bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory cortex hypoperfusion: a metabolic hallmark in Beta Thalassemia
Authors: Manara Renzo , Ponticorvo Sara , Perrotta Silverio , Barillari Maria Rosaria , Costa Giuseppe , Brotto Davide , Di Concilio Rosanna , Ciancio Angela , De Michele Elisa , Carafa Pasquale Alessandro , Canna Antonietta , Russo Andrea Gerardo , Troisi Donato , Caiazza Martina , Ammendola Federica , Roberti Domenico , Santoro Claudia , Picariello Stefania , Valentino Maria Sole , Inserra Emanuela , Carfora Roberta , Cirillo Mario , Raimo Simona , Santangelo Gabriella , di Salle Francesco , Esposito Fabrizio , Tartaglione Immacolata
Published: August 2021

Background

Sensorineural hearing loss in beta-thalassemia is common and it is generally associated with iron chelation therapy. However, data are scarce, especially on adult populations, and a possible involvement of the central auditory areas has not been investigated yet. We performed a multicenter cross-sectional audiological and single-center 3Tesla brain perfusion MRI study enrolling 77 transfusion-dependent/non transfusion-dependent adult patients and 56 healthy controls. Pure tone audiometry, demographics, clinical/laboratory and cognitive functioning data were recorded.

Results

Half of patients (52%) presented with high-frequency hearing deficit, with overt hypoacusia (Pure Tone Average (PTA) > 25 dB) in 35%, irrespective of iron chelation or clinical phenotype. Bilateral voxel clusters of significant relative hypoperfusion were found in the auditory cortex of beta-thalassemia patients, regardless of clinical phenotype. In controls and transfusion-dependent (but not in non-transfusion-dependent) patients, the relative auditory cortex perfusion values increased linearly with age (p < 0.04). Relative auditory cortex perfusion values showed a significant U-shaped correlation with PTA values among hearing loss patients, and a linear correlation with the full scale intelligence quotient (right side p = 0.01, left side p = 0.02) with its domain related to communication skills (right side p = 0.04, left side p = 0.07) in controls but not in beta-thalassemia patients. Audiometric test results did not correlate to cognitive test scores in any subgroup.

Conclusions

In conclusion, primary auditory cortex perfusion changes are a metabolic hallmark of adult beta-thalassemia, thus suggesting complex remodeling of the hearing function, that occurs regardless of chelation therapy and before clinically manifest hearing loss. The cognitive impact of perfusion changes is intriguing but requires further investigations.
Placing women in Cytogenetics: Lore Zech and the chromosome banding technique
Authors: Söhner Felicitas , Hansson Nils
Published: August 2021

Background

Scholars agree that Torbjörn Caspersson’s lab at the Institute of Medical Cell Research and Genetics at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, played a key role in the first description of the so-called Q-banding technique. It laid the foundation for a new era of cytogenetic diagnostics and had a lasting impact in several areas of biology and medicine.

Methods

Based on a mixed-method approach, essential aspects of the history of human cytogenetics are considered via primary and secondary analysis of biographical interviews as well as the qualitative evaluation of bibliometrics. Drawing on interviews with colleagues of lab member Lore Zech (1923–2013) and contemporary publications, this paper illuminates the role of and contribution by Zech: To what extent is the discovery attached to her and what does her legacy look like today?

Results

The analysis of the contemporary witness interviews with colleagues, students and junior researchers shows that Lore Zech was a committed member of Caspersson's research group. In addition, memoirs by contemporary colleagues describe her outstanding skills in microscopy. The different sources paint a multifaceted picture. In addition to the historians' patterns of interpretation, different legacies can also be found within the peer group.

Conclusions

We argue that Zech represent the type of scientist who, although her research was acknowledged with several prizes, so far has not been part of the canon of pioneers of international cytogenetics.
Personalized single-cell networks: a framework to predict the response of any gene to any drug for any patient
Authors: Harikumar Haripriya , Quinn Thomas P. , Rana Santu , Gupta Sunil , Venkatesh Svetha
Published: August 2021

Background

The last decade has seen a major increase in the availability of genomic data. This includes expert-curated databases that describe the biological activity of genes, as well as high-throughput assays that measure gene expression in bulk tissue and single cells. Integrating these heterogeneous data sources can generate new hypotheses about biological systems. Our primary objective is to combine population-level drug-response data with patient-level single-cell expression data to predict how any gene will respond to any drug for any patient.

Methods

We take 2 approaches to benchmarking a “dual-channel” random walk with restart (RWR) for data integration. First, we evaluate how well RWR can predict known gene functions from single-cell gene co-expression networks. Second, we evaluate how well RWR can predict known drug responses from individual cell networks. We then present two exploratory applications. In the first application, we combine the Gene Ontology database with glioblastoma single cells from 5 individual patients to identify genes whose functions differ between cancers. In the second application, we combine the LINCS drug-response database with the same glioblastoma data to identify genes that may exhibit patient-specific drug responses.

Conclusions

Our manuscript introduces two innovations to the integration of heterogeneous biological data. First, we use a “dual-channel” method to predict up-regulation and down-regulation separately. Second, we use individualized single-cell gene co-expression networks to make personalized predictions. These innovations let us predict gene function and drug response for individual patients. Taken together, our work shows promise that single-cell co-expression data could be combined in heterogeneous information networks to facilitate precision medicine.
Association of cerebrospinal fluid protein biomarkers with outcomes in patients with traumatic and non-traumatic acute brain injury: systematic review of the literature
Authors: Santacruz Carlos A. , Vincent Jean-Louis , Bader Andres , Rincón-Gutiérrez Luis A. , Dominguez-Curell Claudia , Communi David , Taccone Fabio S.
Published: August 2021

Background

Acute brain injuries are associated with high mortality rates and poor long-term functional outcomes. Measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in patients with acute brain injuries may help elucidate some of the pathophysiological pathways involved in the prognosis of these patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic search and descriptive review using the MEDLINE database and the PubMed interface from inception up to June 29, 2021, to retrieve observational studies in which the relationship between CSF concentrations of protein biomarkers and neurological outcomes was reported in patients with acute brain injury [traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, acute ischemic stroke, status epilepticus or post-cardiac arrest]. We classified the studies according to whether or not biomarker concentrations were associated with neurological outcomes. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale.

Results

Of the 39 studies that met our criteria, 30 reported that the biomarker concentration was associated with neurological outcome and 9 reported no association. In TBI, increased extracellular concentrations of biomarkers related to neuronal cytoskeletal disruption, apoptosis and inflammation were associated with the severity of acute brain injury, early mortality and worse long-term functional outcome. Reduced concentrations of protein biomarkers related to impaired redox function were associated with increased risk of neurological deficit. In non-traumatic acute brain injury, concentrations of CSF protein biomarkers related to dysregulated inflammation and apoptosis were associated with a greater risk of vasospasm and a larger volume of brain ischemia. There was a high risk of bias across the studies.

Conclusion

In patients with acute brain injury, altered CSF concentrations of protein biomarkers related to cytoskeletal damage, inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress may be predictive of worse neurological outcomes.
Genetic and phylogeographic evidence for Jewish Holocaust victims at the Sobibór death camp
Authors: Diepenbroek Marta , Amory Christina , Niederstätter Harald , Zimmermann Bettina , Szargut Maria , Zielińska Grażyna , Dür Arne , Teul Iwona , Mazurek Wojciech , Persak Krzysztof , Ossowski Andrzej , Parson Walther
Published: August 2021

Six million Jews were killed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II. Archaeological excavations in the area of the death camp in Sobibór, Poland, revealed ten sets of human skeletal remains presumptively assigned to Polish victims of the totalitarian regimes. However, their genetic analyses indicate that the remains are of Ashkenazi Jews murdered as part of the mass extermination of European Jews by the Nazi regime and not of otherwise hypothesised non-Jewish partisan combatants. In accordance with traditional Jewish rite, the remains were reburied in the presence of a Rabbi at the place of their discovery.
Lifestyle-dependent microglial plasticity: training the brain guardians
Authors: Augusto-Oliveira Marcus , Verkhratsky Alexei
Published: August 2021

Lifestyle is one of the most powerful instruments shaping mankind; the lifestyle includes many aspects of interactions with the environment, from nourishment and education to physical activity and quality of sleep. All these factors taken in complex affect neuroplasticity and define brain performance and cognitive longevity. In particular, physical exercise, exposure to enriched environment and dieting act through complex modifications of microglial cells, which change their phenotype and modulate their functional activity thus translating lifestyle events into remodelling of brain homoeostasis and reshaping neural networks ultimately enhancing neuroprotection and cognitive longevity.
Life cycle impact assessment of biofuels derived from sweet sorghum in the U.S.
Authors: Morrissey Karla G. , Thoma Greg , López Dora E.
Published: August 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental impact of the production of a range of liquid biofuels produced from the combination of fermenting sorghum stalk juice (bioethanol) and the pyrolysis/hydrotreatment of residual bagasse (renewable gasoline and diesel). Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) was performed on a farm-to-wheels system that included: (i) sorghum farming, (ii) juice extraction, (iii) juice fermenting, (iv) bagasse pretreatment, (v) bagasse thermochemical treatment (pyrolysis, hydroprocessing, and steam reforming), and (vi) typical passenger vehicle operation. LCIA results were compared to those of petroleum fuels providing the equivalent functional unit—cumulative kilometers driven by spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) vehicles utilizing either renewable gasoline or ‘bioE85—a blend of bioethanol and renewable gasoline,’ and a compression ignition direct injection (CIDI) vehicle utilizing renewable diesel produced from 76 tons of harvested sweet sorghum (1 ha).

Results

Sweet sorghum biofuels resulted in a 48% reduction climate change impact and a 52% reduction in fossil fuel depletion. Additionally, reduced impacts in ozone depletion and eutrophication were found (67% and 47%, respectively). Petroleum fuels had lower impacts for the categories of non-carcinogenic health impact, smog, respiratory effects, and ecotoxicity, showing tradeoffs between sorghum and petroleum fuels.

Conclusion

Overall, sorghum biofuels provide advantages in environmental impact categories including global warming potential, fossil fuel depletion and eutrophication, showing potential for sorghum as a promising second-generation feedstock for fuel.
Tailoring renewable materials via plant biotechnology
Authors: de Vries Lisanne , Guevara-Rozo Sydne , Cho MiJung , Liu Li-Yang , Renneckar Scott , Mansfield Shawn D.
Published: August 2021

Plants inherently display a rich diversity in cell wall chemistry, as they synthesize an array of polysaccharides along with lignin, a polyphenolic that can vary dramatically in subunit composition and interunit linkage complexity. These same cell wall chemical constituents play essential roles in our society, having been isolated by a variety of evolving industrial processes and employed in the production of an array of commodity products to which humans are reliant. However, these polymers are inherently synthesized and intricately packaged into complex structures that facilitate plant survival and adaptation to local biogeoclimatic regions and stresses, not for ease of deconstruction and commercial product development. Herein, we describe evolving techniques and strategies for altering the metabolic pathways related to plant cell wall biosynthesis, and highlight the resulting impact on chemistry, architecture, and polymer interactions. Furthermore, this review illustrates how these unique targeted cell wall modifications could significantly extend the number, diversity, and value of products generated in existing and emerging biorefineries. These modifications can further target the ability for processing of engineered wood into advanced high performance materials. In doing so, we attempt to illuminate the complex connection on how polymer chemistry and structure can be tailored to advance renewable material applications, using all the chemical constituents of plant-derived biopolymers, including pectins, hemicelluloses, cellulose, and lignins.
Long-term dynamics of trematode infections in common birds that use farmlands as their feeding habitats
Authors: Sitko Jiljí , Heneberg Petr
Published: August 2021

Background

The biodiversity of farmland habitats is witnessing unprecedented change, mostly in declines and simplification of assemblages that were established during centuries of the use of traditional agricultural techniques. In Central Europe, conspicuous changes are evident in populations of common farmland birds, in strong contrast to forest birds in the same region. However, there is a lack of information on longitudinal changes in trematodes that are associated with common farmland birds, despite the fact that diversity of trematodes is directly linked to the preservation of long-established food webs and habitat use adaptations of their hosts.

Methods

We analyzed the population trends of trematodes for the period 1963–2020 in six bird species that use Central European farmlands as their predominant feeding habitats. Namely, we examinedFalco tinnunculus,Vanellus vanellus, winter populations ofButeo buteo,Ciconia ciconia, extravilan population ofPica pica, andAsio otus, all originating from the Czech Republic.

Results

We observed dramatic population losses of all trematode species inC. ciconiaandV. vanellus; the changes were less prominent in the other examined hosts. Importantly, the declines in prevalence and intensity of infection affected all previously dominant species. These includedTylodelphys excavataandChaunocephalus feroxinC. ciconia,Lyperosomum petiolatuminP. pica,Strigea strigisinA. otus,Neodiplostomum attenuatumandStrigea falconisinB. buteo(χ2testP < 0.001 each), andEchinoparyphium agnatum andUvitellina adelphainV. vanellus(completely absent in 2011–2000). In contrast, the frequency and spectrum of isolated records of trematode species did not change to any large extent except those inV. vanellus.

Conclusions

The analysis of six unrelated common bird species that use farmlands as their feeding habitats revealed a previously unreported collapse of previously dominant trematode species. The previously dominant trematode species declined in terms of both prevalence and intensity of infection. The causes of the observed declines are unclear; of note is, however, that some of the broadly used agrochemicals, such as azole fungicides, are well known for their antihelminthic activity. Further research is needed to provide direct evidence for effects of field-realistic concentrations of azole fungicides on the survival and fitness of trematodes.

Graphical abstract
Spinning straw into gold: description of a disruptive rheumatology research platform inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Boekel L. , Hooijberg F. , Vogelzang E. H. , Klarenbeek P. L. , Bos W. H. , Tas S. W. , Wolbink G. J.
Published: August 2021

Clinical research projects often use traditional methods in which data collection and signing informed consent forms rely on patients’ visits to the research institutes. However, during challenging times when the medical community is in dire need of information, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes more urgent to use digital platforms that can rapidly collect data on large numbers of patients. In the current manuscript, we describe a novel digital rheumatology research platform, consisting of almost 5000 patients with autoimmune diseases and healthy controls, that was set up rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but which is sustainable for the future. Using this platform, uniform patient data can be collected via questionnaires and stored in a single database readily available for analysis. In addition, the platform facilitates two-way communication between patients and researchers, so patients become true research partners. Furthermore, blood collection via a finger prick for routine and specific laboratory measurements has been implemented in this large cohort of patients, which may not only be applicable for research settings but also for clinical care. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potential future applications of our platform, including supplying tailored information to selected patient groups and facilitation of patient recruitment for clinical trials.
Neuromyelitis optica and concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Saied Zakaria , Nabli Fatma , Rachdi Amine , Jeridi Cyrine , Douma Bissene , Belal Samir , Ben Sassi Samia
Published: August 2021

Background

Concomitant diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease and pulmonary tuberculosis has rarely been reported.

Case report

We report a case involving a young Tunisian male patient who developed dry cough followed, 2 months later, by weakness in the lower limbs. The findings of central nervous system imaging and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody positivity were compatible with the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease. Constellation of the clinical and the typical radiological pulmonary findings in our patient, coming from an endemic region, allowed the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, although sputum smear examination for acid-fast bacilli and cultures was negative. The patient received anti-tuberculous polytherapy associated with immunomodulation, consisting of methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulins. Pulmonary infection symptoms initially improved but with no motor recovery. The patient suddenly died at home 4 months after the onset of the first symptoms. Current data regarding the clinical presentation of this underreported concomitant or associated condition, the possible pathophysiological mechanisms, and the therapeutic options were reviewed.

Conclusions

This case underscores the necessity to understand the exact mechanism of these coincident entities and to clarify the best immunomodulatory choice since immunosuppression targeting neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease can lead to dissemination of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Elevated intracranial pressure requiring decompressive craniectomy in a child with progressive primary angiitis of the central nervous system: a case report
Authors: Al-Mansour Lama S. , AlRasheed Abdulrahman A. , AlEnezi Khaled R. , AlAli Hamza M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Elevated intracranial pressure is a potentially catastrophic complication of neurologic injury in children. Successful management of elevated intracranial pressure requires prompt recognition and therapy directed at both reducing intracranial pressure and reversing its underlying cause. A rare condition that causes elevated intracranial pressure is childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system, which is a rare inflammatory central nervous system disease that poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of angiography-positive progressive childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system requiring decompressive hemicraniectomy for refractory elevated intracranial pressure in children.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 5-year-old Saudi girl who presented to the pediatric emergency department with fever and new-onset status epilepticus. She had elevated inflammatory markers with radiological and histopathological evidence of angiography-positive progressive childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system, complicated by elevated intracranial pressure. Despite medical management for both childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system and elevated intracranial pressure, her neurological status continued to deteriorate and the elevated intracranial pressure became refractory. She developed right uncal, right subfalcine, and tonsillar herniation requiring decompressive hemicraniectomy with a favorable neurological outcome.

Conclusion

Decompressive craniectomy might be considered in cases of angiography-positive progressive childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system with elevated intracranial pressure refractory to medication. A multidisciplinary approach for the decision of decompressive craniectomy is advised to ensure patient safety and avoid possible morbidities and mortality.
Multiple effects health economic evaluation of the Ahead of The Game Study for mental health promotion in sporting club communities
Authors: Eckermann Simon , McCaffrey Nikki , Tonmukayakul Utsana , Swann Christian , Vella Stewart
Published: August 2021

Background

This study evaluates the Ahead Of The Game (AOTG) mental health promotion strategy for adolescent males relative to usual practice in team based sporting club community settings, allowing for joint incremental effects across 13 dimensions and 5 domains alongside intervention implementation costs.

Methods

Analysis is undertaken between matched communities with difference in differences analysis of joint multiple pre-post effect changes alongside implementation costs employing radar plots in cost-disutility space. A robust bootstrapping method allowed including all observed change in effect data from 343 AOTG and 273 control arm participants across 13 effect dimensions.

Results

Triangulation across joint evidence shows mean incremental effects favoured AOTG in all dimensions (10/13 significantly at 5% level) and in simple aggregation to each of five pre-specified 5 domains (each significant at < 1% level) and global measures (significant at 0.001% level), while mean AOTG implementation costs were conservatively estimated as $37.47 per participant.

Conclusion

The AOTG strategy was found to represent an effective mental health promotion strategy across all domains and globally with associated significant potential for downstream health system cost savings to offset against modest implementation costs. Evaluation methods extend conventional cost-effectiveness analysis to enable robust joint presentation and triangulation under uncertainty of multiple effect dimensions alongside costs.

Trial registration

ANZCTR, ACTRN12617000709347. Registered 17th May 2017.
Health professional’s job satisfaction and its determinants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Girma Bekahegn , Nigussie Jemberu , Molla Alemayehu , Mareg Moges
Published: August 2021

Background

Health professional’s job satisfaction is directly related to patient satisfaction and quality of care. Without satisfied health professionals the health system is not functional, and the national and global health related plans are not achieved. However, little is known on the level of health professional’s job satisfaction in sub Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. In addition, in Ethiopia there is no summarized evidence helped us an input to design strategies. Therefore, we aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of health professional’s job satisfaction and its determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

Articles were searched from PubMed, PsycINFO, Hinari, Science Direct, web of science and African journal of online (AJOL) databases, Google and Google scholar. A standardized Microsoft excel spread sheet and STATA software version 16 were used for data extraction and analysis respectively. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis to write this report. A random effect meta-analysis model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of job satisfaction. I2 was done to check heterogeneity. Egger’s test and funnel plot were conducted to detect publication bias. Subgroup analysis was also conducted. Association was expressed through pooled odd ratio with a 95% CI.

Result

In this review and meta-analysis, a total of 29 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of health professional’s job satisfaction was 46.17% [95% CI (43.08, 49.26)]. The heterogeneity and publication bias test results were I2 = 87.3%, P <  0.001 and Eggers’, P = 0.16. Female sex; OR: 2.20 [95% CI (1.63, 2.97)], working environment; OR: 9.50 [95% CI (6.25, 14.44)], opportunity for professional growth and development; OR: 5.53 [95% CI (1.56, 19.56)], staff relationship; OR: 3.89 [95% CI (1.65, 9.17)] and supportive supervision; OR: 5.32 [95% CI (1.77, 15.92)] were associated with health professional’s job satisfaction.

Conclusion

More than half of professionals were dissatisfied with their jobs. Therefore, the ministry of health and stakeholders better to design strategies to increase the level of satisfaction. Furthermore, it is better to strengthen staff relationship and making the working environment more attractive and equipped.
Racial/ethnic equity in substance use treatment research: the way forward
Authors: Burlew Kathleen , McCuistian Caravella , Szapocznik José
Published: August 2021

Background

Opioid use and opioid-related overdose continue to rise among racial/ethnic minorities. Social determinants of health negatively impact these communities, possibly resulting in poorer treatment outcomes. Research is needed to investigate how to overcome the disproportionate and deleterious impact of social determinants of health on treatment entry, retention, drug use and related outcomes among racial/ethnic minorities. The current commentary provides recommendations that may help researchers respond more effectively to reducing health disparities in substance use treatment.

We begin with recommendations of best research practices (e.g., ensuring adequate recruitment of racial/ethnic minorities in research, central components of valid analysis, and adequate methods for assessing effect sizes for racial/ethnic minorities). Then, we propose that more NIDA research focuses on issues disproportionately affecting racial/ethnic minorities. Next, techniques for increasing the number of underrepresented racial/ethnic treatment researchers are suggested. We then recommend methods for infusing racial/ethnic expertise onto funding decision panels. This commentary ends with a case study that features NIDA’s National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN).

Conclusions

The proposed recommendations can serve as guidelines for substance use research funders to promote research that has the potential to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in substance use treatment and to increase training opportunities for racial/ethnic minority researchers.
Estimates of genomic inbreeding and identification of candidate regions that differ between Chinese indigenous sheep breeds
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Shi Liangyu , Li Yang , Chen Liang , Garrick Dorian , Wang Lixian , Zhao Fuping
Published: August 2021

Background

A run of homozygosity (ROH) is a consecutive tract of homozygous genotypes in an individual that indicates it has inherited the same ancestral haplotype from both parents. Genomic inbreeding can be quantified based on ROH. Genomic regions enriched with ROH may be indicative of selection sweeps and are known as ROH islands. We carried out ROH analyses in five Chinese indigenous sheep breeds; Altay sheep (n = 50 individuals), Large-tailed Han sheep (n = 50), Hulun Buir sheep (n = 150), Short-tailed grassland sheep (n = 150), and Tibetan sheep (n = 50), using genotypes from an Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip.

Results

A total of 18,288 ROH were identified. The average number of ROH per individual across the five sheep breeds ranged from 39 (Hulun Buir sheep) to 78 (Large-tailed Han sheep) and the average length of ROH ranged from 0.929 Mb (Hulun Buir sheep) to 2.544 Mb (Large-tailed Han sheep). The effective population size (Ne) of Altay sheep, Large-tailed Han sheep, Hulun Buir sheep, Short-tailed grassland sheep and Tibetan sheep were estimated to be 81, 78, 253, 238 and 70 five generations ago. The highest ROH-based inbreeding estimate (FROH) was 0.0808 in Large-tailed Han sheep, whereas the lowestFROHwas 0.0148 in Hulun Buir sheep. Furthermore, the highest proportion of long ROH fragments (> 5 Mb) was observed in the Large-tailed Han sheep breed which indicated recent inbreeding. In total, 49 ROH islands (the top 0.1% of the SNPs most commonly observed in ROH) were identified in the five sheep breeds. Three ROH islands were common to all the five sheep breeds, and were located on OAR2: 12.2–12.3 Mb, OAR12: 78.4–79.1 Mb and OAR13: 53.0–53.6 Mb. Three breed-specific ROH islands were observed in Altay sheep (OAR15: 3.4–3.8 Mb), Large-tailed Han sheep (ORA17: 53.5–53.8 Mb) and Tibetan sheep (ORA5:19.8–20.2 Mb). Collectively, the ROH islands harbored 78 unique genes, including 19 genes that have been documented as having associations with tail types, adaptation, growth, body size, reproduction or immune response.

Conclusion

Different ROH patterns were observed in five Chinese indigenous sheep breeds, which reflected their different population histories. Large-tailed Han sheep had the highest genomic inbreeding coefficients and the highest proportion of long ROH fragments indicating recent inbreeding. Candidate genes in ROH islands could be used to illustrate the genetic characteristics of these five sheep breeds. Our findings contribute to the understanding of genetic diversity and population demography, and help design and implement breeding and conservation strategies for Chinese sheep.
In-situ visualization library for Yin-Yang grid simulations
Authors: Ohno Nobuaki , Kageyama Akira
Published: August 2021

The visualization of computer simulations is currently undergoing a transition from post-hoc to in-situ visualization in which visualization processes are applied, while the simulation is running. The selection of an appropriate method or tool is essential to efficiently perform in-situ visualization in parallelized large-scale computer simulations that run on supercomputers. Although some generic in-situ visualization libraries are available, they are overengineered for certain geophysical simulations. In this study, we focus on spherical simulations using the Yin-Yang grid. Computer simulations that use the Yin-Yang grid are gaining popularity in geophysics. We propose an in-situ visualization method dedicated to the Yin-Yang grid simulations and demonstrate its effectiveness through sample simulations.
Relationship between tectonism and desertification inferred from provenance and lithofacies changes in the Cenozoic terrestrial sequence of the southwestern Tarim Basin
Authors: Sakuma Aki , Tada Ryuji , Yoshida Tomohiro , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Sugiura Naomi , Karasuda Akinori , Wang Ke , Zheng Hongbo
Published: August 2021

The modern-day Tarim Basin is covered almost entirely by the Taklimakan sand desert and is one of the most arid regions in the world. Unraveling the aridification history of the desert is important for understanding global climate changes during the Cenozoic, yet the timing and mechanisms driving its formation remain controversial. One of the leading hypotheses is that the uplift of the Pamir, located to the west of the Tarim Basin, blocked the intrusion of moist air and induced the aridification in the Tarim Basin. In this study, we explore the linkage between the uplift of the Pamir and the desertification in the Tarim Basin from the late Eocene to the middle Miocene in the Aertashi section, which is located at the southwestern edge of the Tarim Basin and offers the longest sedimentary record with a reliable age model. Provenance changes in fluvial deposits along the Aertashi section were examined using electron spin resonance (ESR) signal intensity and crystallinity index (CI) of quartz in the sand fraction of fluvial sandstones and clast counting based on the identification of clast types by thin section observation to identify timings of tectonic events in the Pamir, from which clastic materials were supplied to the Aertashi section by rivers. Our results suggest that major provenance changes in the drainage of the paleo-Yarkand river delivering clasts to the Aertashi section occurred at ca. 27, 20, and 15 Ma. These timings are mostly consistent with those observed in previous provenance studies in the Aertashi section and probably reflect tectonic events in the Pamir. On the other hand, according to the previous studies, the first occurrence of sand dune deposits indicates that the Tarim Basin was relatively arid after ca. 34 Ma. Hence, our result does not support the hypothesis that the initial aridification in the Tarim Basin was triggered by the uplift of the Pamir and the resultant blocking of moisture supply from the Paratethys Sea, although the subsequent intensification of tectonic events at ca. 27 Ma in the Pamir might have caused aridification indicated by the initiation of loess deposition.
CFD simulations of gearboxes: implementation of a mesh clustering algorithm for efficient simulations of complex system’s architectures
Authors: Mastrone Marco Nicola , Concli Franco
Published: August 2021

In the last decade, computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools have become a determinant factor in the analysis of engineering problems. In fact, they bring a clear reduction of time in the design phase of a new product thanks to parametrical studies based on virtual prototypes. The application of such tools to gearboxes allowed engineers to study the efficiency and lubrication inside transmissions. However, the difficulties of handling the computational domain are still a concern for complex system configurations. For this reason, the authors maintain that it is fundamental to introduce time efficient algorithms that enable the effective study of any kind of gear, e.g., helical and bevel configurations. In this work, a new mesh handling strategy specifically suited for this kind of studies is presented. The methodology is based on the Global Remeshing Approach with Mesh Clustering (GRAMC) process that drastically reduces the simulation time by minimizing the effort for updating the grids. This procedure was tested on spur, helical, and bevel gears, thus demonstrating the flexibility of the approach. The comparison with experimentally measured power losses highlighted the good accuracy of the strategy. The algorithm was implemented in the opensource software OpenFOAM®.
Co-creation and prototyping of an intervention focusing on health literacy in management of malaria at community-level in Ghana
Authors: Boateng Millicent Addai , Agyei-Baffour Eter , Angel Sanne , Asare Ofeibea , Prempeh Benjamin , Enemark Ulrika
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Collaborating with end-users to develop interventions tailored to fit unique circumstances is proposed as a way to improve relevance and effectiveness of an intervention. This study used a local needs driven approach to develop a health literacy intervention for caregivers in Ghana concerning management of malaria in children under 5 years.

Method

For the period, November 2017–February 2019,we carried out the study using a three-phase framework including: 1) Needs assessment based on data from questionnaires, focus groups, individual interviews and observations, 2) Co-creation of a board game and brochures for health education at Child Welfare Clinics to address needs in health literacy concerning malaria and 3) Development of a prototype of the game, brochures as well as determining feasibility. In addition to the research team, health administrators, community health workers, designers and caregivers contributed to the development of the intervention.

Findings

The needs assessment contributed to the development of interactive and useful materials including a board game and brochures, to help bridge the gaps in health literacy among caregivers. Co-creation of the materials and prototyping yielded a varying sense of ownership among stakeholders. End-users’ engagement and participation in developing the intervention resulted in a high interest and adherence to interventions. However, high attrition rates of health workers and caregivers’ inconsistent use of the Child Welfare Clinics challenged sustainability of this intervention.

Conclusion

Co-creation led to an interactive intervention. The interactive nature of the board game and brochures resulted in a better caregiver-health provider relationship and a sense of recognition of a more participatory approach to health delivery. We recommend co-creation as an approach to develop needs-driven interventions in a context like Ghana. Still, a stronger buy-in at the top-level of health management would improve sustainability and reach a larger audience.
Face processing in police service: the relationship between laboratory-based assessment of face processing abilities and performance in a real-world identity matching task
Authors: Thielgen Markus M. , Schade Stefan , Bosé Carolin
Published: August 2021

In the present study, we investigated whether police officers’ performance in searching for unfamiliar faces in a video-based real-world task is predicted by laboratory-based face processing tests that are typically used to assess individual differences in face processing abilities. Specifically, perceptual performance in the field was operationalized via the identification of target individuals in self-made close-circuit television (CCTV) video tapes. Police officers’ abilities in the laboratory were measured by the Cambridge Face Memory Test long form (CFMT+). We hypothesized that the CFMT+ predicts individual differences in the CCTV task performance. A total ofN = 186 police officers of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Police participated in the study (i.e.,N = 139 novice and advanced cadets with either 3 months, 15 months or 24 months of pre-service experience;N = 47 experienced police officers with three years of pre-service experience and at least two years of full-service experience, who participated in the assessment center of the special police forces, specifically the surveillance and technical unit). Results revealed that the CFMT+ explained variance in the CCTV task. In sample 1, CFMT+ scores predicted hits, but not false alarms. In contrast, in sample 2, CFMT+ scores were correlated with both hits and false alarms. From a theoretical perspective, we discuss factors that might explain CCTV task performance. From a practical perspective, we recommend that personnel selection processes investigating individual differences of police officers’ face processing abilities should comprise of two steps. At first, laboratory-based tests of face processing abilities should be applied. Subsequently, to validate laboratory-based individual differences in face processing abilities, we recommend that work samples such as CCTV tasks from the field should be added.
Improved Gossypium raimondii genome using a Hi-C-based proximity-guided assembly
Authors: YANG Qiuhong , ZUO Dongyun , CHENG Hailiang , ZHANG Youping , WANG Qiaolian , JAVARIA Ashraf , FENG Xiaoxu , LI Simin , CHEN Xiaoqin , LIU Shang , SONG Guoli
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Genome sequence plays an important role in both basic and applied studies. Gossypium raimondii, the putative contributor of the D subgenome of upland cotton (G. hirsutum), highlights the need to improve the genome quality rapidly and efficiently.

Methods

We performed Hi-C sequencing of G. raimondii and reassembled its genome based on a set of new Hi-C data and previously published scaffolds. We also compared the reassembled genome sequence with the previously published G. raimondii genomes for gene and genome sequence collinearity.

Result

A total of 98.42% of scaffold sequences were clustered successfully, among which 99.72% of the clustered sequences were ordered and 99.92% of the ordered sequences were oriented with high-quality. Further evaluation of results by heat-map and collinearity analysis revealed that the current reassembled genome is significantly improved than the previous one (Nat Genet 44:98–1103, 2012).

Conclusion

This improvement in G. raimondii genome not only provides a better reference to increase study efficiency but also offers a new way to assemble cotton genomes. Furthermore, Hi-C data of G. raimondii may be used for 3D structure research or regulating analysis.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child and adolescent mental health services
Authors: Huang Hannah Chu-Han , Ougrin Dennis
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and government lockdown restrictions have had an impact on children and young people worldwide. In this editorial, we explore how and why referrals to UK children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) have changed during the pandemic and summarise the emerging data on the potential reasons behind this.
Assessment of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Infrastructure in Belize
Authors: Neibart Shane S. , Smith Tiffany A. , Fang Jennifer H. , Anderson Taylor , Kulkarni Abha , Tsui Jennifer , Hudson Shawna V. , Peck Gregory L. , Hanna Joseph S. , Beer Natalia Largaespada , Einstein Mark H.
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

Belize has one of the highest cervical cancer burdens among Latin American and Caribbean countries, despite the implementation of national policies to increase access to prevention and treatment services. This study evaluates the policies, infrastructure, and workforce of the cervical cancer management system in Belize to inform capacity building efforts.

METHODS

In 2018, health facility assessments were conducted across all six districts of Belize at the national pathology facility and 12 public facilities identified as critical to cervical cancer control. Human and infrastructure resource availability and existing policies related to cervical cancer screening and treatment services were assessed through a structured instrument.

RESULTS

The public cervical cancer screening workforce in Belize consists of 75 primary care nurses and physicians—one per 1,076 screening-eligible women, with 44% conducting rural outreach. All districts have at least one screening facility, but 50% perform screening services only once per week. Colposcopy and loop electrical excision procedures are available in three and four districts, respectively; radical hysterectomy and chemotherapy are available in two districts; and radiation therapy is unavailable. Of essential pathology equipment, 38.5% were present and functional, 23% were present but nonfunctional, and 38.5% were unavailable. Additionally, 35% of supplies were unavailable at the time of assessment, and 75% were unavailable at least once in the 12 months before assessment.

CONCLUSION

Public-sector cervical cancer management services differ among districts of Belize, with tertiary service availability concentrated in the largest district. Screening, outreach, and pathology are limited mostly by resource availability. This study characterizes the current capacity of services in Belize and pinpoints health system components for future investment and capacity-building efforts.
Virtual Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Alberta: Evidence From a Mixed Methods Evaluation and Key Learnings
Authors: Watson Linda , Qi Siwei , Delure Andrea , Link Claire , Photitai Eclair , Chmielewski Lindsi , Hildebrand April , Ruether Dean , Rawson Krista
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

This study reports on a mixed methods evaluation conducted within a provincial cancer program in Alberta, Canada. The purpose was to capture key learnings from a rapid virtual care implementation because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand the impact on patient and staff experiences.

METHODS

Administrative data were collected for 21,362 patients who had at least one virtual or in-person visit to any provincial cancer center from April 1, 2020, to June 10, 2020. Patient surveys were conducted with 397 randomly selected patients who had received a virtual visit. Surveys were also conducted with 396 Cancer Care Alberta staff.

RESULTS

14,906 virtual visits took place in this period, and about 40% of weekly visits were virtual. Significant differences were observed in both patient-reported symptom questionnaire completion rates and referrals to supportive care services between patients seen in-person and virtually. Patients receiving active treatments reported significantly lower levels of satisfaction with virtual visits than those seen for follow-up, but overall 90% of patients indicated interest in receiving virtual care in the future. Staff thought virtual visits increased patients' access to care but less than one third (31.5%) felt confident meeting patients' emotional needs and having conversations about disease progression and/or end of life virtually.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the rapid implementation of virtual visits for cancer care delivery in health care settings. The findings from this mixed methods evaluation provide a concrete set of considerations for organizations looking to develop a large-scale, enduring virtual care strategy.
Untersuchungen zum spätlatènezeitlichen Graben an der Bäumleingasse (1988/41)
Authors: Jud Peter , Schön Udo
Published: August 2021

Zusammen mit bereits früher aufgenommenen Profilen konnte der spätlatènezeitliche Graben im Bereich der Bäumleingasse über eine Länge von 120 m rekonstruiert werden. Er wurde in spätkeltischer Zeit zusammen mit dem Murus Gallicus auf dem Basler Münsterhügel angelegt. Die endgültige Verfüllung des Grabens fand im 13. Jahrhundert statt.
Die Ausdehnung der bronzezeitlichen Grabhügelnekropole im Britzigerwald
Authors: Richner Kaspar
Published: August 2021

Im Februar 1990 fällte ein Sturm Dutzende von Buchen im Britzigerwald, in unmittelbarer Nähe der beiden 1969 und 1971 untersuchten bronzezeitlichen Grabhügel. Die Wurzelscheiben und die aufgerissenen Baumgruben boten Gelegenheit, das Gelände weiträumig nach Kulturresten abzusuchen.

In über 100 Baumgruben, die in der Regel durch Humus und Verwitterungsschutt bis auf den anstehenden Trigonodus-Dolomit hinunterreichten, konnten weder Spuren von Bestattungen noch die geringsten Kulturreste gefunden werden.
Neue Befunde zur antiken Zufahrtsstrasse auf den Basler Münsterhügel
Authors: Helmig Guido , Schön Udo , Brombacher Christoph , Burkhardt Andreas , Schärli Beatrice , Warburton Rahel C. , Weder Marcus
Published: August 2021

In der äusseren Rittergasse , unmittelbar südöstlich der Einmündung der Bäumleingasse, konnte während verschiedener Grabungskampagnen der Aufbau der antiken Zufahrtsstrasse zum Münsterhügel untersucht werden . Die Ergebnisse werden im Artikel vorgelegt.