bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from on-farm and conventional hatching broiler farms in Ireland
Authors: Byrne Noelle , O’Neill Lorcan , Dίaz Julia Adriana Calderόn , Manzanilla Edgar Garcίa , Vale Ana P. , Leonard Finola C.
Published: April 2022

Background

On-farm hatching (OH) systems are becoming more common in broiler production. Hatching conditions differ from conventional farms as OH chicks avoid exposure to handling, transport, post-hatch water and feed deprivation. In contrast, chicks in conventional hatching conditions (CH) are exposed to standard hatchery procedures and transported post hatching. The objectives of this pilot study were to investigate the prevalence and frequency of Escherichia coli resistant to antimicrobials, including presumptive ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli, isolated from environmental and faecal samples from OH versus CH hatching systems, and to investigate the presence of ESBL/AmpC-producing encoding genes.

Results

Environmental samples were collected from one flock in 10 poultry farms (5 OH farms, 5 CH farms) on day 0 post disinfection of the facilities to assess hygiene standards. On D10 and D21 post egg/chick arrival onto the farm, samples of faeces, boot swabs and water drinker lines were collected.

E. coli were isolated on MacConkey agar (MC) and MacConkey supplemented with cefotaxime (MC+). Few E. coli were detected on D0. However, on D10 and D21 E. coli isolates were recovered from faeces and boot swabs. Water samples had minimal contamination. In this study, 100% of cefotaxime resistant E. coli isolates (n=33) detected on selective media and 44% of E. coli isolates (84/192) detected on nonselective media were multidrug resistant (MDR). The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genotype for the 15 ESBL/AmpC producing isolates was determined using multiplex PCR. Six of these were selected for Sanger sequencing of which two were positive for blaCMY-2, two for blaTEM-1 and two were positive for both genes.

Conclusions

There was no difference in E. coli isolation rates or prevalence of AMR found between the OH versus CH systems, suggesting that the OH system may not be an additional risk of resistant E. coli dissemination to broilers compared to the CH systems. The frequency of β-lactam resistant E. coli in boot swab and faeces samples across both OH (24/33 (73%)) and CH (9/33 (27%)) systems may indicate that hatcheries could be a reservoir and major contributor to the transmission of AMR bacteria to flocks after entry to the rearing farms.
Prevalence of ophthalmological manifestations in pediatric and adolescent populations with Down syndrome: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Muñoz-Ortiz Juliana , Charry-Sánchez Jesús David , Bechara-Arango Isabella , Blanco-Becerra Mariana , Talero-Gutiérrez Claudia , Gomez-Suarez Marcela , de-la-Torre Alejandra
Published: April 2022

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal anomaly that is characterized by an extra chromosome 21. Ophthalmological manifestations have a high prevalence in patients with DS.

Purpose

To review the scientific evidence and estimate the prevalence of ophthalmological manifestations in the pediatric population with DS.

Data sources

Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and LILACS.

Study eligibility criteria

Published observational studies with available and original data were included. Articles were excluded if the study design was a review, letter to the editor, case report, case series, or systematic review and if the subjects had ophthalmological manifestations secondary to other conditions.

Participants and interventions

Pediatric and adolescent population with DS and with ophthalmological evaluation.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

A data collection form was designed in Excel. Five reviewers extracted relevant details about the design and results of each study. The quality of the studies was assessed by applying the tools for systematic reviews of prevalence and incidence from the Joanna Briggs Institute. We calculated the weighted prevalence of ophthalmological manifestations, considering only the studies reporting the measurement of each manifestation.

Results

Twenty-two articles (from 15 countries, published during 1994–2020) were included in the present systematic review. Ocular manifestations were observed in 85% of the studied pediatric and adolescent populations with DS. The most frequent ones were slanting fissures, oblique fissures, epicanthus, and epiblepharon.

Conclusion

The ocular manifestations in the pediatric and adolescent populations with DS are varied, and some can irreversibly affect visual development. Screening of the pediatric population with DS should be conducted from the first months of age and continued annually.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019127717
Attachment styles and their association with aggression, hostility, and anger in Lebanese adolescents: a national study
Authors: Maalouf Elise , Salameh Pascale , Haddad Chadia , Sacre Hala , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: April 2022

Background

The idea that attachment styles can affect the level of anger in an individual educes a reason why people develop anger issues and behavioral problems in adolescence that escalate into adulthood. Lebanon suffers from a shortage of data pertaining to insecure attachment styles and the affective and cognitive aspects of anger and behavioral anger expression among the Lebanese youth population. This study aimed to investigate the association between attachment dimensions and anger expression (trait anger, hostility, physical aggression, and verbal aggression) among a sample of Lebanese adolescent participants.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed between January and May 2019 among 1810 Lebanese high-school students aged 12–18 and used two validated measures, the Adolescent-Relationship Questionnaire (A-RQ) and The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The A-RQ assessed attachment behaviors, while the BPAQ evaluated aggression.

Results

Higher fearful and dismissing attachment styles, and higher physical activity index were significantly associated with higher physical and verbal aggression. A higher fearful attachment style was significantly associated with more anger. A higher secure attachment style was significantly associated with less anger. Higher preoccupied and dismissing attachment styles were significantly associated with higher hostility.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a significant relationship between both insecure attachment dimensions and the tripartite model of anger expression. This study adds to the anger literature by providing a more informed understanding of how variations in anger expression are linked to the processing of interpersonal interactions, which are the hidden facets of attachment systems.
Time-independent forecast model for large crustal earthquakes in southwest Japan using GNSS data
Authors: Nishimura Takuya
Published: April 2022

In this study, we developed a regional likelihood model for crustal earthquakes using geodetic strain-rate data from southwest Japan. First, the smoothed strain-rate distributions were estimated from continuous Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements. Second, we removed the elastic strain rate attributed to interplate coupling on the subducting plate boundary, including the observed strain rate, under the assumption that it is not attributed to permanent loading on crustal faults. We then converted the geodetic strain rates to seismic moment rates and calculated the 30-year probability for M ≥ 6 earthquakes in 0.2 × 0.2° cells, using a truncated Gutenberg–Richter law and time-independent Poisson process. Likelihood models developed using different conversion equations, seismogenic thicknesses, and rigidities were validated using the epicenters and moment distribution of historical earthquakes. The average seismic moment rate of crustal earthquakes recorded during 1586–2020 was only 13–20% of the seismic moment rate converted from the geodetic data, which suggests that the observed geodetic strain rate includes considerable inelastic strain. Therefore, we introduced an empirical coefficient to calibrate the moment rate converted from geodetic data with the moment rate of the earthquakes. Several statistical scores and the Molchan diagram showed all models could predict real earthquakes better than the reference model, in which earthquakes occur uniformly in space. Models using principal horizontal strain rates exhibited better predictive skill than those using the maximum horizontal shear strain rate. There were no significant differences in predictive skill between uniform and variable distributions for seismogenic thickness and rigidity. The preferred models suggested high 30-year probability in the Niigata–Kobe Tectonic Zone and central Kyushu, exceeding 1% in more than half of the analyzed region. The model predictive skill was also verified by a prospective test using earthquakes recorded during 2010–2020. This study suggests that the proposed forecast model based on geodetic data can improve the regional likelihood model for crustal earthquakes in Japan in combination with other forecast models based on active faults and seismicity.

Graphical Abstract
Global Aging and Cancer: Advancing Care Through Innovation
Authors: Extermann Martine , Hernández-Favela Celia Gabriela , Soto Perez de Celis Enrique , Kanesvaran Ravindran
Published: April 2022

The oncology field, like many others, is digitalizing rapidly, a phenomenon that may have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This movement is creating opportunities and challenges. Another rapidly developing change is the aging of the global population; because cancer is a disease of aging, there is a need for health systems to adapt to taking care of such patients. In this article, we address how these innovative technologies can be leveraged to improve the care of older patients with cancer beyond academic centers, such as in underserved areas and low- and middle-income countries. We review how digital technologies can be used to enhance the follow-up of patients in low- and middle-income countries. We also tackle the issue of training a global workforce to treat cancer in an aging population and how to leverage innovations in this matter. Finally, we review opportunities to expand the usefulness of big data and machine learning beyond academic centers to support private practices and underserved areas.
Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk: The Oncogenic Implications of Metabolic Dysregulation
Authors: Naaman Sandra C , Shen Sherry , Zeytinoglu Meltem , Iyengar Neil M
Published: April 2022

Context

Breast cancer is increasing in prevalence in parallel with rising rates of obesity worldwide. Obesity is recognized as a leading modifiable risk factor for the development of breast cancer; however, this association varies considerably by clinicopathologic features, and the underlying mechanisms are complex.

Evidence Acquisition

Pubmed literature search using combinations of “obesity,” “breast cancer risk,” “diet,” “exercise,” “weight gain,” “weight loss,” “adipose tissue inflammation,” “crown-like structure,” “immune markers,” “metformin,” “gliflozins,” “SGLT-2i,” “GLP1-RA,” and related terms.

Evidence Synthesis

Elevated body mass index and weight gain are associated with increased risk of postmenopausal, hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that adverse measures of body composition in individuals of any weight can also confer increased breast cancer risk. Mechanistically, various factors including altered adipokine balance, dysfunctional adipose tissue, dysregulated insulin signaling, and chronic inflammation contribute to tumorigenesis. Weight loss and more specifically fat mass loss through lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions improve serum metabolic and inflammatory markers, sex hormone levels, and measures of breast density, suggesting a link to decreased breast cancer risk.

Conclusion

Incorporating markers of metabolic health and body composition measures with body mass index can capture breast cancer risk more comprehensively. Further studies of interventions targeting body fat levels are needed to curb the growing prevalence of obesity-related cancer.
Identification of Risk Factors in the Development of Heterotopic Ossification After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Singh Sukhmani , Morshed Saam , Motamedi Daria , Kidane Joseph , Paul Alexandra , Hsiao Edward C , Wentworth Kelly L
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a process by which bone forms abnormally in soft tissues. Known risk factors for developing HO include male sex, spinal cord injury, trauma, and surgery. We investigated additional risk factors in the development of HO after hip arthroplasty.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of electronic medical records of 4070 individuals who underwent hip arthroplasty from September 2010 to October 2019 at the University of California, San Francisco Hospital. Demographics, anthropometrics, medications, and comorbid conditions were used in logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with the development of HO.

Results

A total of 2541 patients underwent primary hip arthroplasty in the analyzed timeframe (46.04% men, mean age at procedure: 62.13 ± 13.29 years). The incidence of postsurgical HO was 3% (n = 80). A larger proportion of individuals who developed HO had underlying osteoporosis (P < 0.001), vitamin D deficiency (P < 0.001), spine disease (P < 0.001), type 1 or 2 diabetes (P < 0.001), amenorrhea (P = 0.037), postmenopausal status (P < 0.001), parathyroid disorders (P = 0.011), and history of pathologic fracture (P = 0.005). Significant predictors for HO development were Black/African American race [odds ratio (OR) 2.97, P = 0.005], preexisting osteoporosis (OR 2.72, P = 0.001), spine disease (OR 2.04, P = 0.036), and low estrogen states (OR 1.99, P = 0.025). In the overall group, 75.64% received perioperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which negatively correlated with HO formation (OR 0.39, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

We identified new factors potentially associated with an increased risk of developing HO after primary hip arthroplasty, including African American race, osteoporosis, and low estrogen states. These patients may benefit from HO prophylaxis, such as perioperative NSAIDs.
Continuation of Gender-affirming Hormones Among Transgender Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Roberts Christina M , Klein David A , Adirim Terry A , Schvey Natasha A , Hisle-Gorman Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Concerns about future regret and treatment discontinuation have led to restricted access to gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) minors in some jurisdictions. However, these concerns are merely speculative because few studies have examined gender-affirming hormone continuation rates among TGD individuals.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of 2009 to 2018 medical and pharmacy records from the US Military Healthcare System. We identified TGD patients who were children and spouses of active-duty, retired, or deceased military members using International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes. We assessed initiation and continuation of gender-affirming hormones using pharmacy records. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses estimated continuation rates.

Results

The study sample included 627 transmasculine and 325 transfeminine individuals with an average age of 19.2 ± 5.3 years. The 4-year gender-affirming hormone continuation rate was 70.2% (95% CI, 63.9-76.5). Transfeminine individuals had a higher continuation rate than transmasculine individuals 81.0% (72.0%-90.0%) vs 64.4% (56.0%-72.8%). People who started hormones as minors had higher continuation rate than people who started as adults 74.4% (66.0%-82.8%) vs 64.4% (56.0%-72.8%). Continuation was not associated with household income or family member type. In Cox regression, both transmasculine gender identity (hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.50-3.86) and starting hormones as an adult (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.14-2.52) were independently associated with increased discontinuation rates.

Discussion

Our results suggest that >70% of TGD individuals who start gender-affirming hormones will continue use beyond 4 years, with higher continuation rates in transfeminine individuals. Patients who start hormones, with their parents’ assistance, before age 18 years have higher continuation rates than adults.
Burnout Syndrome Among Anesthesia Providers Working in Public Hospitals in Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Tuyishime Eugene , McIsaac Daniel I. , Mumbwe Mbangu C. , Ruhato Banguti Paulin , Mvukiyehe Jean Paul , Nzarora Josue , Bould M. Dylan
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Many studies address anesthesia provider burnout in high-income countries; however, there is a paucity of data on burnout for anesthesia providers in low-income countries (LICs). Our objectives were (1) to evaluate the prevalence of burnout among anesthesia providers in Rwandan hospitals and (2) to determine factors associated with burnout among anesthesia providers in Rwandan hospitals.

METHODS:

A questionnaire was sent to selected Rwandan anesthesia providers working in public hospitals. The questionnaire assessed burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey, a validated 22-item survey used to measure burnout among health professionals. Sociodemographic and work-related factors found to be associated with burnout were also assessed using logistic regression in a Bayesian framework to estimate odds ratios (OR) and associated credible intervals (CrIs).

RESULTS:

Surveys were distributed to 137 Rwandan anesthesia providers; 99 (72.3%) were returned. Sixty-six (67%) respondents were nonphysician anesthesia providers. Burnout was present in 26 of 99 (26.3%) participants (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.9–36.1). When considering weakly informative priors, we found a 99% probability that not having the right team (OR, 5.36%; 95 CrI, 1.34–23.53) and the frequency of seeing patients with negative outcomes such as death or permanent disability (OR, 9.62; 95% CrI, 2.48–42.84) were associated with burnout.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a cross-sectional survey of anesthesia providers in Rwanda, more than a quarter of respondents met the criteria for burnout. Lacking the right team and seeing negative outcomes were associated with higher burnout rate. These identified factors should be addressed to prevent the negative consequences of burnout, such as poor patient outcomes.
Phenotype assessment for neurodegenerative murine models with ataxia and application to Niemann–Pick disease, type C1
Authors: Yerger Julia , Cougnoux Antony C. , Abbott Craig B. , Luke Rachel , Clark Tannia S. , Cawley Niamh X. , Porter Forbes D. , Davidson Cristin D.
Published: April 2022

Identifying meaningful predictors of therapeutic efficacy from preclinical studies is challenging. However, clinical manifestations occurring in both patients and mammalian models offer significant translational value. Many neurological disorders, including inherited, metabolic Niemann–Pick disease, type C (NPC), exhibit ataxia. Both individuals with NPC and murine models manifest ataxia, and investigational therapies impacting this phenotype in mice have been reported to slow disease progression in patients (e.g. miglustat, intrathecal 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, and acetyl-L-leucine). Reproducible phenotypic scoring of animal models can facilitate comparisons between genotypes, sexes, disease course, and therapies. Previously, other groups have developed a composite phenotypic scoring system (CPSS), which was subsequently used to distinguish strain-dependent phenotypes and, with modifications, to evaluate potential therapies. However, high inter-rater reliability is paramount to widespread use. We have created a comprehensive, easy-to-follow phenotypic assessment based on the CPSS and have verified its reproducibility using murine models of NPC disease. Application of this scoring system is not limited to NPC disease and may be applicable to other models of neurodegeneration exhibiting motor incoordination, thereby increasing its utility in translational studies.
Characterization of human nasal organoids from chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Bolt Harrison , Hon Karen , Shaghayegh Gohar , Rastin Hadi , Fenix Kevin Aaron , Psaltis Alkis James , Wormald Peter-John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: April 2022

Patient-derived organoids grown in three-dimensional cultures provide an excellent platform for phenotypic high-throughput screening and drug-response research. Organoid technology has been applied to study stem cell biology and various human pathologies. This study investigates the characteristics and cellular morphology of organoids derived from primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. Nasal organoids were cultured up to 20 days and morphological, cell composition and functional parameters were measured by immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, western blot and FACS analysis. The results showed that nasal organoids expressed the stem cell marker leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), and markers for apical junction genes, goblet cells and ciliated cells. Moreover, we were able to regrow and expand the nasal organoids well after freezing and thawing. This study provides an effective and feasible method for development of human nasal organoids, suitable for the phenotypic high-throughput screening and drug response research.
Defining the Hoxb8 cell lineage during murine definitive hematopoiesis
Authors: Van Deren Donn A. , De Shrutokirti , Xu Ben , Eschenbacher Kayla M. , Zhang Shuhua , Capecchi Mario R.
Published: April 2022

Previously, we have demonstrated that a subpopulation of microglia, known as Hoxb8 microglia, is derived from the Hoxb8 lineage during the second wave (E8.5) of yolk sac hematopoiesis, whereas canonical non-Hoxb8 microglia arise from the first wave (E7.5). Hoxb8 microglia have an ontogeny distinct from non-Hoxb8 microglia. Dysfunctional Hoxb8 microglia cause the acquisition of chronic anxiety and an obsessive-compulsive spectrum-like behavior, trichotillomania, in mice. The nature and fate of the progenitors generated during E8.5 yolk sac hematopoiesis have been controversial. Herein, we use the Hoxb8 cell lineage reporter to define the ontogeny of hematopoietic cells arising during the definitive waves of hematopoiesis initiated in the E8.5 yolk sac and aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region. Our murine cell lineage analysis shows that the Hoxb8 cell lineage reporter robustly marks erythromyeloid progenitors, hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny, particularly monocytes. Hoxb8 progenitors and microglia require Myb function, a hallmark transcription factor for definitive hematopoiesis, for propagation and maturation. During adulthood, all immune lineages and, interestingly, resident macrophages in only hematopoietic/lymphoid tissues are derived from Hoxb8 precursors. These results illustrate that the Hoxb8 lineage exclusively mirrors murine definitive hematopoiesis.
Lmo7 recruits myosin II heavy chain to regulate actomyosin contractility and apical domain size inXenopusectoderm
Authors: Matsuda Miho , Chu Chih-Wen , Sokol Sergei Y.
Published: April 2022

Apical constriction, or a reduction in size of the apical domain, underlies many morphogenetic events during development. Actomyosin complexes play an essential role in apical constriction; however, the detailed analysis of molecular mechanisms is still pending. Here, we show that Lim domain only protein 7 (Lmo7), a multidomain adaptor at apical junctions, promotes apical constriction in the Xenopus superficial ectoderm, whereas apical domain size increases in Lmo7-depleted cells. Lmo7 is primarily localized at apical junctions and promotes the formation of the dense circumferential actomyosin belt. Strikingly, Lmo7 binds non-muscle myosin II (NMII) and recruits it to apical junctions and the apical cortex. This NMII recruitment is essential for Lmo7-mediated apical constriction. Lmo7 knockdown decreases NMIIA localization at apical junctions and delays neural tube closure in Xenopus embryos. Our findings suggest that Lmo7 serves as a scaffold that regulates actomyosin contractility and apical domain size.
Revisiting the role of Notch in nephron segmentation confirms a role for proximal fate selection during mouse and human nephrogenesis
Authors: Duvall Kathryn , Crist Lauren , Perl Alison J. , Pode Shakked Naomi , Chaturvedi Praneet , Kopan Raphael
Published: April 2022

Notch signaling promotes maturation of nephron epithelia, but its proposed contribution to nephron segmentation into proximal and distal domains has been called into doubt. We leveraged single cell and bulk RNA-seq, quantitative immunofluorescent lineage/fate tracing, and genetically modified human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to revisit this question in developing mouse kidneys and human kidney organoids. We confirmed that Notch signaling is needed for maturation of all nephron lineages, and thus mature lineage markers fail to detect a fate bias. By contrast, early markers identified a distal fate bias in cells lacking Notch2, and a concomitant increase in early proximal and podocyte fates in cells expressing hyperactive Notch1 was observed. Orthogonal support for a conserved role for Notch signaling in the distal/proximal axis segmentation is provided by the demonstration that nicastrin (NCSTN)-deficient human iPSC-derived organoids differentiate into TFA2B+ distal tubule and CDH1+ connecting segment progenitors, but not into HNF4A+ or LTL+ proximal progenitors.
The clinical manifestations, molecular mechanisms and treatment of craniosynostosis
Authors: Stanton Eloise , Urata Mark , Chen Jian-Fu , Chai Yang
Published: April 2022

Craniosynostosis is a major congenital craniofacial disorder characterized by the premature fusion of cranial suture(s). Patients with severe craniosynostosis often have impairments in hearing, vision, intracranial pressure and/or neurocognitive functions. Craniosynostosis can result from mutations, chromosomal abnormalities or adverse environmental effects, and can occur in isolation or in association with numerous syndromes. To date, surgical correction remains the primary treatment for craniosynostosis, but it is associated with complications and with the potential for re-synostosis. There is, therefore, a strong unmet need for new therapies. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of our current understanding of craniosynostosis, including typical craniosynostosis types, their clinical manifestations, cranial suture development, and genetic and environmental causes. Based on studies from animal models, we present a framework for understanding the pathogenesis of craniosynostosis, with an emphasis on the loss of postnatal suture mesenchymal stem cells as an emerging disease-driving mechanism. We evaluate emerging treatment options and highlight the potential of mesenchymal stem cell-based suture regeneration as a therapeutic approach for craniosynostosis.
Chaperone-mediated assembly of the proteasome core particle – recent developments and structural insights
Authors: Schnell Helena M. , Walsh Richard M. , Rawson Shaun , Hanna John
Published: April 2022

Much of cellular activity is mediated by large multisubunit complexes. However, many of these complexes are too complicated to assemble spontaneously. Instead, their biogenesis is facilitated by dedicated chaperone proteins, which are themselves excluded from the final product. This is the case for the proteasome, a ubiquitous and highly conserved cellular regulator that mediates most selective intracellular protein degradation in eukaryotes. The proteasome consists of two subcomplexes: the core particle (CP), where proteolysis occurs, and the regulatory particle (RP), which controls substrate access to the CP. Ten chaperones function in proteasome biogenesis. Here, we review the pathway of CP biogenesis, which requires five of these chaperones and proceeds through a highly ordered multistep pathway. We focus on recent advances in our understanding of CP assembly, with an emphasis on structural insights. This pathway of CP biogenesis represents one of the most dramatic examples of chaperone-mediated assembly and provides a paradigm for understanding how large multisubunit complexes can be produced.
Combination of UNet++ and ResNeSt to classify chronic inflammation of the choledochal cystic wall in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction
Authors: Guo Wan-liang , Geng An-kang , Geng Chen , Wang Jian , Dai Ya-kang
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to establish an automatic classification model for chronic inflammation of the choledoch wall using deep learning with CT images in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM).

Methods:

CT images were obtained from 76 PBM patients, including 61 cases assigned to the training set and 15 cases assigned to the testing set. The region of interest (ROI) containing the choledochal lesion was extracted and segmented using the UNet++ network. The degree of severity of inflammation in the choledochal wall was initially classified using the ResNeSt network. The final classification result was determined per decision rules. Grad-CAM was used to explain the association between the classification basis of the network and clinical diagnosis.

Results:

Segmentation of the lesion on the common bile duct wall was roughly obtained with the UNet++ segmentation model and the average value of Dice coefficient of the segmentation model in the testing set was 0.839 ± 0.150, which was verified through fivefold cross-validation. Inflammation was initially classified with ResNeSt18, which resulted in accuracy = 0.756, sensitivity = 0.611, specificity = 0.852, precision = 0.733, and area under curve (AUC) = 0.711. The final classification sensitivity was 0.8. Grad-CAM revealed similar distribution of inflammation of the choledochal wall and verified the inflammation classification.

Conclusions:

By combining the UNet++ network and the ResNeSt network, we achieved automatic classification of chronic inflammation of the choledoch in PBM patients and verified the robustness through cross-validation performed five times. This study provided an important basis for classification of inflammation severity of the choledoch in PBM patients.

Advances in knowledge:

We combined the UNet++ network and the ResNeSt network to achieve automatic classification of chronic inflammation of the choledoch in PBM. These results provided an important basis for classification of choledochal inflammation in PBM and for surgical therapy.
COVID-19 pneumonia chest radiographic severity score: variability assessment among experienced and in-training radiologists and creation of a multireader composite score database for artificial intelligence algorithm development
Authors: van Assen Marly , Zandehshahvar Mohammadreza , Maleki Hossein , Kiarashi Yashar , Arleo Timothy , Stillman Arthur E. , Filev Peter , Davarpanah Amir H. , Berkowitz Eugene A. , Tigges Stefan , Lee Scott J. , Vey Brianna L. , Adibi Ali , De Cecco Carlo N.
Published: April 2022

Objective:

The purpose was to evaluate reader variability between experienced and in-training radiologists of COVID-19 pneumonia severity on chest radiograph (CXR), and to create a multireader database suitable for AI development.

Methods:

In this study, CXRs from polymerase chain reaction positive COVID-19 patients were reviewed. Six experienced cardiothoracic radiologists and two residents classified each CXR according to severity. One radiologist performed the classification twice to assess intraobserver variability. Severity classification was assessed using a 4-class system: normal (0), mild (1), moderate (2), and severe (3). A median severity score (Rad Med) for each CXR was determined for the six radiologists for development of a multireader database (XCOMS). Kendal Tau correlation and percentage of disagreement were calculated to assess variability.

Results:

A total of 397 patients (1208 CXRs) were included (mean age, 60 years SD ± 1), 189 men). Interobserver variability between the radiologists ranges between 0.67 and 0.78. Compared to the Rad Med score, the radiologists show good correlation between 0.79–0.88. Residents show slightly lower interobserver agreement of 0.66 with each other and between 0.69 and 0.71 with experienced radiologists. Intraobserver agreement was high with a correlation coefficient of 0.77. In 220 (18%), 707 (59%), 259 (21%) and 22 (2%) CXRs there was a 0, 1, 2 or 3 class-difference. In 594 (50%) CXRs the median scores of the residents and the radiologists were similar, in 578 (48%) and 36 (3%) CXRs there was a 1 and 2 class-difference.

Conclusion:

Experienced and in-training radiologists demonstrate good inter- and intraobserver agreement in COVID-19 pneumonia severity classification. A higher percentage of disagreement was observed in moderate cases, which may affect training of AI algorithms.

Advances in knowledge:

Most AI algorithms are trained on data labeled by a single expert. This study shows that for COVID-19 X-ray severity classification there is significant variability and disagreement between radiologist and between residents.
Alteration in central vascular and cognitive functions during simulated work conditions in males – a secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shruthi P Poovitha , Chandran M Obhuli , Chandrasekaran Baskaran , K. Vaishali , Sukumar Suresh , Kadavigere Rajagopal
Published: April 2022

Background: Alteration in the central vascular hemodynamics is speculated to influence cognitive functions, including executive functions in young adults. Prolonged sitting is associated with compromised central vascular functions, which activity micro-breaks could mitigate. However, the association between the carotid vascular hemodynamic alteration and the executive functions is yet to be explored. Methods: We administered a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of various intensities' micro-breaks on central vascular and cognitive functions during simulated work conditions for four hours. The carotid artery hemodynamics and cognitive functions were measured by Duplex ultrasound at 0th, 2nd and 4th  hour and computer-based Flanker tests at 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour of visit days, respectively.  From the randomised controlled trial, we extracted the secondary data of carotid artery hemodynamics and cognitive functions change at the 4th hour from the baseline and analysed for any relation. Results: Though we observed linear relation between the carotid artery hemodynamics and the executive functions, the relation was not statistically significant. we found a significant reduction in carotid artery diameter during prolonged sitting (0.03 cm [95%CI 0.01, 0.05]), velocity (10.35 cm/s [95%CI -2.85, 17.86]) and shear rate during interrupted sitting (174.39 [95%CI 65.67, 283.11]) We found increased accuracy during prolonged sitting (12.7% [95%CI 0.66, 24.81]) and sitting with light-intensity activity breaks (6.92% [95%CI 1.39, 12.44]). We did not find any significant relation between the change in central vascular functions (carotid artery diameter, velocity, shear rate and blood flow) and the cognitive functions during three different work conditions.  Conclusion: Though a significant relation between carotid artery function and cognitive function could not be established, microbreaks can mitigate the vascular and cognitive risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Development of a theoretically and empirically grounded emotion knowledge training for the young
Authors: Hovasapian Arpine , Huyghe Veerle E.I. , Schlegel Katja , Fontaine Johnny R.J.
Published: April 2022

Background: Digital mental health trainings can be an impactful and efficient way to promote well-being and prevent psychopathology during the sensitive developmental periods of adolescence and young adulthood. However, many online and app-based trainings are often not grounded in science or have low engagement rates due to poor usability. The aim of the current project was to tackle both of these issues in the development of an emotional competence skills training for youth (target age: 16-22). Given that deficits in emotional competence constitute a risk factor for poor mental health, we built a training that aims to increase knowledge and understanding of emotions and the processes that underlie them. Methods: As a theoretical base, we used the Component Process Model to teach youth to understand their emotional experiences as a dynamic process that involves the activation of appraisals, bodily reactions, expressions, action tendencies and subjective feelings. To avoid issues related to low engagement, we included youth across various stages throughout the development of the training program, which allowed us to make changes incrementally at each stage. Feedback from several focus groups, Youth Advisory Board meetings, and a pilot study resulted in the development of a gamified emotional knowledge skills training that teaches young people how to understand, recognize, and reflect on their emotions. Results: Results showed that when it came to digital mental health trainings, youth valued personalization, relatability, fast and colorful graphics, professional audiovisual elements, interactivity, ease-of-use, privacy protection and scientific legitimacy. Conclusions: In this paper, we describe and reflect on the process of developing the training and offer suggestions to help guide future researchers in building mental health trainings that are both supported by science and appealing to young users.
Una experiencia de innovación docente para la corrupción pública
Authors: García Arroyo Cristina
Published: April 2022

La innovación docente en la actualidad, donde la pandemia del COVID-19 ha provocado una situación de docencia online, o docencia bimodal en el mejor de los casos, con pocos alumnos en clase y el resto online mediante sesiones sín- cronas, se ha vuelto ya no solo algo atractivo entre los docentes universitarios, sino en una necesidad. Aprender a enseñar en todas las situaciones, incluso las adversas es algo que debe primar en la docencia universitaria en los grados en Derecho, que tan ligados han estado siempre a las clases magistrales. Cuando un docente se divierte enseñando, el alumno se divierte aprendiendo y esos co- nocimientos se adquieren más fácilmente. Esta realidad que cada día tenemos más presente en la universidad está llamada a ser el cambio generacional de las universidades y los estudios de grado, por ello mientras más interés, estudio y aplicaciones tenga en las aulas más avanzaremos a los docentes del futuro, que realmente son el presente de la universidad. Palabras claves: Derecho penal. Parte especial II, corrupción pública, cohe- cho, docencia universitaria, experimentación docente universitaria.
La homeostasis como elemento estructurante de un ciclo de mejora docente sobre Fisiopatología endocrino-metabólica
Authors: Medrano Ortega Francisco Javier
Published: April 2022

Tras un análisis de situación con el modelo de debilidades, amenazas, forta- lezas y oportunidades (DAFO), se ha realizado un Ciclo de Mejora en Aula (CIMA) en dos bloques temáticos de la asignatura Fisiopatología (endocrinología y me- tabolismo), desarrollando los mapas conceptuales en torno al concepto estructu- rante «homeostasis» y un modelo docente viable donde se introducen pequeños cambios, fundamentalmente en la jerarquización de los contenidos principales. Ello ha permitido liberar tiempo para adoptar un estilo de aprendizaje más parti- cipativo, donde se han incluido actividades de contraste. El análisis de los mode- los de ideas de los alumnos antes y después del CIMA indica que se ha producido una mejoría estadísticamente significativa en la escalera de aprendizaje en lo que respecta a conceptos estructurantes y procedimientos, pero no se han con- seguido cambios relevantes en la capacidad de integración de los estudiantes. Palabras clave: Fisiopatología, Enfermería, docencia universitaria, desarrollo profesional docente.
The Edgeworth Conjecture with Small Coalitions and Approximate Equilibria in Large Economies
Authors: Barman Siddharth , Echenique Federico
Published: April 2022

We revisit the connection between bargaining and equilibrium in exchange economies and study its algorithmic implications. We consider bargaining outcomes to be allocations that cannot be blocked (i.e., profitably retraded) by coalitions of small size, and show that these allocations must be approximate Walrasian equilibria. Our results imply that deciding whether an allocation is approximately Walrasian can be done in polynomial time, even in economies for which finding an equilibrium is known to be computationally hard.

Funding: This work was supported by National Science Foundation [Grants CNS-1518941 and SES-1558757] and S. Barman gratefully acknowledges the support from the Science and Engineering Research Board [Grant SB/S2/RJN-128/2015].
Estratificação da atividade de coleta de essência por abelhas Euglossina em um remanescente de Mata Atlântica na Reserva da Michelin, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Rosa Jaqueline Figuerêdo , Oliveira João Paulo Loyola de , Gurgel Zafira Evelma da Rocha , Duarte Cyntia Santiago Anjos , Ramalho Mauro
Published: April 2022

O microclima nas florestas tropicais apresenta grande variação vertical. Em particular, a diferença entre dossel e estrato inferior do sub-bosque constitui micro-hábitats que exigem adaptações particulares dos animais e podem propiciar a estratificação dos mesmos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se existe diferença na atividade de coleta de essência por abelhas Euglossina, entre dossel e sub-bosque da Mata Atlântica. As coletas foram feitas em 16 pontos sorteados ao longo de uma trilha de 4.370m, em um remanescente florestado, no norte do Corredor Central da Mata Atlântica. Foram amostrados 566 espécimes assim distribuídos em espécies: Euglossa (5), Eulaema (3) e Exaerete (1). O dossel (8-12 m) e o sub-bosque (1,5-2,0 m) não apresentaram diferenças significativas na composição de espécies de Euglossina (p=0.6827). As três espécies mais abundantes também apresentaram freqüências similares no dossel e no sub-bosque. Este estudo sugere que não há estratificação da atividade de coleta de essência por abelhas Euglossina, contrastando com estudos prévios.
Enhancing vacuum squeezing via magnetic field optimization
Authors: Yu Zhifei , Liu Shuqi , Guo Jinxian , Bao Guzhi , Wu Yuan , Chen Liqing
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we report on −3.5±0.2 dB vacuum squeezing (corresponding to −4.2±0.2 dB with loss correction) at 795 nm via the polarization self-rotation (PSR) effect in rubidium vapor by applying a magnetic field, whose direction is perpendicular to the propagation and polarization of the pump light. Compared with the case without the magnetic field, whose optimal squeezing degree is about −1.5 dB, this weak magnetic field can enhance the PSR effect and ultimately increase the squeezing degree. This compact squeezed light source can be potentially utilized in quantum protocols in which atomic ensembles are involved, such as in quantum memory, atomic magnetometers and quantum interferometers.
Athermalized carrier multiplication mechanism for detectors using an amorphous silicon gain medium
Authors: Zhou Jiayun , Chiu Shih-yun , Raihan Miah Mohammad Abu , Yu Yugang , Lo Yu-hwa
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we investigate the temperature sensitivity of gain and breakdown voltage of detectors based on cycling excitation process (CEP), an internal signal amplification mechanism found in amorphous silicon (a-Si). Changes in gain and breakdown voltage with temperature can result in pixel-to-pixel signal variation in a focal plane array and variations in photon detection efficiency for single photon detectors. We have demonstrated athermalized CEP detectors with their gain and breakdown voltage being nearly temperature independent from 200 K to 350 K, covering the temperature range for practical applications. The device appears to be more thermally stable than avalanche photodetectors (APDs) with different gain media such as Si, InP, InAlAs, etc. The excellent thermal stability of CEP detectors is attributed to the field-enhanced tunneling process for excitation of localized carriers into the mobile bands, which dominates over the phonon excitation process.
Resonantly induced mitigation of supermode noise in a harmonically mode-locked fiber laser: revealing the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Korobko D. A. , Ribenek V. A. , Stoliarov D. A. , Mégret P. , Fotiadi A. A.
Published: April 2022

We have performed experimental and numerical studies enabling clear insight into the physical mechanisms underlying the super-mode noise mitigation in harmonically mode-locked (HML) fiber lasers using the resonant continuous wave (CW) injection. New experiments have refined the requirements to the positions inside the laser spectrum assigned to the injected CW component, a Kelly sideband, and the transparency peaks of the birefringent fiber filter. In particular, we have proved experimentally that the noise mitigation effect is dominating with the CW injected to the long-wavelength side of laser spectrum. Injection to the opposite side destroys the HML operation regime. Our numerical simulations confirm these specific features. To get the result, we have simulated phase-locking between the CW and a single soliton. Then, the developed model has been applied to the laser cavity operating multiple pulses in the presence of the gain depletion and recovery mechanism responsible for harmonic pulse arrangement. We clearly demonstrate how the CW injection accelerates or slows down the HML process enabling the generation of additional inter-pulse forces.
Thermal behavior of AlGaN-based deep-UV LEDs
Authors: Lin Su-Hui , Tseng Ming-Chun , Horng Ray-Hua , Lai Shouqiang , Peng Kang-Wei , Shen Meng-Chun , Wuu Dong-Sing , Lien Shui-Yang , Kuo Hao-Chung , Chen Zhong , Wu Tingzhu
Published: April 2022

This study utilized thin p-GaN, indium tin oxide (ITO), and a reflective passivation layer (RPL) to improve the performance of deep ultra-violet light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs). RPL reflectors, which comprise HfO2/SiO2 stacks of different thickness to maintain high reflectance, were deposited on the DUV-LEDs with 40 nm-thick p-GaN and 12 nm-thick ITO thin films. Although the thin p-GaN and ITO films affect the operation voltage of DUV-LEDs, the highly reflective RPL structure improved the WPE and light extraction efficiency (LEE) of the DUV-LEDs, yielding the best WPE and LEE of 2.59% and 7.57%, respectively. The junction temperature of DUV-LEDs with thick p-GaN increased linearly with the injection current, while that of DUV-LEDs with thin p-GaN, thin ITO, and RPL was lower than that of the Ref-LED under high injection currents (> 500 mA). This influenced the temperature sensitive coefficients (dV/dT, dLOP/dT, and dWLP/dT). The thermal behavior of DUV-LEDs with p-GaN and ITO layers of different thicknesses with/without the RPL was discussed in detail.