bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Calcination Temperature on Structure of Mesoporous Borosilicate Bioglass
Authors: Md Zain S K , Sazali E S , Mohd-Noor F , Yaacob S N S
Published: May 2021

Recently, most researchers have been focusing on the development of the mesoporous bioactive glasses for medical application. These materials are capable for bone tissue (soft and hard) regeneration and the delivery of bio-responsive active therapeutic molecules such as drug, proteins, nucleic acids, and peptides. However, the structure properties of the mesoporous bioactive glass are easily been controlled with a small change of calcination temperature during the sample preparation. In this perception, a series of mesoporous borosilicate bioactive glasses (MBBGs) with the composition of 10B2O -70SiO2 -15CaO- 5P2O5 were prepared using the combination of sol-gel and evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) and characterised. The calcination temperature of the bioactive glass preparation was controlled with varied temperature of 400°C, 500°C, 600°C and 700°C. The amorphous nature of the prepared samples were confirmed using XRD pattern. The EDX and FTIR spectra shows a small amount of carbon trapping inside the sample is increases with the increased of calcination temperature. All MBBGs samples show a ratio of Si-O-NBO and Si-O-Si (sym) bigger than 1. It is established that the structure of the mesoporous borosilicate bioactive glass can be tailored by controlling the calcination temperature.
Doping effect numerical comparison of band gap energy and active region range for GaN and GaAs based semiconductor
Authors: Fajri F A A , Ahmad Noorden A F , Abdul Aziz A
Published: May 2021

This work reports the effect of doping concentration on the energy-band structure of semiconductor materials. The research focuses on the resultant values of bandgap energy and its depletion region (length/area), based on the initial concentrations of doping which are the donors and acceptors. The energy-band diagram is simulated by initializing the various materials’ properties of Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), and solving the Poisson’s equation derived from Maxwell’s equation. The equation is solved by applying the finite difference method (FDM) and using the Newton-Raphson method. Both of these materials are compared with different doping concentrations (1×1013cm−3-1×1017cm−3). Taking the GaAs properties as the controlled variable, the band structure is validated with literature findings. The measured band gap energy of GaN changes from 1.5215eV to 7.6689eV, and GaAs, from 1.1330eV to 5.6431eV. It increases with the proportion to the doping concentration increments. However, when obtaining both of the spatial active regions for GaN and GaAs, it reduce from (1.9990μm-0.0790μm)x1μm2 and from (1.9990μm-0.0890μm)x1μm2 respectively. The findings show the effect of doping concentration on the semiconductor energy-band structure. Thus, the numerical system is expected to be used as the determination of the internal quantum efficiency, and the output spectrum of light-emitting diode (LED) chip.
Effects of Ag NPs: Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Er3+/Nd3+ Codoped Lithium Niobate Tellurite Glass via Ultrasonic Measurement
Authors: Nurhafizah H. , Nurulwahidah Z.A.S. , Anis Nazihah M.D. , Nur Hidayah A.
Published: May 2021

Ag NPs embedded in Er3+/Nd3+ codoped lithium niobate tellurite glasses of the form (68-x)TeO2-15Li2CO3-15Nb2O5-1Er2O3-1Nd2O3-(x)AgCl with x = 1, 2 and 3 mol% via conventional melt-quenching technique. Surface roughness and mechanical properties of the glass sample are characterized and discussed. The ultrasonic attenuation shows the rate of sound energy reduction when an ultrasonic wave is propagating in a medium which is the lithium niobate tellurite glasses. The glass attenuation depends on the grain size, viscous friction, crystal structure, porosity, and hardness. The ultrasonic acoustic impedance and attenuation coefficient of particles are estimated from an analysis of the pulse-echo technique. Simple correlation functions and the accurate scattering theory include the effects of acoustic waves, were used separately to focus on the absorption and scattering effects from spherical particles (Ag NPs) and thereby describe the structures of the medium.
Prediction of chemical reaction yields using deep learning
Authors: Schwaller Philippe , Vaucher Alain C , Laino Teodoro , Reymond Jean-Louis
Published: May 2021

Artificial intelligence is driving one of the most important revolutions in organic chemistry. Multiple platforms, including tools for reaction prediction and synthesis planning based on machine learning, have successfully become part of the organic chemists’ daily laboratory, assisting in domain-specific synthetic problems. Unlike reaction prediction and retrosynthetic models, the prediction of reaction yields has received less attention in spite of the enormous potential of accurately predicting reaction conversion rates. Reaction yields models, describing the percentage of the reactants converted to the desired products, could guide chemists and help them select high-yielding reactions and score synthesis routes, reducing the number of attempts. So far, yield predictions have been predominantly performed for high-throughput experiments using a categorical (one-hot) encoding of reactants, concatenated molecular fingerprints, or computed chemical descriptors. Here, we extend the application of natural language processing architectures to predict reaction properties given a text-based representation of the reaction, using an encoder transformer model combined with a regression layer. We demonstrate outstanding prediction performance on two high-throughput experiment reactions sets. An analysis of the yields reported in the open-source USPTO data set shows that their distribution differs depending on the mass scale, limiting the data set applicability in reaction yields predictions.
Quercetin for COVID-19 and DENGUE co-infection: a potential therapeutic strategy of targeting critical host signal pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and DENV
Authors: Zheng Wenjiang , Wu Hui , Wang Ting , Zhan Shaofeng , Liu Xiaohong
Published: May 2021

Background

The clinical consequences of SARS-CoV-2 and DENGUE virus co-infection are not promising. However, their treatment options are currently unavailable. Current studies have shown that quercetin is both resistant to COVID-19 and DENGUE; this study aimed to evaluate the possible functional roles and underlying mechanisms of action of quercetin as a potential molecular candidate against COVID-19 and DENGUE co-infection.

Methods

We used a series of bioinformatics analyses to understand and characterize the biological functions, pharmacological targets and therapeutic mechanisms of quercetin in COVID-19 and DENGUE co-infection.

Results

We revealed the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and DENGUE, including pathological mechanisms, key inflammatory pathways and possible methods of intervention, 60 overlapping targets related to the co-infection and the drug were identified, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) was constructed and TNFα, CCL-2 and CXCL8 could become potential drug targets. Furthermore, we disclosed the signaling pathways, biological functions and upstream pathway activity of quercetin in COVID-19 and DENGUE. The analysis indicated that quercetin could inhibit cytokines release, alleviate excessive immune responses and eliminate inflammation, through NF-κB, IL-17 and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.

Conclusions

This study is the first to reveal quercetin as a pharmacological drug for COVID-19 and DENGUE co-infection. COVID-19 and DENGUE co-infection remain a potential threat to the world’s public health system. Therefore, we need innovative thinking to provide admissible evidence for quercetin as a potential molecule drug for the treatment of COVID-19 and DENGUE, but the findings have not been verified in actual patients, so further clinical drug trials are needed.
Topology-based sparsification of graph annotations
Authors: Danciu Daniel , Karasikov Mikhail , Mustafa Harun , Kahles André , Rätsch Gunnar
Published: May 2021

Motivation

Since the amount of published biological sequencing data is growing exponentially, efficient methods for storing and indexing this data are more needed than ever to truly benefit from this invaluable resource for biomedical research. Labeled de Bruijn graphs are a frequently-used approach for representing large sets of sequencing data. While significant progress has been made to succinctly represent the graph itself, efficient methods for storing labels on such graphs are still rapidly evolving.

Results

In this article, we present RowDiff, a new technique for compacting graph labels by leveraging expected similarities in annotations of vertices adjacent in the graph. RowDiff can be constructed in linear time relative to the number of vertices and labels in the graph, and in space proportional to the graph size. In addition, construction can be efficiently parallelized and distributed, making the technique applicable to graphs with trillions of nodes. RowDiff can be viewed as an intermediary sparsification step of the original annotation matrix and can thus naturally be combined with existing generic schemes for compressed binary matrices. Experiments on 10 000 RNA-seq datasets show that RowDiff combined with multi-BRWT results in a 30% reduction in annotation footprint over Mantis-MST, the previously known most compact annotation representation. Experiments on the sparser Fungi subset of the RefSeq collection show that applying RowDiff sparsification reduces the size of individual annotation columns stored as compressed bit vectors by an average factor of 42. When combining RowDiff with a multi-BRWT representation, the resulting annotation is 26 times smaller than Mantis-MST.

Availability and implementation

RowDiff is implemented in C++ within the MetaGraph framework. The source code and the data used in the experiments are publicly available at https://github.com/ratschlab/row_diff.
Quantification and Validation of Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Efavirenz in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Form using Quality by Design (QbD): A Shifting Paradigm
Authors: Gurumukhi Vishal C , Bari Sanjaykumar B
Published: May 2021

The present study endeavors quality by design (QbD) assisted chromatographic method for the quantification of Efavirenz (ERZ) in bulk and tablet dosage form. Analytical QbD instigated with assignment of analytical target profile (ATP) and critical analytical attributes (CAAs). Risk assessment studies and factor screening studies facilitate to identify the critical method parameters (CMPs). Optimization was performed by employing 32 full factorial design using identified CMPs i.e., flow rate (X1) and pH of buffer (X2) at three different levels and evaluating selected CAAs i.e., retention time (Y1) and peak area (Y2). The individual and interactive influence of CMPs on CAAs were tested by statistical data and response surface plots. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that method parameters are significant (P < 0.05). Chromatographic separation was achieved using methanol, 10 mM ammonium acetate buffer (70:30 v/v), pH adjusted at 3.1 with 0.05% ortho-phosphoric acid as a mobile phase at flow rate 1.0 mL/min, and a Nucleosil C18 (4.6 mm I.D. × 250 mm, 5 μm) column with UV detection at 247 nm. The method validation and subsequent stresses degradation studies according to ICH guidelines supported the method to be highly efficient for regular drug analysis and its degradation products. The proposed method was successfully demonstrated QbD based approach for the development of highly sensitive, reliable and suitable for routine analysis, and clinical applications.
Geometric morphometrics of mandibles for dietary differentiation of Bovidae (Mammalia: Artiodactyla)
Authors: Wang Bian , Zelditch Miriam , Badgley Catherine
Published: May 2021

The mammalian family Bovidae has been widely studied in ecomorphological research, with important applications to paleoecological and paleohabitat reconstructions. Most studies of bovid craniomandibular features in relation to diet have used linear measurements. In this study, we conduct landmark-based geometric-morphometric analyses to evaluate whether different dietary groups can be distinguished by mandibular morphology. Our analysis includes data for 100 species of extant bovids, covering all bovid tribes and 2 dietary classifications. For the first classification with 3 feeding categories, we found that browsers (including frugivores), mixed feeders, and grazers are moderately well separated using mandibular shape. A finer dietary classification (frugivore, browser, browser–grazer intermediate, generalist, variable grazer, and obligate grazer) proved to be more useful for differentiating dietary extremes (frugivores and obligate grazers) but performed equally or less well for other groups. Notably, frugivorous bovids, which belong in tribe Cephalophini, have a distinct mandibular shape that is readily distinguished from all other dietary groups, yielding a 100% correct classification rate from jackknife cross-validation. The main differences in mandibular shape found among dietary groups are related to the functional needs of species during forage prehension and mastication. Compared with browsers, both frugivores and grazers have mandibles that are adapted for higher biomechanical demand of chewing. Additionally, frugivore mandibles are adapted for selective cropping. Our results call for more work on the feeding ecology and functional morphology of frugivores and offer an approach for reconstructing the diet of extinct bovids.
Cover Crop Soil Legacies Alter Phytochemistry and Resistance to Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Maize
Authors: Davidson-Lowe Elizabeth , Ray Swayamjit , Murrell Ebony , Kaye Jason , Ali Jared G
Published: May 2021

Plant-soil feedbacks can mediate aboveground plant–herbivore interactions by impacting plant chemistry. Given that soil legacies and agricultural practices are closely tied, a better understanding of soil legacy cascades and their application in pest management are needed. We tested how cover crop legacies alter resistance to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize (Zea mays L., Poales: Poaceae). We compared herbivore performance and behavior of fall armyworm larvae on maize grown after four cover crop treatments: a leguminous mycorrhizal cover crop (pea: Pisum sativum L., Fabales: Fabaceae), a nonleguminous mycorrhizal cover crop (triticale: x Triticosecale Wittm. Ex A. Camus, Poales: Poaceae), a nonleguminous nonmycorrhizal cover crop (radish: Raphanus sativus L., Brassicales: Brassicaceae), and no cover crops (fallow). Soil inorganic N was highest in pea treatments and lowest in triticale treatments, while maize AMF colonization was greatest when grown after mycorrhizal cover crops compared to nonmycorrhizal or no cover crops. Cover crop legacies altered the emission of maize volatiles and fall armyworm larvae oriented toward odors emitted by maize grown after radish more frequently than triticale in olfactometer assays. Additionally, larvae performed better and consumed more leaf tissue when feeding on maize grown after radish and poorest on plants grown after triticale. When damaged by fall armyworm, maize grown after triticale expressed higher levels of lipoxygenase-3 (lox3), while plants grown after radish upregulated maize proteinase inhibitor (mpi) gene expression. Our results highlight the importance of appropriate cover crop selection and suggest that triticale could strengthen maize resistance to fall armyworm.
More than words: methods to elicit talk in interviews
Authors: Thille Patricia H , Rotteau Leahora , Webster Fiona
Published: May 2021

Lay Summary

In health services and primary care research, semi-structured interviews are a very common method of generating data. These interviews have a pre-determined set of topics, with questions and prompts written in advance, though there is flexibility to adjust the interview to match the direction set by the participant. Like all methods, semi-structured interviews have limits, some of which can be addressed through adaptation. In the social sciences, some interview methods include prompts beyond verbal questions to participants, called elicitation tools. Visuals (e.g. photos), videos, audio excerpts and texts can be brought into interviews to orient the discussion. Another type of interview—mobile interview—happens in places meaningful to the participants. Depending on the research question, elicitation methods can enrich semi-structured interviews. This methods brief will introduce interviewing with elicitation tools, and outline strengths of such methods.
Cut-off value of ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) score for predicting the need for pouch construction in ulcerative colitis: results of a multicenter study with long-term follow-up
Authors: Xu Weimin , Ou Weijun , Fu Jihong , Gu Yubei , Cui Long , Zhong Jie , Du Peng
Published: May 2021

Background

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) was the first choice for the surgical treatment of the ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The data on the predictive value of the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) for the need for IPAA in UC patients is scarce. We aimed to establish the UCEIS cut-off value to further analyse whether the UCEIS cut-off was suitable for predicting the need for IPAA in UC patients.

Methods

The clinical data of UC patients from June 1986 to March 2020 at our institute were retrospectively assessed. The UCEIS scores recorded at the time of the first colonoscopy after hospitalization were used in the study. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the UCEIS cut-off value for predicting the need for IPAA.

Results

A total of 283 UC patients were included in the study, with a median UCEIS of 4. During a median follow-up of 13 years, 80 patients (28.3%) received surgery invention, among whom 75 (93.8%) underwent IPAA surgery and 5 (6.2%) received subtotal colectomy with permanent ostomy. A UCEIS cut-off of 6 had the most significant area under the curve of 0.769 for predicting the need for IPAA (P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 72.0% and specificity of 81.8%. UCEIS ≥6 was an independent predictive factor for the need for IPAA (P < 0.001) and malignant transformation (P = 0.010). Patients with UCEIS ≥6 had a significantly shorter IPAA-free survival time than those with UCEIS <6 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

UCEIS ≥6 may be a threshold value for decision-making for IPAA and should be recommended for UC patients for reducing the incidence of malignant transformation.
Evidence for a Syncytial Origin of Eukaryotes from Ancestral State Reconstruction
Authors: Skejo Josip , Garg Sriram G , Gould Sven B , Hendriksen Michael , Tria Fernando D K , Bremer Nico , Franjević Damjan , Blackstone Neil W , Martin William F
Published: May 2021

Modern accounts of eukaryogenesis entail an endosymbiotic encounter between an archaeal host and a proteobacterial endosymbiont, with subsequent evolution giving rise to a unicell possessing a single nucleus and mitochondria. The mononucleate state of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) is seldom, if ever, questioned, even though cells harboring multiple (syncytia, coenocytes, and polykaryons) are surprisingly common across eukaryotic supergroups. Here, we present a survey of multinucleated forms. Ancestral character state reconstruction for representatives of 106 eukaryotic taxa using 16 different possible roots and supergroup sister relationships, indicate that LECA, in addition to being mitochondriate, sexual, and meiotic, was multinucleate. LECA exhibited closed mitosis, which is the rule for modern syncytial forms, shedding light on the mechanics of its chromosome segregation. A simple mathematical model shows that within LECA’s multinucleate cytosol, relationships among mitochondria and nuclei were neither one-to-one, nor one-to-many, but many-to-many, placing mitonuclear interactions and cytonuclear compatibility at the evolutionary base of eukaryotic cell origin. Within a syncytium, individual nuclei and individual mitochondria function as the initial lower-level evolutionary units of selection, as opposed to individual cells, during eukaryogenesis. Nuclei within a syncytium rescue each other’s lethal mutations, thereby postponing selection for viable nuclei and cytonuclear compatibility to the generation of spores, buffering transitional bottlenecks at eukaryogenesis. The prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition is traditionally thought to have left no intermediates, yet if eukaryogenesis proceeded via a syncytial common ancestor, intermediate forms have persisted to the present throughout the eukaryotic tree as syncytia but have so far gone unrecognized.
Biomonitoring and Digital Data Technology as an Opportunity for Enhancing Animal Study Translation
Authors: Defensor Erwin B , Lim Maria A , Schaevitz Laura R
Published: May 2021

The failure of animal studies to translate to effective clinical therapeutics has driven efforts to identify underlying cause and develop solutions that improve the reproducibility and translatability of preclinical research. Common issues revolve around study design, analysis, and reporting as well as standardization between preclinical and clinical endpoints. To address these needs, recent advancements in digital technology, including biomonitoring of digital biomarkers, development of software systems and database technologies, as well as application of artificial intelligence to preclinical datasets can be used to increase the translational relevance of preclinical animal research. In this review, we will describe how a number of innovative digital technologies are being applied to overcome recurring challenges in study design, execution, and data sharing as well as improving scientific outcome measures. Examples of how these technologies are applied to specific therapeutic areas are provided. Digital technologies can enhance the quality of preclinical research and encourage scientific collaboration, thus accelerating the development of novel therapeutics.
What Will Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Cost Western Australian Agriculture?
Authors: Cook David C , Gardiner Peter S , Spafford Helen
Published: May 2021

Following the detection of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Western Australia in early 2020 and the lack of government response action, we estimate the impact it is likely to have on the state’s agriculture. A bioeconomic model is used to estimate cost and revenue implications for broadacre cropping and horticulture industries. We assume permanent S. frugiperda populations are likely to establish in areas of the state’s north and mid-west over the next decade, and other regions may experience sporadic outbreaks over single seasons. Over 0.8 million hectares of host crops could be permanently affected, while sporadic outbreaks may affect a further 150,000 hectares. Expressed in Australian dollars (A$), S. frugiperda is likely to add a A$14.2–39.3 million burden to agricultural producers per annum by year 10 of the outbreak. Approximately 55% of these damage costs are attributable to yield loss and 45% to increased variable production costs.
Evidence for Vertical Transmission ofBabesia odocoilei(Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) inIxodes scapularis(Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Zembsch T E , Bron G M , Paskewitz S M
Published: May 2021

Limited evidence suggests that the cervid parasite, Babesia odocoilei, is transovarially transmitted from adult female Ixodes scapularis Say to offspring. The prevalence of B. odocoilei in unfed larval I. scapularis and whether vertical transmission is crucial to pathogen maintenance are currently unknown. To investigate these questions, 275 unfed larvae from two Wisconsin counties were tested for B. odocoilei genetic material. Sixteen of 29 pools were positive for the parasite. The maximum likelihood estimation for overall larval infection prevalence was 7.8% (95% confidence interval: 4.7–12). This vertically acquired infection appears to be sustained transstadially in nymphal ticks the following year; however, our relatively small sample and replicate size warrants additional evaluation. Our study revealed further evidence of vertical transmission, a low and consistent infection prevalence in larvae, and the potential importance of vertical transmission in B. odocoilei maintenance.
Prophylactic laparoscopic total gastrectomy in a patient with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Sivakumar Jonathan , Crosthwaite Gary
Published: May 2021

A rare case was demonstrated whereby a prophylactic laparoscopic total gastrectomy was performed in a 29-year-old male with a CDH1 gene mutation in the context of rare anatomical anomaly, situs inversus totalis (SIT).

This report provides radiological and laparoscopic images detailing the patient’s unique anatomy. We also describe the operative approach and technical challenges whilst accounting for the patient’s anatomical anomaly.

This is the first known case of a laparoscopic total gastrectomy for a CDH1 gene mutation in a patient with SIT. With sufficient pre-operative evaluation and meticulous intra-operative caution, this technically complex operation is safe and feasible in patients with mirror-image anatomy as seen in SIT.
A belt for the cell: cellulosic wall thickenings and their role in morphogenesis of the 3D puzzle cells in walnut shells
Authors: Antreich Sebastian J , Xiao Nannan , Huss Jessica C , Gierlinger Notburga
Published: May 2021

Walnut (Juglans regia) kernels are protected by a tough shell consisting of polylobate sclereids that interlock into a 3D puzzle. The shape transformations from isodiametric to lobed cells is well documented for 2D pavement cells, but not for 3D puzzle sclereids. Here, we study the morphogenesis of these cells by using a combination of different imaging techniques. Serial face-microtomy enabled us to reconstruct tissue growth of whole walnut fruits in 3D, and serial block face-scanning electron microscopy exposed cell shapes and their transformation in 3D during shell tissue development. In combination with Raman and fluorescence microscopy, we revealed multiple loops of cellulosic thickenings in cell walls, acting as stiff restrictions during cell growth and leading to the lobed cell shape. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the 3D shape transformation of polylobate sclereids and the role of pectin and cellulose within this process.
Training Program for Ultrasound-Guided Intravenous Catheter Insertion
Authors: Filipovich Samantha J , Dilgard John W , Conrad Simon P , Moore Chad B , Hefley Justin B
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Ultrasound guidance is now widely available in military treatment facilities and civilian hospitals alike, both in the USA and in forward-deployed military environments. Technical mastery of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (USGPIV) catheter insertion can be easily achieved through a short training course. Mastery can be achieved even when trainees have a limited medical background before course attendance. An evidence-based practice project team sought to improve the knowledge, confidence, and skills in the placement of USGPIV catheters by clinicians at Naval Hospital Jacksonville. Completion of an USGPIV training program can equip healthcare providers with knowledge and confidence for placement of peripheral access necessary in critical situations such as those requiring medications or blood products.

Materials and Methods

The project team conducted a literature review to evaluate the appropriateness of USGPIV training for the nurses and military medical technicians in this setting. The team developed and delivered a USGPIV training program based on adaptations from the literature. During the training period, knowledge and confidence scores were reported by each trainee to evaluate the perceptions of the quality of training. The number of attempted catheter placements and ultrasound utilization was recorded in the pre- and post-implementation periods to evaluate the project’s effect on the delivery of patient care. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate project outcomes.

Results

In the pre-intervention period, none of the 252 intravenous catheters were placed with the USGPIV technique, compared to 50 of 267 in the post-intervention period. These results demonstrate an 18.7% increase in the USGPIV access approach by nursing staff. Mean knowledge scores significantly increased following the delivery of the training, 60% versus 80% in the pre- and post-training assessments, respectively (P < .001). Mean self-reported skill confidence scores also significantly improved (P < .001).

Conclusion

Knowledge and self-reported confidence in USGPIV access improved for the trainees. Mean knowledge improved from 60% to 80%, while mean confidence scores increased from 2.74 to 3.79 for corpsman and from 3.0 to 3.88 for nurses. Utilization of the USGPIV technique increased by 18.7% in the post-intervention period. These results demonstrate that implementing this training program can improve knowledge, confidence, and use of ultrasound during the placement of PIV catheters.
Chromospheric activity in 55 Cancri: II. Theoretical wave studies versus observations
Authors: Cuntz Manfred , Schröder Klaus-Peter , Fawzy Diaa E , Ridden-Harper Andrew R
Published: May 2021

In this study, we consider chromospheric heating models for 55 Cancri in conjunction with observations. The theoretical models, previously discussed in Paper I, are self-consistent, non-linear, and time-dependent ab-initio computations encompassing the generation, propagation, and dissipation of waves. Our focus is the consideration of both acoustic waves and longitudinal flux tube waves amounting to two-component chromosphere models. 55 Cancri, a K-type orange dwarf, is a star of low activity, as expected by its age, which also implies a relatively small magnetic filling factor. The Ca ii K fluxes are computed (multi-ray treatment) assuming partial redistribution and time-dependent ionization. The theoretical Ca ii H+K fluxes are subsequently compared with observations. It is found that for stages of lowest chromospheric activity the observed Ca ii fluxes are akin, though not identical, to those obtained by acoustic heating, but agreement can be obtained if low levels of magnetic heating – consistent with the expected photospheric magnetic filling factor – are considered as an additional component; this idea is in alignment with previous proposals conveyed in the literature.
Wavelet Screening identifies regions highly enriched for differentially methylated loci for orofacial clefts
Authors: Denault William R P , Romanowska Julia , Haaland Øystein A , Lyle Robert , Taylor Jack A , Xu Zongli , Lie Rolv T , Gjessing Håkon K , Jugessur Astanand
Published: May 2021

DNA methylation is the most widely studied epigenetic mark in humans and plays an essential role in normal biological processes as well as in disease development. More focus has recently been placed on understanding functional aspects of methylation, prompting the development of methods to investigate the relationship between heterogeneity in methylation patterns and disease risk. However, most of these methods are limited in that they use simplified models that may rely on arbitrarily chosen parameters, they can only detect differentially methylated regions (DMRs) one at a time, or they are computationally intensive. To address these shortcomings, we present a wavelet-based method called ‘Wavelet Screening’ (WS) that can perform an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of thousands of individuals on a single CPU in only a matter of hours. By detecting multiple DMRs located near each other, WS identifies more complex patterns that can differentiate between different methylation profiles. We performed an extensive set of simulations to demonstrate the robustness and high power of WS, before applying it to a previously published EWAS dataset of orofacial clefts (OFCs). WS identified 82 associated regions containing several known genes and loci for OFCs, while other findings are novel and warrant replication in other OFCs cohorts.
The 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System: a summary
Authors: Louis David N , Perry Arie , Wesseling Pieter , Brat Daniel J , Cree Ian A , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Hawkins Cynthia , Ng H K , Pfister Stefan M , Reifenberger Guido , Soffietti Riccardo , von Deimling Andreas , Ellison David W
Published: May 2021

The fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), published in 2021, is the sixth version of the international standard for the classification of brain and spinal cord tumors. Building on the 2016 updated fourth edition and the work of the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy, the 2021 fifth edition introduces major changes that advance the role of molecular diagnostics in CNS tumor classification. At the same time, it remains wedded to other established approaches to tumor diagnosis such as histology and immunohistochemistry. In doing so, the fifth edition establishes some different approaches to both CNS tumor nomenclature and grading and it emphasizes the importance of integrated diagnoses and layered reports. New tumor types and subtypes are introduced, some based on novel diagnostic technologies such as DNA methylome profiling. The present review summarizes the major general changes in the 2021 fifth edition classification and the specific changes in each taxonomic category. It is hoped that this summary provides an overview to facilitate more in-depth exploration of the entire fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System.
Pipeline Embolization Devices for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms, Single-Center Registry: Long-Term Angiographic and Clinical Outcomes from 1000 Aneurysms
Authors: Lylyk Ivan , Scrivano Esteban , Lundquist Javier , Ferrario Angel , Bleise Carlos , Perez Nicolas , Lylyk Pedro Nicolas , Viso Rene , Nella-Castro Rodolfo , Lylyk Pedro
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Prospective studies have established the safety and efficacy of the PipelineTM Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic) for treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IA).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate long-term outcomes from the Pipeline Embolization Devices for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms (PEDESTRIAN) Registry.

METHODS

The PEDESTRIAN Registry data were retrospectively reviewed, which included patients (March 2006 to July 2019) with complex IAs treated with PED. Patients with unfavorable anatomy and/or recurrence following previous treatment were included and excluded those with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. The primary angiographic endpoint was complete occlusion and long-term stability. Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at 3 to 6 mo, 12 mo, and yearly thereafter.

RESULTS

A total of 835 patients (mean age 55.9 ± 14.7 yr; 80.0% female) with 1000 aneurysms were included. Aneurysms varied in size: 64.6% were small (≤10 mm), 25.6% were large (11-24 mm), and 9.8% were giant (≥25 mm). A total of 1214 PEDs were deployed. Follow-up angiography was available for 85.1% of patients with 776 aneurysms at 24.6 ± 25.0 mo (mean). Complete occlusion was demonstrated in 75.8% of aneurysms at 12 mo, 92.9% at 2 to 4 yr, and 96.4% at >5 yr. During the postprocedural period, modified Rankin Scale scores remained stable or improved in 96.2% of patients, with stability or improvement in 99.1% of patients >5 yr. The overall major morbidity and neurological mortality rate was 5.8%.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated high rates of long-term complete aneurysm occlusion, stable or improved functional outcomes, and low rates of complications and mortality. Clinical and angiographic outcomes improved over long-term follow-up, demonstrating that endovascular treatment of IA with PED is safe and effective.
Properties of the accretion ring in an X-ray binary, and accretion and excretion two-layer flows from it
Authors: Inoue Hajime
Published: May 2021

We study properties of an accretion ring in a steady mass flow from a companion star to a compact object in an X-ray binary. The accretion ring is a place where matter inflowing from a companion star sojourns for a while to bifurcate to accretion and excretion flows due to angular momentum transfer. The matter in the accretion ring rotates along the Keplerian circular orbit determined by the intrinsic specific angular momentum of the inflowing matter and forms a thick ring-envelope. Two internal flows are expected to appear in the thick envelope. One is a mass-spreading flow bifurcating to a thick accretion flow and a thick excretion flow, as a result of the angular momentum transfer within the ring-envelope. The other is a cooling flow toward the envelope center governed by radiative cooling under the effect of X-ray irradiation. This cooling flow eventually forms a core in the torus, from which a thin accretion disk and a thin excretion disk spread out, again as a result of the angular momentum transfer there. Evaluating and comparing the timescales for the two internal flows, the accretion ring is shown to generally originate a two-layer accretion flow in which a thin accretion disk is sandwiched by a thick accretion flow, unless the accretion rate is very low. Properties of the thin excretion disk and the thick excretion flow are also investigated. The thin excretion disk is expected to terminate at a distance of four times the accretion ring radius and to form another ring there, unless tidal effects from the companion star exist. The thick excretion flow is, on the other hand, likely to turn into a supersonic wind flow reaching infinity.
Revealing the architecture of the photosynthetic apparatus in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Authors: Arshad Rameez , Calvaruso Claudio , Boekema Egbert J , Büchel Claudia , Kouřil Roman
Published: May 2021

Diatoms are a large group of marine algae that are responsible for about one-quarter of global carbon fixation. Light-harvesting complexes of diatoms are formed by the fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c proteins and their overall organization around core complexes of photosystems (PSs) I and II is unique in the plant kingdom. Using cryo-electron tomography, we have elucidated the structural organization of PSII and PSI supercomplexes and their spatial segregation in the thylakoid membrane of the model diatom species Thalassiosira pseudonana. 3D sub-volume averaging revealed that the PSII supercomplex of T. pseudonana incorporates a trimeric form of light-harvesting antenna, which differs from the tetrameric antenna observed previously in another diatom, Chaetoceros gracilis. Surprisingly, the organization of the PSI supercomplex is conserved in both diatom species. These results strongly suggest that different diatom classes have various architectures of PSII as an adaptation strategy, whilst a convergent evolution occurred concerning PSI and the overall plastid structure.
Advocating for Medicaid Expansion in Republican States: Overcoming “Fractious Federalism” in the Statehouse and Ballot Box
Authors: Haselswerdt Jake
Published: May 2021

Partisan and ideological polarization have been major barriers to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion in Republican-controlled states. Scholars have referred to this situation as “fractious federalism,” with Republican state policymakers toeing the national party line in refusing to cooperate with a major policy initiative. In some cases, however, diverse advocacy coalitions have overcome fractious federalism to pass expansion legislation in deeply Republican states. More recently, such coalitions have resorted to ballot initiative campaigns as another means of overcoming such polarization, and won impressive victories in a series of “deep red” states. Drawing on forty-four interviews with people involved in expansion advocacy in eleven states, I report important insights on the formation and activities of these coalitions in both the legislative and ballot initiative eras of Medicaid expansion politics.
Disproportionate multimorbidity among veterans in middle age
Authors: Bloeser Katharine , Lipkowitz-Eaton Jennifer
Published: May 2021

Background

Little is known about the prevalence of multimorbidity among middle-aged veterans. Multimorbidity holds implications for planning for a population with high health care utilization, poor quality of life and marked need for interdisciplinary care.

Methods

The current study used the US 2017 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System to measure multimorbidity in three ways: (1) reporting two or more health conditions, (2) reporting two or more conditions controlling for demographic characteristics (e.g. income) and health risk behaviors (e.g. smoking) and (3) a weighted index using health-related quality of life.

Results

After age 25, veterans’ risk for multimorbidity increased across all age groups. The increased odds of reporting multimorbidity was highest when comparing veterans aged 35–44 to non-veterans of the same ages. Veterans aged 35–44 are 50% (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 1.94) to 80% (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.46, 2.23) more likely to report multimorbidity when compared with same aged non-veterans.

Conclusions

Younger veterans may benefit from comprehensive interdisciplinary services to aid in the treatment of multiple medical conditions. Failure to account for the impact of chronic conditions on quality of life may lead to an underestimate of the health care needs of veterans across the lifespan.
004 Samelisant (SUVN-G3031), Differentiating features over current treatments of narcolepsy
Authors: Shinde Anil , Subramanian Ramkumar , Palacharla Raghava , Benade Vijay , Abraham Renny , Kamuju Venkatesh , Pandey Santosh , Badange Rajesh , Achanta Pramod Kumar , Nirogi Ramakrishna
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Majority of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of narcolepsy have several limitations. Both nonclinical and clinical evidences suggest usefulness of the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) inverse agonists for the treatment of narcolepsy addressing several of the current limitations.

Methods

Extensive nonclinical studies were carried out for Samelisant (SUVN-G3031) and other pharmacological agents that are currently being used for the treatment of narcolepsy. The nonclinical parameters like inter-species binding affinity, selectivity profile, in vivo and in vitro ADME features, nonclinical efficacy, neurochemistry and safety were compared.

Results

Samelisant has no inter-species variation in binding affinity at H3R with less than 50% inhibition at 1 µM against 70 other targets. Unlike pitolisant, Samelisant has no significant binding affinity at sigma 1 and 2 receptor. Samelisant has no inhibition and induction liability towards major CYP enzymes and transporters. Pitolisant is reported to be a CYP3A4, CYP2B6, and CYP1A2 inducer and a CYP2D6 and OCT1 inhibitor. Samelisant has robust wake promoting effects. Samelisant showed negligible affinity towards hERG channel with IC50 > 10 µM and had no effects on heart rate or ECG parameters in dog telemetry study. Samelisant did not show convulsion in rats up to the tested dose of 100 mg/kg, p.o. Most of the pharmacological agents used for the treatment of narcolepsy have abuse liability; Samelisant produced no change in the striatal and accumbal dopamine levels in rats suggesting no propensity to induce abuse liability. Unlike competing H3R inverse agonists, Samelisant has no effects on fertility and embryo-fetal development up to the highest tested doses.

Conclusion

Nonclinical studies demonstrated superiority of Samelisant over pharmacological agents used in the treatment of narcolepsy. Samelisant is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 study as monotherapy for the treatment of narcolepsy with and without cataplexy (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04072380).

Support (if any):
011 Shiftwork, Functional Bowel Symptoms and the Microbiome
Authors: Rogers Ann , Hu Yijuan , Yue Ye , Wessel Emily , Christie Jennifer , Read Timothy
Published: May 2021

Introduction

There are about 15 million Americans working full-time on evening, night, or rotating shifts. Between 48% and 81.9% of those working rotating or night shifts report abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and other symptoms of functional bowel disorders. The basis for this high prevalence of functional bowel disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), among shift workers is unknown. Animal studies, however, suggest that circadian disruption, similar to that in shift workers, may contribute to the development of GI complaints among shift workers by altering the composition and normal diurnal rhythmicity of the resident intestinal microbes.

Methods

Fifty-one full time staff nurses who worked either 12-hour day or night shifts completed demographic information, the Rome III IBS module, daily symptoms diaries for 14 days. They also collected two samples of gut microbiota before the beginning and at the end of their last work shift on day 14, using validated field-tested methods consistent with the Human Microbiome Project. After DNA extraction, 16S rRNA sequencing and assignment to the genus level was completed, samples were then compared to determine if there were 1) differences in the diversity and profile of the microbiome by shift type; 2) if there were differences in the microbiome by time of day for collection; and 3) whether there were differences in the diversity and profile of the microbiome of nurses with IBS and those without IBS.

Results

There were no differences in alpha or beta diversity of gut microbiota when specimens from day and night shift nurses were compared. There were however marginal differences in beta diversity when specimens collected at the beginning and end of the shifts were compared, with seven OTUs being differentially abundant when collected from day shift workers in the evening. There were also three OTUs to be differentially abundant in participants reporting IBS symptoms.

Conclusion

These data did not reveal strong effects of circadian alterations in gut microbiota related to shiftwork. Other factors, such as insufficient sleep and dietary intake during the data-gathering period, need to be explored

Support (if any)

Emory University Synergy Grant Program