bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication and transcription machinery for ranaviruses: components, correlation, and functional architecture
Authors: Ke Fei , Yu Xue-Dong , Wang Zi-Hao , Gui Jian-Fang , Zhang Qi-Ya
Published: January 2022

Background

Ranaviruses (family Iridoviridae) are promiscuous pathogens that can infect across species barriers in poikilotherms and can replicate in amphibian and fish cells and even in cultured mammalian cells. However, as nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs), their replication and transcription mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we screened and uncovered the replication and transcription machinery of two ranaviruses, Andrias davidianus ranavirus (ADRV) and Rana grylio virus (RGV), by a combination of methods, including the isolation of proteins on nascent DNA, recombinant virus-based affinity, and NanoLuc complementation assay.

Results

The ranavirus replication and transcription machinery was deeply dissected and identified as a complicated apparatus containing at least 30 viral and 6 host proteins. The viral proteins ADRV-47L/RGV-63R (DNA polymerase, vDPOL), ADRV-23L/RGV-91R (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, vPCNA), ADRV-85L/RGV-27R (single-stranded DNA binding protein, vSSB), ADRV-88L/RGV-24R (vhelicase/primase), etc., constitute the core replisome. Specifically, the core of the transcription complex, the viral RNA polymerase, contain the host RNAPII subunits Rpb3, Rpb6, and Rpb11, which was a first report in NCLDVs. Furthermore, correlations and interactions among these factors in the machinery were described. Significantly, the replisome core protein vDPOL (ADRV-47L) can interact with numerous viral and host proteins and could act as a linker and regulation center in viral DNA replication and transcription. Thus, these results depicted an architecture for ranavirus replication and transcription.

Conclusions

Up to 36 components from ranavirus and their host were found to form viral replisomes and transcription complexes using a series of precise methods, which further constructed an architecture for ranavirus replication and transcription in which vDPOL was a key central factor and various components correlated and cooperated. Therefore, it provides a cornerstone for further understanding the mechanisms of the replication and transcription of ranaviruses which can ensure the efficient production of progeny virus and adaptation to cross-species infection.
Computerized cognitive training in people with depression: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lampit Amit , Launder Nathalie H. , Minkov Ruth , Rollini Alice , Davey Christopher G. , Finke Carsten , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , Gavelin Hanna Malmberg
Published: January 2022

Background

People with depression often present with concurrent cognitive impairment. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) is a safe and efficacious strategy to maintain or enhance cognitive performance in a range of clinical populations. However, its efficacy in people with depression and how it varies across populations and design factors are currently unclear.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO from inception to 13 July 2021 for randomised controlled trials examining the efficacy of CCT vs any control condition on cognitive, mood, psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial, and daily functioning in adults with depression. Eligible samples include studies specifically targeting people with major depressive disorder as well as those with other diagnoses where at least 50% of the sample meets the clinical criteria for depression, with the exception of major psychiatric disorders or dementia. The primary outcome is change in the overall cognitive performance. Multivariate analyses will be used to examine the effect sizes on each outcome category as well as possible effect modifiers and correlations between categories. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of narrowly defined CCT across clinical populations with depression. We aim to investigate not only whether CCT is efficacious for cognition, but also how such effects vary across design factors, what other clinically relevant outcomes might respond to CCT, and the extent to which they differ across populations.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020204209
Best approximation of $(\mathcal{G}_{1},\mathcal{G}_{2})$-random operator inequality in matrix Menger Banach algebras with application of stochastic Mittag-Leffler and $\mathbb{H}$-Fox control functions
Authors: Rezaei Aderyani Safoura , Saadati Reza , Rassias Themistocles M. , Park Choonkil
Published: January 2022

We stabilize pseudostochastic $(\mathcal{G}_{1},\mathcal{G}_{2})$
(

G
1

,

G
2

)
-random operator inequality using a class of stochastic matrix control functions in matrix Menger Banach algebras. We get an approximation for stochastic $(\mathcal{G}_{1},\mathcal{G}_{2})$
(

G
1

,

G
2

)
-random operator inequality by means of both direct and fixed point methods. As an application, we apply both stochastic Mittag-Leffler and $\mathbb{H}$
H
-fox control functions to get a better approximation in a random operator inequality.
A personalized biomedical risk assessment infographic for people who smoke with COPD: a qualitative study
Authors: Gupta Samir , Panchal Puru , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Ghanouni Parisa , Sin Don , Pakhale Smita , To Teresa , Zafari Zafar , Nimmon Laura ,   for the Canadian Respiratory Research Network
Published: January 2022

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes 3 million deaths each year, yet 38% of COPD patients continue to smoke. Despite proof of effectiveness and universal guideline recommendations, smoking cessation interventions are underused in practice. We sought to develop an infographic featuring personalized biomedical risk assessment through future lung function decline prediction (with vs without ongoing smoking) to both prompt and enhance clinician delivery of smoking cessation advice and pharmacotherapy, and augment patient motivation to quit.

Methods

We recruited patients with COPD and pulmonologists from a quaternary care center in Toronto, Canada. Infographic prototype content and design was based on best evidence. After face validation, the prototype was optimized through rapid-cycle design. Each cycle consisted of: (1) infographic testing in a moderated focus group and a clinician interview (recorded/transcribed) (with questionnaire completion); (2) review of transcripts for emergent/critical findings; and (3) infographic modifications to address findings (until no new critical findings emerged). We performed iterative transcript analysis after each cycle and a summative qualitative transcript analysis with quantitative (descriptive) questionnaire analysis.

Results

Stopping criteria were met after 4 cycles, involving 20 patients (58% male) and 4 pulmonologists (50% male). The following qualitative themes emerged: Tool content (infographic content preferences); Tool Design (infographic design preferences); Advantages of Infographic Messaging (benefits of an infographic over other approaches); Impact of Tool on Determinants of Smoking Cessation Advice Delivery (impact on barriers and enablers to delivery of smoking cessation advice in practice); and Barriers and Enablers to Quitting (impact on barriers and enablers to quitting). Patient Likert scale ratings of infographic content and format/usability were highly positive, with improvements in scores for 20/21 questions through the design process. Providers scored the infographic at 77.8% (“superior”) on the Suitability Assessment of Materials questionnaire.

Conclusions

We developed a user preference-based personalized biomedical risk assessment infographic to drive smoking cessation in patients with COPD. Our findings suggest that this tool could impact behavioural determinants of provider smoking-cessation advice delivery, while increasing patient quit motivation. Impacts of the tool on provider care, patient motivation to quit, and smoking cessation success should now be evaluated in real-world settings.
Update of the keratin gene family: evolution, tissue-specific expression patterns, and relevance to clinical disorders
Authors: Ho Minh , Thompson Brian , Fisk Jeffrey Nicholas , Nebert Daniel W. , Bruford Elspeth A. , Vasiliou Vasilis , Bunick Christopher G.
Published: January 2022

Intermediate filament (IntFil) genes arose during early metazoan evolution, to provide mechanical support for plasma membranes contacting/interacting with other cells and the extracellular matrix. Keratin genes comprise the largest subset of IntFil genes. Whereas the first keratin gene appeared in sponge, and three genes in arthropods, more rapid increases in keratin genes occurred in lungfish and amphibian genomes, concomitant with land animal-sea animal divergence (~ 440 to 410 million years ago). Human, mouse and zebrafish genomes contain 18, 17 and 24 non-keratin IntFil genes, respectively. Human has 27 of 28 type I “acidic” keratin genes clustered at chromosome (Chr) 17q21.2, and all 26 type II “basic” keratin genes clustered at Chr 12q13.13. Mouse has 27 of 28 type I keratin genes clustered on Chr 11, and all 26 type II clustered on Chr 15. Zebrafish has 18 type I keratin genes scattered on five chromosomes, and 3 type II keratin genes on two chromosomes. Types I and II keratin clusters—reflecting evolutionary blooms of keratin genes along one chromosomal segment—are found in all land animal genomes examined, but not fishes; such rapid gene expansions likely reflect sudden requirements for many novel paralogous proteins having divergent functions to enhance species survival following sea-to-land transition. Using data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, tissue-specific keratin expression throughout the human body was reconstructed. Clustering of gene expression patterns revealed similarities in tissue-specific expression patterns for previously described “keratin pairs” (i.e., KRT1/KRT10, KRT8/KRT18, KRT5/KRT14, KRT6/KRT16 and KRT6/KRT17 proteins). The ClinVar database currently lists 26 human disease-causing variants within the various domains of keratin proteins.
Design for poverty alleviation and craft revitalization in rural China from an actor-network perspective: the case of bamboo-weaving in Shengzhou
Authors: Li Wenjia , Li Ziwei , Kou Huaiyun
Published: January 2022

Design for poverty alleviation (DPA) is becoming an active promoter and effective practice form of rural social innovation. This study aims to explore the sustainable, collaborative design path of rural poverty alleviation. Based on actor network theory, this study analyzes the poverty alleviation process of rural actor network construction and participatory translation through the perspective of design integration. The case study chooses the traditional Chinese handicraft, Shengzhou bamboo weaving, to discuss the key links and elements of sustainability such as the role, benefits, and interaction of multiple actors. The staged effectiveness and social impact of the design integration are evaluated by questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, qualitative and quantitative data collections, a logistic regression model was used to test for significant effects while adjusting for multiple factors simultaneously. The analysis shows that although DPA is difficult to realize the fundamental adjustment of the rights and interests of rural craftsmen, it plays a key role in guiding the development of industrial goals, expected economic and social benefits, brings huge driving force and implementation effect to rural social innovation. The actor network theory solves the problem of separation between the individual and network attributes of DPA among stakeholders, and provides an innovative basis for rural social innovation to choose effective design intervention and mechanisms to balance the rights and interests of various stakeholders.
Burial-induced deterioration in leather: a FTIR-ATR, DSC, TG/DTG, MHT and SEM study
Authors: Vyskočilová Gabriela , Carşote Cristina , Ševčík Richard , Badea Elena
Published: January 2022

In this study we used an analytical approach based on complementary techniques that targets all structural levels of collagen in leather to investigate how vegetable-tanned leather deteriorates during soil burial tests. For the first time, a group of deterioration markers specific to molecular, fibrillar and fibrous structure of collagen in leather was associated with the deterioration of buried leather. The application of the second order derivative of FTIR-ATR spectra analysis allowed us to detect loosening of collagen–tannin matrix, de-tanning and gelatin formation based on the behaviour of collagen and tannin spectral components (intensity variation and shifts). Collagen denaturation observed by DSC analysis and its thermo-oxidative behaviour measured by TG/DTG analysis, as well as the altered morphology of collagen (namely melt-like fibres and distorted fibrillar ultrastructure) imaged by SEM confirmed the FTIR-ATR analyis results. These analytical outcomes enabled us to understand the effect of leather hardening/cementing through soil mineral penetration into its fibrous structure and thus correctly interprete the higher-than-expected shrinkage temperatures and intervals determinatd by MHT method. Thus, MHT method proved to be suitable for a quick evaluation method that can direcly support the first conservation decision after excavation. The combination of FTIR-ATR, DSC, TG/DTG and SEM can be particularly useful to provide insights on the deterioration mechanism of archaeological leather and support best decision on its long-term preservation.
Self-regulated learning, self-determination theory and teacher candidates’ development of competency-based teaching practices
Authors: Brenner Charlotte Ann
Published: January 2022

Self-regulated promoting practices foster students’ development of metacognition, motivation and strategic action. These underlying learning competencies improve students' academic, social, emotional and career outcomes. Although beneficial, the development of self-regulated promoting practices is challenging, particularly for teacher candidates. This article describes self-regulated learning practices and how motivational supports for teacher candidates' self-determined motivation creates contextual conditions that foster teacher candidates’ development of these practices. The article concludes with suggestions for future research.
Intact PCL is a potential predictor of ACL graft size in the skeletally immature knee and other anatomic considerations for ACL reconstruction
Authors: Heath David M. , Nguyen Alexander V. , Bullock Travis S. , Ornell Samuel S. , Bartush Katherine C. , Hogue Grant D.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To develop a method for using an intact posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) as a predictor of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft size and examine possible differences in tunnel length based on all-epiphyseal drilling method.

Methods

One hundred one patients 5–18 years of age with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee at an outpatient pediatric orthopaedic clinic from 2008 to 2020 were included. ACL and PCL coronal, sagittal, and length measurements were made in all patients. Tunnel length measurements were made in patients with open physes. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate potential associations in patient bony or ligamentous measurements.

Results

PCL sagittal width and PCL coronal width were statistically significant predictors of ACL sagittal width and ACL coronal width, respectively (p = 0.002, R = 0.304; p = 0.008, R = 0.264). The following equations were developed to calculate ACL coronal and sagittal width measurements from the corresponding measurement on an intact PCL; ACL Coronal Width (mm) = 6.23 + (0.16 x PCL Coronal Width); ACL Sagittal Width (mm) = 5.85 + (0.53 x PCL Sagittal Width). Mean tibial maximum oblique length (27.8 mm) was longer than mean tibial physeal sparing length (24.9 mm). Mean femoral maximum oblique length (36.9 mm) was comparable to mean femoral physeal sparing length (36.1 mm). Both were longer than mean femoral straight lateral length (32.7 mm).

Conclusion

An intact PCL is a predictor of native ACL size. Tunnel length differs based on chosen drilling method in all-epiphyseal technique.

Level of evidence

Diagnostic Level III.
Military traumatic brain injury: a challenge straddling neurology and psychiatry
Authors: Kong Ling-Zhuo , Zhang Rui-Li , Hu Shao-Hua , Lai Jian-Bo
Published: January 2022

Military psychiatry, a new subcategory of psychiatry, has become an invaluable, intangible effect of the war. In this review, we begin by examining related military research, summarizing the related epidemiological data, neuropathology, and the research achievements of diagnosis and treatment technology, and discussing its comorbidity and sequelae. To date, advances in neuroimaging and molecular biology have greatly boosted the studies on military traumatic brain injury (TBI). In particular, in terms of pathophysiological mechanisms, several preclinical studies have identified abnormal protein accumulation, blood–brain barrier damage, and brain metabolism abnormalities involved in the development of TBI. As an important concept in the field of psychiatry, TBI is based on organic injury, which is largely different from many other mental disorders. Therefore, military TBI is both neuropathic and psychopathic, and is an emerging challenge at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry.
Global migration governance from below in times of COVID-19 and “Zoomification”: civil society in „invited “ and „invented “ spaces
Authors: Rother Stefan
Published: January 2022

The global pandemic has resulted in ad hoc unilateral policies on migration, mobility and border management while at the same time emphasizing the need for global cooperation. For global governance in this field to be effective, it needs to include stakeholders beyond states and international institutions. The Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular Migration (GCM) highlights the role of those groups directly affected by global policies, i.e. migrants and their organisations. The goal of this paper is to analyse the role of civil society in global migration governance in times of COVID-19. It employs a comparative approach between “invented” and “invited” spaces. “Invited spaces” in this context refer to spaces created by international organisations such as the United Nations Network on Migration’s “Stakeholder Listening Sessions” on COVID-19 and the resulting statements. “Invented Spaces” refer to self-organized spaces by civil society actors. The paper will compare these spaces regarding their openness, the central issues and calls for specific policy measures, the stakeholders involved and the strategies they employ. I argue that the pandemic has strengthened the “input” dimension for migrant civil society in global governance. This relates to the structure/format as well as to the content of the participation. “Zoomification” has opened up access to “invited” spaces while pushing forward the creation and scope of “invented” spaces”. There are indicators that the pandemic has also influenced parts of the output dimension, although it is too early to assess whether this will have a lasting effect on policies on the ground.
VQE method: a short survey and recent developments
Authors: Fedorov Dmitry A. , Peng Bo , Govind Niranjan , Alexeev Yuri
Published: January 2022

The variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) is a method that uses a hybrid quantum-classical computational approach to find eigenvalues of a Hamiltonian. VQE has been proposed as an alternative to fully quantum algorithms such as quantum phase estimation (QPE) because fully quantum algorithms require quantum hardware that will not be accessible in the near future. VQE has been successfully applied to solve the electronic Schrödinger equation for a variety of small molecules. However, the scalability of this method is limited by two factors: the complexity of the quantum circuits and the complexity of the classical optimization problem. Both of these factors are affected by the choice of the variational ansatz used to represent the trial wave function. Hence, the construction of an efficient ansatz is an active area of research. Put another way, modern quantum computers are not capable of executing deep quantum circuits produced by using currently available ansatzes for problems that map onto more than several qubits. In this review, we present recent developments in the field of designing efficient ansatzes that fall into two categories—chemistry–inspired and hardware–efficient—that produce quantum circuits that are easier to run on modern hardware. We discuss the shortfalls of ansatzes originally formulated for VQE simulations, how they are addressed in more sophisticated methods, and the potential ways for further improvements.
DC offset rejection in a frequency-fixed second-order generalized integrator-based phase-locked loop for single-phase grid-connected applications
Authors: Smadi Issam A. , Bany Fawaz Bayan H.
Published: January 2022

Fast and accurate monitoring of the phase, amplitude, and frequency of the grid voltage is essential for single-phase grid-connected converters. The presence of DC offset in the grid voltage is detrimental to not only grid synchronization but also the closed-loop stability of the grid-connected converters. In this paper, a new synchronization method to mitigate the effect of DC offset is presented using arbitrarily delayed signal cancelation (ADSC) in a second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) phase-locked loop (PLL). A frequency-fixed SOGI-based PLL (FFSOGI-PLL) is adopted to ensure better stability and to reduce the complexity compared with other SOGI-based PLLs. A small-signal model of the proposed PLL is derived for the systematic design of proportional-integral (PI) controller gains. The effects of frequency variation and ADSC on the proposed PLL are considered, and correction methods are adopted to accurately estimate grid information. The simulation results are presented, along with comparisons to other single-phase PLLs in terms of settling time, peak frequency, and phase error to validate the proposed PLL. The dynamic performance of the proposed PLL is also experimentally validated. Overall, the proposed PLL has the fastest transient response and better dynamic performance than the other PLLs for almost all performance indices, offering an improved solution for precise grid synchronization in single-phase applications.
Genetic assessment of hyperuricemia and gout in Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups of pregnant women: biospecimens repository cross-sectional study
Authors: Alghubayshi Ali , Edelman Alison , Alrajeh Khalifa , Roman Youssef
Published: January 2022

Background

Gout, an inflammatory condition, is characterized by the precipitation of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in or around distal joints. The latter is caused by chronic hyperuricemia (HU)—high urate levels in the blood. Genetic variations in urate transporters play a significant role in determining urate levels within the human body, rendering some racial and ethnic groups more or less susceptible to developing either HU or gout. This study aims to estimate the frequencies of HU and gout risk alleles in Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups, using biorepository DNA samples.

Methods

The biospecimens repository at the University of Hawai’i provided DNA samples of consented post-partum women of Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, and Marshallese descent. The DNA was previously extracted from maternal blood and genotyped at the Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Cancer Center (Honolulu, HI). Nine urate genes: ABCG2, SLC2A9, SLC16A9, GCKR, SLC22A11, SLC22A12, LRR16A, PDZK1, and SLC17A1, were selected due to their significant association with HU and gout risk. Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) for genotype frequencies was assessed, using the Chi-Square test with p < 0.006 for statistical significance. Allele frequencies in our study were then compared to EUR from the 1000 Genomes Project Database Phase III, using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, when appropriate. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was used, with p < 0.006 for statistical significance.

Results

Our study involved 1059 post-partum women 18-year-old or older who self-reported their respective race and ethnicity, including Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander ancestry. The Asian subgroups included Japanese, Filipino, and Korean. The Pacific Islander subgroups included Marshallese and Samoan. None of the study participants had a history of gout. We excluded the PDZK1 gene from the final analysis due to its deviation from HWE (p < 0.006) across all the population subgroups, with eight loci remaining for cross-subgroup comparisons. Compared to EUR, the genetic polymorphism frequencies were significantly different-8/8 in Japanese, 6/8 in Korean, 6/8 in Filipino, 8/8 in Samoan, 6/8 in Native Hawaiian, and 6/8 in Marshallese. HU and gout risk alleles indices were 8, 6, 5, 5, 4, and 4 in Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Samoan, Marshallese, and Native Hawaiian, respectively. The percentage of cumulative risk alleles was 100% in both Japanese and Filipino, followed by 83.5% in Korean.

Conclusions

Compared to EUR, Asian subgroups, particularly Japanese, Filipino, and Korean, had the highest percentage of the cumulative uric acid risk alleles. These results could partly explain the increased risk of developing gout among some Asian ancestral subgroups compared to EUR.
Subclinical thyroid dysfunction and autoantibodies in acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients: relation to long term stroke outcome
Authors: Nageeb Rania S. , Azmy Amr M. , Tantawy Heba F. , Nageeb Ghada S. , Omran Alaa A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Data regarding the relation between both subclinical thyroid dysfunction, thyroid autoantibodies and clinical outcomes in stroke patients are limited. This study aimed to evaluate subclinical thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoantibodies production in acute stroke patients and their relation to long term stroke outcome. We recruited 138 patients who were subjected to thorough general, neurological examination and brain imaging. Blood samples were collected for measurement of levels of serum thyroid function [free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxin (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)], thyroid autoantibodies within 48 h after hospital admission. FT4 and TSH after 1 year were done. The stroke severity was assessed at admission by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The stroke outcome was assessed at 3 months and after 1 year by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We divided the patients into two groups according to thyroid autoantibodies (positive and negative groups).

Results

Subclinical hyperthyroidism was found in 23% of patients, and subclinical hypothyroidism in 10% of patients. Euthyroidism was detected in 67% of patients. 34% patients had positive thyroid autoantibody. Positive thyroid autoantibodies were commonly found in those with subclinical hyperthyroidism (28%), followed by subclinical hypothyroidism (21%) and euthyroidism (14%). 73% and 59% of stroke patients had poor outcomes (mRS was > 2) at 3 months and 1 year respectively with no significant difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. In the positive group final TSH level, NIHSS score at admission, and disability at 1 year were significantly higher compared with the negative group. Poor outcome was significantly associated with higher NIHSS score at admission, positive thyroid autoantibodies, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

Subclinical thyroid dysfunction could be found in stroke patients with positive thyroid autoantibodies. Subclinical hyperthyroidism and thyroid autoantibodies were associated with a poor outcome at 1 year in first-ever acute stroke patients especially in those presented with atrial fibrillation and higher NIHSS score at admission.
Knowledge and attitudes of driver license applicants and instructors about driving of patients with epilepsy in Burkina Faso
Authors: Anselme Dabilgou Alfred , Alassane Dravé , Adeline Kyelem Julie Marie , Emérance Eklou Lorrainda , Christian Napon , Athanase Millogo , Kapouni Karfo , Jean Kaboré
Published: January 2022

Background

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease in the world. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of driver’s license applicants and instructors in driving schools on epilepsy in Burkina Faso.

Method

This cross-sectional study was carried out from January 7th to March 7th 2020 in 21 driving schools approved by the National Driver License Authority in the city of Ouagadougou. Fifteen driver applicants and one instructor were selected in each driving school, resulting in a total of 315 driver applicants and 21 instructors in the study.

Results

The mean age of participants was 29.91 ± 7.63 years. One of the driver applicants included in the study was once experienced a seizure attack. All respondents had heard of epilepsy. The main source of epilepsy information was from family (42.5%). Two hundred and twenty-six respondents (67.3%) had witnessed an epileptic seizure. A majority of participants (55.9%) believed that persons with epilepsy be not permitted to drive a motor vehicle. About 44.0% of participants thought that people with epilepsy should be permitted to drive under certain conditions. One hundred and four (30.9%) participants suggested that people with epilepsy be permitted to drive a light vehicle. One hundred and forty-one (42.0%) suggest to withdraw the driving license for lifetime if a driver had an epileptic seizure attack; while twenty-three (6.8%) participants recommended suspension of driver license for 12 months.

Conclusion

Efforts should be made to improve awareness and education among license applicants and instructors on the driving by people with epilepsy.
Effects of plant growth regulators and growing media on propagation and field establishment of Stevia rebaudiana: a medicinal plant of commerce
Authors: Abha Manohar K. , Shukla Gopal , Roy Bidhan , Chakravarty Sumit
Published: January 2022

Background

Stevia rebaudiana is an economically important medicinal plant that has generated interest among the growers and pharmacologists in terms of its industrial or pharmaceutical value. For the mass production of the seedlings, easy and convenient techniques are lacking while, micro propagation was reported promising but still out of reach at farm level. The unavailability of quality planting materials due to non-viable seeds is restricting its mass commercial scale cultivation. The present study was therefore attempted to standardize the plant growth regulators and growing media to standardize the vegetative propagation protocol through cuttings for its mass multiplication in Terai region of West Bengal, India.

Methods

Growing media (soil, FYM, saw dust and sand) as sole and in combination and growth hormones (IAA, IBA and NAA in different concentration and a commercial formulation i.e. Totoroot© with different exposure time) were compared with control (i.e. sole soil and no hormone treatment, respectively) to standardize the nursery protocol of Stevia.

Results

Sand used as sole was found the best growing media for survival and growth of cuttings while, cuttings treated with commercial growth hormone formulation for 5 mins was best. Cuttings treated with commercial growth hormone formulation performed significantly better in the field with respect to survival, growth and production of leaves.

Conclusion

The study recommends the use of sole sand media and commercial growth hormone formulation with 5 mins exposure time for mass nursery production of Stevia cuttings in Terai zone of West Bengal due to their better performance both in the nursery and after transplanting in the field.
A MATLAB code package for 2D/3D local slope estimation and structural filtering
Authors: Wang Hang , Chen Yunfeng , Saad Omar M. , Chen Wei , Oboué Yapo Abolé Serge Innocent , Yang Liuqing , Fomel Sergey , Chen Yangkang
Published: January 2022

Local slope is an important attribute that can help distinguish seismic signals from noise. Based on optimal slope estimation, many filtering methods can be designed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of noisy seismic data. We present an open-source MATLAB code package for local slope estimation and corresponding structural filtering. This package includes 2D and 3D examples with two main executable scripts and related subfunctions. All code files are in the MATLAB format. In each main script, local slope is estimated based on the well-known plane-wave destruction algorithm. Then, the seismic data are transformed to the flattened domain by utilizing this slope information. Furthermore, the smoothing operator can be effectively applied in the flattened domain. We introduce the theory and mathematics related to these programs and present the synthetic and field data examples to show the usefulness of this open-source package. The results of local slope estimation and structural filtering demonstrate that this package can be conveniently and effectively applied to the seismic signal analysis and denoising.
Anxiety disorders and age-related changes in physiology
Authors: Mutz Julian , Hoppen Thole H. , Fabbri Chiara , Lewis Cathryn M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Anxiety disorders are leading contributors to the global disease burden, highly prevalent across the lifespan and associated with substantially increased morbidity and early mortality.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine age-related changes across a wide range of physiological measures in middle-aged and older adults with a lifetime history of anxiety disorders compared with healthy controls.

Method

The UK Biobank study recruited >500 000 adults, aged 37–73, between 2006 and 2010. We used generalised additive models to estimate non-linear associations between age and hand-grip strength, cardiovascular function, body composition, lung function and heel bone mineral density in a case group and in a control group.

Results

The main data-set included 332 078 adults (mean age 56.37 years; 52.65% females). In both sexes, individuals with anxiety disorders had a lower hand-grip strength and lower blood pressure, whereas their pulse rate and body composition measures were higher than in the healthy control group. Case–control group differences were larger when considering individuals with chronic and/or severe anxiety disorders, and differences in body composition were modulated by depression comorbidity status. Differences in age-related physiological changes between females in the anxiety disorder case group and healthy controls were most evident for blood pressure, pulse rate and body composition, whereas this was the case in males for hand-grip strength, blood pressure and body composition. Most differences in physiological measures between the case and control groups decreased with increasing age.

Conclusions

Findings in individuals with a lifetime history of anxiety disorders differed from a healthy control group across multiple physiological measures, with some evidence of case–control group differences by age. The differences observed varied by chronicity/severity and depression comorbidity.
Natural Language Processing–Assisted Literature Retrieval and Analysis for Combination Therapy in Cancer
Authors: Zeng Jia , Cruz Pico Christian X. , Saridogan Turçin , Shufean Md Abu , Kahle Michael , Yang Dong , Shaw Kenna , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

Despite advances in molecular therapeutics, few anticancer agents achieve durable responses. Rational combinations using two or more anticancer drugs have the potential to achieve a synergistic effect and overcome drug resistance, enhancing antitumor efficacy. A publicly accessible biomedical literature search engine dedicated to this domain will facilitate knowledge discovery and reduce manual search and review.

METHODS

We developed RetriLite, an information retrieval and extraction framework that leverages natural language processing and domain-specific knowledgebase to computationally identify highly relevant papers and extract key information. The modular architecture enables RetriLite to benefit from synergizing information retrieval and natural language processing techniques while remaining flexible to customization. We customized the application and created an informatics pipeline that strategically identifies papers that describe efficacy of using combination therapies in clinical or preclinical studies.

RESULTS

In a small pilot study, RetriLite achieved an F 1 score of 0.93. A more extensive validation experiment was conducted to determine agents that have enhanced antitumor efficacy in vitro or in vivo with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors: 95.9% of the papers determined to be relevant by our application were true positive and the application's feature of distinguishing a clinical paper from a preclinical paper achieved an accuracy of 97.6%. Interobserver assessment was conducted, which resulted in a 100% concordance. The data derived from the informatics pipeline have also been made accessible to the public via a dedicated online search engine with an intuitive user interface.

CONCLUSION

RetriLite is a framework that can be applied to establish domain-specific information retrieval and extraction systems. The extensive and high-quality metadata tags along with keyword highlighting facilitate information seekers to more effectively and efficiently discover knowledge in the combination therapy domain.
Ethanol Exposure During the Intravenous Administration of Chemotherapeutic Drugs: An Analysis of Clinical Practice and a Literature Review
Authors: Hiver Quentin , Henry Héloïse , Vasseur Michèle , Cuvelier Elodie , Le Rhun Émilie , Turpin Anthony , Décaudin Bertrand , Odou Pascal , Simon Nicolas
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE:

Injectable cytotoxics may be formulated with ethanol. This study sought to quantify the amount of ethanol exposure during chemotherapy infusions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We first reviewed the antineoplastic drugs (Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical code L01) and oncologic supportive care drugs (eg, antiemetics) currently available in France, to identify preparations containing ethanol. The amount of ethanol in the final chemotherapy preparation was calculated. Next, we performed a 2-year, single-center, retrospective analysis of injectable antineoplastic drug compounding in routine clinical practice in a French university medical center. Finally, we reviewed our results with regard to the literature data.

RESULTS:

Ten of the 60 cytotoxic products on the market contained ethanol at concentrations of up to 790 mg/mL, depending on the drug, formulation, and supplier. Several final preparations contained more than 3 g of ethanol per infusion (the maximum recommended by the European Medicines Agency); this was notably the case for gemcitabine, paclitaxel (up to 20 g ethanol per injection, for both), and etoposide (up to 50 g ethanol per infusion). The analysis of our compounding activity showed that 3,172 (4.99%) of the 63,613 chemotherapy preparations (notably paclitaxel) contained more than 3 g of ethanol. None of the oncologic supportive care drugs contained ethanol.

CONCLUSION:

Patients are exposed to ethanol during the infusion of antineoplastic drugs. With a view to better patient care, physicians and pharmacists should carefully evaluate the risk of ethanol exposure throughout the course of cytotoxic drug treatment.
Rescue Pericapsular Nerve Group Block for Hip Arthroscopy: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Kinjo Sakura , Zhang Alan L.
Published: January 2022

Hip arthroscopy is often associated with postoperative pain, requiring opioid analgesia. We describe our use of the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block as a rescue analgesia for hip arthroscopy. This block was used for 3 patients at an ambulatory surgery center. All patients exhibited good pain control without clinically significant quadriceps weakness and were able to go home the same day. This case report illustrates the possibility of using the PENG block as an alternative to more conventional regional nerve blocks, such as a fascia iliaca block, femoral nerve block, or lumbar plexus block.
Conundrums in the House of Wailing
Authors: Abusharaf Rogaia Mustafa
Published: January 2022

This essay examines widowhood rites and traditions in Northern Muslim Sudan, including those sanctioned by religion (that is, property inheritance and widows’ internment) and those endorsed by local communities. The microhistorical ethnographic accounts in this essay illustrate the deep psychological and physical suffering that narrators experienced as they navigated the labyrinth of socially sanctioned practices in their communities. They also communicate lessons about deep structures of power and the blurred boundaries of religion and ritual. The narratives reveal that despite the tenacity of male governance, female in-laws wield tremendous power in the rites that widows deem discriminatory. While interlocutors in this essay stress the near impossibility of a widow escaping the tentacles of authority and the empathy deficit stemming from it, others who have resisted these widowhood rituals show us how women can conjure the agency to negotiate both the bottlenecks and the thresholds in their paths.
Frameless Robot-Assisted vs Frame-Based Awake Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: An Evaluation of Technique and New Challenges
Authors: Fenoy Albert J. , Conner Christopher R.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND:

Methodological approaches to deep brain stimulation (DBS) continue to evolve from awake frame-based to asleep frameless procedures with robotic assistance, primarily directed to optimize operative efficiency, lead accuracy, and patient comfort. Comparison between the 2 is scarce.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the impacts of methodological differences on operative efficiency and stereotactic accuracy using a frame compared with a frameless robotic platform while maintaining the awake state and use of multiple microelectrode recording (MER) trajectories.

METHODS:

Thirty-four consecutive patients who underwent bilateral awake frameless robot-assisted DBS were compared with a previous cohort of 30 patients who underwent frame-based surgery. Patient demographics, operative times, and MER data were collected for both cohorts. Two-dimensional radial errors of lead placements were calculated.

RESULTS:

Preoperative setup, surgical, and total operating room times were all significantly greater for the robot-assisted cohort (P < .001). The need for computed tomography imaging when referencing the robotic fiducials led to increased setup duration because of patient transport, unnecessary for the frame-based cohort. Multiple simultaneous MER trajectories increased surgical time (mean 26 min) for the robot-assisted cohort only. The mean radial errors in the robot-assisted and frame cohorts were 0.98 ± 0.66 and 0.74 ± 0.49 mm (P = .03), respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The use of a truly frameless robotic platform such as the Mazor Renaissance (Mazor Robotics Ltd) presented challenges when implementing techniques used during awake frame-based surgery. Maintaining good accuracy, intraoperative reference imaging, and limited MER trajectories will help integrate frameless robot assistance into the awake DBS surgical workflow.
Position of Retrosigmoid Craniotomy in Hearing Preservation Surgery for Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Franz Leonardo , Mazzoni Antonio , Martini Alessandro , d’Avella Domenico , Zanoletti Elisabetta
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND:

Surgical access to the internal auditory canal (IAC) fundus is a crucial aspect of the retrosigmoid approach for hearing preservation surgery in vestibular schwannoma. An appropriate positioning of the retrosigmoid craniotomy is necessary to obtain an adequate surgical corridor for full fundus exposure and labyrinth preservation.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe how the position of the posterior edge of the access related to the probability of exposing the fundus and to propose novel criteria for positioning the retrosigmoid craniotomy.

METHODS:

Data on fundus exposure were retrospectively collected in 33 consecutive cases of sporadic vestibular schwannoma, submitted to the retrosigmoid craniotomy in a park-bench position. Patients' computed tomography images were analyzed to calculate the position of the posterior edge of the craniotomy with reference to the fundus–labyrinth line (FLL), which starts at the fundus and, running just posterior to the labyrinth, reaches the occipital squama. A logistic regression model was used to correlate the craniotomy position with the probability of exposing the fundus.

RESULTS:

The fundus exposure rate was significantly higher (P = .005) for craniotomies located posteromedially to the FLL. In a logistic regression model, the probability of exposing the fundus reached 95% for craniotomies located 11.3 mm posteromedially to the FLL.

CONCLUSION:

This study showed a strong association between craniotomy position and fundus exposure rate. Our findings suggest that the posteromedial edge of the retrosigmoid craniotomy should lie approximately 11 mm posteromedially to FLL to maximize the chances of exposing the fundus.
A novel intramandibular joint facilitates feeding versatility in the sixbar distichodus
Authors: Martinez Christopher M. , Tovar Angelly J. , Wainwright Peter C.
Published: January 2022

The intramandibular joint (IMJ) is a secondary point of movement between the two major bones of the lower jaw. It has independently evolved in several groups of teleost fishes, each time representing a departure from related species in which the mandible functions as a single structure rotating only at the quadratomandibular joint (QMJ). In this study, we examine kinematic consequences of the IMJ novelty in a freshwater characiform fish, the herbivorous Distichodus sexfasciatus. We combine traditional kinematic approaches with trajectory-based analysis of motion shapes to compare patterns of prey capture movements during substrate biting, the fish's native feeding mode, and suction of prey from the water column. We find that the IMJ enables complex jaw motions and contributes to feeding versatility by allowing the fish to modulate its kinematics in response to different prey and to various scenarios of jaw–substrate interaction. Implications of the IMJ include context-dependent movements of lower versus upper jaws, enhanced lower jaw protrusion, and the ability to maintain contact between the teeth and substrate throughout the jaw closing or biting phase of the motion. The IMJ in D. sexfasciatus appears to be an adaptation for removing attached benthic prey, consistent with its function in other groups that have evolved the joint. This study builds on our understanding of the role of the IMJ during prey capture and provides insights into broader implications of the innovative trait.
Conventional uroradiology with excretory urography: a forgotten art?
Authors: Madaan Prateek Kumar , Ghasi Rohini Gupta
Published: January 2022

Excretory urography (EU) had been the most frequently performed imaging modality for uroradiology in the past. With the advances in ultrasonography, and development of cross-sectional urography with CT and MRI, EU is now seldom performed. Consequently, there has been a decline of expertise in this technique. However, EU has multiple advantages such as dynamic nature, easy availability, low cost and radiation burden. These render it potentially very valuable in specific indications like congenital anomalies, urothelial lesions and urinary leaks. This review intends to emphasize the current day relevance of excretory urography, outline the key points of the technique, and describe the pearls and pitfalls of interpretation.