bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying human postural dynamics and control from unperturbed balance
Authors: Lee Jongwoo , Zhang Kuangen , Hogan Neville
Published: March 2021

Background

Upright standing requires control of an inherently unstable multi-joint human body within a small base of support, despite biological motor and / or sensory noise which challenge balance. Without applying perturbations, system identification methods have been regarded as inadequate, because the relevant internal biological noise processes are not accessible to direct measurement. As a result, unperturbed balance studies have been limited to investigation of behavioral patterns rather than possible underlying control strategies.

Methods

In this paper, we present a mathemathically rigorous system identification method that is applicable to study the dynamics and control of unperturbed balance. The method is derived from autocorrelation matrices with non-zero time lags and identifies the system matrix of a discrete-time dynamic system in the presence of unknown noise processes, without requiring any information about the strength of the noise.

Results

Unlike reasonable ‘least-squares’ approaches, the performance of the new method is consistent across a range of different combinations of internal and measurement noise strengths, even when measurement noise is substantial. We present a numerical example of a model that simulates human upright balancing and show that its dynamics can be identified accurately. With a biomechanically reasonable choice of state and input variables, a state feedback controller can also be identified.

Conclusions

This study provides a new method to correctly identify the dynamics of human standing without the need for known external perturbations. The method was numerically validated using simulation that included realistic features of human balance. This method avoids potential issues of adaptation or possible reflex responses evoked by external perturbations, and does not require expensive in-lab, high-precision measurement equipment. It may eventually enable diagnosis and treatment of individuals with impaired balance, and the development of safe and effective assistive and / or rehabilitative technologies.
An optimal glycemic load range is better for reducing obesity and diabetes risk among middle-aged and elderly adults
Authors: He Fengyi , Chen Chaogang , Li Feng , Qi Yiqin , Lin Xiuhong , Liang Ping , Ren Meng , Yan Li
Published: March 2021

Background

Due to the lack of evidence, advice pertaining to glycemic load (GL) can be misleading. Does the excessive restriction of GL, mostly through an extreme reduction in carbohydrate intake, result in a relatively high intake of fat and protein and result in overweight and obesity? This study was performed to initially explore the optimal GL range.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 2029 participants aged 40 years or older in Guangzhou, China was conducted. Participants were divided into four groups according to cluster analysis. Dietary data were assessed using a previously validated 3-day food record.

Results

Instead of participants with the highest [cluster 1, median (interquartile ranges) GL was 112(107–119)/1000 kcal] and the lowest GL intake [cluster 4, 90(82–96)/1000 kcal], those with moderate GL intakes [clusters 2 and 3, 93(85–102) and 93(85–99)/1000 kcal, respectively] had a lower prevalence of overweight, obesity and diabetes. In addition, clusters 2 and 3 were more consistent with the macronutrient intake reference with adequate micronutrient intake. Therefore, the optimal GL range was determined to be (85–100)/1000 kcal, rather than “lower is better”.

Conclusions

Reducing the GL intake to prevent diabetes deserves more attention in the context of a balanced diet. An appropriate GL may be better than excessive restriction.
Evaluation of a highly refined prediction model in knowledge-based volumetric modulated arc therapy planning for cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Mingli , Gu Huikuan , Hu Jiang , Liang Jian , Xu Sisi , Qi Zhenyu
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

To explore whether a highly refined dose volume histograms (DVH) prediction model can improve the accuracy and reliability of knowledge-based volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning for cervical cancer.

Methods and materials

The proposed model underwent repeated refining through progressive training until the training samples increased from initial 25 prior plans up to 100 cases. The estimated DVHs derived from the prediction models of different runs of training were compared in 35 new cervical cancer patients to analyze the effect of such an interactive plan and model evolution method. The reliability and efficiency of knowledge-based planning (KBP) using this highly refined model in improving the consistency and quality of the VMAT plans were also evaluated.

Results

The prediction ability was reinforced with the increased number of refinements in terms of normal tissue sparing. With enhanced prediction accuracy, more than 60% of automatic plan-6 (AP-6) plans (22/35) can be directly approved for clinical treatment without any manual revision. The plan quality scores for clinically approved plans (CPs) and manual plans (MPs) were on average 89.02 ± 4.83 and 86.48 ± 3.92 (p < 0.001). Knowledge-based planning significantly reduced the Dmean and V18 Gy for kidney (L/R), the Dmean, V30 Gy, and V40 Gy for bladder, rectum, and femoral head (L/R).

Conclusion

The proposed model evolution method provides a practical way for the KBP to enhance its prediction ability with minimal human intervene. This highly refined prediction model can better guide KBP in improving the consistency and quality of the VMAT plans.
Correction to: RarERN Path: a methodology towards the optimisation of patients’ care pathways in rare and complex diseases developed within the European Reference Networks
Authors: Talarico Rosaria , Cannizzo Sara , Lorenzoni Valentina , Marinello Diana , Palla Ilaria , Pirri Salvatore , Ticciati Simone , Trieste Leopoldo , Triulzi Isotta , Terol Enrique , Bucher Anna , Turchetti Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Plaque associated microglia hyper-secrete extracellular vesicles and accelerate tau propagation in a humanized APP mouse model
Authors: Clayton Kevin , Delpech Jean Christophe , Herron Shawn , Iwahara Naotoshi , Ericsson Maria , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Ikezu Seiko , Ikezu Tsuneya
Published: March 2021

Background

Recent studies suggest that microglia contribute to tau pathology progression in Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaque accumulation transforms microglia, the primary innate immune cells in the brain, into neurodegenerative microglia (MGnD), which exhibit enhanced phagocytosis of plaques, apoptotic neurons and dystrophic neurites containing aggregated and phosphorylated tau (p-tau). It remains unclear how microglia promote disease progression while actively phagocytosing pathological proteins, therefore ameliorating pathology.

Methods

Adeno-associated virus expressing P301L tau mutant (AAV-P301L-tau) was stereotaxically injected into the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) in C57BL/6 (WT) and humanized APP mutant knock-in homozygote (AppNL-G-F) mice at 5 months of age. Mice were fed either chow containing a colony stimulating factor-1 receptor inhibitor (PLX5622) or control chow from 4 to 6 months of age to test the effect of microglia depletion. Animals were tested at 6 months of age for immunofluorescence, biochemistry, and FACS of microglia. In order to monitor microglial extracellular vesicle secretion in vivo, a novel lentiviral EV reporter system was engineered to express mEmerald-CD9 (mE-CD9) specifically in microglia, which was injected into the same region of MEC.

Results

Expressing P301L tau mutant in the MEC induced tau propagation to the granule cell layer of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, which was significantly exacerbated in AppNL-G-F mice compared to WT control mice. Administration of PLX5622 depleted nearly all microglia in mouse brains and dramatically reduced propagation of p-tau in WT and to a greater extent in AppNL-G-F mice, although it increased plaque burden and plaque-associated p-tau+ dystrophic neurites. Plaque-associated MGnD microglia strongly expressed an EV marker, tumor susceptibility gene 101, indicative of heightened synthesis of EVs. Intracortical injection of mE-CD9 lentivirus successfully induced microglia-specific expression of mE-CD9+ EV particles, which were significantly enhanced in Mac2+ MGnD microglia compared to Mac2− homeostatic microglia. Finally, consecutive intracortical injection of mE-CD9 lentivirus and AAV-P301L-tau into AppNL-G-F mice revealed encapsulation of p-tau in microglia-specific mE-CD9+ EVs as determined by super-resolution microscopy and immuno-electron microscopy.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that MGnD microglia hyper-secrete p-tau+ EVs while compacting Aβ plaques and clearing NP tau, which we propose as a novel mechanistic link between amyloid plaque deposition and exacerbation of tau propagation in AppNL-G-F mice.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Egypt
Authors: Selim Abdelfattah , Alanazi Abdullah D. , Sazmand Alireza , Otranto Domenico
Published: March 2021

Background

Dogs play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic vector-borne pathogens worldwide, yet reports of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) in Egypt are scarce.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from pet dogs (n = 500) of the three most common breeds (German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Pit Bull) in five Governates of Cairo (n = 230), Giza (n = 110), Al-Qalyubia (n = 60), Al-Gharbia (n = 60) and Kafr El-Sheikh (n = 40) with a hot desert climate. The presence of antibodies to Anaplasma spp. (A. phagocytophilum, A. platys), Ehrlichia spp. (E. canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) and Dirofilaria immitis were assessed using IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® ELISA tests. For each pathogen, risk factors (i.e. geographical area, keeping condition, sex, age, breed, tick infestation, weekly sanitation of dog enclosures and application of ectoparasiticides) were evaluated by logistic regression approach.

Results

In total, 18.2% (n = 91, 95% CI 15.1–21.8) of dogs scored seropositive for at least one pathogen, the most frequent being Ehrlichia spp. (n = 56; 11.2%; 95% CI 8.7–14.3) followed by Anaplasma spp. (n = 33; 6.6%, 95% CI 4.7–9.1), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) (n = 9; 1.8%, 95% CI 0.9–3.4) and D. immitis (n = 7; 1.4%, 95% CI 0.9–2.9). In the tested population, 15.4% (95% CI 12.5–18.8) of dogs were exposed to a single pathogen while 2.4 (95% CI 1.4–4.2) and 0.4% (95% CI 0.1–1.4) were simultaneously exposed to two or three pathogens, respectively. Major risk factors associated with VBDs were living outdoors (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001), female sex (Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.005), German Shepherd breed (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.04; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.03), tick infestation (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.003; D. immitis, P = 0.02), irregular sanitation (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.002; D. immitis, P = 0.01) and not using ectoparasiticides (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.007).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale seroepidemiological study of CVBDs in Egypt. Considering that all of the detected pathogens are potentially zoonotic, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of pet dogs and successful chemoprophylaxis are advocated.

Graphical Abstract
Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) as a biomarker of COVID-19 disease severity and indicator of the need for mechanical ventilation, ARDS and mortality
Authors: Lim Adeline , Radujkovic Aleksandar , Weigand Markus A. , Merle Uta
Published: March 2021

Background

COVID-19 pneumonia and subsequent respiratory failure is causing an immense strain on intensive care units globally. Early prediction of severe disease enables clinicians to avoid acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) development and improve management of critically ill patients. The soluble receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (sRAGE) is a biomarker shown to predict ARDS. Although sRAGE level varies depending on the type of disease, there is limited information available on changes in sRAGE levels in COVID-19. Therefore, sRAGE was measured in COVID-19 patients to determine sRAGE level variation in COVID-19 severity and to examine its ability to predict the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) and mortality in COVID-19.

Methods

In this single-centre observational cohort study in Germany, serum sRAGE during acute COVID-19, 20 weeks after the start of COVID-19 symptoms, as well as in control groups of non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients and healthy controls were measured using ELISA. The primary endpoint was severe disease (high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO)/MV and need of organ support). The secondary endpoints were respiratory failure with need of MV and 30-day mortality. The area under the curve (AUC), cut-off based on Youden’s index and odds ratio with 95% CI for sRAGE were calculated with regard to prediction of MV need and mortality.

Results

Serum sRAGE in 164 COVID-19 patients, 101 matched COVID-19 convalescent patients, 23 non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients and 15 healthy volunteers were measured. sRAGE level increased with COVID-19 severity, need for oxygen therapy, HFNO/MV, ARDS severity, need of dialysis and catecholamine support, 30-day mortality, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and quick SOFA (qSOFA) score. sRAGE was found to be a good predictor of MV need in COVID-19 inpatients and mortality with an AUC of 0.871 (0.770–0.973) and 0.903 (0.817–0.990), respectively. When adjusted for male gender, age, comorbidity and SOFA score ≥ 3, sRAGE was independently associated with risk of need for HFNO/MV. When adjusted for SOFA score ≥ 3, sRAGE was independently associated with risk of need for MV.

Conclusions

Serum sRAGE concentrations are elevated in COVID-19 patients as disease severity increases. sRAGE should be considered as a biomarker for predicting the need for MV and mortality in COVID-19.
Why do some inter-organisational collaborations in healthcare work when others do not? A realist review
Authors: Aunger Justin Avery , Millar Ross , Greenhalgh Joanne , Mannion Russell , Rafferty Anne-Marie , McLeod Hugh
Published: March 2021

Background

Inter-organisational collaboration is increasingly prominent within contemporary healthcare systems. A range of collaboration types such as alliances, networks, and mergers have been proposed as a means to turnaround organisations, by reducing duplication of effort, enabling resource sharing, and promoting innovations. However, in practice, due to the complexity of the process, such efforts are often rife with difficulty. Notable contributions have sought to make sense of this area; however, further understanding is needed in order to gain a better understanding of why some inter-organisational collaborations work when others do not, to be able to more effectively implement collaborations in the future.

Methods

Realist review methodology was used with the intention of formulating context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) to explain how inter-organisational collaborations work and why, combining systematic and purposive literature search techniques. The systematic review encompassed searches for reviews, commentaries, opinion pieces, and case studies on HMIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Social Policy and Practice databases, and further searches were conducted using Google Scholar. Data were extracted from included studies according to relevance to the realist review.

Results

Fifty-three papers were included, informing the development of programme theories of how, why, and when inter-organisational collaborations in healthcare work. Formulation of our programme theories incorporated the concepts of partnership synergy and collaborative inertia and found that it was essential to consider mechanisms underlying partnership functioning, such as building trust and faith in the collaboration to maximise synergy and thus collaborative performance. More integrative or mandated collaboration may lean more heavily on contract to drive collaborative behaviour.

Conclusion

As the first realist review of inter-organisational collaborations in healthcare as an intervention for improvement, this review provides actionable evidence for policymakers and implementers, enhancing understanding of mechanisms underlying the functioning and performing of inter-organisational collaborations, as well as how to configure the context to aid success. Next steps in this research will test the results against further case studies and primary data to produce a further refined theory.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019149009
Direct impact of commonly used dietary emulsifiers on human gut microbiota
Authors: Naimi Sabrine , Viennois Emilie , Gewirtz Andrew T. , Chassaing Benoit
Published: March 2021

Background

Epidemiologic evidence and animal studies implicate dietary emulsifiers in contributing to the increased prevalence of diseases associated with intestinal inflammation, including inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic syndrome. Two synthetic emulsifiers in particular, carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate 80, profoundly impact intestinal microbiota in a manner that promotes gut inflammation and associated disease states. In contrast, the extent to which other food additives with emulsifying properties might impact intestinal microbiota composition and function is not yet known.

Methods

To help fill this knowledge gap, we examined here the extent to which a human microbiota, maintained ex vivo in the MiniBioReactor Array model, was impacted by 20 different commonly used dietary emulsifiers. Microbiota density, composition, gene expression, and pro-inflammatory potential (bioactive lipopolysaccharide and flagellin) were measured daily.

Results

In accordance with previous studies, both carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate 80 induced a lasting seemingly detrimental impact on microbiota composition and function. While many of the other 18 additives tested had impacts of similar extent, some, such as lecithin, did not significantly impact microbiota in this model. Particularly stark detrimental impacts were observed in response to various carrageenans and gums, which altered microbiota density, composition, and expression of pro-inflammatory molecules.

Conclusions

These results indicate that numerous, but not all, commonly used emulsifiers can directly alter gut microbiota in a manner expected to promote intestinal inflammation. Moreover, these data suggest that clinical trials are needed to reduce the usage of the most detrimental compounds in favor of the use of emulsifying agents with no or low impact on the microbiota.
Revealing taxon-specific heavy metal-resistance mechanisms in denitrifying phosphorus removal sludge using genome-centric metaproteomics
Authors: Lin Yuan , Wang Liye , Xu Ke , Li Kan , Ren Hongqiang
Published: March 2021

Background

Denitrifying phosphorus removal sludge (DPRS) is widely adopted for nitrogen and phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment but faces threats from heavy metals. However, a lack of understanding of the taxon-specific heavy metal-resistance mechanisms hinders the targeted optimization of DPRS’s robustness in nutrient removal.

Results

We obtained 403 high- or medium-quality metagenome-assembled genomes from DPRS treated by elevating cadmium, nickel, and chromium pressure. Then, the proteomic responses of individual taxa under heavy metal pressures were characterized, with an emphasis on functions involving heavy metal resistance and maintenance of nutrient metabolism. When oxygen availability was constrained by high-concentration heavy metals, comammoxNitrospiraoverproduced highly oxygen-affinitive hemoglobin and electron-transporting cytochrome c-like proteins, underpinning its ability to enhance oxygen acquisition and utilization. In contrast,Nitrosomonasoverexpressed ammonia monooxygenase and nitrite reductase to facilitate the partial nitrification and denitrification process for maintaining nitrogen removal. Comparisons between phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) demonstrated different heavy metal-resistance mechanisms adopted byDechloromonasandCandidatusAccumulibacter, despite their high genomic similarities. In particular,Dechloromonasoutcompeted the canonical PAOCandidatusAccumulibacter in synthesizing polyphosphate, a potential public good for heavy metal detoxification. The superiority ofDechloromonasin energy utilization, radical elimination, and damaged cell component repair also contributed to its dominance under heavy metal pressures. Moreover, the enrichment analysis revealed that functions involved in extracellular polymeric substance formation, siderophore activity, and heavy metal efflux were significantly overexpressed due to the related activities of specific taxa.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that heavy metal-resistance mechanisms within a multipartite community are highly heterogeneous between different taxa. These findings provide a fundamental understanding of how the heterogeneity of individual microorganisms contributes to the metabolic versatility and robustness of microbiomes inhabiting dynamic environments, which is vital for manipulating the adaptation of microbial assemblages under adverse environmental stimuli.
Geospatial epidemiology of leprosy in northwest Bangladesh: a 20-year retrospective observational study
Authors: Bulstra Caroline A. , Blok David J. , Alam Khorshed , Butlin C. Ruth , Roy Johan Chandra , Bowers Bob , Nicholls Peter , de Vlas Sake J. , Richardus Jan Hendrik
Published: March 2021

Background

Leprosy is known to be unevenly distributed between and within countries. High risk areas or ‘hotspots’ are potential targets for preventive interventions, but the underlying epidemiologic mechanisms that enable hotspots to emerge, are not yet fully understood. In this study, we identified and characterized leprosy hotspots in Bangladesh, a country with one of the highest leprosy endemicity levels globally.

Methods

We used data from four high-endemic districts in northwest Bangladesh including 20 623 registered cases between January 2000 and April 2019 (among ~ 7 million population). Incidences per union (smallest administrative unit) were calculated using geospatial population density estimates. A geospatial Poisson model was used to detect incidence hotspots over three (overlapping) 10-year timeframes: 2000–2009, 2005–2014 and 2010–2019. Ordinal regression models were used to assess whether patient characteristics were significantly different for cases outside hotspots, as compared to cases within weak (i.e., relative risk (RR) of one to two), medium (i.e., RR of two to three), and strong (i.e., RR higher than three) hotspots.

Results

New case detection rates dropped from 44/100 000 in 2000 to 10/100 000 in 2019. Statistically significant hotspots were identified during all timeframes and were often located at areas with high population densities. The RR for leprosy was up to 12 times higher for inhabitants of hotspots than for people living outside hotspots. Within strong hotspots (1930 cases among less than 1% of the population), significantly more child cases (i.e., below 15 years of age) were detected, indicating recent transmission. Cases in hotspots were not significantly more likely to be detected actively.

Conclusions

Leprosy showed a heterogeneous distribution with clear hotspots in northwest Bangladesh throughout a 20-year period of decreasing incidence. Findings confirm that leprosy hotspots represent areas of higher transmission activity and are not solely the result of active case finding strategies.
Using design thinking to cultivate the next generation of female STEAM thinkers
Authors: Kijima Rie , Yang-Yoshihara Mariko , Maekawa Marcos Sadao
Published: March 2021

Background

Countries around the world have struggled to implement education policies and practices to encourage more female youths to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This has resulted in a persistent and sizeable gender gap in science and mathematics subjects in some countries. Using mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, this paper explores an educational intervention—specifically, a 3-day design thinking workshop—in Japan, designed to change female youths’ perceptions regarding STEM topics. Framed using a constructivist approach to learning, the workshops aimed to engender creative confidence, empathy, and global competence among youths.

Results

The findings show that female youths who participated in the workshop had increased interest in engineering, greater creative confidence, more positive perceptions of STEM, higher levels of empathy and pro-social factors, and a more varied outlook on career options. We argue that this short intervention had a strong influence on the female youths’ mindsets, self-images, and perceptions of STEM.

Conclusion

This study provides empirical support that a short intervention can produce positive change in how female youths relate to STEM. In gendered societies, an innovative method like design thinking has the potential to revitalize education curriculum in ways that spur female youths’ confidence and creativity, enabling them to imagine a career in the field of STEM.
The effect of the lockdown executive order during the COVID-19 pandemic in recent trauma admissions in Puerto Rico
Authors: Ruiz-Medina Pedro E. , Ramos-Meléndez Ediel O. , Cruz-De La Rosa Kerwin X. , Arrieta-Alicea Antonio , Guerrios-Rivera Lourdes , Nieves-Plaza Mariely , Rodríguez-Ortiz Pablo
Published: March 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to world-wide restrictions on social activities to curb the spread of this disease. Very little is known about the impact of these restrictions on trauma centers. Our objective was to determine the effect of the pandemic-associated lockdown on trauma admissions, patient’s demographics, mechanisms of injury, injury severity, and outcomes in the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital.

Methods

An IRB-approved quasi-experimental study was performed to assess the impact of the restrictions by comparing trauma admissions during the lockdown (March 15, 2020 – June 15, 2020) with a control period (same period in 2017–2019). Comparisons were done using the Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. A negative binomial model was fitted to estimate the incidence rate ratio for overall admissions among pre-lockdown and during-lockdown periods. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 308 subjects were admitted during the quarter of study for 2017; 323, for 2018; 347, for 2019; and 150, for 2020. The median (interquartile range) age of patients rose significantly from 40 (33) years to 49 (30) years (p < 0.001) for the lockdown period compared to the historical period. Almost all mechanisms of injury (i.e., motor vehicle accident, assault, pedestrian, burn, suicide attempt, other) had a slight non-significant reduction in the percentage of patients presenting with an injury. Instead, falls experienced an increase during the lockdown period (18.9% vs. 26.7%; p = 0.026). Moreover, the proportion of severe cases decreased, as measured by an injury severity score (ISS) > 15 (37.3% vs. 26.8%; p = 0.014); while there were no differences in the median hospital length of stay and the mortality rate between the comparison groups. Finally, the decrease in overall admissions registered during the lockdown accounts for a 59% (IRR 0.41; 95% CI 0.31–0.54) change compared to the pre-lockdown period, when controlling for sex, age, mechanism of injury, and ISS.

Conclusions

Following periods of social isolation and curfews, trauma centers can expect drastic reductions in their overall patient volume with associated changes in trauma patterns. Our findings will help inform new interventions and improve healthcare preparedness for future or similar circumstances.
Exercise and Neuropathic Pain: A General Overview of Preclinical and Clinical Research
Authors: Leitzelar Brianna N. , Koltyn Kelli F.
Published: March 2021

Neuropathic pain is a disease of the somatosensory system that is characterized by tingling, burning, and/or shooting pain. Medication is often the primary treatment, but it can be costly, thus there is an interest in understanding alternative low-cost treatments such as exercise. The following review includes an overview of the preclinical and clinical literature examining the influence of exercise on neuropathic pain. Preclinical studies support the hypothesis that exercise reduces hyperalgesia and allodynia in animal models of neuropathic pain. In human research, observational studies suggest that those who are more physically active have lower risk of developing neuropathic pain compared to those who are less active. Exercise studies suggest aerobic exercise training (e.g., 16 weeks); a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise training (e.g., 10–12 weeks); or high-intensity interval training (e.g., 15 weeks) reduces aspects of neuropathic pain such as worst pain over the past month, pain over the past 24 h, pain scores, or pain interference. However, not all measures of pain improve following exercise training (e.g., current pain, heat pain threshold). Potential mechanisms and future directions are also discussed to aid in the goal of understanding the role of exercise in the management of neuropathic pain. Future research using standardized methods to further understanding of the dose of exercise needed to manage neuropathic pain is warranted.
Formulating an anesthetic plan using a list of high-risk pregnant women on cloud-based business communication tools: a case report
Authors: Kimura Junnosuke , Kawamura Kento , Minoura Manami , Hiramoto Ayako , Suga Yoshifumi , Okahara Shoko , Inoue Rie , Sumikura Hiroyuki
Published: March 2021

Background

We report a case in which a list of high-risk pregnant women on cloud-based business communication tools was useful in formulating an anesthetic plan for unscheduled cesarean section.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old woman, who had been prescribed icosapentate for hypertriglyceridemia, received an antenatal anesthetic evaluation for possible cesarean delivery, and it was agreed that the anesthetic method for emergency cesarean section was general anesthesia if the surgery would take place within 7 days after the discontinuation of the drug, and regional anesthesia if it would take place any time later. Then this agreement was uploaded on the cloud-based business communication tools, and updated until she delivered her baby via unscheduled cesarean section.

Conclusions

A cloud-based business communication tools was useful in formulating an anesthesia plan for a patient undergoing a cesarean delivery. However, more discussion would be needed to utilize it in security.
Archive Angst
Authors: Scott Joan Wallach
Published: March 2021

“Archive Angst” is a meditation on one historian’s attempt to create her own archive and the questions and challenges it poses.
Cex1 is a component of the COPI intracellular trafficking machinery
Authors: Enkler Ludovic , Rinaldi Bruno , de Craene Johan Owen , Hammann Philippe , Nureki Osamu , Senger Bruno , Friant Sylvie , Becker Hubert D.
Published: March 2021

COPI (coatomer complex I) coated vesicles are involved in Golgi-to-ER and intra-Golgi trafficking pathways, and mediate retrieval of ER resident proteins. Functions and components of the COPI-mediated trafficking pathways, beyond the canonical set of Sec/Arf proteins, are constantly increasing in number and complexity. In mammalian cells, GORAB, SCYL1 and SCYL3 proteins regulate Golgi morphology and protein glycosylation in concert with the COPI machinery. Here, we show that Cex1, homologous to the mammalian SCYL proteins, is a component of the yeast COPI machinery, by interacting with Sec27, Sec28 and Sec33 (Ret1/Cop1) proteins of the COPI coat. Cex1 was initially reported to mediate channeling of aminoacylated tRNA outside of the nucleus. Our data show that Cex1 localizes at membrane compartments, on structures positive for the Sec33 α-COP subunit. Moreover, the Wbp1 protein required for N-glycosylation and interacting via its di-lysine motif with the Sec27 β′-COP subunit is mis-targeted in cex1Δ deletion mutant cells. Our data point to the possibility of developing Cex1 yeast-based models to study neurodegenerative disorders linked to pathogenic mutations of its human homologue SCYL1.
Ο ρόλος του περιφερειακού χωροταξικού σχεδιασμού στον ελληνικό χώρο
Authors: Στεφανή Φωτεινή
Published: March 2021

Ο ρόλος του χωροταξικού σχεδιασμού ως εργαλείο πολιτικής σε συνθήκες μεγάλης ύφεσης και μετασχηματισμών καθίσταται αναγκαίος για την ενίσχυση των παραγωγικών δραστηριοτήτων. Η έννοια της ανθεκτικότητας περιλαμβάνει όχι μόνο την αντίδραση στους εξωτερικούς κραδασμούς, αλλά και την εγκαθίδρυση ενός συστήματος με υψηλό βαθμό προληπτικής και κατασταλτικής προσαρμοστικότητας στις αλλαγές των ευρύτερων συνθηκών. Ο χωροταξικός σχεδιασμός σε συνεργασία με την αναπτυξιακή πολιτική εθνικού και περιφερειακού επιπέδου είναι σε θέση να διασφαλίσει καλύτερα το επιθυμητό αποτέλεσμα. Η χωρική οργάνωση των παραγωγικών δραστηριοτήτων και η βέλτιστη ένταξη τους στο χώρο, στην περιφερειακή και υποπεριφερειακή κλίμακα, ενσωματώνει τις εθνικές αναπτυξιακές και χωρικές προτεραιότητες και τις προσαρμόζει με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο στις τοπικές ιδιαιτερότητες, τις συμπληρώνει ενδυναμώνοντας τα οικονομικά, γεωγραφικά, φυσικά και πολιτιστικά πλεονεκτήματα και ενισχύει περισσότερο αυτές που μπορούν να της δώσουν μεγαλύτερη προστιθέμενη αξία. Η διατριβή εξετάζει τη σημασία του περιφερειακού χωροταξικού σχεδιασμού στον ελληνικό χώρο και τη συμβολή του στην ανάπτυξη της χώρας με όρους βιωσιμότητας. Το κύριο σημείο εστίασης αποτελεί η διερεύνηση της συμβολής των Περιφερειακών Χωροταξικών Πλαισίων στην βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη των παραγωγικών δραστηριοτήτων. Προτείνεται σύνθετη μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση συγκριτικής αξιολόγησης των θεσμικών κειμένων των νέων Περιφερειακών Χωροταξικών Πλαισίων για τις παραγωγικές δραστηριότητες, με συγκεκριμένα βήματα και προσδιορισμό δεικτών αξιολόγησης του περιφερειακού χωροταξικού σχεδιασμού. Παράλληλα ερευνάται η σχέση μεταξύ αναπτυξιακού και χωρικού σχεδιασμού στη βάση του εργαλείου των Περιφερειακών Σχεδίων της Στρατηγικής Έρευνας και Τεχνολογίας για την Έξυπνη Εξειδίκευση (RIS3), που δίνει έμφαση στην τοποκεντρική προσέγγιση ενισχύοντας την εδαφική συνοχή. Η πολυθεματική προσέγγιση οδηγεί σε επισημάνσεις βασικών ζητημάτων και τελικά στην αποτίμηση του ρόλου του περιφερειακού χωροταξικού σχεδιασμού στην αντιμετώπιση των προκλήσεων και των προοπτικών που αναδεικνύονται.
Game—Logistics to the Rescue: An Elementary Introduction to Planning in Disaster Response Decision Environments
Authors: Mullin Erin , Milburn Ashlea Bennett
Published: March 2021

Logistics to the Rescue is a spreadsheet K–12 game designed as a platform to familiarize students with emergency logistics. In the game, students play the role of an emergency dispatcher, assigning locations to routes. The challenge presented is threefold. Students must serve as many locations as possible within a time-frame. Midroute, an additional set of locations whose requests may be inaccurate is revealed; these requests are termed unverified demand locations. Students must balance uncertainty and time while serving as many accurate locations as possible. Finally, they are interrupted to learn whether the unverified demand locations’ requests are accurate. The game serves as a pedagogical tool for simulating a postdisaster environment and it exposes the real-time implications of social media and the data it produces. It emphasizes the importance of social and ethical awareness in the field of emergency logistics by showcasing the consequences induced by civilians’ reliance on social media in times of crisis. In doing so, it highlights the expansive boundaries of engineering’s disciplines and content. It is our hope that Logistics to the Rescue will encourage students, especially girls, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing a distinctive narrative where engineering is viewed as creative/collaborative rather than technical/a-social.
Stability in Matching Markets with Complex Constraints
Authors: Nguyen Hai , Nguyen Thành , Teytelboym Alexander
Published: March 2021

We develop a model of many-to-one matching markets in which agents with multiunit demand aim to maximize a cardinal linear objective subject to multidimensional knapsack constraints. The choice functions of agents with multiunit demand are therefore not substitutable. As a result, pairwise stable matchings may not exist and even when they do, may be highly inefficient. We provide an algorithm that finds a group-stable matching that approximately satisfies all the multidimensional knapsack constraints. The novel ingredient in our algorithm is a combination of matching with contracts and Scarf’s Lemma. We show that the degree of the constraint violation under our algorithm is proportional to the sparsity of the constraint matrix. The algorithm, therefore, provides practical constraint violation bounds for applications in contexts, such as refugee resettlement, day care allocation, and college admissions with diversity requirements. Simulations using refugee resettlement data show that our approach produces outcomes that are not only more stable, but also more efficient than the outcomes of the Deferred Acceptance algorithm. Moreover, simulations suggest that in practice, constraint violations under our algorithm would be even smaller than the theoretical bounds.

This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.
Predictors of uptake of cervical cancer screening among nurses in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Authors: Oyekale Rahmat A , Oluwatosin O Abimbola , Edet Olaide B
Published: March 2021

Background/Aims

More than one million women are currently living with cervical cancer. Approximately 311 000 deaths were attributed to the disease in 2018, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries, like Nigeria. Cervical cancer screening has been consistently shown to be effective in reducing the occurrence of new cases of cervical cancer and mortality related to the disease. This study aimed to determine the predictors of cervical cancer screening among nurses in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which used a structured pretested questionnaire to collect data from 230 nurses randomly selected from two settings in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square and logistic regression.

Results

All participants had heard of cervical cancer and its screening measures. More than half of the respondents (68.7%) had never submitted for screening. The respondents reported factors such as lack of facilities (77.0%), financial status (76.5%), lack of awareness (75.7%), inconvenient screening time (75.7%) and level of education (71.7%) as influencers of use of cervical cancer screening. Logistic regression analysis showed marital status was significantly related to cervical cancer screening usage (P=0.047).

Conclusions

Good knowledge of nurses on cervical cancer screening does not translate to uptake of screening services. It is recommended that cervical and other cancer screening services should be included in the pre-employment medical examination of nurses to compel usage of screening services.
Particle acceleration using top-illuminated nanophotonic dielectric structures
Authors: Shiloh R. , Chlouba T. , Yousefi P. , Hommelhoff P.
Published: March 2021

In dielectric laser acceleration, nanostructures etched into silicon are used to convert free-space ultrashort laser pulses, incident from the side and parallel to the wafer substrate, to accelerate particles. This current approach is experimentally challenging and, as it turns out, not quite necessary for most experiments and practical applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrate and numerically verify the efficacy of top-illuminated structures, and measure a maximum acceleration gradient of 49.2 ± 3.1 MeV/m. We discuss how, in practice, this approach proves superior to the current standard in the field, and expect it to become the definitive choice for nanophotonic particle laser acceleration.
Modal perspective on geometric parametric instability sidebands in graded-index multimode fibers
Authors: He Weitao , Dai Jianan , Ma Qichang , Luo Aiping , Hong Weiyi
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we investigated the geometric parametric instability (GPI) in graded-index multimode fibers through the multimode generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Our results clearly and intuitively indicate that the generations of GPI sidebands are nearly synchronous in the spectrums of all modes, and the shapes of these spectrums are nearly the same. The numerical results show that the energies of the GPI sidebands come from the pump sideband, and these sidebands are carried by similar spatial beam profiles due to the similar modal components. We also found that the large modal dispersion has an influence for the symmetry of these GPI sidebands.
Disappearance of fringes in the self-mixing interferometry sensing scheme: impact of the initial laser mode solution
Authors: Veng Mengkoung , Bony Francis , Perchoux Julien
Published: March 2021

We report here the first-ever, to the best of our knowledge, observation of an inconsistency in the fringe disappearance that occurs in self-mixing interferometers. The disappearance of fringes has been observed in vibration and absolute distance sensing schemes under moderate/strong feedback regimes, and it has a major impact on the design of self-mixing sensors. The number of missing fringes that mostly depends on the feedback strength is also linked to the establishment of the initial stable solution, and, as a consequence, the first modulation period will result in more fringes than expected in the case of an already permanent modulation. We demonstrate that this phenomenon is entirely predicted by the well-admitted dynamic rate equation model of the laser under optical feedback followed by the perfect agreement with experimental results.
17.8 fs broadband Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:CALGO oscillator
Authors: Wang Yiran , Su Xiancui , Xie Yiyan , Gao Feilong , Kumar Santosh , Wang Qinglin , Liu Cailong , Zhang Bingyuan , Zhang Baitao , He Jingliang
Published: March 2021

Pulses as short as 17.8 fs with a spectral bandwidth of 145 nm and central wavelength of 1118 nm have been generated from a Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:CALGO oscillator. The oscillator operating at an average power of 26 mW and a repetition rate of 95.9 MHz is pumped by a cost-effective single-mode fiber coupled laser diode emitting 800 mW at 976 nm. The dispersion is compensated using a prism pair combined with broadband chirp mirrors. To the best of our knowledge, the pulse durations corresponding to approximately 4.8 optical cycle pulses are the shortest achieved durations through a Yb-doped bulk oscillator.
Particle swarm optimization of silicon photonic crystal waveguide transition
Authors: Shiratori Ryo , Nakata Masaya , Hayashi Kosuke , Baba Toshihiko
Published: March 2021

Slow light generated through silicon (Si) photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs) is useful for improving the performance of Si photonic devices. However, the accumulation of coupling loss between a PCW and Si optical wiring waveguides is a problem when slow-light devices are connected in a series in a photonic integrated circuit. Previously, we reported a tapered transition structure between these waveguides and observed a coupling loss of 0.46 dB per transition. This Letter employed particle swarm optimization to engineer the arrangement of photonic crystal holes to reduce loss and succeeded in demonstrating theoretical loss value of 0.12 dB on average in the wavelength range of 1540–1560 nm and an experimental one of 0.21 dB. Crucially, this structure enhances the versatility of slow light.
Optimization and simulation of a carbon nanotube arrangement for transparent conductive electrodes with record-high direct current to optical conductive ratios
Authors: Chen Shau-Liang , Yu Chen-Chieh , Chang Sih-Wei , Lee Yang-Chun , Chen Hsuen-Li
Published: March 2021

Carbon nanotube (CNT) meshes have optical and electrical properties that make them suitable for use in next-generation transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs). Although circuit modeling of CNT meshes has been studied widely, very few researchers have modeled the optical properties of the horizontally and regular arrangement of CNT arrays. The behavior of light propagating through a CNT mesh is complex, with no straightforward rules established to provide simple analytical solutions. In this study, we used the three-dimensional finite difference time domain (3D-FDTD) method to model the optical properties of regular arrays of CNTs, based on the calculated refractive indices and extinction coefficients of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs). One-dimensional regular arrays of CNTs displayed strong anisotropic optical behavior. Moreover, by adjusting the spacing and arrangement of two-dimensional regular arrays of CNTs, we could identify the optimal structure for a CNT-based TCE displaying excellent optical and electrical performance. We have also developed the concept of the “optical threshold,” which defines the most effective charge transport channels possessing sufficiently open areas. This concept solves the trade-off between the two key parameters—the light transmittance and the sheet resistance—in TCEs. The optimal geometry provided a CNT mesh with not only the most effective charge transport channels but also very high optical transmittance, CNT network with a diameter of 10 nm (specific conductivity of 0.385 Ω−1 nm−1) has light transparency and low sheet resistance T > 90% and Rs < 1.6 Ω/sq, such that the ratio of the direct current conductivity to the optical conductivity (σDC/σop) reached as high as 2077. This value is far greater than previously reported simulated and experimental values for TCEs based on various materials.
The biophysical basis underlying the maintenance of early phase long-term potentiation
Authors: Becker Moritz F. P. , Tetzlaff Christian
Published: March 2021

The maintenance of synaptic changes resulting from long-term potentiation (LTP) is essential for brain function such as memory and learning. Different LTP phases have been associated with diverse molecular processes and pathways, and the molecular underpinnings of LTP on the short, as well as long time scales, are well established. However, the principles on the intermediate time scale of 1-6 hours that mediate the early phase of LTP (E-LTP) remain elusive. We hypothesize that the interplay between specific features of postsynaptic receptor trafficking is responsible for sustaining synaptic changes during this LTP phase. We test this hypothesis by formalizing a biophysical model that integrates several experimentally-motivated mechanisms. The model captures a wide range of experimental findings and predicts that synaptic changes are preserved for hours when the receptor dynamics are shaped by the interplay of structural changes of the spine in conjunction with increased trafficking from recycling endosomes and the cooperative binding of receptors. Furthermore, our model provides several predictions to verify our findings experimentally.