bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misuse of Statistics
Authors: Major Johanna
Published: May 2022

It was analyzed the incorrect or misleading use of the data analysis in the business making a business decision. The misuse of the statistics could be addressed by bias or inadequate tools, or the lower knowledge or expertise to develop the data analysis. Misleading statistics are recognized in six distinct categories: misleading data visualizations, selective bias, purposeful, using the small sample size, data fishing, and finally polling. We will describe each misleading of statistics, and we are going to analyze two cases. The first cases expose the misuse of small samples, and data fishing could provide the wrong view of business strategies and affect business decision-making. The second case explains how flawed correlations and faulty polling affect innovation and market surveys when companies introduce new products or services.
Comparing NGOs and Public Health Services Treating Leprosy and Tuberculosis in a City of Bangladesh
Authors: Morshed Md Manjur , Khanom Tahmida , Boiragee Jiptha , Parvin Masuma
Published: May 2022

Background: Leprosy and Tuberculosis (TB) patients have choices of receiving treatment between Non-government Organization (NGO) operated and public hospital.

Objective: This study compared patients’ level of satisfaction between NGO and public hospitals treating Leprosy and TB.

Methodology: The study was conducted in Khulna city during February-April, 2020. Using random sampling technique, questionnaire survey among patients and in-depth interviews among seven doctors and health service providers were conducted. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was employed to compare the difference in the level of satisfaction between NGOs and public hospitals. The sample patients’ opinion on NGO and public health services for Leprosy and TB were synthesized from the perspectives of doctors and health service providers.

Results: A total number of 53 patients were recruited for this study. The findings of the study suggested that most of the Leprosy and TB patients belonged to the low-income group, which led to ignoring the symptoms and delayed disease detection. In contrast to the NGO led health facility where the level of patients’ satisfaction was high, public hospitals performed poorly for Leprosy and TB treatment. The stark difference between NGO operated and the public hospital was due to the specialized care by NGO hospitals, and due to the overwhelming number of non-communicable disease patients at the public hospitals. Access to funding, logistics and training, and a small number of patients, spurred better services by the NGO operated hospitals than their public counterparts.

Conclusion: The study conclusively proved that NGO operated hospitals offered better health services than public ones for Leprosy and TB patients in Khulna.

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases December 2021;8(2):71-74
Anterior Ocular Biometrics Using Placido-scanning-slit System, Rotating Scheimpflug Tomography, and Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ryu Soyoung , Yoon Sook Hyun , Jun Ikhyun , Seo Kyoung Yul , Kim Eung Kweon , Kim Tae-im
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To compare anterior biometry measurements using placido-scanning-slit topography, rotating Scheimpflug tomography, and swept-source optical coherence tomography.Methods: A retrospective review consisted of 80 eyes of 49 participants who underwent anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), and keratometry examination on the same day. We used placido-scanning-slit topography (ORBscan II), rotating Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam HR), and swept-source optical coherence tomography (CASIA SS1000). The intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement and differences between measurements.Results: The mean ACD values were 2.88 ± 0.43, 2.82 ± 0.50, and 2.68 ± 0.44 mm; and the mean CCT values were 536.96 ± 31.19, 543.79 ± 31.04, and 561.41 ± 32.60 μm; and the mean keratometry (Km) were 43.81 ± 1.69, 43.81 ± 1.77, and 44.65 ± 1.95 diopters; as measured by CASIA SS-1000, Pentacam HR, and ORBscan II, respectively. Among the three devices, ACD was deepest to shallowest in the order of CASIA SS-1000, Pentacam HR, and ORBscan II (p < 0.05). The CCT was thickest to thinnest in the order of ORBscan II, Pentacam HR, and CASIA SS-1000 (p < 0.05). No significant differences in Km values were examined between CASIA SS-1000 and Pentacam HR, whereas ORBscan II overestimated Km with a statistically significant difference compared to the other two devices.Conclusions: High level of agreement was found between CASIA SS-1000 and Pentacam HR for anterior parameters, including ACD, CCT, and Km, suggesting interchangeability. However, ORBscan II measurements differed considerably with the measurements obtained from the other two devices; therefore, it should not be used interchangeably. However, further studies with repeatability test should be considered in order to elucidate the reliability of each device.
Exploring the Vitreoretinal Interface: A Key Instigator of Unique Retinal Hemorrhage Patterns in Pediatric Head Trauma
Authors: Song Helen H. , Thoreson Wallace B. , Dong Pengfei , Shokrollahi Yasin , Gu Linxia , Suh Donny W.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Various types of trauma can cause retinal hemorrhages in children, including accidental and nonaccidental head trauma. We used animal eyes and a finite element model of the eye to examine stress patterns produced during purely linear and angular accelerations, along with stresses attained during simulated repetitive shaking of an infant.Methods: Using sheep and primate eyes, sclerotomy windows were created by removing the sclera, choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium to expose the retina. A nanofiber square was glued to a 5 mm2 area of retina. The square was pulled and separated from vitreous while force was measured. A finite element model of the pediatric eye was used to computationally measure tension stresses during shaking.Results: In both sheep and primate eyes, tension stress required for separation of retina from vitreous range from 1 to 5 kPa. Tension stress generated at the vitreoretinal interface predicted by the computer simulation ranged from 3 to 16 kPa during a cycle of shaking. Linear acceleration generated lower tension stress than angular acceleration. Angular acceleration generated maximal tension stress along the retinal vasculature. Linear acceleration produced more diffuse force distribution centered at the poster pole.Conclusions: The finite element model predicted that tension stress attained at the retina during forcible shaking of an eye can exceed the minimum threshold needed to produce vitreoretinal separation as measured in animal eyes. Furthermore, the results show that movements that involve significant angular acceleration produce strong stresses localized along the vasculature, whereas linear acceleration produces weaker, more diffuse stress centered towards the posterior pole of the eye.
Türk İstiklal Harbinde Batı Cephesi Tayyare Bölükleri
Authors: Ünalp Fatma Rezzan
Published: May 2022

Millî Mücadele sırasında Batı Cephesi’nde cereyan eden Kütahya-Eskişehir Muharebeleri’nden sonra Türk ordusu tüm birliklerini Mustafa Kemal Paşa’nın emriyle 25 Temmuz 1921’den itibaren Sakarya Nehri’nin doğusunda 100 kilometre genişliğinde bir cephe hattında topladı. Bu emir, kesin sonuç alınabilecek bir meydan muharebesi için verilen stratejik bir karar olsa da ordunun geri çekilmesi kamuoyunda ve Mecliste büyük bir hayal kırıklığı yarattı. Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi (TBMM) bu duruma bir çare olarak 5 Ağustos 1921 tarihinde Başkomutanlık Yasasını kabul ederek “Başkomutanlık” unvanıyla birlikte sorumluluk ve yetkiyi Mustafa Kemal Paşa’ya devretti. Sakarya Meydan Muharebesi’nde yaklaşık 100 kilometre boyunca mevzilenen kara birliklerinden başka harbin başından sonuna kadar Pilot Yüzbaşı Fazıl Bey’in (Şehit Binbaşı) idaresinde Malıköy’de konuşlanan Cephe Tayyare Bölüğü, mevcut iki tayyaresiyle yapmış olduğu uçuşlarda düşmanın yaklaşma/çekilme istikametleri, yığınakları, toplanma bölgeleri konularında elde ettikleri bilgileri cepheye ulaştırarak kara harekâtını yürüten komutan ve birliklere önemli destek sağladığı gibi Yunan kuvvetlerini ateş altına alarak verdirdikleri zayiat ile önemli hizmetlerde bulundular.
Büyük zaferin kazanılmasına kadar olan süreçte kara birliklerinin durumuna göre yer değiştiren Cephe Tayyare Bölüğünün faaliyetleri, Batı Cephesi içinde önemli bir yere sahiptir. Bu makalede; Millî Mücadele sırasında Batı Cephesi’nde kara birliklerine havadan destek veren ve kazanılan büyük zafere önemli etkide bulunan Türk havacılık faaliyetlerinin bilinmeyen yönlerinin ortaya konulması ve kahraman havacılarımızın fedakârlıklarının gün yüzüne çıkarılması amaçlanmıştır. Yaşanan tüm zorluklar, büyük yokluklara rağmen havacıların yurdun kurtuluşu için almış oldukları tedbirler ve gayretleri, başta ATASE Arşivi belgeleri olmak üzere mevcut kaynaklar ışığında değerlendirilerek açıklanmaya çalışılmıştır.
Myxoma of Nasal Ala in an Adult Patient
Authors: Shin Bong-Jin , Park Keon Woo , Lee Dong Hoon , Lim Sang Chul
Published: May 2022

Myxoma most commonly occurs in the atria, but is rare in the nasal cavity. A 58-year-old male patient presented with a nasal mass. We used endoscopic endonasal approach for treatment, and the patient was finally diagnosed with nasal ala myxoma. We report here a rare case of a patient with nasal ala myxoma along with a literature review.
A Case of Angioleiomyoma in Nasolacrimal Duct
Authors: Lee Seok Yoon , Yoo Seok Chan , Jung Hye Ra , Jeong Jong In
Published: May 2022

Epiphora is a symptom in which tears overflow onto the face, with its most common cause being the obstruction of the nasolacrimal system. As a cause of nasolacrimal system obstruction, nasolacrimal duct tumors are very rare. Angioleiomyoma, which is a benign tumor, arises from vascular smooth muscle, occurs in the nasolacrimal duct, and is extremely rare. With the development of endoscopic intranasal approach for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, there is increased importance for the consideration of otorhinolaryngological evaluation and treatment as well as dacryocystorhinostomy by conventional external approach. In this article, we introduce a case in which angioleiomyoma in the nasolacrimal duct was detected by nasal endoscopy and was successfully treated with endoscopic surgery.
Discovery and dynamics of a cryptic marine copepod-parasite interaction
Authors: Orenstein EC , Saberski E , Briseño-Avena C
Published: May 2022

Parasitism is increasingly recognized as a critical element of ecosystem dynamics but remains understudied due to observational limitations, especially in rapidly fluctuating marine plankton populations. We combined 3 new techniques—in situ imaging microscopy, automated classification, and empirical dynamic modeling—to quantify interactions between Oithona spp. and the rhizarian parasite Paradinium spp. at hourly resolution for over 1 yr in the Southern California Bight. We investigate the time scales, host population effects, and potential environmental drivers of infection. Our study suggests that Paradinium spp. is consistently present in the local copepod population at low levels throughout the year and that the parasite exerts control on the host population on a 22-23 d lag—a delay consistent with known Oithona spp. generation times. The interaction strength was pronounced at higher temperatures, suggesting that Paradinium spp. will have a significant role in local ecosystem dynamics as surface ocean temperatures rise.
Relative effects of static and dynamic abiotic conditions on foraging behaviour in breeding Sandwich terns
Authors: Fijn RC , Thaxter CB , Aarts G , Adema J , Middelveld RP , van Bemmelen RSA
Published: May 2022

Where and when animals forage depends on the spatio-temporal distribution and catchability of their prey. In dynamic environments, animals can repeatedly target areas that provide predictable availability of prey or may search for ephemeral conditions of high prey availability. However, how foraging behaviour is initiated in response to static versus dynamic environmental conditions is difficult to study, since both environmental data sources are often lacking. In this study, central-place foraging Sandwich terns were tracked using GPS loggers during foraging. Hidden Markov models showed that the probability of switching between transit and foraging was most strongly affected by the static variable sediment type. Wave period (a dynamic variable related to weather), salinity (a dynamic variable) and water depth (another static variable) affected the transition probability to a lesser extent. Cloud cover, wind speed and current speed were only included in lower ranked models. Air and water temperature were not included in any model. Consistent with the greater importance of static versus dynamic abiotic conditions, consistency between foraging trips of the same individual varied irrespective of tidal, diurnal or seasonal cycles, although trips made close in time within a season were slightly more similar than trips with a larger time gap. We suggest that Sandwich terns target broad areas with coarser sediments, where sandeels (Ammodytidae) are more common, and that weather variables may be related to prey visibility. Our study suggests that even in highly dynamic environments, static environmental variables may more strongly affect foraging behaviour of coastal seabirds than dynamic variables.
Mirada psicopedagógica para infancias y contextos
Authors: Escalante-Escalante Regina , Acosta-Marroquin Nadia Paola
Published: May 2022

El presente trabajo es producto de la indagación, saberes construidos, diálogos y las reflexiones compartidas por los docentes y estudiantes que hacen parte del componente Infancias y Contextos de la Licenciatura de Educación Infantil de la Universidad Libre, dentro de su currículo. De ahí, que desde la emergencia que trae la categoría de infancia en infancias, lo cual, ha implicado nuevas construcciones sociales que están transitando, universalizándose, transformando y debatiéndose en la actualidad. Es así, que se hace necesario dinamizar el campo de la Educación Infantil, mediante procesos educativos que fomenten la libertad de pensamiento, cambio, diálogo, autonomía, en donde se atesoren sentidos y significados del ser docente en formación. Es desde allí, que se pretende dar cuenta del devenir propio del componente, y de la categoría infancias, que, como estatuto epistemológico del campo, permite comprender la constitución misma de una apuesta formativa para los maestros y así mismo, la configuración de saberes propios de la Educación Infantil. Con este escrito se dará cuenta de algunas experiencias que surgen de los seminarios que hacen parte del componente, desde donde las reflexiones convergen para comprender otras perspectivas y escenarios que dan pie a nuevas miradas sobre las infancias, como categoría que lleva a pensarse en la profesionalización desde el saber, el hacer y ser del maestro que trabaje con los niños y niñas actuales con necesidades múltiples, activos, exigentes, participativos e incluyentes.
Ag Functionalized In2O3 Derived From MIL-68(In) as an Efficient Electrochemical Glucose Sensor
Authors: Arif Dooa , Hussain Zakir , Abbasi Amna Didar , Sohail Manzar
Published: May 2022

In this study, Ag@In2O3 modified nickel foam (NF) was reported for its role as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor. Ag@In2O3 was prepared by a simple two-step method; preparation of a metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL-68(In) by solvothermal method, entrapment of Ag + by adding AgNO3 then drying it for 2 h to complete the entrapment process and subsequent calcination at 650°C for 3 h. The Ag@In2O3 modified NF was employed as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor to determine glucose concentrations in an alkaline medium. Two linear ranges were obtained from Ag@In2O3 modified electrode, i.e., 10 μM to 0.8 mM and 0.8–2.16 mM with a sensitivity of 3.31 mA mM−1 cm−2 and 1.51 mA mM−1 cm−2 respectively, with a detection limit of 0.49 µM. Ag@In2O3 modified NF exhibited high selectivity for glucose, among other interfering agents.
Deformation of Polycrystalline MgO Up to 8.3 GPa and 1270 K: Microstructures, Dominant Slip-Systems, and Transition to Grain Boundary Sliding
Authors: Ledoux Estelle Elisa , Lin Feng , Miyagi Lowell , Addad Ahmed , Fadel Alexandre , Jacob Damien , Béclin Franck , Merkel Sébastien
Published: May 2022

Ferropericlase is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s lower mantle and its mechanical properties have a strong influence on the rheology of this region. Here, we deform polycrystalline MgO, the magnesium end-member of ferropericlase, at conditions ranging from 1.6 to 8.3 GPa and 875–1,270 K. We analyse the flow laws and microstructures of the recovered samples using electron microscopy and compare our observations with predictions from the literature. We identify a first mechanism for samples deformed at 1,270 K, attributed to a regime controlled by grain boundary sliding accommodated by diffusion, and characterized by a small grain size, an absence of texture, and no intracrystalline deformation. At 1,070 K and below, the deformation regime is controlled by dislocations. The samples show a more homogeneous grain size distribution, significant texture, and intracrystalline strains. In this regime, deformation is controlled by the ⟨110⟩{110} slip system and a combined ⟨110⟩{110} and ⟨110⟩{100} slip, depending on pressure and temperature. Based on these results, we propose an updated deformation map for polycrystalline MgO at mantle conditions. The implications for ferropericlase and seismic observations in the Earth’s lower mantle are discussed.
A New Filtered Alcoholic Beverage: Residues Evidence From the Qingtai Site (ca. 5,500–4,750 cal. BP) in Henan Province, Central China
Authors: Liao Jingwen , Yang Yuzhang , Gu Wanfa , Yao Ling , Wei Qingli , Luo Wuhong , Gong Yingxue , Ding Lanpo , Gu Chunguang , Zhang Juzhong
Published: May 2022

Recent studies have provided evidence of alcohol production and consumption in 16 sites in northern China during the Neolithic period, focusing on the Yangshao Culture (ca. 7,000–5,000 cal. BP). Yet, the comparison of similarities and differences in brewing technology and drinking patterns within the Yangshao Culture still needs more supporting information from case studies in different regions. In this paper, 17 pottery samples excavated from the Yangshao Culture site of Qingtai (ca. 5,500–4,750 cal. BP) in the central part of Henan Province were analyzed for microfossils (starch grains, phytoliths, fungi) and organic acids, on the basis of the theoretical model constructed from our simulation experiments. The results revealed a mixed filtered alcoholic beverage, likely to be fermented by fruit and/or honey. The ingredients were mainly foxtail millet, rice, Job’s tears, Triticeae, snake gourd roots, lotus roots, legumes, nuts, fruits, and/or honey. What’s more, we found that the jiandiping amphora from Qingtai was not likely used for brewing or drinking. In terms of prehistoric drinking habits, in the large-scale settlement of the late Yangshao Culture in China, it is possible that people drank filtered alcohol alone or that a few people drank filtered alcohol poured from the painted bottle, indicating a switch from communal drinking to individual drinking. This study sheds light on the similarities and differences in brewing techniques, fermentation ingredients, and drinking patterns among different regions of the late Neolithic Yangshao Culture, and deepens our understanding of alcoholic beverages in the early Chinese civilized societies.
Teachers’ Views of Children With Developmental Language Disorder in Greek Mainstream Schools
Authors: Ralli Asimina M. , Kalliontzi Eleni , Kazali Elena
Published: May 2022

Within a modern school that follows the international rules of inclusive education is very important for teachers to be able to understand and meet the needs of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). The present study explores for the first time in Greece, the views of 122 Greek Kindergarten Teachers (KTs) and Primary school teachers (PSTs) about DLD, through an online survey that elaborated both categorical and Likert scale responses. According to the results half of the participants were not familiar with the term. Both groups of professionals reported that children with DLD have many vocabulary and syntactic difficulties in the receptive language. In the expressive language KTs identified more articulation and phonological difficulties, while PSTs referred mainly vocabulary and grammatical difficulties. The majority of professionals mentioned additional difficulties such as emotional and behavioral problems. Both groups identified a variety of challenges while working with children with DLD. KTs focused mostly on children’s emotional difficulties, while PSTs reported mostly their learning difficulties. The participants also recognized their own limitations regarding background knowledge and the need for further training. Furthermore, the educators mentioned that it is difficult for them to identify and support a child with DLD while, at the same time they acknowledged the need to collaborate with other professionals in order to meet children’s needs. The results are discussed in terms of their importance for raising awareness for DLD as well as for teachers’ better training, in order to efficiently identify and support children with DLD.
Becoming Self-Aware—How Do Self-Awareness and Transformative Learning Fit in the Sustainability Competency Discourse?
Authors: Jaakkola Noora , Karvinen Meeri , Hakio Kirsi , Wolff Lili-Ann , Mattelmäki Tuuli , Friman Mervi
Published: May 2022

An ever-growing number of scholars are developing and applying competency frameworks in the context of sustainability education. Despite the strong interest, most of the research has ignored the varying meanings of competency, which can be interpreted as a performed ability, but also as personality development. UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) recently suggested self-awareness to be a central sustainability competency. However, the sustainability competency discourse is lacking a thorough analysis of how and if personality development related dispositions can be considered as competencies, how can they be taught in higher education, and how can the potentially transformative experiences resulting from such teaching be considered. This article aims at a deep understanding of the concept of self-awareness and its interpretations. We have reviewed the roots and analyzed the current interpretations of self-awareness in sustainability competency research and explored how the competency frameworks connect to transformative learning. In addition, we give tangible examples from art based and creative practices of design education, in which we have examined how self-awareness is defined and how it connects to transformative learning. The interpretations of self-awareness addressed two perspectives: awareness of oneself and awareness of one’s relation to others and a wider society. Based on our research, becoming self-aware is a process that nourishes transformative learning. We additionally understand self-awareness as a process of internal growth instead of only a performable ability. This needs to be considered when developing the sustainability competency frameworks and their applications in education.
Analysis of Knee Joint Injury Caused by Physical Training of Freshmen Students Based on 3T MRI and Automatic Cartilage Segmentation Technology: A Prospective Study
Authors: Liu Lingling , Liu Henan , Zhen Zhiming , Zheng Yalan , Zhou Xiaoyue , Raithel Esther , Du Jiang , Hu Yan , Chen Wei , Hu Xiaofei
Published: May 2022

Background

The differential effects of various exercises on knee joint injury have not been well documented. Improper physical training can cause irreversible damage to the knee joint. MRI is generally used to precisely analyze morphological and biochemical changes in the knee cartilage. We compared the effects of long-walking and regular daily physical training on acute and chronic knee joint injuries as well as cartilage structure in freshmen students.

Methods

A total of 23 young male college freshmen were recruited to participate in an 8-day 240 km long distance walk and a one-year daily training. 3D-DESSwe, 2D T2 mapping, DIXON, and T1WI of the right knee joint were performed using the MAGNETOM Spectra 3T MR scanner. The injury of meniscus, bone marrow edema, ligaments and joint effusion is graded. Cartilage volume, thickness and T2 values of 21 sub-regions of the knee cartilage were estimated using automatic cartilage segmentation prototype software. Friedman’s test and Wilcoxon paired rank-sum test were used to compare quantitative indices of knee cartilage in three groups.

Results

The injury to the medial meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint, joint effusion, and bone marrow edema was significantly higher in the long-walking group compared to the baseline and daily groups. Furthermore, injury to the lateral meniscus was significantly worse in the long-walking group compared to the baseline group but was significantly better in the daily group compared to the baseline group. No significant changes to the posterior cruciate ligament were observed among the three groups. Knee cartilage volume was significantly increased, mainly in the stress surface of the femur, patella, and the lateral area of the tibial plateau. Regular daily training did not significantly change the thickness of the knee cartilage. Conversely, knee cartilage thickness decreased in the long-walking group, especially in the medial and lateral areas of the femur and tibial plateau. Moreover, no significant changes were observed in the knee cartilage volume of the long-walking group. Both long-walking and daily groups showed reduced T2 values of the knee joint compared to the baseline.

Conclusion

Among freshmen students and the training of this experimental intensity, our results show that regular daily training does not cause high-level injury to the knee joint, but improve the knee joint function adaptability by increasing cartilage volume. Moreover, knee injury caused by short-term long walking can be reversible.
Experimental Study on the Potential of Polymeric Drilling Fluid Additives as Hydrate Anti-Agglomerants by Using Rocking Cell
Authors: Li Xufeng , Meng Zilong
Published: May 2022

Gas hydrate is a type of ice like crystals, which could widely form and plug the offshore oil and gas pipelines. In order to reduce the cost of hydrate control in oil and gas transportation, search for new anti-agglomerates (AAs) is always needed. In this work, fourteen different types of polymers from drilling fluid additives were selected and their anti-agglomeration ability on gas hydrate was experimentally studied by using a high-pressure rocking cell. The hydrate volume percentage, slider moving range, and moving velocity were measured for evaluation. Two polymers [acrylamide polymer (AAP) and hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile ammonium salt (HAPS)] were found to be effective to avoid agglomerating at low hydrate concentration (≤6%). AAP and HAPS could prevent plugging, while the hydrate concentration is lower than 15.12% and 16.92%, respectively. It was speculated that the hydrogen bonding capability of the hydrophilic groups, the length of the hydrophobic chains and polymer molecules, and the antagonism of different functional groups might affect the anti-agglomerating performance of polymers.
Vortex Distribution and Energy Loss in S-Shaped Region of Pump Turbine
Authors: Zeng Hongji , Li Zhenggui , Li Deyou , Chen Hao , Li Zhihong
Published: May 2022

Research on the S-shaped region of pump turbines requires a detailed understanding of the vortex distribution law and energy losses under various working conditions. In this study, numerical simulations of a pump turbine model were conducted, and the results were consistent with the experimental results. The |ω|-criterion in the vortex analysis method was combined with the Q-criterion to reveal vortex distribution in the S-shaped region for each working condition along the Q11-n11 curve for all the conditions. Under the runaway and turbine break conditions, the flow field vortices were mainly the leaf channel vortex and separation vortex. Under zero-flow-rate and reverse-pump conditions, the vortices developed towards the stay-guide vanes, obstructing the flow path. Combined with the entropy production rate distribution, vorticity is closely related to energy loss. Compared to the rotation, the vorticity generated by the strong shear effect is significant.
Long-Read Sequencing Revealed Extragenic and Intragenic Duplications of Exons 56–61 in DMD in an Asymptomatic Male and a DMD Patient
Authors: Bai Ying , Liu Ju , Xu Jinghan , Sun Yue , Li Jingjing , Gao Yong , Liu Lina , Jia Cangcang , Kong Xiangdong , Wang Li
Published: May 2022

Expanded carrier screening (ECS) has become an increasingly common technique to assess the genetic risks of individuals in the prenatal or preconception period. Unexpected variants unrelated to referral are being increasingly detected in asymptomatic individuals through ECS. In this study, we reported an asymptomatic male with duplication of exons 56–61 in the DMD gene through ECS using whole-exome sequencing (WES), which was also detected in a male patient diagnosed with typical Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Breakpoint analysis was then performed to explore the potential mechanisms of phenotypic differences using long-read sequencing (LRS), PacBio single-molecule real-time (PacBio SMRT) target sequencing, and Sanger sequencing. Complex structural variations (SVs) on chromosome X were identified in the asymptomatic male, which revealed that the duplication occurred outside the DMD gene; whereas, the duplication in the patient with DMD was a tandem repeat. The phenotypic differences between the two men could be explained by the different breakpoint junctions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a breakpoint analysis of DMD duplication in two men with different phenotypes. Breakpoint analysis is necessary when the clinical phenotypes are inconsistent with genotypes, and it applies to prenatal testing.
Clustering of End Stage Renal Disease Patients by Dimensionality Reduction Algorithms According to Lymphocyte Senescence Markers
Authors: Lioulios Georgios , Fylaktou Asimina , Xochelli Aliki , Sampani Erasmia , Tsouchnikas Ioannis , Giamalis Panagiotis , Daikidou Dimitra-Vasilia , Nikolaidou Vasiliki , Papagianni Aikaterini , Theodorou Ioannis , Stangou Maria
Published: May 2022

End stage renal disease (ESRD) engenders detrimental effects in the Immune system, manifested as quantitative alterations of lymphocyte subpopulations, akin, albeit not identical to those observed during the ageing process. We performed dimensionality reduction of an extended lymphocyte phenotype panel of senescent and exhaustion related markers in ESRD patients and controls with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP). The plane defined by the first two principal components of PCA showed two fuzzy clusters, for patients and controls, respectively, with loadings of non-senescent markers pointing towards the controls’ centroid. Naive lymphocytes were reduced in ESRD patients compared to controls (CD4+CD45RA+CCR7+ 200(150-328) vs. 426(260-585cells/μl respectively, P = 0.001, CD19+IgD+CD27- 54(26-85) vs. 130(83-262)cells/μl respectively, P < 0.001). PCA projections of the multidimensional ESRD immune phenotype suggested a more senescent phenotype in hemodialysis compared to hemodiafiltration treated patients. Lastly, clustering based on UMAP revealed three distinct patient groups, exhibiting gradual changes for naive, senescent, and exhausted lymphocyte markers. Machine learning algorithms can distinguish ESRD patients from controls, based on their immune-phenotypes and also, unveil distinct immunological groups within patients’ cohort, determined possibly by dialysis prescription.
Antigen Presentation in the Lung
Authors: Kawasaki Takumi , Ikegawa Moe , Kawai Taro
Published: May 2022

The lungs are constantly exposed to environmental and infectious agents such as dust, viruses, fungi, and bacteria that invade the lungs upon breathing. The lungs are equipped with an immune defense mechanism that involves a wide variety of immunological cells to eliminate these agents. Various types of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (MACs) function as professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that engulf pathogens through endocytosis or phagocytosis and degrade proteins derived from them into peptide fragments. During this process, DCs and MACs present the peptides on their major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) or MHC-II protein complex to naïve CD8+or CD4+T cells, respectively. In addition to these cells, recent evidence supports that antigen-specific effector and memory T cells are activated by other lung cells such as endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and monocytes through antigen presentation. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of antigen presentation by APCs in the lungs and their contribution to immune response.
Orf Virus-Based Vectors Preferentially Target Professional Antigen-Presenting Cells, Activate the STING Pathway and Induce Strong Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses
Authors: Müller Melanie , Reguzova Alena , Löffler Markus W. , Amann Ralf
Published: May 2022

Background

Orf virus (ORFV)-based vectors are attractive for vaccine development as they enable the induction of potent immune responses against specific transgenes. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of immune activation remain unknown. This study therefore aimed to characterize underlying mechanisms in human immune cells.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were infected with attenuated ORFV strain D1701-VrV and analyzed for ORFV infection and activation markers. ORFV entry in susceptible cells was examined using established pharmacological inhibitors. Using the THP1-Dual™ reporter cell line, activation of nuclear factor-κB and interferon regulatory factor pathways were simultaneously evaluated. Infection with an ORFV recombinant encoding immunogenic peptides (PepTrio-ORFV) was used to assess the induction of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells.

Results

ORFV was found to preferentially target professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in vitro, with ORFV uptake mediated primarily by macropinocytosis. ORFV-infected APCs exhibited an activated phenotype, required for subsequent lymphocyte activation. Reporter cells revealed that the stimulator of interferon genes pathway is a prerequisite for ORFV-mediated cellular activation. PepTrio-ORFV efficiently induced antigen-specific CD8+ T cell recall responses in a dose-dependent manner. Further, activation and expansion of naïve antigen-specific CD8+ T cells was observed in response.

Discussion

Our findings confirm that ORFV induces a strong antigen-specific immune response dependent on APC uptake and activation. These data support the notion that ORFV D1701-VrV is a promising vector for vaccine development and the design of innovative immunotherapeutic applications.
Investigating Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in vitro and in vivo: Novel 3D Tools and Animal Models
Authors: Quadri Marika , Marconi Alessandra , Sandhu Simran K. , Kiss Alexi , Efimova Tatiana , Palazzo Elisabetta
Published: May 2022

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) represents the second most common type of skin cancer, which incidence is continuously increasing worldwide. Given its high frequency, cSCC represents a major public health problem. Therefore, to provide the best patients’ care, it is necessary having a detailed understanding of the molecular processes underlying cSCC development, progression, and invasion. Extensive efforts have been made in developing new models allowing to study the molecular pathogenesis of solid tumors, including cSCC tumors. Traditionally, in vitro studies were performed with cells grown in a two-dimensional context, which, however, does not represent the complexity of tumor in vivo. In the recent years, new in vitro models have been developed aiming to mimic the three-dimensionality (3D) of the tumor, allowing the evaluation of tumor cell-cell and tumor-microenvironment interaction in an in vivo-like setting. These models include spheroids, organotypic cultures, skin reconstructs and organoids. Although 3D models demonstrate high potential to enhance the overall knowledge in cancer research, they lack systemic components which may be solved only by using animal models. Zebrafish is emerging as an alternative xenotransplant model in cancer research, offering a high-throughput approach for drug screening and real-time in vivo imaging to study cell invasion. Moreover, several categories of mouse models were developed for pre-clinical purpose, including xeno- and syngeneic transplantation models, autochthonous models of chemically or UV-induced skin squamous carcinogenesis, and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cSCC. These models have been instrumental in examining the molecular mechanisms of cSCC and drug response in an in vivo setting. The present review proposes an overview of in vitro, particularly 3D, and in vivo models and their application in cutaneous SCC research.
Impact of COVID-19 In-hospital Mortality in Chagas Disease Patients
Authors: Sperandio da Silva Gilberto Marcelo , Mediano Mauro Felippe Felix , Murgel Michele Ferreira , Andrade Patricia Mello , de Holanda Marcelo Teixeira , da Costa Andréa Rodrigues , Veloso Henrique Horta , Carneiro Fernanda Martins , Valete Rosalino Cláudia Maria , de Sousa Andréa Silvestre , Mendes Fernanda de Souza Nogueira Sardinha , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo , Veloso Valdiléa Gonçalves , Saraiva Roberto Magalhães , Hasslocher-Moreno Alejandro Marcel
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 virus infection caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, in March 2020. Until the end of 2021, 504,399 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in RJ, and the total death toll reached 68,347. The Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases from Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (INI-Fiocruz) is a referral center for treatment and research of several infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and Chagas disease (CD). The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on in-hospital mortality of patients with CD during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This observational, retrospective, longitudinal study evaluated all patients with CD hospitalized at INI-Fiocruz from May 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021. One hundred ten hospitalizations from 81 patients with CD (58% women; 68 ± 11 years) were evaluated. Death was the study's main outcome, which occurred in 20 cases. The mixed-effects logistic regression was performed with the following variables to test whether patients admitted to the hospital with a COVID-19 diagnosis would be more likely to die than those admitted with other diagnoses: admission diagnosis, sex, age, COVID-19 vaccination status, CD clinical classification, and the number of comorbidities. Results from multiple logistic regression analysis showed a higher risk of in-hospital mortality in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (OR 6.37; 95% CI 1.78–22.86) compared to other causes of admissions. In conclusion, COVID-19 infection had a significant impact on the mortality risk of INI-Fiocruz CD patients, accounting for one-third of deaths overall. COVID-19 presented the highest percentage of death significantly higher than those admitted due to other causes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mortality Risk Stratification Using Cluster Analysis in Patients With Myositis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Receiving Initial Triple-Combination Therapy
Authors: Gono Takahisa , Masui Kenichi , Sato Shinji , Kuwana Masataka
Published: May 2022

Objective

To stratify patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) who were initially treated with an intensive regimen consisting of high-dose corticosteroids, a calcineurin inhibitor, and intravenous cyclophosphamide (triple-combo therapy) into subgroups based on mortality outcomes by a cluster analysis using a large-scale multicenter retrospective cohort of Japanese patients with myositis-associated ILD (JAMI).

Methods

Two-step cluster analysis of preclustering and subsequent hierarchical clustering was conducted in 185 patients who received triple-combo therapy in an unbiased manner. Initial predictors for mortality previously reported in patients with myositis-associated ILD were used as variables and included age, sex, disease duration, classification of myositis, requirement of supplemental oxygen, anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (ARS) antibody, anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody, and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6). The cluster model was further applied to 283 patients who received conventional regimens consisting of corticosteroids with or without a single immunosuppressive agent (dual-combo therapy or monotherapy). Cumulative survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the log-rank test was used to test for significant differences between two groups.

Results

We developed a cluster model consisting of 6 clusters, which were categorized by age at onset, clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis, CRP, KL-6, requirement of supplemental oxygen, anti-ARS antibody, and anti-MDA5 antibody. This model was judged to be of good quality based on the silhouette measure of cohesion and separation of 0.6. These clusters were regrouped into three subsets based on low (<10%), moderate (10-50%), and high (>50%) mortality rates. The performance of the clustering was generally replicated in patients who received initial dual-combo therapy or monotherapy. Survival benefits of triple-combo therapy over dual-combo therapy or monotherapy were not observed in any of the clusters.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a cluster model that stratified patients with myositis-associated ILD who were treated with initial triple-combo therapy into subgroups with different prognoses, although this model failed to identify a patient subgroup that showed survival benefits from triple-combo therapy over dual-combo therapy or monotherapy.
Adoptive Immunotherapy With Engineered iNKT Cells to Target Cancer Cells and the Suppressive Microenvironment
Authors: Delfanti Gloria , Dellabona Paolo , Casorati Giulia , Fedeli Maya
Published: May 2022

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are T lymphocytes expressing a conserved semi-invariant TCR specific for lipid antigens (Ags) restricted for the monomorphic MHC class I-related molecule CD1d. iNKT cells infiltrate mouse and human tumors and play an important role in the immune surveillance against solid and hematological malignancies. Because of unique functional features, they are attractive platforms for adoptive cells immunotherapy of cancer compared to conventional T cells. iNKT cells can directly kill CD1d-expressing cancer cells, but also restrict immunosuppressive myelomonocytic populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME)viaCD1d-cognate recognition, promoting anti-tumor responses irrespective of the CD1d expression by cancer cells. Moreover, iNKT cells can be adoptively transferred across MHC barriers without risk of alloreaction because CD1d molecules are identical in all individuals, in addition to their ability to suppress graft vs. host disease (GvHD) without impairing the anti-tumor responses. Within this functional framework, iNKT cells are successfully engineered to acquire a second antigen-specificity by expressing recombinant TCRs or Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) specific for tumor-associated antigens, enabling the direct targeting of antigen-expressing cancer cells, while maintaining their CD1d-dependent functions. These new evidences support the exploitation of iNKT cells for donor unrestricted, and possibly off the shelf, adoptive cell therapies enabling the concurrent targeting of cancer cells and suppressive microenvironment.
Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients Infected by the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Chen Nan , Zhao Daguo , Zhang Jinhui , Hu Zhenkui , Tao Zhimin
Published: May 2022

Background

Currently, as the omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surges amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, its clinical characteristics with intrinsic severity and the protection from vaccination have been understudied.

Methods

We reported 169 COVID-19 patients that were infected with the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalized in Suzhou, China, from February to March 2022, with their demographic information, medical/immunization history, clinical symptom, and hematological profile. At the same time, patients with none/partial (one-dose), full (two-dose) and three–dose vaccination were also compared to assess the vaccine effectiveness.

Findings

For the omicron COVID-19 patients included in this study, their median age was 33.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 24.0–45.5], 53.3% were male and the median duration from illness onset to hospitalization was 2 days. Hypertension, bronchitis, and diabetes were the leading comorbidities among patients. While the common clinical symptoms included cough, fever, expectoration, and fatigue, etc., asymptomatic patients took up a significant portion (46.7%). For hematological parameters, most values revealed the alleviated pathogenicity induced by the omicron variant infection. No critically ill or deceased patients due to COVID-19 infection were reported in this study.

Interpretation

Our results supported that the viremic effect of the omicron variant became milder than the previous circulating variants, while full vaccination or booster shot was greatly desired for an effective protection against clinical severity.
Feed Insects as a Reservoir of Granadaene-Producing Lactococci
Authors: Neuzil-Bunesova Vera , Ramirez Garcia Alejandro , Modrackova Nikol , Makovska Marie , Sabolova Monika , Spröer Cathrin , Bunk Boyke , Blom Jochen , Schwab Clarissa
Published: May 2022

Insects are a component of the diet of different animal species and have been suggested as the major source of human dietary protein for the future. However, insects are also carriers of potentially pathogenic microbes that constitute a risk to food and feed safety. In this study, we reported the occurrence of a hemolytic orange pigmented producing phenotype of Lactococcus garvieae/petauri/formosensis in the fecal microbiota of golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) and feed larvae (Zophobas atratus). Feed insects were identified as a regular source of L. garvieae/petauri/formosensis based on a reanalysis of available 16S rRNA gene libraries. Pan-genome analysis suggested the existence of four clusters within the L. garvieae/petauri/formosensis group. The presence of cyl cluster indicated that some strains of the L. garvieae/petauri/formosensis group produced a pigment similar to granadaene, an orange cytotoxic lipid produced by group B streptococci, including Streptococcus agalactiae. Pigment production by L. garvieae/petauri/formosensis strains was dependent on the presence of the fermentable sugars, with no pigment being observed at pH <4.7. The addition of buffering compounds or arginine, which can be metabolized to ammonium, restored pigment formation. In addition, pigment formation might be related to the source of peptone. These data suggest that edible insects are a possible source of granadaene-producing lactococci, which can be considered a pathogenic risk with zoonotic potential.