bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A role for lakes in revealing the nature of animal movement using high dimensional telemetry systems
Authors: Lennox Robert J. , Westrelin Samuel , Souza Allan T. , Šmejkal Marek , Říha Milan , Prchalová Marie , Nathan Ran , Koeck Barbara , Killen Shaun , Jarić Ivan , Gjelland Karl , Hollins Jack , Hellstrom Gustav , Hansen Henry , Cooke Steven J. , Boukal David , Brooks Jill L. , Brodin Tomas , Baktoft Henrik , Adam Timo , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: July 2021

Movement ecology is increasingly relying on experimental approaches and hypothesis testing to reveal how, when, where, why, and which animals move. Movement of megafauna is inherently interesting but many of the fundamental questions of movement ecology can be efficiently tested in study systems with high degrees of control. Lakes can be seen as microcosms for studying ecological processes and the use of high-resolution positioning systems to triangulate exact coordinates of fish, along with sensors that relay information about depth, temperature, acceleration, predation, and more, can be used to answer some of movement ecology’s most pressing questions. We describe how key questions in animal movement have been approached and how experiments can be designed to gather information about movement processes to answer questions about the physiological, genetic, and environmental drivers of movement using lakes. We submit that whole lake telemetry studies have a key role to play not only in movement ecology but more broadly in biology as key scientific arenas for knowledge advancement. New hardware for tracking aquatic animals and statistical tools for understanding the processes underlying detection data will continue to advance the potential for revealing the paradigms that govern movement and biological phenomena not just within lakes but in other realms spanning lands and oceans.
Acceptability and feasibility of peer-administered group interpersonal therapy for depression for people living with HIV/AIDS—a pilot study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asrat Biksegn , Lund Crick , Ambaw Fentie , Schneider Marguerite
Published: July 2021

Background

Psychological treatments are widely tested and have been effective in treating depressive symptoms. However, implementation of psychological treatments in the real world and in diverse populations remains difficult due to several interacting barriers. In this study, we assessed the acceptability and feasibility of peer-administered group interpersonal therapy for depressive symptoms among people living with HIV/AIDS in Northwest Ethiopia.

Method

We conducted a single-arm, peer-administered, group interpersonal therapy intervention with eight weekly sessions from 15 August to 15 December 2019 among people living with HIV/AIDS in Northwest Ethiopia. Four interpersonal therapy groups were formed for the intervention with a total of 31 participants.

Results

Of the 31 recruited participants, 29 completed the intervention providing a retention rate of 93.5%. The process of the intervention and its outcomes were highly acceptable as most participants expressed success in resolving their psychosocial problems, adjusting to life changes and coping with stigma. The intervention was also reported to be feasible despite anticipated barriers such as access to transportation, perceived stigma and confidentiality concerns. The post-intervention assessment revealed significant reduction in depressive symptoms (mean difference (MD) = 9.92; t =  − 7.82; 95% CI, − 12.54, − 7.31; p < 0.001), improvement in perceived social support (MD = 0.79; t = 2.84; 95% CI, 0.22, 1.37; p = 0.009) and quality of life (MD = 0.39; t = 4.58; 95% CI, 0.21, 0.56; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Group interpersonal therapy is feasible and acceptable, and people living with HIV/AIDS can benefit from group interpersonal therapy in managing depressive symptoms and in improving perceived social support and quality of life. Future studies should examine the effectiveness of group interpersonal therapy in this setting.
Fractions of traditionally brewed rice beverage relieve anxiety and improve spatial memory in mice
Authors: Bhaskar Bhuwan , Adak Atanu , Khan Mojibur R.
Published: July 2021

Rice beverages are traditionally prepared and consumed popularly by the different ethnic groups of North East India and claimed to have several health benefits. In an attempt to validate the traditional claims, effects of different fractions of the beverage were studied using mouse model. To investigate its effects on behavior, mice were treated with different fractions of rice beverage that included the beverage as a whole, insoluble and soluble fractions. Intragastric treatments of these fractions were given to the mice (n = 6 per group) for 30 days, and behavioral studies were performed on elevated plus and Y maze to evaluate anxiety and spatial memory, respectively. Next-generation sequencing of metagenomic DNA of the beverage indicated the presence of 157 OTUs, and 26 bacterial genera were dominant with an abundance of 0.1%. The insoluble fraction and the whole beverage treatments reduced the anxiety-like symptoms in animals indicating the probable role of microbes. Spatial memory improved in all the treatments compared to the control, of which the rice beverage treatment showed the highest levels (p < 0.05). Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy-based metabolite profiling of the beverage revealed 10 alcohols, 29 sachharides, 43 acids, and 13 amino acids. Findings of this study suggest a positive effect of rice beverage on anxiety and spatial memory of mice, justifying the claims by ethnic communities on its role on mood regulation.
Impact of kinesiophobia on physical function and quality of life in functional ankle instability individuals: an observational study
Authors: Walankar Prachita P. , Panhale Vrushali P. , Vyas Kanchi M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Functional ankle instability is a common musculoskeletal condition affecting the community. It is characterized by repetitive bouts of giving away, recurrent sprains, and sensation of instability leading to functional deficits in an individual. The present study aimed to assess the influence of kinesiophobia on physical function and quality of life in participants with functional ankle instability. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 participants with functional ankle instability. Kinesiophobia was assessed using the 17-item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, physical function using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the FAAM-Sport version (FAAM-S), and quality of life using SF-36.

Results

The TSK score showed a moderate negative correlation with FAAM-S (r = −0.5, p = 0.005) and a weak negative correlation with SF-36 physical component summary (r = −0.42, p = 0.02). However, TSK showed no significant correlation with FAAM-ADL and SF-36 mental component summary.

Conclusion

Increased fear of movement, reduced physical function, and health-related quality of life were observed in functional ankle instability individuals. Hence, evaluation of these parameters is imperative in these individuals.
Comparative study on hemato- and nephrotoxicity profile of weekly versus every 3-weekly cisplatin dosage during induction chemotherapy in locally advanced head neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chakraborty Adity , Bhattacharjee Abhinandan , Nath Amlan Jyoti , Deb Shibashis , Rathor Aakanksha
Published: July 2021

Background

Cisplatin is a frontline anticancer drug routinely used as part of concurrent chemoradiation administered at 3-weekly (100 mg/m2) dose. However, its role as fractionated weekly dose has achieved favorable outcome in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (LA-SCCHN) during induction chemotherapy (IC). We therefore sought to compare the toxicity outcomes of patients with LA-SCCHN treated with platinum-based IC at a single institution study using split-dose cisplatin chemotherapy. We compared the hematological and renal toxicity profile between the weekly cisplatin (30 mg/m2) (group A) versus 3-weekly (100 mg/m2) (group B) dosage schedule in this setting.

Results

The median age of the patients in groups A and B were 49.1 years and 48.27 years respectively with male:female ratio of 4:1. Most of the patients were of oropharyngeal cancers. Group A patients showed greater neutropenia (40.2%) than group B (20.6%). There was statistically significant fall in Hb% level in group A (13.9%) than in group B (11.9%). Renal profile showed greater rise in serum urea and serum creatinine (52.7%) in group B than in group A (52.29%) with statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

Since toxicities induced by high-dose cisplatin are irreversible and reduce quality of life in patients, the weekly regimen may be preferred owing to less renal toxicity, lesser hospitalization and more feasible in situations with high patient load and limited resources.
2.5D multifocusing imaging of crooked-line seismic surveys
Authors: Jodeiri Akbari Fam Hossein , Naghizadeh Mostafa , Yilmaz Oz
Published: July 2021

Two-dimensional seismic surveys often are conducted along crooked-line traverses due to the inaccessibility of rugged terrains, logistical and environmental restrictions, and budget limitations. The crookedness of line traverses, irregular topography, and complex subsurface geology with steeply dipping and curved interfaces could adversely affect the signal-to-noise-ratio of the data. The crooked-line geometry violates the assumption of a straight-line survey that is a basic principle behind the 2D multifocusing (MF) method and leads to crossline spread of midpoints. In addition, the crooked-line geometry can give rise to potential pitfalls and artifacts and thus leads to difficulties in imaging and velocity-depth model estimation. We develop a novel MF algorithm for crooked-line seismic data and revise the traveltime equation accordingly to achieve better signal alignment before stacking. Specifically, we have developed a 2.5D MF reflection traveltime equation that explicitly takes into account the midpoint dispersion and cross-dip effects. The new formulation corrects for normal, inline, and crossline dip moveouts (DMOs) simultaneously, which is significantly more accurate than removing these effects sequentially. Applying normal moveout, DMO, and cross-DMO separately tends to result in significant errors, especially for large offsets. The 2.5D MF method can perform automatically with a coherence-based global optimization search on data. We investigated the accuracy of the new formulation by testing it on different synthetic models and a real seismic data set. Applying our approach to the real data led to a high-resolution seismic image with a significant quality improvement compared to the conventional method. Numerical tests indicate that the new formula can accurately focus the primary reflections at their correct location, remove anomalous dip-dependent velocities, and extract true dips from seismic data for structural interpretation. Our method efficiently projects and extracts valuable 3D structural information when applied to crooked-line seismic surveys.
Elastic least-squares reverse time migration based on decoupled wave equations
Authors: Zhong Yu , Gu Hanming , Liu Yangting , Mao QingHui
Published: July 2021

Elastic reverse time migration (ERTM) is developed for better characterization of complex structures by imaging multicomponent seismic data. However, conventional ERTM is subject to limitations such as finite recording aperture, limited bandwidth, and imperfect illumination. Elastic least-squares reverse time migration (ELSRTM) can improve imaging accuracy gradually with iterations by minimizing the residuals between the observed and calculated multicomponent data. Conventional ELSRTM suffers from crosstalk artifacts caused by coupled elastic wavefields with different wave modes. Decomposing the coupled elastic wavefields into pure P- and S-waves is an effective method to suppress these crosstalk artifacts. Considering the trade-off between calculation accuracy and efficiency, we have developed a new ELSRTM scheme for isotropic media based on decoupled wave equations to suppress these wave mode-related crosstalk artifacts in the images of conventional ELSRTM. Pure wavefields are obtained by solving the decoupled wave equations using the finite-difference method in our new ELSRTM method. We also derive new decoupled adjoint-state wave equations that are suitable for the elastic velocity-stress equations in isotropic media. Furthermore, we use the gradient equations based on pure wavefields to update the reflectivity images. Synthetic examples demonstrate that our new ELSRTM method can generate images that better represent the subsurface when compared with conventional ERTM and conventional ELSRTM.
Thyrotropin, Hyperthyroidism, and Bone Mass
Authors: Kim Se-Min , Ryu Vitaly , Miyashita Sari , Korkmaz Funda , Lizneva Daria , Gera Sakshi , Latif Rauf , Davies Terry F , Iqbal Jameel , Yuen Tony , Zaidi Mone
Published: July 2021

Thyrotropin (TSH), traditionally seen as a pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid glands, has additional roles in physiology including skeletal remodeling. Population-based observations in people with euthyroidism or subclinical hyperthyroidism indicated a negative association between bone mass and low-normal TSH. The findings of correlative studies were supported by small intervention trials using recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) injection, and genetic and case-based evidence. Genetically modified mouse models, which disrupt the reciprocal relationship between TSH and thyroid hormone, have allowed us to examine an independent role of TSH. Since the first description of osteoporotic phenotype in haploinsufficient Tshr+/– mice with normal thyroid hormone levels, the antiosteoclastic effect of TSH has been documented in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Further studies showed that increased osteoclastogenesis in Tshr-deficient mice was mediated by tumor necrosis factor α. Low TSH not only increased osteoclastogenesis, but also decreased osteoblastogenesis in bone marrow–derived primary osteoblast cultures. However, later in vivo studies using small and intermittent doses of rhTSH showed a proanabolic effect, which suggests that its action might be dose and frequency dependent. TSHR was shown to interact with insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, and vascular endothelial growth factor and Wnt pathway might play a role in TSH’s effect on osteoblasts. The expression and direct skeletal effect of a biologically active splice variant of the TSHβ subunit (TSHβv) in bone marrow–derived macrophage and other immune cells suggest a local skeletal effect of TSHR. Further studies of how locally secreted TSHβv and systemic TSHβ interact in skeletal remodeling through the endocrine, immune, and skeletal systems will help us better understand the hyperthyroidism-induced bone disease.
Approach to Diagnosing a Pediatric Patient With Severe Insulin Resistance in Low- or Middle-income Countries
Authors: van Heerwaarde Alise A , Klomberg Renz C W , van Ravenswaaij-Arts Conny M A , Ploos van Amstel Hans Kristian , Toekoen Aartie , Jessurun Fariza , Garg Abhimanyu , van der Kaay Daniëlle C M
Published: July 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) in children is most often caused by impaired insulin secretion (type 1 DM). In some children, the underlying mechanism for DM is increased insulin resistance, which can have different underlying causes. While the majority of these children require insulin dosages less than 2.0 U/kg/day to achieve normoglycemia, higher insulin requirements indicate severe insulin resistance. Considering the therapeutic challenges in patients with severe insulin resistance, early diagnosis of the underlying cause is essential in order to consider targeted therapies and to prevent diabetic complications. Although rare, several disorders can attribute to severe insulin resistance in pediatric patients. Most of these disorders are diagnosed through advanced diagnostic tests, which are not commonly available in low- or middle-income countries. Based on a case of DM with severe insulin resistance in a Surinamese adolescent who was later confirmed to have autosomal recessive congenital generalized lipodystrophy, type 1 (Berardinelli–Seip syndrome), we provide a systematic approach to the differential diagnosis and work-up. We show that a thorough review of medical history and physical examination generally provide sufficient information to diagnose a child with insulin-resistant DM correctly, and, therefore, our approach is especially applicable to low- or middle-income countries.
Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) 6Ω Pseudoexon Activation: A Novel Cause of Severe Growth Hormone Insensitivity
Authors: Cottrell Emily , Maharaj Avinaash , Williams Jack , Chatterjee Sumana , Cirillo Grazia , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Festa Adalgisa , Palumbo Stefania , Capalbo Donatella , Salerno Mariacarolina , Pignata Claudio , Savage Martin O , Schilbach Katharina , Bidlingmaier Martin , Hwa Vivian , Metherell Louise A , Grandone Anna , Storr Helen L
Published: July 2021

Context

Severe forms of growth hormone insensitivity (GHI) are characterized by extreme short stature, dysmorphism, and metabolic anomalies.

Objective

This work aims to identify the genetic cause of growth failure in 3 “classical” GHI individuals.

Methods

A novel intronic growth hormone receptor gene (GHR) variant was identified, and in vitro splicing assays confirmed aberrant splicing. A 6Ω pseudoexon GHR vector and patient fibroblast analysis assessed the consequences of the novel pseudoexon inclusion and the impact on GHR function.

Results

We identified a novel homozygous intronic GHR variant (g.5:42700940T > G, c.618+836T > G), 44 bp downstream of the previously recognized intronic 6Ψ GHR pseudoexon mutation in the index patient. Two siblings also harbored the novel intronic 6Ω pseudoexon GHR variant in compound heterozygosity with the known GHR c.181C > T (R43X) mutation. In vitro splicing analysis confirmed inclusion of a 151-bp mutant 6Ω pseudoexon not identified in wild-type constructs. Inclusion of the 6Ω pseudoexon causes a frameshift resulting in a nonfunctional truncated GHR lacking the transmembrane and intracellular domains. The truncated 6Ω pseudoexon protein demonstrated extracellular accumulation and diminished activation of STAT5B signaling following GH stimulation.

Conclusion

Novel GHR 6Ω pseudoexon inclusion results in loss of GHR function consistent with a severe GHI phenotype. This represents a novel mechanism of Laron syndrome and is the first deep intronic variant identified causing severe postnatal growth failure. The 2 kindreds originate from the same town in Campania, Southern Italy, implying common ancestry. Our findings highlight the importance of studying variation in deep intronic regions as a cause of monogenic disorders.
Preproglucagon Products and Their Respective Roles Regulating Insulin Secretion
Authors: Bethea Maigen , Bozadjieva-Kramer Nadejda , Sandoval Darleen A
Published: July 2021

Historically, intracellular function and metabolic adaptation within the α-cell has been understudied, with most of the attention being placed on the insulin-producing β-cells due to their role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there is a growing interest in understanding the function of other endocrine cell types within the islet and their paracrine role in regulating insulin secretion. For example, there is greater appreciation for α-cell products and their contributions to overall glucose homeostasis. Several recent studies have addressed a paracrine role for α-cell–derived glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in regulating glucose homeostasis and responses to metabolic stress. Further, other studies have demonstrated the ability of glucagon to impact insulin secretion by acting through the GLP-1 receptor. These studies challenge the central dogma surrounding α-cell biology describing glucagon’s primary role in glucose counterregulation to one where glucagon is critical in regulating both hyper- and hypoglycemic responses. Herein, this review will update the current understanding of the role of glucagon and α-cell–derived GLP-1, placing emphasis on their roles in regulating glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and β-cell mass.
The Src-family Kinase Lyn in Immunoreceptor Signaling
Authors: Brian Ben F , Freedman Tanya S
Published: July 2021

Effective regulation of immune-cell activation is critical for ensuring that the immune response, and inflammation generated for the purpose of pathogen elimination, are limited in space and time to minimize tissue damage. Autoimmune disease can occur when immunoreceptor signaling is dysregulated, leading to unrestrained inflammation and organ damage. Conversely, tumors can coopt the tissue healing and immunosuppressive functions of hematopoietic cells to promote metastasis and evade therapy. The Src-family kinase Lyn is an essential regulator of immunoreceptor signaling, initiating both proinflammatory and suppressive signaling pathways in myeloid immune cells (eg, neutrophils, dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages) and in B lymphocytes. Defects in Lyn signaling are implicated in autoimmune disease, but mechanisms by which Lyn, expressed along with a battery of other Src-family kinases, may uniquely direct both positive and negative signaling remain incompletely defined. This review describes our current understanding of the activating and inhibitory contributions of Lyn to immunoreceptor signaling and how these processes contribute to myeloid and B-cell function. We also highlight recent work suggesting that the 2 proteins generated by alternative splicing of lyn, LynA and LynB, differentially regulate both immune and cancer-cell signaling. These principles may also extend to other Lyn-expressing cells, such as neuronal and endocrine cells. Unraveling the common and cell-specific aspects of Lyn function could lead to new approaches to therapeutically target dysregulated pathways in pathologies ranging from autoimmune and neurogenerative disease to cancer.
HER2 Activation and Endocrine Treatment Resistance in HER2-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mazumder Aloran , Shiao Stephen , Haricharan Svasti
Published: July 2021

The lethality of estrogen receptor alpha positive (ER+) breast cancer, which is often considered to have better prognosis than other subtypes, is defined by resistance to the standard of care endocrine treatment. Relapse and metastasis are inevitable in almost every patient whose cancer is resistant to endocrine treatment. Therefore, understanding the underlying causes of treatment resistance remains an important biological and clinical focus of research in this area. Growth factor receptor pathway activation, specifically HER2 activation, has been identified as 1 mechanism of endocrine treatment resistance across a range of experimental model systems. However, clinical trials conducted to test whether targeting HER2 benefits patients with endocrine treatment–resistant ER+ breast cancer have consistently and disappointingly shown mixed results. One reason for the failure of these clinical trials could be the complexity of crosstalk between ER, HER2, and other growth factor receptors and the fluidity of HER2 activation in these cells, which makes it challenging to identify stratifiers for this targeted intervention. In the absence of stratifiers that can be assayed at diagnosis to allow prospective tailoring of HER2 inhibition to the right patients, clinical trials will continue to disappoint. To understand stratifiers, it is important that the field invests in key understudied areas of research including characterization of the tumor secretome and receptor activation in response to endocrine treatment, and mapping the ER–HER2 growth factor network in the normal and developing mammary gland. Understanding these mechanisms further is critical to improving outcomes for the hard-to-treat endocrine treatment–resistant ER+ breast cancer cohort.
Neurocognitive, Quality of Life, and Behavioral Outcomes for Patients With Covert Stroke After Cardiac Surgery: Exploratory Analysis of Data From a Prospectively Randomized Trial
Authors: Lewis Choy , Levine Annabelle , Balmert Lauren C. , Chen Liqi , Sherwani Saadia S. , Nemeth Alexander J. , Grafman Jordan , Gottesman Rebecca , Brown Charles H. , Hogue Charles W.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND:

Asymptomatic brain ischemic injury detected with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is reported in more than one-half of patients after cardiac surgery. There are conflicting findings on whether DWI-detected covert stroke is associated with neurocognitive dysfunction after surgery, and it is unclear whether such ischemic injury affects quality of life or behavioral outcomes. The purpose of this study was to perform exploratory analysis on whether covert stroke after cardiac surgery is associated with delayed neurocognitive recovery 1 month after surgery, impaired quality of life, anxiety, or depression.

METHODS:

Analysis of data collected in a prospectively randomized study in patients undergoing cardiac surgery testing whether basing mean arterial pressure (MAP) targets during cardiopulmonary bypass to be above the lower limit of cerebral autoregulation versus usual practices reduces the frequency of adverse neurological outcomes. A neuropsychological testing battery was administered before surgery and then 1 month later. Patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between postoperative days 3 and 5. The primary outcome was DWI-detected ischemic lesion; the primary end point was change from baseline in domain-specific neurocognitive Z scores 1 month after surgery. Secondary outcomes included a composite indicator of delayed neurocognitive recovery, quality of life measures, state and trait anxiety, and Beck Depression Inventory scores.

RESULTS:

Of the 164 patients with postoperative MRI data, clinical stroke occurred in 10 patients. Of the remaining 154 patients, 85 (55.2%) had a covert stroke. There were no statistically significant differences for patients with or without covert stroke in the change from baseline in Z scores in any of the cognitive domains tested adjusted for sex, baseline cognitive score, and randomization treatment arm. The frequency of delayed neurocognitive recovery (no covert stroke, 15.1%; covert stroke, 17.6%; P = .392), self-reported quality of life measurements, anxiety rating, or depression scores were not different between those with or without DWI ischemic injury.

CONCLUSIONS:

More than one-half of patients undergoing cardiac surgery demonstrated covert stroke. In this exploratory analysis, covert stroke was not found to be significantly associated with neurocognitive dysfunction 1 month after surgery; evidence of impaired quality of life, anxiety, or depression, albeit a type II error, cannot be excluded.
Planarian Anatomy Ontology: a resource to connect data within and across experimental platforms
Authors: Nowotarski Stephanie H. , Davies Erin L. , Robb Sofia M. C. , Ross Eric J. , Matentzoglu Nicolas , Doddihal Viraj , Mir Mol , McClain Melainia , Sánchez Alvarado Alejandro
Published: July 2021

As the planarian research community expands, the need for an interoperable data organization framework for tool building has become increasingly apparent. Such software would streamline data annotation and enhance cross-platform and cross-species searchability. We created the Planarian Anatomy Ontology (PLANA), an extendable relational framework of defined Schmidtea mediterranea (Smed) anatomical terms used in the field. At publication, PLANA contains over 850 terms describing Smed anatomy from subcellular to system levels across all life cycle stages, in intact animals and regenerating body fragments. Terms from other anatomy ontologies were imported into PLANA to promote interoperability and comparative anatomy studies. To demonstrate the utility of PLANA as a tool for data curation, we created resources for planarian embryogenesis, including a staging series and molecular fate-mapping atlas, and the Planarian Anatomy Gene Expression database, which allows retrieval of a variety of published transcript/gene expression data associated with PLANA terms. As an open-source tool built using FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reproducible) principles, our strategy for continued curation and versioning of PLANA also provides a platform for community-led growth and evolution of this resource.
Spontaneous choices for insect-pollinated flower shapes by wild non-eusocial halictid bees
Authors: Howard Scarlett R. , Prendergast Kit , Symonds Matthew R. E. , Shrestha Mani , Dyer Adrian G.
Published: July 2021

The majority of angiosperms require animal pollination for reproduction, and insects are the dominant group of animal pollinators. Bees are considered one of the most important and abundant insect pollinators. Research into bee behaviour and foraging decisions has typically centred on managed eusocial bee species, including Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris. Non-eusocial bees are understudied with respect to foraging strategies and decision making, such as flower preferences. Understanding whether there are fundamental foraging strategies and preferences that are features of insect groups can provide key insights into the evolution of flower–pollinator co-evolution. In the current study, Lasioglossum (Chilalictus) lanarium and Lasioglossum (Parasphecodes) sp., two native Australian generalist halictid bees, were tested for flower shape preferences between native insect-pollinated and bird-pollinated flowers. Each bee was presented with achromatic images of either insect-pollinated or bird-pollinated flowers in a circular arena. Both native bee species demonstrated a significant preference for images of insect-pollinated flowers. These preferences are similar to those found in A. mellifera, suggesting that flower shape preference may be a deep-rooted evolutionary occurrence within bees. With growing interest in the sensory capabilities of non-eusocial bees as alternative pollinators, the current study also provides a valuable framework for further behavioural testing of such species.
Entry-Proofness and Discriminatory Pricing under Adverse Selection
Authors: Attar Andrea , Mariotti Thomas , Salanié François
Published: July 2021

This paper studies competitive allocations under adverse selection. We first provide a general necessary and sufficient condition for entry on an inactive market to be unprofitable. We then use this result to characterize, for an active market, a unique budget-balanced allocation implemented by a market tariff making additional trades with an entrant unprofitable. Motivated by the recursive structure of this allocation, we finally show that it emerges as the essentially unique equilibrium outcome of a discriminatory ascending auction. These results yield sharp predictions for competitive nonexclusive markets. (JEL D11, D43, D82, D86)
Near complete resolution of COVID-19 pneumonia lesions in a patient of carcinoma lung treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Anand Anil Kumar , Singh Priyanka , Kumar Amit , Bansal Anil Kumar , Singh Heigrujam Malhotra , Sharma Tarun
Published: July 2021

A 49-year-old male presented with non-small cell lung cancer in right upper lobe lung with solitary brain metastasis. He developed COVID-19 infection and received domiciliary treatment for 3 weeks. Three weeks after testing negative for RT-PCR test, he received stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to brain metastasis. He then presented in emergency with pain in the epigastrium and was detected with amoebic liver abscess. Subsequently, he developed recurrent hemoptysis for which he was planned for palliative radiation to right lung mass. Planning CT scan showed COVID-19 pneumonia lesions involving bilateral lungs in addition to right upper lobe tumour. Palliative radiation 8 Gy/1 fraction was delivered to lung tumour with VMAT technique. He showed near total resolution of COVID-19 lesions with low-dose scatter radiation and relief of haemoptysis.
Role of early post-operative breast MRI: how helpful is it in deciding the next step for women who may have residual disease?
Authors: Healy Nuala A , Benson John R , Sinnatamby Ruchi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Positive resection margins following breast conserving surgery are a risk factor for local disease recurrence. Subsequent management of patients is often not straightforward, with post-operative breast MRI increasingly used to aid decision-making. Interpretation of MRI after surgery can prove challenging due to local inflammatory enhancement. We reviewed our experience of post-operative breast MRIs to determine their ability to detect residual disease and to evaluate how they changed initial patient management from re-excision to an alternative.

Methods:

A search of breast MRIs performed from August 2014 to December 2019 was undertaken, to identify those performed post-operatively within 4 months of breast conserving surgery. Electronic patient records and imaging were evaluated to determine additional work-up, pathology and surgical outcomes.

Results:

Of the 2274 breast MRIs during the study period, 44 (2%) were performed post-operatively to evaluate 47 breasts. MRI was normal in 20 cases (43%), suspicious findings at surgical cavity only in 13 (28%), suspicious ipsilateral distant breast findings only in 6 (13%), and both cavity and distant findings in 7 cases (15%). Contralateral abnormalities were identified in 3 cases. Following MRI, mastectomy was performed in 11 cases, re-excision in 25, with 2 subsequent mastectomies, and multidisciplinary team accepted margins in 11 cases, 10 of whom underwent post-operative radiotherapy. MRI altered initial patient management from re-excision to an alternative in 25 cases (45%).

Conclusion:

Post-operative breast MRI, although potentially challenging to interpret, can prove useful in planning the next step in patient management, particularly in its ability to evaluate the whole breast.

Advances in knowledge

Post-operative breast MRI is increasingly requested at multidisciplinary team following breast conserving surgery with positive surgical margins on histology, however interpretation is challenging. The value of these studies lie in assessment of the distant breast rather than the surgical resection cavity and can alter patient management guiding the most appropriate next step for definitive treatment.
A feasibility study of hyoscine butylbromide (buscopan) to improve image quality of cone beam computed tomography during abdominal/pelvic Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy
Authors: Slevin Finbar , Beasley Matthew , Zhong Jim , Hudson Eleanor , Speight Richard , Lilley John , Murray Louise J , Henry Ann M
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is used for image guidance of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), but it is susceptible to bowel motion artefacts. This trial evaluated the impact of hyoscine butylbromide (buscopan) on CBCT image quality and its feasibility within a radiotherapy workflow.

Methods:

A single-centre feasibility trial (ISRCTN24362767) was performed in patients treated with SABR for abdominal/pelvic oligorecurrence. Buscopan was administered to separate cohorts by intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (i.v.) injection on alternate fractions, providing within-patient control data. 4-point Likert scales were used to assess overall image quality (ranging from excellent to impossible to use) and bowel motion artefact (ranging from none to severe). Feasibility was determined by patient/radiographer questionnaires and toxicity assessment. Descriptive statistics are presented.

Results:

16 patients were treated (8 by IM and 8 by i.v. buscopan). The percentage of images of excellent quality with/without buscopan was 47 vs 29% for IM buscopan and 65 vs 40% for i.v. buscopan. The percentage of images with no bowel motion artefact with/without buscopan was 24.6 vs 8.9% for IM buscopan and 25.8 vs 7% for i.v. buscopan. Four patients (25%) reported dry mouth. 14 patients (93%) would accept buscopan as routine. 11 radiographers (92%) reported no delay in treatments.

Conclusions:

A trend towards improved image quality/reduced bowel motion artefact was observed with IM/i.v. buscopan. Buscopan was well tolerated with limited impact on workflow.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first trial of buscopan within a radiotherapy workflow. It demonstrated a trend to improved image quality and feasibility of use.
KDM3A regulates alternative splicing of cell-cycle genes following DNA damage
Authors: Baker Mai , Petasny Mayra , Taqatqa Nadeen , Bentata Mercedes , Kay Gillian , Engal Eden , Nevo Yuval , Siam Ahmad , Dahan Sara , Salton Maayan
Published: July 2021

Changes in the cellular environment result in chromatin structure alteration, which in turn regulates gene expression. To learn about the effect of the cellular environment on the transcriptome, we studied the H3K9 demethylase KDM3A. Using RNA-seq, we found that KDM3A regulates the transcription and alternative splicing of genes associated with cell cycle and DNA damage. We showed that KDM3A undergoes phosphorylation by PKA at serine 265 following DNA damage, and that the phosphorylation is important for proper cell-cycle regulation. We demonstrated that SAT1 alternative splicing, regulated by KDM3A, plays a role in cell-cycle regulation. Furthermore we found that KDM3A's demethylase activity is not needed for SAT1 alternative splicing regulation. In addition, we identified KDM3A's protein partner ARID1A, the SWI/SNF subunit, and SRSF3 as regulators of SAT1 alternative splicing and showed that KDM3A is essential for SRSF3 binding to SAT1 pre-mRNA. These results suggest that KDM3A serves as a sensor of the environment and an adaptor for splicing factor binding. Our work reveals chromatin sensing of the environment in the regulation of alternative splicing.
Caring for colleagues during the pandemic
Authors: Priestley Stephen
Published: July 2021

The implications of the Covid-19 pandemic have transformed the lives of healthcare workers in practices around the world. How can practice managers take action to sustain their own physical and mental wellbeing, while supporting their colleagues?
Making the business case for workplace health programmes
Authors:   Institute for Employment Studies
Published: July 2021

New research urges employers to prioritise workplace health programmes to provide support for employees living with overweight and obesity
What is on the agenda for the new health secretary?
Authors: Marketing Highland
Published: July 2021

Following the dramatic departure of the former Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, the Highland Marketing advisory board, made up of NHS and health industry personnel, came together to consider the challenges facing the new minister, Sajid Javid
New and unpublished data about the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from the subfamily Trechinae of Bulgaria
Authors: TEOFILOVA TEODORA
Published: July 2021

Bulgarian carabid fauna is relatively well studied but there are still many species and regions in the country lacking enough research. The present paper aims at complementing the data about the distribution of the carabids from the subfamily Trechinae, containing many diverse, interesting and endemic species. Currently, 55 species of Trechini, 118 species of Bembidiini (incl. Tachyina), and 13 species of Pogonini are known in Bulgaria. This study gives new information and new records on 41 Trechinae species and 17 zoogeographical regions and subregions. The material was collected in the period from 1979 to 2020 through different sampling methods. There are 20 species recorded for the first time in different regions. Two species are reported for the second time in the regions where they were currently collected. Seventeen species haven’t been reported for more than 20 years from the Boboshevo-Simitli valley, Sandanski-Petrich valley, Rila Mts., Pirin Mts., and Slavyanka Mts., and are now discovered there again.
Characterization of a thin-film metal-coated fiber optical phase modulator based on thermal effect with a nonlinear control interferometer
Authors: Nunes Gabriel F. S. , Palma Vinicius B. , Martin Roberta I. , Felão Luiz H. V. , Teixeira Marcelo C. M. , Kitano Cláudio , Cazo Rogério M. , Sakamoto João M. S.
Published: July 2021

In this work, an optical fiber was coated by a thin-film metal layer to work as a fiber optical phase modulator based on thermal effect. This device was assembled in one of the arms of an all-fiber Michelson interferometer stabilized by a nonlinear control system based on variable structure and sliding modes. The frequency response reached 200 Hz, which can be considered high for a device based on the thermal effect. Compared with a fiber optical phase modulator based on the piezoelectric effect, the thermal modulator presented a higher scale factor per meter of optical fiber, showing the potential to work as a simple, low-cost, small-sized, short length, lightweight, and low-voltage fiber optical phase modulator.
Design of a reflective LED automotive headlamp lighting system based on a free-form surface
Authors: Yang Yashuai , Qiu Dangshe , Zeng Yi , Li Ruolan , Duan Wenju , Fan Rundong
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a design scheme of an automobile low-beam light illumination system with a reflector free-form surface is presented. Per the energy grid mapping theory and edge ray theory, an oblique triangular energy mapping scheme was proposed, and the free-form reflector was obtained by geometric iterative calculation. The Monte Carlo ray tracing method was used to simulate the system. The simulation results met the regulatory requirements of ECE R112, and the light efficiency could reach 81%. The length, width, and height of the reflector were

55.61

m
m

×

22.02

m
m

×

23.70

m
m

. The reflector achieves a special light type through precise light distribution, does not need other shielding objects, and has the advantage of small size.
Phase-matching properties of AgGa0.86In0.14S2 for three-wave interactions in the 0.615−10.5910 µm spectral range
Authors: Kato Kiyoshi , Banerjee Saumyabrata , Umemura Nobuhiro
Published: July 2021

We report new experimental results on the phase-matching properties of AgGa0.86In0.14S2 for second-harmonic generation (SHG) and sum-frequency generation (SFG) of a Nd:YAG laser-pumped KTiOPO4 (KTP), AgGaS2 optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), and a CO2 laser in the 0.615−10.5910 µm spectral range. In addition, we present Sellmeier equations that provide a good reproduction of the present experimental results and the value of the nonlinear optical constant d36(AgGa0.86In0.14S2) = 13.4 pm/V measured by SHG method.
Palm-sized single-shot phase-shifting incoherent digital holography system
Authors: Tahara Tatsuki , Oi Ryutaro
Published: July 2021

We propose a palm-sized single-shot phase-shifting incoherent digital holography (SSPS-IDH) system in which three-dimensional (3D) information of spatially incoherent light is recorded as a self-interference hologram. To implement this single-shot 3D recording system, we adopt thin optical elements and no refractive lens. 3D information is obtained with a single-shot exposure of a polarization image sensor. More than 3,800-fold downsizing in volume can be achieved in comparison with a conventional incoherent digital holography (DH) system. An SSPS-IDH system is constructed, and its single-shot 3D sensing ability is experimentally demonstrated.
Targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis response to environmental cues for the development of effective antitubercular drugs
Authors: Lavin Richard C. , Johnson Calvin , Ahn Yong-Mo , Kremiller Kyle M. , Sherwood Matthew , Patel Jimmy S. , Pan Yan , Russo Riccardo , MacGilvary Nathan J. , Giacalone David , Kevorkian Yuzo L. , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Glickman J. Fraser , Freundlich Joel S. , Tan Shumin
Published: July 2021

Sensing and response to environmental cues, such as pH and chloride (Cl−), is critical in enabling Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) colonization of its host. Utilizing a fluorescent reporter Mtb strain in a chemical screen, we have identified compounds that dysregulate Mtb response to high Cl− levels, with a subset of the hits also inhibiting Mtb growth in host macrophages. Structure–activity relationship studies on the hit compound “C6,” or 2-(4-((2-(ethylthio)pyrimidin-5-yl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)benzo[d]oxazole, demonstrated a correlation between compound perturbation of Mtb Cl− response and inhibition of bacterial growth in macrophages. C6 accumulated in both bacterial and host cells, and inhibited Mtb growth in cholesterol media, but not in rich media. Subsequent examination of the Cl− response of Mtb revealed an intriguing link with bacterial growth in cholesterol, with increased transcription of several Cl−-responsive genes in the simultaneous presence of cholesterol and high external Cl− concentration, versus transcript levels observed during exposure to high external Cl− concentration alone. Strikingly, oral administration of C6 was able to inhibit Mtb growth in vivo in a C3HeB/FeJ murine infection model. Our work illustrates how Mtb response to environmental cues can intersect with its metabolism and be exploited in antitubercular drug discovery.
Effect of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation on intensive care unit length of stay, the incidence of pneumonia and gas exchange in critically ill patients: A systematic review
Authors: Hassan Anwar , Lai William , Alison Jennifer , Huang Stephen , Milross Maree
Published: July 2021

Background

Pulmonary complications such as pneumonia, pulmonary atelectasis, and subsequent respiratory failure leading to ventilatory support are a common occurrence in critically ill patients. Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) is used to improve gas exchange and promote airway clearance in these patients. The current evidence regarding the effectiveness of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation in critical care settings remains unclear. This systematic review aims to summarise the evidence of the effectiveness of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation on intensive care unit length of stay (ICU-LOS) and respiratory outcomes in critically ill patients.

Research question

In critically ill patients, is intrapulmonary percussive ventilation effective in improving respiratory outcomes and reducing intensive care unit length of stay.

Methods

A systematic search of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation in intensive care unit (ICU) was performed on five databases from 1979 to 2021. Studies were considered for inclusion if they evaluated the effectiveness of IPV in patients aged ≥16 years receiving invasive or non-invasive ventilation or breathing spontaneously in critical care or high dependency units. Study titles and abstracts were screened, followed by data extraction by a full-text review. Due to a small number of studies and observed heterogeneities in the study methodology and patient population, a meta-analysis could not be included in this review. Outcomes of interest were summarised narratively.

Results

Out of 306 identified abstracts, seven studies (630 patients) met the eligibility criteria. Results of the included studies provide weak evidence to support the effectiveness of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation in reducing ICU-LOS, improving gas exchange, and reducing respiratory rate.

Interpretation

Based on the findings of this review, the evidence to support the role of IPV in reducing ICU-LOS, improving gas exchange, and reducing respiratory rate is weak. The therapeutic value of IPV in airway clearance, preventing pneumonia, and treating pulmonary atelectasis requires further investigation.