bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring athletic performance in post-metamorphic fire salamanders
Authors: de Rysky Erica , Roberta Bisconti , Andrea Chiocchio , Daniele Canestrelli
Published: October 2021

Objective

Athletic performances are dynamic movements that are physically challenging and often predict individual success in ecological contexts. They stem from a complex integration of multiple phenotypic traits—e.g., morphological, physiological and behavioural—that dictate animal survival and individual fitness. However, directly quantifying athletic performances can be particularly challenging in cryptic, slow-moving species or not very reactive in attitude. Here we present and describe a rapid, simple, and low-cost method to measure athletic performance in post-metamorphic individuals of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra. While extremely reactive during the larval stage, adult salamanders are, in fact, cryptic and relatively slow-moving.

Results

Forcing terrestrial juveniles to swim under standard, albeit ecologically plausible, laboratory conditions, and using an automatic point-mass tracking tool, we were able to measure maximal and average performance indicators of post-metamorphic individuals. This method avoids inter-individual variation in motivation, as it forces individuals to perform at their best. Moreover, with this method, measures of athletic performance will be directly comparable between larval and terrestrial stages, allowing to study the contribution of carryover effects to the wide range of processes implicated in the eco-evo-devo of athletic performance in salamanders.
Aplastic anemia secondary to dual cancer immunotherapies a physician nightmare: case report and literature review
Authors: Younan Romy G. , Raad Roy A. , Sawan Bassem Y. , Said Rabih
Published: October 2021

Background

Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment over the past several years. Despite their clinical benefits, a wide range of immune-mediated toxicities can be observed including hematological toxicities. Although, the majority can easily be managed, immune-mediated adverse events rarely can be severe and difficult to approach. Herein, we are reporting a case of very severe aplastic anemia secondary to ipilimumab (I) and nivolumab (N) treatment that failed various treatment including intensive immune suppressive therapy.

Case presentation

We described a case of a 45-year old white male, heavy smoker presented to the clinic complaining of left flank pain. He was found to have a metastatic renal cell carcinoma for which he was treated with dual immunotherapy and later complicated by severe immune related adverse events. The patient later died after failing intensive immune suppressive therapy.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy has become an established pillar of cancer treatment improving the prognosis of many patients with variant malignancies. Yet, lethal adverse events can occur in rare cases. It is our duty, as physicians, to remain alert and cautious.
De novo variants in CACNA1E found in patients with intellectual disability, developmental regression and social cognition deficit but no seizures
Authors: Royer-Bertrand Beryl , Jequier Gygax Marine , Cisarova Katarina , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Bassetti Jennifer A. , Moldovan Oana , O’Heir Emily , Burrage Lindsay C. , Allen Jake , Emrick Lisa T. , Eastman Emma , Kumps Camille , Abbas Safdar , Van Winckel Geraldine ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Chabane Nadia , Zackai Elaine H. , Lebon Sebastien , Keena Beth , Bhoj Elizabeth J. , Umair Muhammad , Li Dong , Donald Kirsten A. , Superti-Furga Andrea
Published: October 2021

Background

De novo variants in the voltage-gated calcium channel subunit α1 E gene (CACNA1E) have been described as causative of epileptic encephalopathy with contractures, macrocephaly and dyskinesias.

Methods

Following the observation of an index patient with developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without seizures who had a de novo deleterious CACNA1E variant, we screened GeneMatcher for other individuals with CACNA1E variants and neurodevelopmental phenotypes without epilepsy. The spectrum of pathogenic CACNA1E variants was compared to the mutational landscape of variants in the gnomAD control population database.

Results

We identified seven unrelated individuals with intellectual disability, developmental regression and ASD-like behavioral profile, and notably without epilepsy, who had de novo heterozygous putatively pathogenic variants in CACNA1E. Age of onset of clinical manifestation, presence or absence of regression and degree of severity were variable, and no clear-cut genotype–phenotype association could be recognized. The analysis of disease-associated variants and their comparison to benign variants from the control population allowed for the identification of regions in the CACNA1E protein that seem to be intolerant to substitutions and thus more likely to harbor pathogenic variants. As in a few reported cases with CACNA1E variants and epilepsy, one patient showed a positive clinical behavioral response to topiramate, a specific calcium channel modulator.

Limitations

The significance of our study is limited by the absence of functional experiments of the effect of identified variants, the small sample size and the lack of systematic ASD assessment in all participants. Moreover, topiramate was given to one patient only and for a short period of time.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that CACNA1E variants may result in neurodevelopmental disorders without epilepsy and expand the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of this gene. CACNA1E deserves to be included in gene panels for non-specific developmental disorders, including ASD, and not limited to patients with seizures, to improve diagnostic recognition and explore the possible efficacy of topiramate.
Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis manifesting as acute appendicitis: a case report
Authors: Tsitlakidis Christos , Al Ajmi Khalil Ibrahim Salim , Al Madhani Alya Yousuf , Ahmidat Adel Hassan
Published: October 2021

Background

Postpartum ovarian thrombosis is an uncommon condition. It appears with the nonspecific, predominantly right-sided abdominal symptoms and must be differentiated from other acute visceral conditions. If left untreated, postpartum ovarian thrombosis can have severe consequences, including sepsis, pulmonary embolism, and even death. Momentarily, there are no specific guidelines for postpartum ovarian thrombosis management. We present a case of postpartum ovarian thrombosis admitted to our hospital with symptoms of acute appendicitis.

Case presentation 

A 39-year-old Omani obese multiparous woman of Afro-Arab origin was admitted with acute symptoms, mainly abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting 1 week postpartum. Clinical picture and biochemical profile did not exhibit a recognizable pattern. Ultrasonography excluded retained products of conception. Computerized scan for abdomen and pelvis with oral and intravenous contrast reported a dilated tubular structure in the right adnexa extending up to the right renal hilum level with surrounding inflammation. Those findings were consistent with the thrombophlebitis of the right ovarian vein. Blood cultures and sensitivity showed group A β-hemolytic streptococci sensitive to penicillin G and clindamycin. The patient was treated successfully with antibiotics and therapeutic anticoagulants and discharged home 3 days later; follow-up was arranged.

Conclusion

This pathology is an exceptional entity in Oman. Therefore, awareness of this unique condition is required so that clinicians will be vigilant, exploring similar cases with imaging and avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions.
QSPR modeling of selectivity at infinite dilution of ionic liquids
Authors: Klimenko Kyrylo , Carrera Gonçalo V. S. M.
Published: October 2021

The intelligent choice of extractants and entrainers can improve current mixture separation techniques allowing better efficiency and sustainability of chemical processes that are both used in industry and laboratory practice. The most promising approach is a straightforward comparison of selectivity at infinite dilution between potential candidates. However, selectivity at infinite dilution values are rarely available for most compounds so a theoretical estimation is highly desired. In this study, we suggest a Quantitative Structure–Property Relationship (QSPR) approach to the modelling of the selectivity at infinite dilution of ionic liquids. Additionally, auxiliary models were developed to overcome the potential bias from big activity coefficient at infinite dilution from the solute. Data from SelinfDB database was used as training and internal validation sets in QSPR model development. External validation was done with the data from literature. The selection of the best models was done using decision functions that aim to diminish bias in prediction of the data points associated with the underrepresented ionic liquids or extreme temperatures. The best models were used for the virtual screening for potential azeotrope breakers of aniline + n-dodecane mixture. The subject of screening was a combinatorial library of ionic liquids, created based on the previously unused combinations of cations and anions from SelinfDB and the test set extractants. Both selectivity at infinite dilution and auxiliary models show good performance in the validation. Our models’ predictions were compared to the ones of the COSMO-RS, where applicable, displaying smaller prediction error. The best ionic liquid to extract aniline fromn-dodecane was suggested.
Identification and solution of drug-related problems in the neurology unit of a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Liu Pengpeng , Li Guangyao , Han Mei , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2021

Background

The prevalence and characteristics of drug-related problems (DRPs) and factors associated with the occurrence of DRPs in the neurology unit in China remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics and severity ratings of DRPs and identify factors associated with the occurrence of DRPs in the neurology unit of a tertiary care and academic teaching hospital in China.

Methods

A retrospective study of DRPs and pharmacists’ interventions for neurology patients was performed during a non-consecutive 24-month study period. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics, and pharmacist’s intervention records were collected. The characteristics and severity ratings of DRPs were categorized using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) DRP classification tool V9.00 and the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC-MERP) classification respectively.

Results

A total of 242 DRPs were detected for 974 admitted patients, an average of 0.25 DRPs per patient. Treatment safety was the major type of DRPs (106;43.8%) followed by treatment effectiveness (78;32.2%). The primary causes of DRPs were drug selection (124;44.1%) and dose selection (92;32.7%). Clinical pharmacists provided 525 interventions, and most interventions occurred at the prescriber level (241;45.9%). A total of 91.4% of these interventions were accepted, contributing to solving 93.0% of the identified problems. The majority of DRPs (210;86.8%) were rated at severity categories B to D (causing no patient harm). Multiple logistic regression showed that creatinine clearance, number of medications used, nasogastric feeding, diabetes, and infectious diseases were associated with more frequent DRPs (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

DRPs are relatively common in the neurology unit in China, with primary causes of drug and dose selection, and clinical pharmacists can effectively reduce and prevent DRPs to optimize medication therapy.
Biomechanical effects of Skeletally anchored Class III elastics on the maxillofacial complex: a 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Rai Priyank , Garg Dhiraj , Tripathi Tulika , Kanase Anup , Ganesh Gayatri
Published: October 2021

Background

Although, the outcomes and changes in the maxillofacial complex after the application of intraoral bone anchored Class III elastics, have been reported by multiple clinical studies, there was no finite element study to assess and evaluate the stress pattern and displacement on maxillomandibular complex with bimaxillary anchorage. The present study aims to evaluate the biomechanical effects on maxillomandibular complex of Skeletally anchored Class III elastics with varying angulations using the 3D finite element analysis.

Methodology

Two 3-dimensional analytical models were developed using the Mimics 8.11 (Materialise: Leuven, Belgium) and ANSYS software Version 12.1 (ANSYS Inc, Canonsburg, PA, USA) from sequential computed tomography images taken from a Skeletal Class III subject. The models were meshed into 465,091 tetrahedral elements and 101,247 nodes. Intraoral mechanics for skeletally anchored maxillary protraction (I-SAMP) were applied on two models i.e. A and B (without and with maxillary expansion respectively) between miniplates on maxilla and mandible on both right and left sides with three different angulations of forces—10°, 20° and 30°).

Results

Although the craniomaxillary complex in both the models (A and B) displaced forward while demonstrating rotations in opposite directions, the displacements and rotations decreased gradually with the increase of the angle of load application from 10° to 30°. The mandible rotated clockwise in both the simulations, but the displacement of mandibular surface landmarks was higher in Simulation A. However, the antero-inferior displacement of the glenoid fossa was higher in Simulation B than in A.

Conclusion

Significant displacement of maxillofacial sutures and structures was witnessed with I-SAMP with maxillary expansion and Class III elastics for correction of Skeletal Class III with maxillary retrognathism. Thus, I-SAMP with maxillary expansion is a desired protocol for treatment of maxillary retrognathism. However, the prescribed angulation of the Class III elastics should be as low as possible to maximise the desired effects.
Local seismotectonic analysis of the July 2019 Molucca Sea earthquake sequence based on moment tensor solutions
Authors: Prasetio Aditya Dwi , Hasib Mohammad , Amran Andi , Syuhada  , Febriani Febty , Dewi Cinantya Nirmala , Anggono Titi
Published: October 2021

We investigate the local seismotectonic of the Molucca Sea area using moment tensor calculations for the earthquakes that occurred in July 2019 at a depth of 10–55 km. The mainshock of Mw 6.8 occurred on July 7, followed by aftershocks until July 18, with magnitudes ranging from Mw 4.6 to Mw 5.8. Moment tensor solutions are calculated by applying Isolated Asperities (ISOLA) software using the full waveform data recorded at regional seismic stations. The analyzed frequency bands used in this study are 0.01–0.03 Hz and 0.04–0.05 Hz for the event with Mw ≥ 5 and Mw < 5, respectively. We provide validations of new moment tensor solutions for Mw < 5 events in the Molucca Sea region for the period during the earthquake sequence. The results show that thrust and oblique faults are dominant during this event, which indicate a compressional stress of divergent double subduction (DDS) of the Sangihe and Halmahera arcs. Only one full moment tensor solution reveals the normal fault mechanism, which may indicate the manifestation of strain release of compressional stress in the surrounding area. Furthermore, these results also support the previous studies suggesting that the Talaud-Mayu Ridge located in the middle of the Molucca Sea has developed as a consequence of the transpressional tectonic activity.
Baccharis trimera aqueous extract modulates inflammation and nociception in mice
Authors: de Almeida Natiely Silveira , Ferraz Alexandre de Barros Falcão , Pedron Claudia , Correa Dione Silva , Vieira Luciene Bruno , Antunes Flavia Tasmim Techera , de Souza Alessandra Hubner
Published: October 2021

Background

The aerial parts ofBaccharis trimera(Less.) are frequently used as a tea to treat several diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the constituents of an aqueous extract ofB. trimera, focusing on their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antinociception activities and properties. For that, the researchers performed in vivo assays using the formalin test and Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA) to measure the acute and chronic inflammatory pain in mice. Moreover, the myeloperoxidase enzyme (MPO) was analyzed in the subcutaneous tissue after the FCA injection, together with the counting of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the mice.

Results

The qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids and saponins in theB. trimeraaqueous extract. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses showed the presence of phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, rosmarinic acid, as well as flavonoids, such as rutin, quercetin, and luteolin. The DPPH assay was used in order to measure the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract ofB. trimeraand this showed an IC50of 118.18 ± 1.02 μg/mg. The data from the formalin test demonstrated that a single dose of the aqueous extract ofB. trimerawas not able to decrease the nociceptive behavior during the neurogenic phase, at any of the tested doses (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg p.o.). However, during the inflammatory phase of this test, the aqueous extract ofB. trimeraat 80 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly decreased the nociceptive behavior, showing more effectiveness when compared to the other tested doses (p < 0.05). Importantly, in the chronic inflammatory model on the 5th day of treatment, the aqueous extract ofB. trimera(80 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced mechanical allodynia (p < 0.01), heat thermal hyperalgesia (p < 0.001), and paw edema (p < 0.05). There were no changes in the MPO activity, but the data exhibited an equivalent decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood of the mice that were treated withB. trimera(80 mg.kg− 1p.o.) and diclofenac sodium.

Conclusion

Taken together, the present data reinforces the potential of theB. trimeraaqueous extract as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic compound.
Patient powered research: an approach to building capacity for a hardly reached patient population to engage in cancer research
Authors: Charlot Marjory , Carolan Kelsi , Gawuga Cyrena , Freeman Elmer , Sprague Martinez Linda
Published: October 2021

Background

Participating in clinical trials is a metric of high-quality cancer care and improves survival. However, Black individuals with cancer are less likely to be enrolled in clinical trials and experience a disproportionate burden of cancer mortality compared to Whites. Patient-engaged research is one potential strategy to address racial inequities in clinical trials, but little is known about best practices for engaging Black individuals and communities impacted by cancer in research partnerships.

Methods

We used a community engaged research approach to establish a patient advisory council (PAC) representative of the patient population served by a safety net hospital cancer center. We outline the process of establishing the PAC and the lessons learned.

Results

The inaugural PAC included 7 members representative of the cancer center’s patient demographics. PAC members developed a patient centered vision, mission and action plan. PAC and community-academic research partners experienced the transformative power of centering the lived experiences of patients of color to promote health equity in cancer research.

Conclusion

Establishing a patient advisory council at a safety net hospital cancer care center provided a platform for engaging a hardly reached population in patient centered research.
Novel double-filtration plasmapheresis preserves fibrinogen while removing immunoglobulin-G antibodies before ABO blood type-incompatible kidney transplantation
Authors: Iwami Daiki , Matsumoto Takenao , Ono Kota , Hotta Kiyohiko , Ota Minoru , Chiba Yuki , Sasaki Hajime , Hirose Takayuki , Higuchi Haruka , Takada Yusuke , Iwahara Naoya , Murai Sachiyo , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: October 2021

Background

Removal of anti-blood group antibodies is important for successful ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KTx). Double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) using albumin solution removes antibodies effectively. However, fibrinogen is largely removed resulting in hemostatic failure. Herein, we designed an altered combination of plasma membranes in DFPP (novel DFPP, nDFPP) to retain more fibrinogen while removing IgG, and assessed its efficacy and safety compared with conventional DFPP (cDFPP).

Methods

Consecutive ABOi-KTx recipients (from 2015 to 2018) were enrolled. For the first membrane, we used Cascadeflo EC-50W in nDFPP and Plasmaflo OP-08W in cDFPP, and Cascadeflo EC-20W as the second membrane in both modalities. Removal rates (RR) of IgG, IgM and fibrinogen per DFPP session, and adverse events were compared with historical control patients who underwent cDFPP before ABOi-KTx, between 2006 and 2015.

Results

nDFPP and cDFPP groups included 12 and 23 cases, respectively. nDFPP was inferior to cDFPP in RR of IgG and IgM. nDFPP was also inferior to cDFPP in the decline in anti-blood group IgG and IgM antibody titers. However, fibrinogen was more preserved in nDFPP compared with cDFPP, indicating that nDFPP has more selective removal properties (median RR of IgG, IgM, and fibrinogen: 62.1%, 15.7% and 37.6%, respectively, in nDFPP; and 74.5%, 85.0% and 76.6%, respectively, in cDFPP). In the comparison of hemostatic function among the patients who had arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis, prolonged hemostasis (> 20 min) at the cannulation site was significantly less frequently observed in nDFPP group (1 in 9 cases, 9.1%) than in cDFPP group (all 18 cases, 10%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

nDFPP preserves fibrinogen while removing anti-blood type IgG antibodies before ABOi-KTx.
Dispensing patterns of drugs used for neuropathic pain and adherence to NeuPSIG guideline: an observational study
Authors: Chahine Bahia , Al Souheil Farah
Published: October 2021

Background

Neuropathic pain is a common chronic ailment that can be challenging to treat because of the heterogeneity of its etiologies, symptoms, and underlying mechanisms. Drugs to treat neuropathic pain are highly prescribed; however, limited data exist on the rates and patterns of dispensing in Lebanon. This study was conducted to assess the patterns of dispensing neuropathic pain drugs and adherence to NeuPSIG guideline in the Lebanese adult population. An observational study was conducted at 30 community pharmacies over 10 months. Adults presenting to the community pharmacy with a prescription of at least one pain medication and diagnosed with a neuropathic pain disorder were interviewed using a questionnaire that included demographic characteristics of patients, comorbidities, neuropathic pain disorder type, physicians’ specialty, and the class and number of prescribed medications.

Results

A total of 360 patients diagnosed with painful neuropathy were enrolled in our study. The mean patients’ age was 50.2 years. Guideline-recommended first-line agents (serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and gabapentinoids) were prescribed to 278 patients (77.2%), with pregabalin being the most used drug (60.5%), nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (46.8%), opioids (15.8%), and topical agents (5.5%). Combination treatment for neuropathic pain was prescribed to 78.3% of patients.

Conclusions

In Lebanon, neuropathic pain management comply with the international NeuPSIG guideline. Pregabalin is the most commonly used drug, and combination treatments are usually needed to alleviate neuropathic pain.
A systematic review of in-patients’ antimicrobial prescriptions and status of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Nigerian hospitals
Authors: Iheanacho Chinonyerem O. , Eze Uchenna I. H.
Published: October 2021

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is a major consequence of irrational antimicrobial prescriptions and consumptions, but this can be prevented by antimicrobial stewardship. The study systematically reviewed available evidence on antimicrobial prescriptions and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes in Nigerian hospitals. This will provide insight to the extent of required interventions, for improved healthcare.

Main body

Published research from January 1 2010 to March 31 2021 from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online and Google scholar databases was reviewed using Preferred Regulatory Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines 2009. Studies that reported antimicrobial use and antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Nigerian hospitals within the period in focus were assessed for eligibility. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) quality assessment tool was used to assess quality of included studies. Among 15 studies included based on inclusion criteria, 12 reported on antimicrobial prescriptions and 3 reported on status of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Nigerian hospitals. Most studies reported high prevalence of antimicrobials prescriptions with broad spectrum antimicrobials, majority of which were inappropriate. Empirical antimicrobial prescribing was common, and this was mostly done with less cognisance to existing guidelines. Only few hospitals were observed to have formal AMS teams in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials was common among prescribers in Nigeria. Although there was paucity of studies on status of AMS, the available few showed very low prevalence of AMS teams in hospitals. There is urgent need for implementation of AMS in Nigerian hospitals, to enhance rational antimicrobial use. Meanwhile more research on AMS in Nigerian hospitals is needed.
Correlation between sit-to-stand ability, dynamic balance, gait speed, and quality of life in stroke population: a non-randomized pilot study
Authors: Azharuddin Muhammad , Zia Nayeem U.
Published: October 2021

Background

“Sit to stand” being a prerequisite for walking, the inability of patients to perform it can result in institutionalization, impaired functioning and mobility in activities of daily living. There was a need to find out whether “sit to stand” ability correlates with gait speed, dynamic balance, and quality of life in stroke patients. It is a pilot study in which sixteen sub-acute and chronic stroke (˃ 6 months) patients aged 45 to 65 years with the ability to walk at least 10 m, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ˃ 27 were included. Patients with musculoskeletal impairments of lower extremity which would affect walking were excluded from the study. Each patient performed five times sit to stand (5TSTS) from a standard chair and time taken was recorded. Timed up and go (TUG) test and 10-m walk test (10MWT) were used to measure the dynamic balance and gait speed respectively. Stroke Adapted Sickness Impact Profile-30 (SASIP-30) scale was used to determine the quality of life of the patients.

Results

Correlation between the outcomes of the variables was analyzed using Pearson correlation co-efficient. The 5TSTS scores showed strong positive correlation to TUG (r = 0.823, P < .000) and SASIP-30 (r = 0.841, P < .000). However, moderately strong negative relationship was found between 5TSTS and gait speed (r = −0.639, P < .008).

Conclusion

The study concludes that change in the 5TSTS performance can affect motor functions like dynamic balance and gait as well as quality of life. Exercise training focusing on sit-to-stand ability may also influence activities of daily living (ADLs) after stroke.
Projection hypothesis from the von Neumann-type interaction with a Bose-Einstein condensate
Authors: Konishi Eiji
Published: October 2021

We derive the projection hypothesis in projective quantum measurement by restricting the set of observables. This projection hypothesis accompanies a bipartite system with the von Neumann-type interaction, which consists of a quantum mechanical system, with a meter variable to be measured, and a quantum field theoretically macroscopic extended object, that is, a spatiotemporally inhomogeneous Bose-Einstein condensate in quantum field theory with the quantum coordinate, that is, the zero-energy Goldstone mode(s) of the spontaneously broken global spatial translational symmetry. The key steps in the derivation are the return of the symmetry translation of this quantum coordinate to the inverse translation of the c-number spatial coordinate in quantum field theory and the reduction of quantum fluctuations to classical fluctuations with respect to the Goldstone mode(s) due to a superselection rule.
Variations in Sleep Characteristics and Glucose Regulation in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Griggs Stephanie , Grey Margaret , Strohl Kingman P , Crawford Sybil L , Margevicius Seunghee , Kashyap Sangeeta R , Li Chiang-Shan R , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Hickman Ronald L
Published: October 2021

Context

Short sleep duration and sleep disruptions are associated with impaired glucoregulation in type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the mechanistic pathways between sleep and glucose variability remain unclear.

Objective

To determine within- and between-person associations between objective sleep-wake characteristics and glucose variability indices.

Methods

Multilevel models were used to analyze concurrent sleep and glucose patterns over 7 days in 42 young adults with T1D in their natural home environment. Young adults with T1D (mean age 22.2 ± 3.0 years, HbA1c 7.2%, 32.6% male) for at least 6 months with no other medical or major psychiatric comorbidity were included. Sleep-wake characteristics were measured via wrist actigraphy and glucose variability indices via a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

Results

Lower sleep efficiency predicted higher glucose variability (less time in range β = 0.011 and more time in hyperglycemia β = −0.011) within-person. A longer wake after sleep onset and more sleep disruptions were associated with higher glucose variability between persons (β = 0.28 and 0.31). Higher glucose variability predicted poorer sleep within-person (delayed bedtime, waketime, mid-sleep time, and lower sleep efficiency), while higher glucose variability was associated with poorer sleep and more sleep disruptions between persons (lower sleep efficiency, longer wake after sleep onset, and a higher sleep fragmentation index).

Conclusion

Clinicians can address the reciprocal nature of the sleep-glucose relationship by optimizing sleep and targeting efforts toward a euglycemic range overnight. Sleep habits are a modifiable personal target in diabetes care.
Impact of Hydrocortisone and of CRH Infusion on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis of Septic Male Mice
Authors: Téblick Arno , De Bruyn Lauren , Van Oudenhove Tim , Vander Perre Sarah , Pauwels Lies , Derde Sarah , Langouche Lies , Van den Berghe Greet
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Sepsis is hallmarked by high plasma cortisol/corticosterone (CORT), low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and high pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). While corticotropin-releasing hormone-(CRH) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP)-driven pituitary POMC expression remains active, POMC processing into ACTH becomes impaired. Low ACTH is accompanied by loss of adrenocortical structure, although steroidogenic enzymes remain expressed. We hypothesized that treatment of sepsis with hydrocortisone (HC) aggravates this phenotype whereas CRH infusion safeguards ACTH-driven adrenocortical structure.

Methods

In a fluid-resuscitated, antibiotics-treated mouse model of prolonged sepsis, we compared the effects of HC and CRH infusion with placebo on plasma ACTH, POMC, and CORT; on markers of hypothalamic CRH and AVP signaling and pituitary POMC processing; and on the adrenocortical structure and markers of steroidogenesis. In adrenal explants, we studied the steroidogenic capacity of POMC.

Results

During sepsis, HC further suppressed plasma ACTH, but not POMC, predominantly by suppressing sepsis-activated CRH/AVP-signaling pathways. In contrast, in CRH-treated sepsis, plasma ACTH was normalized following restoration of pituitary POMC processing. The sepsis-induced rise in markers of adrenocortical steroidogenesis was unaltered by CRH and suppressed partially by HC, which also increased adrenal markers of inflammation. Ex vivo stimulation of adrenal explants with POMC increased CORT as effectively as an equimolar dose of ACTH.

Conclusions

Treatment of sepsis with HC impaired integrity and function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis at the level of the pituitary and the adrenal cortex while CRH restored pituitary POMC processing without affecting the adrenal cortex. Sepsis-induced high-circulating POMC may be responsible for ongoing adrenocortical steroidogenesis despite low ACTH.
Novel Noninvasive Approaches to the Treatment of Obesity: From Pharmacotherapy to Gene Therapy
Authors: Angelidi Angeliki M , Belanger Matthew J , Kokkinos Alexander , Koliaki Chrysi C , Mantzoros Christos S
Published: October 2021

Recent insights into the pathophysiologic underlying mechanisms of obesity have led to the discovery of several promising drug targets and novel therapeutic strategies to address the global obesity epidemic and its comorbidities. Current pharmacologic options for obesity management are largely limited in number and of modest efficacy/safety profile. Therefore, the need for safe and more efficacious new agents is urgent. Drugs that are currently under investigation modulate targets across a broad range of systems and tissues, including the central nervous system, gastrointestinal hormones, adipose tissue, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle. Beyond pharmacotherapeutics, other potential antiobesity strategies are being explored, including novel drug delivery systems, vaccines, modulation of the gut microbiome, and gene therapy. The present review summarizes the pathophysiology of energy homeostasis and highlights pathways being explored in the effort to develop novel antiobesity medications and interventions but does not cover devices and bariatric methods. Emerging pharmacologic agents and alternative approaches targeting these pathways and relevant research in both animals and humans are presented in detail. Special emphasis is given to treatment options at the end of the development pipeline and closer to the clinic (ie, compounds that have a higher chance to be added to our therapeutic armamentarium in the near future). Ultimately, advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology and interindividual variation of obesity may lead to multimodal and personalized approaches to obesity treatment that will result in safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss until the root causes of the problem are identified and addressed.
Live imaging of retinotectal mapping reveals topographic map dynamics and a previously undescribed role for Contactin 2 in map sharpening
Authors: Spead Olivia , Weaver Cory J. , Moreland Trevor , Poulain Fabienne E.
Published: October 2021

Organization of neuronal connections into topographic maps is essential for processing information. Yet, our understanding of topographic mapping has remained limited by our inability to observe maps forming and refining directly in vivo. Here, we used Cre-mediated recombination of a new colorswitch reporter in zebrafish to generate the first transgenic model allowing the dynamic analysis of retinotectal mapping in vivo. We found that the antero-posterior retinotopic map forms early but remains dynamic, with nasal and temporal retinal axons expanding their projection domains over time. Nasal projections initially arborize in the anterior tectum but progressively refine their projection domain to the posterior tectum, leading to the sharpening of the retinotopic map along the antero-posterior axis. Finally, using a CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis approach, we demonstrate that the refinement of nasal retinal projections requires the adhesion molecule Contactin 2. Altogether, our study provides the first analysis of a topographic map maturing in real time in a live animal and opens new strategies for dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying precise topographic mapping in vertebrates.
Singing and music making: physiological responses across early to later stages of dementia
Authors: Walker Nina , Crutch Sebastian J. , West Julian , Jones Fergal W. , Brotherhood Emilie V. , Harding Emma , Camic Paul M.
Published: October 2021

Background: Music based interventions have been found to improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia. More recently there has been interest in physiological measures to provide additional information about how music and singing impact this population.

Methods: This multiple-case study design explored physiological responses (heart rate-HR, electrodermal activity-EDA, movement, and skin temperature-ST) of nine people with mild-to-moderate dementia during a singing group, and six people in the later stages of dementia during an interactive music group. The interactive music group was also video recorded to provide information about engagement. Data were analysed using simulation modelling analysis.            

Results: The singing group showed an increase in EDA (p < 0.01 for 8/9 participants) and HR (p < 0.01 for 5/9 participants) as the session began. HR (p < 0.0001 for 5/9 participants) and ST (p < 0.0001 for 6/9 participants) increased during faster paced songs. EDA (p < 0.01 all), movement (p < 0.01 for 8/9 participants) and engagement were higher during an interactive music group compared to a control session (music listening). EDA (p < 0.0001 for 14/18 participants) and ST (p < 0.001 for 10/18 participants) increased and in contrast to the responses during singing, HR decreased as the sessions began (p < 0.002 for 9/18 participants). EDA was higher during slower music (p < 0.0001 for 13/18 participants), however this was less consistent in more interactive sessions than the control. There were no consistent changes in HR and movement responses during different styles of music.  

Conclusions: Physiological measures may provide valuable information about the experiences of people with dementia participating in arts and other activities, particularly for those with verbal communication difficulties. Future research should consider using physiological measures with video-analysis and observational measures to explore further how engagement in specific activities, wellbeing and physiology interact.
The genome sequences of the male and female green-veined white, Pieris napi (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Lohse Konrad , Hayward Alex , Ebdon Sam ,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2021

We present genome assemblies from a male and female Pieris napi (the green-veined white; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Pieridae). The genome sequences of the male and female are 320 and 319 megabases in span, respectively. The majority of the assembly (99.79% of the male assembly, 99.88% of the female) is scaffolded into 24 autosomal pseudomolecules, with the Z sex chromosome assembled for the male and Z and W chromosomes assembled for the female. Gene annotation of the male assembly on Ensembl has identified 13,221 protein coding genes.
PAPR Reduction in MIMO-OFDM Systems Using Low- Complexity Additive Signal Mixing
Authors:   School of Engineering, University of Nairobi, Kenya, Kiambi Stephen , Mwangi Elijah , Kamucha George
Published: October 2021

A MIMO-OFDM wireless communication technique possesses several advantages accrued from combining MIMO and OFDM techniques such as increased channel capacity and improved BER performance. This has made the technique very amiable to current and future generations of communication systems for high data-rate transmission. However, the technique also inherits the high PAPR problem associated with OFDM signals—a problem still requiring a practical solution. This work proposes a PAPR reduction algorithm for solving the problem of high PAPR in MIMO-OFDM systems. The proposed method uses a low-complexity signal mixing concept to combine the original transmit signal and a generated peak-cancelling signal. The computational complexity of the proposed method is O(M) , which is very much less than O(N log2 N) of the FFT algorithms. This is because M, which denotes the number of nonzero peakcancelling samples, is much less than N, the FFT window size. The proposed method was found to achieve high PAPR reductions while utilizing only a few nonzero peak-cancelling samples and it does not significantly change the power of the transmitted signal. For example, with M=5% of 256-point IFFT samples, corresponding to a data rate loss of 4.8%, a large PAPR reduction of 5.9 dB could be achieved at a small power loss of 0.09 dB. Compared with other methods proposed in literature, the proposed method was found to outperform them in terms of PAPR reductions and BER performance.
Performance Analysis of 5G Stand Alone Inter-band Carrier Aggregation
Authors:   Telecommunication Engineering Institut Teknologi Telkom Purwokerto, Purwokerto 53147, Indonesia, Hikmaturokhman Alfin , Larasati Levina Anora, Solichah , Sukarno Ari , Syafrullah Rizky , Ni’amah Khoirun
Published: October 2021

Today, high data rate is the prior requirement to support services and applications. It is definitely a challenge for the 5G New Radio (NR) in providing high data rates, in order to support use cases, especially enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB). The objective of this research is to design a 5G network which has greater data rates employing carrier aggregation techniques. Carrier Aggregation (CA) is a way which is able to improve data rates by aggregate component carriers, hence, it can make a wider bandwidth. There are three modes of CA scenario that can be used: intra-band contiguous CA, intra-band non-contiguous CA, and inter-band noncontiguous CA. In this research, the 5G network planning with carrier aggregation on inter-band employing bandwidth 40 MHz at frequency 2300 MHz and bandwidth 100 MHz at frequency 3500 MHz was simulated in Mentum Planet software. The simulation implemented at Marunda Center Industrial Area in Bekasi used downlink outdoor-to-indoor (O2I) with Line of Sight (LOS) scenario. The parameters analyzed in this research employed three main parameters: SS-RSRP, SS-SINR and data rate, which resulted CA SS-RSRP increased by 0.14%, SSSINR increased by 4.48%, and peak data rate increased up to 1412.26 Mbps from 312.872 Mbps
ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ЭМОЦИОНАЛЬНОЙ СОСТАВЛЯЮЩЕЙ УДОВЛЕТВОРЕННОСТИ СТУДЕНТАМИ ДИСТАНЦИОННЫМИ ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНЫМИ ТЕХНОЛОГИЯМИ
Authors: Matafonova Svetlana I. , Usheva Tatiana F.
Published: October 2021

В статье представлен обобщённый анализ обратной связи студентов по вопросам реализации дистанционных образовательных технологий.

Предметом представленной работы является отношение студентов к дистанционным образовательным технологиям.

Цель. Данное исследование показывает эмоциональную составляющую удовлетворенности студентами в отношении к обучению с применением дистанционных образовательных технологий.

Методология проведения работы. В основу исследования положен рефлексивный подход, который позволяет анализировать деятельность и проектировать будущий шаг образовательного процесса. В статье анализируются психологические аспекты эмоциональной составляющей удовлетворенности студентами от использования в высшем образовании дистанционных форм обучения. В ходе исследования использовались психолого-педагогические методы. Для анализа ответов анкетирования были использованы как методы контент-анализа, так и методы частотного анализа.

Результаты. Авторами было проведено исследование на кафедре социальной педагогики и психологии на базе ФГБОУ ВО «Иркутский государственный университет» Педагогического института, в 2020-2021 учебном году. Разработана и проведена в формате онлайн анкета на тему «Удовлетворенность дистанционным обучением». Исследование включало в себя пять разделов: релевантность, мотивированность, оценка рефлексивности, оценка качества преподавания и общая оценка удовлетворенности.

Область применения результатов. Представлен анализ данных, определяющий возможность использования в высшем образовании дистанционных образовательных инструментов для организации эффективного учебного процесса.
Prevention of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Using the Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach: A Case Report
Authors: Park Min Suk , Yoon Jin A , Lee Jae Woo , Kim Joo Hyoung
Published: October 2021

Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a major complication of breast cancer surgery. The lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach, a surgical technique that can prevent breast cancer-related lymphedema, creates a lymphovenous bypass between the damaged axillary lymphatics during axillary lymph node dissection and the axillary vein. We report a case using the unilateral lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach in a patient with bilateral breast cancer. A 58-year-old woman diagnosed with bilateral invasive ductal carcinoma underwent a bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy. The lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach was performed on the left side after axillary lymph node dissection; the lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach was not performed after axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy on the right side. Six months after the surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center stage 2 lymphedema was observed in the lymphography images of the right arm, where the lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach had not been performed.
Microsurgical Reconstruction of Lower Limb Using Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Chimeric Free Flap after Popliteal Artery Revascularization: A Case Report
Authors: Choi Bu Hyeon , Chang Lan Sook , Park Seong Oh , Kim Youn Hwan
Published: October 2021

Although traumatic popliteal artery injury is uncommon, it can significantly increase the risk of limb amputation because of the anatomical complexity and delayed diagnosis and treatment. Various tools are available for treatment. Recently, an endovascular approach has been attempted for such injuries; however, open surgical repair remains the standard treatment. An integrated and stepwise procedure involving multidisciplinary specialists, including emergency department personnel for initial evaluation, orthopedic surgeons for treating accompanying fractures or dislocations, vascular and plastic surgeons for vessel repair, and interventional radiologists for immediate diagnosis and implementation of the endovascular approach, is needed. Covering wound defects due to skin and soft tissue necrosis and irreversible ischemic damage remains difficult despite successfully revascularizing the injured vessels. Here, we describe a case of revascularization after popliteal artery injury along with successful reconstruction of a complex defect with a thoracodorsal artery perforator chimeric free flap when recipient vessel selection was limited.
Customer Choice Models vs. Machine Learning: Finding Optimal Product Displays on Alibaba
Authors: Feldman Jacob , Zhang Dennis J. , Liu Xiaofei , Zhang Nannan
Published: October 2021

We compare the performance of two approaches for finding the optimal set of products to display to customers landing on Alibaba's two online marketplaces, Tmall and Taobao. Both approaches were placed online simultaneously and tested on real customers for one week. The first approach we test is Alibaba's current practice. This procedure embeds thousands of product and customer features within a sophisticated machine-learning algorithm that is used to estimate the purchase probabilities of each product for the customer at hand. Our second approach uses a featurized multinomial logit (MNL) model to predict purchase probabilities for each arriving customer. In this way, we use less sophisticated machinery to estimate purchase probabilities, but we employ a model that was built to capture customer purchasing behavior and, more specifically, substitution patterns. Our experiments show that despite the lower prediction power of our MNL-based approach, it generates significantly higher revenue per visit compared with the current machine-learning algorithm with the same set of features.