bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radial BMD and serum CTX-I can predict the progression of carotid plaque in rheumatoid arthritis: a 3-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Han Seungwoo , Kim Na-Ri , Kang Jong-Wan , Eun Jung-Su , Kang Young-Mo
Published: October 2021

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are almost twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) as those without. However, traditional CVD risks have been shown to underperform in RA patients; thus, we aimed to identify new surrogate risk factors to better reflect their atherosclerotic burden.

Methods

A total of 380 RA patients with carotid atherosclerosis data were analyzed in this prospective cohort study. The primary outcome was carotid plaque progression over the 3-year follow-up period. Risk parameters assessed for the progression of carotid plaque were categorized as demographics, traditional CVD risks, RA-related risks, and bone parameters.

Results

The progression of carotid plaque was associated with the level of rheumatoid factor (p = 0.025), serum C-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (CTX-I) (p = 0.014), and femur and distal radius bone mass density (BMD) (p = 0.007 and 0.004, respectively), as well as traditional CVD risk factors. In multivariable analyses, the bone parameters of serum CTX-I and distal radius BMD proved to be independent predictors of the progression of carotid plaque along with hyperlipidemia, smoking, and baseline carotid plaque (all, p < 0.05). Adding both serum CTX-I and distal radius BMD increased the carotid plaque progression prediction model’s percentage of explained variance from 24 to 30%.

Conclusion

High serum CTX-I and lower radius BMD, reflecting high bone turnover, were independent risk factors for the progression of carotid plaque in RA patients, implicating the direct or indirect role of bone metabolism on the atherosclerotic burden.
Regulatory T lymphocytes/Th17 lymphocytes imbalance in autism spectrum disorders: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Ellul Pierre , Rosenzwajg Michelle , Peyre Hugo , Fourcade Gwladys , Mariotti-Ferrandiz Encarnita , Trebossen Vincent , Klatzmann David , Delorme Richard
Published: October 2021

Background

Immune system dysfunction has been proposed to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Conflicting reports of lymphocyte subpopulation abnormalities have been described in numerous studies of patients with ASD. To better define lymphocytes abnormalities in ASD, we performed a meta-analysis of the lymphocyte profiles from subjects with ASD.

Methods

We used the PRISMA recommendations to query PubMed, Embase, PsychoINFO, BIOSIS, Science Direct, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov for terms related to clinical diagnosis of ASD and to lymphocytes’ populations. We selected studies exploring lymphocyte subpopulations in children with ASD. The search protocol has been registered in the international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019121473).

Results

We selected 13 studies gathering 388 ASD patients and 326 healthy controls. A significant decrease in the CD4+ lymphocyte was found in ASD patients compared to controls [− 1.51 (95% CI − 2.99; − 0.04) p = 0.04] (I2 = 96% [95% CI 94.6, 97.7], p < 0.01). No significant difference was found for the CD8+ T, B and natural killer lymphocytes. Considering the CD4+ subpopulation, there was a significant decrease in regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) in ASD patients (n = 114) compared to controls (n = 107) [− 3.09 (95% CI − 4.41; − 1.76) p = 0.0001]; (I2 = 90.9%, [95% CI 76.2, 96.5], p < 0.0001) associated with an increase oin the Th17 lymphocytes (ASD; n = 147 controls; n = 128) [2.23 (95% CI 0.79; 3.66) p = 0,002] (I2 = 95.1% [95% CI 90.4, 97.5], p < 0.0001).

Limitations

Several factors inducing heterogeneity should be considered. First, differences in the staining method may be responsible for a part in the heterogeneity of results. Second, ASD population is also by itself heterogeneous, underlying the need of studying sub-groups that are more homogeneous.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicates defects in CD4+ lymphocytes, specifically decrease oin Tregs and increase in Th17 in ASD patients and supports the development of targeted immunotherapies in the field of ASD.
Rationale for MYC imaging and targeting in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Schneider Günter , Wirth Matthias , Keller Ulrich , Saur Dieter
Published: October 2021

The incidence and lethality of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) will continue to increase in the next decade. For most patients, chemotherapeutic combination therapies remain the standard of care. The development and successful implementation of precision oncology in other gastrointestinal tumor entities point to opportunities also for PDAC. Therefore, markers linked to specific therapeutic responses and important subgroups of the disease are needed. The MYC oncogene is a relevant driver in PDAC and is linked to drug resistance and sensitivity. Here, we update recent insights into MYC biology in PDAC, summarize the connections between MYC and drug responses, and point to an opportunity to image MYC non-invasively. In sum, we propose MYC-associated biology as a basis for the development of concepts for precision oncology in PDAC.
Firm performance under financial constraints: evidence from sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Abdisa Lamessa T. , Hawitibo Alemu L.
Published: October 2021

The business environment in which a firm operates has an important impact on firm performance. This study examined the impact of credit constraint and power outages on the firm’s investment decision using World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) data collected from firms operating in 13 sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. The study employed a two-part model and the Heckman selection model to estimate the impact of lack of access to finance and poor power supply on a firm’s decision to invest in self-generation. The result obtained suggest that there is a negative correlation between credit constraint and a firm’s decision to invest in self-generation. This indicates that credit constraint negatively affects a firm’s decision to invest in self-generation and firms that are credit constrained have less incentive to invest in self-generation compared to those that are not credit constrained. To test the robustness of the result obtained, alternative definitions of credit constraints were used. Results from alternative regressions using different definitions of credit constraints show that credit constraint affects a firm’s decision to invest in self-generation but not the volume of investment.
Factorial experimentation on photodegradation of historical paper by polychromatic visible radiation
Authors: Liu Yun , Fearn Tom , Strlič Matija
Published: October 2021

Quantification of the degradation behaviour of heritage objects is essential to manage the rate of degradation and hence optimise their lifetime. In this research, a 23 full factorial experiment was carried out to deepen the understanding of the photodegradation of historical rag paper induced by continuous polychromatic visible radiation. Oxygen concentration, relative humidity and illuminance were investigated as the three environmental factors of primary concern. The effects of these factors on the rate constant of change in diffuse reflectance and tristimulus discolouration were investigated by analysis of variance and multiple linear regression. The three main effects were found to contribute the most to the rate of photodegradation of historical paper, among which relative humidity played the most important role whereas illuminance played the least. This observation is likely to hold when extrapolating the experimental conditions to real conditions in collection storage and display.
Investigation the determinants of pharmaceutical expenditure share of GDP in Iran and selected OECD countries
Authors: Kadkhodamanesh Azin , Varahrami Vida , Zarei Leila , Peiravian Farzad , Hadidi Mohammad , Yousefi Nazila
Published: October 2021

Aim

This study estimated the GDP share of pharmaceuticals in Iran based on the drivers of pharmaceutical expenditure and compared it with that of 31 members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Subject and methods

The factors contributing to pharmaceutical expenditure were identified through literature review and studied by 8 experts to classify the factors. Then, using the panel data method, a model was built to estimate the GDP share of pharmaceutical expenditure based on the extracted factors of the selected countries in Iran’s model. To explain the observed differences, several regression analyses were performed based on cross-sectional data. The analyses were performed using EVIEWS software, version 10.

Results

The explanatory variables for the selected countries in the panel model (R2 = 0.98) were specified. Government health expenditure (β = 0.1432), the share of generic drugs (β = − 0.0143), gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (β = − 0.0058) and the rate of disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) (β = 0.0028) contributed most to pharmaceutical expenditure. In comparison, in the Iranian estimation model (R2 = 0.84), government health expenditure (β = 0.0536) and the share of generic drugs (β = 0.0369) had a significant impact on pharmaceutical expenditure. In the estimation model with more estimators for Iran (R2 = 0.99), government health expenditure (β = 0.1694), disease prevalence (β = 0.0537), the share of generic drugs (β = 0.0102), the DALY rate (β = 0.0039), GDP per capita (β = − 0.0033), and the drug price index (β = 0.0007) contribute most to pharmaceutical expenditure.

Conclusion

In the models of the study, factors related to the structure of the healthcare system and the pharmaceutical system contributed most to pharmaceutical expenditure as a share of GDP. Moreover, disease profiles show its predictive role in the second model for Iran.
Challenges and opportunities of bioprocessing 5-aminolevulinic acid using genetic and metabolic engineering: a critical review
Authors: Yi Ying-Chen , Shih I-Tai , Yu Tzu-Hsuan , Lee Yen-Ju , Ng I-Son
Published: October 2021

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a non-proteinogenic five-carbon amino acid, has received intensive attentions in medicine due to its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer diagnosis and treatment as photodynamic therapy. As chemical synthesis of 5-ALA performed low yield, complicated processes, and high cost, biosynthesis of 5-ALA via C4 (also called Shemin pathway) and C5 pathway related to heme biosynthesis in microorganism equipped more advantages. In C4 pathway, 5-ALA is derived from condensation of succinyl-CoA and glycine by 5-aminolevulic acid synthase (ALAS) with pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) as co-factor in one-step biotransformation. The C5 pathway involves three enzymes comprising glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (GltX), glutamyl-tRNA reductase (HemA), and glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase (HemL) from α-ketoglutarate in TCA cycle to 5-ALA and heme. In this review, we describe the recent results of 5-ALA production from different genes and microorganisms via genetic and metabolic engineering approaches. The regulation of different chassis is fine-tuned by applying synthetic biology and boosts 5-ALA production eventually. The purification process, challenges, and opportunities of 5-ALA for industrial applications are also summarized.
Crop host signatures reflected by co-association patterns of keystone Bacteria in the rhizosphere microbiota
Authors: Lewin Simon , Francioli Davide , Ulrich Andreas , Kolb Steffen
Published: October 2021

Background

The native crop bacterial microbiota of the rhizosphere is envisioned to be engineered for sustainable agriculture. This requires the identification of keystone rhizosphere Bacteria and an understanding on how these govern crop-specific microbiome assembly from soils. We identified the metabolically active bacterial microbiota (SSU RNA) inhabiting two compartments of the rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), rye (Secale cereale), and oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) at different growth stages.

Results

Based on metabarcoding analysis the bacterial microbiota was shaped by the two rhizosphere compartments, i.e. close and distant. Thereby implying a different spatial extent of bacterial microbiota acquirement by the cereals species versus oilseed rape. We derived core microbiota of each crop species. Massilia (barley and wheat) and unclassified Chloroflexi of group ‘KD4-96’ (oilseed rape) were identified as keystone Bacteria by combining LEfSe biomarker and network analyses. Subsequently, differential associations between networks of each crop species’ core microbiota revealed host plant-specific interconnections for specific genera, such as the unclassified Tepidisphaeraceae ‘WD2101 soil group’.

Conclusions

Our results provide keystone rhizosphere Bacteria derived from for crop hosts and revealed that cohort subnetworks and differential associations elucidated host species effect that was not evident from differential abundance of single bacterial genera enriched or unique to a specific plant host. Thus, we underline the importance of co-occurrence patterns within the rhizosphere microbiota that emerge in crop-specific microbiomes, which will be essential to modify native crop microbiomes for future agriculture and to develop effective bio-fertilizers.
Organising labour market integration support for refugees in Austria and Sweden during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Bešić Almina , Diedrich Andreas , Aigner Petra
Published: October 2021

This paper addresses the question of how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the labour market integration support (LMIS) organised for refugees in Austria and Sweden, and the potential consequences of the changes unfolding. LMIS for refugees is a complex phenomenon involving actors at different interwoven levels—the macro-national level, the meso-organisational level and the micro-individual level. However, the complexities and consequences of such processes for the labour market integration of refugees have so far received limited attention. The current Covid-19 pandemic actualises the need to gain a better understanding of how integration support is organised across the different levels and how the pandemic itself impacts such support. Thus, the article seeks to understand how the pandemic affects the LMIS organised for refugees in Austria and Sweden, two countries with a large refugee population and diverging responses to the pandemic. Based on 29 semi-structured interviews and three focus group workshops, the results highlight in particular three developments: (a) a further entrenching of broader, macro-national level developments related to integration support already underway prior to the pandemic; (b) further mainstreaming of activities; and (c) increased volatility of work. Overall, the pandemic has brought to the fore the interrelation of different levels in the organising of LMIS for refugees and has contributed to a stabilisation of already ongoing activities.
Successful treatment of bepridil-induced intraoperative torsades de pointes by isoproterenol infusion
Authors: Shimano Ken , Chang Kyungho , Hara Yoshiki , Yasuda Atsushi , Sawamura Shigehito
Published: October 2021

Background

Several types of antiarrhythmic drugs are known to induce QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.

Case presentation

An 84-year-old man was scheduled for open gastrectomy for residual cancer. He had been prescribed bepridil for atrial fibrillation that converted to sinus rhythm with prolonged QT interval in the operating room. After the surgery was initiated under general and epidural anesthesia, the patient’s heart rate decreased to 50/min and multifocal premature ventricular contractions appeared, followed by several episodes of torsades de pointes, each lasting for 5 to 15 s. Infusion of isoproterenol was started (0.01 μg/kg/min), and the heart rate was maintained at around 80/min. Premature ventricular contractions disappeared, and torsades de pointes did not recur during the surgery. The operation was completed uneventfully. The serum bepridil concentration was found to be extremely high postoperatively.

Conclusions

Bepridil-induced intraoperative episodes of torsades de pointes were successfully treated by increasing the heart rate with isoproterenol.
Bacterial community dynamics during embryonic development of the little skate (Leucoraja erinacea)
Authors: Mika Katelyn , Okamoto Alexander S. , Shubin Neil H. , Mark Welch David B.
Published: October 2021

Background

Microbial transmission from parent to offspring is hypothesized to be widespread in vertebrates. However, evidence for this is limited as many evolutionarily important clades remain unexamined. There is currently no data on the microbiota associated with any Chondrichthyan species during embryonic development, despite the global distribution, ecological importance, and phylogenetic position of this clade. In this study, we take the first steps towards filling this gap by investigating the microbiota associated with embryonic development in the little skate, Leucoraja erinacea, a common North Atlantic species and popular system for chondrichthyan biology.

Methods

To assess the potential for bacterial transmission in an oviparous chondrichthyan, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the microbial communities associated with the skin, gill, and egg capsule of the little skate, at six points during ontogeny. Community composition was analyzed using the QIIME2 pipeline and microbial continuity between stages was tracked using FEAST.

Results

We identify site-specific and stage-specific microbiota dominated by the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. This composition is similar to, but distinct from, that of previously published data on the adult microbiota of other chondrichthyan species. Our data reveal that the skate egg capsule harbors a highly diverse bacterial community–particularly on the internal surface of the capsule–and facilitates intergenerational microbial transfer to the offspring. Embryonic skin and external gill tissues host similar bacterial communities; the skin and gill communities later diverge as the internal gills and skin denticles develop.

Conclusions

Our study is the first exploration of the chondrichthyan microbiota throughout ontogeny and provides the first evidence of vertical transmission in this group.
A cell-based drug discovery assay identifies inhibition of cell stress responses as a new approach to treatment of epidermolysis bullosa simplex
Authors: Tan Tong San , Common John E. A. , Lim John S. Y. , Badowski Cedric , Firdaus Muhammad Jasrie , Leonardi Steven S. , Lane E. Birgitte
Published: October 2021

In the skin fragility disorder epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), mutations in keratin 14 (K14, also known as KRT14) or keratin 5 (K5, also known as KRT5) lead to keratinocyte rupture and skin blistering. Severe forms of EBS are associated with cytoplasmic protein aggregates, with elevated kinase activation of ERK1 and ERK2 (ERK1/2; also known as MAPK3 and MAPK1, respectively), suggesting intrinsic stress caused by misfolded keratin protein. Human keratinocyte EBS reporter cells stably expressing GFP-tagged EBS-mimetic mutant K14 were used to optimize a semi-automated system to quantify the effects of test compounds on keratin aggregates. Screening of a protein kinase inhibitor library identified several candidates that reduced aggregates and impacted on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling. EGF ligand exposure induced keratin aggregates in EBS reporter keratinocytes, which was reversible by EGFR inhibition. EBS keratinocytes treated with a known EGFR inhibitor, afatinib, were driven out of activation and towards quiescence with minimal cell death. Aggregate reduction was accompanied by denser keratin filament networks with enhanced intercellular cohesion and resilience, which when extrapolated to a whole tissue context would predict reduced epidermal fragility in EBS patients. This assay system provides a powerful tool for discovery and development of new pathway intervention therapeutic avenues for EBS.
Convergent evolution of skin surface microarchitecture and increased skin hydrophobicity in semi-aquatic anole lizards
Authors: Baeckens Simon , Temmerman Marie , Gorb Stanislav N. , Neto Chiara , Whiting Martin J. , Van Damme Raoul
Published: October 2021

Animals that habitually cross the boundary between water and land face specific challenges with respect to locomotion, respiration, insulation, fouling and waterproofing. Many semi-aquatic invertebrates and plants have developed complex surface microstructures with water-repellent properties to overcome these problems, but equivalent adaptations of the skin have not been reported for vertebrates that encounter similar environmental challenges. Here, we document the first evidence of evolutionary convergence of hydrophobic structured skin in a group of semi-aquatic tetrapods. We show that the skin surface of semi-aquatic species of Anolis lizards is characterized by a more elaborate microstructural architecture (i.e. longer spines and spinules) and a lower wettability relative to closely related terrestrial species. In addition, phylogenetic comparative models reveal repeated independent evolution of enhanced skin hydrophobicity associated with the transition to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, providing evidence of adaptation. Our findings invite a new and exciting line of inquiry into the ecological significance, evolutionary origin and developmental basis of hydrophobic skin surfaces in semi-aquatic lizards, which is essential for understanding why and how the observed skin adaptations evolved in some and not other semi-aquatic tetrapod lineages.
A semi-automatic approach for longitudinal 3D upper airway analysis using voxel-based registration
Authors: Diaconu Alexandru , Holte Michael Boelstoft , Cattaneo Paolo Maria , Pinholt Else Marie
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

To propose and validate a reliable semi-automatic approach for three-dimensional (3D) analysis of the upper airway (UA) based on voxel-based registration (VBR).

Methods:

Post-operative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 10 orthognathic surgery patients were superimposed to the pre-operative CBCT scans by VBR using the anterior cranial base as reference. Anatomic landmarks were used to automatically cut the UA and calculate volumes and cross-sectional areas (CSA). The 3D analysis was performed by two observers twice, at an interval of two weeks. Intraclass correlations and Bland-Altman plots were used to quantify the measurement error and reliability of the method. The relative Dahlberg error was calculated and compared with a similar method based on landmark re-identification and manual measurements.

Results:

Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability (ICC ≥ 0.995). Bland-Altman plots showed good observer agreement, low bias and no systematic errors. The relative Dahlberg error ranged between 0.51 and 4.30% for volume and 0.24 and 2.90% for CSA. This was lower when compared with a similar, manual method. Voxel-based registration introduced 0.05–1.44% method error.

Conclusions:

The proposed method was shown to have excellent reliability and high observer agreement. The method is feasible for longitudinal clinical trials on large cohorts due to being semi-automatic.
Πολιτισμική ετερότητα. Η επίδραση της συνεκπαίδευσης στην ενίσχυση της αυτοεκτίμησης των μαθητών
Authors: Παπαευαγγέλου Ελένη , Παπαχρήστου Μαρία
Published: October 2021

Στη συγκεκριμένη εισήγηση επιχειρείται να δειχθεί η σημασία της συνεκπαίδευσης ως τρόπος εκμάθησης που ενισχύει την αυτοεκτίμηση των μαθητών. Εξετάζεται η δυνατότητα ενός «Σχολείου για όλους» ανεξαρτήτως του είδους της διαφορετικότητας του κάθε μαθητή. Οι μαθητές – είτε χαρακτηρίζονται από ειδικές εκπαιδευτικές ανάγκες, είτε από διαφορετική πολιτισμική καταγωγή – αποτελούν μέρος ενός ενιαίου σχολικού συνόλου. Ειδικότερα, στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο μελετάται η έννοια της πολιτισμικής ετερότητας. Εξετάζοντας την πολιτισμική ετερότητα στο σχολικό περιβάλλον καθώς και τις διαπολιτισμικές της προεκτάσεις σκοπός είναι να αποκαλυφθούν οι κοινές συνιστώσες, οι οποίες τη γεφυρώνουν με τη συνεκπαίδευση. Το δεύτερο μέρος αναφέρεται στις έννοιες της συνεκπαίδευσης και της συμπεριληπτικής μάθησης προκειμένου να δειχθεί η δυνατότητα ενός «Σχολείου για όλους». Το τελευταίο κεφάλαιο της εισήγησης εστιάζει στην έννοια της αυτοεκτίμησης, καθώς και στις στρατηγικές, τις οποίες μπορεί να εφαρμόσει το σχολείο, ώστε να την αναπτύξει στους μαθητές.
Rupture or Continuity? Revisiting the Basic Themes of the Historiography of the 21 April Dictatorship
Authors: Kouki Eleni
Published: October 2021

What did the 1967–1974 dictatorship represent for Greece? A violent and illegal episode, a mere parenthesis in the course of its parliamentary history, or an event with deep roots in Greek society and politics? These two basic, albeit contradictory views require us to consider how the last dictatorship in Greece was conceived in public and academic discourse as well as how these two discourses interacted. The main argument of this article is that even the most self-evident concepts about the character of the 1967 dictatorship, so trivial that we hardly perceive them as concepts, emerged through complex cultural processes. More specifically, it examines a series of well-known academic texts or texts produced in academic settings, dating from the junta era to the late 1980s. Although the research on the dictatorship has progressed greatly since then, this article seeks to show that in the first two decades after its collapse, there was a rich production of perceptions regarding the dictatorship that continue to shape our understanding of the period, which is why it is essential to reflect on them.
A cross-sectional study of the relationship between delayed healthcare utilisation and chronic conditions among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland
Authors: Hennelly Niamh , Lalor Georgia , Gibney Sarah , Kenny Rose Anne , Ward Mark
Published: October 2021

Background: Many healthcare services were cancelled or postponed during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, likely impacting the management of chronic conditions prevalent among older adults in Ireland.

Methods: Data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing COVID-19 study and previous waves were used. Taking healthcare demand into account, the relationship between delayed healthcare utilisation among older adults (≥50) with chronic conditions was examined. Further analyses examined the reasons for delays in healthcare utilisation, and whether they were the result of the reduced availability of healthcare services or participant decisions.

Results: In total, 31.6% of participants reported experiencing healthcare delay. The first analysis found that older adults with two or more chronic conditions were more likely to have experienced healthcare delay than those with no chronic conditions (odds ratio (OR): 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 1.90). The second analysis found that older adults with two or more chronic conditions were more likely to have healthcare delayed by the provider (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.56), and were also more likely to delay their own healthcare (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.29) than older adults with no chronic conditions. Additionally, people aged 70 years and over, females, those with problematic alcohol consumption, those with third-level education, those who had visited the GP and those who reported polypharmacy were all more likely to experience healthcare delay, while older adults living with others and those living outside Dublin were less likely to experience healthcare delay.

Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the healthcare utilisation of older adults in Ireland, with some groups of older adults impacted more than others. Policy and practice must now focus on how the healthcare needs of these groups can be best served. Further research is required to understand the impact of healthcare delays on health outcomes.
Rapid design and implementation of an adaptive pooling workflow for SARS-CoV-2 testing in an NHS diagnostic laboratory: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Crone Michael , Randell Paul , Herm Zoey , Anand Arthi , Missaghian-Cully Saghar , Perelman Loren , Pantelidis Panagiotis , Freemont Paul
Published: October 2021

Background: Diagnostic laboratories are currently required to provide routine testing of asymptomatic staff and patients as a part of their clinical screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, these cohorts display very different disease prevalence from symptomatic individuals and testing capacity for asymptomatic screening is often limited. Group testing is frequently proposed as a possible solution to address this; however, proposals neglect the technical and operational feasibility of implementation in a front-line diagnostic laboratory.

Methods: Between October and December 2020, as a seven-week proof of concept, we took into account scientific, technical and operational feasibility to design and implement an adaptive pooling strategy in an NHS diagnostic laboratory in London (UK). We assessed the impact of pooling on analytical sensitivity and modelled the impact of prevalence on pooling strategy. We then considered the operational constraints to model the potential gains in capacity and the requirements for additional staff and infrastructure. Finally, we developed a LIMS-agnostic laboratory automation workflow and software solution and tested the technical feasibility of our adaptive pooling workflow.

Results: First, we determined the analytical sensitivity of the implemented SARS-CoV-2 assay to be 250 copies/mL. We then determined that, in a setting with limited analyser capacity, the testing capacity could be increased by two-fold with pooling, however, in a setting with limited reagents, this could rise to a five-fold increase. These capacity increases could be realized with modest additional resource and staffing requirements whilst utilizing up to 76% fewer plastic consumables and 90% fewer reagents. Finally, we successfully implemented a plate-based pooling workflow and tested 920 patient samples using the reagents that would usually be required to process just 222 samples.

Conclusions: Adaptive pooled testing is a scientifically, technically and operationally feasible solution to increase testing capacity in frontline NHS diagnostic laboratories.
The genome sequence of the large white, Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Lohse Konrad , Mackintosh Alexander ,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2021

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Pieris brassicae (the large white; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Pieridae). The genome sequence is 292 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into 16 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the W and Z sex chromosome assembled. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 12,229 protein coding genes.
Community of Property – Back to the Roots
Authors: Liin Susann
Published: October 2021

Community of property is a statutory matrimonial-property regime that creates a strong proprietary bond between the spouses, mainly through joint ownership and the obligation for the spouses to administer joint property jointly. This strong proprietary bond, due to which the two individuals are obliged to act together, is so rigid and comprehensive that they can hardly ever act independently. It is questionable that such extensive restrictions are justified and necessary for protection of the weaker spouse. The article presents the roots of the community of property regime and the development of this regime in Estonian law. The aim is to ascertain the point from which the regime has been based on joint ownership and joint administration and reveal whether the obligation for the spouses to act together was always so rigid and all-encompassing. This should aid in understanding whether community of property has stood the test of time because the regime had a different form in the past or because better legal solutions existed alongside it, ones that have been forgotten. The author finds that looking back is a good way to understand the best way to move forward.
Insurer’s Duty to Obtain Information under the IDD Directive – Threat or Opportunity?
Authors: Norros Olli
Published: October 2021

Enacting Directive 2016/97, on insurance distribution (the IDD), has, inter alia, extended the scope of application of regulation, increased the requirements for expertise of the personnel of insurers and insurance intermediaries, and particularised the content of the duty to give information. One of the novelties in the IDD, with regard to the insurer’s duty to provide information, is the duty of the insurer to obtain information from the customer for enabling fulfilment of its own duty to give information. Before the IDD, the balance between the insurer’s duty to give information and the customer’s duty to become acquainted with the information received was customarily understood in many legal systems such that the insurer is obligated to supply comprehensive information on its insurance products in an understandable form while the customer bears the risk of selecting correct and sufficient insurance in reliance on the information received. In other words, the insurer is liable in respect of the information as such, but the customers accept a risk of applying the information incorrectly in their specific circumstances. This background gives rise to the following questions, examined in the article: 1) What is the legislative background of the new duty to obtain information, and what are the objectives behind it? 2) What are the consequences of neglecting this duty? 3) What is the ‘upside risk’ of the reform? That is, in what kinds of cases could the new duty improve matters? 4) What is the ‘downside risk’? In other words, might the new duty cause any problems? The article provides analysis focused on the IDD itself rather than on any national jurisdiction in which the directive has been implemented.
Sociocultural and political aspects of urban space formation: images «inside» and «outside»
Authors: Ivanova N.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the article is to analyze the phenomenon of the city as a communicative environment that creates images. Concrete historical examples of the formation of the image of the city, both from the side of the internal observer and from the side of external actors, are considered. The morphological analysis used in the study makes it possible to consider in more detail the elements of image construction and their interconnection. According to the results of the study, the author concluded that the formation of the image of the city takes place from two positions in relation to it – «inside» and «outside». Each of them defines the city as a unique environment at different levels. The first way of constructing the image of the city is based on personal understanding and reading, which makes the city understandable in terms of its use. The second type of image is associated with the formation of a city brand, which is based on a strong archetype or dominant that makes it unique and recognizable. Correctly constructed images are beneficial for the authorities, since attractive cities can be a magnet for investment, which in turn entails the socio-economic development of both the city and the region as a whole.
Specific features of using social media in presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020 in the USA: a comparative analysis
Authors: Klyuchevskiy D.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this article is to analyze the experience of using social networks as a political marketing tool in the US presidential elections. This article partially touches upon the global topic of marketization and digitalization of both the political process in general and at the level of the US presidential election. The paper highlights the changing role of social media as a policy tool, which today has become not only a tool for distributing content, but also one of the tools for analyzing data from the electorate. The author explores the possibilities of social networks, their strengths and weaknesses and development prospects in the field of political marketing. The work touches upon the role of social networks in the formation of «Electronic Democracy», their impact on the candidate's image and the relationship with the personalization of politics in the United States. The main method in the article is comparative analysis. The result was the definition of the role, key features of the mentioned social networks in the field of modern politics. A certain theoretical contribution is seen in the argumentation of the following observations: the speed of interaction between the candidate and the voter through social networks has increased, in addition, the area of image-making has been partially «digitalized». It was revealed that technologies of information influence on American voters, which positively influenced the results of the 2016 presidential election for the Republican candidate, lowered D. Trump's ratings during the 2020 elections.
Impact of a curricular proposal for the protection of water sources.
Authors: Quintero Barragán Leidy Johanna , Jaramillo Villegas Paula Andrea , Gallego Jorge Enrique
Published: October 2021

El presente artículo muestra el resultado de la investigación local, realizada en la sede Panorama de la institución educativa Caguancito, municipio de Garzón, departamento del Huila en Colombia. El objetivo de la investigación es analizar el impacto de la propuesta curricular del área de Ciencias Naturales frente al uso y cuidado de los recursos naturales en la institución y la región. La metodología es de carácter cualitativo con un enfoque descriptivo. Para la recolección de la información se empleó una matriz de revisión documental, encuestas y entrevistas, a 25 estudiantes de las sedes de la básica primaria, 22 padres de familia, pobladores y docentes de la institución. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian ausencia de contendidos y estrategias didácticas, que favorezcan el cuidado y protección de los recursos naturales en el plan curricular de Ciencias Naturales. El recurso natural más representativo en la región, son los nacederos de agua, estos suministran el líquido al 80 % de las familias para el sostenimiento de las activadas domésticas y la producción agrícola; estas fuentes están siendo afectadas por el consumo desmedido de la comunidad y la falta de protección. Se intervino el currículo diseñando una estrategia curricular didáctica transversal, que permite el cuidado y la preservación de los recursos naturales, especialmente los nacederos de agua, propuesta en la que docentes, estudiantes y padres de familia puedan participar en las actividades fortaleciendo la conciencia ambiental.
Habits of use of social networks in adolescence: educational challenges.
Authors: Dans Álvarez-de-Sotomayor Isabel , Muñoz Carril Pablo-César , González Sanmamed Mercedes
Published: October 2021

Esta investigación analiza los hábitos de uso de las redes sociales por parte del alumnado de cuarto curso de Educación Secundaria (14 a 16 años) con el propósito de vislumbrar las acciones educativas que conviene desarrollar para evitar los problemas que derivan de su empleo inadecuado. Para la recogida de datos se aplicó un cuestionario a 1144 estudiantes españoles en el que se incluían cuestiones relativas a cuánto, cuándo, dónde, con quién y para qué se conectan. Los resultados indicaron que los jóvenes se conectan fundamentalmente fuera de la escuela y administran con autonomía la duración de su conexión en su tiempo de ocio. Se demuestra una relación directa entre el tiempo de conexión a las redes sociales y el abandono de otras actividades de estudio, entretenimiento e, incluso, de relaciones de amistad. Se detectan efectos negativos generados por la desconexión, tales como el malestar emocional y psicológico. La mayoría de sus contactos se establecen con un número elevado de personas de su misma edad y entorno próximo. Además, se manifiestan como espectadores y partícipes de situaciones ofensivas en la red. Prefieren no compartir redes sociales con su profesorado y tienen opinión dispar respecto a la formación que pueden ofrecerle los docentes. Entre las conclusiones, se insiste en que identificar los perfiles de usuario y los problemas que pueden derivarse de las prácticas de uso de las redes sociales en la adolescencia, resulta de vital importancia para diseñar acciones educativas de prevención y educación en la era digital.
Does the ageing population correctly predict the need for medical beds? Part two: wider implications
Authors: Jones Rodney P
Published: October 2021

The first article in this two-part series demonstrated that the post-World War II ‘baby boom’ and increasing life expectancy implies that there will be a considerable increase in deaths in the UK over the next 40 years. As the highest proportion of lifetime hospital bed occupancy occurs in the last 1 year of life, this has significant implications for bed planning. Not only can death act as a predictor of hospital use in the final year of life, it is also a key indicator of wider morbidity and mortality trends. Part two of this series investigates the wider implications of these findings, showing that the current NHS funding formula completely omits the nearness-to-death effect when predicting bed usage. As a result, the formula becomes dependent on the year in which it is primed, leading to gross over- and under-funding in subsequent years. These same issues also have serious implications for the minimum number of beds for financial stability in a Clinical Commissioning Group. A pragmatic overview is given regarding how to modify current bed models so that they can give answers that reflect real-world demand.
The dynamic role of governments in adopting policy innovations in China
Authors: Huang Biao , Wiebrecht Felix
Published: October 2021

A growing number of studies have paid attention to the dynamic nature of vertical government interactions in authoritarian China. Yet, less attention has been paid to the question of why higher-level governments play different roles in diverse cases of innovation adoptions. Building on the extant literature, this study introduces the concept of innovation copyright, that is, the perceived ownership of the innovation, to explain the different roles of higher-level government involvement in innovation adoption. A comparative case study of policy innovations in China highlights that if higher-level governments perceive that they own the innovation copyright, they act as proactive facilitators, and if higher-level governments perceive that the innovation copyright belongs to local governments, they are involved as political backers. The copyright structures the expectations of higher-level and local governments and as a consequence determines their roles in innovation adoptions.
3D reconstruction and positioning of surface features based on a monocular camera and geometric constraints
Authors: Hou Guanyu , Zhang Weibin , Wu Bin , He Rongfang
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a 3D reconstruction and positioning method based on a single detecting camera and geometric constraint to evaluate the defect quantitatively. We realize the camera orientation through datum point coordinates acquired by a photogrammetry system and then solve the equation of the defect detection camera model and surface constraints to reconstruct the color point cloud in 3D space. To realize the reconstruction and orientation of defects on objects without marker points, the system is operated by a repetitive moving of robotic arms. Finally, the experiment achieves the reconstruction of three types of products with marker points and one of the same types of objects without marks. The experiment shows that this method can limit the accuracy of surface feature positioning to 0.7 mm, and relative accuracy of the area calculation to 0.125%.
Projection-type see-through near-to-eye display with a passively enlarged eye-box by combining a holographic lens and diffuser
Authors: Yeom Jiwoon , Hong Jisoo , Jeong Jinsoo
Published: October 2021

We propose a projection-type see-through near-to-eye display by combining two holographic optical elements (HOEs), a holographic lens with the on-axis projection configuration and a holographic diffuser. The proposed method provides an enlarged eye-box by virtue of diffusing properties of an HOE diffuser (HOED) without any temporal multiplexing methods. In this paper, a thorough analysis on imaging characteristics of an HOE lens (HOEL) according to the projection configuration is provided, so that we optimize the recording geometry of the HOEL with the passively enlarged eye-box. The theoretical analysis is validated by simulation results using a volume hologram model in OpticStudio. As experimental verifications, we realize a prototype of the proposed method using the photopolymer-based HOEs in a single color. The fabricated HOEL and HOED show high transmittance of 84.9% and 62.2%, respectively. By using the fabricated HOED with a diffusing angle over 20 ° and an angular selectivity of 8.7 °, the prototype successfully provides see-through images with the eye-box larger than 5 mm in width.
Probing neuronal functions with precise and targeted laser ablation in the living cortex
Authors: Cheng Zongyue , Han Yiyong , Wei Bowen , Lai Baoling , Li Baoming , Cui Meng , Gan Wen-Biao
Published: October 2021

Targeted cell ablation is an important strategy for dissecting the function of individual cells within biological tissues. Here we developed an amplified femtosecond laser-coupled two-photon microscopy (AFL-TPM) system that allows instantaneous and targeted ablation of individual cells and real-time monitoring of neuronal network changes in the living mouse cortex. Through precise and iterative control of the laser power and position, individual cells could be ablated by a single femtosecond light pulse with minimum collateral damage. We further show that ablation of individual somatostatin-expressing interneuron increases the activity of nearby neurons in the primary motor cortex during motor learning. Through precise dendrotomy, we reveal that different dendritic branches of layer 5 pyramidal neurons are structurally and functionally independent. By ablating individual cells and their processes in a spatiotemporally specific manner, the AFL-TPM system could serve as an important means for understanding the functions of cells within the complicated neuronal network.