bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of software for calculating the results of medicinal substances bioequivalence
Authors: Shalaginova N V , Mikhlyakova E A , Gribkov D N , Mikhailina A V , Lebedeva E V
Published: May 2021

International organizations have adopted and recognized drug standards, which should be guided by developers in the field of pharmacology. In practice, there is a problem: how to determine whether a reproduced drug sample really satisfies the world standard for its pharmacological action. It is required to implement an algorithm for checking and confirming the bioequivalence of drugs. The purpose of the study is to automate the verification of standards using an appropriate algorithm, i.e. to develop an application for calculating the results of medicinal substances bioequivalence. The methodology is based on the assumption that the identity in the sense of the created effect of the pharmacokinetic curves of the drug concentration in the blood versus time for the test drug and the standard means their therapeutic equivalence. Research methods include Python programming, use of libraries for data visualization; Visual Studio is an application development environment. The desired algorithm and requirements for the developed application are formulated in the results of the study, based on the study of theoretical issues of determining the medicinal substances bioequivalence. Finally, conclusions about the efficiency of the software are made and options for its improvement are proposed.
An oxide coating impedance measurement during micro-arc oxidation
Authors: Golubkov P E , Pecherskaya E A , Karpanin O V , Melnikov O A , Pecherskiy A V , Timokhina O A
Published: May 2021

The impedance instrument converter of oxide layers formed by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) is developed. It allows continuous non-destructive testing of electric parameters of the synthesized coatings (resistance and capacitance) and electrolyte conductivity to assess the degree of degradation. The instrument converter consists of a generator, a measuring circuit, a repeater and has a digital output. The modified ammeter-voltmeter method is used as the impedance measurement technique. High accuracy of resistance, capacitance and conductivity measurements (the total relative error is no more than 0.5%) is achieved by performed functional and metrological analysis of the converter measurement channels, as well as metrological tests.
Metrological aspects of using probiotics
Authors: Slozhenkina M I , Gorlov I F , Nikolaev D V , Mosolova N I , Frolova M V , Knyazhechenko O A
Published: May 2021

The article presents studies on the influence of lactulose-containing feed additives in the feeding diets of piglets from 60 to 180 days of age. Experimental studies were conducted on the basis of the Lenin MANPADS of the Surovikinsky district of the Volgograd region in 2020. To do this, we formed 3 groups of large white piglets with 30 heads each at the age of 2 months. The control group of animals received a general household ration (RR), the animals of the I experimental group received RR + Feed additive “Drug No. 1” in a dosage of 0.45 g/kg of live weight; II experimental group-OR + Feed additive “Drug No. 2” - at a dose of 0.4 g/kg of live weight. The highest results were obtained for animals of the First experimental group.
A micro-vibrator based cross-junction microfluidic system for formation and control of droplets
Authors: Tang Yongtao , Chen Yong , Wang Kang , Miao Yiran
Published: May 2021

Microfluidic droplet technique is a novel technology developed on the basis of microfluidics to study the formation, manipulation and application of microdroplets of a few micrometers size. It drastically enhances the advantages in terms of low consumption, automation and high throughput and is widely used in chemical, microelectronics, materials science, biology and biomedical engineering etc. Nevertheless, there are still a series of problems about the formation and control of droplet. To generate the given droplets and control their size, a micro-vibrator based cross-junction microfluidic system is designed and implemented, where the size of droplet can be dynamically adjusted via the flow rates of two phase fluids and the vibrant frequency of micro-vibrator. Moreover, a closed-loop control framework with certain special mothold, i.e., iterative learning control (ILC), is discussed to assist the formation of droplets. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of proposed scheme.
Effects of Changes in the Leading Coefficient of Fifth-Order Manabe’s Polynomial
Authors: Morita H , Hori N
Published: May 2021

How a change in the coefficient of the highest-degree term of a characteristic polynomial affects the locations of its poles is an important issue in, for instance, determining the reference model with different orders in control system designs. The root-locus technique is used to study the range of the leading coefficient for which a dynamic property of an (n+1)-th order polynomial remain close to that of the n-th order polynomial. As an example, it is shown that the fifth-order Manabe polynomial leads to the step response that is close to the fourth-order Manabe polynomial for a wide range of leading coefficient values; about 70 to 80% of the stability critical value, beyond which the polynomial becomes unstable.
Research on Automatic Control System of Bulk Terminal Based on Application
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Shi Hankun , Zhou Hongmao
Published: May 2021

Due to the wide variety of cargo types, the shape of the cargo has caused great obstacles to the intelligent management of the bulk cargo terminal. Now most bulk cargo terminals operate in the traditional manual warehouse operation mode and data collection, but the traditional manual warehouse operation mode and data collection method have been difficult to meet the fast and accurate requirements of warehouse management. In this study, based on the key technical characteristics and existing problems of the bulk code automatic control system, combined with the requirements of the production site, the intelligent production prototype system of the bulk cargo terminal based on the mobile phone application is designed.Some unnecessary human involvement in the process can be reduced through the mobile phone application, so that the safety of production data is reliably guaranteed. The bulk cargo terminal application can manage inspection operations, maintenance operations, and on-site operations in real time, and can supervise the operations of field personnel in real time. The total capacity of equipment and cargo warehouses, as well as current inventory and cargo owner information can be intuitively applied through the application. This application can achieve intelligent management of the production operations of bulk terminals.
Coupling Dynamic Analysis of Fracturing Truck Frame during Operation
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Bin , Fan Chunming , Dai Qiping , Liu Dongfang
Published: May 2021

In order to study the effect of vibration of the engine and fracturing pump on the truck frame during the fracturing operation, lumped parameter method and state-space method were used to build multi-body dynamics coupling model between the balanced suspension, tires, engine, fracturing pump and the frame. Based on this model, the MATLAB/Simulink software was applied to simulate the characteristic of rotational speed, stiffness, and damping of the 2500 fracturing truck during the fracturing operation. The results show that the maximum intensity of vertical vibration is hundreds of times that of pitch motion. The vibration frequency range of 0∼10 Hz affects vibration most evidently; the variation of stiffness of the rear suspension and the damping of the front and central suspension has a great influence on amplitude, while the variation of damping of rear suspension and the stiffness of the front and central suspension have a great influence on frequency of peak.
Simulation of Aircraft Anti-skiding Braking System Considering Dynamic Contact Force between Road and Wheels
Authors: Li Bingchu , Wang Shuangyuan , Qin Chengjin , Gong Liang
Published: May 2021

Aircraft anti-skidding braking system (ABS) was a nonlinear mechatronics system influenced by various factors. The road-wheel friction was one of the key factors affect system dynamics, which depends both on vertical contact force and skidding ratio. However, the vertical contact force was generally considered as constant in existing simulation and analysis methods. This paper investigated a simulation method considering dynamic vertical contact force and its influence on system dynamics. It was found that the landing gear shock absorber of aircraft leaded to dynamic vertical wheel-road contact force, and had significant influence on braking distance. The influence of dynamic vertical contact force was analyzed under three conditions. The proposed method considering dynamic contact force could significantly enhance the accuracy of aircraft anti-skidding braking system s imulation.
Motion Planning for a Bounding Quadruped Robot Using iLQG Based MPC
Authors: Huang Yezhong , Wei Qing , Ma Hongxu , An Honglei
Published: May 2021

When tackling motion control problem of the quadruped bionic robot with traditional control method, it is more and more difficult to improve the control effect due to the uncertainty caused by the factors such as model mismatch, distortion, and interference. Therefore, the demand for utilizing advanced control method to realize the motion control for legged bionic robot is growing. Among various advanced control methods, the model prediction control (MPC) has low requirements on model accuracy, and the system has good robustness and stability, which provides a good prospect for solving the balance problem of dynamic robots. In this paper model predictive control is used to realize the bounding gait motion control for a quadruped bionic robot. The MPC planner automatically generates the foot end position and contact force trajectory of the robot, so that the robot can track the desired motion state. However, as the model of the quadruped bionic robot is nonlinear, the generated MPC algorithm may be difficult to meet the real-time requirements. In order to solve this problem, this paper uses the iLQG optimization algorithm in the design of a model prediction controller and adds heuristic-based reference input. The comparison between the simulation and the classical SQP algorithm shows that the MPC based on the iLQG optimization algorithm has good convergence and tracking effect for the quadruped robot running, and has fast real-time performance.
Nutritional and environmental benefits of increasing insect consumption in Africa and Asia
Authors: Smith Matthew R , Stull Valerie J , Patz Jonathan A , Myers Samuel S
Published: May 2021

Most global dietary forecasts predict a reduction in nutritional deficiencies over the next several decades driven by significant increases in environmentally unsustainable livestock and animal source food consumption. Here, we explore a more environmentally sensitive alternative to improve global nutrition, consuming insects. Our study focuses on Africa and Asia, two continents with a history of eating insects and high rates of nutritional deficiency. We model the impact of adding modest amounts (2.5, 5 and 10 g per day, dry weight) of regionally appropriate and farmable species on total nutrient intake and population-wide risk of deficiency for specific nutrients of concern: protein, zinc, folate, and vitamin B12. We also estimate the total potential change in dietary iron. Five grams per day of insect consumption could alleviate a considerable amount of risk of nutritional deficiency: 67 million (95% uncertainty interval: 49–84 million) fewer people at risk of protein deficiency, 166 million (120–220 million) fewer people at risk of zinc deficiency, 237 million (120–439 million) fewer people at risk of folate deficiency, and 251 million (28–2271) fewer people at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. For iron, per capita supplies could increase by 3% (0.8%–6.0%) with insects, and even more so for vulnerable groups in countries currently suffering severe rates of anemia: 4.2% (0.5%–8.8%) for women of childbearing age and 4.1% (0.4%–10.0%) for children under 5. Doubling or halving insect intake per capita causes the benefits for nutritional deficiency risk to roughly double or halve accordingly. Effects are most pronounced in South and Central Asia, though sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, and Southeast Asia also see considerable reduction in nutritional risk. These results demonstrate the potential for insects to fill a crucial role in providing nutrition for these populous and rapidly developing regions while safeguarding the global environment.
Summer heat sources changes over the Tibetan Plateau in CMIP6 models
Authors: Xie Zhiling , Wang Bin
Published: May 2021

The elevated summer heat sources over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) profoundly influence Asian monsoon and atmospheric general circulation. Model simulations and future changes of condensational latent heat released from precipitation and surface sensible heat (SH) over the eastern TP are investigated with 22 CMIP6 models’ outputs. The models reproduce the mean precipitation pattern well, but the mean intensity is 65% excessive. The SH has scarcely been evaluated. We find that nearly half of the models cannot realistically capture the SH’s spatial structure. The best six models in simulating the SH are the same models that best simulate surface air temperature. The models with high performance are selected to make a multi-model ensemble mean projection. Under the medium emission scenario (SSP2-4.5), the TP’s future summer precipitation will likely increase, despite its weakening thermal forcing effect. The increasing precipitation is primarily due to the future enhancement in vertical moisture transport and surface evaporation. However, the greenhouse gases-induced top-heavy heating stabilizes the atmosphere and diminishes the TP’s thermal forcing effect, weakening the circulation and upward motion. As such, the precipitation sensitivity is only a 2.7% increase per degree Celsius global warming. The projected SH will be likely unchanged in accord with the likely unaltered surface wind speed. These results have important implications for the future change of the water supplies in the heavily populated South and East Asian countries. They could help the modeling groups further improve the climate model performance in the highland regions.
Diagnostic complexity in the older patient: an unusual presentation of advanced biliary disease
Authors: Hosty Jennifer , Narramore Ruth , Boothroyd Matthew , Ramanath Rekha
Published: May 2021

Biliary disease is common in the older population, and gallbladder dysfunction and increased bile lithogenicity predispose to calculi formation. This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of gallbladder empyema. A 90-year-old male with metastatic prostate cancer presented with hypoactive delirium. With no localising features, normal liver function tests but persistently raised inflammatory markers, he was initially managed as a urinary tract infection. Chest wall discomfort and swelling over the right costal margin later developed. Abdominal imaging demonstrated a massive gallbladder empyema invaginating through the lower right rib cage, causing the superficial swelling. Pre-morbid status prevented cholecystectomy and he was managed conservatively with percutaneous cholecystostomy and antibiotics. He was discharged to 24-h care 2 weeks after diagnosis with a long-term drain.
Sentinel Nodal Metastasis Detection in Endometrial Carcinoma With Microcystic, Elongated, and Fragmented (MELF) Pattern by Cytokeratin Immunostaining
Authors: Rabe Kimmie M , Klein Molly E , Ghatak Sayak , Stout Irina , Schefter Alexandra , Erickson Britt K , Khalifa Mahmoud A
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The microcystic, elongated, and fragmented (MELF) pattern of myoinvasion in endometrial carcinoma (EC) is associated with an increased risk of lymph node metastasis. Our aim is to assess the role of cytokeratin immunohistochemical (IHC) stains in detecting sentinel nodal metastasis in MELF pattern tumors.

Methods

We recovered 19 MELF pattern EC hysterectomies with lymphadenectomy from our files. Negative nodes were subjected to cytokeratin AE1/AE3 IHC. Ten additional cases with sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies primarily assessed by IHC were also analyzed.

Results

Of the 19 cases of EC, 6 had positive lymph nodes based on H&E-stained sections at the time of their initial diagnosis. With the addition of IHC stains, 8 previously negative cases were found to have node metastases, and 3 of these were SLNs. Among the 10 cases primarily assessed by IHC, 5 had malignant cells in their SLNs.

Conclusions

Cytokeratin IHC staining detected malignant cells in 9 of 16 cases with SLNs in our sample of women with MELF pattern of myoinvasion. Immunohistochemical stains should be routinely performed on SLNs from all MELF-positive cases to detect occult lymph node metastases and isolated tumor cells.
Maternal Medication Use and Childhood Cancer in Offspring—Systematic Review and Considerations for Researchers
Authors: Hjorth Sarah , Hemmingsen Caroline H , Bénévent Justine , Broe Anne , Pottegaard Anton , Mørch Lina S , Leinonen Maarit K , Kjaer Susanne K , Hargreave Marie , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: May 2021

Cancer is an important cause of childhood mortality, yet the etiology is largely unknown. A combination of pre- and postnatal factors is thought to be implicated, including maternal medication use. We aimed to provide: 1) a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications on associations between maternal medication use and childhood cancer, with a focus on study design and methodology; and 2) suggestions for how to increase transparency, limit potential biases, and improve comparability in studies on maternal medication use and childhood cancer. We conducted a systematic search in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to June 8, 2020. Altogether, 112 studies were identified. The reviewed studies were heterogeneous in study design, exposure, and outcome classification. In 21 studies (19%), the outcome was any childhood cancer. Of the 91 papers that reported on specific types of cancer, 62% did not report the cancer classification system. The most frequently investigated medication groups were sex hormones (46 studies, excluding fertility medications), and antiinfectives (37 studies). Suggestions for strengthening future pharmacoepidemiologic studies on maternal medication use and childhood cancer relate to choice of cancer classification system, exposure windows, and methods for identification of, and control for, potential confounders.
Clarifying the Trade-Offs of Risk-Stratified Screening for Prostate Cancer: A Cost-Effectiveness Study
Authors: Hendrix Nathaniel , Gulati Roman , Jiao Boshen , Kader A Karim , Ryan Stephen T , Etzioni Ruth
Published: May 2021

Cancer risk prediction is necessary for precision early detection, which matches screening intensity to risk. However, practical steps for translating risk predictions to risk-stratified screening policies are not well established. We used a validated population prostate-cancer model to simulate the outcomes of strategies that increase intensity for men at high risk and reduce intensity for men at low risk. We defined risk by the Prompt Prostate Genetic Score (PGS) (Stratify Genomics, San Diego, California), a germline genetic test. We first recalibrated the model to reflect the disease incidence observed within risk strata using data from a large prevention trial where some participants were tested with Prompt PGS. We then simulated risk-stratified strategies in a population with the same risk distribution as the trial and evaluated the cost-effectiveness of risk-stratified screening versus universal (risk-agnostic) screening. Prompt PGS risk-adapted screening was more cost-effective when universal screening was conservative. Risk-stratified strategies improved outcomes at a cost of less than $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year compared with biennial screening starting at age 55 years, but risk stratification was not cost-effective compared with biennial screening starting at age 45. Heterogeneity of risk and fraction of the population within each stratum were also important determinants of cost-effectiveness.
Verbascoside from Verbena incompta is a plant root growth inhibitor
Authors: Date Tomonori , Shigeno Kanamu , Hiroshima Megumi , Seo Kohei , Sato Masashi , Tebayashi Shinichi , Sato Shushi
Published: May 2021

The use of biopesticides has expanded rapidly in recent years; however, their use in weed control is less advanced. Herein, we describe the development of a weed control agent by screening 208 plant extracts (104 species) for their plant growth-inhibition activities, which resulted in 142 active samples (from 89 plant species). Verbascoside, isolated from the shoots of Verbena incompta, was identified as a growth inhibitor against rice root (EC50, 1.75 m m), and its root growth-inhibition activity was also confirmed in radish, tomato, and Lotus japonicus. Verbascoside is composed of hydroxytyrosol (EC50,12.51 m m) and caffeic acid (EC50, 4.08 m m), 2 poorly water-soluble phenolic components with weak growth-inhibition activities, and 2 sugars, which are more soluble but inactive. The plant apparently developed a more active and highly soluble compound by condensing these 4 components. We conclude that a biopesticide containing verbascoside may be useful for weed-control purposes.
Life-history trade-offs, density, lay date—not personality—explain multibroodedness in great tits
Authors: Senécal Sarah , Mouchet Alexia , Dingemanse Niels J
Published: May 2021

In various taxa, multibroodedness is a common breeding strategy. Life-history theory predicts that individuals can increase fitness by producing multiple broods within a season. Despite the apparent increase in the number of offspring parents might produce per season, not all individuals are multibrooded, suggesting a trade-off. We studied ecological and behavioral factors influencing the initiation of second clutches in great tits (Parus major), an optionally multibrooded bird species, by distinguishing two types of clutches: replacement versus true second clutches, produced after failure versus successful first breeding attempts, respectively. We predicted which lay date, density, and investment in first clutches would decrease the probability of initiating a second clutch, but which faster exploring behavioral types with a faster pace-of-life would be more likely to be multibrooded. The probability of initiating true second clutches varied negatively within-individuals with lay date and breeding density. The initiation of replacement clutches instead varied negatively among-individuals with lay date and density, suggesting nonrandom settlement of behavioral types across environments. Individuals were less likely to be multibrooded when producing many offspring from their first clutch, suggesting within-year reproductive trade-offs, similar to previous studies. No previous research has linked personality to multibroodedness; here we show which neither the repeatable nor the plastic part of an individual’s exploratory behavior predicted multibroodedness. We confirmed our prediction which the resolution of trade-offs may occur either at the within- or among-individual level. Our research contributes to the understanding of life-history evolution in the wild by studying the mechanisms shaping multibroodedness within seasons.
Infectious disease mRNA vaccines and a review on epitope prediction for vaccine design
Authors: Cai Xinhui , Li Jiao Jiao , Liu Tao , Brian Oliver , Li Jinyan
Published: May 2021

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have recently emerged as a new type of vaccine technology, showing strong potential to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to SARS-CoV-2 which caused the pandemic, mRNA vaccines have been developed and tested to prevent infectious diseases caused by other viruses such as Zika virus, the dengue virus, the respiratory syncytial virus, influenza H7N9 and Flavivirus. Interestingly, mRNA vaccines may also be useful for preventing non-infectious diseases such as diabetes and cancer. This review summarises the current progresses of mRNA vaccines designed for a range of diseases including COVID-19. As epitope study is a primary component in the in silico design of mRNA vaccines, we also survey on advanced bioinformatics and machine learning algorithms which have been used for epitope prediction, and review on user-friendly software tools available for this purpose. Finally, we discuss some of the unanswered concerns about mRNA vaccines, such as unknown long-term side effects, and present with our perspectives on future developments in this exciting area.
VALIDATION OF A MURINE MODEL OF HYPERPLASIA IN COLON
Authors: Bote J , Ortega-Morán J F , Pagador B , Moreno-Lobato B , Saratxaga C L , Sánchez-Margallo F M
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION

New endoscopic technologies developed to improve colorectal cancer diagnosis need to be validated on animal models, which already exist for neoplastic polyps, but not for hyperplasia. For that, a hyperplastic model of growth in colon has been created on murine animal. For its characterization, a first pilot study was performed, and this study aims to validate the results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

30 Pirc (Polyposis In the Rat Colon) rats, wild type strain (F344/NTac-Apcam1137), were used. The hyperplastic model was induced by laparotomy with a non-resorbable suture, not stenosing, placed through the colon wall. Then, colonic biopsies were extracted weekly from the growth around the suture.

RESULTS

After the second follow-up, hyperplastic growths are already found. The reproducibility of the model has been obtained and the optimal time determined, after induction of the model. According to our knowledge, this is the first induced colonic hyperplasia model in rats. It solves limitations of other traditional models that only produce hypertrophy, where hyperplasia appears when iatrogenic effects occur as undesired results in a non-standardised or reproducible form.

CONCLUSIONS

This work has successfully developed a preclinical model of colonic hyperplasia in rats that recreates important characteristics of human hyperplasia, such as the generation of new cells in the colonic mucosa and tissue growth, as well as the corresponding angiogenesis. The new hyperplastic model created could be used for the validation of endoscopic technology, and other studies. It would be useful to improve optical biomarkers of colorectal cancer and to discriminate between endoscopic findings.
SERUM LEVEL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA
Authors: Barneo-Caragol C , Menéndez Lobo A , Contreras Sainz E , Miyar de León A , Solar García L , Ramos Montes C , Ibáñez Fernández C , Martínez-Morillo E
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION

Trace elements named copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) could play a role in the development of malignancy since they act as cofactors of antioxidant enzymes. The aim was to evaluate the alterations in the serum levels of Cu, Se and Zn in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), by analyzing portal and arterial blood, collected before (pre) and after (post) tumor resection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was carried out between September 18-May 19 with 27 resected PDAC patients. The portal and arterial blood samples collected during surgery were immediately sent to the Biochemistry laboratory, where they were stored at -80 °C until processed by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, 7700x, Agilent).

RESULTS

Blood was not diluted during surgery (similar hematocrit). There was a significant positive correlation between arterial and portal serum levels (Spearman coefficient).

CONCLUSIONS

The concentrations of the trace elements are significantly lower after pancreatic resection. The good correlation between arterial and portal serum levels suggests that portal blood collection is unnecessary.

Grants: New diagnostic strategies for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (DIAGNOPANC). Ministry for Science and Innovation, 2018. C. Seijo Fernandez, Servicio de Anestesia, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. A. Montes Llaneza, Unidad Enfermería Quirófano, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. E. Castro Celeiro, Unidad Enfermería Quirófano, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. L. Barneo Serra, Servicio de Cirugía, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias.
Surgical and demographic trends in genital gender-affirming surgery in transgender women: 40 years of experience in Amsterdam
Authors: van der Sluis W B , de Nie I , Steensma T D , van Mello N M , Lissenberg-Witte B I , Bouman M -B
Published: May 2021

This was a single-centre, retrospective study of transgender women undergoing genital gender-affirming surgery. A chart study was conducted, recording individual demographics, all genital surgical procedures, and surgical techniques. Procedure incidence, techniques employed, and demographic variations over the years were analysed.
Universal preprocedural SARS-CoV-2 testing protocol within a large healthcare system
Authors: Squiers J J , Ghamande S , Qiu T , Robinson C , Bertschy C , Arroliga A C , Peters W
Published: May 2021

This research letter details the safety of a universal asymptomatic preprocedural SARS-CoV-2 testing protocol implemented within a large, integrated healthcare system. Among over 145 000 tests administered, fewer than 1 in 1000 patients had subsequent positive tests within 10 days of an initial negative SARS-CoV-2 test. Despite the infrequency of positive tests after negative screening tests, patient-to-provider transmission was documented in five instances.
Integrating Visual Thinking Strategies in Social Work Education: Opportunities for the Future?
Authors: Lynch Deborah
Published: May 2021

Pedagogy associated with engaging with the arts in social work education is a developing area of exploration and research. This conceptual article explores the potential use of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), which is a methodology where students look at artwork and discuss with peers. It draws on some existing literature on visual thinking or a similar pedagogical approach to stimulate thought and debate on the use of the methodology in contemporary social work education. The links discovered between VTS, critical inquiry and visual literacy highlight the relevance, and the potential of this methodology to contribute to student learning outcomes in direct practice social work courses through connecting skills-based competency with cognitive processes, such as critical inquiry and creativity. Engaging social work students in VTS can advance skills in observing, processing and communicating reasoning to peers in situations of ambiguity, which are critical for assessment and decision making in their future professional practice. There is a potential for students to engage with VTS in inter-professional education with medical, nursing and allied health students to facilitate communication and collaborative problem-solving. The article identifies the need for research to evaluate the use of VTS in the context of art-based pedagogies in social work.
Hate mail: how reactive microglia spread aggregated α-synuclein
Authors: Tedford Ellen
Published: May 2021

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Reactive microglia enhance the transmission of exosomal α-synuclein via toll-like receptor 2’ by Xia et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awab122).
Sex Differences in Cortical Morphometry and White Matter Microstructure During Brain Aging and Their Relationships to Cognition
Authors: Sang Feng , Chen Yaojing , Chen Kewei , Dang Mingxi , Gao Shudan , Zhang Zhanjun
Published: May 2021

Changes in brain structure are associated with aging, and accompanied by the gradual deterioration of cognitive functions, which manifests differently in males and females. Here, we quantify the age-related spatial aging patterns of brain gray and white matter structures, their volume reduction rate, their relationships with specific cognitive functions, as well as differences between males and females in a cross-sectional nondementia dataset. We found that both males and females showed extensive age-related decreases in the volumes of most gray matter and white matter regions. Females have larger regions where the volume decreases with age and a greater slope (females: 0.199%, males: 0.183%) of volume decrease in gray matter. For white matter, no significant sex differences were found in age-related regions, and the slope of volume decrease. More significant associations were identified between brain structures and cognition in males during aging than females. This study explored the age-related regional variations in gray matter and white matter, as well as the sex differences in a nondemented elderly population. This study helps to further understand the aging of the brain structure and sex differences in the aging of brain structures and provides new evidence for the aging of nondemented individuals.
Unraveling the Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines on Ambulatory Antibiotic Drug Consumption in Young Children: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Danino Dana , van der Beek Bart Adriaan , Givon-Lavi Noga , Greenberg David , Ben-Shimol Shalom , Dagan Ron
Published: May 2021

Background

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) reduce respiratory infections in young children, the main antibiotic consumers. Following PCV implementation, dispensed antibiotic prescription (DAP) rates in young children were expected to decline.

Methods

Computerized data on DAP for children <5 years were examined during a 13-year period (including 4 pre-PCV years). All DAPs from clinics with ≥50 insured children, active both pre– and post–PCV implementation were included. Interrupted time-series with segmented regression was applied to analyze monthly DAP rate trends, adjusted for age, ethnicity, and season. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of DAPs during the late PCV13 period versus 4 years pre-PCV were calculated both as absolute rate ratios (aIRRs) and relative to expected rates (rIRRs).

Results

Of 1 090 870 DAPs, 57% were in children <2 years. All-DAP rates peaked in the cold season. Post–PCV7/PCV13 implementation, all DAP rates abruptly and significantly declined, reaching a plateau within 5 years. This was largely driven by amoxicillin/amoxicillin-clavulanate (75% of DAPs). Age <2 years and Bedouin ethnicity were significantly associated with higher pre-PCV DAP rates but with faster and greater decline post-PCV, achieving near elimination of gaps between ages and ethnic groups. Overall reduction (95% CIs) in DAP rates per 1000 was estimated between aIRR (344.7 [370.9–358.4]) and rIRR (110.4 [96.9–123.7]) values.

Conclusions

Shortly following PCV implementation, overall DAP rates showed an abrupt, steep decline, stabilizing within 5 years, in parallel to post-PCV respiratory infection trends previously described in this population, suggesting causality. The variable patterns of certain drug categories suggest additional influences beyond PCV.
Clinical Translation and Evaluation of a Handheld and Biocompatible Mass Spectrometry Probe for Surgical Use
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Sans Marta , DeHoog Rachel J , Garza Kyana Y , King Mary E , Feider Clara L , Bensussan Alena , Keating Michael F , Lin John Q , Povilaitis Sydney C , Katta Nitesh , Milner Thomas E , Yu Wendong , Nagi Chandandeep , Dhingra Sadhna , Pirko Christopher , Brahmbhatt Kirtan A , Van Buren George , Carter Stacey , Thompson Alastair , Grogan Raymon H , Suliburk James , Eberlin Livia S
Published: May 2021

Background

Intraoperative tissue analysis and identification are critical to guide surgical procedures and improve patient outcomes. Here, we describe the clinical translation and evaluation of the MasSpec Pen technology for molecular analysis of in vivo and freshly excised tissues in the operating room (OR).

Methods

An Orbitrap mass spectrometer equipped with a MasSpec Pen interface was installed in an OR. A “dual-path” MasSpec Pen interface was designed and programmed for the clinical studies with 2 parallel systems that facilitated the operation of the MasSpec Pen. The MasSpec Pen devices were autoclaved before each surgical procedure and were used by surgeons and surgical staff during 100 surgeries over a 12-month period.

Results

Detection of mass spectral profiles from 715 in vivo and ex vivo analyses performed on thyroid, parathyroid, lymph node, breast, pancreatic, and bile duct tissues during parathyroidectomies, thyroidectomies, breast, and pancreatic neoplasia surgeries was achieved. The MasSpec Pen enabled gentle extraction and sensitive detection of various molecular species including small metabolites and lipids using a droplet of sterile water without causing apparent tissue damage. Notably, effective molecular analysis was achieved while no limitations to sequential histologic tissue analysis were identified and no device-related complications were reported for any of the patients.

Conclusions

This study shows that the MasSpec Pen system can be successfully incorporated into the OR, allowing direct detection of rich molecular profiles from tissues with a seconds-long turnaround time that could be used to inform surgical and clinical decisions without disrupting tissue analysis workflows.
Inside out: heart rate monitoring to advance the welfare and conservation of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
Authors: Moraes Rosana N , Laske Timothy G , Leimgruber Peter , Stabach Jared A , Marinari Paul E , Horning Megan M , Laske Noelle R , Rodriguez Juan V , Eye Ginger N , Kordell Jessica E , Gonzalez Marissa , Eyring Tom , Lemons Christopher , Helmick Kelly E , Delaski Kristina M , Ware Lisa H , Jones Julia C , Songsasen Nucharin
Published: May 2021

Anthropogenic change is a major threat to individual species and biodiversity. Yet the behavioral and physiological responses of animals to these changes remain understudied. This is due to the technological challenges in assessing these effects in situ. Using captive maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus, n = 6) as a model, we deployed implantable biologgers and collected physiological data on heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) over a 1-year period. To test for links between HR and changes in the environment we analysed HR daily rhythms and responses to potential stressors (e.g. physical restraint, change in housing conditions, short-distance transportation and unfamiliar human presence). The 2-min HR averages ranged from 33 to 250 bpm, with an overall rest average of 73 bpm and a maximum of 296 bpm. On average, HRV was higher in females (227 ± 51 ms) than in males (151 ± 51 ms). As expected, HR increased at dusk and night when animals were more active and in response to stressors. Sudden decreases in HR were observed during transportation in three wolves, suggestive of fear bradycardia. We provide the first non-anesthetic HR values for the species and confirm that behaviour does not always reflect the shifts in autonomic tone in response to perceived threats. Because strong HR responses often were not revealed by observable changes in behaviour, our findings suggest that the number and variety of stressors in ex situ or in situ environments for maned wolves and most wildlife species may be underestimated. Our study also shows that integrating biologging with behavioral observations can provide vital information to guide captive management. Similar technology can be used to advance in situ research for developing more effective welfare, management and conservation plans for the species.
Shifting Health Care Use from Hospitalisations and Surgeries to Outpatient Visits in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-based Cohort Study from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Dheri Aman K , Kuenzig M Ellen , Mack David R , Murthy Sanjay K , Kaplan Gilaad G , Donelle Jessy , Smith Glenys , Benchimol Eric I
Published: May 2021

Background

Modern, specialised care for children with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] may have resulted in changes in health services use. We report trends over time in health services utilisation and surgery for children with IBD and children without IBD.

Methods

Children aged <18 years, diagnosed with IBD between 1994 and 2013 [n = 5518] and followed until 2015 in Ontario, Canada, were identified from health administrative data and matched to children without IBD on age, sex, rural/urban household, and income [n = 26,677]. We report the annual percentage change [APC] with 95% confidence intervals [CI] in the rate of outpatient visits, emergency department [ED] visits, and hospitalisations, using negative binomial regression for events within 5 years from the diagnosis/index date. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to report APC in hazards of intestinal resection [Crohn’s disease; CD] and colectomy [ulcerative colitis; UC].

Results

IBD-specific hospitalisation rates decreased by 2.5% [95% CI 1.8–3.2%] annually, and all-cause hospitalisation rates in children without IBD decreased by 4.3% [95% CI 3.5–5.1%] annually. Intestinal resection risk in CD decreased by 6.0% [95% CI 4.6–7.3%] annually and colectomy risk in UC decreased by 3.0% [95% CI 0.7–5.2%] annually. In contrast, IBD-specific outpatient visit rates increased after 2005 by 4.0% [95% CI 3.1–4.9%] annually. Similar trends in outpatient visits were not observed in children without IBD.

Conclusions

Hospitalisations and surgeries decreased over time while outpatient visits increased after 2005. Decreasing hospitalisations were mirrored in children without IBD, likely resulting from a combination of changes in disease management and health system factors.
Enhancing long-term learner engagement through project-based learning
Authors: Aubrey Scott
Published: May 2021

This paper reports on the implementation of a language learning project in a Japanese EFL classroom in which the trigger, or motivational energy for involvement, came from interacting with English-speaking international students. The project provided a context to investigate the trajectory of one group’s (three learners) sustained engagement across three tasks that formed the subgoals of the project. Data sources include learner diaries, engagement questionnaires, and transcripts of task conversations, which together were used to describe the level of engagement for each learner at key times throughout the project. The findings indicate that engagement is sustained by certain flow-like conditions during tasks (i.e., control, interest, challenge-skill balance), group cohesion among project members, and a growing focus on the long-term goal of the project. The results highlight project design features that teachers should consider when implementing projects with the purpose of engaging students.
Macroecological diversification and convergence in a clade of keystone symbionts
Authors: Nelsen Matthew P , Leavitt Steven D , Heller Kathleen , Muggia Lucia , Lumbsch H Thorsten
Published: May 2021

Lichens are classic models of symbiosis, and one of the most frequent nutritional modes among fungi. The ecologically and geographically widespread lichen-forming algal (LFA) genus Trebouxia is one of the best-studied groups of LFA and associates with over 7000 fungal species. Despite its importance, little is known about its diversification. We synthesized twenty years of publicly available data by characterizing the ecological preferences of this group and testing for time-variant shifts in climatic regimes over a distribution of trees. We found evidence for limited shifts among regimes, but that disparate lineages convergently evolved similar ecological tolerances. Early Trebouxia lineages were largely forest specialists or habitat generalists that occupied a regime whose extant members occur in moderate climates. Trebouxia then convergently diversified in non-forested habitats and expanded into regimes whose modern representatives occupy wet-warm and cool-dry climates. We rejected models in which climatic diversification slowed through time, suggesting climatic diversification is inconsistent with that expected under an adaptive radiation. In addition, we found that climatic and vegetative regime shifts broadly coincided with the evolution of biomes and associated or similar taxa. Together, our work illustrates how this keystone symbiont from an iconic symbiosis evolved to occupy diverse habitats across the globe.
Armand-Marc comte de Montmorin, the French monarchy and the Revolution in 1792
Authors: Rothaus Barry
Published: May 2021

Armand-Marc comte de Montmorin (1746-1792) was the last foreign minister (1787-1789) of the old regime and the first of the constitutional monarchy (1789-1791). Descended from a prominent Auvergnat aristocratic family, he held a very close relationship with the dauphin who became king in 1774. Montmorin’s diplomatic career began with royal support, first as minister to Treves (1775-1778), then as ambassador to Madrid (1778-1784). In 1787, Louis XVI named him to head the foreign ministry as successor to the comte de Vergennes. The outbreak of revolution led to his involvement in domestic affairs. He dedicated his life after 1789 to saving the Crown, urging the royal couple to adopt the newly emerging constitution. Montmorin resigned his office in October 1791; thereafter, he was engaged in various conspiracies. In August 1792, following the overthrow of the monarchy, the Legislative Assembly arrested, tried and convicted him of treason. Held in l’Abbaye prison, he was one of those massacred on September 2. His late career provides a unique window into the chaos and confusion of the early Revolution
Reexamining the Classification of Older Adults With Diabetes by Comorbidities and Exploring Relationships With Frailty, Disability, and 5-year Mortality
Authors: Leung Vania , Wroblewski Kristen , Schumm L Philip , Huisingh-Scheetz Megan , Huang Elbert S
Published: May 2021

Background

Limited research has been conducted to risk stratify older adults with diabetes. Our objective was to reexamine the 2005–2006 classification systems in participants who are now 5 years older.

Methods

We examined a subsample of 884 community-residing older adults with the diagnosis of diabetes from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. The primary objective was to utilize a latent class analysis (LCA) to fit a model to 11 comorbidities, comparing the 2010–2011 LCA model to that of 2005–2006. The secondary objective was to evaluate the association of the identified classes with frailty, disability, and 5-year mortality.

Results

Both 2005–2006 LCA and the 2010–2011 LCA model fit 3 similar comorbidity profiles: Class 1 with the lowest rates of nearly all comorbidities, Class 2 had highest rates of obesity, hypertension, arthritis, and incontinence, and Class 3 had the higher rates of myocardial infarctions, congestive heart failure, and stroke. When compared to the healthier Class 1 (class probability = 0.67), participants with a comorbidity profile with more prevalent cardiovascular conditions (Class 3; 0.09) were at higher risk of frailty and mortality, but not disability; whereas participants with a comorbidity profile with more prevalent geriatric syndrome conditions (Class 2; 0.24) were at higher risk of frailty and disability, but not mortality.

Conclusions

We reconfirmed 3 latent classes with distinct comorbidity profiles among older adults with diabetes. However, the complex relationships between comorbidity classes with frailty, disability, and mortality will likely require revision of the current rationale for stratified goal setting and treatment selection.