bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging of anorectal malformations: where are we now? Abdominal imaging task force of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology
Authors: Stafrace Samuel , Lobo Luisa , Augdal Thomas A. , Avni Fred Efraim , Bruno Costanza , Damasio Maria Beatrice , Darge Kassa , Franchi-Abella Stéphanie , Herrmann Jochen , Ibe Donald , Kljucevsek Damjana , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Napolitano Marcello , Ntoulia Aikaterini , Ording-Müller Lil-Sofie , Perucca Giulia , Petit Philippe , Smets Anne M. , Toso Seema , Woźniak Magdalena Maria , Riccabona Michael
Published: June 2022

Anorectal and cloacal malformations are a broad mix of congenital abnormalities related to the distal rectum and anus. Confusion exists between all the forms in this large and heterogeneous group. The spectrum includes everything from anal stenosis, ventral anus, anal atresia (with and without fistula) and the full spectrum of cloacal malformations. Imaging in these conditions is done through the whole armamentarium of radiologic modalities, with very different imaging strategies seen across the centres where these conditions are managed. In 2017, the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) abdominal imaging task force issued recommendations on the imaging algorithm and standards for imaging anorectal malformations. This was followed by further letters and clarifications together with an active multispecialty session on the different imaging modalities for anorectal malformations at the 2018 ESPR meeting in Berlin. Through this paper, the abdominal task force updates its guidelines and recommended imaging algorithm for anorectal malformations.
Dose-dependent seizure control with MEK inhibitor therapy for progressive glioma in a child with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Cantor Evan , Meyer Ashley , Morris Stephanie M. , Weisenberg Judith L. Z. , Brossier Nicole M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) occurring in children can result in many different neurologic complications, including seizures. MEK inhibitors are increasingly being used to treat LGG, but their effect on associated neurologic symptoms has not been established.

Results

Here, we report a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), medically refractory epilepsy (MRE), and an extensive optic pathway glioma (OPG) who developed dose-dependent seizure control while being treated with selumetinib. Seizure frequency rebounded after dose reduction for cardiac toxicity, then improved, and finally ceased after restarting full dosing, allowing confidence in the cause of improvement.

Conclusion

Selumetinib may have promise in epilepsy management in other children with NF1 or LGG.
Robotic versus laparoscopic left colectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Solaini Leonardo , Bocchino Antonio , Avanzolini Andrea , Annunziata Domenico , Cavaliere Davide , Ercolani Giorgio
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to review the new evidence to understand whether the robotic approach could find some clear indication also in left colectomy.

Methods

A systematic review of studies published from 2004 to 2022 in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases and comparing laparoscopic (LLC) and robotic left colectomy (RLC) was performed. All comparative studies evaluating robotic left colectomy (RLC) versus laparoscopic (LLC) left colectomy with at least 20 patients in the robotic arm were included. Abstract, editorials, and reviews were excluded. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for cohort studies was used to assess the methodological quality. The random-effect model was used to calculate pooled effect estimates.

Results

Among the 139 articles identified, 11 were eligible, with a total of 52,589 patients (RLC, n = 13,506 versus LLC, n = 39,083). The rate of conversion to open surgery was lower for robotic procedures (RR 0.5, 0.5–0.6; p < 0.001). Operative time was longer for the robotic procedures in the pooled analysis (WMD 39.1, 17.3–60.9, p = 0.002). Overall complications (RR 0.9, 0.8–0.9, p < 0.001), anastomotic leaks (RR 0.7, 0.7–0.8; p < 0.001), and superficial wound infection (RR 3.1, 2.8–3.4; p < 0.001) were less common after RLC. There were no significant differences in mortality (RR 1.1; 0.8–1.6, p = 0.124). There were no differences between RLC and LLC with regards to postoperative variables in the subgroup analysis on malignancies.

Conclusions

Robotic left colectomy requires less conversion to open surgery than the standard laparoscopic approach. Postoperative morbidity rates seemed to be lower during RLC, but this was not confirmed in the procedures performed for malignancies.
Breast cancer incidence and survival in Scotland by socio-economic deprivation and tumour subtype
Authors: Mesa-Eguiagaray Ines , Wild Sarah H. , Bird Sheila M. , Williams Linda J. , Brewster David H. , Hall Peter S. , Figueroa Jonine D.
Published: June 2022

Background

Women from socio-economically deprived areas are less likely to develop and then to survive breast cancer (BC). Whether associations between deprivation and BC incidence and survival differ by tumour molecular subtypes and mode of detection in Scotland are unknown.

Methods

Data consisted of 62,378 women diagnosed with invasive BC between 2000 and 2016 in Scotland. Incidence rates and time trends were calculated for oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) and negative (ER−) tumours and stratified by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintiles and screening status. SIMD is an area-based measure derived across seven domains: income, employment, education, health, access to services, crime and housing. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR [95% confidence intervals]) for BC death by immunohistochemical surrogates of molecular subtypes for the most versus the least deprived quintile. We adjusted for mode of detection and other confounders.

Results

In Scotland, screen-detected ER+tumour incidence increased over time, particularly in the least deprived quintile [Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) = 2.9% with 95% CI from 1.2 to 4.7]. No marked differences were observed for non-screen-detected ER+tumours or ER− tumours by deprivation. BC mortality was higher in the most compared to the least deprived quintile irrespective of ER status (aHR = 1.29 [1.18, 1.41] for ER+ and 1.27 [1.09, 1.47] for ER− tumours). However, deprivation was associated with significantly higher mortality for luminal A and HER2−enriched tumours (aHR = 1.46 [1.13, 1.88] and 2.10 [1.23, 3.59] respectively) but weaker associations for luminal B and TNBC tumours that were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Deprivation is associated with differential BC incidence trends for screen-detected ER+tumours and with higher mortality for select tumour subtypes. Future efforts should evaluate factors that might be associated with reduced survival in deprived populations and monitor progress stratified by tumour subtypes and mode of detection.
Future droughts in northern Italy: high-resolution projections using EURO-CORDEX and MED-CORDEX ensembles
Authors: Baronetti Alice , Dubreuil Vincent , Provenzale Antonello , Fratianni Simona
Published: June 2022

We analyse the expected characteristics of drought events in northern Italy for baseline (1971–2000), near (2021–2050), and far (2071–2100) future conditions, estimating the drought spatial extent and duration, the percentage of affected area, and the frequency of drought episodes. To this end, daily ensembles of precipitation and temperature records from Global Climate Models (GCMs) and Regional Climate Models (RCMs) pairs, extracted from EURO-CORDEX and MED-CORDEX for the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, are collected at spatial resolution of 0.11 degrees. Before the analysis, model outputs are validated on daily weather station time series, and scaling factors for possible use in bias correction are identified. Annual temperature and precipitation anomalies for near and far future conditions are investigated; drought events are identified by the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index and standardized precipitation index at the 12-, 24-, and 36-month timescales. This study highlights the importance of using multiple drought indicators in the detection of drought events, since the comparison reveals that evapotranspiration anomaly is the main triggering factor. For both scenarios, the results indicate an intensification of droughts in northern Italy for the period 2071–2100, with the Alpine chain being especially affected by an increase of drought severity. A North-to-South spatial gradient of drought duration is also observed.
Current status of pineapple breeding, industrial development, and genetics in China
Authors: Li Dongling , Jing Minmin , Dai Xiaohong , Chen Zhihui , Ma Chaoming , Chen Jingjing
Published: June 2022

Pineapple is the most important economic plant in the family Bromeliaceae and the third-most economically important tropical fruit in the world. It has become an important tropical fruit in Guangdong, Hainan, and Guangxi, which are suitable areas for its cultivation. However, modern and well-organized breeding systems have not yet been established for pineapple. In this review, we describe the current status of the geographical distribution, industrial development, and breeding of pineapple in China. The current status of pineapple breeding is introduced, including traditional breeding methods, such as crossbreeding, mutagenesis breeding, and biotechnology breeding, combining cell engineering and gene engineering. In addition, the research progress on assisted breeding technology based on genetic map construction and molecular marker development is presented. New challenges and perspectives for obtaining high fruit quality are discussed in the context of breeding programs for pineapple.
Beyond patient-sharing: Comparing physician- and patient-induced networks
Authors: Kesternich Eva , Rank Olaf
Published: June 2022

The sharing of patients reflects collaborative relationships between various healthcare providers. Patient-sharing in the outpatient sector is influenced by both physicians’ activities and patients’ preferences. Consequently, a patient-sharing network arises from two distinct mechanisms: the initiative of the physicians on the one hand, and that of the patients on the other. We draw upon medical claims data to study the structure of one patient-sharing network by differentiating between these two mechanisms. Owing to the institutional requirements of certain healthcare systems rather following the Bismarck model, we explore different triadic patterns between general practitioners and medical specialists by applying exponential random graph models. Our findings imply deviation from institutional expectations and reveal structural realities visible in both networks.
Civic Education, Teaching Quality and Students’ Willingness to Participate in Political and Civic Life: Political Interest and Knowledge as Mediators
Authors: Alscher Pascal , Ludewig Ulrich , McElvany Nele
Published: June 2022

Civic education is generally assumed to play a key role in youth’s political sophistication. It aims to equip young people with the necessary competencies and skills to effectively participate in political and civic life. However, few studies have examined the relative importance of different facets of teaching quality within civic education as well as mediating factors for fostering active citizens. The present study seeks to fill this gap by investigating how different facets of teaching quality are associated with adolescents’ willingness to participate in political and civic life and how this relationship is mediated by political knowledge and interest. The study uses original data fromN = 250 students (n = 152 7th graders:Mage = 12.54,SD = 0.91, range = 11–14, 45% female;n = 98 10th graders:Mage = 16.12,SD = 0.97, range = 15–18, 35% female). The findings show that not all teaching quality facets are equally important. While perceived cognitive activation and open classroom climate were positively associated with students’ willingness to participate, a statistically significant association with discussions of current political events in the classroom was not found. In addition, the relationship between perceived cognitive activation and willingness to participate is fully mediated by students’ political knowledge and interest. This study illustrates the relative importance of different teaching quality facets in civic education and calls for continued efforts to better understand teaching quality in civic education.
Phosphorus resorption and tissue longevity of roots and leaves – importance for phosphorus use efficiency and ecosystem phosphorus cycles
Authors: Veneklaas Erik J.
Published: June 2022

Plants recycle substantial amounts of phosphorus (P) from senescing tissues, reducing the need to take up P from soils. This paper reviews P recycling in plants, factors that determine its quantitative importance, and evidence that species from low-P ecosystems possess traits that enhance P recycling. It focuses on roots and leaves where most P turnover occurs. Knowledge of root traits and dynamics lags far behind that of leaves, but P concentrations, lifespans, resorption percentages and biomass allocation of roots are all comparable to those of leaves. Relationships among traits that influence P recycling appear more complex in roots than in leaves. Long root lifespans may not be adaptive in soils with very low P availability. At the plant level, the quantitative importance of P resorption to support P requirements decreases with net growth rate and with tissue longevity. Leaf lifespans are negatively correlated with growth rates and resource availability, but root lifespans may not be, indicating that further research into root dynamics and P resorption is essential to understand the role of roots in both P conservation and P acquisition.
Comprehensive Regulation of Water Services. Why Quality of Service and Economic Costs Cannot be Considered Separately
Authors: Cabrera Enrique , Estruch-Juan Elvira , Gómez Elena , del Teso Roberto
Published: June 2022

Regulation in the water sector emerged as a formula to protect customers from the natural monopoly that conforms water and wastewater services. As there is little information about regulatory practices in the sector around the world, information has been collected though a survey sent to water regulators. The results of the survey provided enough information to understand how the different utilities’ behaviours are regulated and the methodologies used. Among all the behaviours to be regulated, economic and quality of service regulation emerge as key aspects from a technical point of view. The first one supervises utilities’ costs and tariffs while the second, the standards the service is provided. However, it has been detected that these aspects are regulated separately and the quality of service does not have an impact on economic regulation. This work quantifies the impact that the quality of services has on costs and the consequences derived from not considering it in the economic regulation. In addition, this study also lists all the different aspect of the quality of service with an impact on costs.
Subclinical cognitive deficits are associated with reduced cerebrovascular response to visual stimulation in mid-sixties men
Authors: Vestergaard Mark Bitsch , Lindberg Ulrich , Knudsen Maria Højberg , Urdanibia-Centelles Olalla , Bakhtiari Aftab , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Osler Merete , Fagerlund Birgitte , Benedek Krisztina , Lauritzen Martin , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg
Published: June 2022

Reduced cerebrovascular response to neuronal activation is observed in patients with neurodegenerative disease. In the present study, we examined the correlation between reduced cerebrovascular response to visual activation (ΔCBFVis.Act) and subclinical cognitive deficits in a human population of mid-sixties individuals without neurodegenerative disease. Such a correlation would suggest that impaired cerebrovascular function occurs before overt neurodegenerative disease. A total of 187 subjects (age 64–67 years) of the Metropolit Danish Male Birth Cohort participated in the study. ΔCBFVis.Act was measured using arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI. ΔCBFVis.Act correlated positively with cognitive performance in: Global cognition (p = 0.046), paired associative memory (p = 0.025), spatial recognition (p = 0.026), planning (p = 0.016), simple processing speed (p < 0.01), and with highly significant correlations with current intelligence (p < 10−5), and more complex processing speed (p < 10−3), the latter two explaining approximately 11–13% of the variance. Reduced ΔCBFVis.Act was independent of brain atrophy. Our findings suggest that inhibited cerebrovascular response to neuronal activation is an early deficit in the ageing brain and associated with subclinical cognitive deficits. Cerebrovascular dysfunction could be an early sign of a trajectory pointing towards the development of neurodegenerative disease. Future efforts should elucidate if maintenance of a healthy cerebrovascular function can protect against the development of dementia.
The humoral immune response more than one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection: low detection rate of anti-nucleocapsid antibodies via Euroimmun ELISA
Authors: Paul Gregor , Strnad Philipp , Wienand Oliver , Krause Ursula , Plecko Thomas , Effenberger-Klein Anja , Giel Katrin Elisabeth , Junne Florian , Galante-Gottschalk Annette , Ehehalt Stefan , Jürgensen Jan Steffen
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Antibody assays against SARS-CoV-2 are used in sero-epidemiological studies to estimate the proportion of a population with past infection. IgG antibodies against the spike protein (S-IgG) allow no distinction between infection and vaccination. We evaluated the role of anti-nucleocapsid-IgG (N-IgG) to identify individuals with infection more than one year past infection.

Methods

S- and N-IgG were determined using the Euroimmun enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in two groups: a randomly selected sample from the population of Stuttgart, Germany, and individuals with PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants were five years or older. Demographics and comorbidities were registered from participants above 17 years.

Results

Between June 15, 2021 and July 14, 2021, 454 individuals from the random sample participated, as well as 217 individuals with past SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mean time from positive PCR test result to antibody testing was 458.7 days (standard deviation 14.6 days) in the past infection group. In unvaccinated individuals, the seroconversion rate for S-IgG was 25.5% in the random sample and 75% in the past infection group (P = < 0.001). In vaccinated individuals, the mean signal ratios for S-IgG were higher in individuals with prior infection (6.9 vs 11.2; P = < 0.001). N-IgG were only detectable in 17.1% of participants with past infection. Predictors for detectable N-IgG were older age, male sex, fever, wheezing and in-hospital treatment for COVID-19 and cardiovascular comorbidities.

Conclusion

N-IgG is not a reliable marker for SARS-CoV-2 infection after more than one year. In future, other diagnostic tests are needed to identify individuals with past natural infection.
Online dilemma discussions as a method of enhancing moral reasoning among health and social care graduate students
Authors: Juujärvi Soile , Myyry Liisa
Published: June 2022

Dilemma discussions have been proven to be one of the most effective methods to enhance students’ moral reasoning in ethics education. Dilemma discussions are increasingly arranged online, but research on the topic has remained sparse, especially in the context of continuing professional education. The aim of the present paper was to develop a method of dilemma discussions for professional ethics. The method was based on asynchronous discussions in small groups. Health and social care students raised work-related dilemmas from their experiences and discussed them in terms of professional values, ethical guidelines and theories. Participants in this quasi-experimental study were 87 first-term graduate students at a Finnish university of applied sciences. Health and social care students in two consecutive ethics courses constituted two experiment groups, whereas health and social care students and business students in other programmes served as control groups. Students filled in a Defining Issues Test (DIT2) at the beginning of their studies and three months apart. Statically significant increase in moral reasoning was evidenced for experiment group 2, when discussion groups were purportedly composed to maximise differences in initial levels of moral reasoning. Findings suggest that online dilemma discussions can advance students’ moral reasoning development, especially when students’ exposure to higher-level arguments is ensured through complementary means, such as instructions, examples and plenary discussions. Online real-life dilemma discussions may also serve other important goals of ethics education, especially acquiring ethical concepts, and they can promote other components of ethical decision making: ethical sensitivity and motivation, and acquisition of implementation skills.
Update männliche Harnröhrenrekonstruktion
Authors: Pohl Klara Konstanze , Ahyai Sascha
Published: June 2022

Die Harnröhrenstriktur des Mannes ist eine pathologische Verengung der anterioren Harnröhre und ein häufiges urologisches Krankheitsbild. Sie ist in der westlichen Welt meist iatrogen oder idiopathisch bedingt. Betroffene Patienten geben in der Regel eine bedeutende Einschränkung der Lebensqualität an, welche mittels validierter Fragebögen prä- und postoperativ erhoben werden möchte. Die chirurgische Therapie wird abhängig von Ätiologie, Strikturlokalisation, -länge und -beschaffenheit, Voroperationen sowie individuellen Patientenwünschen gewählt. Die Therapiemöglichkeiten sind vielseitig, teils komplex und sollten allesamt von den behandelnden plastisch-rekonstruktiven ChirurgInnen beherrscht und an spezialisierten Zentren durchgeführt werden. Zu den endourologischen Therapiemöglichkeiten gehören die Harnröhrenbougierung und die Sichturethrotomie. Diese kommen grundsätzlich für einzelne, kurzstreckige primäre bulbäre Harnröhrenstrikturen oder segelförmige Strikturen ohne Spongiofibrose in Frage. Langstreckige, multilokuläre, komplexe, rezidivierende oder penile Harnröhrenstrikturen sollten bei gegebenem gutem Allgemeinzustand des Patienten einer offenen Harnröhrenrekonstruktion unterzogen werden. Zu den offen-chirurgischen Therapien gehören die End-zu-End-Anastomose, die Substitutionsharnröhrenplastik mit einem (Mundschleimhaut‑)Gewebstransplantat und die Rekonstruktion mittels Spalthauttransplantation (Meshgraft) oder als gestielte Lappenplastik. Eine perineale Urethrostomie (Boutonniere) ist eine Alternative für Patienten mit komplexen, vorwiegend penilen Harnröhrenstrikturen und insbesondere für Patienten geeignet, die sich keiner (weiteren) offenen Harnröhrenrekonstruktion unterziehen möchten oder können.
p-Arsanilic acid decontamination over a wide pH range using biochar-supported manganese ferrite material as an effective persulfate catalyst: Performances and mechanisms
Authors: Yao Bin , Chen Xia , Zhou Kun , Luo Zirui , Li Peipei , Yang Zihui , Zhou Yaoyu
Published: June 2022

Direct chemical oxidation and pure adsorption could not effectively remove p-Arsanilic acid (p-ASA) and the released inorganic arsenic. Herein, one novel biochar supported MnFe2O4 (MFB) was synthesized and adopted for p-ASA degradation and synchronous adsorption of the generated inorganic arsenic. The MFB/persulfate (PS) system could remain effective under a wide pH range (3.0–9.0), and the released arsenic could be removed simultaneously by MFB. Mechanism investigation revealed that the functional groups of MFB (i.e. O–C=O and C=O), Fe and Mn oxides on MFB all contributed to PS activation. O2·− and 1O2 were the main reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for p-ASA degradation, and 1O2 was the predominant ROS. Besides, the MFB  possessed superior reusability. Therefore, it is expected to develop a potential method for organic arsenic contaminants removal via an oxidation-adsorption process, and the results could also shed light on the better understanding of the PS activation mechanisms.

Graphical Abstract
Review of technical achievements in PAL-XFEL
Authors: Kim Changbum , Park Sung-Ju , Min Chang-Ki , Hu Jinyul , Kim Sang-Hee , Joo Youngdo , Heo Hoon , Kim Dong-Eon , Lee Sojeong , Kang Heung-Sik , Ko In Soo , Chae Moonsik , Lee Jaehyun
Published: June 2022

The X-ray Free Electron Laser of Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL-XFEL) was opened for the user in 2017. PAL-XFEL was the third XFEL facility in the world and well known for the small timing jitter of FEL radiation. This success was possible because of the significant achievements in the accelerator technology in PAL-XFEL. They are not limited to a small part of the accelerator but cover from the injector for the electron beam generation to the undulator line for FEL radiation. In this review, we describe the details of newly developed devices that contributed to the successful construction of PAL-XFEL.
Bacterial-fungal interactions under agricultural settings: from physical to chemical interactions
Authors: Zhou Yaqi , Wang Hongkai , Xu Sunde , Liu Kai , Qi Hao , Wang Mengcen , Chen Xiaoyulong , Berg Gabriele , Ma Zhonghua , Cernava Tomislav , Chen Yun
Published: June 2022

Bacteria and fungi are dominant members of environmental microbiomes. Various bacterial-fungal interactions (BFIs) and their mutual regulation are important factors for ecosystem functioning and health. Such interactions can be highly dynamic, and often require spatiotemporally resolved assessments to understand the interplay which ranges from antagonism to mutualism. Many of these interactions are still poorly understood, especially in terms of the underlying chemical and molecular interplay, which is crucial for inter-kingdom communication and interference. BFIs are highly relevant under agricultural settings; they can be determinative for crop health. Advancing our knowledge related to mechanisms underpinning the interactions between bacteria and fungi will provide an extended basis for biological control of pests and pathogens in agriculture. Moreover, it will facilitate a better understanding of complex microbial community networks that commonly occur in nature. This will allow us to determine factors that are crucial for community assembly under different environmental conditions and pave the way for constructing synthetic communities for various biotechnological applications. Here, we summarize the current advances in the field of BFIs with an emphasis on agriculture.
Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in COVID 19 Pandemic
Authors: Alrowaili Lubna , Balcazar Alvaro , Al Shammeri Owayed
Published: June 2022

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are pathological dilatations of the abdominal aorta that occur because of unknown causes and are associated with cardiovascular risk factors excluding diabetes. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms are catastrophic events with high mortality and morbidity. This case report describes successful management of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with endovascular aortic repair through the bell-button technique, with a short hospital course.
Behaviour support for people with acquired brain injury within the National Disability Insurance Scheme: an Australian survey of the provider market
Authors: Bould Em , Sloan Sue , Callaway Libby
Published: June 2022

Background and objectives:

People with acquired brain injury (ABI) may experience behaviours of concern that require therapy services, including behaviour support. In Australia, the implementation of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and development of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, has led to significant changes to behaviour support workforce processes, and the way behaviour support is funded, regulated and delivered to people with ABI who are Scheme participants. The aim of this study was to explore the current and future provider market of professionals providing behaviour supports to Scheme participants who experience ABI.

Method:

An anonymous survey was designed and distributed via social media channels, an email listserv and professional association newsletters to professionals working within the NDIS in Australia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Results:

One hundred and two surveys responses were analysed. A majority of professionals had an average understanding of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission rules and policies on behaviour support. Responses to current and future registration as an NDIS Practitioner indicated the workforce gap could increase by between 17 and 26%. Respondents also raised concerns about the lack of training and experience of allied health professional students and graduates in addressing behaviours of concern. Responses to the open-ended question highlighted additional issues in the provision of behaviour support within the NDIS.

Conclusions:

This research highlighted the need for an NDIS behaviour support workforce strategy and supply-side market intervention to ensure a viable and sustainable workforce for people with ABI who need behaviour support.
Diferenciación social y condiciones de vida en el Cercado Grande de los Santuarios (2350-450 aP), un centro político y ritual en el Altiplano Cundiboyacense, Colombia
Authors: Sánchez Hastamorir Marlon A. , Argüello García Pedro M. , Rojas-Sepúlveda Claudia M.
Published: June 2022

Este artículo explora las manifestaciones arqueológicas del poder y de la diferenciación social en las sociedades muiscas que habitaron el norte del Altiplano Cundiboyacense, centro de Colombia, y que fueron descritas por los españoles del siglo dieciséis como grupos profundamente jerárquicos e inequitativos. Se analiza aquí la relación entre la diferenciación social y las condiciones de vida de las personas sepultadas en el Cercado Grande de los Santuarios, un importante centro político y ritual prehispánico, y se aborda a través de indicadores de diferenciación social. Estos últimos se expresan en el ajuar (presencia o ausencia de vasijas, composición), en la modificación craneal artificial, y mediante indicadores óseos y dentales de estrés fisiológico (hiperostosis porótica, cribra orbitalia, hipoplasia del esmalte dental, reacción perióstica) y de actividad física (cambios entesiales y enfermedad articular degenerativa). Los resultados permiten sugerir que la población no exhibía diferencias importantes en sus condiciones de vida. De acuerdo con los indicadores analizados, si existió diferenciación social, esta no estuvo acompañada de una distinción en las tareas propias de la vida cotidiana que conllevara una separación del grupo dominante.
Black Lives, White Kids: White Parenting Practices Following Black-Led Protests
Authors: Anoll Allison P. , Engelhardt Andrew M. , Israel-Trummel Mackenzie
Published: June 2022

Summer 2020 saw widespread protests under the banner Black Lives Matter. Coupled with the global pandemic that kept America’s children in the predominant care of their parents, we argue that the latter half of 2020 offers a unique moment to consider whites’ race-focused parenting practices. We use Google Trends data and posts on public parenting Facebook pages to show that the remarkable levels of protest activity in summer 2020 served as a focusing event that not only directed Americans’ attention to racial concepts but connected those concepts to parenting. Using a national survey of non-Hispanic white parents with white school-age children, we show that most white parents spoke with their children about race during this period and nearly three-quarters took actions to increase racial diversity in their children’s environment or introduce them to racial politics. But the data also show parenting practices to be rife with uncertainty and deep partisan, gender, and socioeconomic divisions. Drawing upon our findings, we call for a renewed focus on political socialization that considers how parenting choices areshaped bypolitical events—including Black Lives Matter—and the possible long-term consequences of racial parenting practices on politics.
Diurnal and Seasonal Characteristics of the Longitudinal Variations of Electron Densities in the Topside Ionosphere at Middle Latitudes
Authors: Su Fanfan , Wang Wenbin
Published: June 2022

The ionosphere experiences strong diurnal and seasonal changes. The longitudinal variations of electron density (Ne) in the ionosphere at the middle latitudes also show strong diurnal and seasonal changes. In this paper, we use in situ Ne measurements from the DEMETER satellite and electron density profiles retrieved from the COSMIC data to study the local time (LT) and seasonal dependence of the longitudinal variations of topside Ne at middle latitudes during 2007–2009. With regard to the diurnal trend, the reversal phase of longitudinal peaks/valleys of topside Ne with a 12 hr interval occurred in less than half of the cases, and there were less cases with eastward phase shift of the longitudinal variations of topside Ne with LT in winter than those in other seasons. The seasonal trends of transition longitudes of topside Ne might be westward from winter to summer and eastward from summer to winter in the daytime and in the opposite direction at night in both hemispheres in some cases and sometimes they were located within 20° of longitude at 52°N in other cases. The longitudinal peaks/valleys of hmF2 and/or NmF2 and the longitudinal peaks/valleys of topside Ne were within 30° of longitude in most cases at all local times, in all seasons, and in both hemispheres. Exceptions to this were independent of season or LT.
Transport of intensity diffraction tomography with non-interferometric synthetic aperture for three-dimensional label-free microscopy
Authors: Li Jiaji , Zhou Ning , Sun Jiasong , Zhou Shun , Bai Zhidong , Lu Linpeng , Chen Qian , Zuo Chao
Published: June 2022

We present a new label-free three-dimensional (3D) microscopy technique, termed transport of intensity diffraction tomography with non-interferometric synthetic aperture (TIDT-NSA). Without resorting to interferometric detection, TIDT-NSA retrieves the 3D refractive index (RI) distribution of biological specimens from 3D intensity-only measurements at various illumination angles, allowing incoherent-diffraction-limited quantitative 3D phase-contrast imaging. The unique combination of z-scanning the sample with illumination angle diversity in TIDT-NSA provides strong defocus phase contrast and better optical sectioning capabilities suitable for high-resolution tomography of thick biological samples. Based on an off-the-shelf bright-field microscope with a programmable light-emitting-diode (LED) illumination source, TIDT-NSA achieves an imaging resolution of 206 nm laterally and 520 nm axially with a high-NA oil immersion objective. We validate the 3D RI tomographic imaging performance on various unlabeled fixed and live samples, including human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, human hepatocyte carcinoma cell lines HepG2, mouse macrophage cell lines RAW 264.7, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), and live Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cells. These results establish TIDT-NSA as a new non-interferometric approach to optical diffraction tomography and 3D label-free microscopy, permitting quantitative characterization of cell morphology and time-dependent subcellular changes for widespread biological and medical applications.
Modeling the impact of genetically modified male mosquitoes in the spatial population dynamics of Aedes aegypti
Authors: da Silva Monalisa R. , Lugão Pedro H. G. , Prezoto Fábio , Chapiro Grigori
Published: June 2022

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Improving control techniques requires a better understanding of the mosquito’s life cycle, including spatial population dynamics in endemic regions. One of the most promising techniques consists of introducing genetically modified male mosquitoes. Several models proposed to describe this technique present mathematical issues or rely on numerous parameters, making their application challenging to real-world situations. We propose a model describing the spatial population dynamics of the Aedes aegypti in the presence of genetically modified males. This model presents some mathematical improvements compared to the literature allowing deeper mathematical analysis. Moreover, this model relies on few parameters, which we show how to obtain or estimate from the literature. Through numerical simulations, we investigate the impacts of environmental heterogeneity, the periodicity of genetically modified male releases, and released genetically modified males quantity on the population dynamics of Aedes aegypti. The main results point to that the successful application of this vector control technique relies on releasing more than a critical amount of modified males with a frequency exceeding a specific critical value.
Experimental and simulation analysis of biogas production from beverage wastewater sludge for electricity generation
Authors: Admasu Anteneh , Bogale Wondwossen , Mekonnen Yedilfana Setarge
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the biogas and methane production potential of wastewater sludge generated from the beverage industry. The optimization of the biogas production potential of a single fed-batch anaerobic digester was operated at different temperatures (25, 35, and 45 ℃), pH (5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, and 9.5), and organic feeding ratio (1:3, 1:4, 1:5, and 1:6) with a hydraulic retention time of 30 days. The methane and biogas productivity of beverage wastewater sludge in terms of volatile solid (VS) and volume was determined. The maximum production of biogas (15.4 m3/g VS, 9.3 m3) and methane content (6.3 m3/g VS, 3.8 m3) were obtained in terms of VS and volume at 8.5, 35 ℃, 1:3 of optimal pH, temperature, and organic loading ratio, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum methane content (7.4 m3/g VS, 4.4 m3) and biogas production potential (17.9 m3/g VS, 10.8 m3) were achieved per day at room temperature. The total biogas and methane at 35 ℃ (30 days) are 44.3 and 10.8 m3/g VS, respectively, while at 25 ℃ (48 days) increased to 67.3 and 16.1 m3/g VS, respectively. Furthermore, the electricity-generating potential of biogas produced at room temperature (22.1 kWh at 24 days) and optimum temperature (18.9 kWh) at 40 days was estimated. The model simulated optimal HRT (25 days) in terms of biogas and methane production at optimum temperature was in good agreement with the experimental results. Thus, we can conclude that the beverage industrial wastewater sludge has a huge potential for biogas production and electrification.
Low SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers may be associated with poor clinical outcomes for patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Takita Mumon , Yoshida Toru , Tsuchida Tomoya , Nakagama Yu , Kido Yasutoshi , Suzuki Shotaro , Imamura Mitsuru , Kawahata Kimito , Shimizu Goji , Yoshida Hideki , Morikawa Daiki , Kawaguchi Takeshi , Fujii Shuichi , Tsukuda Jumpei , Motohashi Takako , Fujitani Shigeki
Published: June 2022

Recently, immune response to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has attracted attention where an association between higher antibody titer and worsening disease severity has been reported. However, our experiences with severe COVID-19 patients with low antibody titers led to hypothesizing that suppressed humoral immune response may be associated with poorer prognosis in severe COVID19. In this study, antibody titers in severe COVID19 patients were measured at 7, 10, 12, and 14 days after onset. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors. SARS-CoV-2 IgM in survivors and non-survivors were 0.06 AU and 0.02 AU (P = 0.048) at 10 days, 0.1 AU and 0.03 AU (P = 0.02) at 12 days, and 0.17 AU and 0.06 AU (P = 0.02) at 14 days. IgG in survivors and non-survivors were 0.01 AU and 0.01 AU (P = 0.04) at 7 days, 0.42 AU and 0.01 AU (P = 0.04) at 12 days, and 0.42 AU and 0.01 AU (P = 0.02) at 14 days. Multivariate analysis showed better survival among patients with IgM positivity at 12 days (P = 0.04), IgG positivity at 12 days (P = 0.04), IgM positivity at 14 days (P = 0.008), and IgG positivity at 14 days (P = 0.005). In severe COVID-19, low antibody titers on days 12 and 14 after onset were associated with poorer prognosis.
Flexible protein database based on amino acid k-mers
Authors: Déraspe Maxime , Boisvert Sébastien , Laviolette François , Roy Paul H , Corbeil Jacques
Published: June 2022

Identification of proteins is one of the most computationally intensive steps in genomics studies. It usually relies on aligners that do not accommodate rich information on proteins and require additional pipelining steps for protein identification. We introduce kAAmer, a protein database engine based on amino-acid k-mers that provides efficient identification of proteins while supporting the incorporation of flexible annotations on these proteins. Moreover, the database is built to be used as a microservice, to be hosted and queried remotely.
Dietary emulsifier consumption alters gene expression in the amygdala and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in mice
Authors: Arnold Amanda R. , Chassaing Benoit , Pearce Bradley D. , Huhman Kim L.
Published: June 2022

Dietary emulsifier consumption promotes systemic low-grade inflammation, metabolic deregulation, and possibly an anxiety-like phenotype. The latter finding suggests that dietary emulsifiers impact brain areas that modulate stress responses. The goal of the current study was to test whether emulsifier consumption is associated with changes in gene expression in the amygdala and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), two brain areas that are involved in behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stress. Using RNA-Seq, we compared groups consuming either carboxymethylcellulose or polysorbate 80 for 12-weeks. A total of 243 genes were differentially expressed in the amygdala and PVN of emulsifier-treated mice compared to controls. There was minimal overlap of differentially expressed genes in CMC- and P80-treated animals, suggesting that each emulsifier acts via distinct molecular mechanisms to produce an anxiety-like phenotype. Furthermore, gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed that various stress, metabolic, and immune terms and pathways were altered by emulsifiers. These findings are the first to demonstrate that emulsifier consumption changes gene expression in brain regions that are critical for stress responding, providing possible molecular mechanisms that may underly the previously observed anxiety-like phenotype.
A method for lipoprotein (a) Isolation from a small volume of plasma with applications for clinical research
Authors: Mueller Paul A. , Yerkes Elisabeth , Bergstrom Paige , Rosario Sara , Hay Joshua , Pamir Nathalie
Published: June 2022

High levels of circulating Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] are an independent risk factor for CVD. One of the major limitations to investigating Lp(a) biology is the need for large volumes of plasma (4–10 mL) for its isolation. We developed an isolation technique requiring only 0.4 mL of plasma yielding an enriched Lp(a) fraction suitable for compositional and functional studies. We collected plasma from patients (n = 9) in EDTA presenting to our Center for Preventive Cardiology for CVD risk management and with circulating Lp(a) > 66 mg/dL. 0.4 mL of plasma was added to 90 µL of potassium bromide (1.33 g/mL) and subjected to our two-step density-gradient ultracentrifugation method. The first step separates VLDL and LDL from the Lp(a) and HDL fractions and the second step further separates VLDL from LDL and Lp(a) from HDL. Lp(a) is then dialyzed for up to 24 h in potassium phosphate buffer. We performed cholesterol gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting and LC-MS/MS proteomics on isolated lipoprotein fractions to confirm fraction enrichment. Functional studies including Lp(a)-dependent induction of macrophage gene expression and cholesterol efflux inhibition were performed on isolated Lp(a) to confirm its preserved bioactivity. Lp(a) yields (264 ± 82.3 µg/mL on average) correlated with Lp(a) plasma concentrations (r2 = 0.75; p < 0.01) and represented the relative distribution of circulating apo(a) isoforms. Proteomic analyses confirm lipoprotein fraction separation. Functional integrity was confirmed by the findings that isolated Lp(a) inhibited plasminogen-dependent cholesterol efflux in HEK293T cells expressing ABCA1 and increased expressions of Il1b, Nos2 and Ccl2. We developed a small-volume isolation technique for Lp(a) suited for a range of applications used in biomedical research. The use of this technique circumvents volume-dependent limitations and expands our ability to investigate the mysteries of this deleterious lipoprotein.
Structural changes in the collagen network of joint tissues in late stages of murine OA
Authors: Yoshioka Natalie K. , Young Gregory M. , Khajuria Deepak Kumar , Karuppagounder Vengadeshprabhu , Pinamont William J. , Fanburg-Smith Julie C. , Abraham Thomas , Elbarbary Reyad A. , Kamal Fadia
Published: June 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease, resulting in joint pain, impaired movement, and structural changes. As the ability of joint tissue to resist stress is mainly imparted by fibrillar collagens in the extracellular matrix, changes in the composition and structure of collagen fibers contribute to the pathological remodeling observed in OA joints that includes cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone (SCB) sclerosis, and meniscal damage. Using the established OA model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in C57BL/6J mice, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the content and structure of collagen fibers in the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and menisci using complementary techniques, which included second harmonic generation microscopy and immunofluorescence staining. We found that regions exposed to increased mechanical stress in OA mice, typically closest to the site of injury, had increased collagen fiber thickness, dysregulated fiber formation, and tissue specific changes in collagen I and II (Col I and Col II) expression. In cartilage, OA was associated with decreased Col II expression in all regions, and increased Col I expression in the anterior and posterior regions. Col I fiber thickness was increased in all regions with disorganization in the center region. In the superficial SCB, all regions exhibited increased Col I expression and fiber thickness in OA mice; no changes were detected in the deeper regions of the subchondral bone except for increased Col I fiber thickness. In the menisci, OA led to increased Col I and Col II expression in the vascular and avascular regions of the anterior meniscus with increased Col I fiber thickness in these regions. Similar changes were observed only in the vascular region of the posterior meniscus. Our findings provide, for the first time, comprehensive insights into the microarchitectural changes of extracellular matrix in OA and serve as guidelines for studies investigating therapies that target collagenous changes as means to impede the progression of osteoarthritis.