bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SHFLD3 phenotypes caused by 17p13.3 triplication/ duplication encompassing Fingerin (BHLHA9) invariably
Authors: Bukowska-Olech Ewelina , Sowińska-Seidler Anna , Wierzba Jolanta , Jamsheer Aleksander
Published: August 2022

Background

Split-hand/ foot malformation with long bone deficiency 3 (SHFLD3) is an extremely rare condition associated with duplications located on 17p13.3, which invariably encompasses the BHLHA9 gene. The disease inherits with variable expressivity and significant incomplete penetrance as high as 50%.

Results

We have detected 17p13.3 locus one-allele triplication in a male proband from family 1 (F1.1), and duplication in a male proband from family 2 (F2.1) applying array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). The rearrangements mapped to the following chromosomal regions–arr[GRCh38] 17p13.3(960254–1291856)×4 in F1.1 and arr[GRCh38] 17p13.3(1227482–1302716)×3 in F2.1. The targeted quantitative PCR revealed that the 17p13.3 locus was also duplicated in the second affected member from family 2 (F2.2; brother of F2.1). In the next step, we performed segregation studies using quantitative PCR and revealed that F1.1 inherited the triplication from his healthy father—F1.2, whereas the locus was unremarkable in the mother of F2.1 & F2.2 and the healthy son of F2.1. However, the duplication was present in a healthy daughter of F2.2, an asymptomatic carrier. The breakpoint analysis allowed to define the exact size and span of the duplicated region in Family 2, i.e., 78,948 bp chr17:1225063–1304010 (HG38). Interestingly, all symptomatic carriers from both families presented with variable SHFLD3 phenotype. The involvement of secondary modifying locus could not be excluded, however, the Sanger sequencing screening of BHLHA9 entire coding sequence was unremarkable for both families.

Conclusions

We have shed light on the one-allele CNV triplication occurrence that should be considered when a higher probe (over duplication range) signal is noted. Second, all SHFLD3 patients were accurately described regarding infrequent limb phenotypes, which were highly variable even when familial. Of note, all symptomatic individuals were males. SHFLD3 still remains a mysterious ultra-rare disease and our findings do not answer crucial questions regarding the disease low penetrance, variable expression and heterogeneity. However, we have presented some clinical and molecular aspects that may be helpful in daily diagnostic routine, both dysmorphological and molecular assessment, of patients affected with SHFLD3.
A signal enhancement method based on the reverberation statistical information
Authors: Yu Ge , Sun Jiangjiang , Li Xiukun
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a reverberation suppression algorithm utilizing fractional lower-order moments based on statistical properties. As fractional lower-order moments can only be applied on symmetric α-stable random variables, the energy redistribution method is used, so reverberation signals can obtain the characteristic exponents of the symmetric α-stable distribution. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, an experiment involving simulated linear frequency modulation reverberation with the proposed method and comparison methods is performed and discussed. Moreover, an experiment is conducted using reverberation as measured from the lake. The results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve better reverberation suppression and signal enhancement performance compared with other methods.
Production of isoquercitrin from quercetin by biotransformation using Bascillus sp. CSQ10 isolated from Camellia sinensis cultivation soils
Authors: Kang Ju-Yeong , Park Won-Jung , Yoon Youngdae , Kim Bong-Gyu
Published: August 2022

Microorganisms are widely used to produce biologically active substances owing to their versatile ability to convert inexpensive compounds into physiologically active compounds. In this study, we isolated a microorganism capable of converting quercetin to isoquercitrin, a substance with various biological functions, from tea cultivation soils. ABacillusstrain was isolated and verified asBacillussp. CSQ 10 using 16sRNA gene analysis. When quercetin was fed as a substrate forBacillussp. CSQ10, isoquercitrin was produced through biotransformation. Furthermore,Bacillussp. CSQ10 was able to biotransform isoquercitrin to quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-β-d-glucoside when the medium for biotransformation was replaced with yeast extract–peptone–dextrose (YPD) medium. Based on these findings, the biotransformation performance ofBacillussp. CSQ10 was verified by optimizing the experimental conditions for the culture system at the laboratory scale in terms of temperature, cell density, biotransformation medium, and substrate concentration. The best biotransformation yields were achieved at 37 °C, 6.0 OD600, with YPD, and 181.0 mg/L of quercetin supply. Conclusively, 193.3 mg/L and 198.8 mg/L of isoquercitrin and quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-acetyl)-β-d-glucoside, respectively, were produced byBacillussp. CSQ 10 under these optimized experimental conditions.
Controlling the lodging risk of rice based on a plant height dynamic model
Authors: Wu Dong-Hong , Chen Chung-Tse , Yang Ming-Der , Wu Yi-Chien , Lin Chia-Yu , Lai Ming-Hsin , Yang Chin-Ying
Published: August 2022

Background

Rice is a key global food crop. Rice lodging causes a reduction in plant height and crop yield, and rice is prone to lodging in the late growth stage because of panicle initiation. We used two water irrigation modes and four fertilizer application intervals to investigate the relationship between lodging and various cultivation conditions over 2 years.

Results

Plant height data were collected and combined with aerial images, revealing that rice lodging was closely related to the nitrogen fertilizer content. The aerial images demonstrated that lodging mainly occurred in the fields treated with a high-nitrogen fertilizer, and analysis of variance revealed that plant height was signifi-cantly affected by nitrogen fertilizer. These results demonstrated that rice plant height in the booting stage was significantly positively correlated with the lodging results (r = 0.67) and nega-tively correlated with yield (r = − 0.46). If the rice plant height in the booting stage exceeded 70.7 cm and nitrogen fertilizer was continuously applied, according to the predicted growing curve of plant height, the plant would be at risk of lodging. Results showed more rainfall accumulated in the later stage of rice growth accompanied by strong instantaneous gusts, the risk of lodging in-creased.

Conclusion

The results provide predictions that can be applied in intelligent production and lodging risk management, and they form the basis of cultivation management and response policies for each growth period.
Occupational burn injuries in Finland 2011–2015
Authors: Purola Lotta , Kavola Heli , Vuola Jyrki
Published: August 2022

Background

This study comprises all hospitalized work-related burn injuries in one country during 2011–2015. The purpose was to describe demographics, causes and risk factors of occupational burn injuries with special focus on the outcome of return to work.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective study on two data sources of which Finnish Workers’ Compensation Center’s (FWCC) register includes all work-related burn cases at a given time. Additional data have been obtained from those patients, who were referred to the National Burn Centre (NBC) during the same time according to the Emergency Management of Severe Burns (EMSB) criteria. We compare demographics, injury mechanisms and general burn data of these two patient groups.

Results

Based on FWCC register, in 2011–2015 occurred 11,623 work-related burn cases of whom 54% were men. During the study period, NBC admitted 26 patients fulfilling EMSB criteria. The most severe patients treated in NBC had injuries affecting multiple body parts. In FWCC data, hand was most injured body part. Kitchen/bakery work was the most common profession in FWCC register but in NBC material industrial and transport professions dominated. In FWCC register, patients had lower mean age (37 years vs. 43 years). Most severe injuries occurred among older patients: In NBC data, those with total body surface area 40% or over had mean age 53 years. Majority of patients returned to work.

Conclusion

Safety at work in Finland has improved during last decades, and the vast majority of work-related burn injuries are minor. Minor burn injuries are common in young adults working in kitchen and bakery work, whereas elderly men working in transports and industry sustain the most severe burn accidents. Retirement after work-related injury becomes very expensive for all parties, and this data can be used in preventing those cases as well as the minor accidents.
Development of a conceptual framework of food and nutrition literacy in children
Authors: Doustmohammadian Azam , Omidvar Nasrin , Keshavarz-Mohammadi Nastaran , Eini-Zinab Hassan , Amini Maryam , Abdollahi Morteza
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework to better understand food and nutrition literacy and its dimensions and components among Iranian children.

Methods

The study included three sub-studies. First, two qualitative studies were conducted to explore experts’ and students’ perspectives and experiences regarding the topic. A comprehensive qualitative literature review was then conducted to identify food/nutrition literacy definitions and its components in the relevant literature. The data of the above three sub-studies were compiled as text data and were analyzed utilizing MAXQDA2010software.

Results

Two main domains, including cognitive and skill domains, emerged from the data analysis. The cognitive domain consisted of food- and nutrition-related knowledge included four subcategories “nutrition knowledge”, “lifestyle knowledge”, “food safety knowledge”, and “knowledge of food and its preparation”) as well as “food and nutrition understanding”. The skill domain consisted of three dimensions: “functional”, “interactive”, and “critical” food and nutrition literacy.

Conclusions

The developed framework highlights the importance of integrated application of all dimensions of food and nutrition literacy among this population group. It can assist policymakers and curriculum developers in assessing education curricula and developing effective strategies for teaching and learning to increase students’ food and nutrition literacy.
Activity patterns and interactions of rodents in an assemblage composed by native species and the introduced black rat: implications for pathogen transmission
Authors: Salgado Rodrigo , Barja Isabel , Hernández María del Carmen , Lucero Basilio , Castro-Arellano Ivan , Bonacic Cristian , Rubio André V.
Published: August 2022

Background

The degree of temporal overlap between sympatric wild hosts species and their behavioral interactions can be highly relevant to the transmission of pathogens. However, this topic has been scantly addressed. Furthermore, temporal overlap and interactions within an assemblage of wild rodents composed of native and introduced species have been rarely discussed worldwide. We assessed the nocturnal activity patterns and interactions between rodent taxa of an assemblage consisting of native species (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Abrothrix hirta, and Abrothrix olivaceus) and the introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) in a temperate forest from southern Chile. All rodent species in this study are known hosts for various zoonotic pathogens.

Results

We found a high nocturnal temporal overlap within the rodent assemblage. However, pairwise comparisons of temporal activity patterns indicated significant differences among all taxa. Rattus rattus showed aggressive behaviors against all native rodents more frequently than against their conspecifics. As for native rodents, agonistic behaviors were the most common interactions between individuals of the same taxon and between individuals of different taxa (O. longicaudatus vs Abrothrix spp.).

Conclusions

Our findings reveal several interactions among rodent taxa that may have implications for pathogens such as hantaviruses, Leptospira spp., and vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, their transmission may be facilitated by the temporal overlap observed between rodent taxa.
Application of a distributed verification in Islamic microfinance institutions: a sustainable model
Authors: Wanke Peter , Hassan M. Kabir , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Rahman Md. Azizur , Akther Naznin
Published: August 2022

The literature gap in microfinance paradox of double bottom line (financial performance vs. outreach) has always been an interesting area of research. This paper proposes a theoretical model most suitable for Islamic Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) which enables Islamic MFIs’ to operate together with the existing financial models compliant with Islamic Shariah Law. This model is based on a distributed verification/decision-making process that might be realized (but not necessary) through blockchain. Among the available distributed verification techniques, blockchain technology is an attractive emerging computing paradigm due to its decentralized, immutable, shared, and secure data structure characteristics. This model proposes three significant propositions. First, sharing information through blockchain will allow a transparent network in MFI operations, which will raise confidence for donors resulting in a causal effect of a relatively lower profit rate to be charged by the MFIs. Second, the consensus mechanism will enable risk-sharing, a character of Islamic finance; thus, the MFIs will operate without any collateral for low-risk firms. Third, the double bottom line of MFIs' long-lasting paradox would be solved. As for practical implication of this proposed model, the causal impact of lower cost investment by the lenders would increase social welfare because of no collateral and no initial wealth requirement. The proposed model proposes a credit rationing approach where profit can be negative. No collateral will be used when calculating the creditworthiness of a borrower.
Multimodal diagnostic imaging in primary vitreoretinal lymphoma
Authors: Xu Lucy T. , Huang Ye , Liao Albert , Anthony Casey L. , Voloschin Alfredo , Yeh Steven
Published: August 2022

Background

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) is an aggressive lymphoma that may present with protean features and represents a diagnostic challenge. Given that patients with PVRL are at high risk of CNS involvement with a high mortality and morbidity rate, prompt diagnosis is crucial to initiate treatment early in the disease course. A multimodality imaging approach including fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein and indocyanine angiography, and electroretinography (ERG) can provide information to establish a diagnosis and provide objective measures for management. We review key findings seen via these imaging modalities in patients with PVRL.

Observations

Fundus photography can highlight commonly seen patterns of PVRL including vitritis, subretinal disease, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) abnormalities, optic nerve edema, retinal detachment, and less typical retinitis-like lesions. FAF can identify characteristic patterns of hyper- and hypoautofluorescent signal abnormalities in the macula. Spectral-domain OCT will demonstrate vitreous cells, RPE nodularity, and hyperreflectivity of the outer retina. The presence of a hyper-reflective band in the subretinal space and infiltrates between the RPE and Bruch’s membrane can assist in distinguishing PVRL from choroidal lymphoma. Vertical hyperreflective columns (VHRLs) are another pertinent finding that may represent microinfiltrates of the tumor. OCT has proven to be a particularly useful modality in assessing the progress of treatment in PVRL. Fluorescein angiography can show RPE changes, which include granularity, late staining at the RPE level, and blockage. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) primarily shows hypocyanescence, which corresponds to PVRL lesions on fundus photography and may occur secondary to loss of RPE and choriocapillaris.

Conclusion

While PVRL remains a challenging disease to diagnose and follow, the use of a multimodality imaging approach may assist in establishing a diagnosis. Because of the anatomic spaces PVRL may affect, fundus photography, OCT, FAF, angiography, and ERG can identify key characteristics of the disease, differentiate PVRL from other diseases, and provide baseline information for targeted systemic and local therapies. Further assessment of anatomic and functional targets will aid our clinical application of multimodal imaging in the management of PVRL.
Structural-vascular-functional correlation in type 2 non-proliferative macular telangiectasia
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Reddy Nikitha Gurram , Mishra Pranjal , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To correlate the structural-vascular-functional changes in type 2 non-proliferative macular telangiectasia (MacTel) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA).

Methods

In this retrospective study, OCTA and enface OCT image analysis of eyes with confirmed diagnosis of non-proliferative type 2 MacTel was performed. The ‘MacTel area’ was calculated by marking the outer boundary of an area affected by MacTel on superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) on OCTA images and photoreceptor layer (PRL) on enface OCT scan. At every follow-up OCTA scan visit, best-corrected visual acuity, MacTel area and stage of disease was documented. Analyses between disease stage, MacTel area and logMAR visual acuity was carried out.

Results

In total, 38 single-visit OCTA scans of 22 patients were included. The mean age was 58.9 ± 10.98 years. An increase in disease severity stage correlated positively with MacTel area in SCP segmentations slab (r = 0.334; p = 0.04) and logMAR visual acuity (r = 0.338; p = 0.038). No correlation in the DCP area or PRL area (p > 0.05) was noted with disease stage. A statistically significant positive correlation was noted between the structural changes in PRL layer with vascular changes in SCP (p = 0.021) but not in DCP (p = 0.199). No correlation of visual acuity with changes in SCP, DCP or PRL was noted (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

OCTA is a useful adjunct for determining disease severity in type 2 non-proliferative MacTel by assessing the structural-vascular changes. Further longitudinal studies need to be considered in future for understanding the pathomechanism of retinal damage in type 2 MacTel.
Validation of the English version of the arrhythmia-specific questionnaire in tachycardia and arrhythmia (ASTA): a Rasch evaluation study
Authors: Walfridsson Ulla , Walfridsson Håkan , Middeldorp Melissa E. , Sanders Prashanthan , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: August 2022

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures are important in person-centered care, providing valuable information about patients’ experiences. Disease-specific questionnaires add important information about a certain disease in comparison to generic questionnaires. Questionnaires need to be validated in the targeted population to achieve reliable data. The purpose with the study was to use Rasch measurement theory to evaluate the English version of the ASTA questionnaire.

Methods

The Rasch model theory was used to evaluate global and item fit, targeting, response category functioning, local independency, unidimensionality, differential item functioning (DIF) for gender and age, and reliability.

Results

The study included 202 patients undergoing DC conversion or catheter ablation at the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders at the University of Adelaide, Australia. The mean age was 67 years and 30% were women. Most patients had atrial fibrillation (n = 179), others had atrial flutter or had a combination. One of nine items demonstrated unsatisfactory model fit in the ASTA Symptom scale and two of 13 in the ASTA Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scale. Unidimensionality was supported for both scales. The targeting was acceptable except for the lower end of the scales. Both scales showed reversed thresholds for the response categories “quite a lot” and “a lot” (eight of ASTA symptoms and 12 of ASTA HRQoL items). Some problems with local dependency were detected in both scales. The reliability (person separation index) was satisfactory: 0.75 for the ASTA symptom scale and 0.77 for the ASTA HRQoL scale. No DIF for gender and age were detected.

Conclusions

The English version of the ASTA questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory measurement properties according to the Rasch model. However, it needs to be evaluated in patients with other arrhythmias. The response categories should be considered as well as DIF in further validation. The ASTA questionnaire can be used for assessments of symptoms and HRQoL between groups of different ages and genders in patients with arrhythmia.
Transarterial embolization of secondary inferior and superior mesenteric artery arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review
Authors: Ruge Abhinandan , Kumar Nidhi , Jose Lija K. , Mahalmani Vidya
Published: August 2022

Background

Acquired arteriovenous fistula are rare complications of a piercing injury, including a gunshot or knife injury, the rupture of a preexisting aneurysm into a neighboring vein, or a complication of arterial catheterization or abdominal surgical techniques, most often colonic resection. Our aim was to develop an online systematic review of the literature to determine all documented incidents of endovascular embolization of secondary mesenteric Arteriovenous Fistula, spanning key databases as well as pertinent publications, from 1982 to 2019. Our case was included as well. The primary objectives were technical success and death; the secondary outcomes were the frequency of complications and the advice of the operators.

Main body

Forty articles, comprising 41 patients, including our own, were reviewed. The superior mesenteric vessels are the most commonly affected by fistulas. Endovascularembolization was used in 80% of the cases. 100% of the patients had technical success. The intraoperative death rate was 0%, with a 90-day mortality rate of 8%, half of which was unrelated to the original pathology. More than 60% of patients who underwent successful treatments had no severe problems. All others had uneventful recoveries, with only 12% experiencing mild problems that were managed conservatively.

Conclusions

The majority of authors supported this therapeutic approach thereby making endovascular glue embolization the treatment of choice for superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula and inferior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula in high risk patients and in patients with multiple co-morbidities.
Sacituzumab Govitecan in Hormone Receptor–Positive/Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Rugo Hope S. , Bardia Aditya , Marmé Frederik , Cortes Javier , Schmid Peter , Loirat Delphine , Trédan Olivier , Ciruelos Eva , Dalenc Florence , Pardo Patricia Gómez , Jhaveri Komal L. , Delaney Rosemary , Fu Olivia , Lin Lanjia , Verret Wendy , Tolaney Sara M.
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE

Hormone receptor–positive (HR+) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2–) endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer is treated with sequential single-agent chemotherapy with poor outcomes. Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate with an SN-38 payload targeting trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2, an epithelial antigen expressed in breast cancer.

METHODS

In this global, randomized, phase III study, SG was compared with physician's choice chemotherapy (eribulin, vinorelbine, capecitabine, or gemcitabine) in endocrine-resistant, chemotherapy-treated HR+/HER2– locally recurrent inoperable or metastatic breast cancer. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) by blinded independent central review.

RESULTS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive SG (n = 272) or chemotherapy (n = 271). The median age was 56 years, 95% had visceral metastases, and 99% had a prior cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor, with three median lines of chemotherapy for advanced disease. Primary end point was met with a 34% reduction in risk of progression or death (hazard ratio, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.53 to 0.83; P = .0003]). The median PFS was 5.5 months (95% CI, 4.2 to 7.0) with SG and 4.0 months (95% CI, 3.1 to 4.4) with chemotherapy; the PFS at 6 and 12 months was 46% (95% CI, 39 to 53) v 30% (95% CI, 24 to 37) and 21% (95% CI, 15 to 28) v 7% (95% CI, 3 to 14), respectively. Median overall survival (first planned interim analysis) was not yet mature (hazard ratio, 0.84; P = .14). Key grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (SG v chemotherapy) were neutropenia (51% v 38%) and diarrhea (9% v 1%).

CONCLUSION

SG demonstrated statistically significant PFS benefit over chemotherapy, with a manageable safety profile in patients with heavily pretreated, endocrine-resistant HR+/HER2– advanced breast cancer and limited treatment options.
Inflammatory Cytokines Rewire the Proinsulin Interaction Network in Human Islets
Authors: Tran Duc T , Pottekat Anita , Lee Kouta , Raghunathan Megha , Loguercio Salvatore , Mir Saiful A , Paton Adrienne W , Paton James C , Arvan Peter , Kaufman Randal J , Itkin-Ansari Pamela
Published: August 2022

Context

Aberrant biosynthesis and secretion of the insulin precursor proinsulin occurs in both type I and type II diabetes. Inflammatory cytokines are implicated in pancreatic islet stress and dysfunction in both forms of diabetes, but the mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

We sought to determine the effect of the diabetes-associated cytokines on proinsulin folding, trafficking, secretion, and β-cell function.

Methods

Human islets were treated with interleukin-1β and interferon-γ for 48 hours, followed by analysis of interleukin-6, nitrite, proinsulin and insulin release, RNA sequencing, and unbiased profiling of the proinsulin interactome by affinity purification-mass spectrometry.

Results

Cytokine treatment induced secretion of interleukin-6, nitrites, and insulin, as well as aberrant release of proinsulin. RNA sequencing showed that cytokines upregulated genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress, and, consistent with this, affinity purification-mass spectrometry revealed cytokine induced proinsulin binding to multiple endoplasmic reticulum chaperones and oxidoreductases. Moreover, increased binding to the chaperone immunoglobulin binding protein was required to maintain proper proinsulin folding in the inflammatory environment. Cytokines also regulated novel interactions between proinsulin and type 1 and type 2 diabetes genome-wide association studies candidate proteins not previously known to interact with proinsulin (eg, Ataxin-2). Finally, cytokines induced proinsulin interactions with a cluster of microtubule motor proteins and chemical destabilization of microtubules with Nocodazole exacerbated cytokine induced proinsulin secretion.

Conclusion

Together, the data shed new light on mechanisms by which diabetes-associated cytokines dysregulate β-cell function. For the first time, we show that even short-term exposure to an inflammatory environment reshapes proinsulin interactions with critical chaperones and regulators of the secretory pathway.
Digitization of Symbol-Denoted Blood Pressure Data From Intraoperative Paper Health Records in a Low-Middle-Income Country Using Deep Image Segmentation and Associated Postoperative Outcomes: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Ndaribitse Christian , Durieux Marcel E. , Adorno William , Brown Donald E. , Tsang Siny , Naik Bhiken I.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

In low-middle-income countries (LMICs), perioperative clinical information is almost universally collected on paper health records (PHRs). The lack of accessible digital databases limits LMICs in leveraging data to predict and improve patient outcomes after surgery. In this feasibility study, our aims were to: (1) determine the detection performance and prediction error of the U-Net deep image segmentation approach for digitization of hand-drawn blood pressure symbols from an image of the intraoperative PHRs and (2) evaluate the association between deep image segmentation-derived blood pressure parameters and postoperative mortality and length of stay.

METHODS:

A smartphone mHealth platform developed by our team was used to capture images of completed intraoperative PHRs. A 2-stage deep image segmentation modeling approach was used to create 2 separate segmentation masks for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Iterative postprocessing was utilized to convert the segmentation mask results into numerical SBP and DBP values. Detection performance and prediction errors were evaluated for the U-Net models by comparison with ground-truth values. Using multivariate regression analysis, we investigated the association of deep image segmentation–derived blood pressure values, total time spent in predefined blood pressure ranges, and postoperative outcomes including in-hospital mortality and length of stay.

RESULTS:

A total of 350 intraoperative PHRs were imaged following surgery. Overall accuracy was 0.839 and 0.911 for SBP and DBP symbol detections, respectively. The mean error rate and standard deviation for the difference between the actual and predicted blood pressure values were 2.1 ± 4.9 and −0.8 ± 3.9 mm Hg for SBP and DBP, respectively. Using the U-Net model–derived blood pressures, minutes of time where DBP <50 mm Hg (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; CI, 1.01–1.05; P = .003) was associated with an increased in-hospital mortality. In addition, increased cumulative minutes of time with SBP between 80 and 90 mm Hg was significantly associated with a longer length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 1.02 [1.0–1.03]; P < .05), while increased cumulative minutes of time where SBP between 140 and 160 mm Hg was associated with a shorter length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 0.9 [0.96–0.99]; P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, we report our experience with a deep image segmentation model for digitization of symbol-denoted blood pressure from intraoperative anesthesia PHRs. Our data support further development of this novel approach to digitize PHRs from LMICs, to provide accessible, curated, and reproducible data for both quality improvement- and outcome-based research.
Focal adhesion kinase-mediated signaling controls the onset of pancreatic cell differentiation
Authors: Rodriguez Uylissa A. , Dahiya Shakti , Raymond Michelle L. , Gao Chenxi , Martins-Cargill Christina P. , Piganelli Jon D. , Gittes George K. , Hu Jing , Esni Farzad
Published: August 2022

Signals from the endothelium play a pivotal role in pancreatic lineage commitment. As such, the fate of the epithelial cells relies heavily on the spatiotemporal recruitment of the endothelial cells to the embryonic pancreas. Although it is known that VEGFA secreted by the epithelium recruits the endothelial cells to the specific domains within the developing pancreas, the mechanism that controls the timing of such recruitment is poorly understood. Here, we have assessed the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in mouse pancreatic development based on our observation that the presence of the enzymatically active form of FAK (pFAK) in the epithelial cells is inversely correlated with vessel recruitment. To study the role of FAK in the pancreas, we conditionally deleted the gene encoding focal adhesion kinase in the developing mouse pancreas. We found that homozygous deletion of Fak (Ptk2) during embryogenesis resulted in ectopic epithelial expression of VEGFA, abnormal endothelial recruitment and a delay in endocrine and acinar cell differentiation. The heterozygous mutants were born with no pancreatic phenotype but displayed gradual acinar atrophy due to cell polarity defects in exocrine cells. Together, our findings imply a role for FAK in controlling the timing of pancreatic lineage commitment and/or differentiation in the embryonic pancreas by preventing endothelial recruitment to the embryonic pancreatic epithelium.
Dictyostelium discoideum cells retain nutrients when the cells are about to outgrow their food source
Authors: Rijal Ramesh , Kirolos Sara A. , Rahman Ryan J. , Gomer Richard H.
Published: August 2022

Dictyostelium discoideum is a unicellular eukaryote that eats bacteria, and eventually outgrows the bacteria. D. discoideum cells accumulate extracellular polyphosphate (polyP), and the polyP concentration increases as the local cell density increases. At high cell densities, the correspondingly high extracellular polyP concentrations allow cells to sense that they are about to outgrow their food supply and starve, causing the D. discoideum cells to inhibit their proliferation. In this report, we show that high extracellular polyP inhibits exocytosis of undigested or partially digested nutrients. PolyP decreases plasma membrane recycling and apparent cell membrane fluidity, and this requires the G protein-coupled polyP receptor GrlD, the polyphosphate kinase Ppk1 and the inositol hexakisphosphate kinase I6kA. PolyP alters protein contents in detergent-insoluble crude cytoskeletons, but does not significantly affect random cell motility, cell speed or F-actin levels. Together, these data suggest that D. discoideum cells use polyP as a signal to sense their local cell density and reduce cell membrane fluidity and membrane recycling, perhaps as a mechanism to retain ingested food when the cells are about to starve.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions during COVID-19 in the UK and Spain: a rapid realist review
Authors: Serrano-Gallardo Pilar , Manzano Ana , Pawson Ray
Published: August 2022

The paper is located at the crossroads of two modern intellectual movements. The first, evidence-based policy, seeks to locate vital information that will inform and improve key policy decisions on such matters as population health, social welfare, and human wellbeing. The second, complexity theory, describes the nature of the social world and perceives human action as persistently adaptive and social institutions as incessantly self-transformative. The first assumes that policies and programmes can achieve sufficient control to meet specific and measurable objectives. The second assumes that social actions are sufficiently capricious so that the society never conforms to anyone’s plans – even those of the most powerful. The unparalleled resources committed to control the unprecedented attack of the COVID-19 pandemic are the epitome of complexity. The long struggle to contain the virus thus constitutes an ideal test bed to investigate this paradigmatic split. The paper undertakes this mission - focusing specifically on the effectiveness non-pharmaceutical interventions and examining evidence from the UK and Spain.
Climate change and health in Southeast Asia – defining research priorities and the role of the Wellcome Trust Africa Asia Programmes
Authors: Choisy Marc , McBride Angela , Chambers Mary , Ho Quang Chanh , Nguyen Quang Huy , Xuan Chau Nguyen Thi , Thi Giang Nguyen , Bonell Ana , Evans Megan , Ming Damien , Ngo-Duc Thanh , Quang Thai Pham , Dang Giang Duy Hoang , Dan Thanh Ho Ngoc , Ngoc Nhung Hoang , Lowe Rachel , Maude Richard , Elyazar Iqbal , Surendra Henry , Ashley Elizabeth A. , Thwaites Louise , van Doorn H. Rogier , Kestelyn Evelyne , Dondorp Arjen M. , Thwaites Guy , Vinh Chau Nguyen Van , Yacoub Sophie
Published: August 2022

This article summarises a recent virtual meeting organised by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam on the topic of climate change and health, bringing local partners, faculty and external collaborators together from across the Wellcome and Oxford networks. Attendees included invited local and global climate scientists, clinicians, modelers, epidemiologists and community engagement practitioners, with a view to setting priorities, identifying synergies and fostering collaborations to help define the regional climate and health research agenda. In this summary paper, we outline the major themes and topics that were identified and what will be needed to take forward this research for the next decade. We aim to take a broad, collaborative approach to including climate science in our current portfolio where it touches on infectious diseases now, and more broadly in our future research directions. We will focus on strengthening our research portfolio on climate-sensitive diseases, and supplement this with high quality data obtained from internal studies and external collaborations, obtained by multiple methods, ranging from traditional epidemiology to innovative technology and artificial intelligence and community-led research. Through timely agenda setting and involvement of local stakeholders, we aim to help support and shape research into global heating and health in the region.
COVID-19 impact on kidneys
Authors: Orczykowski Maciej , Oleszczuk Rafał , Grzebalska Agnieszka
Published: August 2022

Introduction and purposeThe COVID-19 pandemic, which has been ongoing since early 2020, has significantly affected the health care system worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 virus being the etiological factor of the disease has a high affinity for the renal organ. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the problem of frequent AKI in the course of coronavirus infection, the impact of COVID-19 disease in patients with chronic kidney disease and on renal replacement therapy or dialysis.Review methodIn the process of writing, we used available articles and scientific papers in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases based on keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, AcuteKidneyInjury, ChronicKidneyDisease.State of knowledgeSARS-CoV-2 virus enters target cells through the ACE2 receptor. In the pathophysiology of AKI in the course of COVID-19, a key role is attributed to secondary damage mechanisms such as cytokine storm, hypoperfusion with hypoxia, endothelial dysfunction. The incidence of acute kidney injury ranges from 5.1% to 36.6%. The development of AKI, renal transplant status, the presence of chronic kidney disease or renal replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of severe course and higher mortality on COVID-19. SummaryThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed new logistical and therapeutic challenges to the health care system. Due to the high tropism of SARS-CoV-2 to the kidneys and the frequent occurrence of AKI during the course of the infection, nephrology patients, those on renal replacement therapy and those awaiting transplantation should be placed under special surveillance. Patients in these groups are at particular risk for a severe course of COVID-19.
Thumb reconstruction with a double flap after thumb replantation failure using a reverse homodigital dorsoulnar flap and a cross-finger flap: a case report
Authors: Yong Min Jun , Mo Young Woong , Shin Hea Kyeong
Published: August 2022

After replantation and salvage procedures have failed in a heavy smoker, surgeons are hesitant to consider future strategies. We introduce a case in which the length and function of the right thumb were preserved as much as possible by double flap surgery after replantation failure. The thumb of a 55-year-old man without underlying disease was amputated by an electrical chainsaw at work. He presented at the emergency room of our hospital, and emergency surgery was performed for exploration and stump replantation. Unfortunately, the replantation surgery failed, and the distal stump was necrotized. Thus, double flap surgery was planned after replantation failure, and thumb reconstruction was performed using a reverse homodigital dorsoulnar flap and a cross-finger flap. A portion of the flap later had to be revised, but the functional and aesthetic results obtained were far better than expected for a simple stump revision procedure.
Dzwony i wieże wawelskiej Katedry
Authors: Rokosz Mieczysław
Published: August 2022

BELLS AND TOWERS OF THE WAWEL CATHEDRAL The Wawel Cathedral of St. Wenceslaus and St. Stanislaus has been the cathedral of Kraków bishops since the year 1000. It was then in Gniezno that Emperor Otto III executed the sanction of Pope Silvester II concerning the establishment of Gniezno Metropolis with bishoprics in Wrocław, Kołobrzeg, and Kraków (along with the already existing bishopric of Poznań). Here, in 1320, Ladislaus the Short was crowned as the ruler of the Kingdom of Poland when the country was united after the century of fragmentation. Here, on the altar of St. Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland, king Ladislaus made an offering of the standards gained from the Teutonic Knights, and it is here that he was buried. From the times of Ladislaus the Short, the cathedral started to serve four extraordinary functions: it was the venue of royal coronations and funerals as well as the place where victorious commanders made votive offerings of war trophies, and the temple of thanksgiving (templum gratiae). Here are located the tombs of kings, bishops, military commanders, and spiritual leaders of the nation. Today, together with the Clarus Mons (Jasna Góra) monastery in Częstochowa, it continues to be the most important Polish church, a reliquary and a repository of the Polish history.
Postconcussional syndrome: the mix of neurology, psychology and psychiatry
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: August 2022

Postconcussional syndrome occurs following a mechanical injury to the head, with the resulting symptoms commonly grouped into non-specific clusters. Sarah Palmer explores a theory that suggests the diagnosis and treatment of postconcussional syndrome should consider the underlying causes and psychophysiology of the different symptoms, taking into account interfacing neurological, psychological and psychiatric components of the disorder.
The Effect of Project Based Assessment with Value Clarification Technique in Improving Students’ Civics Learning Outcomes by Controlling the Family Environment
Authors: Widiana I Wayan , Kertih I Wayan , Kristiantari Maria Goreti Rini , Parmiti Desak Putu , Adijaya Made Aryawan
Published: August 2022

The decline in student character is the result of low student learning outcomes. The common student learning outcomes are influenced by several factors, and one of them is teacher-centered, monotonous learning model. For this reason, it is deemed necessary to conduct research that aims to determine the effect of project-based assessment on values clarification technique (VCT) learning on improving students’ learning outcomes by controlling the family environment. This study uses a 2x2 factorial experimental design. The sample was selected through multistage random sampling with 120 students. The two-way ANCOVA data analysis technique was used to analyze the data. The findings obtained after controlling the family environment are: 1) civics learning outcomes from the group of students who used value clarification techniques are higher than those using conventional learning models and 2) civics learning outcomes from the group of students who were given project-based assessments are higher than the group who are given conventional assessments. Thus, it can be recommended that civics education teachers used appropriate VCT and project-based assessments to improve learning outcomes.
Computational Thinking Development: Benefiting from Educational Robotics in STEM Teaching
Authors: Budiyanto Cucuk Wawan , Fenyvesi Kristof , Lathifah Afra , Yuana Rosihan Ari
Published: August 2022

The delivery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning to improve an individual’s competence and future career interests has become a critical scientific undertaking for teachers and researchers alike. A plethora of research has proposed various hands-on robotics activities built on constructivist theories, thereby facilitating the development of knowledge based on reality for scientific and non-scientific stakeholders. Robotics may become an essential focus point within technology provision, which is an essential underlying characteristic for the seminal development of computational thinking (CT). However, despite the potential benefit of CT in developing an individual’s problem-solving skills, strategies for improving this ability through hands-on robotics activities largely remain underexplored. This paper highlights the constructs drawn from hands-on robotics activities in a STEM workshop designed for pre-service teacher students. The qualitative research design involved eight participants to investigate the responses of pre-service teachers to a hands-on robotics activity intended to provide STEM material. The research findings emphasise the correlations between the CT principles and STEM learning phases and underscore the roles played by educational robotics to enhance previous literature on learning experience.
Microplastic contamination in Indonesian anchovies from fourteen locations
Authors: NINGRUM ENDAR W. NINGRUM , PATRIA MUFTI P.
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Ningrum EW, Patria MP. 2021. Microplastic contamination in Indonesian anchovies from fourteen locations. Biodiversitas 23: 125-134. Microplastics in seawater can enter into the food chain of pelagic fish with subsurface foraging behavior such as anchovies (Stolephorus spp.). Anchovies are valuable commercial fish with high market demand. Hence, measuring potential marine pollutants in these fish is needed. Microplastics as marine contaminants are reportedly more dangerous if they occur together with other contaminants such as trace metals. This research aims to detect microplastic contaminants in anchovies caught in the Indonesia Sea. This research compared between the microplastic contamination on anchovies from 14 harbors: 6 in Western Indonesia (Meulaboh, Krui, Pangkalpinang, Muara Angke, Karimunjawa, and Sidoarjo) and 8 in Eastern Indonesia (Manado, Mamuju, Makassar, Kendari, Ambon, Sorong, Fakfak, and Waingapu). We isolated the digestive tracts of anchovies and measured their length and dry weight. The organic materials were digested with NaOH and a technical-grade sodium Laureth sulfate (SLES) solution approximately one week after collection. Microplastics were observed using a microscope and confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We found that most microplastic contaminants in anchovies were in fiber and film shapes. The majority of the sizes ranged from 50-500 ?m, followed by a range of 20-50 ?m. Microplastics were surprisingly high in samples from Mamuju (688±1.15 MPs idv-1) and Krui (645±7.02 MPs idv-1), higher than any contaminated biota ever reported for anchovies. As reported, anchovies from the Indonesia Sea are contaminated by microplastics. Moreover, human exposure to microplastic contaminants is possible and may affect consumer health in long-term exposure.