bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Okulomotorikstörungen und Nystagmus
Authors: Helmchen Christoph , Heide Wolfgang , Strupp Michael , Straumann Dominik
Published: February 2023

Der Diagnose von Augenbewegungsstörungen und der Nystagmusformen beruht auf einer systematischen klinischen Untersuchung aller Arten von Augenbewegungen. Diese Untersuchung umfasst: Augenposition, Untersuchung auf einen Spontannystagmus, Motilität, Blickfolge, Blickhaltefunktion, Sakkaden, Vergenzreaktion, optokinetischer Nystagmus, Funktion des vestibulookulären Reflexes (VOR) sowie die Fixationssuppression des VOR. Anatomisch relevante Strukturen sind Mesenzephalon, Pons, Medulla oblongata, Zerebellum und Kortex. Topografisch anatomisch gelten die einfachen klinischen Regeln: Vertikale und torsionale Augenbewegungen werden vorwiegend im Mesenzephalon und horizontale Augenbewegungen in dem Pons generiert. Typische Zeichen einer Mittelhirnläsion sind vertikale Sakkaden- oder Blickparese, ein isolierter vertikaler Blickrichtungsnystagmus und einer Ponsläsion entsprechende horizontale Störungen. Das Zerebellum spielt eine Rolle bei praktisch allen Augenbewegungen; typische klinische Zeichen sind eine allseitige Blickfolgesakkadierung, Blickrichtungsnystagmus oder dysmetrische Sakkaden.

Unter einem Nystagmus versteht man rhythmische Augenbewegungen, die in der Regel aus einem langsamen (ursächlichen bzw. pathologischen) Augendrift und einer schnellen kompensatorischen Rückstellbewegung (Rückstellsakkade) bestehen. Es lassen sich 3 einfache Kategorien unterscheiden: Spontannystagmus, d. h. ein Nystagmus, der bei Fixation in Geradeaus-Blickposition auftritt, Nystagmusformen, die nur in Abhängigkeit von der Blickrichtung auftreten und Nystagmen, die nur durch bestimmte Manöver ausgelöst werden: Kopfschütteln, Lagerung, Hyperventilation oder physikalischen Druck (z. B. Pressen). Letztere sind oft durch peripher-vestibuläre Läsionen ausgelöst, können aber auch zentralen Ursprungs sein. Viele zentrale Nystagmusformen erlauben eine genaue anatomische Lokalisation, z. B. der Downbeat-Nystagmus (DBN), der meistens auf einer Flocculus-Läsion beruht oder der Upbeat-Nystagmus (UBN) auf einer Läsion im Mesencephalon oder der Medulla oblongata. Beispiele einer Pharmakotherapie sind die Gabe von 4-Aminopyridin beim DBN und UBN, Memantin oder Gabapentin beim Fixationspendelnystagmus oder Baclofen beim periodisch-alternierenden Nystagmus.
Correlation of Polymorphonuclear Cell Burden and Microbial Growth to the Inflammatory Cytokines in Tracheal Aspirates from Ventilated Preterm Infants
Authors: Baig Sophia , Das Pragnya , Podaralla Niharika , Evangelista Alan , Kaur Ishminder , Bhandari Vineet
Published: February 2023

Objective The significance of the presence of microorganisms and polymorphonuclear cells in the tracheal aspirates (TAs) of ventilated preterm infants is not well known. Our aim was to correlate information about the presence of polymorphonuclear cells with microbial growth and the cytokine milieu in the TAs of infants who have been intubated for >7 days.

Study Design TAs were collected from infants who had been intubated for 7 days or longer. Respiratory cultures were performed, and infants were stratified based on the presence and abundance of polymorphonuclear cells and microbial growth. Cytokines were measured in the TAs of each of the respective groups.

Results In the 19 infants whose TAs were collected, the presence of at least moderate WBC with presence of microbial growth was positively associated with the presence of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The presence of at least moderate WBC, with or without microbial growth, was correlated positively with the presence of IL-8 and TNF-α.

Conclusion There are higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines (especially, IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in TAs with higher cell counts and presence of microbial growth. The findings suggest that the presence of microbial growth correlated with inflammatory burden and warrant a larger study to see if treatment of microbial growth can ameliorate the inflammatory burden.

Key Points
Osteocutaneous Turn-Up Fillet Flaps: A Spare-Parts Orthoplastic Surgery Option for a Functional Posttraumatic Below-Knee Amputation
Authors: Burton Harry , Iliadis Alexios Dimitrios , Jones Neil , Saini Aaron , Bystrzonowski Nicola , Vris Alexandros , Pafitanis Georgios
Published: February 2023

This article portrays the authors' experience with a complex lower limb bone and soft tissue defect, following chronic osteomyelitis and pathological fracture, which was managed by the multidisciplinary orthoplastic team. The decision for functional amputation versus limb salvage was deemed necessary, enhanced by the principles of “spare parts” in reconstructive microsurgery. This case describes the successful use of the osteocutaneous distal tibia turn-up fillet flap that allowed “lowering the level of the amputation” from a through knee to a below-knee amputation (BKA) to preserve the knee joint function. We comprehensibly review reports of turn-up flaps which effectively lower the level of amputation, also applying “spare-parts” surgery principles and explore how these concepts refine complex orthoplastic approaches when limb salvage is not possible to enhance function. The osteocutaneous distal tibia turn-up fillet flap is a robust technique for modified BKA reconstructions that provides sufficient bone length to achieve a tough, sensate stump and functional knee joint.
Circulating Asprosin Concentrations in Patients with Obesity and
Carbohydrate Disturbances
Authors: Nedeva Iveta Slavyanova , Assyov Yavor , Karamfilova Vera , Vodenicharov Vlayko , Gerganova Antonina , Hristova Julieta , Kamenov Zdravko
Published: February 2023

Asprosin is a fasting-induced glucogenic hormone, secreted by white adipose
tissue in response to starvation. The aim of the current study was to determine
the levels of asprosin in subjects from the entire spectrum of the carbohydrate
metabolism. A total of 153 Causcasian subjects participated in this study: group
1, healthy volunteers; group 2, obese subjects without glycemic disturbances;
group 3, subjects with prediabetes and group 4, patients with newly identified
type 2 diabetes. Subject with body mass index≥30 kg/m2
and dysglycemia (prediabetes and diabetes) showed significantly high levels of
asprosin (1.40 ng/ml [IQR=0.98–1.94];
1.27 ng/ml [IQR=0.86–2.12];
1.09 ng/ml [IQR=0.89–1.58]) compared to the
control group (0.71 ng/ml [IQR=0.54–0.92];
p<0.001). Correlation analysis showed that serum asprosin also had
significant positive associations with some anthropometric parameters, liver
enzymes, fasting and post load glucose and insulin, LDL and triglycerides.
Furthermore, we estimated a marked relationship between asprosin concentrations
and intima media thickness of the common carotid artery as well as neuropathy
disability and vibration sensitivity. The circulating asprosin levels for
differentiating subjects with carbohydrate disturbances and those with obesity
were determined by ROC analysis. The AUC for disturbances of the glucose
metabolism was 0.672 (p<0.001; 95%
CI=0.581–0.751) and for obesity AUC was 0.849 (p<0.001;
95% CI=0.785–0.919). Circulating asprosin could be used
as a predictive factor for early carbohydrate disorders and might be a potential
new therapeutic target for the treatment of dysglycemia and obesity. Further
prospective studies are needed to confirm this observation.
Minding the political engagement gap: how discrimination and religion impact Dutch voters with an immigrant background
Authors: Spierings Niels , Vermeulen Floris
Published: February 2023

This article examines the gap between the political engagement of Dutch citizens with an racialized immigrant background and those without one. Analyzing the effect of perceived cultural and religious inclusion and exclusion, we look into what citizens with an immigrant background make of politics—measured in what we call the evaluation gap—and their actual electoral behavior—measured in what we call the participation gap. Drawing from the 2021 Dutch Parliamentary Election Study and the 2021 Dutch Ethnic Minority Election Study, we include a uniquely broad range of immigrant backgrounds in our analysis. This combination of studies lets us transcend typical migrant/non-migrant dichotomies and include smaller, often understudied immigrant groups. Our analyses reveal that the evaluation gap is most pronounced for the largest, most-frequently studied immigrant groups, while the participation gap is most pronounced among commonly overlooked groups. Embeddedness in religious communities does not correlate with the evaluation gap though it does seem to suppress a deeper participation gap. Perceived discrimination, including in the form of underrepresentation, mobilizes citizens with an immigrant background, which obscures an underlying participation gap while also partly explaining the evaluation gap.
The development of Kondratieff’s theory of long waves: the place of the AI economy humanization in the ‘competencies-innovations-markets’ model
Authors: Tyulin Andrey E. , Chursin Alexander A. , Ragulina Julia V. , Akberdina Victoria V. , Yudin Alexander V.
Published: February 2023

The motivation to conduct this study is related to the uncertainty of the impact of the AI economy on the economic cycle and the need to unlock the potential of Industry 4.0 in stabilizing the global economic system amid a series of crises. The article discusses the fundamental issues of the emergence of a new theory related to the evolution of Kondratieff waves in the context of modern drivers of long-term economic development (MANBRIC technologies), taking into account the acceleration of the development of innovations and competencies. The spiraling dynamics of the co-development of competencies and the expansion of new markets are shown, which makes it possible to transform the decline phase of the Kondratieff wave into a similar linear process of maintaining economic growth rates close to the existing ones. As a result, based on the authors’ model “competencies-innovations-markets”, it is proved that subject to humanization, the AI economy allows the reduction of the cyclical nature of the world economic system. The main idea of the article is to smooth out Kondratieff’s long waves due to the humanization of the AI economy.
Black silicon for near-infrared and ultraviolet photodetection: A review
Authors: Zhao Zhou , Zhang Zengxing , Jing Junmin , Gao Rui , Liao Zhiwei , Zhang Wenjun , Liu Guohua , Wang Yonghua , Wang Kaiying , Xue Chenyang
Published: February 2023

As a typical representative of micro/nano-textured silicon, black silicon has excellent light absorption properties and is gradually surfacing as a substitute for standard silicon in photoelectric devices. Black silicon overcomes the limitations of traditional silicon-based devices, which are unable to achieve infrared light detection at wavelengths >1100 nm and have low quantum efficiency and sensitivity in ultraviolet light detection. In this article, the recent theoretical and experimental breakthroughs in near-infrared and ultraviolet detection using black silicon are summarized in detail. First, black silicon and the techniques for its fabrication are introduced. Then, the application of enhanced black silicon photodetectors within or above the bandgap limit and black silicon fabricated using different methods in infrared detection is discussed. In principle, infrared detection using black silicon is achieved by jointly utilizing element doping, localized surface plasmon resonance effect, and heterojunction formation. In addition, the application of black silicon in ultraviolet detection is also introduced. Ultraviolet detection is realized by an induced junction and the self-built electric field between black silicon and aluminum oxide. Finally, the increasingly growing potential of black silicon in near-infrared and ultraviolet detection applications, such as infrared night vision imaging, signal detection, ultraviolet light intensity monitoring, and national defense early warning, is further discussed.
Electrochemical production of two-dimensional atomic layer materials and their application for energy storage devices
Authors: Lee Hoyoung , Jin Shikai , Chung Jiyong , Kim Minsu , Lee Seung Woo
Published: February 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) atomic layer materials have attracted a great deal of attention due to their superior chemical, physical, and electronic properties, and have demonstrated excellent performance in various applications such as energy storage devices, catalysts, sensors, and transistors. Nevertheless, the cost-effective and large-scale production of high-quality 2D materials is critical for practical applications and progressive development in the industry. Electrochemical exfoliation is a recently introduced technique for the facile, environmentally friendly, fast, large-scale production of 2D materials. In this review, we summarize recent advances in different types of electrochemical exfoliation methods for efficiently preparing 2D materials, along with the characteristics of each method, and then introduce their applications as electrode materials for energy storage devices. Finally, the remaining challenges and prospects for developing the electrochemical exfoliation process of 2D materials for energy storage devices are discussed.
Pattern formation via cell–cell adhesion and contact inhibition of locomotion in active matter
Authors: Rojas N. O. , Zuñiga A. , Encina P. C.
Published: February 2023

Cell wetting and dewetting in soft substrates present a collection of non-cohesive and cohesive patterns. Prediction of this wide diversity is of critical importance in order to design experiments with polar active matter under confinement. Although in vivo, cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are enfolded by flexible substrates, at experimental realizations, hard boundaries are frequently employed. Here, the elastic forces exerted by the cells and the ECM—between a deformable layer and a solid substrate—allow to recast a continuum model that takes account of heterogeneous exchanges such as cell–substrate adhesion and averaged repolarization due to contact inhibition of locomotion (CIL). Theoretical results show that cell aggregation is enforced as increasing cell–cell adhesion and decreasing CIL strength and exhibit different phases from gaseous states to polar liquids and 3D clusters, in agreement with recent reports. Cell diffusion grows as cell rigidity increases, and reduction of ECM stiffness eases cell aggregation and cluster formation. The findings of this work provide the mechanisms that drive and resist active unstable states and can be used as a predictability tool in cell clustering and cell migration experiments.
Observation of MOSFET-like behavior of a TFT based on amorphous oxide semiconductor channel layer with suitable integration of atomic layered deposited high-k gate dielectrics
Authors: Yarbrough Kelsea A. , Behera Makhes K. , Beckford Jasmine , Pradhan Sangram K. , Bahoura Messaoud
Published: February 2023

A series of different high κ dielectrics such as HfO2, ZrO2, and Al2O3 thin films were studied as an alternative material for the possible replacement of traditional SiO2. These large areas, as well as conformal dielectrics thin films, were grown by the atomic layer deposition technique on a p-type silicon substrate at two different deposition temperatures (150 and 250 °C). Atomic force microscopic study reveals that the surface of the films is very smooth with a measured rms surface roughness value of less than 0.4 nm in some films. After the deposition of the high κ layer, a top metal electrode was deposited onto it to fabricate metal oxide semiconductor capacitor (MOSCAP) structures. The I–V curve reveals that the sample growth at high temperatures exhibits a high resistance value and lower leakage current densities. Frequency-dependent (100 kHz to 1 MHz) C–V characteristics of the MOSCAPs were studied steadily. Furthermore, we have prepared a metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor device with Al-doped ZnO as a channel material, and the electrical characteristic of the device was studied. The effect of growth temperature on the structure, surface morphology, crystallinity, capacitance, and dielectric properties of the high κ dielectrics was thoroughly analyzed through several measurement techniques, such as XRD, atomic force microscopy, semiconductor parameter analysis, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.
Volume flow rate calculation model of non-full pipe multiphase flow based on ultrasonic sensors
Authors: Liang Haibo , Song Chuanhao , Li Zhongbin , Yang Hai
Published: February 2023

In the oil and gas industries, it is crucial to employ appropriate drilling fluids in order to maintain equilibrium of formation pressure throughout the various stages of drilling operations. During the recycling process, the drilling fluid may precipitate gas and as a result exhibit non-full pipe flow upon return to the surface. Accurate measurement of the volume flow rate of the drilling fluid is imperative in obtaining valuable information from the bottom of the well. Commonly, on-site drilling operations use a multiphase target flowmeter in conjunction with an empirical model to rectify calculation results. However, the returned multiphase flow that is not fully in the pipe and its liquid component exhibits corrosive properties, making it a challenge for traditional invasive measurement methods to achieve adequate accuracy over an extended period. Therefore, the theoretical potential of utilizing non-contact ultrasonic sensors for measuring the multiphase volume flow rate of the non-full pipe flow is significant. In this research, an apparent flow velocity calculation model was established by integrating the ultrasonic Doppler shift model and pipeline fluid mechanics utilizing a four-channel ultrasonic array. Subsequently, the invariant scattering convolution—long short-term memory) network was trained on the data-fused ultrasonic signal to identify the liquid level. The velocity-area method was also employed to establish a new multiphase volume flow calculation model. To evaluate the validity of the proposed model, comparison experiments of liquid single-phase flow and liquid–solid two-phase flow were conducted. The experimental results show that, compared with the comparative flow measurement system, the accuracy of the ultrasonic flow measurement system is reduced by 0.965%, the nonlinear error by 2.293%, the average relative error by 2.570%, the standard deviation by 1.395, and the root mean square error by 14.394.
100 Years of Giesekus: Beyond science—The person behind the research
Authors: Giesekus Andreas , Giesekus Ulrich
Published: February 2023

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Hanswalter Giesekus, his personality and biography shall be given attention within the commemorative publication “100 Years of Giesekus.” Who was the scientist as a human being? What motivation drove his research? What were his interest and meaning in life? The authors, two of the six children of the scientist, show their father to be a multifaceted person, whose ideal was the “universal scholar” at the beginning 20th century. Besides his passion for rheology, he was deeply interested in other areas of physics—especially astronomy—as well as theology, literature, history, music, and art.
Spatial distribution and influencing factors of leisure fishery in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wu Jiao , Zheng Saiqi , Wang Yubao
Published: February 2023

Context The leisure-fishery (LF) industry is an industry that provides fishing activities for recreation and sports. A well-designed layout of LF can reduce resource allocation costs, give play to regional advantages, and maximise utility. Aims This paper aims to provide a spatial evolutionary understanding of the development of leisure fishery, and on this basis provide guidance for the future development of leisure-fishery industry, focusing mainly on Zhejiang, an important coastal province of China. Methods ArcGIS spatial analysis tool was used to calculate the nearest-neighbour index, outlier analysis, kernel-density analysis, clustering, and coefficient of variation, to analyse the spatial-distribution characteristics of LF units and influencing factors of the spatial distribution in Zhejiang Province. Key results The results showed significant differences in the distribution density of LF units among cities in Zhejiang. Traffic, market, and scenic-spot location significantly affected the distribution of LF units in Zhejiang Province. Furthermore, population and economics also affected the spatial distribution of LF units. Conclusions The main influencing factors of LF were closely related to traffic, market, and scenic spots. Implications Future policy making should focus on the siphoning effects of infrastructure by achieving more rational transport planning and market incentives.
Measures to reduce negative effects of waste using the Amu-Bukhara machine channel
Authors: Shomurodov A A , Qurbonov K , Ergashev X E , Baratov D D , Qurbonov Sh
Published: February 2023

The work discusses the state of use of the Amu-Bukhara canal. It also considers the number and size of suspended watercourses that affect existing hydraulic structures. The large amount of suspended runoff creates problems such as turbidity of the canal during operation, overflow of front runoff. Solving the problem through modern technologies and innovative proposals is a requirement of today. The application of the proposed collection mechanism can reduce labor costs for waste disposal by 30–35% and operating costs by 45%. In addition, proposals and recommendations were given to improve the existing suspension treatment facilities.
Theoretical aspects of the increase in the efficiency of sowing grain crops in resource-saving technologies
Authors: Ivanov P A , Nesmiyan A Yu , Smykov S V , Dubina K P , Zhigailov A V
Published: February 2023

The paper presents theoretical studies of the aspects of increasing efficiency of sowing during the implementation of resource-saving technologies, which allow determining the speed of the seed at any time of its movement along the curvilinear section of the distributor and at the moment it leaves the surface of the distributor. The main factors influencing the distance and trajectory of the flight of seeds, taking into account the arch of the under-shoulder space, were identified. Graphical dependences of the flight distance of the seed on its speed when leaving the distributor surface, on the angle of the seed descent from the distributor and on the installation height of the seed distributor above the soil surface were plotted. The analysis of dependences allowed concluding that in order to obtain the greatest flight distance of seeds in the under-shoulder space, it is necessary to have the maximum installation height of the seed distributor and the speed of the seeds when leaving its surface. The angle of descent of seeds from the curved part of the distributor should tend to zero with the horizontal axis, subject to the condition of the absence of their impacts on the internal elements of a coulter. These graphic dependencies allow determining the numerical values of the specified parameters for blade coulters with different design characteristics.
Issues concerning the use of anti-erosion measures in land management projects
Authors: Avezboyev S , Mukumov A , Xujakeldiev K , Khamidov F , Adizov Sh
Published: February 2023

Soil erosion is the process of erosion in the most fertile upper layers of soil and the atmospheric precipitation of underground rocks, as well as irrigation water, wind, and other effects. Natural soil erosion occurs relatively slowly, and the soil is restored in the process of natural formation. The article discusses the factors to be taken into account in the development of land management projects for eroded areas: the choice of soil composition and rotation systems and their placement, taking into account the level of erosion risk in the area; the design of irrigation plots; and the use of water-saving technologies and methods.
Climatic conditions of the Urals and Western Siberia post-virgin regions and field crops productivity
Authors: Gulyanov Yu A , Chibilev A A
Published: February 2023

The purpose of these studies was to determine the current trends in the change in the meteorological conditions of the growing season of field crops in the post-virgin regions of the Urals and Western Siberia and to identify their regional characteristics and influence on the yield of spring wheat. The research object was information on the average daily air temperatures, precipitation, and spring wheat yield. When processing the digital material, the generally accepted methods of statistical analysis were used. It has been established that current trends in an increase in climate aridity are accompanied by a significant change in the growing conditions of field crops, especially in the post-virgin areas of the Orenburg region. The steppe natural and climatic zone of the Omsk region, with all the humidification conditions’ intensity, is characterized by more favorable hydrothermal indicators and their temporary stability. The most significant dependence (r = 0.75 – 0.79) of the yield of spring wheat on hydrothermal conditions was found in the Svetlinsky district of the Orenburg region, which is characterized by the least amount of precipitation (139 mm) of the active growing season. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of developing and implementing adaptive moisture-saving agricultural technologies and techniques focused on the rational use of water resources in a changing climate.
Scientific basis of the effect of groundwater sources on annual plant growth in current natural conditions
Authors: Akhmedov Sh R , Tuxtaeva X T , Amanova Z U , Tursunov I N , Hakimov Sh H , Rajabova M M , Bahriddinov M B , Egamurodov Sh , Mirzayev S
Published: February 2023

Low groundwater temperatures lead to longer plant growth periods. For example, the growth and development of cotton and grain are delayed by 7-15 days. All this ultimately affects the yield and quality of the agricultural crop and the ripening period of its fruits. In turn, the low-temperature water-air soil environment of the aeration zone does not ensure the timely dissolution of natural and artificial nutrients and fertilizers and does not allow their timely full assimilation by plant root systems. Under such conditions, some of these nutrients sink under the influence of falling currents of cold water and mix with groundwater. On the other hand, a cold aquatic-airy soil environment of 14–18 C° is detrimental to cotton, significantly reduces the rate of growth and development, and exposes it to various diseases. All this ultimately affects the yield and quality of the agricultural crop, and the ripening period of its fruits.
Global trends in the development of agricultural robotics
Authors: Starostin I A , Eshchin A V , Davydova S A
Published: February 2023

Agriculture is one of the most difficult and unpredictable industries. Despite this, technological advances in related industries can significantly reduce the negative impact of external factors by improving agricultural technologies and agricultural equipment, including through the introduction of unmanned mobile energy vehicles and robotic platforms for performing various agricultural operations. The interest of the scientific community in research on robotic systems for agricultural purposes is growing every year. Most of the reviewed publications are devoted to the development and improvement of computer vision systems, a description of the design of the developed robots and the results of their tests, as well as the development of autonomous control systems for robotic platforms, navigation and communication systems. At the same time, not a single solution for the development of agricultural robotic systems has currently reached the level of an economically accessible industrial design. This is due primarily to the high complexity and cost of development, applied technological solutions and equipment. The industrial introduction of agricultural robots will become possible only with the further significant development and cost reduction of the technologies and components used in them.
Advantages and challenges of self-assembled monolayer as a hole-selective contact for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Songran , Guo Huanxin , Wu Yongzhen
Published: February 2023

Charge-transporting layers (CTLs) are important in determining the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Recently, there has been considerable use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as charge-selective contacts, especially for hole-selective SAMs in inverted PSCs as well as perovskite involving tandem solar cells. The SAM-based charge-selective contact shows many advantages over traditional thin-film organic/inorganic CTLs, including reduced cost, low optical and electric loss, conformal coating on a rough substrate, simple deposition on a large-area substrate and easy modulation of energy levels, molecular dipoles and surface properties. The incorporation of various hole-selective SAMs has resulted in high-efficiency single junction and tandem solar cells. This topical review summarizes both the advantages and challenges of SAM-based charge-selective contacts, and discusses the potential direction for future studies.
Inverse Probability Weighting to Estimate Exposure Effects on the Burden of Recurrent Outcomes in the Presence of Competing Events
Authors: Gaber Charles E , Edwards Jessie K , Lund Jennifer L , Peery Anne F , Richardson David B , Kinlaw Alan C
Published: February 2023

Recurrent events—outcomes that an individual can experience repeatedly over the course of follow-up—are common in epidemiologic and health services research. Studies involving recurrent events often focus on time to first occurrence or on event rates, which assume constant hazards over time. In this paper, we contextualize recurrent event parameters of interest using counterfactual theory in a causal inference framework and describe an approach for estimating a target parameter referred to as the mean cumulative count. This approach leverages inverse probability weights to control measured confounding with an existing (and underutilized) nonparametric estimator of recurrent event burden first proposed by Dong et al. in 2015. We use simulations to demonstrate the unbiased estimation of the mean cumulative count using the weighted Dong-Yasui estimator in a variety of scenarios. The weighted Dong-Yasui estimator for the mean cumulative count allows researchers to use observational data to flexibly estimate and contrast the expected number of cumulative events experienced per individual by a given time point under different exposure regimens. We provide code to ease application of this method.
Dockey: a modern integrated tool for large-scale molecular docking and virtual screening
Authors: Du Lianming , Geng Chaoyue , Zeng Qianglin , Huang Ting , Tang Jie , Chu Yiwen , Zhao Kelei
Published: February 2023

Molecular docking is a structure-based and computer-aided drug design approach that plays a pivotal role in drug discovery and pharmaceutical research. AutoDock is the most widely used molecular docking tool for study of protein–ligand interactions and virtual screening. Although many tools have been developed to streamline and automate the AutoDock docking pipeline, some of them still use outdated graphical user interfaces and have not been updated for a long time. Meanwhile, some of them lack cross-platform compatibility and evaluation metrics for screening lead compound candidates. To overcome these limitations, we have developed Dockey, a flexible and intuitive graphical interface tool with seamless integration of several useful tools, which implements a complete docking pipeline covering molecular sanitization, molecular preparation, paralleled docking execution, interaction detection and conformation visualization. Specifically, Dockey can detect the non-covalent interactions between small molecules and proteins and perform cross-docking between multiple receptors and ligands. It has the capacity to automatically dock thousands of ligands to multiple receptors and analyze the corresponding docking results in parallel. All the generated data will be kept in a project file that can be shared between any systems and computers with the pre-installation of Dockey. We anticipate that these unique characteristics will make it attractive for researchers to conduct large-scale molecular docking without complicated operations, particularly for beginners. Dockey is implemented in Python and freely available at https://github.com/lmdu/dockey.
Characteristics of patients with hematologic malignancies without seroconversion post-COVID-19 third vaccine dosing
Authors: Hallmeyer Sigrun , Thompson Michael A , Fitzpatrick Veronica , Liao Yunqi , Mullane Michael P , Medlin Stephen C , Copeland Kenneth , Weese James L
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study is to explore the characteristics of the subset of patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) who had little to no change in SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody index value levels after a third mRNA vaccine dose (3V) and to compare the cohort of patients who did and did not seroconvert post-3V to get a better understanding of the demographics and potential drivers of serostatus.

Study design

This retrospective cohort study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG antibody index values pre and post the 3V data on 625 patients diagnosed with HM across a large Midwestern United States healthcare system between 31 October 2019 and 31 January 2022.

Methods

To assess the association between individual characteristics and seroconversion status, patients were placed into two groups based on IgG antibody status pre and post the 3V dose, (−/+) and (−/−). Odds ratios were used as measures of association for all categorical variables. Logistic regressions were used to measure the association between HM condition and seroconversion.

Results

HM diagnosis was significantly associated with seroconversion status (P = 0.0003) with patients non-Hodgkin lymphoma six times the odds of not seroconverting compared with multiple myeloma patients (P = 0.0010). Among the participants who were seronegative prior to 3V, 149 (55.6%) seroconverted after the 3V dose and 119 (44.4%) did not.

Conclusion

This study focuses on an important subset of patients with HM who are not seroconverting after the COVID mRNA 3V. This gain in scientific knowledge is needed for clinicians to target and counsel these vulnerable patients.
How did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Palliative Care Social Work Services? A Scoping Review
Authors: Roulston Audrey , Gerson Sheri Mila , Csikai Ellen , Dobrikova Patricia
Published: February 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) generated life-defining challenges on a global level, affecting healthcare professionals, who faced the same imminent public health threat as patients and families. Reduced face-to-face contact, wearing personal protective equipment and enforcing visitor restrictions generated moral distress in healthcare professionals, unable to provide holistic care. This scoping review explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on palliative care social workers (PCSWs). PubMED, CINAHL and PsycINFO were systematically searched. Empirical studies and reflective articles about palliative care social work during the pandemic were screened. Data extraction used Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Thematic analysis was underpinned by Braun and Clarke for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns. From 706 citations retrieved, 125 were selected for full-text review and 32 were included in the scoping review. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: (i) moral distress, (ii) transitioning and (iii) inequality. Implementing visitor restrictions caused moral distress and raised questions about their justification. Not being present at the time of death generated feelings of anger among bereaved family members. Virtual communication replaced face-to-face contact, yet improved access to Telehealth. Inequalities were illuminated and PCSWs advocated for disadvantaged populations, worked creatively to minimise suffering or stigma and supported peers.
A review of anatomical and phytolith studies of cystoliths: silica-calcium phytoliths in dicotyledonous angiosperms
Authors: Fernández Honaine Mariana , Borrelli Natalia L , Martinez Tosto Ana C
Published: February 2023

Cystoliths are phytoliths of silica and calcium carbonate and are produced in a few groups of dicotyledonous angiosperms. Anatomical and, more recently, phytolith studies have recorded them in different families. In the present review, we analyse and integrate both types of research to compile information about their formation and composition, their distribution in vascular plants, their relation with anatomy and systematics and their potential roles in plant tissues. We also include analyses of specimens belonging to families having poorly-known cystolith information. According to our review, cystoliths can be considered to be Si-Ca phytoliths. They are well described in eight families, and in 14 other families the information is inconclusive. The production of cystoliths is limited to dicotyledons, but there is no clear phylogenetic relation between the families that produce them. Cystolith accumulation is predominantly in the epidermis of leaves and/or in parenchymatic rays of woods. Diverse roles related to photosynthesis enhancement and as Ca reservoirs have been assigned to cystoliths. Knowledge of cystolith production among vascular plants is relevant for anatomical, systematic and ecological research, and also for biogeochemical studies due to their importance as a source of Ca and Si.
Exuviae Recycling Can Enhance Queen Oviposition and Colony Growth in Subterranean Termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae: Coptotermes)
Authors: Tong Reina L , Patel Jayshree S , Gordon Johnalyn M , Lee Sang-Bin , Chouvenc Thomas , Su Nan-Yao
Published: February 2023

Wood-feeding termites have a nitrogen-poor diet and have therefore evolved nitrogen conservation strategies. However, termite workers molt periodically, and throughout the lifetime of a colony, millions of exuviae, a nitrogen-rich resource, are produced by the colony. In Coptotermes Wasmann, workers foraging at remote feeding sites must return to the central part of the nest to molt, where the queen, king, eggs, and larvae are located. It was hypothesized that this molting-site fidelity is an efficient way to recycle nitrogen for reproduction and colony growth, as nestmates involved in exuviae consumption can directly transfer such resources to individuals engaged in reproduction (the queen) or growth (larvae). This study investigates whether incipient colonies of C. gestroi (Wasmann) can gain additional biomass when they are fed supplementary exuviae. Incipient colonies were reared in nitrogen-poor or nitrogen-rich conditions, and 0, 1, 5, or 10 exuviae were added to 3-month-old colonies. After 6.5 months, colonies reared in nitrogen-poor environments gained significantly more biomass when exuviae were added than colonies with no added exuviae. However, the addition of exuviae had no effect on colony growth for colonies reared in nitrogen-rich environments. In a second experiment, queens from colonies in which exuviae were effectively removed laid fewer eggs than queens from colonies in which exuviae were not removed. Therefore, consumption of exuviae from molting individuals by nestmates is an important part of the nitrogen recycling strategy in Coptotermes colonies, as it facilitates queen oviposition and colony growth, especially when such colonies have limited access to nitrogen-rich soils.
Aphid male wing polymorphisms are transient and have evolved repeatedly
Authors: Saleh Ziabari Omid , Li Binshuang , Hardy Nate B , Brisson Jennifer A
Published: February 2023

Polymorphic phenotypes have long been used to examine the maintenance of genetic variation within and between species. Most studies have focused on persistent polymorphisms, which are retained across species boundaries, and their positive effects on speciation rates. Far less is known about the macroevolutionary impacts of more transient polymorphisms, which are also common. Here we investigated male wing polymorphisms in aphids. We estimated the phylogenetic history of wing states across species, along with several other traits that could affect wing evolution. We found that male wing polymorphisms are transient: they are found in only ~4% of extant species, but have likely evolved repeatedly across the phylogeny. We reason that the repeated evolution of transient polymorphisms might be facilitated by the existence of the asexual female wing plasticity, which is common across aphids, and would maintain the wing development program even in species with wingless males. We also discovered that male wingedness correlates positively with host plant alternation and host plant breadth, and that winged morphs and wing polymorphisms may be associated with higher speciation rates. Our results provide new evolutionary insights into this well-studied group and suggest that even transient polymorphisms may impact species diversification rates.
The rate of chromosomal inversion fixation in plant genomes is highly variable
Authors: Hirabayashi Kaede , Owens Gregory L
Published: February 2023

Chromosomal inversions are theorized to play an important role in adaptation by preventing recombination, but testing this hypothesis requires an understanding of the rate of inversion fixation. Here, we use chromosome-level whole-genome assemblies for 32 genera of plants to ask how fast inversions accumulate and what factors affect this rate. We find that on average species accumulate 4–25 inversions per million generations, but this rate is highly variable, and we find no correlation between sequence divergence or repeat content and the number of inversions or the proportion of genome that was inverted and only a small correlation with chromosome size. We also find that inversion regions are depleted for genes and enriched for TEs compared to the genomic background. This suggests that idiosyncratic forces, like natural selection and demography, are controlling how fast inversions fix.
Quality of Care at the End of Life: Applying the Intersection of Race and Gender
Authors: Suntai Zainab , Noh Hyunjin , Lee Lewis , Bell John Gregory , Lippe Megan P , Lee Hee Yun
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Research on racial and gender disparities in end-of-life care quality has burgeoned over the past few decades, but few studies have incorporated the theory of intersectionality, which posits that membership in 2 or more vulnerable groups may result in increased hardships across the life span. As such, this study aimed to examine the intersectional effect of race and gender on the quality of care received at the end of life among older adults.

Research Design and Methods

Data were derived from the combined Round 3 to Round 10 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. For multivariate analyses, 2 logistic regression models were run; Model 1 included the main effects of race and gender and Model 2 included an interaction term for race and gender.

Results

Results revealed that White men were the most likely to have excellent or good care at the end of life, followed by White women, Black men, and Black women, who were the least likely to have excellent or good care at the end of life.

Discussion and Implications

These results point to a significant disadvantage for Black women, who had worse end-of-life care quality than their gender and racial peers. Practice interventions may include cultural humility training and a cultural match between patients and providers. From a policy standpoint, a universal health insurance plan would reduce the gap in end-of-life service access and quality for Black women, who are less likely to have supplemental health care coverage.
Aging Out-of-Place: Perceptions of Successful Aging Among Aging Burundian Refugees in the United States
Authors: Owino Jonix , Fuller Heather
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Refugees flee their home countries due to life-threatening situations and are resettled in countries such as the United States. For older refugees, their cultural background and forced migration experience may affect how they perceive successful aging in their host countries. As such, it is important to understand how aging refugees perceive aging well to enhance their well-being in the host communities. Thus, the present study explores perceptions of successful aging among refugees in the United States.

Research Design and Methods

Twenty-one Burundian refugees, aged 50–67, were recruited from an upper Midwest community to participate in interviews on their perceptions of successful aging. The qualitative interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Emergent themes showed that aging refugees’ perceptions of successful aging were in some ways consistent with perceptions among other nonrefugee aging populations, such as perceptions related to physical functioning and health. Yet, in many ways, refugees’ unique background and experiences seemed to lead to unique aging perceptions, such as perceiving an earlier onset of aging and expressing surprise and appreciation to experience old age.

Discussion and Implications

Study findings suggest important future directions and potential implications for refugee host regions and communities on how they can better support aging refugees as well as develop effective interventions to promote well-being.
Cold coagulation in thoracoscopic treatment of primary pneumothorax: a comparison with apicectomy
Authors: Aprile Vittorio , Bacchin Diana , Marrama Elena , Korasidis Stylianos , Mastromarino Maria Giovanna , Palmiero Gerardo , Ambrogi Marcello Carlo , Lucchi Marco
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a common disease, whose surgical treatment is still enigmatic in terms of timing and technique. Herein, we reported our experience with the parenchymal-sparing technique via cold coagulation (CC), in comparison to stapler apicectomy (SA).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data of all patients with apical blebs or <2 cm bullae treated with minimally invasive surgery for recurrent or persistent spontaneous pneumothorax, from 2010 to 2020. Two different surgical techniques were used: SA and the parenchymal-sparing CC of the apex. Perioperative and long-term results were analysed and compared.

RESULTS

Out of 177 patients enrolled, 77 patients (CC group) underwent cold-coagulation of the apex while 100 patients (SA group) were treated with SA. Two groups were comparable in terms of age, surgical indication, intraoperative findings and affected side. CC group had a mean operative time of 43.2 min (standard deviation ± 19.5), shorter than SA group with 49.3 min (standard deviation ± 20.1, P-value: 0.050). Complication rate was significantly different between 2 groups, 5 (7%) and 16 (16%), for the CC and SA groups, respectively (P: 0.048), even if not in terms of prolonged postoperative air leak (P: 0.16). During the follow-up, 13 homolateral recurrences were reported: 2 (3%) in group CC and 11 (11%) in group SA; with a significant difference (P: 0.044). All reinterventions (postoperative prolonged air leak and recurrences) required an SA.

CONCLUSIONS

Parenchymal-sparing technique through CC of apical blebs and bullae is an effective treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax and guarantees a good immediate lung sealing, despite stapling still represents the choice treatment in complex cases.