bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of urine metabolome of BALB/c mouse infected with an avirulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Zhou Chun-Xue , Li Ling-Yu , Huang Cui-Qin , Guo Xu-Dong , An Xu-Dian , Luo Fang-Fang , Cong Wei
Published: July 2022

Background

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a major concern for human and animal health. Although the metabolic understanding of toxoplasmosis has increased in recent years, the analysis of metabolic alterations through noninvasive methodologies in biofluids remains limited.

Methods

Here, we applied liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis to analyze BALB/c mouse urine collected from acutely infected, chronically infected and control subjects.

Results

In total, we identified 2065 and 1409 metabolites in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI +) mode and ESI − mode, respectively. Metabolomic patterns generated from principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plots clearly separated T. gondii-infected from uninfected urine samples. Metabolites with altered levels in urine from T. gondii-infected mice revealed changes in pathways related to amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism.

Conclusions

This is the first study to our knowledge on urine metabolic profiling of BALB/c mouse with T. gondii infection. The urine metabolome of infected mouse is distinctive and has value in the understanding of Toxoplasmosis pathogenesis and improvement of treatment.

Graphical Abstract
X-CAP improves pathogenicity prediction of stopgain variants
Authors: Rastogi Ruchir , Stenson Peter D. , Cooper David N. , Bejerano Gill
Published: July 2022

Stopgain substitutions are the third-largest class of monogenic human disease mutations and often examined first in patient exomes. Existing computational stopgain pathogenicity predictors, however, exhibit poor performance at the high sensitivity required for clinical use. Here, we introduce a new classifier, termed X-CAP, which uses a novel training methodology and unique feature set to improve the AUROC by 18% and decrease the false-positive rate 4-fold on large variant databases. In patient exomes, X-CAP prioritizes causal stopgains better than existing methods do, further illustrating its clinical utility. X-CAP is available athttps://github.com/bejerano-lab/X-CAP.
Toosendanin activates caspase-1 and induces maturation of IL-1β to inhibit type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus replication via an IFI16-dependent pathway
Authors: Zhang Mingxin , Lu Chunni , Su Lizhan , Long Feixiang , Yang Xia , Guo Xiaofeng , Song Gaopeng , An Tongqing , Chen Weisan , Chen Jianxin
Published: July 2022

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a prevalent and endemic swine pathogen which causes significant economic losses in the global swine industry. Multiple vaccines have been developed to prevent PRRSV infection. However, they provide limited protection. Moreover, no effective therapeutic drugs are yet available. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel antiviral strategies to prevent PRRSV infection and transmission. Here we report that Toosendanin (TSN), a tetracyclic triterpene found in the bark or fruits of Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc., strongly suppressed type 2 PRRSV replication in vitro in Marc-145 cells and ex vivo in primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) at sub-micromolar concentrations. The results of transcriptomics revealed that TSN up-regulated the expression of IFI16 in Marc-145 cells. Furthermore, we found that IFI16 silencing enhanced the replication of PRRSV in Marc-145 cells and that the anti-PRRSV activity of TSN was dampened by IFI16 silencing, suggesting that the inhibition of TSN against PRRSV replication is IFI16-dependent. In addition, we showed that TSN activated caspase-1 and induced maturation of IL-1β in an IFI16-dependent pathway. To verify the role of IL-1β in PRRSV infection, we analyzed the effect of exogenous rmIL-1β on PRRSV replication, and the results showed that exogenous IL-1β significantly inhibited PRRSV replication in Marc-145 cells and PAMs in a dose-dependent manner. Altogether, our findings indicate that TSN significantly inhibits PRRSV replication at very low concentrations (EC50: 0.16–0.20 μM) and may provide opportunities for developing novel anti-PRRSV agents.
Susceptibility of different TMEM154 genotypes in three Italian sheep breeds infected by different SRLV genotypes
Authors: Moretti Riccardo , Sartore Stefano , Colitti Barbara , Profiti Margherita , Chessa Stefania , Rosati Sergio , Sacchi Paola
Published: July 2022

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) belong to the Retroviridae family and can cause various diseases. One of the most impacting diseases is visna-maedi, a complex disease characterized by long latencies and chronic progressive inflammatory events affecting the nervous system, lungs, mammary gland, and articular joints. A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs408593969, c.103G>A, missense mutation E35K) in the ovine transmembrane protein gene 154 (TMEM154) was identified as protective against small ruminant lentivirus infection in different herds worldwide. However, there is evidence in the scientific literature of a breed-specificity of this protective effect and, furthermore, there are still limited studies regarding the association between the animal genotype and the infecting virus genotype. Thus, the aim of this study was to further investigate the association between the animal genotype for the suggested protective mutation and the infecting virus genotype, in three different sheep breeds reared in northern Italy. The results obtained only partially confirmed the data available in the literature, as the protective effect was confirmed only for SRLV genotype A clusters, while other genotypes (namely B and E) infected AA and GA animals. Further studies with an experimental infection of specific virus genotypes in hosts with specific genotypes are required to confirm the larger number of cases the results obtained in this study.
Identification of the ataxin-1 interaction network and its impact on spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
Authors: Chen Jiu-Ming , Chen Shi-Kai , Jin Pei-Pei , Sun Shun-Chang
Published: July 2022

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 protein. The pathogenic mechanism resulting in SCA1 is still unclear. Protein–protein interactions affect the function and stability of ataxin-1.

Methods

Wild-type and mutant ataxin-1 were expressed in HEK-293T cells. The levels of expression were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blots. Co-immunoprecipitation was done in HEK-293T cells expressing exogenous wild-type and mutant ataxin-1 using anti-Flag antibody following by tandem affinity purification in order to study protein–protein interactions. The candidate interacting proteins were validated by immunoprecipitation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing were performed using HEK-293T cells expressing wild-type or mutant ataxin-1.

Results

In this study using HEK-293T cells, we found that wild-type ataxin-1 interacted with MCM2, GNAS, and TMEM206, while mutant ataxin-1 lost its interaction with MCM2, GNAS, and TMEM206. Two ataxin-1 binding targets containing the core GGAG or AAAT were identified in HEK-293T cells using ChIP-seq. Gene Ontology analysis of the top ataxin-1 binding genes identified SLC6A15, NTF3, KCNC3, and DNAJC6 as functional genes in neurons in vitro. Ataxin-1 also was identified as an RNA-binding protein in HEK-293T cells using RIP-seq, but the polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 had no direct effects on the RNA-binding activity of ataxin-1.

Conclusions

An expanded polyglutamine tract in ataxin-1 might interfere with protein–protein or protein–DNA interactions but had little effect on protein–RNA interactions. This study suggested that the dysfunction of protein–protein or protein–DNA interactions is involved in the pathogenesis of SCA1.
Linking physical activity to personal values: feasibility and acceptability randomized pilot of a behavioral intervention for older adults with osteoarthritis pain
Authors: Plumb Vilardaga Jennifer C. , Kelleher Sarah A. , Diachina Allison , Riley Jennie , Somers Tamara J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) pain is common and leads to functional impairment for many older adults. Physical activity can improve OA outcomes for older adults, but few are appropriately active. Behavioral interventions can reduce physical activity barriers. We developed and tested a brief, novel behavioral intervention (i.e., Engage-PA) for older adults combining values to enhance motivation and strategic activity pacing to improve arthritis-related pain and functioning and increase physical activity.

Methods

A randomized feasibility and acceptability pilot trial compared Engage-PA to treatment-as-usual plus fitness tracker (TAU+) in N = 40 adults age 65+ with OA pain in the knee or hip. Engage-PA involved two 60-min telephone sessions. All participants wore a fitness tracker to collect daily steps throughout the study and completed baseline and post-treatment assessments of secondary outcomes (arthritis-related pain and physical functioning, physical activity, psychological distress, psychological flexibility, and valued living). The impact of COVID-19 on general well-being and physical activity was also assessed. Descriptive statistics were conducted for feasibility and acceptability outcomes. Indicators of improvement in secondary outcomes were examined via change scores from baseline to post-treatment and performing independent samples t-tests to assess for between-group differences.

Results

Feasibility was high; 100% accrual, low (5%) attrition, and 100% completion of study sessions. Acceptability was high, with 89% finding the intervention “mostly” or “very” helpful. Engage-PA participants demonstrated improvements in arthritis pain severity (Mdiff = 1.68, p = 0.044, 95% CI [− 0.26, 3.62]) and self-reported activity (Mdiff = 0.875, p = 0.038, 95% CI [− 1.85, 0.98]) from baseline to post-treatment as compared to TAU+. Due to pandemic-related challenges, there was a high level of missing data (43%) for daily steps, but available data showed no significant change in steps over time or between the groups. COVID-19 added an additional burden to participants, such that 50% were exercising less, 68% were more sedentary, and 72% lost access to spaces and social support to be active.

Conclusions

Engage-PA is a promising brief, novel behavioral intervention with the potential to support older adults in improving arthritis-related pain and functioning and increasing physical activity. The feasibility and acceptability of Engage-PA are particularly notable as most participants reported COVID-19 added more barriers to physical activity.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04490395. Registered on July 29, 2020
Multiple trend integration method based on depositional model and its application in glutenite reservoir modeling
Authors: Li Shaohua , Dou Mengjiao , Yu Jinbiao , Shi Jinghua , Yu Siyu
Published: August 2022

Strong heterogeneity, complicated lithology, and chaotic seismic reflection characteristics are all common features of glutenite reservoirs. It is challenging to pinpoint the interior lithology and quantitatively describe the heterogeneity of the single-stage glutenite. To explore the distribution and superimposition features of subaqueous fans, the upper Es4 in the Y229 region of Dongying sag was used as an example. We have developed a multitrend fusion constraint modeling method based on deposition patterns. First, the truncated Gaussian simulation method is used to establish the sedimentary subfacies model of the subaqueous fan. Second, one lithologic probability volume is generated according to the proportion of various lithology of different sedimentary subfacies. Then, the lobes model is constructed using the object-based simulation method and the quantitative parameters from outcrop and flume sedimentation simulations. In addition, a different lithology probability volume is determined based on how far a particular lobe is from the centerline. The two probability volumes are combined to create the integrated lithology probability volume, which reflects the planar trend and the internal differences of different lobes. To constrain lithologic modeling, the integrated lithology probability volume is used. By comparing the model results with a single-trend constraint, the findings indicate that the multitrend integration constraint modeling method may more accurately depict the internal variability of the glutenite reservoir. In addition, the lithologic model built on this foundation is consistent with the depositional model.
Neural net detection of seismic features related to gas hydrates and free gas accumulations on the northern U.S. Atlantic margin
Authors: Majumdar Urmi , Miller Nathaniel C. , Ruppel Carolyn D.
Published: August 2022

Bottom-simulating reflections (BSRs) that sometimes mark the base of the gas hydrate stability zone in marine sediments are often identified based on the reverse polarity reflections that cut across stratigraphic layering in seismic amplitude data. On the northern U.S. Atlantic margin (USAM) between Cape Hatteras and Hudson Canyon, legacy seismic data have revealed pronounced BSRs south of the deepwater extension of Hudson Canyon and more subtle ones from offshore Delaware south to Cape Hatteras, where the reflections sometimes follow stratigraphic layering. Using high-resolution seismic data acquired during the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Resource Imaging Experiment and a supervised neural net, we identify seismic features associated with gas hydrates and/or the top of gas between Hudson Canyon and Cape Hatteras. Using seismic attributes especially sensitive to the presence of gas, we train a neural network algorithm on seismic data from an area with strong BSRs and then apply the model to the rest of the data set. The results indicate that gas hydrate and/or shallow free gas are significantly more widespread on the northern part of the USAM than previously known. Seismic indicators of gas extend landward from the 2000 m isobath to the upper continental slope in sectors with (offshore Virginia) and, to a lesser extent, without (offshore New Jersey) pervasive upper slope methane seeps. Higher sand content and intermediate sediment thickness, factors related to the container size and gas charge in a petroleum systems framework, are associated with more robust gas indicators.
President's Page: Urban geophysics: Where geophysics meets society head-on
Authors: Li Yunyue Elita
Published: August 2022

Today, 55% of the world's population lives in urban areas, consumes between 67% and 76% of global energy, and generates about 70% of global carbon emissions. In less than 300 years since the beginning of the British Industrial Revolution, many urban centers in the developed world have evolved from simple congregations of human labor with overcrowded tenements, frequent epidemics, inequitable resources, and insufferable sanitary or safety conditions to become “smart cities” that utilize cutting-edge technologies to enhance the advantages and minimize the inconveniences of urbanization for residents. Cities such as Tokyo, Japan; Zurich, Switzerland; and Auckland, New Zealand; have been consistently ranked among the smartest cities worldwide based on their technological smartness in the areas of health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance. Residents in these cities enjoy advanced health care, affordable housing, superior mobility, excellent education, and abundant employment opportunities. On the other hand, urban slums such as Neza-Chalco-Itza in Mexico, Dharavi in Mumbai, India, and the favelas in San Paulo, Brazil, do not look much different from the early 19th century London streets.
Seismic Soundoff: How and why DAS succeeds
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: August 2022

In this episode, Ariel Lellouch discusses his Middle East and Africa honorary lecture, “Applications of fiber-optic sensing to borehole seismology.” Lellouch encourages geophysicists to utilize distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data in their work and explains why it is essential to look at data without any preconceptions. This is an excellent primer on DAS and a convincing case for why every geophysicist would benefit from engaging with this technology. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/14785 .
Time to go: neural crest cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Leathers Tess A. , Rogers Crystal D.
Published: July 2022

Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a dynamic, multipotent, vertebrate-specific population of embryonic stem cells. These ectodermally-derived cells contribute to diverse tissue types in developing embryos including craniofacial bone and cartilage, the peripheral and enteric nervous systems and pigment cells, among a host of other cell types. Due to their contribution to a significant number of adult tissue types, the mechanisms that drive their formation, migration and differentiation are highly studied. NCCs have a unique ability to transition from tightly adherent epithelial cells to mesenchymal and migratory cells by altering their polarity, expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules and gaining invasive abilities. In this Review, we discuss classical and emerging factors driving NCC epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migration, highlighting the role of signaling and transcription factors, as well as novel modifying factors including chromatin remodelers, small RNAs and post-translational regulators, which control the availability and longevity of major NCC players.
The Long-Run Effects of R&D Place-Based Policies: Evidence from Russian Science Cities
Authors: Schweiger Helena , Stepanov Alexander , Zacchia Paolo
Published: July 2022

We study the long-run effects of historical place-based R&D policies: the creation of Science Cities in Soviet Russia. We compare current demographic and economic characteristics of Science Cities with those of localities that were similar to them at the time of their establishment. We find that in present-day Russia, Science Cities are more innovative and productive, host more highly skilled workers, and pay them higher salaries. We interpret these findings as the result of the interaction between persistence and agglomeration forces; we rule out explanations related to the differential use of public resources. (JEL J31, J44, O33, O38, P25, R23, R58)
An exploration of trends and future directions in sustainability performance: A bibliometric analysis of Scopus database
Authors: Yang Kai Han , Thoo Ai Chin
Published: July 2022

Background: Current global economic activities are increasingly being perceived as unsustainable. With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) statement in 2015, sustainability performance has received significant attention. Thus, it is necessary to better understand the topics of interest and expand cooperation networks to advance studies in integrated efforts. The present bibliometric research intends to assess worldwide research tendency in sustainability performance.

Methods: We conducted an extensive bibliometric analysis of published academic articles on sustainability performance (SP) from 1997 to 2021. We reviewed, retrieved, and analysed 3680 papers published in Scopus. Specifically, VOSviewer software was used to conduct document co-authorship and co-occurrence analyses and burst detection analyses.

Results: The outcomes reveal that since 1997, the sum of publications has been on the rise steadily. About a third of all global papers on sustainability performance were produced by researchers from the United States and Australia, outnumbering the remaining 138 countries/territories. Furthermore, the ten most prolific authors of sustainability performance are all from universities. Haapala, Karl R. and Murat Kucukvar were the most influential authors found, based on the total publication number of sustainability performance.

Conclusions: The bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify the trends in the area of sustainability performance. Therefore, this study identified a significant research gap for future study of practitioners and researchers. The social sustainability and the relationship between the material flow analysis and sustainability performance should be noted. In addition, only the Scopus database has been considered due to its academic prestige. The database includes a large number of articles on sustainability performance. Therefore, the analysis was limited to the Scopus database only. However, other databases, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and MedLine, can be used for future research. These can also be used in combination.
Risk factors of non-specific low back pain in a rural community of Bangladesh: A case-control study
Authors: Shahin Md. Abu , Bhuiyan Rijwan , Ara Rowsan , Islam Md. Nazrul , Choudhury Minhaj Rahim , Haq Syed Atiqul , Zaman Mohammad Mostafa
Published: July 2022

Background: Data pertaining to risk factors of nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) among rural Bangladeshi is scarce. This study explored the risk factors associated with NSLBP among rural Bangladeshi adults.

Methods: A community-based study was done in Sonargaon Upazila of Narayanganj district of Bangladesh. A total of 343 NSLBP patients were recruited as cases, based on the Bangla version of Community oriented program for control of rheumatic diseases (COPCORD) questionnaire. An equal number of age and sex matched subjects without any rheumatic disease were recruited from the same community. A total of 15 probable factors were analyzed. Age-sex adjusted univariate and age-sex with 13 risk factors adjusted multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were done.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.1 years old (standard deviation: 9.5). Out of 13 risk factors, history of chronic disease (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 – 3.4), prolonged sitting (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.0 – 11.0), squatting (OR 7.2, 95% CI 3.2 – 16.0), bending of the waist (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.8 – 7.6), regular lifting or carrying a heavy load (OR 9.2, 95% CI 2.2 – 39.7), prolonged standing (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.9 – 17.7), occupation related to strenuous physical activity (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1 – 0.8), overweight (body mass index >=25 kg/m2) (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.8 – 5.2) and depression (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4 – 3.6) were found to be significantly associated with NSLBP.

Conclusions: The study generated knowledge on associated risk factors for NSLBP in rural people of Bangladesh that may facilitate an evidence-based intervention for the target group.
Functional food in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Mikulec Anna , Zborowski Marek , Klimczak Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders and obesity are a serious threat to civilization, especially in highly developed countries. Due to the number of deaths and complications they are among the health priorities in Poland. The aim of the study is to review the literature on the role of functional food in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Functional food, thanks to its antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory properties, has a beneficial effect on lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels, inhibiting LDL oxidation or inhibiting platelet aggregation. It is necessary to promote this type of food, because its action has a significant impact on the prevention of various diseases, especially cardiovascular, diet-related and civilization. Proper nutritional education is a way to improve human potential and health. Therefore, it is worth educating in order to promote these products and increase the interest in them as well as raise the nutritional awareness of the society.
A Comparison of the Development of Selected Macroeconomic Indicators of the Regions of the V4 Countries
Authors: Rezabek Pavel , Marek Lubos , Doucek Petr , Nedomova Lea
Published: August 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to compare a degree of beta-convergence between V4 countries and EU28 at national and NUTS 2 level.
Methodology/Approach: We will make this comparison separately for each indicator (gross domestic product at current market prices, unemployment rate and disposable income of households.). To evaluate beta-convergence differences at national and regional level, we will compare the data for the V4 countries and for Germany and Austria. To show convergence, we approximated the GDP growth trend in individual countries, using a trend line for three different time periods.
Findings: Our results point to persistent disparities between regions. They have confirmed that the cohesion policy in the regions of the V4 countries should promote innovations and investments into less developed and predominantly agricultural regions, complete the necessary backbone infrastructure and develop a high-quality regional education. At regional level, the implementation of high value-added programs may be hampered by institutional factors and a lack of capacity to make the necessary infrastructure or human capital investments. Our analysis showed that differences in regional performance are also accompanied by significant differences in investigated indicators.
Research Limitation/Implication: Limitations of the paper are at first missing data for Poland to the year 2013. Second limit of the article are data from regions, because data are related to the palce of residence of its branch.
Originality/Value of paper: Paper is full original,also a data analysis does not copy any other articles neither article in a journal nor paper on conference.
Narrativa transmedia en una marca de diecast: Expansión del discurso publicitario de Hot Wheels
Authors: Caldera Chacón Jaime Humberto , Rodríguez Garay Gloria Olivia
Published: July 2022

El incremento en el uso de tecnología digital y plataformas en línea ha permitido que las marcas transformen su universo publicitario a través de experiencias inmersivas, que le facilitan al consumidor tomar decisiones y colaborar en el proceso de expansión. La narrativa transmedia hace posible la migración de estos mensajes a través de múltiples medios que son manipulados por el rol participativo del consumidor. Mediante una estrategia de comunicación eficaz se pueden crear discursos publicitarios divulgados por el comprador al utilizar el producto. En este sentido, el objetivo de las empresas es mantener una relación con sus consumidores al proveerles de espacios donde se creen nuevas historias que continúen la construcción de relatos y conserven los valores de la marca. Actualmente, el caso de la línea de automodelismo Hot Wheels, perteneciente a la firma de juguetes estadounidense Mattel, edifica una estructura narrativa en sus discursos publicitarios a través de múltiples medios y plataformas en línea. En particular, los coleccionistas de autos a escala reciben una serie de impactos y estímulos por parte de la empresa. Así, son los compradores quienes deciden qué hacer con los mensajes y con su decisión amplían la esencia de la marca.
Directionality and lexical selection in professional translators: Evidence from verbal fluency and translation tasks
Authors: Tomczak Ewa , Whyatt Bogusława
Published: August 2022

Lexical selection is a key process in any language-based communicative event, but in translation it occurs in the semantic network activated by two languages. The question asked in this article is how the direction in which translation proceeds affects the process and outcome of lexical selection by experienced bidirectional translators. The prediction from the available empirical evidence that lexical selection when translating into the translator’s L2 (learned language) is more cognitively demanding than when working into L1 (native language) is tested in an experimental study with translators who regularly translate into their L1 (Polish) and L2 (English). The participants performed verbal fluency tasks and translated two texts (a product description text and a film review) into their L1 and L2 (four texts in total). The entire process was recorded by key-logging, eye-tracking and screen capture programs. The results confirm that lexical selection is more demanding and less successful in L1>L2 translation, thus confirming the L2 cognitive disadvantage. Equipping translation students with effective error-preventing strategies and encouraging collaboration between translators and proofreaders could optimise lexical selection in L1>L2 translation.
Search, Showrooming, and Retailer Variety
Authors: Bar-Isaac Heski , Shelegia Sandro
Published: July 2022

Showrooming brings price-inelastic customers to stores with shallow assortments, which can lead to higher prices at stores with deep assortments (from which they showroom).
The Effects of Health Information Exchange Access on Healthcare Quality and Efficiency: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Janakiraman Ramkumar , Park Eunho , M. Demirezen Emre , Kumar Subodha
Published: July 2022

Health information exchanges (HIEs) are designed to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare by facilitating improved information sharing between health entities. This study systematically examines the impact of HIE use in emergency departments (EDs) on the quality and efficiency of medical care. We focus on the length of stay (LOS) and the 30-day readmission rate to capture healthcare efficiency and quality, respectively. We also examine whether the breadth of patient health information and physicians’ experience with the HIE moderates these effects. We leverage a unique panel data that tracks actual HIE access by physicians who practice in a set of hospitals that participate in the focal HIE. The patient-level encounter data set—which involves more than 80,000 ED encounters attended by more than 300 physicians over a 19-month period—comprises detailed medical provider information, patient-level medical information, and various other information related to procedures that were performed. After controlling for a battery of patient-specific, physician-specific, disease-specific, and ED visit-specific variables, our results show that HIE access in information-intensive environments (such as EDs) reduces LOS and 30-day readmission rate. We find that breadth of patient health information and physicians’ HIE experience amplify these benefits. We account for endogeneity issues and perform additional falsification tests and robustness checks. We document that benefits of HIE access are amplified for noninjury, chronic condition, and uncommon diagnoses related patient visits. Based on our results, we offer insights to practitioners and academicians alike on how HIEs can yield better patient-level and provider-level outcomes.

This paper was accepted by Anandhi Bharadwaj, information systems.

Supplemental Material: The web appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4378 .
Morphological variations of Eimeria spp., in beef cattle in Bangkalan District, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: HASTUTIEK POEDJI , LASTUTI NUNUK DYAH RETNO , SUWANTI LUCIA TRI , KURNIAWATI DYAH AYU , EFENDI MUSTOFA HELMI
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Hastutiek P, Lastuti NDR, Suwanti LT, Kurniawati DA, Efendi MH. 2022. Morphological variations of Eimeria spp., in beef cattle in Bangkalan District, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3457-3461. Eimeria spp. infection in cattle can cause high economic losses and increase the susceptibility to infection with other infectious diseases, so the government needs attention to coccidiosis in cattle. Coccidiosis can easily be found in farms that are managed with poor management systems, housing sanitation, and poor environment. Cases of coccidiosis often do not show clinical symptoms and cause sudden death of livestock. This study aimed to identify Eimeria spp., morphologically the cause of coccidiosis in beef cattle. Fresh feces were collected from 120 beef cattle from smallholder farms in Bangkalan District. The results of stool examination revealed that 70 (58.33%) positive samples containing Eimeria spp. oocysts. The six Eimeria species obtained from the samples were: Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria ellipsoidal, Eimeria subspherica, Eimeria aubernensis, and Eimeria canadinensis. Calculation of oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces showed that most cows were infected with mild to moderate coccidiosis. Morphological identification can be used to diagnose Eimeria species in coccidiosis in beef cattle.
Natural enemies of Pentalonia nigronervosa, vector of Banana Bunchy Top Virus
Authors: TRICAHYATI TITI , SUPARMAN SUPARMAN , IRSAN CHANDRA
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Tricahyati T, Suparman, Irsan C. 2022. Natural enemies of Pentalonia nigronervosa, vector of Banana Bunchy Top Virus. Biodiversitas 23: 3675-3684. Pentalonia nigronervosa (Coquerel) is an important pest of banana. Instead of sucking liquid from banana phloem, P. nigronervosa also play an important role in transmitting Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) from infected banana to healthy ones. If efforts are not made to control the aphid, existence of P. nigronervosa can increase in the banana field. The objective of this research was to find out the natural enemies of P. nigronervosa which may play significant role in controlling the aphid naturally. The results showed that natural enemies were in the forms of predator, parasitoid and pathogenic fungi. A total of 22 species of predator belonged to 5 families of insect, namely Coccinellidae, Forficulidae, Chelisochidae, Reduviidae and Syrphidae, and 4 families of Arachnida i.e. Oxyopidae, Araneidae, Salticidae, and Philodromidae. The result exhibited that one parasitoid belonged to family Brachonidae, and one hyper-parasitoid belonged to family Encrytidae. Furthermore, it was also observed that 3 species of entomopathogenic fungi infected aphids. The fungi belonged to genera Aspergillus and Beauveria. Each predator had different predation capacity, the highest was that of Forficula auricularia (23.67 ± 3.05) and Scymnus sp. (23.67 ± 1.52). Parasitoid Lipolexis bengalensis could parasitize P. nigronervosa at relatively high parasitic ability of 4.67 ± 23.65. The finding of various natural enemies of P. nigronervosa in South Sumatra could be considered as an alternative way to control the aphid and reduce the transmission rate of BBTV in the province. The use of natural enemies has no residual effects on the environment and is relatively cheaper compared to other control measurements.
Melanosis of the urinary bladder
Authors: Ni Raghallaigh H , Pineda-Turner A , Mather K , Chetwood A
Published: July 2022

Melanosis bladder refers to the urothelium of the bladder appearing black and velvety, with microscopic evaluation describing melanin deposition. Risk factors, pathogenesis and clinical implications are unknown because only sporadic cases are reported in the literature, both with and without the presence of urinary tract symptoms or malignancy. We report a case of melanosis bladder in a male patient with voiding urinary symptoms and an untreated hypospadias.
Quad-OAM-beam based on a coding transmissive metasurface
Authors: Li Zhuoyue , Li Sijia , Huang Guoshuai , Liu Xiaobin , Cao Xiangyu
Published: July 2022

A coding transmissive metasurface is presented for −1 mode quad-OAM-beam generation in 9.2–9.4 GHz. The 3bit metasurface is designed based on Pancharatnam−Berry (PB) phase principle, which is fed by a linear horn antenna. To satisfy the phase requirement of quad-OAM-beam, the phase compensation is introduced in the design for transmitting spherical waves into plane waves and promoting the directionality of incidence. The prototype of the metasurface is fabricated and measured. The experimental results coincide with theoretical analysis. Additionally, the OAM efficiency and purity are calculated to reveal the perfect performance of the metasurface. The proposed method has potential application in multi-channel wireless communication systems.
In situ one-step hydrothermal preparation of nano-structured spinel film with ultra-broadband low-reflectance through high absorption
Authors: Wang Xingli , Cui Tian , Xie Jianbo , Tian Fubo , Fu Rong , Yuan Long , Wu Xiaofeng
Published: July 2022

Material with low reflectance in the ultra-broadband range of UV-Vis-IR is strongly desired for advanced optical instruments. Herein, in situ one-step hydrothermal methods were first introduced to prepare nanostructured spinel films on a low-priced Fe-Cr alloy substrate. The films show a superior low-reflectance feature of 4.71% in 300–2500 nm and 6.16% in 2500–13000nm, which attribute to its uniform nano-micron pores distributed on the surface. Besides, they can tolerate 180 °C due to strong film adhesion stemming from in situ growth. The preparation process is convenient, low-cost, non-poisonous, pollution-free, and suitable for quantity production. Moreover, it unnecessarily requires any template, catalyst, or expensive apparatuses. The resultant spinel films are a promising candidate for developing optical instruments with higher accuracy in the ultra-broadband range.
Tracked 3D ultrasound and deep neural network-based thyroid segmentation reduce interobserver variability in thyroid volumetry
Authors: Krönke Markus , Eilers Christine , Dimova Desislava , Köhler Melanie , Buschner Gabriel , Schweiger Lilit , Konstantinidou Lemonia , Makowski Marcus , Nagarajah James , Navab Nassir , Weber Wolfgang , Wendler Thomas
Published: July 2022

Thyroid volumetry is crucial in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of thyroid diseases. However, conventional thyroid volumetry with 2D ultrasound is highly operator-dependent. This study compares 2D and tracked 3D ultrasound with an automatic thyroid segmentation based on a deep neural network regarding inter- and intraobserver variability, time, and accuracy. Volume reference was MRI. 28 healthy volunteers (24—50 a) were scanned with 2D and 3D ultrasound (and by MRI) by three physicians (MD 1, 2, 3) with different experience levels (6, 4, and 1 a). In the 2D scans, the thyroid lobe volumes were calculated with the ellipsoid formula. A convolutional deep neural network (CNN) automatically segmented the 3D thyroid lobes. 26, 6, and 6 random lobe scans were used for training, validation, and testing, respectively. On MRI (T1 VIBE sequence) the thyroid was manually segmented by an experienced MD. MRI thyroid volumes ranged from 2.8 to 16.7ml (mean 7.4, SD 3.05). The CNN was trained to obtain an average Dice score of 0.94. The interobserver variability comparing two MDs showed mean differences for 2D and 3D respectively of 0.58 to 0.52ml (MD1 vs. 2), −1.33 to −0.17ml (MD1 vs. 3) and −1.89 to −0.70ml (MD2 vs. 3). Paired samples t-tests showed significant differences for 2D (p = .140, p = .002 and p = .002) and none for 3D (p = .176, p = .722 and p = .057). Intraobsever variability was similar for 2D and 3D ultrasound. Comparison of ultrasound volumes and MRI volumes showed a significant difference for the 2D volumetry of all MDs (p = .002, p = .009, p <.001), and no significant difference for 3D ultrasound (p = .292, p = .686, p = 0.091). Acquisition time was significantly shorter for 3D ultrasound. Tracked 3D ultrasound combined with a CNN segmentation significantly reduces interobserver variability in thyroid volumetry and increases the accuracy of the measurements with shorter acquisition times.
Gamma radiation on seeds of natal grass [Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka] induced plant’s morphological and nutritional variability
Authors: Corrales-Lerma Raúl , Morales-Nieto Carlos R. , Avendaño-Arrazate Carlos H. , Álvarez-Holguín Alan , Martínez-Salvador Martín , Villarreal-Guerrero Federico
Published: July 2022

Induced mutagenesis through gamma radiation generates structural and chemical changes in plants. This study evaluated the morphological and nutritional variability of natal grass [Melinis repens(Willd.) Zizka] plants produced from seed irradiated with gamma radiation. Natal grass seed was collected from wild populations in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The seed was exposed to a source of Co60. The radiation doses were: 0, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 Gray (Gy). Sixty-six first generation mutant genotypes (M1), produced from irradiated seed, and nine non-mutant genotypes (M0), developed from non-irradiated seed (0 Gy), were evaluated. For the morphological characterization, 18 variables were measured on the plants when they were at the reproductive stage. The nutritional analysis was performed on the M0, as well as on a group of plants from the M1, which resulted morphologically different (p <0.005) from the rest. The differenced M1 plants were classified as promising mutant genotypes (M1p). Results showed that variability was induced in the M1p. These individuals presented morphological differences in leaf weight-tillering weight ratio and foliage height, compared to the rest of the plants (p <0.001). The M1p 250–10 genotype presented the highest (p <0.001) crude protein and the lowest (p <0.001) lignin contents. Gamma radiation in the seed of natal grass induced morphological and nutritional variability. With that, promising mutant genotypes, with desirable morphological and nutritional attributes, were identified.
Quality of care of peptic ulcer disease worldwide: A systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 1990–2019
Authors: Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Ahmadi Naser , Fattahi Nima , Rezaei Negar , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Ghamari Seyyed-Hadi , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Azadnajafabad Sina , Esfahani Zahra , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Roshani Shahin , Rezazadeh-Khadem Sahba , Gorgani Fateme , Naleini Seyyed Nima , Naderimagham Shohreh , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: August 2022

Background

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects four million people worldwide annually and has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 5−10% in the general population. Worldwide, there are significant heterogeneities in coping approaches of healthcare systems with PUD in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Quantifying and benchmarking health systems’ performance is crucial yet challenging to provide a clearer picture of the potential global inequities in the quality of care.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the health-system quality-of-care and inequities for PUD among age groups and sexes worldwide.

Methods

Data were derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2019. Principal-Component-Analysis was used to combine age-standardized mortality-to-incidence-ratio, disability-adjusted-life-years-to-prevalence-ratio, prevalence-to-incidence-ratio, and years-of-life-lost-to-years-lived-with-disability-into a single proxy named Quality-of-Care-Index (QCI). QCI was used to compare the quality of care among countries. QCI’s validity was investigated via correlation with the cause-specific Healthcare-Access-and-Quality-index, which was acceptable. Inequities were presented among age groups and sexes. Gender Disparity Ratio was obtained by dividing the score of women by that of men.

Results

Global QCI was 72.6 in 1990, which increased by 14.6% to 83.2 in 2019. High-income-Asia-pacific had the highest QCI, while Central Latin America had the lowest. QCI of high-SDI countries was 82.9 in 1990, which increased to 92.9 in 2019. The QCI of low-SDI countries was 65.0 in 1990, which increased to 76.9 in 2019. There was heterogeneity among the QCI-level of countries with the same SDI level. QCI typically decreased as people aged; however, this gap was more significant among low-SDI countries. The global Gender Disparity Ratio was close to one and ranged from 0.97 to 1.03 in 100 of 204 countries.

Conclusion

QCI of PUD improved dramatically during 1990–2019 worldwide. There are still significant heterogeneities among countries on different and similar SDI levels.
Cost-effectiveness of a centrifugal-flow pump for patients with advanced heart failure in Argentina
Authors: Alcaraz Andrea , Pichon-Riviere Andres , Rojas-Roque Carlos , González Juan Martín , Prina Daniela , Solioz Germán , Augustovski Federico , Palacios Alfredo
Published: August 2022

Background

Centrifugal-flow pumps are novel treatment options for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). This study estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of centrifugal-flow pumps for patients with advanced HF in Argentina.

Methods

Two Markov models were developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of a centrifugal-flow pump as destination therapy (DT) in patients with contraindication for heart transplantation, and as bridge-to-transplant (BTT), with a lifetime horizon using the third-party payer Social Security (SS) and Private Sector (PS) perspectives. Clinical, epidemiological, and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) parameters were retrieved from the literature. Direct medical costs were estimated through a micro-costing approach (exchange rate USD 1 = ARS 59.95).

Results

The centrifugal-flow pump as a DT increased the per patient QALYs by 3.5 and costs by ARS 8.1 million in both the SS and PS, with an ICER of ARS 2.3 million per QALY. Corresponding values for a centrifugal-flow pump as BTT were 0.74 QALYs and more than ARS 8 million, yielding ICERs of ARS 11 million per QALY (highly dependent on waiting times). For the 1, 3, and 5 GDP per QALY thresholds, the probability of a centrifugal-flow pump to be cost-effective for DT/BTT was around 2%/0%, 40%/0%, and 80%/1%, respectively.

Conclusion

The centrifugal-flow pump prolongs life and improves the quality of life at significantly higher costs. As in Argentina there is no current explicit cost-effectiveness threshold, the final decision on reimbursement will depend on the willingness to pay in each subsector. Nevertheless, the centrifugal-flow pump as a DT was more cost-effective than as a BTT.
Health risks of airplane boarding methods with apron buses when some passengers disregard safe social distancing
Authors: Milne R. John , Cotfas Liviu-Adrian , Delcea Camelia , Crăciun Liliana , Molănescu Anca Gabriela
Published: August 2022

Many airlines instituted social distancing practices to keep passengers safe during the pandemic. The practices include keeping the middle seats empty, reducing the number of passengers taking an apron bus from the terminal to the airplane, and prescribing that passengers maintain 1 m social distance of separation from other passengers in the aisle while advancing to their seats. However, not all passengers comply with a prescribed 1 m aisle social distance. Through agent-based simulations of passenger boarding when apron buses are used, we examine boarding policies adapted for the pandemic when the level of passenger compliance varies. To compare policies, we consider the duration of time that passengers are too close to other passengers while walking or standing in the aisle. We consider other health metrics from previous research and the time to complete boarding of the airplane. We find that the WilMA–Spread and Reverse-pyramid–Spread boarding methods provide favorable outcomes. Airlines should use WilMA–Spread if their primary concern is the risk to passengers while walking down the aisle and Reverse-pyramid–Spread if they want faster times to complete boarding of the airplane and reduced risk to aisle seat passengers from later boarding passengers. The level of the passengers’ non-compliance with the prescribed aisle social distance can impact a health metric by up to 6.75%—depending on the boarding method and metric. However, non-compliance reduces the time to complete boarding of the airplane by up to 38.8% even though it increases the average time an individual passenger spends boarding.