bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive tau biosensor cells detect no seeding in Alzheimer’s disease CSF
Authors: Hitt Brian D. , Vaquer-Alicea Jaime , Manon Victor A. , Beaver Joshua D. , Kashmer Omar M. , Garcia Jan N. , Diamond Marc I.
Published: May 2021

Tau protein forms self-replicating assemblies (seeds) that may underlie progression of pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Seeding in recombinant protein preparations and brain homogenates has been quantified with “biosensor” cell lines that express tau with a disease-associated mutation (P301S) fused to complementary fluorescent proteins. Quantification of induced aggregation in cells that score positive by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is accomplished by cell imaging or flow cytometry. Several groups have reported seeding activity in antemortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using various methods, but these findings are not yet widely replicated. To address this question, we created two improved FRET-based biosensor cell lines based on tau expression, termed version 2 low (v2L) and version 2 high (v2H). We determined that v2H cells are ~ 100-fold more sensitive to AD-derived tau seeds than our original lines, and coupled with immunoprecipitation reliably detect seeding from samples containing as little as 100 attomoles of recombinant tau fibrils or ~ 32 pg of total protein from AD brain homogenate. We tested antemortem CSF from 11 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of AD, 9 confirmed by validated CSF biomarkers. We used immunoprecipitation coupled with seed detection in v2H cells and detected no tau seeding in any sample. Thus we cannot confirm prior reports of tau seeding activity in the CSF of AD patients. This next generation of ultra-sensitive tau biosensors may nonetheless be useful to the research community to quantify tau pathology as sensitively and specifically as possible.
The history of rescuing reinforcement and the preliminary study of preventive protection system for the cliff of Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, China
Authors: Wang Xudong , Wang Yanwu , Guo Qinglin , Pei Qiangqiang , Zhao Guojing
Published: May 2021

Based on the research results and practical engineering experience pertaining to the protection and reinforcement of the cliff of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, China, this paper presents a method that is mainly based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate the preservation state and risk of the Mogao cliff, a means that numerical simulation was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the stability and effectiveness of protective measures for the Mogao cliff, a set of reinforcement methods which integrate the key protection techniques based on propping, anchoring, grouting, and anti-weathering and the quality control measures based on assessing their effectiveness for surrounding rocks of the grottoes, and a set of methods for monitoring and warning based on risk theory throughout the entire reinforcement process. The four above-mentioned techniques complement and support with each other, and every stage is based on research. Additionally, the protection and reinforcement concepts implemented at the Mogao cliff are summarized in this paper. Finally, preventive protection and reinforcement techniques for sandy conglomerate grottoes were established based on the research, evaluation, calculation, and monitoring. The techniques presented in this paper can be used as a theoretical foundation and provide technical guidance for the protection and reinforcement of similar cultural heritage sites all over the world.
Geometric correction for thermographic images of asteroid 162173 Ryugu by TIR (thermal infrared imager) onboard Hayabusa2
Authors: Arai Takehiko , Okada Tatsuaki , Tanaka Satoshi , Fukuhara Tetsuya , Demura Hirohide , Kouyama Toru , Sakatani Naoya , Shimaki Yuri , Senshu Hiroki , Sekiguchi Tomohiko , Takita Jun , Hirata Naru , Yamamoto Yukio
Published: May 2021

The thermal infrared imager (TIR) onboard the Hayabusa2 spacecraft performed thermographic observations of the asteroid 162173 Ryugu (1999 JU$$_3$$

3

) from June 2018 to November 2019. Our previous reports revealed that the surface of Ryugu was globally filled with porous materials and had high surface roughness. These results were derived from making the observed temperature maps of TIR using a projection method onto the shape model of Ryugu as geometric corrections. The pointing directions of TIR were calculated using an interpolation of data from the SPICE kernels (NASA/NAIF) during the periods when the optical navigation camera (ONC) and the light detection and ranging (LIDAR) observations were performed. However, the mapping accuracy of the observed TIR images was degraded when the ONC and LIDAR were not performed with TIR. Also, the orbital and attitudinal fluctuations of Hayabusa2 increased the error of the temperature maps. In this paper, to solve the temperature image mapping problems, we improved the correction method by fitting all of the observed TIR images with the surface coordinate addressed on the high-definition shape model of Ryugu (SFM 800k v20180804). This correction adjusted the pointing direction of TIR by rotating the TIR frame relative to the Hayabusa2 frame using a least squares fit. As a result, the temperature maps spatially spreading areas were converged within high-resolved $$0.5^\circ$$

0
.

5
∘

by $$0.5^\circ$$

0
.

5
∘

maps. The estimated thermal inertia, for instance, was approximately 300$$\sim$$
∼
350 Jm$$^{-2}$$

-
2

s$$^{-0.5}$$

-
0.5

K$$^{-1}$$

-
1

at the hot area of the Ejima Saxum. This estimation was succeeded in case that the surface topographic features were larger than the pixel scale of TIR. However, the thermal inertia estimation of smooth terrains, such as the Urashima crater, was difficult because of surface roughness effects, where roughness was probably much smaller than the pixel scale of TIR.
Professional identity and experience of undergraduate students: an analysis of semantic networks
Authors: Carvalho Luara , de Amorim-Ribeiro Elisa Maria Barbosa , do Vale Cunha Marcelo , Mourão Luciana
Published: May 2021

Work experiences during undergraduate studies can be remarkable in the journey of undergraduate students. The objective of this study was to assess, by analyzing semantic networks, the role of work experiences in the meanings those individuals attribute to professional identity. The sample consisted of 2291 students (60% women) divided into three groups: do not work, work in a field related to their course, work in a field not related to their course. The semantic networks of these groups were composed of words uttered from the professional identity prime. We chose to work with the critical network, obtained from the analysis of the incidence-fidelity indexes of the word pairs. The results evidence that work experiences are related to how undergraduate students attribute meaning to professional identity, in such a way that three different networks were formed for these groups. The network of those who work outside their field was the only one that integrated words with negative content, while the semantic networks of those who do not work and those who work in their field, despite containing words that do not always coincide, present a similar macrostructure. We conclude that work experiences play an important role in the meanings that undergraduate students attribute to professional identity. The study innovates by revealing elements of professional-identity construction, besides allowing for reflections on the effects of work experiences during the college period.
Spatial and temporal analysis of hospitalized dengue patients in Bandung: demographics and risk
Authors: Faridah Lia , Mindra I. Gede Nyoman , Putra Ramadhani Eka , Fauziah Nisa , Agustian Dwi , Natalia Yessika Adelwin , Watanabe Kozo
Published: May 2021

Background

Bandung, the fourth largest city in Indonesia and capital of West Java province, has been considered a major endemic area of dengue, and studies show that the incidence in this city could increase and spread rapidly. At the same time, estimation of incidence could be inaccurate due to a lack of reliable surveillance systems. To provide strategic information for the dengue control program in the face of limited capacity, this study used spatial pattern analysis of a possible outbreak of dengue cases, through the Geographic Information System (GIS). To further enhance the information needed for effective policymaking, we also analyzed the demographic pattern of dengue cases.

Methods

Monthly reports of dengue cases from January 2014 to December 2016 from 16 hospitals in Bandung were collected as the database, which consisted of address, sex, age, and code to anonymize the patients. The address was then transformed into geocoding and used to estimate the relative risk of a particular area’s developing a cluster of dengue cases. We used the kernel density estimation method to analyze the dynamics of change of dengue cases.

Results

The model showed that the spatial cluster of the relative risk of dengue incidence was relatively unchanged for 3 years. Dengue high-risk areas predominated in the southern and southeastern parts of Bandung, while low-risk areas were found mostly in its western and northeastern regions. The kernel density estimation showed strong cluster groups of dengue cases in the city.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a strong pattern of reported cases related to specific demographic groups (males and children). Furthermore, spatial analysis using GIS also visualized the dynamic development of the aggregation of disease incidence (hotspots) for dengue cases in Bandung. These data may provide strategic information for the planning and design of dengue control programs.
Advanced atomic force microscopy-based techniques for nanoscale characterization of switching devices for emerging neuromorphic applications
Authors: Kim Young-Min , Lee Jihye , Jeon Deok-Jin , Oh Si-Eun , Yeo Jong-Souk
Published: May 2021

Neuromorphic systems require integrated structures with high-density memory and selector devices to avoid interference and recognition errors between neighboring memory cells. To improve the performance of a selector device, it is important to understand the characteristics of the switching process. As changes by switching cycle occur at local nanoscale areas, a high-resolution analysis method is needed to investigate this phenomenon. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to analyze the local changes because it offers nanoscale detection with high-resolution capabilities. This review introduces various types of AFM such as conductive AFM (C-AFM), electrostatic force microscopy (EFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) to study switching behaviors.
The effect of hepatitis C virologic clearance on cardiovascular disease biomarker lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and its relation to serum lipids
Authors: Isaac Amira , Elmarashly Basant , El Saeed Kadry , Mohamed Rasha Samir , Ibrahim Shereen Abdelmonem , Safwat Eslam
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, CVD risk prediction in chronic HCV-infected patients is problematic as the prevalence of different cardiac biomarkers in these patients is currently unknown. Serum lipids, which are routinely used in traditional CVD risk scores, may underestimate CVD risk in these patients, while non-hepatically produced biomarkers, including lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), may better reflect CVD risk. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of sustained virologic response (SVR) on CVD risk, predicted by Lp-PLA2 mass in comparison with serum lipid levels.

Results

Ninety chronic HCV-infected patients were enrolled in this study. Serum Lp-PLA2 mass was measured before and after HCV treatment via direct-acting antivirals and compared with the changes in serum lipids and Framingham risk score (FRS). The Lp-PLA2 level was categorized into high (>235 ng/ml) or low predicted CVD risk (≤235 ng/ml). Mean Lp-PLA2 mass significantly decreased from 322.37 ± 79.15 ng/ml to 263.79 ± 51.804 ng/ml with SVR, and the number of high-risk patients significantly dropped from 82.22 to 60% after treatment. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels were low/optimal at baseline (170 ± 40.34 mg/dl, 71.98 ± 24.12 mg/dl, and 48.43 ± 6.79 mg/dl) and significantly increased with SVR (195.66 ± 55.68 mg/dl, 103.24 ± 46.57 mg/dl, and 53.91 ± 8.67 mg/dl). According to FRS, only 30% of patients were moderate/high risk at baseline and insignificantly declined to 28.89% post-treatment.

Conclusion

Lp-PLA2 may be a better predictor of CVD risk in chronic HCV-infected patients. Furthermore, SVR may reduce hepatic inflammation and consequently CVD risk.
A new stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the determination of dicyclomine hydrochloride and dimethicone combination in tablet dosage forms
Authors: Saroja J. , P.V. Anantha Lakshmi , Rammohan Y. , Divya Reddy D.
Published: May 2021

Background

We describe a “stability-indicating liquid chromatography” technique for the estimation of dimethicone (DEC) and dicyclomine hydrochloride (DEH) in the established tablet formulations. Individual quantification of DEH and DEC was reported. But simultaneous quantification of DEH and DEC was lacking. DEH and DEC were analysed on an “XTerra C18column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm)” with the mobile phase solvent run isocratically with 0.1M K2HPO4-acetonitrile (55:45, v/v) on a flow speed of 1.0 mL/min.

Results

The chromatographic run period for the DEC and DEH assay was 6.0 min with retention times of 2.134 and 2.865 min, respectively. The method was validated for accuracy (99.453 to 100.417% and 99.703 to 100.303% recovery values for DEH and DEC, respectively), precision (RSV value 0.135% for DEC and 0.171% for DEH), linearity (5–15 μg/mL for DEH and 20–60 μg/mL for DEC), selectivity (no hinderance from excipients) and specificity (no hinderance from degradants) recovery.

Conclusion

The developed stability-indicating liquid chromatography process was well applied to established tablet formulations.
Prior Frequent Emergency Department Use as a Predictor of Emergency Department Visits After a New Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Hong Arthur S. , Nguyen Danh Q. , Lee Simon Craddock , Courtney D. Mark , Sweetenham John W. , Sadeghi Navid , Cox John V. , Fullington Hannah , Halm Ethan A.
Published: May 2021

PURPOSE:

To determine whether emergency department (ED) visit history prior to cancer diagnosis is associated with ED visit volume after cancer diagnosis.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study of adults (≥ 18 years) with an incident cancer diagnosis (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers or leukemia) at an academic medical center between 2008 and 2018 and a safety-net hospital between 2012 and 2016. Our primary outcome was the number of ED visits in the first 6 months after cancer diagnosis, modeled using a multivariable negative binomial regression accounting for ED visit history in the 6-12 months preceding cancer diagnosis, electronic health record proxy social determinants of health, and clinical cancer-related characteristics.

RESULTS:

Among 35,090 patients with cancer (49% female and 50% non-White), 57% had ≥ 1 ED visit in the 6 months immediately following cancer diagnosis and 20% had ≥ 1 ED visit in the 6-12 months prior to cancer diagnosis. The strongest predictor of postdiagnosis ED visits was frequent (≥ 4) prediagnosis ED visits (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR]: 3.68; 95% CI, 3.36 to 4.02). Other covariates associated with greater postdiagnosis ED use included having 1-3 prediagnosis ED visits (aIRR: 1.32; 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.36), Hispanic (aIRR: 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.17) and Black (aIRR: 1.21; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.25) race, homelessness (aIRR: 1.95; 95% CI, 1.73 to 2.20), advanced-stage cancer (aIRR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.35), and treatment regimens including chemotherapy (aIRR: 1.44; 95% CI, 1.40 to 1.48).

CONCLUSION:

The strongest independent predictor for ED use after a new cancer diagnosis was frequent ED visits before cancer diagnosis. Efforts to reduce potentially avoidable ED visits among patients with cancer should consider educational initiatives that target heavy prior ED users and offer them alternative ways to seek urgent medical care.
Let's get physical – mechanisms of crossover interference
Authors: von Diezmann Lexy , Rog Ofer
Published: May 2021

The formation of crossovers between homologous chromosomes is key to sexual reproduction. In most species, crossovers are spaced further apart than would be expected if they formed independently, a phenomenon termed crossover interference. Despite more than a century of study, the molecular mechanisms implementing crossover interference remain a subject of active debate. Recent findings of how signaling proteins control the formation of crossovers and about the interchromosomal interface in which crossovers form offer new insights into this process. In this Review, we present a cell biological and biophysical perspective on crossover interference, summarizing the evidence that links interference to the spatial, dynamic, mechanical and molecular properties of meiotic chromosomes. We synthesize this physical understanding in the context of prevailing mechanistic models that aim to explain how crossover interference is implemented.
Australian state influenza notifications and school holiday closures in 2019
Authors: Scott Anna Mae , Bakhit Mina , Clark Justin , Vermeulen Melanie , Jones Mark , Looke David , Del Mar Chris , Glasziou Paul
Published: May 2021

Background: The impact of school holidays on influenza rates has been sparsely documented in Australia. In 2019, the early winter influenza season coincided with mid-year school breaks, enabling us the unusual opportunity to examine how influenza incidence changed during school holiday closure dates.

Methods: The weekly influenza data from five Australian state and one territory health departments for the period of week 19 (mid-May) to week 39 (early October) 2019 were compared to each state’s public-school holiday closure dates. We used segmented regression to model the weekly counts and a negative binomial distribution to account for overdispersion due to autocorrelation. The models’ goodness-of-fit was assessed by plots of observed versus expected counts, plots of residuals versus predicted values, and Pearson’s Chi-square test. The main exposure was the July two-week school holiday period, using a lag of one week. The effect is estimated as a percent change in incidence level, and in slope.

Results: School holidays were associated with significant declines in influenza incidence in three states and one territory by between 41% and 65%. Two states did not show evidence of declines although one of those states had already passed its peak by the time of the school holidays. The models showed acceptable goodness-of-fit. The first decline during school holidays is seen in the school aged (5-19 years) population, with the declines in the adult and infant populations being smaller and following a week later.

Conclusions: Given the significant and rapid reductions in incidence, these results have important public health implications. Closure or extension of holiday periods could be an emergency option for state governments.
Concomitant chronic subdural hematomas and arachnoid cysts in young adults
Authors: Benek Huseyin Berk , Akcay Emrah
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between arachnoid cysts and chronic subdural hematomas in young adults.

Methods: This retrospective study evaluated ten patients having concomitant chronic subdural hematomas and arachnoid cysts. Patients were evaluated with the data of age and gender, location of hematoma and arachnoid cyst, trauma history, symptoms at admission, maximum hematoma diameter, contiguity between arachnoid cyst and hematoma, and treatment  methods.

Results: We treated 285 patients who were diagnosed with cSDH between January 2013 and December 2019. 22 patients were under the age of 40 years. Ten of them had both cSDH and arachnoid cysts. The mean age of patients was 24.8±3.9 years. Patients with only chronic subdural hematoma had higher mean age than the patients with arachnoid cyst-related chronic subdural hematoma. In four patients, the onset of chronic subdural hematoma was reported after arachnoid cyst diagnosis. Four of the patients did not have causative trauma history, and two patients suffered minor sports-related traumas. All patients had headache, and only two patients had hemiparesis. The location of arachnoid cysts were in the middle fossa in eight patients. All patients had chronic subdural hematomas on the ipsilateral side of arachnoid cyst. Four patients who had smaller than 10 mm maximal cSDH diameter underwent conservative management. They were followed by serial neuroimaging studies and it was noted that the hematoma disappered and the size of the arachnoid cysts decreased over time without any neurological complication. In six cases, craniotomy was required, and all recovered completely. cSDH did not recur during 5–60 months of follow-up period (median 12 months).

Conclusions: It seems that presence of an arachnoid cyst in young adults is a predisposing factor for the formation of chronic subdural hematoma. Coincidentally diagnosed arachnoid cyst patients may be followed up with periodical clinical examinations and neuroimaging studies.
Radiation-Induced Changes in Nucleic Acids of Brain Neurons
Authors: Ushakov I. , Fyodorov Vladimir
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Study of radiation-induced changes in the content of nucleic acids in neurons of the brain after exposure to ionizing radiation in doses of 0.1 – 1.0 Gy.

Material and methods. The study was carried out in compliance with the rules of bioethics on 240 white outbred male rats at the age of 4 months. by the beginning of the experiment, exposed to a single exposure to γ-radiation of 60Co in doses of 0.1–1.0 Gy. Neuromorphological methods were used to assess morphometric and tinctorial parameters of nerve cells, as well as the dynamics of changes in the content of nucleic acids in neurons during the entire life span of animals. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using the Statistica 6.1 software packages, using parametric criteria.

Results: In control and irradiated animals throughout their life, there are undulating changes in the content of nucleic acids in the neurons of the brain with a gradual decrease in indicators by the end of the experiment. At the same time, changes in the level of DNA in the nuclei and RNA in the nucleoli are usually associated with changes in the size of the structures of their localization, and the RNA content in the cytoplasm is apparently associated with changes in the physiological state of neurons (rest, excitation, inhibition) and the corresponding structural and functional rearrangement of nerve cells. Nucleic acid changes do not have a linear dose and time dependence on the factors investigated. At the end of the experiment, when death of both irradiated and control animals is observed, the content of nucleic acids in neurons is statistically significantly reduced in all groups, and to a greater extent in irradiated animals.

Conclusion: No functionally significant radiation-induced changes in the content and topochemistry of the products of histochemical reactions were revealed in the detection of nucleic acids in the structures of brain neurons. However, in some periods of observation, the content of nucleic acids in neurons in irradiated animal’s changes to a greater extent than in animals of age control.
Patient-oriented Approaches for X-ray Therapy Medical Care
Authors: Kicha D. , Zuenkova J , Kamyshanskaya I , Cheremisin V
Published: May 2021

X-ray is a highly demanded therapy method with wide clinical indications. The high operational efficiency of such equipment makes it possible to ensure the accessibility of medical care. Taking into account the current healthcare trend towards patient-oriented principles of work, it is necessary to evaluate medical organizations and their units for compliance with these principles.

Purpose of the study: to assess the implementation of patient-oriented principles in the work of the X-ray therapy service of the City Mariinsky Hospital.

Objectives of the research: to analyze the organizational conditions of the X-ray therapy service, to study the structure and dynamics of patients and make conclusions about the implementation of the principles of patient-oriented principles of work.

Material and methods. The activity of the X-ray therapy was assessed from the patient-oriented approach. The methods of bibliographic and informational search of sources in document databases, as well as semantic search on the Internet were used. Results: The hospital’s X-ray therapy service demonstrates high rates of operational efficiency, providing in a short time high rate of access to the X-ray therapy for patients with different nosology. It’s work meets most of the criteria for patient-centered work - the proximity of medical care to the patient, orientation towards respectful attitude to the values and needs of patients, rational use of available technical, time and human resources. For further improvement of work in accordance with the principles of patient orientation, it is necessary to introduce formalized questionnaires of the quality of life and assess the quality of medical services.

Conclusion. The presented analysis is the first comprehensive multicriteria study of the patient-centered work of the X-ray therapy service in Russia.
Nutrition and oncology: best practice and the development of a traffic light system
Authors: Atkinson Emma , Atkinson Judith
Published: May 2021

Malnutrition is common in oncology patients, with age, disease stage and tumour type all influencing malnutrition risk. There are several detrimental effects of malnutrition in oncology patients, including weight loss, which is associated with negative oncological outcomes, and reduced survival. The causes of malnutrition in this group may be multifactorial and include effects from the tumour itself, altered metabolism, increased nutritional requirements, and cancer treatments and their associated side effects, which can impact on an individual's ability and desire to eat. Nutritional screening to identify early nutritional risk is essential and should involve the use of a validated screening tool, with commonly used tools usually assessing nutritional risk and weight loss over a period of months, for example a 3- to 6-month period. It is also important to consider weight changes over a shorter time period to identify rapid weight changes. Multidisciplinary teamworking is essential in tackling malnutrition, with collaborative working between the dietitians and the nutrition nurses shown to be beneficial in the authors' practice to develop community pathways and improve their service and manage increasing patient numbers. Malnutrition within oncology can often be managed with additional supplementation with oral nutritional supplements or enteral nutrition, where indicated. A low-volume, energy-dense, high-protein supplement can help to meet nutritional needs and to achieve dietetic aims, with compliance improved by the use of a low-volume product.
Haematuria in children
Authors: Mears Alice , Colemeadow Josie , Johal Navroop S
Published: May 2021

Haematuria is a common finding in children and can be macroscopic or microscopic. In contrast to adults, haematuria in children very rarely indicates an underlying malignant pathology. The differential diagnosis is broad, with the most common underlying causes being infection, glomerulonephritis and hypercalciuria. It is useful to distinguish between nephrological or upper urinary tract and lower urinary tract pathologies, as this will guide investigations and referral. This review discusses the causes of haematuria in the paediatric population.
Creation and validation of a Vietnamese version of the Frommelt Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying Scale
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Ly , Annoussamy Lourdes Symphorien Clemenceau , Krakauer Eric L
Published: May 2021

Background:

This study aims to develop a valid measurement of the Frommel Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) scale to address some of the gaps in the existing knowledge of this field in Vietnam.

Methods:

The FATCOD scale was translated and culturally adapted to make it suitable for use in Vietnam. Following this, the FATCOD_VN scale was assessed for content validity. The construct validity of the instrument was then determined by exploratory factor analysis (n=237), and confirmatory factor analysis (n=245), based on the combined data from two cross-sectional studies. The internal consistency reliability and background factors associated with the FATCOD_VN were examined to further support the validity of the Vietnamese version.

Results:

The exploratory factor analysis of the FATCOD_VN yielded a three-factor structure that presents the most plausible goodness of fit, supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's alpha of the FATCOD_VN was 0.74 for overall scale and ranges from 0.56 to 0.81 for each sub-scale.

Conclusions:

The study results indicate that the FATCOD_VN is acceptable and appropriate to use in the Vietnamese context.
COVID-19, the trauma of the ‘real’ and the political import of vulnerability
Authors: Ghandeharian Sacha , FitzGerald Maggie
Published: May 2021

Politics in the neoliberal/modern/Western world is structured based upon the assumption that political subjects are atomistic and self-sufficient; these assumptions suppress and deny (inter) dependency, relationality and vulnerability. Yet, the rapid spread of COVID-19 has devastated many communities, drastically changed political and social life, and foregrounded the ways in which vulnerability is an inescapable fact of our existence. Drawing upon Žižek’s reading of Lacan’s notion of the ‘real’ and the ethics of care, we analyse the COVID-19 pandemic so as to argue that vulnerability must be understood as a fundamental political concept that merits ongoing attention in our political systems.
Tunable fluidic lens with a dynamic high-order aberration control
Authors: Zhao Pengpeng , Sauter Daniel , Zappe Hans
Published: May 2021

Fluidic lenses based on electrowetting actuation are attractive for their wide focal tuning range, yet are limited by optical aberrations, either intrinsic to the lenses themselves or due to the optical imaging systems in which they are employed. However, the ability to control the meniscus shape that forms the lens refractive surface with a high degree of spatial accuracy will allow correction of and compensation for a wide range of these aberrations. We demonstrate here for what we believe, to the best of our knowledge, is the first time a tunable optofluidic lens controlled by 32 azimuthally placed electrodes for which most aberrations up to the fourth radial Zernike order may be corrected. Using both wavefront sensing and sensorless wavefront estimation techniques, it is shown that focal length tunability with a significant reduction in imaging aberrations and the ability to compensate for externally induced aberrations may be achieved using a single component.
Comparison of the egg recovery rates and limit of detection for soil-transmitted helminths using the Kato-Katz thick smear, faecal flotation and quantitative real-time PCR in human stool
Authors: Zendejas-Heredia Patsy A. , Colella Vito , Hii Sze Fui , Traub Rebecca J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Monitoring the success of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control programs relies on accurate diagnosis and quantitative assessment of infection prevalence and intensity. As preventative chemotherapeutic program coverage for STH expands, the necessity of gaining insights into the relative or comparative sensitivities, in terms of limits of detection (LOD) and egg-recovery-rates (ERR) for microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction qPCR-based diagnostic techniques becomes imperative to inform suitability for their intended use for large scale STH monitoring and treatment efficacy studies.

Methodology/Principal findings

The diagnostic performance in terms of ERR and LOD of the Kato-Katz (KK) thick smear technique, sodium nitrate (NaNO3) faecal floatation (FF) and qPCR for the accurate detection and enumeration of STH eggs were calculated and expressed in eggs per gram (EPG), by experimentally seeding parasite-free human faeces with Ascaris spp., Trichuris spp. and Necator americanus eggs representing low, medium and high intensity infections. The efficiency of NaNO3 flotation was also calculated over a range of specific gravities (SpGr) for the optimum recovery of STH eggs. FF of SpGr 1.30 recovered 62.7%, 11% and 8.7% more Trichuris spp., Necator americanus and Ascaris spp. eggs respectively, than the recommended SpGr of 1.20. All diagnostic methods demonstrated strong direct correlation to the intensity of seeded EPG. KK and FF (SpGr 1.30) resulted in significant lower ERRs compared to qPCR (p <0.05). qPCR demonstrated significantly (p <0.05) greater sensitivity with an ability to detect as little as 5 EPG for all three STH, compared to 50 EPG by KK and FF (SpGr 1.30).

Conclusions/Significance

This study compares the diagnostic parameters in terms of LOD and ERRs of STHs for the KK, FF and qPCR. These results indicate that the diagnostic performance of qPCR assays should be considered by control programs in the phase that aims to seek confirmation of transmission break and cessation of preventive chemotherapy in low-transmission settings, in line with the control targets of the WHO neglected tropical diseases 2030 Roadmap.
Relationship between motor fitness, fundamental movement skills, and quality of movement patterns in primary school children
Authors: Wu Hua , Eungpinichpong Wichai , Ruan Hui , Zhang Xinding , Dong Xiujuan
Published: May 2021

Seefeldt`s classic motor development pyramid model recognizes the significance of fundamental movement skills (FMS) in physical activities and proposes a “proficiency barrier” between FMS and higher-level specific sports skills during middle childhood. However, the relationship between the layers of the conceptual model has not been empirically tested. This study investigated motor fitness (MF), FMS, and quality of movement patterns (QMP) in 7–10 years old children and evaluated the relationships among them. A total of 117 children were randomly selected to take tests of MF, the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), and the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™). MF and FMS levels were classified according to percentile ranges. Two multiple (R×C) Chi-Square tests were applied to analyze the relationships between MF, FMS, and QMP. Post-hoc testing estimated the possibility of FMS and QMP to predict MF. The results showed that boys scored significantly higher on the object-control subtest and on the TGMD-2 compared to girls (p<0.001), while girls scored significantly higher on the FMS™(p= 0.001). FMS score and QMP level were weakly correlated with MF (FMS: χ2= 14.605, p = 0.006, Cramer`s V = 0.25; QMP: χ2= 13.943, p = 0.007, Cramer`s V = 0.24). Thus, 60.5% of children with “excellent” FMS and 59.6% with “high” QMP were categorized as having a “good” MF. In contrast, only 23.1% of children with “poor” FMS and 24.3% with “low” QMP were classified as having a “good” MF. Our results confirm MF, FMS, and QMP are correlated with each other, although this relationship is weak. Further, a possible motor skill proficiency barrier exists already in children 7–10 years old. The study results support the promotion of physical activity and motor skill development in primary school children.
Young children conform more to norms than to preferences
Authors: Li Leon , Britvan Bari , Tomasello Michael
Published: May 2021

As members of cultural groups, humans continually adhere to social norms and conventions. Researchers have hypothesized that even young children are motivated to act conventionally, but support for this hypothesis has been indirect and open to other interpretations. To further test this hypothesis, we invited 3.5-year-old children (N = 104) to help set up items for a tea party. Children first indicated which items they preferred but then heard an informant (either an adult or another child) endorse other items in terms of either conventional norms or personal preferences. Children conformed (i.e., overrode their own preference to follow the endorsement) more when the endorsements were framed as norms than when they were framed as preferences, and this was the case whether the informant was an adult or another child. The priority of norms even when stated by another child opposes the interpretation that children only conformed in deference to adult authority. These findings suggest that children are motivated to act conventionally, possibly as an adaptation for living in cultural groups.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses provide insights into the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acids in Lonicera macranthoides Hand.-Mazz
Authors: Pan Yuan , Zhao Xiao , Wu Xiao-li , Wang Yu , Tan Jun , Chen Da-xia
Published: May 2021

Lonicera macranthoides Hand.-Mazz (L. macranthoides) is a medicinal herb that is widely distributed in South China. The developmental stage and corolla dehiscence of the flower are the important factors affecting the quality of medicinal ingredients. However, neither the regulatory mechanism controlling chlorogenic acids biosynthesis in L. macranthoides nor the molecular basis of effect of corolla dehiscence on the quality of medicinal materials is fully understood. In this study, metabolomics and transcriptomics were used to analyze the metabolic and transcriptional differences of two different cultivars closed bud type (Bt), and flowering type (Ft), as well as the effect of jasmonic acid methyl ester (MeJA) on chlorogenic acids (CGAs) biosynthesis. In total, large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were filtered among three lines of samples. Gene metabolite correlation analyses revealed a ‘core set’ of 30 genes and 54 genes that were strongly correlated with CGAs biosynthesis and regulating the flowering, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results proved the alterations in the expression levels of genes encoding the pathways involved in CGAs biosynthesis. The ion abundances of CGAs were most significantly increased, while some of the CGAs derived and Caffeoyl-CoA-derived substances showed the most largely reduced abundances in the closed bud type (Bt) compared to the flowering type (Ft). MeJA may leads to the activation of downstream genes in CGAs biosynthesis pathway. Overall, there were significant differences in the transcriptional and metabolic levels of CGAs biosynthesis pathway in flower buds of different flowering cultivars. The redirection of metabolic flux may contribute to increased accumulation of CGAs. However, whether MeJA and flowering have direct effects on the accumulation of CGAs needs further studied. These researches effectively expanded the functional genomic library and provide new insights into CGAs biosynthesis in L. macranthoides.
Increased elastase sensitivity and decreased intramolecular interactions in the more transmissible 501Y.V1 and 501Y.V2 SARS-CoV-2 variants’ spike protein–an in silico analysis
Authors: Pokhrel Suman , Kraemer Benjamin R. , Lee Lucia , Samardzic Kate , Mochly-Rosen Daria
Published: May 2021

Two SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern showing increased transmissibility relative to the Wuhan virus have recently been identified. Although neither variant appears to cause more severe illness nor increased risk of death, the faster spread of the virus is a major threat. Using computational tools, we found that the new SARS-CoV-2 variants may acquire an increased transmissibility by increasing the propensity of its spike protein to expose the receptor binding domain via proteolysis, perhaps by neutrophil elastase and/or via reduced intramolecular interactions that contribute to the stability of the closed conformation of spike protein. This information leads to the identification of potential treatments to avert the imminent threat of these more transmittable SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Temporal and spatial relationship between gluteal muscle Surface EMG activity and the vertical component of the ground reaction force during walking
Authors: Anders Christoph , Sander Klaus , Layher Frank , Patenge Steffen , Kinne Raimund W.
Published: May 2021

Background

Optimized temporal and spatial activation of the gluteal intermuscular functional unit is essential for steady gait and minimized joint loading.

Research question

To analyze the temporal relationship between spatially resolved surface EMG (SEMG) of the gluteal region and the corresponding ground reaction force (GRF).

Methods

Healthy adults (29♀; 25♂; age 62.6±7.0 years) walked at their self-selected slow, normal, and fast walking speeds on a 10 m walkway (ten trials/speed). Bilateral paired eight-electrode strips were horizontally aligned at mid-distance of the vertical line between greater trochanter and iliac crest. Concerning the ventral to dorsal direction, the center of each strip was placed on this vertical line. Initially, these signals were monopolarly sampled, but eight vertically oriented bipolar channels covering the whole gluteal region from ventral to dorsal (P1 to P8) were subsequently calculated by subtracting the signals of the corresponding electrodes of each electrode strip for both sides of the body.

Three vertical bipolar channels represented the tensor fasciae latae (TFL; P2), gluteus medius (Gmed, SENIAM position; average of P4 and P5), and gluteus maximus muscles (Gmax; P7).

To determine the interval between SEMG and corresponding GRF, the time delay (TD) between the respective first amplitude peaks (F1) in SEMG and vertical GRF curves was calculated.

Results

Throughout the grand averaged SEMG curves, the absolute amplitudes significantly differed among the three walking speeds at all electrode positions, with the amplitude of the F1 peak significantly increasing with increasing speed. In addition, when normalized to slow, the relative SEMG amplitude differences at the individual electrode positions showed an impressively homogeneous pattern.

In both vertical GRF and all electrode SEMGs, the F1 peak occurred significantly earlier with increasing speed. Also, the TD between SEMG and vertical GRF F1 peaks significantly decreased with increasing speed.

Concerning spatial activation, the TD between the respective F1 peaks in the SEMG and vertical GRF was significantly shorter for the ventral TFL position than the dorsal Gmed and Gmax positions, showing that the SEMG F1 peak during this initial phase of the gait cycle occurred earlier in the dorsal positions, and thus implying that the occurrence of the SEMG F1 peak proceeded from dorsal to ventral.

Significance

Tightly regulated spatial and temporal activation of the gluteal intermuscular functional unit, which includes both speed- and position-dependent mechanisms, seems to be an essential requirement for a functionally optimized, steady gait.
The impact of withdrawing aquaculture facilities on metazooplankton communities in the lakes are connected to the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Zhang Yixing , Wang Yutao , Zhou Zhongze
Published: May 2021

The withdrawal of aquaculture facilities has an important impact on the aquatic ecosystem of the lakes connected to the Yangtze River. In order to elucidate the response mechanism of metazooplankton to the changes in water environment after the removal of aquaculture facilities, we collected metazooplankton samples and investigated the water environment in the Huayanghe Lakes from the summer of 2018 to the spring of 2019. Aquatic plants recovered quickly, and water eutrophication was relieved, especially in Lake Huangda, followed by Lake Bo. During our study, the highest regional (γ) diversity was 71 in summer, while the lowest was 32 in winter. Species turnover in space (β diversity) varied between 10.01 and 56.52, which was highest in summer. Based on redundancy analysis, environmental factors such as transparency, Chl α, water temperature and water depth, had greatly effects on the metazooplankton community structure. The results showed that the restoration of aquatic plants increased species diversity and metazooplankton density. This study provides a data basis for lakes restoration and a scientific basis for the management and protection of lakes water ecosystem.
Characteristics and conflicts of interest at Food and Drug Administration Gastrointestinal Drug Advisory Committee meetings
Authors: Khan Rishad , Elsolh Karam , Gimpaya Nikko , Scaffidi Michael A. , Bansal Rishi , Grover Samir C.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Gastrointestinal Drug Advisory Committee (GIDAC) is involved in gastrointestinal drug application reviews. Characteristics and conflicts of interest (COI) in GIDAC meetings are not well described. This study analyzed FDA GIDAC meetings and characteristics that predict recommendations.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, all publicly available GIDAC meetings where proposed medications were voted on were included. Data were collected regarding indications, medication sponsor, primary efficacy studies, and voting member characteristics (e.g. committee membership, COI). Univariate analyses were conducted at per-meeting and per-vote levels to assess for predictors of committee recommendation and individual votes respectively.

Results

Thirty-four meetings with 476 individual votes from 1998–2018 were included. Twenty-three (68%) proposals were recommended for approval and 25 (74%) received FDA approval. Most proposals involved >1 primary study (n = 27, 79%). At least one voting member had a COI in 24 (71%) of 34 meetings. Twelve (35%) meetings had at least one sponsor COI. Among 476 individual votes, 74 (15.5%) involved a COI, with 33 (6.9%) sponsor COI. COI decreased significantly over time, with fewer COI in 2006–2010, 2011–2015, and 2016–2020 compared to 1996–2000 and 2001–2005 (p<0.01). There were no significant associations between pre-defined predictors, including COI, and committee level recommendations or individual votes (p>0.05 for all univariate analyses).

Conclusions

The GIDAC reviewed 34 proposals from 1998–2018. The majority were recommended for approval and later approved by the FDA, highlighting the GIDAC’s prominence in the regulatory process. COI are present among GIDAC panelists but decreasing over time and not associated with recommendations.