bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational methods for predicting the outcome of thoracic transplantation
Authors: Raji C. G. , Safna A. K.
Published: May 2022

Cardiac disease and the death rates due to coronary heart failure and cardiomyopathy are increasing. Thoracic transplantation is now a widely accepted therapeutic option for end-stage cardiac failure. The survival rate after the organ transplantation is crucial. Survival prediction after heart transplantation is a hot area of research. The use of conventional statistical techniques is computationally expensive and does not provide reliable solutions. Artificial Neural Networks based survival prediction helps surgeons make precise decisions and predict the best outcomes. The proposed system implements multi-layer perceptron algorithm, which shows good performance in survival prediction. We also implemented our work in the Radial Basis Function Network model to prove the accuracy of proposed model. For this research study, data were collected from United Network for Organ Sharing database and extracted the relevant thoracic transplantation survival prediction attributes with the help of suitable data mining techniques. We obtained an accuracy of 97.1% from the multi-layer perceptron model with the evaluation of various performance measures. In order to assure the validity of the proposed model we implemented the Radial Basis Function model and obtained an accuracy of 92.37%. We collated the accuracy of proposed survival prediction models with existing systems and proved that the proposed system appeared to be best for survival prediction with higher accuracy compared to 85.9% in the existing system. The outcome of the model will be an asset for the lifesaving procedures in the medical field.
A unified representation and transformation of multi-model data using category theory
Authors: Koupil Pavel , Holubová Irena
Published: May 2022

The support for multi-model data has become a standard for most of the existing DBMSs. However, the step from a conceptual (e.g., ER or UML) schema to a logical multi-model schema of a particular DBMS is not straightforward. In this paper, we extend our previous proposal of multi-model data representation using category theory for transformations between models. We introduce a mapping between multi-model data and the categorical representation and algorithms for mutual transformations between them. We also show how the algorithms can be implemented using the idea of wrappers with the interface published but specific internal details concealed. Finally, we discuss the applicability of the approach to various data management tasks, such as conceptual querying.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists regarding asthma management: a cross-sectional study in Egypt
Authors: Said Amira S. A. , Hussain Nadia , Kharaba Zelal , Al Haddad Amal H. I. , Abdelaty Lamiaa N. , Hussein Raghda R. S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Asthma is a significant public health issue that poses a substantial health and economic burden. Despite the availability of effective asthma medications, its management remain suboptimal. Recent asthma guidelines have highlighted the importance of pharmacist unique position and its interventional strategies in positively impacting asthma treatment outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the degree of Egyptian pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, as well as their practices towards asthma management in line with the recent asthma guidelines.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 pharmacists working in different private and governmental sectors. The data were collected using a 37-item pre-validated self-administered KAP questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and analysis of variance to assess the association between each KAP level and the sociodemographic variables at the significance level of 0.05.

Results

Of the 800 distributed questionnaire, a total of 550 participants (316 Male, and 234 Female) responded, representing a 68.7% response rate. The mean ± SD score of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barrier was 5.49 ± 1.65 (min = 0; max = 8), 23.5 ± 2.84 (min = 15, max = 30), 43.12 ± 8.61 (min = 28, max = 62), and 27.76 ± 3.72 (min = 17, max = 39), respectively. The results showed that poor knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were achieved by 30.54, 0, and 38.72% of participants, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed the inconsistencies between poor pharmacists’ knowledge and practices with respect to their positive attitudes. The lack of pharmacists’ knowledge and compliance to recent GINA guidelines in this study highlight the crucial need for effective Educational strategies that should better equip pharmacists for their potential role in asthma care.
What is the impact of dynamic contrast-enhancement sequence in the Vesical Imaging, Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS)? A subgroup analysis
Authors: Bricio Thaisa Gvozdenovic Medina , Gouvea Gabriel Lion , Barros Rafael Vasconcelos , Chahud Fernando , Elias Jorge , Reis Rodolfo B. , Muglia Valdair F.
Published: May 2022

Background

A scoring system focusing on the risk of muscle layer invasion by Bladder cancer (BCa) has been released, Vesical Imaging - Radiological and Data System (VI-RADS), with a growing interest in evaluating its diagnostic accuracy.

Our goal was to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of the VI-RADS score for assessment of the vesical muscular layer with (multiparametric-mp) and without (biparametric-bp) a dynamic-contrast enhancement (DCE) sequence.

Methods

Retrospective study conducted from July 2018 to July 2020. All patients had suspicions of BCa and underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) before any intervention. MRI was interpreted by two radiologists with different levels of experience, and a VI-RADS score assigned in two different sessions (3 months apart) without and with DCE. After exclusions, 44 patients with 50 lesions were enrolled. The standard of reference was transurethral resection in 18 patients (40.9%) and cystectomy in 26 patients (59.1%).

Results

Twenty-five lesions (50%) were muscle-invasive. There was no significant difference between the two groups for gender and presence of a stalk, but mean age of NMIBCa group was significantly higher (p = 0.01). The sizes of lesions were significantly different between groups for both readers at 2.42+/− 1.58 vs. 5.70+/− 2.67 cm for reader 1 (p < 0.0001) and 2.37+/− 1.50 vs. 5.44 +/− 2.90 cm for reader 2 (p = 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for muscle invasion with mpVI-RADS, considering all lesions, was 0.885 +/− 0.04 (95% CI-0.79-0.98) for reader 1 and 0.924 +/− 0.04 (0.84–0.99) for reader 2, and for bpVI-RADS was 0.879+/− 0.05 and 0.916 +/− 0.04 (0.85–0.99), respectively, both differences not statistically significant (p = 0.24 and 0.07, respectively). When considering only small lesions (< 3.0 cm), the accuracy for mpVI-RADS was 0.795 +/− 0.11 (0.57–1.0) for reader1, and 0.80 +/− 0.11(0.57–1.0) for reader 2, a non-significant difference (p = 0.56) and for bpVI-RADS was 0.747 +/− 0.12 (0.50–0.99) for reader 1 and 0.80 +/− 0.11(0.57–1.0) for reader 2, a significant difference (p = 0.04). The intraclass correlation coefficient for the final score was 0.81 (0.60–1.0) for mpVI-RADS and 0.85 (0.63–1.0) for bpVI-RADS.

Conclusion

The VI-RADS system was accurate in demonstrating muscle-invasive BCa, for both experienced and less experienced reader, regardless of the use of a DCE sequence. However, when only small lesions were assessed the difference between the two readers was significant only for the biparametric analysis. The reproducibility was similar between multiparametric and biparametric approach.
Acetaminophen-induced hypotension in sepsis
Authors: Inage Shunsuke , Yajima Ryo , Nagahara Shintaro , Kazama Aya , Takamura Moe , Shoji Tomohiro , Kadoi Mika , Tashiro Yukiko , Ise Yuya
Published: May 2022

Background

Acetaminophen-induced hypotension has been reported in critically ill patients; however, it remains unclear whether mannitol, present as a stabilizing compound in acetaminophen formulations, affects hemodynamic changes. The objectives of this study were to clarify the direct effect of acetaminophen on blood pressure by comparing blood pressure changes after acetaminophen and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration, both containing mannitol, in patients with sepsis and understand the risk factors for reduced blood pressure following acetaminophen administration.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients who were diagnosed with sepsis at Nippon Medical School Hospital, and who were undergoing continuous arterial blood pressure measurement and received intravenous acetaminophen or IVIG, were included.

Results

Overall, 185 patients were included, with 92 patients in the IVIG group and 93 in the acetaminophen group. The incidence of hypotension was 36.9% in the IVIG group (34 of 92 patients) and 58.0% in the acetaminophen group (54 of 93 patients) (OR = 8.26, p = 0.004). In a propensity score-matched cohort, 80 matched patients were selected. The incidence of hypotension was 37.5% in the IVIG group (15 of 40 patients) and 67.5% in the acetaminophen group (27 of 40 patients) (OR = 7.21, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Acetaminophen induced substantially greater hypotension than IVIG in patients with sepsis, with both containing mannitol. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects on hemodynamics of mannitol contained in acetaminophen formulations.
Successful management of a mediastinum abscess with sternum destruction caused by MSSA bloodstream infection
Authors: Wada Hironobu , Shina Yuki , Kamata Toshiko , Ishibashi Fumihiro , Tamura Hajime , Toriumi Masahiro , Matsuzaki Kyoichi , Yoshida Shigetoshi
Published: May 2022

Background

Multiple deep organ abscesses associated with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SAB) have a high mortality rate, requiring rapid removal or drainage of infective foci with long-term appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Cases in which infective foci cannot be completely removed are challenging for their management.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old man developed multiple deep organ abscesses associated with SAB. The left anterior chest subcutaneous abscess continued into the right anterior mediastinum and had extensively destroyed the sternum. Necrotizing fasciitis was observed in the bilateral feet. The anterior mediastinum abscess was drained percutaneously, and the chest wall abscess was incised cautiously without causing an external pneumothorax. On the next day, right-sided pyothorax had developed, requiring pleural drainage. On the third day, debridement of anterior chest wall abscess followed by concurrent thoracoscopic pleural curettage and debridement of bilateral feet were performed. Thorough sternal debridement was not performed, considering the risk of respiratory failure due to the sternal defects. On the 24th day, sternum debridement and incisional drainage of sciatic rectus fossa abscess, which had been present since the time of admission, were performed to control persistent infection. The caudal half of the sternal body was resected, leaving the costal cartilage attachments. The general condition further improved without postoperative respiratory failure after the second surgery, leading to a transfer to the general ward on the 43rd day.

Conclusions

We successfully treated the severe multiple deep organ abscesses, including a mediastinum abscess with sternum destruction, by repeated removal of the infective foci while avoiding respiratory failure due to excessive debridement of the anterior chest wall, including the sternum.
Micronutrient status of individuals with overweight and obesity following 3 months’ supplementation with PolyGlycopleX (PGX®) or psyllium: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pal Sebely , McKay Jenny , Ho Suleen , Jane Monica , Gahler Roland J. , Wood Simon
Published: May 2022

Background

Safe and effective weight control strategies are needed to curtail the current obesity epidemic worldwide. Increasing dietary fibre has shown positive results with weight loss as well as in the reduction of metabolic syndrome risk factors. However, fibre can act as an inhibitor to the bioavailability of micronutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. While there is a substantial amount of scientific research into psyllium fibre, PolyGlycopleX (PGX®) is a novel fibre and as yet the effects of PGX® on micronutrient status is not well researched.

Aim

To determine whether 3-months’ supplementation with 15 g of psyllium or PGX® fibre daily affects micronutrient status of overweight and obese adults.

Methods

Overweight and obese individuals with a BMI between 25–40 kg/m2 and aged between 18 and 65 years, but otherwise healthy, were instructed to consume a 5 g sachet of psyllium, PGX® fibre or a rice flour placebo three times a day for 52 weeks as part of a larger long-term study. Blood sample data for the first 3 months were analysed for associations between serum micronutrient levels and psyllium fibre and/or PGX® supplements.

Results

No significant differences between fibre supplement groups and micronutrient status were found after 3 months at p > 0.05. Dietary intake of vitamin C was significantly lower for PGX® at 3 months compared to baseline and compared to control (p < 0.05). Folate was significantly lower in the control group after 3 months (p < 0.05). In the psyllium group, folate, sodium, zinc and magnesium intake decreased after 3 months (p < 0.05). A limitation of dietary intake data (tertiary measure) is the potential for inaccurate self-reporting, although reduced nutrient intake could be due to the satiating effect of dietary fibre.

Conclusions

There were no significant between group differences in serum micronutrient concentrations after a 3-month psyllium fibre or PGX® supplementation intervention of 15 g per day. Fibre supplementation is unlikely to compromise the nutritional status of overweight and obese individuals in the short term. Further research is recommended to monitor micronutrient status over a longer period or with a higher fibre dosage.
Increased breastfeeding; an educational exchange program between India and Norway improving newborn health in a low- and middle-income hospital population
Authors: Haaland Kirsti , Sitaraman Sadasivam
Published: May 2022

Background

The purpose of the project was to improve newborn health in neonatal care units in a low resource area with high neonatal mortality, predominantly by better nutrition and educational exchange of health care workers.

Method

A fourfold program to make human milk production and distribution feasible and desirable. 1 Education to enlighten health care workers and parents to the excellence of human milk. 2 Lactation counselling to address the various challenges of breastfeeding. 3 Improving infants´ general condition. 4 Infrastructure alterations in the hospital. A collaboration between hospitals in India and Norway.

Results

The number of infants receiving human milk increased pronouncedly. Systematic, professional lactation counselling, the establishment of a milk bank, and empowerment of nurses was perceived as the most important factors.

Conclusions

It is possible to greatly improve nutrition and the quality of newborn care in low/middle income settings by optimising human resources. Viable improvements can be obtained by long-term health partnership, by involving all hierarchal levels and applying locally developed customized methods.
Neuroplasticity related to chronic pain and its modulation by microglia
Authors: Hiraga Shin-ichiro , Itokazu Takahide , Nishibe Mariko , Yamashita Toshihide
Published: May 2022

Neuropathic pain is often chronic and can persist after overt tissue damage heals, suggesting that its underlying mechanism involves the alteration of neuronal function. Such an alteration can be a direct consequence of nerve damage or a result of neuroplasticity secondary to the damage to tissues or to neurons. Recent studies have shown that neuroplasticity is linked to causing neuropathic pain in response to nerve damage, which may occur adjacent to or remotely from the site of injury. Furthermore, studies have revealed that neuroplasticity relevant to chronic pain is modulated by microglia, resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia may directly contribute to synaptic remodeling and altering pain circuits, or indirectly contribute to neuroplasticity through property changes, including the secretion of growth factors. We herein highlight the mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity that occur in the somatosensory circuit of the spinal dorsal horn, thalamus, and cortex associated with chronic pain following injury to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) or CNS. We also discuss the dynamic functions of microglia in shaping neuroplasticity related to chronic pain. We suggest further understanding of post-injury ectopic plasticity in the somatosensory circuits may shed light on the differential mechanisms underlying nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic-type pain. While one of the prominent roles played by microglia appears to be the modulation of post-injury neuroplasticity. Therefore, future molecular- or genetics-based studies that address microglia-mediated post-injury neuroplasticity may contribute to the development of novel therapies for chronic pain.
Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury after total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Hung Chun Wai , Zhang Theodore S. , Harrington Melvyn A. , Halawi Mohamad J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common medical causes for readmission following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study aimed to (1) examine whether the incidence of AKI has changed over the past decade with the adoption of modern perioperative care pathways and (2) identify the risk factors and concomitant adverse events (AEs) associated with AKI.

Methods

535,291 primary TJA procedures from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2011 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The annual incidence of AKI was analyzed for significant changes over time. Matched cohort analyses were performed to identify the risk factors and AEs associated with AKI using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The mean incidence of AKI was 0.051%, which remained unchanged during the study period (P = 0.121). Factors associated with AKI were diabetes (OR 1.96, P = 0.009), bilateral procedure (OR 6.93, P = 0.030), lower preoperative hematocrit level (OR 1.09, P = 0.015), body mass index (OR 1.04, P = 0.025), and higher preoperative BUN (OR 1.03, P = 0.043). AKI was associated with length of stay (LOS) > 2 days (OR 4.73, P <  0.001), non-home discharge (OR 0.25, P <  0.001), 30-day readmission (OR 12.29, P <  0.001), and mortality (OR 130.7, P <  0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of AKI has not changed over the past decade, and it remains a major bundle buster resulting in greater LOS, non-home discharge, readmissions, and mortality. Avoidance of bilateral TJA in patients with DM and high BMI as well as preoperative optimization of anemia and BUN levels are advised.
Butterfly optimizer assisted Max–Min based multi-objective approach for optimal connection of DGs and optimal network reconfiguration of distribution networks
Authors: Thunuguntla Vinod Kumar , Injeti Satish Kumar
Published: May 2022

Currently, the electrical distribution system is experiencing challenges such as low system efficiency due to substantial real power losses, a poor voltage profile, and inadequate system loadability as a result of the tremendous increase in system load demand. Therefore, distribution system operators are searching for ways to improve system efficiency and loadability. Distributed Generation technology has attracted a lot of researchers’ interest in recent days because of its enormous technological advantages in dealing with the aforementioned issues. This work presents a Max–Min based multi-objective optimization approach for optimal connection of distributed generators (OCDG) in the presence of optimal distribution network reconfiguration (ODNR) to enhance the system loadability ($$\lambda_{{{\text{max}}}}$$

λ
max

) and to reduce real power loss. Two scenarios are taken to achieve the proposed objectives. Scenario-1 deals with the enhancement of loss mitigation & system loadability. In scenario-2, to extract maximum benefits with less amount of real power injection by DGs into the system, DGs real power injection is taken as one of the objectives. Under each scenario, three cases are investigated. Case 1 and case 2 deal with single-objective optimization, whereas case 3 deals with multi-objective optimization. The butterfly Optimization (BO) technique is implemented for the optimization of proposed objectives. The proposed method is tested on 33 bus, 69 bus radial distribution test systems. To test the potential of the BO algorithm, the outcomes are contrasted with the suitable results that are accessible in the literature. From the outcomes, it was observed that real power loss of the system is reduced to (75–89)%, loadability enhanced to (94–121)% with the injection of 64% KVA by DGs into 33 & 69 bus systems.
Tuning quantum heat transport in magnetic nanostructures by spin-phonon interaction
Authors: Pan Hui , Ding Zhong-Ke , Zeng Yu-Jia , Li Qiu-Qiu , Tang Li-Ming , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: May 2022

The introduction of spin degree of freedom has not only made the electronic transport properties colorful, but also highly attracted people's attention to the spin-related quantum heat transport, with the rapid progress of spin caloritronics in recent year. Against this background, the modeling and tuning of quantum heat transport in magnetic nanostructures has become an emerging and attractive topic. In particular, the spin-phonon interaction has played a crucial role in the novel transport behaviors of heat and spin. In this perspective article, we give an insight into the current theoretical and experimental progresses and discuss the further research perspectives of spin-phonon interaction-related heat transfer.
Immune cells in cardiac repair and regeneration
Authors: Simões Filipa C. , Riley Paul R.
Published: May 2022

The immune system is fundamental to tissue homeostasis and is the first line of defense following infection, injury or disease. In the damaged heart, large numbers of immune cells are recruited to the site of injury. These cells play an integral part in both repair by scar formation and the initiation of tissue regeneration. They initially assume inflammatory phenotypes, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and removing dead and dying tissue, before entering a reparative stage, replacing dead muscle tissue with a non-contractile scar. In this Review, we present an overview of the innate and adaptive immune response to heart injury. We explore the kinetics of immune cell mobilization following cardiac injury and how the different innate and adaptive immune cells interact with one another and with the damaged tissue. We draw on key findings from regenerative models, providing insight into how to support a robust immune response permissible for cardiac regeneration. Finally, we consider how the latest technological developments can offer opportunities for a deeper and unbiased functional understanding of the immune response to heart disease, highlighting the importance of such knowledge as the basis for promoting regeneration following cardiac injury in human patients.
The Drosophila fragile X mental retardation protein modulates the neuronal cytoskeleton to limit dendritic arborization
Authors: Li Hui , Gavis Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2022

Dendritic arbor development is a complex, highly regulated process. Post-transcriptional regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins plays an important role in neuronal dendrite morphogenesis by delivering on-site, on-demand protein synthesis. Here, we show how the Drosophila fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), a conserved RNA-binding protein, limits dendrite branching to ensure proper neuronal function during larval sensory neuron development. FMRP knockdown causes increased dendritic terminal branch growth and a resulting overelaboration defect due, in part, to altered microtubule stability and dynamics. FMRP also controls dendrite outgrowth by regulating the Drosophila profilin homolog chickadee (chic). FMRP colocalizes with chic mRNA in dendritic granules and regulates its dendritic localization and protein expression. Whereas RNA-binding domains KH1 and KH2 are both crucial for FMRP-mediated dendritic regulation, KH2 specifically is required for FMRP granule formation and chic mRNA association, suggesting a link between dendritic FMRP granules and FMRP function in dendrite elaboration. Our studies implicate FMRP-mediated modulation of both the neuronal microtubule and actin cytoskeletons in multidendritic neuronal architecture, and provide molecular insight into FMRP granule formation and its relevance to FMRP function in dendritic patterning.
DNA methylation safeguards the generation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by repression of Notch signaling
Authors: Li Yan , Tang Chao , Liu Fan , Zhu Caiying , Liu Feng , Zhu Ping , Wang Lu
Published: May 2022

The earliest hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are generated from the ventral wall of the dorsal aorta, through endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition during vertebrate embryogenesis. Notch signaling is crucial for HSPC generation across vertebrates; however, the precise control of Notch during this process remains unclear. In the present study, we used multi-omics approaches together with functional assays to assess global DNA methylome dynamics during the endothelial cells to HSPCs transition in zebrafish, and determined that DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) is essential for HSPC generation via repression of Notch signaling. Depletion of dnmt1 resulted in decreased DNA methylation levels and impaired HSPC production. Mechanistically, we found that loss of dnmt1 induced hypomethylation of Notch genes and consequently elevated Notch activity in hemogenic endothelial cells, thereby repressing the generation of HSPCs. This finding deepens our understanding of HSPC specification in vivo, which will provide helpful insights for designing new strategies for HSPC generation in vitro.
DMM Outstanding Paper Prize 2021 winner: Daniel Bronder
Authors: Hackett Rachel
Published: May 2022

Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) is delighted to announce that the winner of the DMM Outstanding Paper Prize 2021 is Daniel Bronder, for his paper entitled ‘TP53 loss initiates chromosomal instability in fallopian tube epithelial cells’ ( Bronder et al., 2021). The prize of £1000 is awarded to the first author of the paper that is judged by the journal's editors to be the most outstanding contribution to the journal that year. To be considered for the prize, the first author must be a student or a postdoc of no more than 5 years standing.
GIANI – open-source software for automated analysis of 3D microscopy images
Authors: Barry David J. , Gerri Claudia , Bell Donald M. , D'Antuono Rocco , Niakan Kathy K.
Published: May 2022

The study of cellular and developmental processes in physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) systems facilitates an understanding of mechanisms underlying cell fate, disease and injury. While cutting-edge microscopy technologies permit the routine acquisition of 3D datasets, there is currently a limited number of open-source software packages to analyse such images. Here, we describe General Image Analysis of Nuclei-based Images (GIANI; https://djpbarry.github.io/Giani), new software for the analysis of 3D images. The design primarily facilitates segmentation of nuclei and cells, followed by quantification of morphology and protein expression. GIANI enables routine and reproducible batch-processing of large numbers of images, and comes with scripting and command line tools. We demonstrate the utility of GIANI by quantifying cell morphology and protein expression in confocal images of mouse early embryos and by segmenting nuclei from light-sheet microscopy images of the flour beetle embryo. We also validate the performance of the software using simulated data. More generally, we anticipate that GIANI will be a useful tool for researchers in a variety of biomedical fields.
Potent microtubule-depolymerizing activity of a mitotic Kif18b–MCAK–EB network
Authors: McHugh Toni , Welburn Julie P. I.
Published: May 2022

The precise regulation of microtubule length during mitosis is essential to assemble and position the mitotic spindle and segregate chromosomes. The kinesin-13 Kif2C or MCAK acts as a potent microtubule depolymerase that diffuses short distances on microtubules, whereas the kinesin-8 Kif18b is a processive motor with weak depolymerase activity. However, the individual activities of these factors cannot explain the dramatic increase in microtubule dynamics in mitosis. Using in vitro reconstitution and single-molecule imaging, we demonstrate that Kif18b, MCAK and the plus-end tracking protein EB3 (also known as MAPRE3) act in an integrated manner to potently promote microtubule depolymerization at very low concentrations. We find that Kif18b can transport EB3 and MCAK and promotes their accumulation to microtubule plus ends through multivalent weak interactions. Together, our work defines the mechanistic basis for a cooperative Kif18b–MCAK–EB network at microtubule plus ends, that acts to efficiently shorten and regulate microtubules in mitosis, essential for correct chromosome segregation.
Shifting the water paradigm from social good to economic good and the state’s role in fulfilling the right to water
Authors: Nurcahyono Arinto , Fadhly Jambak Fabian , Rohman Abdul
Published: May 2022

Background: The problem currently faced is the availability of water to meet human needs, which is decreasing in number. On the one hand, there is a view that water is a commodity (economic good) while on the other hand says that water is a social good. These different approaches influence state policies in water management on how the state regulates and manages water in fulfilling the right to water for their citizens. The right to water implies that everyone should have access to water without discrimination.

Methods: This study uses a normative approach, which reviewing water as social economic issues and adjusting by the legal rules relating to water and human rights.

Results: Changing the paradigm of water from social goods to economic goods, this change is also based on water scarcity faced not only by one country but has become a global issue. Economic issues are the main topic in the global conversation, by reducing water in a social perspective, which should be the responsibility of the state as Article 33 paragraph (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia 1945. This legal basis has logical consequences for the state to keep water as a social commodity oriented to the public interest.

Conclusions: The pattern of economic approaches through privatization in the management of water resources has resulted in co-opting water as a collective source of life. Water is forced in commercial motivation rather than as a constitutive element that regulates water for the "sustainability of collective life" and "to the maximum extent possible for the prosperity of society." The fulfillment of the right to water by the state certainly cannot be directly fulfilled, the important thing is that there are progressive efforts to fulfill it, with community involvement in the management of water resources, especially local communities.
Case Report: Buprenorphine-precipitated fentanyl withdrawal treated with high-dose buprenorphine
Authors: Bormann Nicholas L. , Gout Antony , Kijewski Vicki , Lynch Alison
Published: May 2022

Background: Buprenorphine, a partial agonist of the mu-opioid receptor, is an increasingly prescribed medication for maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder. When this medication is taken in the context of active opioid use, precipitated withdrawal can occur, leading to acute onset of opioid withdrawal symptoms. Fentanyl complicates use of buprenorphine, as it slowly releases from body stores and can lead to higher risk of precipitated withdrawal.

Objectives: Describe the successful management of buprenorphine precipitated opioid withdrawal from fentanyl with high doses of buprenorphine. We seek to highlight how no adverse effects occurred in this patient and illustrate his stable transition to outpatient treatment.

Case report: We present the case of a patient with severe opioid use disorder who presented in moderately severe opioid withdrawal after taking non-prescribed buprenorphine-naloxone which precipitated opioid withdrawal from daily fentanyl use. He was treated with high doses of buprenorphine, 148 mg over the first 48 hours, averaging 63 mg per day over four days. The patient reported rapid improvement in withdrawal symptoms without noted side effects and was able to successfully taper to 16 mg twice daily by discharge.

Conclusions: This case demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of buprenorphine at high doses for treatment of precipitated withdrawal. While other options include symptomatic withdrawal management, initiating methadone or less researched options like ketamine, utilizing buprenorphine can preserve or re-establish confidence in this life-saving medication. This case also increases the previously documented upper boundary on buprenorphine dosing for withdrawal and should provide additional confidence in its use.
Case Report: Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H1N1 in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome and a pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Baala Lekbir , Benzekri-Lefevre Dalila , Bret Laurent , Kamel Toufik , Guillaume Clémence , Courtellemont Laura , El Khalil Abdelkrim , Guery Thomas , Iquel Sophie , Perche Olivier , Khadre Khalid , Brungs Thomas , Decker Julien , Francia Thomas , Bois Julie , Delamare Benoit , Guinard Jérôme , Got Laurence , Briault Sylvain , Boulain Thierry , Legac Eric
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and has been a global public health concern. We report coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and 2009 H1N1 Influenza strain in a French patient with pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome.  The patient also had a medical history of pulmonary sarcoidosis with a restrictive ventilatory syndrome and obesity, which would be a supplementary risk to develop a poor outcomes. This case highlights the possible coinfection of two severe SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H1N1 viruses in comorbid patient, which presents a higher risk to extend the care duration. The overlapping clinical features of the two respiratory syndromes is a challenge, and awareness is required to recommend an early differential diagnosis and it’s necessary to adopt the vigilant preventive measures and therapeutic strategies to prevent a deleterious impacts in patients with comorbid factors.
Tourette syndrome research highlights from 2020
Authors: Hartmann Andreas , Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Depienne Christel , Black Kevin
Published: May 2022

We present here research from 2020 relevant to Tourette syndrome (TS). The authors briefly summarize a few reports they consider most important or interesting.
Prospects and barriers for development tourism in rural areas Warmia and Mazury
Authors: Batyk Iwona
Published: May 2022

Warmia and Mazury have large European scale tourism and natural values. Attraction is the landscape of these areas, forests, lakes, cleannatural environment, and numerous monuments of architecture and culture. The region is particularly well suited to the development of recreationalfunctions, tourism, rural tourism and qualified - sailing, Horsemanship, hiking or cycling.The development of tourism in the world, that tourism is becoming one of the most important sectors of the economy for many countries.The authorities of the voivodship involve high hopes the development of tourism, seeing it as an opportunity for economic growth in the region.Tourism is a big area, but still unused opportunities of development for the voivodship. A major difficulty is the poor accessibility of the region, butalso inadequate offer tourist and recreational facilities.The development of tourism in rural areas can significantly contribute to the creation of new jobs, allowing the region's economicdevelopment and meet the vital needs of its residents. In the current situation of tourism that brings an additional source of income for the populationengaged in agriculture, but it certainly could become an alternative source of income for the ineffectiveness of many agricultural activities, especiallysmall farms. Agrotourism is also the opportunity to develop other activities. Its development is mainly conditioned by the investment opportunities andpromote the values of recreation in rural areas.
Ocorrência de cistos parasitários no rim de duas espécies de Amphisbaenia (Reptilia: Squamata)
Authors: Valverde Maria Celeste C. , Pacheco Danilo C. , Leite Franco H. Andrade
Published: May 2022

Cistos parasitários foram encontrados histologicamente pela primeira vez no rim de Amphisbaena vermicularis Wagler, 1824 e A. alba Linnaeus, 1758 coletados no município de Feira de Santana, estado da Bahia, Brasil. A análise morfológica das estruturas císticas sugere tratar-se de um representante de Coccidia. Exames fecais estão sendo realizados visando a obtenção de oocistos para a identificação da espécie parasita.
Levantamento etnobotânico e etnofarmacológico de plantas medicinais do município de Itaberaba-BA para cultivo e preservação)
Authors: Alcântara júnior José P. , Ayala-Osuna Juán T. , Queiroz Sandra Regina O. D. , Rios Ana Paula
Published: May 2022

A utilização de plantas medicinais do semi-árido da Bahia está sendo estudada por uma equipe de pesquisadores do Horto Florestal da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, em Feira de Santana, Bahia. No município de Itaberaba, pertencente à microrregião do semi-árido baiano, à borda da Chapada Diamantina, foi realizado um estudo etnobotânico com o objetivo de fazer um levantamento de espécies vegetais com propriedades medicinais utilizadas pelas comunidades urbanas do município, identificando seus principais aspectos botânicos e farmacológicos, para que as plantas sejam preservadas no banco de germoplasma do Horto Florestal. Os dados foram obtidos mediante aplicação de um questionário constituído de perguntas simples sobre os aspectos botânicos e as formas de utilização das plantas relatadas. A relação entre a nomenclatura popular e científica foi feita com auxílio de bibliografia especializada. Foram citadas um total de 50 espécies vegetais distribuídas em 27 famílias distintas, sendo Labiatae (8 espécies), Leguminosae (5 espécies), Compositae (3 espécies) e Myrtaceae (3 espécies) as mais representativas. A maioria das plantas do levantamento é cultivada ou extraída em quintais, terreiros ou jardins da própria comunidade. Elas são, na maioria, ervas e as folhas são as partes mais utilizadas. As espécies mais utilizadas são carrapicho-de-agulha (Bidens pilosa), mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides), barbatimão (Stryphnodendrom barbatiman), babosa (Aloe barbadensis), boldo-comum (Plectranthus barbatus) e hortelã-graúda (Plectranthus amboinicus). As plantas citadas foram sugeridas para diversas enfermidades que aparecem nos aparelhos digestivo, respiratório e genito-urinário, machucados e traumas, dores musculares e viscerais, doenças de pele e nervosas. Essas plantas serão cultivadas e preservadas no Horto Florestal da UEFS.
Influência do armazenamento nos teores de açúcares solúveis totais e redutores em sementes de Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari (Arecaceae)
Authors: Rodrigues Manuela O. Souza , Crepaldi Iara C. , Luchese Angélica Maria , Carvalho Noeli O. Santana , Carvalho Noeli O. Santana , Brito Alone L. , Pelacani Claudinéia R. , Ledo Carlos A. Silva
Published: May 2022

No semi-árido Nordestino, Syagrus coronata tem grande potencial alimentício, ornamental e forrageiro. Apesar de sua grande utilidade, essa espécie tem sido alvo de super exploração, o que tem acarretado a rápida diminuição de populações naturais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da estocagem nos teores de açúcares solúveis totais e redutores em sementes de S. coronata, servindo de base para o estabelecimento de protocolos eficientes de conservação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em arrranjo fatorial 4x4+1, sendo quatro períodos de armazenamento, quatro condições de estocagem e testemunha. Os resultados expressaram diferença significativa para os parâmetros avaliados. Os teores de açúcares solúveis totais e redutores apresentaram oscilações entre os períodos de armazenamento. No entanto, a tendência foi de aumento desses açúcares com o tempo de armazenamento para todos os ambientes, exceto ambiente úmido. Esses resultados mostram que o metabolismo de degradação dos açúcares foi afetado por condições externas.
Selective band amplification in ultra-broadband superimposed quantum dot reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers
Authors: Nahaei F. Serat , Rostami A. , Matloub S.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, an approach is proposed for an ultra-broadband quantum dot (QD) reflective semiconductor optical amplifier using superimposed QDs with switching and band selection capability in the supported band. Furthermore, about 1 µm optical bandwidth is covered (O, E, S, C, and L bands), which is the desired region in most optical communication applications. Three optical windows are selected for optimized amplification (1.55 µm, 1.5 µm, 1.31 µm). Also, they can be amplified either simultaneously or one at a time, which guarantees independent modulation. This is a remarkable property in fast data transmission. The amplifier is devised by solution process nanotechnology, which guarantees its synthesizing feasibility with low cost. Finally, by introducing this amplifier, one step is taken toward the development of fast wavelength division multiplexing passive optical networks.
Lens design for parallel cylindrical anamorphic attachments with finite object distance
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Zhang Jinkai
Published: May 2022

A lens design method for parallel cylindrical anamorphic attachments with finite object distance is provided, which includes paraxial lens design, thin lens design, and thick lens design. The paraxial lens data can be determined from geometric optics. The thin lens design adopts a total of 28 anamorphic aberrations. The anamorphic lens splitting method for each anamorphic lens module is also provided for anamorphic aberration balancing between anamorphic lens modules. With the proposed design method, an anamorphic attachment is designed and manufactured in this paper, which proves the feasibility of the method.
Multiple-frequency-spaced and -offset flat optical comb generation using multiple-parallel phase modulator: theory and design
Authors: Sakamoto Takahide , Chiba Akito
Published: May 2022

We propose and investigate reconfigurable multiple-frequency (MF)-spaced MF-offset flat optical comb generation using an electro-optic (EO) multiple-parallel phase modulator (MP-PM). In the technique, the frequency spacing and offset of the generated comb can be flexibly controlled through the EO modulation process without relying on optical filters, which are configurable at frequencies much beyond the EO modulation bandwidth, e.g., 50, 100 GHz, or higher. In this paper, the driving conditions of the MP-PM for the MF-spaced and MF-offset comb generation with great spectral flatness are analytically clarified and summarized as simple formulas. Repartitioning of the modulator arms is also discussed for flexible comb generation with higher conversion efficiency.
Active continuous control of terahertz wave based on a reflectarray element-liquid crystal-grating electrode hybrid structure
Authors: Yang Jun , Xu Lu , Zhang Guozhen , Mao Rongxin , Yin Zhiping , Lu Hongbo , Deng Guangsheng , Li Ying
Published: May 2022

In this work, a new and efficient terahertz reflective phase shifter is proposed. The phase shifter is composed of a metal-dielectric-metal structure with a double dipole patch array, as well as copper grating electrodes immersed within the nematic liquid crystal. More specifically, the employed copper grating electrodes consist of two sets of cross-distributed comb grids, whereas at each set of comb grids can be applied an external bias voltage separately. On top of that, the electric field in the liquid crystal (LC) layer can be continuously changed by enforcing an innovative technique. Consequently, the orientation of the LC molecules was fully controlled by the applied electric field, since the dielectric constant of the LC is controlled by the biased voltage. The phase of the reflective electromagnetic wave can be continuously manipulated. Under this direction, the experimental results show that the phase shift exceeds the value of 180° in the range of 102.5 GHz-104.3 GHz, where the maximum phase shift is 249° at 103 GHz. The proposed work provides a new regulation concept for the implementation of LC-based terahertz devices and the respective applications in the terahertz reconfigurable antennas field.
Modeling of the conversion of LP modes to vector vortex modes in gradually twisted highly birefringent fibers
Authors: Napiorkowski Maciej , Urbanczyk Waclaw
Published: May 2022

We present a new method for the efficient modeling of the conversion of LP modes to vortex modes in gradually twisted highly birefringent fibers, employing the coupled-mode approach in helicoidal coordinates. The method is applicable to a class of highly birefringent fibers with cylindrical cores and stress-applying elements. We analyzed the effects of refractive index contrast, birefringence, and twist rate profile on the quality of the converted vortex beams, including the intensity and polarization distributions, as well as on the crosstalk between different eigenmodes at the output of the twisted fibers. The obtained results prove the possibility of a broadband quasi-adiabatic generation of vortex beams of high purity in gradually twisted highly birefringent fibers a few centimeters long and provide hints for optimization of the conversion process.
Closed-loop MOEMS accelerometer
Authors: Taghavi Majid , Abedi Abolfazl , Parsanasab Gholam-Mohammad , Rahimi Mojtaba , Noori Mohammad , Nourolahi Hamzeh , Latifi Hamid
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a closed-loop micro-opto-electro-mechanical system (MOEMS) accelerometer based on the Fabry-Pérot (FP) interferometer is presented. The FP cavity is formed between the end of a cleaved single-mode optical fiber and the cross-section of a proof mass (PM) which is suspended by four U-shaped springs. The applied acceleration tends to move the PM in the opposite direction. The arrays of fixed and movable comb fingers produce an electrostatic force which keeps the PM in its resting position. The voltage that can provide this electrostatic force is considered as the output of the sensor. Using a closed-loop detection method it is possible to increase the measurement range without losing the resolution. The proposed sensor is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator wafer using the bulk micromachining method. The results of the sensor characterization show that the accelerometer has a linear response in the range of ±5 g. In the closed-loop mode, the sensitivity and bias instability of the sensor are 1.16 V/g and 40 µg, respectively.