys, will identify factors likely to impact feasibility, acceptability, and adoption of CV Prevention Choice as well as normalization of CV Prevention Choice in routine care. Implementation facilitation will be used to tailor implementation strategies to local needs, and implementation strategies will be systematically adjusted and tracked for assessment and refinement. Electronic health record data will be used to assess implementation and effectiveness outcomes, including CV Prevention Choice reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance, and effectiveness (measured as risk-concordant care plans). A sample of video-recorded clinical encounters and patient surveys will be used to assess fidelity. The study employs three theoretical approaches: a determinant framework that calls attention to categories of factors that may foster or inhibit implementation outcomes (the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research), an implementation theory that guides explanation or understanding of causal influences on implementation outcomes (Normalization Process Theory), and an evaluation framework (RE-AIM).

Discussion

By the project’s end, we expect to have (a) identified the most effective implementation strategies to embed SDM in routine practice and (b) estimated the effectiveness of SDM to achieve feasible and risk-concordant CV prevention in primary care.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04450914. Posted June 30, 2020

Trial status

This study received ethics approval on April 17, 2020. The current trial protocol is version 2 (approved February 17, 2021). The first subject had not yet been enrolled at the time of submission.
An overset-grid finite-difference algorithm for simulating elastic wave propagation in media with complex free-surface topography
Authors: Zang Nan , Zhang Wei , Chen Xiaofei
Published: April 2021

We have developed an overset-grid algorithm to simplify the difficulty of curvilinear grid (CG) generation and increase the computational efficiency for seismic wavefield modeling by using the finite-difference method in areas with complex surface topography. The overset grid comprises a Cartesian grid block and an approximately orthogonal CG block. The Cartesian grid covers most of the simulation domain, whereas the CG discretizes the near-surface topography. The Cartesian grid and the CG overlap each other arbitrarily. We use sixth-order explicit Lagrangian interpolation to exchange data between the Cartesian grid and the CG, which is shown to be sufficiently accurate. We also find that spatially smoothing the source term is important for reducing strong artificial reflections when the source is near the overlapping zone. Finally, numerical tests are performed to verify that the proposed overset grid is well suited for effective numerical simulation of seismic wave propagation.
Sibling Similarity in Education Across and Within Societies
Authors: Grätz Michael , Barclay Kieron J. , Wiborg Øyvind N. , Lyngstad Torkild H. , Karhula Aleksi , Erola Jani , Präg Patrick , Laidley Thomas , Conley Dalton
Published: April 2021

The extent to which siblings resemble each other measures the omnibus impact of family background on life chances. We study sibling similarity in cognitive skills, school grades, and educational attainment in Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We also compare sibling similarity by parental education and occupation within these societies. The comparison of sibling correlations across and within societies allows us to characterize the omnibus impact of family background on education across social landscapes. Across countries, we find larger population-level differences in sibling similarity in educational attainment than in cognitive skills and school grades. In general, sibling similarity in education varies less across countries than sibling similarity in earnings. Compared with Scandinavian countries, the United States shows more sibling similarity in cognitive skills and educational attainment but less sibling similarity in school grades. We find that socioeconomic differences in sibling similarity vary across parental resources, countries, and measures of educational success. Sweden and the United States show greater sibling similarity in educational attainment in families with a highly educated father, and Finland and Norway show greater sibling similarity in educational attainment in families with a low-educated father. We discuss the implications of our results for theories about the impact of institutions and income inequality on educational inequality and the mechanisms that underlie such inequality.
Metabolic Depression During Environmental Stress: The Role of Extracellular Versus Intracellular pH in Sipunculus Nudus
Authors: Reipschläger A. , Pörtner H. O.
Published: April 2021

Environmental stresses such as hypoxia or hypercapnia are known to cause acid–base disturbances and in several organisms they lead to metabolic depression. The present study was undertaken to quantify the influence of these changes in acid–base parameters on metabolic rate. We determined the rate of oxygen consumption in a non-perfused preparation of the body wall musculature of the marine worm Sipunculus nudus at various levels of extra- and intracellular pH (pHe and pHi, respectively), and [HCO3-]. The acid–base status of the tissue was modified and clamped by long-term exposure to media set to specific values of extracellular pH, and [HCO3-]. At a pHe of 7.90, which is equivalent to the normoxic normocapnic in vivo extracellular pH, and an ambient of 0.03 kPa (control conditions), pHi was 7.26±0.02 (mean ± S.D., N=5). A reduction of extracellular pH from 7.90 to 7.20 resulted in a significant decrease of pHi to 7.17±0.05 at 0.03 kPa (normocapnia) and to 7.20±0.02 at 1.01 kPa (hypercapnia). At the same time, the rate of oxygen consumption of the tissue was significantly depressed by 18.7±4.7 % and 17.7±3.0 %, respectively. A significant depression of oxygen consumption by 13.7±4.7 % also occurred under hypercapnia at pHe 7.55 when pHi was elevated above control values (7.32±0.01). No significant changes in oxygen consumption were observed when pHe was either drastically elevated to 8.70 under normocapnia (pHi 7.36±0.05) or maintained at 7.90 during hypercapnia (pHi 7.37±0.03). ATP and phospho-L-arginine concentrations, as well as the Gibbs free energy change of ATP hydrolysis (dG/dξATP), were maintained at high levels during all treatments, indicating an equilibrium between energy supply and demand. We conclude that the depression of aerobic energy turnover in isolated body wall musculature of S. nudus is induced by low extracellular pH. A model is proposed which could explain a reduced ATP cost of pHi regulation during extracellular acidosis, thus contributing to metabolic depression.
Radiological features of central giant cell granuloma: comparative study of 7 cases and literature review
Authors: Shrestha Samip , Zhang Jia , Yan Jun , Zeng Xiaomin , Peng Xiaoyong , He Bo
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To review and analyze the clinical and imaging features of central giant cell granuloma patients and to review the relevant literatures for the diagnosis and clinical manifestation of central giant cell granuloma.

Methods:

Seven cases of central giant cell granuloma were retrospectively selected for the study, all of which were confirmed by pathology and had relevant imaging investigations. All seven cases had undergone CT scan, three cases had undergone MRI scan. Detailed clinical features were compared along with the imaging findings and analysis was done on the basis of their presentation and imaging features.

Results:

The clinical features, radiologic features were varied according to the site of the lesion. CT features include unevenly dense expansile mass causing bone destruction and cortical thinning. While MRI features with low to iso-intensity in T1- and T2weighted images. There may be presence of cystic degeneration, hemorrhage or hemosiderin deposits or osteoid formation, which can cause T1 and T2 signal changes. On contrast study, the lesion doesn’t enhance but periphery may enhance mildly.

Conclusion:

Unevenly dense expansile mass with bone destruction and cortical thinning with low to iso-intensity in T1weighted and T2weighted images and mildly enhance peripherally, Central giant cell granuloma should be considered.
Eπιδαπέδια ψηφιδωτά και μνημειακή ζωγραφική στη Σύμη κατά τη βυζαντινή περίοδο και την ιπποτοκρατία
Authors: Ασφενταγάκης Μιχαήλ
Published: April 2021

Στην παρούσα διατριβή εξετάζονται τα εναπομείναντα ψηφιδωτά και οι τοιχογραφίες των εκκλησιών της Σύμης, στο νησιωτικό σύμπλεγμα της Δωδεκανήσου, που έχουν τοποθετηθεί χρονικά στην παλαιοχριστιανική και βυζαντινή περίοδο και την περίοδο της ιπποτοκρατίας στα Δωδεκάνησα (1308/9-1523). Έχουν εντοπιστεί και καταγραφεί επτά μνημεία με επιδαπέδιο και εντοίχιο ζωγραφικό διάκοσμο: α) μία παλαιοχριστιανική βασιλική, με ψηφιδωτό δάπεδο και λίγα σπαράγματα τοιχογραφιών, όλα χρονολογημένα στον 6ο αιώνα, β) ο ναΐσκος του Αγίου Γεωργίου του Κυλινδριώτη, με τοιχογραφικό διάκοσμο από δύο διαφορετικές χρονικές περιόδους (ο ανεικονικός διάκοσμος της πρώτης φάσης χρονολογείται στον 9ο αιώνα, ενώ οι παραστάσεις της δεύτερης γύρω στο 1200), γ) το εξωκλήσι του Αγίου Ιωάννη της Τσαγκριάς, με ορισμένες χριστολογικές σκηνές στον χώρο του κυρίως ναού (περίπου 1280), δ) το ναΰδριο της Αγίας Μαρίνας, όπου διατηρείται μεγάλο μέρος του εικονογραφικού προγράμματος, καθώς και οι επιγραφές των κτητόρων του (πρώτο μισό του 14ου αιώνα), ε) το ναΰδριο του Αγίου Προκοπίου, με σχεδόν ολόκληρο το εικονογραφικό πρόγραμμα να σώζεται στο εσωτερικό του (περίπου 1380), στ) το παλαιό καθολικό της μονής του Αρχάγγελου Μιχαήλ του Ρουκουνιώτη, που από τη βυζαντινή ζωγραφική φάση του επιβιώνει μόνο η μορφή του αγίου Λαυρεντίου στην πρόθεση του ιερού (πρώτο μισό ή μέσα του 15ου αιώνα) και, τέλος, ζ) το εξωκλήσι του Αγίου Δημητρίου του Αμπελιού, με τρεις μόνο παραστάσεις στον χώρο του κυρίως ναού (μάλλον πρώτο τέταρτο του 16ου αιώνα). Μέσα από τις σελίδες της εργασίας μας παρουσιάζονται και αναλύονται οι διατηρούμενες παραστάσεις του καθενός από τα επτά μνημεία ξεχωριστά, αλλά και συγκρίνονται με τις παραστάσεις άλλων τοιχογραφημένων μνημείων της περιόδου (με έμφαση στον δωδεκανησιακό χώρο), εντοπίζονται διάφορες εικονογραφικές ιδιαιτερότητες, σπάνιες λεπτομέρειες και μοναδικά θέματα, αναγνωρίζονται τα τεχνοτροπικά χαρακτηριστικά των απεικονίσεων, επισημαίνονται και ερμηνεύονται στοιχεία που αφορούν την ταυτότητα των ζωγράφων και των αφιερωτών, και, φυσικά, εξετάζεται η σύνδεση της τέχνης του ζωγραφικού διακόσμου του κάθε συμαϊκού ναού με την τέχνη της εκάστοτε εποχής. Επιπλέον, αξιοποιούνται ιστορικά γεγονότα για την όσο το δυνατόν ορθότερη ερμηνεία συγκεκριμένων εικονογραφικών επιλογών και, βέβαια, εξάγονται συμπεράσματα για την τοπική κοινωνία, στην οποία φαίνεται πως ανήκουν οι χορηγοί των εικονογραφικών προγραμμάτων, αλλά και για τη σχέση του νησιού με την πρωτεύουσα Ρόδο.
The impact of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute data: analyzing published articles that used BioLINCC open access data
Authors: AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , El Khatib Osama , Al-qawasmi Ola , Alkasrawi Hadeel , al Zu’bi Raneem , Abu-Halaweh Maram , alkanash Yara , Habash Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

Background: Data sharing is now a mandatory prerequisite for several major funders and journals, where researchers are obligated to deposit the data resulting from their studies in an openly accessible repository. Biomedical open data are now widely available in almost all disciplines, where researchers can freely access and reuse these data in new studies. We aim to study the BioLINCC datasets, number of publications that used BioLINCC open access data, and the impact of these publications through the citations they received.

Methods: As of July 2019, there was a total of 194 datasets stored in BioLINCC repository and accessible through their portal. We requested the full list of publications that used these datasets from BioLINCC, and we also performed a supplementary PubMed search for other publications. We used Web of Science (WoS) to analyze the characteristics of publications and the citations they received, where WoS database index high quality articles.

Results: 1,086 published articles used data from BioLINCC repository for 79 (40.72%) datasets, where 115 (59.28%) datasets didn’t have any publications associated with it. Of the total publications, 987 (90.88%) articles were WoS indexed. The number of publications has steadily increased since 2002 and peaked in 2018 with a total number of 138 publications on that year. The 987 open data publications received a total of 34,181 citations up to 1 st October 2019. The average citation per item for the open data publications was 34.63. The total number of citations received by open data publications per year has increased from only 2 citations in 2002, peaking in 2018 with 2361 citations.

Conclusion: Majority of BioLINCC datasets were not used in secondary publications. Despite that, the datasets used for secondary publications yielded publications in WoS indexed journals and are receiving an increasing number of citations.
Neuromodulation
Authors: Love-Jones Sarah
Published: April 2021

Spinal cord stimulation is the main neuromodulation therapy for certain chronic neuropathic pain conditions. This article describes neuromodulation and the process of spinal cord stimulation therapy. It also clarifies the suitability of a patient for referral and consideration for spinal cord stimulation.
Fourier horizontal parallax only computer and digital holography of large size
Authors: Kozacki Tomasz , Martinez-Carranza Juan , kukołowicz Rafał , Chlipała Maksymilian
Published: April 2021

Registration and reconstruction of high-quality digital holograms with a large view angle are intensive computer tasks since they require the space-bandwidth product (SBP) of the order of tens of gigapixels or more. This massive use of SBP severely affects the storing and manipulation of digital holograms. In order to reduce the computer burden, this work focuses on the generation and reconstruction of very large horizontal parallax only digital holograms (HPO-DHs). It is shown that these types of holograms can preserve high quality and large view angle in x direction while keeping a low use of SBP. This work first proposes a numerical technique that allows calculating very large HPO-DHs with large pixel size by merging the Fourier holography and phase added stereogram algorithm. The generated Fourier HPO-DHs enable accurate storing of holographic data from 3D objects. To decode the information contained in these Fourier HPO-DHs (FHPO-DHs), a novel angular spectrum (AS) technique that provides an efficient use of the SBP for reconstruction is proposed. Our reconstruction technique, which is called compact space bandwidth AS (CSW-AS), makes use of cylindrical parabolic waves that solve sampling issues of FHPO-DHs and AS. Moreover, the CSW-AS allows for implementing zero-padding for accurate wavefield reconstructions. Hence, suppression of aliased components and high spatial resolution is possible. Notably, the imaging chain of Fourier HPO-DH enables efficient calculation, reconstruction and storing of HPO holograms of large size. Finally, the accuracy and utility of the developed technique is proved by both numerical and optical reconstructions.
Separating and trapping of chiral nanoparticles with dielectric photonic crystal slabs
Authors: Hou S. S. , Liu Y. , Zhang W. X. , Zhang X. D.
Published: April 2021

Chiral separation is a crucial step in many chemical synthesis processes, particularly for pharmaceuticals. Here we present a novel method for the realization of both separating and trapping of enantiomers using the dielectric photonic crystal (PhC) slabs, which possess quasi-fourfold degenerate Bloch modes (overlapping double degenerate transverse-electric-like and transverse-magnetic-like modes). Based on the designed structure, a large gradient of optical chirality appears near the PhC slab, leading to the extreme enhancement of chiral optical forces about 3 orders of magnitude larger than those obtained with circularly polarized lights. In this case, our method provides a reference for realizing all-optical enantiopure syntheses.
Non-Hermitian effective medium theory and complex Dirac-like cones
Authors: Luo Liyou , Shao Yuming , Li Jensen , Fan Renhao , Peng Ruwen , Wang Mu , Luo Jie , Lai Yun
Published: April 2021

In this work, we propose a non-Hermitian effective medium theory to interpret the spawning rings of exceptional points out of the Dirac cones in the band structures of photonic crystals with loss/gain. Based on this theory, we predict and demonstrate two unique types of band dispersions of fully passive photonic crystals. In one type, the exceptional ring shrinks into a complex Dirac point associated with a complex Dirac-like cone. In the other type, a point of quadratic degeneracy is realized in the imaginary frequency spectrum. Our theory provides a unified picture for the exceptional points in effective media and gives rise to novel concepts like complex Dirac-like cones in non-Hermitian photonics.
High-efficiency conversion from waveguide mode to an on-chip beam using a metamaterial engineered Bragg deflector
Authors: Hadij-ElHouati Abdelfettah , Cheben Pavel , Ortega-Moñux Alejandro , Wangüemert-Pérez J. Gonzalo , Halir Robert , de-Oliva-Rubio José , Schmid Jens H. , Molina-Fernández Iñigo
Published: April 2021

Diffraction gratings that redirect light propagating in a channel waveguide to an on-chip slab are emerging as important building blocks in integrated photonics. Such distributed Bragg deflectors enable precise shaping of slab confined beams for a variety of applications, including wavelength multiplexing, optical phased array feeding, and coupling interfaces for on-chip point-to-point communications. However, these deflectors suffer from significant losses caused by off-chip radiation. In this Letter, we show, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that off-chip radiation can be dramatically reduced by using the single-beam phase matching condition and subwavelength metamaterial refractive index engineering. We present a deflector design with losses below 0.3 dB, opening a path toward new applications of distributed Bragg deflectors in integrated photonics.
Dispersion diagram of surface plasmon polaritons from angular transmission investigation
Authors: Papari Gian Paolo , Mazaheri Zahra , Koral Can , Andreone Antonello
Published: April 2021

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, methodology based on the combination of experimental measurements and simulations of the wave transmission through a metasurface at different angles is presented, enabling us to identify the fundamental and first high-order mode of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) excited in the terahertz regime. The approach offers a new way, an alternative to standard near field imaging, to trace out the presence of SSPPs on a metal-dielectric interface.
2.3  W monolithic fiber laser operating in the visible
Authors: Lord Marie-Pier , Fortin Vincent , Maes Frédéric , Talbot Lauris , Bernier Martin , Vallée Réal
Published: April 2021

We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first monolithic visible fiber laser pumped by a pigtailed diode. The robust cavity design proposed is based on a highly reflective fiber Bragg grating spliced to a double-clad praseodymium-doped fiber. The laser signal generated at 635.5 nm is single-mode, has a FWHM bandwidth of 0.16 nm, and reaches a maximum cw output power of 2.3 W. This demonstration breaks ground for the development of reliable high-power visible fiber lasers.
Innovation von datengetriebenen Geschäftsmodellen
Authors: Förster Matthias , Bansemir Bastian , Roth Angela
Published: April 2021

Im Rahmen der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung ist die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von Unternehmen zunehmend von der Fähigkeit abhängig, datengetriebene Geschäftsmodelle zu innovieren. Jedoch stellt dies Unternehmen vor große Herausforderungen, und so bleiben datengetriebene Geschäftsmodelle nach der Implementierung am Markt nicht selten hinter den Erwartungen an die Wertrealisierung, z. B. in Form von Umsatz oder Kosteneinsparung zurück. Dies liegt insbesondere daran, dass sich wertrealisierende oder wertmindernde Einflussfaktoren häufig erst nach der Implementierung am Markt zeigen. Unternehmen fehlen hier konkrete Vorgehensmodelle, um gezielt diesen Einflussfaktoren zu begegnen und datengetriebene Geschäftsmodellinnovationen erfolgreich umzusetzen. Die vorliegende Studie greift diese Thematik auf und entwickelt im Rahmen eines Design Science Forschungsansatzes ein interview- und workshopbasiertes Vorgehensmodell, welches Praktiker bei der Realisierung von Werten bei der Implementierung von datengetriebenen Geschäftsmodellen unterstützt. Die beispielhafte Anwendung des Vorgehensmodells im Rahmen von fünf datengetriebenen Geschäftsmodellen eines deutschen Premiumautomobilherstellers zeigt, dass dadurch wertmindernde und wertrealisierende Einflussfaktoren identifiziert und bewertet werden können. Zudem können eine fachbereichsübergreifende Definition von Wertrealisierung, ein holistisches Verständnis über die entscheidenden Einflussfaktoren und ihre Hebelwirkung sowie Kenntnisse über kausale Zusammenhänge zwischen zu ergreifenden Maßnahmen und der Wertrealisierung entwickelt werden. Auch die Verteilung begrenzter Unternehmensressourcen für die Umsetzung von Maßnahmen in Relation zu deren Effekten wird explizit berücksichtigt.
A structural signature motif enlightens the origin and diversification of nuclear receptors
Authors: Beinsteiner Brice , Markov Gabriel V. , Erb Stéphane , Chebaro Yassmine , McEwen Alastair G. , Cianférani Sarah , Laudet Vincent , Moras Dino , Billas Isabelle M. L.
Published: April 2021

Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that modulate gene regulatory networks from embryonic development to adult physiology and thus represent major targets for clinical interventions in many diseases. Most nuclear receptors function either as homodimers or as heterodimers. The dimerization is crucial for gene regulation by nuclear receptors, by extending the repertoire of binding sites in the promoters or the enhancers of target genes via combinatorial interactions. Here, we focused our attention on an unusual structural variation of the α-helix, called π-turn that is present in helix H7 of the ligand-binding domain of RXR and HNF4. By tracing back the complex evolutionary history of the π-turn, we demonstrate that it was present ancestrally and then independently lost in several nuclear receptor lineages. Importantly, the evolutionary history of the π-turn motif is parallel to the evolutionary diversification of the nuclear receptor dimerization ability from ancestral homodimers to derived heterodimers. We then carried out structural and biophysical analyses, in particular through point mutation studies of key RXR signature residues and showed that this motif plays a critical role in the network of interactions stabilizing homodimers. We further showed that the π-turn was instrumental in allowing a flexible heterodimeric interface of RXR in order to accommodate multiple interfaces with numerous partners and critical for the emergence of high affinity receptors. Altogether, our work allows to identify a functional role for the π-turn in oligomerization of nuclear receptors and reveals how this motif is linked to the emergence of a critical biological function. We conclude that the π-turn can be viewed as a structural exaptation that has contributed to enlarging the functional repertoire of nuclear receptors.
Development of a severity of disease score and classification model by machine learning for hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Marcos Miguel , Belhassen-García Moncef , Sánchez-Puente Antonio , Sampedro-Gomez Jesús , Azibeiro Raúl , Dorado-Díaz Pedro-Ignacio , Marcano-Millán Edgar , García-Vidal Carolina , Moreiro-Barroso María-Teresa , Cubino-Bóveda Noelia , Pérez-García María-Luisa , Rodríguez-Alonso Beatriz , Encinas-Sánchez Daniel , Peña-Balbuena Sonia , Sobejano-Fuertes Eduardo , Inés Sandra , Carbonell Cristina , López-Parra Miriam , Andrade-Meira Fernanda , López-Bernús Amparo , Lorenzo Catalina , Carpio Adela , Polo-San-Ricardo David , Sánchez-Hernández Miguel-Vicente , Borrás Rafael , Sagredo-Meneses Víctor , Sanchez Pedro-Luis , Soriano Alex , Martín-Oterino José-Ángel
Published: April 2021

Background

Efficient and early triage of hospitalized Covid-19 patients to detect those with higher risk of severe disease is essential for appropriate case management.

Methods

We trained, validated, and externally tested a machine-learning model to early identify patients who will die or require mechanical ventilation during hospitalization from clinical and laboratory features obtained at admission. A development cohort with 918 Covid-19 patients was used for training and internal validation, and 352 patients from another hospital were used for external testing. Performance of the model was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity.

Results

A total of 363 of 918 (39.5%) and 128 of 352 (36.4%) Covid-19 patients from the development and external testing cohort, respectively, required mechanical ventilation or died during hospitalization. In the development cohort, the model obtained an AUC of 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 0.87) for predicting severity of disease progression. Variables ranked according to their contribution to the model were the peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, updated Charlson comorbidity index and lymphocytes. In the external testing cohort, the model performed an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.85). This model is deployed in an open source calculator, in which Covid-19 patients at admission are individually stratified as being at high or non-high risk for severe disease progression.

Conclusions

This machine-learning model, applied at hospital admission, predicts risk of severe disease progression in Covid-19 patients.
Social contact behaviors are associated with infection status for Trichuris sp. in wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)
Authors: Wren Brandi , Ray Ian S. , Remis Melissa , Gillespie Thomas R. , Camp Joseph
Published: April 2021

Social grooming in the animal kingdom is common and serves several functions, from removing ectoparasites to maintaining social bonds between conspecifics. We examined whether time spent grooming with others in a highly social mammal species was associated with infection status for gastrointestinal parasites. Of six parasites detected, one (Trichurissp.) was associated with social grooming behaviors, but more specifically with direct physical contact with others. Individuals infected withTrichurissp. spent significantly less time grooming conspecifics than those not infected, and time in direct contact with others was the major predictor of infection status. One model correctly predicted infection status forTrichurissp. with a reliability of 95.17% overall when the variables used were time spent in direct contact and time spent grooming others. This decrease in time spent grooming and interacting with others is likely a sickness behavior displayed by individuals with less energy or motivation for non-essential behaviors. This study emphasizes the possible links between host behavior and parasitic infections and highlights the need for an understanding of a study population’s parasitic infections when attempting to interpret animal behavior.
Effects of insecticides on mortality, growth and bioaccumulation in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae
Authors: Meijer Nathan , de Rijk Theo , van Loon Joop J. A. , Zoet Lisa , van der Fels-Klerx H. J.
Published: April 2021

Residues of persistent insecticides may be present in the substrates on which insects are reared for food and feed, which may affect insect growth or survival. In addition, insecticidal substances may bio-accumulate in reared insects. The objective of this study was to assess potential effects of selected insecticides on the growth and survival of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) and on their safety when used as animal feed. Six insecticides (chlorpyrifos, propoxur, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, spinosad, tebufenozide) with different modes of action were tested in two sequential experiments. Cypermethrin was also tested with the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Standard BSFL substrate was spiked to the respective maximum residue level (MRL) of each insecticide allowed by the European Union to occur in feed; and BSFL were reared on these substrates. Depending on the observed effects in the first experiment, spiked concentrations tested in the second experiment were increased or reduced. At the concentrations applied (1 and 10 times MRL), three of the six tested substances (chlorpyrifos, propoxur, tebufenozide) did not affect the survival or biomass growth of BSFL, compared to the control (non-spiked) treatments. At MRL, imidacloprid stimulated the growth of BSFL compared to the controls. Spinosad and cypermethrin at the MRL level negatively affected growth and survival. The effects of cypermethrin appeared to be augmented by addition of PBO. A mean bio-accumulation factor of ≤0.01 was found in both experiments for all substances–except for cypermethrin, which was comparatively high, but still below 1 (0.79 at 0.1 mg/kg). The lack of accumulation of insecticides in the larvae suggests that there is no risk of larval products being uncompliant with feed MRLs. However, we conclude that insecticides present in substrates may affect growth and survival of BSFL. More research on a larger variety of substances and insect species is recommended.
Oral contraceptive use is associated with smaller hypothalamic and pituitary gland volumes in healthy women: A structural MRI study
Authors: Chen Ke Xun , Worley Sandie , Foster Henry , Edasery David , Roknsharifi Shima , Ifrah Chloe , Lipton Michael L.
Published: April 2021

The effects of hormonal contraceptives on structural features of the hypothalamus and pituitary are incompletely understood. One prior study reported microstructural changes in the hypothalamus with oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use. However, effects on hypothalamic volume have not been reported. One prior study reported volumetric changes in the pituitary. However, this study was limited by including participants evaluated for neurological symptoms. We sought to determine if OCP use is associated with alteration of hypothalamic or pituitary volume. High-resolution 3T MRI was performed for a prospective cohort of 50 healthy women from 2016 to 2018, which comprised 21 OCP users (age, 19–29) and 29 naturally cycling women (age, 18–36). Participants were excluded if they were pregnant or had significant medical conditions including neurological, psychiatric, and endocrine disorders. After confirming reliability of the image analysis techniques, 5 raters independently performed manual segmentation of the hypothalamus and semi-automated intensity threshold-based segmentation of the pituitary using ITK-SNAP. Total intracranial volume was estimated using FreeSurfer. A general linear model tested the association of OCP use with hypothalamic and pituitary volumes. Hypothalamic (B = -81.2 ± 24.9, p = 0.002) and pituitary (B = -81.2 ± 38.7, p = 0.04) volumes in OCP users were smaller than in naturally cycling women. These findings may be related to interference with known trophic effects of sex hormones and suggest a structural correlate of central OCP effects.
Effect of different thresholds for CT perfusion volumetric analysis on estimated ischemic core and penumbral volumes
Authors: Karhi Simo , Tähtinen Olli , Aherto Joona , Matikka Hanna , Manninen Hannu , Nerg Ossi , Taina Mikko , Jäkälä Pekka , Vanninen Ritva
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This single-center study compared three threshold settings for automated analysis of the ischemic core (IC) and penumbral volumes using computed tomographic perfusion, and their accuracy for predicting final infarct volume (FIV) in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

Fifty-two consecutive AIS patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (November 2015–March 2018) were included. Perfusion images were retrospectively analyzed using a single CT Neuro perfusion application (syngo.via 4.1, Siemens Healthcare GmbH). Three threshold values (S1–S3) were derived from another commercial package (RAPID; iSchema View) (S1), up-to-date syngo.via default values (S2), and adapted values for syngo.via from a reference study (S3). The results were compared with FIV determined by non-contrast CT.

Results

The median IC volume (mL) was 24.6 (interquartile range: 13.7–58.1) with S1 and 30.1 (20.1–53.1) with S2/S3. After removing the contralateral hemisphere from the analysis, the median IC volume decreased by 1.33(0–3.14) with S1 versus 9.13 (6.24–14.82) with S2/S3. The median penumbral volume (mL) was 74.52 (49.64–131.91), 77.86 (46.56–99.23), and 173.23 (125.86–200.64) for S1, S2, and S3, respectively. Limiting analysis to the affected hemisphere, the penumbral volume decreased by 1.6 (0.13–9.02), 19.29 (12.59–26.52), and 58.33 mL (45.53–74.84) for S1, S2, and S3, respectively. The correlation between IC and FIV was highest in patients with successful recanalization (n = 34, r = 0.784 for S1; r = 0.797 for S2/S3).

Conclusion

Optimizing thresholds significantly improves the accuracy of estimated IC and penumbral volumes. Current recommended values produce diversified results. International guidelines based on larger multicenter studies should be established to support the standardization of volumetric analysis in clinical decision-making.
Late presentation for HIV remains a major health issue in Spain: Results from a multicenter cohort study, 2004–2018
Authors: Rava Marta , Domínguez-Domínguez Lourdes , Bisbal Otilia , López-Cortés Luis Fernando , Busca Carmen , Antela Antonio , González-Ruano Patricia , Hernández Cristina , Iribarren Josè-Antonio , Rubio Rafael , Moreno Santiago , Jarrín Inmaculada ,   Cohort of the Spanish HIV/AIDS Research Network (CoRIS)
Published: April 2021

Objectives

With the purpose of reducing the well-known negative impact of late presentation (LP) on people living with HIV (PLWH), guidelines on early HIV diagnosis were published in 2014 in Spain, but since then no data on LP prevalence have been published. To estimate prevalence and risk factors of LP and to evaluate their impact on the development of clinical outcomes in the Cohort of the Spanish HIV/AIDS Research Network (CoRIS) during 2004–2018.

Methods

CoRIS is an open prospective multicenter cohort of PLWH, adults, naive to ART at entry. LP was defined as HIV diagnosis with CD4 count ≤350 cells/μL or an AIDS defining event (ADE). Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate both prevalence ratios (PR) for the association of potential risk factors with LP and Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for its impact on the development of the composite endpoint (first ADE, first serious non-AIDS event [SNAE] or overall mortality).

Results

14,876 individuals were included. Overall, LP prevalence in 2004–2018 was 44.6%. Risk factors for LP included older age, having been infected through injection drug use or heterosexual intercourse, low educational level and originating from non-European countries. LP was associated with an increased risk of the composite endpoint (IRR: 1.34; 95%CI 1.20, 1.50), ADE (1.39; 1.18, 1.64), SNAE (1.22; 1.01, 1.47) and mortality (1.71; 1.41, 2.08).

Conclusions

LP remains a health problem in Spain, mainly among certain populations, and is associated with greater morbidity and mortality. Public policies should be implemented to expand screening and early diagnosis of HIV infection, for a focus on those at greatest risk of LP.
What empowerment indicators are important for food consumption for women? Evidence from 5 sub-Sahara African countries
Authors: Onah Michael Nnachebe , Horton Sue , Hoddinott John
Published: April 2021

This paper draws on data from five sub-Sahara African countries; Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique consisting of 10,041 married women who were cohabitating with a male spouse. The study aim was to investigate the relationship between women’s empowerment and women’s dietary diversity and consumption of different food items. Women’s empowerment was measured using the indicators in the five domains of Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture index (WEAI) and women’s dietary diversity and food consumption was examined using the women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) measure. OLS and LPM regressions were used and analyses were confirmed using marginal effects from Poisson and logistic regressions. Results suggest that three out of the 10 WEAI indicators of empowerment showed different magnitude and direction in significant associations with improved WDDS and varied associations were found in three out of the five countries examined. In addition, the three significant empowerment indicators were associated with the consumption of different food groups in three out of the five countries examined suggesting that diverse food groups account for the association between the WEAI and WDDS. Improved autonomy, and input in production were associated with improved likelihoods of consumption of dairy products, and fruits and vegetables including vitamin A-rich produce. Empowerment in public speaking was associated with improved consumption of other fruits and vegetables including vitamin A-rich produce. The varied nature of empowerment indicators towards improving women’s dietary diversity and food consumption suggests that different empowerment strategies might confer different benefits towards the consumption of different food groups. Further, findings imply that interventions that seek to empower women should tailor their strategies on existing contextual factors that impact on women
The Perme Mobility Index: A new concept to assess mobility level in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
Authors: Timenetsky Karina Tavares , Serpa Neto Ary , Lazarin Ana Carolina , Pardini Andreia , Moreira Carla Regina Sousa , Corrêa Thiago Domingos , Caserta Eid Raquel Afonso , Nawa Ricardo Kenji
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly worldwide. Data on the mobility level of patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) are needed.

Objective

To describe the mobility level of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU and to address factors associated with mobility level at the time of ICU discharge.

Methods

Single center, retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU with confirmed COVID-19 infection were analyzed. The mobility status was assessed by the Perme Score at admission and discharge from ICU with higher scores indicating higher mobility level. The Perme Mobility Index (PMI) was calculated [PMI = ΔPerme Score (ICU discharge–ICU admission)/ICU length of stay]. Based on the PMI, patients were divided into two groups: “Improved” (PMI > 0) and “Not improved” (PMI ≤ 0).

Results

A total of 136 patients were included in this analysis. The hospital mortality rate was 16.2%. The Perme Score improved significantly when comparing ICU discharge with ICU admission [20.0 (7–28) points versus 7.0 (0–16) points; P < 0.001]. A total of 88 patients (64.7%) improved their mobility level during ICU stay, and the median PMI of these patients was 1.5 (0.6–3.4). Patients in the improved group had a lower duration of mechanical ventilation [10 (5–14) days versus 15 (8–24) days; P = 0.021], lower hospital length of stay [25 (12–37) days versus 30 (11–48) days; P < 0.001], and lower ICU and hospital mortality rate. Independent predictors for mobility level were lower age, lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, and not having received renal replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Patients’ mobility level was low at ICU admission; however, most patients improved their mobility level during ICU stay. Risk factors associated with the mobility level were age, comorbidities, and use of renal replacement therapy.