bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints and Suggestions Perceived by the Pulse Farmers of Nayagarh District of Odisha
Authors: Prusty Ajay Kumar , Mohapatra Bibhuti Prasad
Published: May 2021

Aims: To study the constraints faced by pulse farmers in adopting improved pulse production practices and their suggestions to overcome the constraints.

Study Design: Ex post facto survey research design with proportionate random sampling techniques.

Place and Duration of the Study: Nayagarh district of Odisha during 2019-2020.

Methodology: A total of 256 respondents covering 8 villages from 4 blocks of Nayagarh district were selected as sample respondents. The data were collected by personal interview using a well structured questionnaire. The data were tabulated and analyzed by using Garrett’s ranking technique for the study of constraints and suggestions.

Results: The findings of the study indicate that major constraints for adopting pulse production technologies were improper knowledge about recommended doses of pesticides and fertilizers (59.57 percent), lack of knowledge about improved agricultural technologies time to time (59.2 percent), lack of technology and training to create local storage structures (66.55 percent) and inadequate training of farmers (55.49 percent). Major suggestions of pulse farmers to overcome these constraints were improved varieties should be provided (68.04 percent), more number of FLDs should be given in village to enable other farmers to take advantage (66.85 percent) and training be imparted to implement new technologies (66.85 percent).

Conclusion: Research on modification of agronomic practices and their different components for excelling production under changing climatic scenario need to be strengthened with more training for the farmers to enrich their knowledge and skill about pulse production.
Survey Data on Problems with Electricity Distribution in Delta State, South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Tsetimi Jonathan , Atonuje Augustine , Mamadu James
Published: May 2021

The dataset presented captures both the customers’ experience and observed problems with electricity distribution in Delta State, South-South, Nigeria. The data is obtained by means of a well-structured questionnaire implemented by trained interviewers In obtaining the demographic information respondents mostly had to tick(Ö) the appropriate responses on the questionnaires. To obtain the customers’ experiences with the distribution company (DISCO), the respondents were presented with a series of positive statements and were expected to assign numbers between 1 and 5 on a five-point scale to indicate their level of agreement with the positive statements. For the observed problems with the services of the distribution company, respondents were to assign scores between 0 and 10 inclusive depending on the severity of the observed problems. The data was analysed by means of two computer software packages; Microsoft Excel, 2016 Edition and IBM SPSS Version 23. The data is presented in charts, tables, database and spreadsheet files.
CT‐less electron radiotherapy simulation and planning with a consumer 3D camera
Authors: Skinner Lawrie , Knopp Rick , Wang Yi‐Chun , Dubrowski Piotr , Bush Karl K. , Limmer Alyssa , Trakul Nicholas , Million Lynn , Marquez Carol M. , Yu Amy S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Electron radiation therapy dose distributions are affected by irregular body surface contours. This study investigates the feasibility of three‐dimensional (3D) cameras to substitute for the treatment planning computerized tomography (CT) scan by capturing the body surfaces to be treated for accurate electron beam dosimetry.

Methods

Dosimetry was compared for six electron beam treatments to the nose, toe, eye, and scalp using full CT scan, CT scan with Hounsfield Unit (HU) overridden to water (mimic 3D camera cases), and flat‐phantom techniques. Radiation dose was prescribed to a depth on the central axis per physician’s order, and the monitor units (MUs) were calculated. The 3D camera spatial accuracy was evaluated by comparing the 3D surface of a head phantom captured by a 3D camera and that generated with the CT scan in the treatment planning system. A clinical case is presented, and MUs were calculated using the 3D camera body contour with HU overridden to water.

Results

Across six cases the average change in MUs between the full CT and the 3Dwater (CT scan with HU overridden to water) calculations was 1.3% with a standard deviation of 1.0%. The corresponding hotspots had a mean difference of 0.4% and a standard deviation of 1.9%. The 3D camera captured surface of a head phantom was found to have a 0.59 mm standard deviation from the surface derived from the CT scan. In‐vivo dose measurements (213 ± 8 cGy) agreed with the 3D‐camera planned dose of 209 ± 6 cGy, compared to 192 ± 6 cGy for the flat‐phantom calculation (same MUs).

Conclusions

Electron beam dosimetry is affected by irregular body surfaces. 3D cameras can capture irregular body contours which allow accurate dosimetry of electron beam treatment as an alternative to costly CT scans with no extra exposure to radiation. Tools and workflow for clinical implementation are provided.
Ghosts in the nursery in exile—Supporting parenting in exile during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Schestag Lena , Mehner‐Gentner Janina , Stein Lea , Rossi Hildegard , Fischmann Tamara , Leuzinger‐Bohleber Marianne , Fritzemeyer Korinna
Published: May 2021

The early prevention project “Strong together!” supports refugee parents and their young children (0–4 years) in Berlin, Germany. It aims to mitigate the transmission of trauma to the generation born in exile. For refugee families who have only recently arrived in Germany, the COVID‐19 pandemic poses a particularly great challenge. Not only are they confronted with numerous challenges in respect to re‐building their lives in Germany after fleeing war and persecution, but are also vulnerable to conscious and unconscious anxieties, fantasies, and conflicts evoked by the pandemic and the threat it poses to their lives. This was observed in the context of the mother–child groups of “Strong together!”. Many expressed great insecurity, heightened levels of anxiety, re‐experiencing of traumatic scenes, and over‐strictly self‐isolating themselves and their children, even attraction to fundamentalist ideologies. In this paper, some of the empirical and clinical findings of “Strong together!” are summarized and reflected on within a framework of psychoanalytic trauma theory.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and individual and collective defences
Authors: Nicolò Anna Maria
Published: May 2021

At the start of March, 2020, during the Coronavirus pandemic, the Italian Psychoanalytical Society (SPI) volunteers organized an emergency helpline. This consisted of a limited series of consultations by telephone or online, with four free sessions which would not lead to a course of psychotherapy. All the operators carrying out this work gathered regularly in peer‐supervision groups where they compared their work and fulfilled a holding function for each other. The reasons for the requests varied from the reappearance of a previous psychiatric situation, to the sense of loneliness, anxiety, panic, feeling of persecution, somatizations, and hypochondriacal experiences, and on another level the dysregulation of the familial environment, marital difficulties, and parenting problems. Because of the intensity of the trauma, alongside the commonest defenses, other defenses have been activated, such as externalization, exporting, and shifting into the other of a psychic suffering that cannot be worked through. Emotional withdrawal, the avoidance of contact in the state of heightened alertness are other characteristics of these situations. The suffering that derives from these traumas will then be at the center of a crucible formed by the intrapsychic, the interpersonal, and the transpersonal. Today psychoanalysis is encountering enormous cultural and social changes, and this recent experiment of ours has shown us the importance of working to give a response in moments of crisis since needs that are not worked through today risk being transformed into serious psychopathological problems tomorrow.
Comparative genomic signatures in young and old Chinese patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Fei , Cheng Huanqing , Zhang Xiao , Shan Lina , Bai Bingjun , Chen Kangke , lou Feng , Cao Shanbo , Wang Huina , Dai Sheng
Published: May 2021

Background

Occurrence at a young age is known to be associated with unique clinical features in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the genomic differences between young and old patients with CRC are not well elucidated and, to the best of our knowledge, have never been investigated in a Chinese population.

Methods

Tumor tissue samples from 29 young (age ≤50 years) and 46 old (age >50 years) patients with CRC were collected. Targeted sequencing of 808 cancer‐related genes was conducted to characterize the genomic landscape for Chinese CRC.

Results

Overall, mutational profiles exhibited notable differences between the two groups. In particular, APC and PIK3CA mutations were more frequently observed in old patients (p = 0.009 and p = 0.012, respectively), while SMAD4 mutations tended to occur in young patients (p = 0.054). Mutation loci distributions of KRAS in the young cohort differed from those in the old cohort, and a higher frequency of KRAS codon 12 mutations was potentially associated with a young age (p = 0.076). The frequencies of clinically actionable alterations were analyzed by defined age categories, which unveiled a distinctive targeted genomic profile in the young group. Furthermore, among patients with mismatch repair‐proficient (pMMR) CRC, tumor mutation burden (TMB) was positively correlated with age (Pearson's r = 0.306, p = 0.011), and genomic alterations associated with high TMB in young patients differentiated from those in old patients.

Conclusions

These findings revealed different molecular characterization between young and old Chinese patients with CRC, which may provide novel insights for the personalized treatment of CRC.
Sarcopenia index as a predictor of clinical outcomes in older patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Romeo Francisco José , Chiabrando Juan Guido , Seropian Ignacio Miguel , Raleigh Juan Valle , de Chazal Horacio Medina , Garmendia Cristian Maximiliano , Smietniansky Maximiliano , Cal Mariela , Agatiello Carla Romina , Berrocal Daniel Horacio
Published: May 2021

Background

Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition in elderly patients and has been associated with adverse outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The present study aimed to determine the predictive value of serum creatinine‐cystatin C ratio, that is, “Sarcopenia Index” (SI) as a surrogate marker of sarcopenia, and investigate its association with clinical outcomes after TAVR.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients undergoing TAVR between January, 2016 and December, 2018 at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Patients were excluded if <65‐years old, presented previous surgical aortic valve replacement, severe chronic kidney disease, or hemodialysis requirement. The SI was obtained at baseline before TAVR. All‐cause mortality and/or readmissions for congestive heart failure (CHF) were defined as the primary endpoint.

Results

In total 100 patients met inclusion criteria for the purpose of the study. Sarcopenia Index was significantly correlated with Timed Up and Go (r = −0.272, p = .010) and Gait Speed (r = −0.278, p = .005). During follow‐up, 5/100 patients died within 30 days and a total of 10/100 patients died at 1‐year follow‐up. Moreover, survival curves were significantly worse (Log‐rank test = p = .02) and CHF readmissions were more prevalent in the lowest SI tertile (Log‐rank test = p = .01). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, we identified low SI (cutoff ≤66) as an independent predictor of long‐term adverse outcomes (HR = 4.01, 95% CI = 1.31–12.27, p = .015) at 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia Index, surrogate for the degree of skeletal muscle mass (SMM), could be used as a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR.
Composite Search of Active Particles in Three‐dimensional Space Based on Non‐directional Cues
Authors: Kromer Justus A. , Auconi Andrea , Friedrich Benjamin M.
Published: May 2021

We theoretically address minimal search strategies of self‐propelled particles towards hidden targets in three‐dimensional space. The particles can sense if targets are close, e. g., by detecting released signaling molecules, but they cannot deduce directional cues. We investigate composite search strategies, where particles switch between extensive outer search and intensive inner search; inner search is started when proximity of a target is detected and ends when a certain inner search time has elapsed. In the simplest strategy, active particles move ballistically during outer search, and transiently reduce their directional persistence during inner search. In a second, adaptive strategy, particles exploit a dynamic scattering effect by reducing directional persistence only outside a well‐defined target zone. These two search strategies require only minimal information processing capabilities, yet increase target encounter rates substantially. The optimal inner search time scales as power‐law with exponent −2/3 with target density, reflecting a trade‐off between exploration and exploitation.
The effects of ARID1A mutations on colorectal cancer and associations with PD‐L1 expression by stromal cells
Authors: Kamori Tomohiro , Oki Eiji , Shimada Yoshifumi , Hu Qingjiang , Hisamatsu Yuichi , Ando Koji , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Wakai Toshifumi , Oda Yoshinao , Mori Masaki
Published: May 2021

Background

ARID1A is a component of the SWI/SNF complex, which controls the accessibility of proteins to DNA. ARID1A mutations are frequently observed in colorectal cancers (CRCs) and have been reported to be associated with high mutational burden and tumor PD‐L1 expression in vitro.

Aim

To clarify the role of ARID1A mutation in CRC.

Method and results

We used next generation sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry on clinically obtained samples. A total of 201 CRC tissues from Niigata University and Niigata Center Hospital were processed by NGS using the CANCERPLEX panel. Immunohistochemistry for ARID1A, PD‐L1, MLH1, and MSH2 was performed on 66 propensity‐matched (33 microsatellite instability‐high [MSI‐H] and 33 microsatellite‐stable [MSS]) cases among 499 cases from Kyushu University. TCGA data were downloaded from cBioPortal. NGS showed significantly more mutations in ARID1A mutated CRCs (p = 0.01), and the trend was stronger for right‐sided CRCs than left‐sided. TCGA data confirmed these findings (p < 0.01). BRAF V600E and ATM mutations were also found at higher frequencies. Immunohistochemistry showed that 30% of MSI‐H CRCs had ARID1A loss, while this was true in only 6% of MSS CRCs. In both MSI‐H and MSS, PD‐L1 expression by stromal cells was enhanced in the ARID1A‐mutant groups (90% vs 39% in MSI‐H, 100% vs 26% in MSS).

Conclusion

We found a higher mutational burden in ARID1A‐mutant CRCs, and IHC study showed that ARID1A loss was correlated with high PD‐L1 expression in stromal cells regardless of MSI status. These data support the idea that mutant ARID1A is a potential biomarker for CRCs.
Intracranial complete response for non‐small‐cell lung cancer patient with negative PD‐L1 expression of the lung using nivolumab
Authors: Kitadai Rui , Zenke Yoshitaka , Hishima Tsunekazu , Hosomi Yukio
Published: May 2021

Background

Nivolumab has shown promising results against non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its efficacy to treat central nervous system (CNS) metastases, specifically among programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1)‐negative patients, remains unclear.

Case

A 66‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma stage II and underwent a left lower lobectomy. The histopathological evaluation revealed stage IVA with pleural dissemination. The patient did not harbor an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement, and PD‐L1 expression of the surgical specimen using 22C3 assay was 0%. Single brain metastasis was detected, and carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel were administered. After three cycles, asymptomatic multiple brain metastases were identified, and the patient was treated with nivolumab as second‐line chemotherapy. Six months later, MRI revealed an intracranial complete response (CR). Nivolumab was discontinued after 23 cycles due to immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) of grade 2 rash. However, its effects were sustained for 13 months after discontinuation. We were unable to evaluate the PD‐L1 expression of brain metastases, which may show heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that nivolumab effectively treated a patient with negative PD‐L1 expression of the lung harboring CNS metastases.
Sustainability By Any Other Name
Authors: Young Kelly , Thomson Allison
Published: May 2021

This article is brought to you by the SPARC Initiative created in partnership between the American Society for Agronomy, the Agricultural Retailers Association, Environmental Defense Fund, and Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture to empower trusted advisers to deliver services that drive continuous improvement in the productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes of farmers’ operations. Learn more about the SPARC Initiative and access additional resources, including the six‐module series on sustainability at www.fieldtomarket.org/SPARC. Earn 1 CEU in Sustainability by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/984.
Melanoma-derived extracellular vesicles skew neutrophils into a pro-tumor phenotype
Authors: Guimarães-Bastos Daniel , Frony Ana Clara , Barja-Fidalgo Christina , Moraes João Alfredo
Published: May 2021

Evidence shows that tumor cells abundantly produce and release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can interact with stromal cells and modulate their functions. In the tumor neighborhood, neutrophils can assume both antitumor and pro-tumor phenotypes, known as TAN-N1 and TAN-N2, respectively. Nevertheless, the contribution of tumor-derived EVs to the modulation of TAN phenotypes is still poorly understood. The effects of EVs produced by a metastatic human melanoma cell line (MV3) on the differentiation and functional changes in human neutrophils were investigated. Treatment with MV3-derived EVs induced neutrophil chemotaxis through a signaling pathway involving the CXCR2/PI3K-Akt axis, prolonged neutrophil life span, promoted formation of neutrophil extracellular traps with poor elastase activity, and increased reactive oxygen species production. In contrast, EVs also increased the expression of TAN-N2 molecular markers (such as ARG1, CXCR4, and VEGF) in neutrophils. They also impaired oxide nitric and peroxynitrite production and diminished cytotoxic activity against melanoma cells, inducing neutrophils into a pro-tumor profile. Remarkably, EV-stimulated neutrophils did not exhibit phagocytic activity. These data suggested that melanoma-derived EVs could activate neutrophils, allowing their migration toward the tumor microenvironment, and driving these cells to a pro-tumor/N2 polarization, thus contributing to tumor progression.
Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as thoracic lymphadenopathy
Authors: Sidhu Calvin , Yagnik Lokesh
Published: May 2021

Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can involve the lung parenchyma. However, predominant thoracic lymphadenopathy involvement is less described and there are multiple alternative malignant and non‐malignant causes of a similar appearance. Accurate tissue diagnosis is important to determine appropriate management and prognostication. Here, we report two cases of metastatic HCC recurrence causing large thoracic lymphadenopathy, diagnosed adequately and safely by linear endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) transbronchial needle aspiration.
Conversion from cilostazol to OPC‐13015 linked to mitigation of cognitive impairment
Authors: Saito Satoshi , Shinmyozu Kaori , Kawakami Daisuke , Yamauchi Miho , Ikeda Shuhei , Hattori Yorito , Yamamoto Rintaro , Hayakawa Naoki , Ihara Masafumi
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Cilostazol may be a novel therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease. Its metabolite, OPC‐13015, has a stronger inhibitory effect on type 3 phosphodiesterase than cilostazol.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with mild cognitive impairment to whom cilostazol was newly prescribed. Patients underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) twice, at a 6‐month interval. Plasma cilostazol, OPC‐13015, OPC‐13213, and OPC‐13217 concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

MoCA score changes from baseline to the 6‐month visit were positively correlated with ratios of OPC‐13015 to cilostazol and total metabolites (n = 19, P = .005). Patients with higher ratios of OPC‐13015 (≥0.18, median value; n = 10) had significantly higher MoCA scores (P = .036) than patients with lower ratios (the ratio <0.18, n = 9). The absolute value of OPC‐13015 concentration in blood was also higher in patients with preserved cognitive function (P = .033).

Discussion

Blood OPC‐13015 levels may be a predictive biomarker of cilostazol treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Severe uterine haemorrhage requiring a blood transfusion in a dog with ovarian remnant syndrome and secondary pyometra
Authors: Burchette Hannah M. , Moyle Rachel B.
Published: May 2021

An 18‐month‐old female German Shepherd dog, previously reported to be spayed, presented to a referral clinic with a history of progressive haemorrhagic vulvar discharge resulting in clinical anaemia. An abdominal ultrasound showed an enlarged uterus and a retained right ovary; vaginoscopy revealed no obvious haemorrhage from the vagina or cervix, so the dog underwent exploratory laparotomy for ovariectomy and hysterectomy. Prior to surgery, the dog received a 15 ml/kg packed red blood cell transfusion and post‐operatively was given fresh frozen plasma due to significant blood loss into the uterus. Histopathology was consistent with cystic endometrial hyperplasia, suppurative metritis and pyometra. A uterine culture grew Escherichia coli. The dog ultimately made a full recovery.
Female song in the Cyprus Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca
Authors: Patchett Robert , Kirschel Alexander N. G. , Robins King Joanna , Styles Patrick , Cresswell Will
Published: May 2021

Female song is widespread across bird species yet rarely reported. Here, we report the first observations and description of female song in the Cyprus Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca and compare it to male song through the breeding season. Twenty-five percent of colour-ringed females were observed singing at least once, predominantly in April, compared to 71% of males that continued singing through the breeding period. We suggest that female song may have multiple functions in this species, but it may be especially important in territorial defence and mate acquisition.
Investigating heterogeneity in meta-analysis of studies with rare events
Authors: Böhning Dankmar , Holling Heinz , Böhning Walailuck , Sangnawakij Patarawan
Published: May 2021

In many meta-analyses, the variable of interest is frequently a count outcome reported in an intervention and a control group. Single- or double-zero studies are often observed in this type of data. Given this setting, the well-known Cochran’s Q statistic for testing homogeneity becomes undefined. In this paper, we propose two statistics for testing homogeneity of the risk ratio, particularly for application in the case of rare events in meta-analysis. The first one is a chi-square type statistic. It is constructed based on information of the conditional probability of the number of events in the treatment group given the total number of events. The second one is a likelihood ratio statistic, derived from the logistic regression models allowing fixed and random effects for the risk ratio. Both proposed statistics are well defined even in the situation of single-zero studies. In a simulation study, the proposed tests show a performance better than the traditional test in terms of type I error and power of the test under common and rare event situations. However, as the performance of the two newly proposed tests is still unsatisfactory in the very rare events setting, we suggest a bootstrap approach that does not rely on asymptotic distributional theory and it is shown that the bootstrap approach performs well in terms of type I error. Furthermore, a number of empirical meta-analyses are used to illustrate the methods.
Concentration functions and entropy bounds for discrete log-concave distributions
Authors: Bobkov Sergey G. , Marsiglietti Arnaud , Melbourne James
Published: May 2021

Two-sided bounds are explored for concentration functions and Rényi entropies in the class of discrete log-concave probability distributions. They are used to derive certain variants of the entropy power inequalities.
The price of love: an investigation into the relationship between romantic love and the expression of obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: McLauchlan James , Thompson Emma M. , Ferrão Ygor A. , Miguel Euripedes C. , Albertella Lucy , Marazziti Donatella , Fontenelle Leonardo F.
Published: May 2021

Background

The present study explored the influence of romantic love on the expression of several obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) characteristics, including symptom severity, symptom dimensions, age at onset, sensory phenomena (SP), and developmental course, as well as other related comorbid disorders. It was hypothesized that love-precipitated OCD would be associated with a set of distinct characteristics and exhibit greater rates of comorbid disorders.

Methods

The analyses were performed using a large sample (n = 981) of clinical patients with a primary diagnosis of OCD (Females = 67.3%,Mage = 35.31).

Results

Love-precipitated OCD was associated with greater severity of SP and later age at onset of obsessions. However, symptom severity, symptom dimension, developmental course, and psychiatric comorbidities were not associated with love-precipitated OCD.

Conclusion

It was concluded that romantic love does shape the expression of OCD, especially with regard to SP and onset age. These findings encourage further exploration to determine its clinical significance as a phenotype.
Iran's National Suicide Prevention Program
Authors: Rezaeian Mohsen , Platt Stephen , Arensman Ella
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Background and Aims: Iran is one of the few countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) to have developed a national suicide prevention program (NSPP). This report introduces Iran's NSPP to policy planners and researchers working in suicide prevention, and is intended to encourage other low- and middle-income countries to develop, implement, and evaluate their own NSPPs. Method: This was a case study of a NSPP in one country, integrating quantitative and qualitative data. Bibliographic searches were conducted using both international and national databases, supplemented by other documents. The study benefited from the experiential evidence provided by the senior author. Results: While the national incidence of suicide is low, there are higher rates among young adults, particularly women, in western regions. In 2010, Iran's NSPP was integrated into primary health care. A rigorous evaluation of Iran's suicide prevention program concluded that Iran has the potential to take a leadership role in suicide prevention within the EMR, although several challenges were identified. Limitation: The findings of this case study cannot be generalized to other contexts. Conclusion: Given Iran's unstable situation, the NSPP needs to be monitored, evaluated, and adjusted according to evidence and ongoing changing national and local needs.
Subimal Ghosh Receives 2020 Devendra Lal Memorial Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: May 2021

Subimal Ghosh was awarded the 2020 Devendra Lal Memorial Medal at the virtual AGU Fall Meeting in December. The medal is for “outstanding Earth and/or space sciences research by a scientist belonging to and working in a developing country.”
MicroRNA-200c restoration reveals a cytokine profile to enhance M1 macrophage polarization in breast cancer
Authors: Williams Michelle M. , Christenson Jessica L. , O’Neill Kathleen I. , Hafeez Sabrina A. , Ihle Claire L. , Spoelstra Nicole S. , Slansky Jill E. , Richer Jennifer K.
Published: May 2021

Many immune suppressive mechanisms utilized by triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are regulated by oncogenic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). How TNBC EMT impacts innate immune cells is not fully understood. To determine how TNBC suppresses antitumor macrophages, we used microRNA-200c (miR-200c), a powerful repressor of EMT, to drive mesenchymal-like mouse mammary carcinoma and human TNBC cells toward a more epithelial state. MiR-200c restoration significantly decreased growth of mouse mammary carcinoma Met-1 cells in culture and in vivo. Cytokine profiling of Met-1 and human BT549 cells revealed that miR-200c upregulated cytokines, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), promoted M1 antitumor macrophage polarization. Cytokines upregulated by miR-200c correlated with an epithelial gene signature and M1 macrophage polarization in BC patients and predicted a more favorable overall survival for TNBC patients. Our findings demonstrate that immunogenic cytokines (e.g., GM-CSF) are suppressed in aggressive TNBC, warranting further investigation of cytokine-based therapies to limit disease recurrence.
Kvasir-Capsule, a video capsule endoscopy dataset
Authors: Smedsrud Pia H. , Thambawita Vajira , Hicks Steven A. , Gjestang Henrik , Nedrejord Oda Olsen , Næss Espen , Borgli Hanna , Jha Debesh , Berstad Tor Jan Derek , Eskeland Sigrun L. , Lux Mathias , Espeland Håvard , Petlund Andreas , Nguyen Duc Tien Dang , Garcia-Ceja Enrique , Johansen Dag , Schmidt Peter T. , Toth Ervin , Hammer Hugo L. , de Lange Thomas , Riegler Michael A. , Halvorsen Pål
Published: May 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is predicted to have profound effects on the future of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) technology. The potential lies in improving anomaly detection while reducing manual labour. Existing work demonstrates the promising benefits of AI-based computer-assisted diagnosis systems for VCE. They also show great potential for improvements to achieve even better results. Also, medical data is often sparse and unavailable to the research community, and qualified medical personnel rarely have time for the tedious labelling work. We present Kvasir-Capsule, a large VCE dataset collected from examinations at a Norwegian Hospital. Kvasir-Capsule consists of 117 videos which can be used to extract a total of 4,741,504 image frames. We have labelled and medically verified 47,238 frames with a bounding box around findings from 14 different classes. In addition to these labelled images, there are 4,694,266 unlabelled frames included in the dataset. The Kvasir-Capsule dataset can play a valuable role in developing better algorithms in order to reach true potential of VCE technology.
Visualisation and biovolume quantification in the characterisation of biofilm formation in Mycoplasma fermentans
Authors: Awadh Ammar A. , Kelly Alison F. , Forster-Wilkins Gary , Wertheim David , Giddens Richard , Gould Simon W. , Fielder Mark D.
Published: May 2021

The ability of mycoplasmas to persist on surfaces has been widely acknowledged, despite their fastidious nature. However, the organism’s capability to form a recognisable biofilm structure has been identified more recently. In the current study Mycoplasma fermentans was found to adhere to the glass surface forming highly differentiated biofilm structures. The volumes of biofilm microcolonies were quantified and observed to be greater at late growth stage than those at early growth stage. The channel diameters within biofilms were measured with Scanning Electron Microscopy images and found to be consistent with the size observed in Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope images. The combination of imaging methods with 3D visualisation provides key findings that aid understanding of the mycoplasma biofilm formation and true biofilm architecture. The observations reported here provide better understanding of the persistence of these minimalist pathogens in nature and clinical settings.
Differential gene expression indicates modulated responses to chronic and intermittent hypoxia in corallivorous fireworms (Hermodice carunculata)
Authors: Grimes C. J. , Petersen L. H. , Schulze A.
Published: May 2021

Climate models predict an increase in extent, frequency, and duration of marine hypoxia events in the twenty first century. A better understanding of organismal responses to hypoxia in individual species is a crucial step for predicting ecosystem responses. We experimentally subjected a common invertebrate, the bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) to two levels of chronic hypoxia and, in a separate experiment, to intermittent hypoxia. We found components of the conserved hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway and show a modulated response to hypoxia depending on the severity of hypoxic stress: under mild hypoxia, only the HIF-1α subunit is upregulated, while expression of the other subunit, aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translator, only increases significantly at more severe hypoxia levels. The chronic trials revealed down-regulation of genes related to cell adhesion, transport, development and heme-binding, and up-regulation of genes related to glycolysis, oxygen binding, cell differentiation, digestive and reproductive function. The intermittent hypoxia trials revealed an upregulation of heme transporter activity during hypoxia, and our time series analysis characterized nine clusters of genes with similar expression patterns. Our findings suggest that H. carunculata is likely to tolerate, and be resilient to, predicted future hypoxia conditions.
Effect of arm sling application on gait and balance in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Lien-Chieh , Liao Chun-De , Wu Chin-Wen , Huang Shih-Wei , Hong Jia-Pei , Chen Hung-Chou
Published: May 2021

Hemiplegic shoulder pain and impairment are common poststroke outcomes, for which arm slings constitute long-used treatments. Although multiple studies have suggested association between gait pattern and sling application, results have varied. Accordingly, we conducted this meta-analysis to determine how arm sling use affects the gait and balance of patients with poststroke hemiplegia. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until April 21, 2021, for randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of arm slings on gait or balance in patients with poststroke hemiplegia. The primary outcome was walking speed; the secondary outcomes were functional balance tests or walking evaluation parameters for which sufficient analytical data were available in three or more studies. Nine studies with a total of 235 patients were included, all of which were within-patient comparisons. Six studies reported significant between-group differences in walking speed with and without the use of arm slings. Patients wearing arm slings had higher walking speed (standardized mean difference =  − 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] =  − 0.55 to − 0.07, P = 0.01, n = 159; weighted mean difference =  − 0.06, 95% CI − 0.10 to − 0.02, P = 0.001, n = 159). Our findings suggest that arm sling use improves gait performance, particularly walking speed, in patients with poststroke hemiplegia.
Application of nanoparticles in bone tissue engineering; a review on the molecular mechanisms driving osteogenesis
Authors: Bozorgi Azam , Khazaei Mozafar , Soleimani Mansoureh , Jamalpoor Zahra
Published: May 2021

The main mechanisms by which nanoparticles influence the bone microniche to direct osteogenesis. Nanoparticles modulate immune responses, induce osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation while suppressing osteoclast activity and differentiation.
Does the intrinsic photocontrollable oxidase-mimicking activity of 2-aminoterephthalic acid dominate the activity of metal–organic frameworks?
Authors: Nian Ying , Luo Linpin , Zhu Wenxin , Yang Chengyuan , Zhang Liang , Li Min , Zhang Wentao , Wang Jianlong
Published: May 2021

The ligand ATA possesses intrinsic photocontrolled oxidase-like activity, showing promise in designing ATA-MOF with photoresponsive enzyme-like activity like Al-ATA and establishing the colorimetric strategy for Cu2+ detection.
Keep glowing and going: recent progress in diketopyrrolopyrrole synthesis towards organic optoelectronic materials
Authors: Luo Nan , Zhang Guanxin , Liu Zitong
Published: May 2021

Recent progress in the syntheses of DPP derivatives is summarized as well as the structure–property relationships of the derivatives, including the syntheses of DPP cores,N-functionalization reactions, and π-extensions on and along the DPP cores.
Factor Analysis on Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment–2 and Listening in Spatialized Noise–Sentences Test in Children
Authors: Schow Ronald L. , Dillon Harvey , Hillam Jessica , Whitaker Mary M. , Seikel J. Anthony
Published: May 2021

Introduction

There is need for greater understanding of tests used in assessing all aspects of auditory processing disorder (APD). This is important so that specific deficits can be identified and later remediated with the smallest possible test battery. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends five areas/domains for behavioral assessment: (a) temporal, (b) binaural (dichotic) separation/integration, (c) monaural low redundancy, (d) binaural interaction/localization/lateralization, and (e) auditory discrimination. Multiple-factor studies support the first three domains, which are most often used for APD assessment and which can be measured in a test battery normed within the United States (Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment–2 [MAPA-2]). This study was designed to determine if factored results from children would clarify whether a behavioral test (Listening in Spatialized Noise–Sentences Test [LiSN-S]) would factor within one of the first three domains or be separate, possibly within the fourth domain, binaural interaction.

Method

Fifty-one 8- and 9-year-olds with normal development and normal otoscopy and hearing responses bilaterally from 500 to 4000 Hz at 20 dB HL were recruited. Two sets of APD tests were administered: MAPA-2 and LiSN-S.

Results

Results verified the expected three-factor structure for MAPA-2. LiSN-S did not factor within one of those three, suggesting that some processes involved in the LiSN-S tasks require interactions between the two ears different from those involved in dichotic perception and thus better belong in the ASHA binaural interaction/lateralization domain.

Conclusions

Auditory processing abilities are sufficiently independent of each other that test batteries spanning the first three ASHA domains are not sensitive to at least some abilities in the fourth domain. This additional factor evidence is helpful. Future research should examine the utility of measuring additional factors within APD in order to achieve the most efficient and comprehensive test battery.
Dental Age in Precocious and Delayed Puberty Periods
Authors: Tabakcilar Derya , Bundak Ruveyde , Gencay Koray
Published: May 2021

Objectives Precocious puberty indicates quick growth inception and delayed puberty indicates retardation in growth. This study aimed to investigate whether dental development is synchronous with somatic development.

Materials and Methods In this study, 62 girls and 34 boys with precocious puberty aged 5 to 9, 29 girls with delayed puberty aged 13 to 16, and 43 boys with delayed puberty aged 14 to 17; 169 children (91 girls and 78 boys) with normal development were compared about their dental ages through their panoramic radiographs by using the Demirjian method and skeletal ages from hand-wrist radiographs by using Greulich-Pyle atlas.

Results The findings showed that, in all cases, the dental age values were higher than chronologic and skeletal age values to a statistically significant degree. In the precocious puberty group, the dental age values were higher than chronologic age values to a statistically significant degree. In the delayed puberty group, the difference determined between the chronological age and the dental age was not found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion Given that the Demirjian method is inclined to make calculations that are higher than the chronological age, our findings suggest that the dental development was faster in the precocious puberty group and retarded in the delayed puberty group.
Comparative Analysis of Different Local Anesthetic Solutions Available in Market: An In Vitro and Clinical Study
Authors: Imran Eisha , Moeen Faisal , Abbas Beenish , Yaqoob Bakhtawar , Wajahat Mehreen , Khan Quratulain , Khurshid Zohaib
Published: May 2021

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate and compare various commercially available local anesthetic solutions.

Materials and Methods A total of 150 commercially available local anesthetic cartridges of similar composition (2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000) were randomly collected and divided into 3 groups. The designations of groups were selected from their product names such that each group consisted of 60 cartridges. Group S (Septodont, France) Group M (Medicaine, Korea) and Group H (HD-Caine, Pakistan). The samples were divided into five sub-groups, each consisting of 10 cartridges from each group to investigate each parameter.

Results The acquired data was statistically analyzed and compared (using SPSS version 12). Compositional analysis revealed a non-significant (P>0.05) difference when the three Groups were compared with standard lidocaine and epinephrine solutions. The mean pH values of samples from group S, M, and H respectively fell within the range of pH values of commercially available solutions. Non-significant difference in EPT values of Group S and H was found when efficacy was compared (p = 0.3), however a significant difference (p < 0.01) was observed in contrast to Group M. Anti-bacterial activity was observed in all the group and a non-significant difference in cell viability values of Group S and M was found (p = 0.6), while the difference was significant in comparison to Group H.

Conclusion Within the limitations of these investigations, it appears that the properties of different manufacturers fall within the recommended ranges as mentioned in literature and do not appear to be statistically different in the variables we have tested.
The Effects of Rice Husk Liquid Smoke in Porphyromonas gingivalis-Induced Periodontitis
Authors: Budhy Theresia Indah , Arundina Ira , Surboyo Meircurius Dwi Condro , Halimah Anisa Nur
Published: May 2021

Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of rice husk liquid smoke in Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis in the inflammatory and proliferation marker such as nuclear factor kappa β (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), collagen type 1 (COL-1) expression, and the number of macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts.

Materials and Methods Rice husk liquid smoke is obtained by the pyrolysis process. Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis in 20 μL phosphate-buffered saline containing 1 × 109 CFU was injected into the lower anterior gingival sulcus of Wistar rats. The periodontitis was then treated with 20 μL/20 g body weight of rice husk liquid smoke once a day for 2 and 7 days, respectively. After treatment, the bone and lower anterior gingival sulcus were analyzed with immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin–eosin staining.

Results The treatment of periodontitis with rice husk liquid smoke showed a lower NF-kB, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression and a higher TGF-β, FGF2, and COL-1 expression than the control after treatment for 2 and 7 days (p < 0.05), respectively. The number of macrophages and fibroblasts was also higher when compared with the control group (p < 0.05), but the number of lymphocytes was lower than the control (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Rice husk liquid smoke showed its effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis with a decrease in inflammatory markers and an increase in proliferation markers. The development of a rice husk liquid smoke periodontitis treatment is promising.
Experimental realization of a pillared metasurface for flexural wave focusing
Authors: Wang Wan , Iglesias Julio , Jin Yabin , Djafari-Rouhani Bahram , Khelif Abdelkrim
Published: May 2021

A metasurface is an array of subwavelength units with modulated wave responses that show great potential for the control of refractive/reflective properties in compact functional devices. In this work, we propose an elastic metasurface consisting of a line of pillars with gradient heights, erected on a homogeneous plate. The change in the resonant frequencies associated with the height gradient allows us to achieve transmitted phase response covering a range of 2π, while the amplitude response remains at a relatively high level. We employ the pillared units to design a focusing metasurface and compare the properties of the focal spots through simulation and experiment. The subwavelength transverse and lateral full width at half maximum of the focusing intensity profiles are observed in both simulation and experiment, with the underlying mechanism being the interference and diffraction of the scattered waves from the resonant pillars as well as the boundaries (especially for experiment). The good correspondence between the experimental and simulated relative focal lengths shows the robustness of the focusing pillared metasurfaces with respect to fabrication imperfections. This proposed compact, simple, and robust metasurface with unaffected mechanical properties provides a new platform for elastic wave manipulation for energy harvesting, wave communication, sensing, and non-destructive testing among others.
Lipids, statins and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses
Authors: Carabott Melissa , Case Ryan , Dhakal Sudip , Macreadie Ian
Published: May 2021

The extensive and on-going epidemiology studies of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have raised interesting observations on statins reducing COVID-19 severity. In this review, literature is analysed to examine how statins affect COVID-19 and influenza A, another pandemic respiratory virus. This information could be useful to prevent or reduce disease severity caused by respiratory viruses.