bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic study of a novel oral formulation of S-adenosylmethionine (MSI-195) in healthy subjects: dose escalation, food effect and comparison to a commercial nutritional supplement product
Authors: Cameron Beth R. , Ferreira Ludvina , MacDonald I. David
Published: December 2020

Background

A novel, high bioavailability oral, enteric coated tablet formulation of S-adenosylmethionine (MSI-195) has been developed for life science application. The present research reports on a Phase 1 study to (i) determine the safety of single doses of MSI-195 (ii) to determine the dose proportionality of MSI-195 at doses of 400, 800 and 1600 mg (iii) determine the pharmacokinetics of MSI-195 compared with a commercial reference product (SAM-e Complete™) over 24 h and (iv) to determine the effect of food on the pharmacokinetic profile of MSI-195 in human subjects.

Methods

This study was a pharmacokinetic and safety evaluation of MSI-195 and a commercial comparator broken into two stages. The first stage was an exploratory single ascending dose design of MSI-195 in 8 healthy normal male volunteers. The second stage was a single dose evaluation, targeting 26 male and female volunteers at set doses of MSI-195 and commercial comparator in a cross-over design followed by a food effect study on MSI-195. Plasma samples were collected and assayed for S-adenosylmethionine using a validated HPLC method with MS/MS detection. The main absorption and disposition parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental approach with a log-linear terminal phase assumption. Statistical analysis was based on an ANOVA model or t test as appropriate.

Results

MSI-195 was found to be generally well tolerated with an adverse event profile similar to the SAM-e Complete™ comparator product. The relative bioavailability of MSI-195 was approximately 2.8-fold higher than SAM-e Complete based on area under the curve (AUC) ratios for the two products and the MSI-195 formulation exposure based on AUC was found to be approximately dose proportional. There was a significant food effect for MSI-195 with a delayed time to maximum absorption Tmax, going from 4.5 h under fasted conditions to 13 h under fed conditions, and area under the curve with food reduced to 55% of that seen under fasting conditions.

Conclusions

The overall conclusion was that MSI-195 was well tolerated and has markedly higher bioavailability compared with both the SAM-e Complete™ commercial product tested and, on a per mg basis, products reported in other literature.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04623034. Retrospectively registered Nov 9, 2020.
Combined quality and dose-volume histograms for assessing the predictive value of 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT simulation for personalizing radioembolization treatment in liver metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Levillain Hugo , Burghelea Manuela , Derijckere Ivan Duran , Guiot Thomas , Gulyban Akos , Vanderlinden Bruno , Vouche Michael , Flamen Patrick , Reynaert Nick
Published: December 2020

Background

The relationship between the mean absorbed dose delivered to the tumour and the outcome in liver metastases from colorectal cancer patients treated with radioembolization has already been presented in several studies. The optimization of the personalized therapeutic activity to be administered is still an open challenge. In this context, how well the 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT predicts the absorbed dose delivered by radioembolization is essential. This work aimed to analyse the differences between predictive 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT and post-treatment 90Y-microsphere PET/CT dosimetry at different levels. Dose heterogeneity was compared voxel-to-voxel using the quality-volume histograms, subsequently used to demonstrate how it could be used to identify potential clinical parameters that are responsible for quantitative discrepancies between predictive and post-treatment dosimetry.

Results

We analysed 130 lesions delineated in twenty-six patients. Dose-volume histograms were computed from predictive and post-treatment dosimetry for all volumes: individual lesion, whole tumoural liver (TL) and non-tumoural liver (NTL). For all dose-volume histograms, the following indices were extracted: D90, D70, D50, Dmean and D20. The results showed mostly no statistical differences between predictive and post-treatment dosimetries across all volumes and for all indices. Notably, the analysis showed no difference in terms of Dmean, confirming the results from previous studies. Quality factors representing the spread of the quality-volume histogram (QVH) curve around 0 (ideal QF = 0) were determined for lesions, TL and NTL. QVHs were classified into good (QF < 0.18), acceptable (0.18 ≤ QF < 0.3) and poor (QF ≥ 0.3) correspondence. For lesions and TL, dose- and quality-volume histograms are mostly concordant: 69% of lesions had a QF within good/acceptable categories (40% good) and 65% of TL had a QF within good/acceptable categories (23% good). For NTL, the results showed mixed results with 48% QF within the poor concordance category. Finally, it was demonstrated how QVH analysis could be used to define the parameters that predict the significant differences between predictive and post-treatment dose distributions.

Conclusion

It was shown that the use of the QVH is feasible in assessing the predictive value of 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT dosimetry and in estimating the absorbed dose delivered to liver metastases from colorectal cancer via 90Y-microspheres. QVH analyses could be used in combination with DVH to enhance the predictive value of 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT dosimetry and to assist personalized activity prescription.
Biliary atresia in a preterm and extremely low birth weight infant: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kawano Yuki , Yoshimaru Koichiro , Uchida Yasuyuki , Kajihara Keisuke , Toriigahara Yukihiro , Shirai Takeshi , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Matsuura Toshiharu
Published: December 2020

Background

Biliary atresia in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants is rarely reported, and the optimal timing of Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) in these cases remains unclear.

Case presentation

We report a case of biliary atresia in a preterm female infant of 24 weeks of gestation who weighed 824 g. She underwent exploratory laparotomy and intraoperative cholangiography at 58 days of age (weight, 1336 g). Despite the diagnosis of biliary atresia with a type I cyst, we could only perform gallbladder drainage at that time due to the unstable intraoperative condition. While we waited for her body weight to increase, KPE was performed at 122 days of age (corrected age: 16 days), when the patient weighed 2296 g. Although she initially became jaundice-free, her liver function deteriorated due to cholangitis, and she developed decompensated cholestatic liver cirrhosis. Living donor liver transplantation was successfully performed at 117 days after KPE, and the postoperative course was uneventful. The timing of KPE is difficult to determine and a review of the relevant literature revealed that a poor prognosis in VLBW and ELBW infants with BA.

Conclusions

Early KPE and careful postoperative follow-up, including liver transplantation is important for the improvement of outcomes.
Integration of some organic amendments and the predatory nematode, Fictor composticola, for the management of Meloidogyne incognita in cucumber
Authors: Sidhu Harjot Singh , Kanwar Rambir Singh
Published: December 2020

Background

Organic amendments are well known for influencing soil nematode community structure, diversities, and activities. Most of the previous studies focused on effects of organic amendments on plant-parasitic nematodes, but only a few investigated the effect of combination of biocontrol agents and organic amendments on soil nematodes.

Main body

Different organic amendments (neem cake, poultry manure, and neem leaves) were combined with the predatory nematode, Fictor composticola, for the control of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in cucumber. Organic amendments were mixed in pots containing 1 kg soil, 15 days before sowing. Cucumber (cv. CCH-1) plants grown in these pots were inoculated by 2000 J2 of M. incognita and 400 F. composticola per pot, after 1 week of germination. Fictor composticola in combination with chicken manure + neem cake + neem leaves was found the best mixture for reducing the number of galls, egg masses, and final root-knot nematode population. The predator’s population reached the maximum in this treatment. All combinations of organic amendments in the presence of F. composticola were found significantly superior over inoculated check in reducing nematode’s population and in improving plant growth over the un-inoculated check.

Conclusions

Data indicated the suitability of using the predatory nematode, F. composticola, and organic amendments for potential use in sustainable nematode management strategies.
Single isotropic 3D fast spin echo sequence compared with conventional 2D sequences for detecting meniscal and cruciate ligament tears in the knee
Authors: El-Liethy Nevien Ezzat , Rashwan Amr Samir , Kamal Heba
Published: December 2020

Background

This work was conducted to assess the diagnostic efficiency of isotropic three-dimensional VISTA-fast spin echo versus standard two-dimensional fast spin echo at 1.5 T MRI, in the assessment of internal knee derangement in symptomatic patients, aiming to obtain similar diagnostic accuracy in a shorter time span, with reduction of partial volume artifacts by thin continuous sections.

Results

This was a non-randomized control study including 39 patients (32 male and 7 females, mean age 37 years old). A correlative study was done utilizing MRI standard 2D FSE (protocol A) versus 3D-VISTA-FSE (protocol B) for medial meniscus (MM) and lateral meniscus (LM), as well as anterior cruciate ligament ACL lesions, comparing the MRI results with the findings of arthroscopy as the gold standard. Both protocols depicted medial meniscus lesions with accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity (97.44%, 96.30%, and 100% respectively), lateral meniscus lesions with accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity (97.44%, 100%, and 50% respectively), and ACL lesions with accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity (100%, 100%, and 100% respectively), while there were no PCL lesions depicted through the study population. Comparing the time factor between both protocols revealed protocol A to consume 13.7 min, while protocol B consumed 6.6 min.

Conclusion

Three-dimensional isotropic VISTA-FSE sequence, although having similar accuracy in diagnosing cruciate and meniscal lesions as the standard sequences, facilitates thin-section data acquisition and multi-planar image reformation in standard and non-standard planes, without intersection gaps that are crucial for the detection and dissection of compound structures; also, it allows a shorter time span, which is more advantageous for patients, particularly the traumatized and emergency patients.
A mechanism-based group-psychotherapy approach to aggressive behaviour in borderline personality disorder: findings from a cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Herpertz S. C. , Matzke B. , Hillmann K. , Neukel C. , Mancke F. , Jaentsch B. , Schwenger U. , Honecker H. , Bullenkamp R. , Steinmann S. , Krauch M. , Bauer S. , Borzikowsky C. , Bertsch K. , Dempfle A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Aggressive behaviour is a prevalent and harmful phenomenon in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, no short-term, low-cost programme exists that specifically focuses on aggression.

Aims

Attuning therapy modules to pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie reactive aggression in BPD, we composed a 6 week mechanism-based anti-aggression psychotherapy (MAAP) approach for the group setting, which we tested against a non-specific supportive psychotherapy (NSSP).

Method

A cluster-randomised two-arm parallel-group phase II trial of N = 59 patients with BPD and overt aggressive behaviour was performed (German Registry for Clinical Trials, DRKS00009445). The primary outcome was the externally directed overt aggression score of the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (M-OAS) post-treatment (adjusted for pre-treatment overt aggression). Secondary outcomes were M-OAS irritability, M-OAS response rate and ecological momentary assessment of anger post-treatment and at 6 month follow-up, as well as M-OAS overt aggression score at follow-up.

Results

Although no significant difference in M-OAS overt aggression between treatments was found post-treatment (adjusted difference in mean 3.49 (95% CI −5.32 to 12.31, P = 0.22), the MAAP group showed a clinically relevant decrease in aggressive behaviour of 65% on average (versus 33% in the NSSP group), with particularly strong improvement among those with the highest baseline aggression. Most notably, significant differences in reduction in overt aggression between MAAP and NSSP were found at follow-up.

Conclusions

Patients with BPD and aggressive behaviour benefited from a short group psychotherapy, with improvements particularly visible at 6 month follow-up. Further studies are required to show whether these effects are specific to MAAP.
Cognition in mood disorders
Authors: Douglas Katie M. , Porter Richard J. , Young Allan H.
Published: December 2020

Cognitive impairment plays a key role in determining the course of illness and functional outcomes in mood disorders. This article summarises and discusses important papers within this thematic series of BJPsych Open that contribute to a greater understanding of the complexity of ‘Cognition in Mood Disorders’.
Hearing impairment due to Mir183/96/182 mutations suggests both loss-of-function and gain-of-function effects
Authors: Lewis Morag A. , Di Domenico Francesca , Ingham Neil J. , Prosser Haydn M. , Steel Karen P.
Published: December 2020

The microRNA miR-96 is important for hearing, as point mutations in humans and mice result in dominant progressive hearing loss. Mir96 is expressed in sensory cells along with Mir182 and Mir183, but the roles of these closely-linked microRNAs are as yet unknown. Here, we analyse mice carrying null alleles of Mir182, and of Mir183 and Mir96 together to investigate their roles in hearing. We found that Mir183/96 heterozygous mice had normal hearing and homozygotes were completely deaf with abnormal hair cell stereocilia bundles and reduced numbers of inner hair cell synapses at 4 weeks of age. Mir182 knockout mice developed normal hearing then exhibited progressive hearing loss. Our transcriptional analyses revealed significant changes in a range of other genes, but surprisingly there were fewer genes with altered expression in the organ of Corti of Mir183/96 null mice compared with our previous findings in Mir96Dmdo mutants, which have a point mutation in the miR-96 seed region. This suggests that the more-severe phenotype of Mir96Dmdo mutants compared with Mir183/96 mutants, including progressive hearing loss in Mir96Dmdo heterozygotes, is likely to be mediated by the gain of novel target genes in addition to the loss of its normal targets. We propose three mechanisms of action of mutant miRNAs: loss of targets that are normally completely repressed, loss of targets for which transcription is normally buffered by the miRNA, and gain of novel targets. Any of these mechanisms could lead to a partial loss of a robust cellular identity and consequent dysfunction.
Highly Porous Chitosan-derived Nitrogen-doped Carbon Applicable for High-performance Gas Diffusion Oxygen Electrodes
Authors: Okuda Ryunosuke , Suematsu Koichi , Watanabe Ken , Shimanoe Kengo
Published: December 2020

A chitosan-derived nitrogen-doped carbon (NDC) with a well-designed pore structure is prepared by a novel activation process using ZnO and water vapor. The gas diffusion electrode comprising the obtained NDC for oxygen reduction exhibits higher performance than Pt/carbon black electrode in the current density range of 1–500 mA/cm2.
Distinct Adaptations of Mitochondrial Dynamics to Electrical Pulse Stimulation in Lean and Severely Obese Primary Myotubes
Authors: KUGLER BENJAMIN A. , DENG WENQIAN , FRANCOIS BERGOMI , ANDERSON MEAGHAN , HINKLEY J. MATTHEW , HOUMARD JOSEPH A. , GONA PHILIMON N. , ZOU KAI
Published: December 2020

Background

Skeletal muscle from lean and obese subjects elicits differential adaptations in response to exercise/muscle contractions. In order to determine whether obesity alters the adaptations in mitochondrial dynamics in response to exercise/muscle contractions and whether any of these distinct adaptations are linked to alterations in insulin sensitivity, we compared the effects of electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) on mitochondrial network structure and regulatory proteins in mitochondrial dynamics in myotubes from lean humans and humans with severe obesity and evaluated the correlations between these regulatory proteins and insulin signaling.

Methods

Myotubes from human skeletal muscle cells obtained from lean humans (body mass index, 23.8 ± 1.67 kg·m−2) and humans with severer obesity (45.5 ± 2.26 kg·m−2; n = 8 per group) were electrically stimulated for 24 h. Four hours after EPS, mitochondrial network structure, protein markers of insulin signaling, and mitochondrial dynamics were assessed.

Results

EPS enhanced insulin-stimulated AktSer473 phosphorylation, reduced the number of nonnetworked individual mitochondria, and increased the mitochondrial network size in both groups (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial fusion marker mitofusin 2 was significantly increased in myotubes from the lean subjects (P < 0.05) but reduced in subjects with severe obesity (P < 0.05). In contrast, fission marker dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1Ser616) was reduced in myotubes from subjects with severe obesity (P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in lean subjects. Reductions in DrpSer616 phosphorylation were correlated with improvements in insulin-stimulated AktSer473 phosphorylation after EPS (r = −0.679, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that EPS induces more fused mitochondrial networks, which are associated with differential adaptations in mitochondrial dynamic processes in myotubes from lean humans and human with severe obesity. It also suggests that improved insulin signaling after muscle contractions may be linked to the reduction in Drp1 activity.
Occurrence of Aetalion reticulatum (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) on Dipteryx alata Vogel (Fabaceae) in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Souza Jaqueline , Boscardin Jardel
Published: December 2020

The baruzeiro or baru (Dipteryx alata Vogel) is a tree species native to Brazil that is known for its production of edible nuts with high nutritional value. However, little is known about the insects associated with this forest species. Therefore, this study aims to document the occurrence of leafhoppers on baruzeiro trees in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. We therefore examined baruzeiro plants in an afforestation plot at the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (18°43'33"S; 47°31'31"W) in August 2020, located in the municipality of Monte Carmelo, Minas Gerais. The leafhopper species was identified as Aetalion reticulatum (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae). The ant species Camponotus crassus Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was found to feed on the honeydew released by leafhoppers, demonstrating facultative mutualism between the species. This is the first report of A. reticulatum on D. alata in Minas Gerais.
Rywalizacja międzypartyjna i wewnątrzpartyjna w kampanii referendum europejskiego w Wielkiej Brytanii z 2016 roku
Authors: Zuba Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

Inter‑party and intra‑party rivalry in the 2016 EU referendum campaign in the United Kingdom The objective of this paper is an analysis of the course of the 2016 EU referendum campaign from the perspective of the political battle between the parties and between intra‑party factions. Besides the main goals of the UK’s leaving the EU or remaining within it, the stakes of the battle included the strengthening of one’s own political camp, the weakening of one’s opponents, the gaining of power within a party or, eventually, the gaining of power in the country. The article is divided into two major parts devoted to the analysis of inter‑party rivalry and intra‑party rivalry respectively. The referendum (both its campaign and results) has demolished the existing political make‑up determined by the results of the latest parliamentary elections (2015). The analysis is based on the following two theoretical categories: an opportunity structure and a political strategy. In accordance with these categories, an assumption has been adopted that the referendum opened a new opportunity structure on the British political scene, encouraging the parties, their factions and individual politicians to use the elections as a means of pursuing their own political agendas and goals not necessarily related directly to the EU referendum.
Kościół katolicki w Polsce w przestrzeni życia publicznego - analiza socjologiczna
Authors: Mariański Janusz
Published: December 2020

The Catholic Church in Poland in the area of public life: A sociological analysis

For the last few years, a slow process of a specific “cooling down” of religious and Church commitment has been taking place in Poland. In this article we assume that religiosity with institutional protection still plays an important role in the Church landscape of Polish society and the sphere of public life. In Poland, a positive attitude vis‑à‑vis the Catholic Church is an important determinant of one’s religiosity. Individuals who do not have confidence in the Church, and who evaluate it negatively as an institution, tend to participate less in religious practices, and their faith seems to be weakening. Religiosity and commitment to the Catholic Church in Poland are very closely related to each other. There are no major discrepancies in the opinion as to the extent of the secularization of society among Polish sociologists, but there are differences in the assessment and understanding in terms of the social role of the Church. Discussions on the position and role of the Catholic Church in society still go on, and we are far from a conclusive diagnosis, especially regarding our understanding and acceptance of a “model Church” that should function in a democratic and pluralistic society. The final answers remain in the realm of hypotheses and assumptions. The majority of Poles are convinced about the Church’s influence in various spheres of public life, including the political sphere. This view is predominant among almost two thirds of adult Poles, but also among the youth (even to a somewhat greater extent). This means that the Church is perceived by part of Polish society as a quasi‑political institution, or at least one that attempts to fulfill political functions. This view, which is quite popular among Poles, has been maintained at a relatively stable level since 1989. Among those who believe that the Church takes up too much space in the public life of Poland are found those people in whom every reference to public matters results in a rejection reaction, as well as among those who take on a moderate attitude, who consider that it would be better if the Church were less involved in matters of public life, particularly political. Most Poles accepts the principle of separation of Church and state, even though close to half of those surveyed have nothing against authorities who follow the Catholic social teaching. The views of many Poles on the place and role of the Church in the public life of the nation are to a certain extent ambivalent, and even inconsistent and incoherent. A major subject of public controversy is the presence of religious symbols in public life space, although most of Polish society speaks about such symbols with approval.
Finansowanie Kościołów i związków wyznaniowych ze środków publicznych
Authors: Skorek Artur
Published: December 2020

Public funding of churches and religious associations in Poland: Analysis of political debates on the liquidation of the Church Property Commission and the Church Fund

The paper contains a case study of the political debate concerning public funding for the religious institutions. It deals with the parliamentary discussions in the years 2004‑2015 on the abolishing of two public bodies: Church Property Commission (Komisja Majątkowa) and Church Fund (Fundusz Kościelny). The paper has two main objectives. First of them is providing the description of the debate (most important themes in the discourse, argumentative strategies, rhetorical instruments used by the interlocutors). The characteristics of the discourse let us draw a picture of the social relations and the place of religion in the public sphere. Therefore, the second objective of the paper is to describe the dominant narratives in the public debate on the role of religion in society and the state.
Polski spór o in vitro
Authors: Kozub-Karkut Magdalena
Published: December 2020

The Polish dispute over in vitro. The character of public debate The aim of the article is to present the polish discourse on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and law regulation related to this issue. This article investigates the discursive strategies presented in the political discourse as well as in the part of public discourse, where the positions of proponents and opponents of the IVF are articulated. The publication presents the arguments of the Catholic clergy as well as activists and journalists associated with the Church (mainly presented in the press and on the Internet). In addition, the article shows the views of those who are strongly engaged in the promotion of the in vitro fertilization in Poland (their arguments are mostly presented in the press, media as well as on the Internet websites that were established especially for this reason). The article analyses the question of the identity of those who are IVF children and who recently are also taking part in the public debate related to this issue. The method, that has been chosen for the investigation, is the sociological discourse analysis, which enables to understand the social world (and political as well) from within while focusing on sense and reference of communication acts. Consequently, it can be applied to studying N. Luhmann’s system theory that assumes the investigation of the social system from within its own functioning.
Bartosz Szczurowski, Prezydent Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej jako organ czuwający nad przestrzeganiem konstytucji
Authors: Litwin Tomasz
Published: December 2020

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A Branch-and-Bound Algorithm for Team Formation on Social Networks
Authors: Berktaş Nihal , Yaman Hande
Published: December 2020

This paper presents an exact algorithm for the team formation problem, in which the aim is, given a project and its required skills, to construct a capable team that can communicate and collaborate effectively. This combinatorial optimization problem is modeled as a quadratic set covering problem. The study provides a novel branch-and-bound algorithm where a reformulation of the problem is relaxed so that it decomposes into a series of linear set covering problems, and the relaxed constraints are imposed through branching. The algorithm is able to solve instances that are intractable for commercial solvers. The study illustrates an efficient usage of algorithmic methods and modeling techniques for an operations research problem. It contributes to the field of computational optimization by proposing a new application and a new algorithm to solve a quadratic version of a classical combinatorial optimization problem.
Insider Information: Advisors' Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Enhanced Advising Programs for Community College Students
Authors: Donaldson Paul , McKinney Lyle , Lee Mimi Miyoung , Horn Catherine L. , Burridge Andrea , Pino Diana
Published: December 2020

This study examines the structure of an enhanced advising program (EAP) through the perspectives of academic advisors. Utilizing a qualitative research design, interviews were conducted with 12 primary-role academic advisors employed within an EAP at a large, urban community college in Texas. Thematic analysis of the interviews identified the following distinguishing characteristics of EAPs: (1) improved student participation in academic advising; (2) stronger student engagement with advising; and (3) proactive construction of an educational plan. This study expands the literature on EAPs by providing additional context and description from the practitioner perspective and by delineating the EAP's strategy to strengthen advising programming at the community college level.
Promises and Realities: Academic Advisors' Perspectives of Dual Enrollment Credit
Authors: Witkowsky Patricia , Starkey Kathryn , Clayton Grant , Garnar Martin , Andersen Ashley
Published: December 2020

Dual enrollment (DE) is a common method for high schools to offer postsecondary preparation, exposure to college-level expectations, and, potentially, college credit. Some dual-enrollment students enter college with 24 semester hours. Upon matriculation, these high-credit DE (HCDE) students present unique challenges to college academic advisors. This study examined the experiences of these advisors by utilizing semi-structured interviews with academic advisors from Colorado who work with HCDE students. Advisors frequently had to address implications of DE credits on time to graduation, degree planning, potential costs savings, and tradeoffs with on-campus experiences. Implications include the need for four-year institutions to better communicate with high school students and counselors and to improve planning for the complexities of HCDE students.
The incidence of venous thromboembolism in total joint replacement during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khan Shehzaad A. , Logan Peter , Asokan Ajay , Handford Charles , Rajgor Harshadkumar Dhirajlal , Khadabadi Nikhil Aravind , Moores Thomas , Targett John
Published: December 2020

Aims

As the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic began to dip, restarting elective orthopaedics became a challenge. Protocols including surgery at ‘green’ sites, self-isolation for 14 days, and COVID-19 testing were developed to minimize the risk of transmission. In this study, we look at risk effects of 14-day self-isolation on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in our green site hospital among patients undergoing total joint replacement (TJR).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 50 patients who underwent TJR. Basic demographic data was collected including, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, body mass index (BMI), type of surgery, and complications at two and four weeks. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify risk factors associated with an increased risk of VTE.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included in our study, with 24 males and 26 females. The mean age was 67.86 (SD 11.803). Overall, 8% of patients suffered a VTE complication; symptomatic non-fatal pulmoary embolism was confirmed in 6% of patients (n = 3) as an inpatient, and symptomatic deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 2% of patients (n = 1) within two weeks of their operation. All patients were found to be female (p < 0.001), had a BMI > 30 (p = 0.317), and were immobile prior to their operation using walking aids (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

The incidence we report is much higher than the reported incidence in the literature, which we believe is related to the 14-day self-isolation period and immobility prior to their operation. We recommend that all patients undergoing TJR that require a period of self-isolation, are pre-assessed prior to self-isolation for their risk of VTE, potentially using mechanical and chemical prophylaxis to reduce the likelihood of developing VTE. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2020;1-12:751–756.
Red and blue light in antitumor photodynamic therapy with chlorin-based photosensitizers: a comparative animal study assisted by optical imaging modalities
Authors: Kirillin Mikhail , Kurakina Daria , Khilov Aleksandr , Orlova Anna , Shakhova Maria , Orlinskaya Natalia , Sergeeva Ekaterina
Published: December 2020

The goal of this study is a comparative analysis of the efficiency of the PDT protocols for CT26 tumor model treatment in Balb/c mice employing red and blue light with both topical and intravenous administration of chlorin-based photosensitizers (PSs). The considered protocols include the doses of 250 J/cm2 delivered at 660 nm, 200 J/cm2 delivered at 405 nm, and 250 J/cm2 delivered at both wavelengths with equal energy density contribution. Dual-wavelength fluorescence imaging was employed to estimate both photobleaching efficiency, typical photobleaching rates and the procedure impact depth, while optical coherence tomography with angiography modality (OCT-A) was employed to monitor the tumor vasculature response for up to 7 days after the procedure with subsequent histology inspection. Red light or dual-wavelength PDT regimes with intravenous PS injection were demonstrated to provide the most pronounced tumor response among all the considered cases. On the contrary, blue light regimes were demonstrated to be most efficient among topical application and irradiation only regimes. Tumor size dynamics for different groups is in good agreement with the tumor response predictions based on OCT-A taken in 24h after exposure and the results of histology analysis performed in 7 days after the exposure.
Time-frequency encoded single-photon generation and broadband single-photon storage with a tunable subradiant state
Authors: Shlesinger Ilan , Senellart Pascale , Lanco Loïc , Greffet Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2020

An atomic system that can be addressed via a single optical mode, hereafter called a one-dimensional atom, is central for many applications in optical quantum technologies. A cavity with a large Purcell factor is required to collect the emission efficiently, but a small Purcell factor is required for long-time memory storage. Here, we introduce an effective and versatile one-dimensional atom consisting of two interacting quantum emitters efficiently coupled to a cavity mode with a large Purcell factor. The dipole–dipole interaction gives rise to a subradiant state with a tunable bandwidth. We demonstrate generation of time-shaped single photons and implementation of quantum memory. We discuss experimental challenges and practical implementation using different systems.
Material-specific imaging of nanolayers using extreme ultraviolet coherence tomography
Authors: Wiesner Felix , Wünsche Martin , Reinhard Julius , Abel Johann Jakob , Nathanael Jan , Skruszewicz Slawomir , Rödel Christian , Yulin Sergiy , Gawlik Annett , Schmidl Gabriele , Hübner Uwe , Plentz Jonathan , Paulus Gerhard G. , Fuchs Silvio
Published: December 2020

Scientific and technological progress depend substantially on the
ability to image on the nanoscale. In order to investigate complex,
functional, nanoscopic structures like, e.g., semiconductor devices,
multilayer optics, or stacks of 2D materials, the imaging techniques
not only have to provide images but should also provide quantitative
information. We report the material-specific characterization of
nanoscopic buried structures with extreme ultraviolet coherence
tomography. The method is demonstrated at a laser-driven broadband
extreme ultraviolet radiation source, based on high-harmonic
generation. We show that, besides nanoscopic axial resolution, the
spectral reflectivity of all layers in a sample can be obtained using
algorithmic phase reconstruction. This provides localized,
spectroscopic, material-specific information of the sample. The method
can be applied in, e.g., semiconductor production, lithographic mask
inspection, or quality control of multilayer fabrication. Moreover, it
paves the way for the investigation of ultrafast nanoscopic effects at
functional buried interfaces.
Development of a hybrid model for a partially known intracellular signaling pathway through correction term estimation and neural network modeling
Authors: Lee Dongheon , Jayaraman Arul , Kwon Joseph S.
Published: December 2020

Developing an accurate first-principle model is an important step in employing systems biology approaches to analyze an intracellular signaling pathway. However, an accurate first-principle model is difficult to be developed since it requires in-depth mechanistic understandings of the signaling pathway. Since underlying mechanisms such as the reaction network structure are not fully understood, significant discrepancy exists between predicted and actual signaling dynamics. Motivated by these considerations, this work proposes a hybrid modeling approach that combines a first-principle model and an artificial neural network (ANN) model so that predictions of the hybrid model surpass those of the original model. First, the proposed approach determines an optimal subset of model states whose dynamics should be corrected by the ANN by examining the correlation between each state and outputs through relative order. Second, an L2-regularized least-squares problem is solved to infer values of the correction terms that are necessary to minimize the discrepancy between the model predictions and available measurements. Third, an ANN is developed to generalize relationships between the values of the correction terms and the system dynamics. Lastly, the original first-principle model is coupled with the developed ANN to finalize the hybrid model development so that the model will possess generalized prediction capabilities while retaining the model interpretability. We have successfully validated the proposed methodology with two case studies, simplified apoptosis and lipopolysaccharide-induced NFκB signaling pathways, to develop hybrid models within silicoandin vitromeasurements, respectively.
Population genomics of Plasmodium vivax in Panama to assess the risk of case importation on malaria elimination
Authors: Buyon Lucas E. , Santamaria Ana Maria , Early Angela M. , Quijada Mario , Barahona Itza , Lasso Jose , Avila Mario , Volkman Sarah K. , Marti Matthias , Neafsey Daniel E. , Obaldia III Nicanor
Published: December 2020

Malaria incidence in Panama has plateaued in recent years in spite of elimination efforts, with almost all cases caused by Plasmodium vivax. Notwithstanding, overall malaria prevalence remains low (fewer than 1 case per 1000 persons). We used selective whole genome amplification to sequence 59 P. vivax samples from Panama. The P. vivax samples were collected from two periods (2007–2009 and 2017–2019) to study the population structure and transmission dynamics of the parasite. Imported cases resulting from increased levels of human migration could threaten malaria elimination prospects, and four of the samples evaluated came from individuals with travel history. We explored patterns of recent common ancestry among the samples and observed that a highly genetically related lineage (termed CL1) was dominant among the samples (47 out of 59 samples with good sequencing coverage), spanning the entire period of the collection (2007–2019) and all regions of the country. We also found a second, smaller clonal lineage (termed CL2) of four parasites collected between 2017 and 2019. To explore the regional context of Panamanian P. vivax we conducted principal components analysis and constructed a neighbor-joining tree using these samples and samples collected worldwide from a previous study. Three of the four samples with travel history clustered with samples collected from their suspected country of origin (consistent with importation), while one appears to have been a result of local transmission. The small number of Panamanian P. vivax samples not belonging to either CL1 or CL2 clustered with samples collected from Colombia, suggesting they represent the genetically similar ancestral P. vivax population in Panama or were recently imported from Colombia. The low diversity we observe in Panama indicates that this parasite population has been previously subject to a severe bottleneck and may be eligible for elimination. Additionally, while we confirmed that P. vivax is imported to Panama from diverse geographic locations, the lack of impact from imported cases on the overall parasite population genomic profile suggests that onward transmission from such cases is limited and that imported cases may not presently pose a major barrier to elimination.
Selected reaction monitoring for the quantification of Escherichia coli ribosomal proteins
Authors: Kosaka Yuishin , Aoki Wataru , Mori Megumi , Aburaya Shunsuke , Ohtani Yuta , Minakuchi Hiroyoshi , Ueda Mitsuyoshi
Published: December 2020

Ribosomes are the sophisticated machinery that is responsible for protein synthesis in a cell. Recently, quantitative mass spectrometry (qMS) have been successfully applied for understanding the dynamics of protein complexes. Here, we developed a highly specific and reproducible method to quantify all ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) by combining selected reaction monitoring (SRM) and isotope labeling. We optimized the SRM methods using purified ribosomes and Escherichia coli lysates and verified this approach as detecting 41 of the 54 r-proteins separately synthesized in E. coli S30 extracts. The SRM methods will enable us to utilize qMS as a highly specific analytical tool in the research of E. coli ribosomes, and this methodology have potential to accelerate the understanding of ribosome biogenesis, function, and the development of engineered ribosomes with additional functions.
Registered report protocol: Quantitative analysis of septin Cdc10-associated proteome in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Martinez Barrera Stephani , Byrum Stephanie , Mackintosh Samuel G. , Kozubowski Lukasz
Published: December 2020

Cryptococcus neoformansis a pathogenic basidiomycetous yeast that primarily infects immunocompromised individuals.C.neoformanscan thrive during infections due to its three main virulence-related characteristics: the ability to grow at host temperature (37°C), formation of carbohydrate capsule, and its ability to produce melanin.C.neoformansstrains lacking septin proteins Cdc3 or Cdc12 are viable at 25°C; however, they fail to proliferate at 37°C and are avirulent in the murine model of infection. The basis of septin contribution to growth at host temperature remains unknown. Septins are a family of conserved filament-forming GTPases with roles in cytokinesis and morphogenesis. In the model organismSaccharomyces cerevisiaeseptins are essential.S.cerevisiaeseptins form a higher order complex at the mother-bud neck to scaffold over 80 proteins, including those involved in cell wall organization, cell polarity, and cell cycle control. InC.neoformans, septins also form a complex at the mother-bud neck but the septin interacting proteome in this species remains largely unknown. Moreover, it remains possible that septins play other roles important for high temperature stress that are independent of their established role in cytokinesis. Therefore, we propose to perform a global analysis of septin Cdc10 binding partners inC.neoformans, including those that are specific to high temperature stress. This analysis will shed light on the underlying mechanism of survival of this pathogenic yeast during infection and can potentially lead to the discovery of novel drug targets.
Work safety climate. Comparison of selected occupational groups
Authors: Stasiła-Sieradzka Marta , Chudzicka-Czupała Agata , Znajmiecka-Sikora Marta
Published: December 2020

Implementation of effective programs to improve occupational safety should be linked to an understanding of the specific nature of the given job. The aim of the research was to compare occupational groups with different job-related specificities: industrial production line workers, retail workers and mine rescuers, in terms of their assessment of the work safety climate. The survey covered 2,995 respondents with diversified demographic characteristics. The study used an abridged version of the Safety Climate Questionnaire by Znajmiecka-Sikora (2019) to assess 10 separate safety climate dimensions. The results of the MANOVA multivariate analysis, Wilks’ multivariate F-tests and univariate F tests prove that there is a statistically significant difference between the respondents representing the three occupational groups collectively in terms of global assessment of all work safety climate dimensions, and also indicate significant differences between workers belonging to the three occupational groups in terms of their assessment of the individual dimensions of the work safety climate, except the organization’s occupational health and safety management policy as well as technical facilities and ergonomics, which may be due to the universality of the requirements set for organizations with regard to these two aspects of safe behavior. The differences observed in the assessment of the remaining work safety climate dimensions induces one to promote more differentiated and individualized activities, taking into account the work specificity and the nature of the threats occurring in the respective working environment of the representatives of the different occupations. The difference in assessment of the work safety climate found in the research encourages one to create practical programs for safety, not only in the procedural and technical dimension, but also in the social and psychological one.
Assessing mental health in a context of extreme poverty: Validation of the rosenberg self-esteem scale in rural Haiti
Authors: Roelen Keetie , Taylor Emily
Published: December 2020

A widening evidence base across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) points towards mutually reinforcing linkages between poverty and mental health problems. The use of validated and culturally relevant measures of mental health outcomes is crucial to the expansion of evidence. At present, there is a paucity of measures that have been tested and validated in contexts of extreme poverty. Using data from adult women living in extreme poverty in rural Haiti this study assesses the cross-cultural validity of the widely used Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and its applicability in assessing linkages between poverty and mental health outcomes. We find no evidence for a one-dimensional 10-factor structure of the RSES within our data and agree with other authors that the standard self-esteem model does not fit well in this cultural context. Comparisons with another widely used measure of mental health–the K6 measure–indicate that the RSES cannot be used as a proxy for mental health outcomes. We conclude that the use of the RSES in different cultural contexts and with samples with different socioeconomic characteristics should be undertaken with caution; and that greater consideration of the validity of psychosocial constructs and their measurement is vital for gaining robust and replicable insights into breaking the cycle between poverty and mental health problems.
The ratio of expansion to compression: A new measure of lifespan disparity
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Qiang
Published: December 2020

Numerous studies have shown that high life expectancy is closely related to low life disparity. Unlike life expectancy, which can be increased by mortality decline at any age, life disparity can either increase or decrease in response to mortality decline. Disparity can thus be decomposed into two opposite components, called compression and expansion, depending on the effect of mortality decline on the age distribution of mortality. Without specifying the two components, various conventional measures of disparity may provide misleading information relating to how life chances in society can be equalized. Based on the relevant properties of changes in disparity, we develop a new measure of disparity—the ratio of expansion to compression—that can account for the relative importance of the two components. This simple measure not only provides a clear view of the evolution of disparity, but also permits changes in disparity related to mortality decline to be interpreted in a consistent manner similar to life expectancy. Simulations and an empirical analysis demonstrated the advantages of this new measure over conventional measures of disparity.