bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoignition flame transfer matrix: Analytical model versus large eddy simulations
Authors: Gant Francesco , Cuquel Alexis , Bothien Mirko R.
Published: June 2022

Modern gas turbines need to fulfil increasingly stringent emission targets on the one hand and exhibit outstanding operational and fuel flexibility on the other. Ansaldo Energia GT26 and GT36 gas turbine models address these requirements by employing a combustion system in which two lean premixed combustors are arranged in series. Due to the high inlet temperatures from the first stage, the second combustor stage predominantly relies on autoignition for flame stabilization. In this paper, the response of autoignition flames to temperature, pressure and velocity excitations is investigated. The gas turbine combustor geometry is represented by a backward-facing step. Based on the conservation equations an analytical model is derived by solving the linearized Rankine-Hugoniot conditions. This is a commonly used analytical approach to describe the relation of thermodynamic quantities up- and downstream of a propagation stabilized flame. In particular, the linearized Rankine-Hugoniot jump conditions are derived taking into account the presence of a moving discontinuity as well as upstream entropy inhomogeneities. The unsteady heat release rate of the flame is modelled as a linear superposition of flame transfer functions, accounting for velocity, pressure, and entropy disturbances, respectively. This results in a 3[Formula: see text]3 flame transfer matrix relating both primitive acoustic variables and the temperature fluctuations across the flame. The obtained analytical expression is compared to large eddy simulations with excellent agreement. A discussion about the contribution of the single terms to the modelling effort is provided, with a focus on autoignition flames.
Large-eddy simulation and challenges for projection-based reduced-order modeling of a gas turbine model combustor
Authors: Arnold-Medabalimi Nicholas , Huang Cheng , Duraisamy Karthik
Published: June 2022

Computationally efficient modeling of gas turbine combustion is challenging due to the chaotic multi-scale physics and the complex non-linear interactions between acoustic, hydrodynamic, and chemical processes. A large-eddy simulation, referred to as the full order model (FOM), is performed for a gas turbine model combustor with turbulent combustion effects modeled using a flamelet-based method. Modal analysis reveals a high degree of correlation with averaged and instantaneous high-frequency particle image velocimetry fields. The dynamics of the precessing vortex core is quantitatively characterized using dynamic mode decomposition. The governing equations of the FOM are projected onto a low-dimensional linear manifold to construct a reduced-order model (ROM). A discretely-consistent least squares projection is used to guarantee global stability. The ROM provides an accurate reconstruction of the combustion dynamics within the training region, but faces a significant challenge in future state predictions. This limitation is mainly due to the increased projection error, which in turn is a direct consequence of the highly chaotic nature of the flow field, involving a wide range of dispersed coherent structures. This shortcoming is overcome using an adaptive basis method which yields accurate predictions of dynamics beyond the training region consistent with the FOM. Formal projection-based ROMs have not been applied to a problem of this scale and complexity, and achieving accurate and efficient ROMs is a grand challenge problem. A production-ready ROM method will significantly decrease the computational cost of the flame dynamics as well as the portability of this prediction to smaller-scale computers.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Herbal Mixture Made of Juniperus oxycedrus L. Berries, Inner Bark of Betula pendula Roth., and Grains of Avena sativa L.
Authors: Zlatanović Ivana , Stanković Miroslava , Ickovski Jovana , Dimitrijević Ivana , Stojanović Gordana
Published: June 2022

This is the first report of the high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry profile of a herbal mixture (HM) made of Juniperus oxycedrus L. (redberry juniper) berries, inner bark of Betula pendula Roth. (silver birch), and grains of Avena sativa L. (oat), and its effect on the No. of micronuclei (MN) in human lymphocytes and toxicity toward Artemia salina. Constituents represented by over 1000 µg per g of methanol dry extract were gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and amentoflavone. The methanol extract of the HM at a concentration of 2.0 μg/mL decreased MN frequency by 38.3%, which was more than 3 times greater than that of the radioprotectant amifostine. The essential oil isolated from the HM was composed mainly of β-myrcene (32%) and showed weaker toxicity toward Artemia salina than the positive control after both incubation periods (24 h and 48 h). These findings suggest that the examined HM, beside its ethnopharmacological relevance on the elimination of renal calculi, also significantly reduces the No. of MN in human lymphocytes.
Isoegomaketone From Perilla frutescens Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice
Authors: Kim Ye-Ram , Han Ah-Reum , Kim Jin-Baek , Cao Shugeng , Jin Chang Hyun
Published: June 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a worldwide health problem. An effective treatment for IBD is unavailable, and potential therapeutic agents should be developed for treating colonic inflammation. In this study, we demonstrated that isoegomaketone (IK), an essential oil component of a mutant cultivar of Perilla frutescens produced through radiation breeding, reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and interleukin-12p40, in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse primary macrophages. Furthermore, when 5 mg/kg IK was administered to mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis, it ameliorated the severity of the disease as assessed by survival, body weight, and colonic damage. These results suggested that 5 mg/kg IK has a preventive effect in colitis and can be a novel alternative therapy for treating colitis.
A New Liposomal Formulation of Hydrogenated Anacardic Acid to Improve Activities Against Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Vien Le Tri , Nga Nguyen Thi , Hue Phung Thi Kim , Kha Tran Hoang Bao , Hoang Nguyen Hong , Hue Pham Thi , Thien Pham Ngoc , Huang Chi-Ying F , Van Kiem Phan , Thao Do Thi
Published: June 2022

Anacardic acid (AA) is a natural active ingredient that accounts for 65% of the liquid extract from the shell of the cashew nut. Due to the stronger cytotoxic activity of hydrogenated AA (HAA) against NTERA-2 cancer stem cells (CSCs) than AA itself, HAA was co-conjugated with CD133 monoclonal antibody (mAb^CD133) into nanoliposomal particles (AMC). This nanoliposomal complex is expected to improved HAA activities against CSCs based on the targeting capacity of mAb^CD133 toward CD133, a typical CSCs’ surface marker. AMC was manufactured with a mean size of 100.9 nm, a zeta potential of −40.7 mV, and a PDI of 0.283. We report a 100% encapsulation efficiency of HAA into liposomes and a 90.7% conjugation efficiency with mAb^CD133. The penetration of AMC into NTERA-2 CSCs after 2 h was 83.7%. The AMC complex inhibited NTERA-2 growth with an IC50 (inhibition concentration at 50%) value of 75.83  ±  6.70 µM, showing the targeting ability and lower toxicity (IC50 > 100 µM) on healthy cells. The AMC nanoparticles also demonstrated significant potential apoptotic induction by activating caspase 3 activity by up to 2.57 and 2.06 folds compared to that of the negative control at 20 and 4 µM, respectively. This induction was significant improvement in comparison with that of unconjugated HAA ( P < .05). AMC presented a clear effect on the solid structure of NTERA-2 spheroids and significantly suppressed the proliferation of CSCs in the 3D tumorspheres with an IC50 = 64.25  ±  3.15 µM, compared to the free form with an IC50  =  82.22  ±  0.65 µM ( P < .05). Therefore, this nanoliposomal complex exhibits promising capacities as an effective material against NTERA-2 CSCs.
Intrathecal Methotrexate Toxicity Resulting in Brain Death due to Generalized Cerebral Edema Case Report
Authors: Pang Haoming , Chan Julie L. , Bannykh Serguei I. , Gezalian Michael , Lahiri Shouri , Toossi Shahed , Ayodele Maranatha
Published: June 2022

Intrathecal methotrexate (IT MTX) resulting in severe adverse events including life-threatening cerebral edema is not well described. We report a rare case of death in a 37-year-old BRCA1+ woman with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer status post mastectomy following administration of IT MTX for leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Within the 24 hours after intraoperative IT MTX delivery, she developed neurologically devastating diffuse cerebral edema leading to uncal and cerebellar tonsillar herniation. This case report highlights a rare but devastating side effect of IT MTX.
Dentistry where there is no Dentist: A retrospective analysis of urgent dental care reported through the British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit (BASMU), 2015 – 2020
Authors: McColl Ewen , Witton Robert , Lommerse Tanya , Warner Matt
Published: June 2022

Aim:

To evaluate the nature of dental related morbidity in British Antarctic Survey (BAS) deployed personnel, and to compare the findings to those in other deployed population groups. Additional aims include outlining the evidence-based approach to further developing a training programme for non-dentists, to manage dental emergencies.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of dental morbidity between 2015 – 2020 reported through the British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit (BASMU) database of dental reported morbidity recorded by deployed medical officers.

Results:

Analysis and comparison of dental morbidity in deployed personnel to austere environments revealed similarity, in that relatively minor conditions led to the most significant number of presentations for personnel seeking dental advice when deployed.

Conclusions:

Dental morbidity for deployed personnel in austere conditions can present with a range of symptoms from relatively minor to severe. Use of best evidence to configure training packages to likely presentations, may limit likelihood of necessitating evacuation from remote locations, or limit morbidity when evacuation is not feasible.
A modified Newton classification for denture stomatitis
Authors: Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Falcão Procópio Andréa Lemos , Gurgel Gomes Anna Clara , Campos Sugio Carolina Yoshi , Maia Neves Garcia Amanda Aparecida , Porto Vinicius Carvalho , Urban Vanessa Migliorini
Published: June 2022

The effectiveness of denture stomatitis (DS) treatment should be evaluated by associating clinical and mycological parameters. Although widely used in clinical studies, the Newton classification does not accurately represent the degree of severity of palatal inflammation in terms of extent of the lesions and intensity of the erythema. Therefore, a modified Newton classification has been proposed considering the coverage area of palatal inflammation and the erythema level. This consistent and direct ranking will help standardise randomised clinical trials, as well as the statistical comparison among blind evaluations of the obtained scores within and between studies.
Health and Wellbeing of Clinical Dental Care Professionals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kaki Layan , KC Sukriti , Gallagher Jennifer E.
Published: June 2022

Background:

There has been much research relating to stressors in the dental environment and concerns over dentists’ health and wellbeing. The determinants of dentists’ health and wellbeing within the UK include macro-factors, such as healthcare systems and regulation; meso-factors, such as job specification and workplace characteristics; and micro-factors, such as personal aspects, professional career level, and personal and professional relationships. Given the challenges in dentistry, research is needed to investigate the key determinants relating to the health and wellbeing of clinical dental care professionals (DCPs) nationally.

Aim:

To review the literature on the key determinants of health and wellbeing among dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians, and orthodontic therapists in the UK.

Materials and methods:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted across seven databases. The records were screened by title, abstract and full text based on the study inclusion criteria. Extraction of data and a qualitative synthesis of the included studies was performed. A mixed methods appraisal tool was used to quality assess for risk of bias.

Results:

Twelve studies were included in this review, eleven of which were medium to high quality (5*, 4*) and one low quality (2*). Ten studies focused on dental therapists, and/or hygienists, with only one each on orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians. Job satisfaction and professional careers were the primary factors explored in the included studies and clearly identified as determinants of health and wellbeing. However, there was evidence of these being associated and linked with a range of determinants at macro-, meso-, and micro-levels, with a general lack of evidence on the overall health and wellbeing.

Conclusion:

There is currently very limited evidence on the key determinants of health and wellbeing of clinical DCPs within the UK, but the available evidence maps to the same domains as dentists. Further well conducted research examining the overall health and wellbeing is required, with consideration of the full matrix of possible factors.
Individualising probation conditions in cases of domestic violence: The study of sentencing practice in Lithuania
Authors: Nikartas Simonas , Jarutienė Liubovė
Published: June 2022

Based on an empirical quantitative study, the paper examines the sentencing trends and individualisation of probation conditions in domestic violence cases. The study sample included 577 Lithuanian court verdicts for moderate bodily injury in a domestic setting between 2015 and 2019. The study results suggest that the length of the probation period imposed by the courts may depend on the offender’s conviction history but is not related to the offender’s socio-demographic characteristics and the mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Such characteristics as employment and marital status, mitigating and aggravating circumstances may relate to the type of sentence decisions. The study revealed a discrepancy between the main characteristics of the offender and the nature of probation conditions imposed by courts. Based on study results, the authors of this paper presume that Lithuanian sentencing practice lacks evidence-based individualisation of probation conditions.
A Smarter and Greener Olympics: Mediatization and Public Reception in the Preparation Stage of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
Authors: Shi Lin , Zhang Liwen
Published: June 2022

In the post-COVID-19 era, the mediatization of sports mega-events is timely and notable. This study focuses on the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing and investigates how mediated processes influenced the Olympics. The data were gathered in two ways: we examined 783 WeChat posts from three salient Chinese media institutions, namely, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Organising Committee (BOCOG), China Central Television (CCTV), and Beijing Television (BTV), as well as conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with BOCOG staff and members of the general public. We discovered that the Games were narrated around two major themes—the development of technology and “going green”—both of which were heavily influenced by the country’s national agenda. As a result, the Chinese public was thoroughly immersed in the tech-savvy Olympics scenario, and the Green Olympics concept was widely shared in their daily practices. This study adds to the literature by incorporating communicative figuration as an analytical framework to improve the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of media saturation theory. Additionally, this research sheds light on the study of sports mediatization in China in the context of a pandemic.
Housing and Unfree Labour: A Village Case Study from Rajasthan, India
Authors: Singh Shamsher
Published: June 2022

The phenomenon of unfree labour relations in the Indian countryside continues to remain a matter of concern. While multiple factors contribute to attachment and unfreedom of labour dependency on employers for housing, it is an understudied issue in the existing literature. Drawing on a detailed field study of an agriculturally advanced village in Sri Ganganagar district of north-western state of Rajasthan, this study discusses the role of housing in labour relations and contracts. It has been argued that when the proximate cause of unfree labour relations in this village is the lack of access to housing and homestead among the local landless Dalit labourers, the nature of overall dependence derives from multiple socio-economic factors rooted in unequal caste and class relations, inequality in land ownership and limited employment opportunities within the capital-intensive local agrarian production system. This article also discusses the nature, mechanisms and types of long-term labour contracts and labour services prevalent in the village and how all these are closely intertwined with caste relations. The study explores labour dependency in relation to labour contracts, wage negotiations, freedom and mobility, and working and living conditions.
South–South Cooperation in Agriculture: Impacts of Brazil’s More Food International Program on Post-Land Reform Social Organizations in Zimbabwe
Authors: Muchetu Rangarirai Gavin , Shonhe Toendepi
Published: June 2022

South–South Cooperation has received significant attention. This article assesses the implications of Brazil’s More Food International on farm-level social organizations in Goromonzi and Mvurwi districts in Zimbabwe. Data was collected using mainly focus group discussions, key-informant interviews, and the application of a questionnaire among 410 farming households. Differentiated implications and outcomes were observed between the two districts. Overall, the Brazilian programs improved access to tractor and irrigation implements. Still, the implements were more suited to the large-scale production systems rather than to those of the small-scale A1 farmers. Furthermore, a top-down approach utilized by the state has adverse consequences. The prerequisite of forming cooperatives before accessing the tractors and irrigation implements disrupted local political and socio-economic organizations already in existence within the two districts. The study concludes that, while farm mechanization is crucial for agricultural production, the exclusion of the farmers during policy conceptualization undermines the success of these programs.
How Consumers Choose the Green Electricity Product Instead of Conventional Electricity? A Welfare Analysis Approach
Authors: Hadhri Walid , Abderrazak Chema
Published: June 2022

The aim of this article is to analyze theoretically whether changes in an access charge pricing policy can promote green electricity use. The model considers two hypothetical firms: One firm offers green electricity product, and the other firm provides conventional electricity. Each firm pays an access charge to the natural monopoly in order to have access to the transportation network. Through using a vertical differentiation model, we try to analyze the link between the access charges paid by the two firms and the qualities offered. We also attempt to explain why the consumers do not often choose green electricity. Finally, we suggest a new policy that can lead the consumers to choose the green electricity product instead of conventional electricity. Our model shows that changes in the access charge pricing policies can constitute a relevant component in the reforms of the electricity sector and can have impacts on the consumption of the green electricity. A differentiating access charge policy could allow a better penetration of the green electricity product and an increase in the social welfare when consumers have greater preferences in environmental qualities. Otherwise, their preservation at a uniform level is desirable in order to maintain the competition.

JEL Classifications: B21, C72, L13, Q21, P28
Church Digitalization and the New Koinonia in the Era of the “Internet of Things”
Authors: Zaluchu Sonny Eli
Published: June 2022

The church is facing an existential challenge caused by the current pandemic and by what has been called the Internet of Things. It consequently has no choice but to adapt and adjust as it addresses the needs of the present generation. This article discusses how these changes have occurred and how the church in general has repositioned itself as Church 5.0. Because of shifts away from certain traditional perspectives, the church has had to reposition itself in order to conduct its mission successfully. Although church forms change, its sacramental presence and the essence of its proclamation remain unchanged.
Effect of skin phototype on quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy
Authors: Bairwa Devender , Kavadichanda Chengappa G , Dunga Saikumar , Mathew Anoop , G Aishwarya , M S Gayathri , Mamatha Gorijavolu , Thabah Molly Mary , Negi Vir Singh
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

To determine the impact of Fitzpatrick scale-based skin phototype on visualization of capillary density using nailfold capillaroscopy in healthy Indian adults.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, healthy adults were examined for nailfold capillaroscopy findings utilizing a portable capillary microscope at 800× magnification. Photographs of two contiguous areas measuring 1 mm2 each of the distal row of capillaries were captured. Images were captured from the central area of all fingers except thumb in both hands. Capillary density and morphology of nailfold capillaroscopies were assessed by two blinded assessors. The nailfold capillaroscopy parameters were compared between the Standard Fitzpatrick scale-based skin phototypes.

Results:

A total of 118 healthy adults were enrolled in the study. Type III, IV, V, and VI skin phototypes were seen in 27 (22.90%), 32 (27.19%), 29 (24.58%), and 30 (25.42%) participants, respectively. All participants (100%) had normal nailfold capillaroscopy morphology and architecture. Zero capillaries were visible in 11 fingers among 5 patients (4.24%) and all of them had Type VI phototype. The median capillary density per mm was 5.19 (interquartile range = 4.37–6.75) with 90 (76.27%) participants having less than seven capillaries. The median average capillary density was significantly different ( p-value < 0.0001) across Type III (8.13, interquartile range = 6.44–8.88), Type IV (5.67, interquartile range = 4.41–6.98), Type V (4.94, interquartile range = 4.19–5.38), and Type VI (4.53, interquartile range = 3.72–4.91) phototypes ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The number of capillaries visualized during nailfold capillaroscopy decreases as the skin pigmentation increases. There is a need to redefine the nailfold capillaroscopy density and avascularity by taking skin phototype as one of the determinants before labeling a nailfold capillaroscopy finding with less visualized capillaries as abnormal.
The Myth of the Ten-Year Limit on Reservations and Dr Ambedkar’s Stance
Authors: Bhaskar Anurag
Published: June 2022

It is a common perception that the reservation framework for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India was supposed to last only for a period of 10 years, and that B. R. Ambedkar himself was a proponent of this view. This article analyses the historical material to argue that the supposed time limit on reservations is a falsehood. The initial time limit was imposed only on political reservations (subject to few conditions) and not on reservations in services and education. It would be demonstrated that Ambedkar was not in favour of any time limit even on political reservations, and that the temporary 10-year limit imposed on political reservation was a decision adopted by other members, who formed the majority in the Constituent Assembly. It would be further demonstrated that Ambedkar had suggested the method of constitutional amendments to keep increasing the initial time limit on political reservations.
Role of allogeneic transplantation in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: an international collaborative analysis
Authors: Robin Marie , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Padron Eric , Bakunina Katerina , Fenaux Pierre , Koster Linda , Nazha Aziz , Beelen Dietrich W. , Rampal Raajit K. , Sockel Katja , Komrokji Rami S. , Gagelmann Nico , Eikema Dirk-Jan , Radujkovic Aleksandar , Finke Jürgen , Potter Victoria , Killick Sally B. , Legrand Faezeh , Solary Eric , Broom Angus , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Rizzoli Vittorio , Hayden Patrick , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Onida Francesco , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Itzykson Raphael
Published: June 2022

To determine the survival benefit of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in chronic myelomonocytic leukemias (CMML), we assembled a retrospective cohort of CMML patients 18-70 years old diagnosed between 2000 and 2014 from an international CMML dataset (n = 730) and the EBMT registry (n = 384). The prognostic impact of allo-HCT was analyzed through univariable and multivariable time-dependent models and with a multistate model, accounting for age, sex, CMML prognostic scoring system (low or intermediate-1 grouped as lower-risk, intermediate-2 or high as higher-risk) at diagnosis, and AML transformation. In univariable analysis, lower-risk CMMLs had a 5-year overall survival (OS) of 20% with allo-HCT vs 42% without allo-HCT (P < .001). In higher-risk patients, 5-year OS was 27% with allo-HCT vs 15% without allo-HCT (P = .13). With multistate models, performing allo-HCT before AML transformation reduced OS in patients with lower-risk CMML, and a survival benefit was predicted for men with higher-risk CMML. In a multivariable analysis of lower-risk patients, performing allo-HCT before transformation to AML significantly increased the risk of death within 2 years of transplantation (hazard ratio [HR], 3.19; P < .001), with no significant change in long-term survival beyond this time point (HR, 0.98; P = .92). In higher-risk patients, allo-HCT significantly increased the risk of death in the first 2 years after transplant (HR 1.46; P = .01) but not beyond (HR, 0.60; P = .09). Performing allo-HCT before AML transformation decreases life expectancy in lower-risk patients but may be considered in higher-risk patients.
PUM1 mediates the posttranscriptional regulation of human fetal hemoglobin
Authors: Elagooz Reem , Dhara Anita R. , Gott Rose M. , Adams Sarah E. , White Rachael A. , Ghosh Arnab , Ganguly Shinjini , Man Yuncheng , Owusu-Ansah Amma , Mian Omar Y. , Gurkan Umut A. , Komar Anton A. , Ramamoorthy Mahesh , Gnanapragasam Merlin Nithya
Published: June 2022

The fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switching at about the time of birth involves a shift in expression from γ-globin to β-globin in erythroid cells. Effective re-expression of fetal γ-globin can ameliorate sickle cell anemia and β-thalassemia. Despite the physiological and clinical relevance of this switch, its posttranscriptional regulation is poorly understood. Here, we identify Pumilo 1 (PUM1), an RNA-binding protein with no previously reported functions in erythropoiesis, as a direct posttranscriptional regulator of β-globin switching. PUM1, whose expression is regulated by the erythroid master transcription factor erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF/KLF1), peaks during erythroid differentiation, binds γ-globin messenger RNA (mRNA), and reduces γ-globin (HBG1) mRNA stability and translational efficiency, which culminates in reduced γ-globin protein levels. Knockdown of PUM1 leads to a robust increase in fetal hemoglobin (∼22% HbF) without affecting β-globin levels in human erythroid cells. Importantly, targeting PUM1 does not limit the progression of erythropoiesis, which provides a potentially safe and effective treatment strategy for sickle cell anemia and β-thalassemia. In support of this idea, we report elevated levels of HbF in the absence of anemia in an individual with a novel heterozygous PUM1 mutation in the RNA-binding domain (p.(His1090Profs∗16); c.3267_3270delTCAC), which suggests that PUM1-mediated posttranscriptional regulation is a critical player during human hemoglobin switching.
NODeJ: an ImageJ plugin for 3D segmentation of nuclear objects
Authors: Dubos Tristan , Poulet Axel , Thomson Geoffrey , Péry Emilie , Chausse Frédéric , Tatout Christophe , Desset Sophie , van Wolfswinkel Josien C. , Jacob Yannick
Published: June 2022

Background

The three-dimensional nuclear arrangement of chromatin impacts many cellular processes operating at the DNA level in animal and plant systems. Chromatin organization is a dynamic process that can be affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Three-dimensional imaging technology allows to follow these dynamic changes, but only a few semi-automated processing methods currently exist for quantitative analysis of the 3D chromatin organization.

Results

We present an automated method, Nuclear Object DetectionJ (NODeJ), developed as an imageJ plugin. This program segments and analyzes high intensity domains in nuclei from 3D images. NODeJ performs a Laplacian convolution on the mask of a nucleus to enhance the contrast of intra-nuclear objects and allow their detection. We reanalyzed public datasets and determined that NODeJ is able to accurately identify heterochromatin domains from a diverse set of Arabidopsis thaliana nuclei stained with DAPI or Hoechst. NODeJ is also able to detect signals in nuclei from DNA FISH experiments, allowing for the analysis of specific targets of interest.

Conclusion and availability

NODeJ allows for efficient automated analysis of subnuclear structures by avoiding the semi-automated steps, resulting in reduced processing time and analytical bias. NODeJ is written in Java and provided as an ImageJ plugin with a command line option to perform more high-throughput analyses. NODeJ can be downloaded from https://gitlab.com/axpoulet/image2danalysis/-/releases with source code, documentation and further information avaliable at https://gitlab.com/axpoulet/image2danalysis. The images used in this study are publicly available at https://www.brookes.ac.uk/indepth/images/ and https://doi.org/10.15454/1HSOIE.
MeShClust v3.0: high-quality clustering of DNA sequences using the mean shift algorithm and alignment-free identity scores
Authors: Girgis Hani Z.
Published: June 2022

Background

Tools for accurately clustering biological sequences are among the most important tools in computational biology. Two pioneering tools for clustering sequences are CD-HIT and UCLUST, both of which are fast and consume reasonable amounts of memory; however, there is a big room for improvement in terms of cluster quality. Motivated by this opportunity for improving cluster quality, we applied the mean shift algorithm in MeShClust v1.0. The mean shift algorithm is an instance of unsupervised learning. Its strong theoretical foundation guarantees the convergence to the true cluster centers. Our implementation of the mean shift algorithm in MeShClust v1.0 was a step forward. In this work, we scale up the algorithm by adapting an out-of-core strategy while utilizing alignment-free identity scores in a new tool: MeShClust v3.0.

Results

We evaluated CD-HIT, MeShClust v1.0, MeShClust v3.0, and UCLUST on 22 synthetic sets and five real sets. These data sets were designed or selected for testing the tools in terms of scalability and different similarity levels among sequences comprising clusters. On the synthetic data sets, MeShClust v3.0 outperformed the related tools on all sets in terms of cluster quality. On two real data sets obtained from human microbiome and maize transposons, MeShClust v3.0 outperformed the related tools by wide margins, achieving 55%–300% improvement in cluster quality. On another set that includes degenerate viral sequences, MeShClust v3.0 came third. On two bacterial sets, MeShClust v3.0 was the only applicable tool because of the long sequences in these sets. MeShClust v3.0 requires more time and memory than the related tools; almost all personal computers at the time of this writing can accommodate such requirements. MeShClust v3.0 can estimate an important parameter that controls cluster membership with high accuracy.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the high quality of clusters produced by MeShClust v3.0 and its ability to apply the mean shift algorithm to large data sets and long sequences. Because clustering tools are utilized in many studies, providing high-quality clusters will help with deriving accurate biological knowledge.
Parents’ satisfaction of tele-rehabilitation for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Frigerio Pamela , Del Monte Liliana , Sotgiu Aurora , De Giacomo Costantino , Vignoli Aglaia
Published: June 2022

Background

The use of tele-rehabilitation in children was limited before the COVID-19 pandemic, due to culture, technology access, regulatory and reimbursement barriers.

Methods

The study was conducted according to the CHERRIES (Checklist for reporting results of internet E-surveys) guidelines in order to provide quantitative and qualitative data about experience of patients with disabilities and their caregivers during Phase 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their level of satisfaction. An online survey was developed using Google Forms and sent via email. The outcome measures were rated using a 5-point Likert Scale. Two additional open-ended questions were used to collect qualitative data.

Results

One hundred twenty-eight out of 261 families responded to the survey: 80.5% of the caregivers reported they were satisfied with the tele-rehabilitation. More than a half (53%) of the families reported a high level of satisfaction with the involvement they received in defining and sharing of rehabilitation goals.

Conclusions

The implementation of telehealth during the COVID-19 lockdown has allowed us to gain more information about the potential of tele-rehabilitation, and resulted in an excellent satisfaction of caregivers. With appropriate education and consistent models of care, an increased use of telehealth may provide advances in remote patient care.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
DNL-Net: deformed non-local neural network for blood vessel segmentation
Authors: Ni Jiajia , Wu Jianhuang , Elazab Ahmed , Tong Jing , Chen Zhengming
Published: June 2022

Background

The non-local module has been primarily used in literature to capturing long-range dependencies. However, it suffers from prohibitive computational complexity and lacks the interactions among positions across the channels.

Methods

We present a deformed non-local neural network (DNL-Net) for medical image segmentation, which has two prominent components; deformed non-local module (DNL) and multi-scale feature fusion. The former optimizes the structure of the non-local block (NL), hence, reduces the problem of excessive computation and memory usage, significantly. The latter is derived from the attention mechanisms to fuse the features of different levels and improve the ability to exchange information across channels. In addition, we introduce a residual squeeze and excitation pyramid pooling (RSEP) module that is like spatial pyramid pooling to effectively resample the features at different scales and improve the network receptive field.

Results

The proposed method achieved 96.63% and 92.93% for Dice coefficient and mean intersection over union, respectively, on the intracranial blood vessel dataset. Also, DNL-Net attained 86.64%, 96.10%, and 98.37% for sensitivity, accuracy and area under receiver operation characteristic curve, respectively, on the DRIVE dataset.

Conclusions

The overall performance of DNL-Net outperforms other current state-of-the-art vessel segmentation methods, which indicates that the proposed network is more suitable for blood vessel segmentation, and is of great clinical significance.
Impact of video-led educational intervention on uptake of influenza vaccine among the elderly in western China: a community-based randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jiang Minghuan , Yao Xuelin , Li Pengchao , Fang Yu , Feng Liuxin , Hayat Khezar , Shi Xinke , Gong Yilin , Peng Jin , Atif Naveel
Published: June 2022

Background

Influenza vaccination coverage rate among the elderly is low in China. We aimed to evaluate the impact of video-led educational intervention on influenza vaccine uptake among the Chinese elderly.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 8 communities of Xi’an, a representative city in western China. Elderly aged over 60 years were randomized to the control group and intervention group (12-minute video education on influenza and its vaccination). Participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of influenza was assessed by using a questionnaire survey before and after the intervention. The primary outcomes were participants’ willingness to get influenza vaccinated and their actual uptake rates in the 2020-21 flu season. Secondary outcomes were the variations of pre- and post-intervention KAP scores. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed to analyze the data, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the robustness of the results.

Results

A total of 350 people were enrolled, with 175 individuals for each group. Participants in the intervention group were more willing to receive influenza vaccination than those in the control group (64.6% vs. 51.4%, p<0.05). The influenza vaccination uptake rate occurred in 10.3% of participants in the intervention group and 3.4% in the control group (odds ratio, 3.23; 95% CI 1.25-8.32, p<0.001). The post-intervention KAP scores in the intervention group were significantly higher compared to those in the control group (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Video-led education was an effective and feasible approach to improve old people’s willingness and uptake of influenza vaccination in western China.
Application and clinical efficacy of modified early unclamping technique in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Song Chen , Chen Luyao , Li Junhua , Wang Yanbin , Fu Bin
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of a modified early unclamping technique in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

Methods

The clinical data of 38 patients with renal tumors who underwent the modified early unclamping technique in RAPN surgery admitted to the Department of Urology, the Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2018 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The control group consisted of 78 patients with renal tumors who underwent standard clamping during the RAPN surgery completed by the same surgeon during the same period. The perioperative-related indicators and postoperative renal function recovery were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

Results

All patients (n = 116) finished the RAPN successfully, and none were transferred to radical or open surgery in either group. The warm ischemia time in the modified early unclamping group was significantly lower than that in the standard clamping group (P < 0.001). After surgery, the renal function index at each time point in the modified early unclamping group was higher than that in the standard clamping group; renal function gradually returned to near preoperative levels after 3 months in both groups. Postoperative follow-up showed no tumor recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusion

The application of a modified early unclamping technique in RAPN surgery is safe and feasible. Compared with standard clamping, modified early unclamping can significantly shorten the warm ischemia time of kidneys without increasing the volume of intraoperative blood loss and complications, which helps to protect the postoperative renal function of patients.
Breakage and displacement of the high-speed hand-piece bur during impacted mandibular third molar extraction: three cases
Authors: Li Kuncai , Xie Bingqing , Chen Junliang , He Yun
Published: June 2022

Background

The high-speed hand-piece bur is one of the methods to perform tooth sectioning during the minimally traumatic extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. During tooth sectioning, the breakage of the bur might take place when it is improperly used. Three cases of the breakage and displacement of a high-speed hand-piece bur during extraction are reported, aiming to remind dental surgeons of this complication.

Case presentation

The bur fragment in case 1 was embedded in the mandibular bone under the previously removed crown of tooth 48 and distal to tooth 47. The bur fragment in case 2 was embedded in the lingual edge of the socket and partly beneath the mucosa on the lingual side. The position of the bur fragment in case 3 was similar to that of case 1 but was completely embedded in the spongious bone. The three cases were performed by first-year residents, and all of the bur fragments were successfully removed by attending doctors after accurately locating them by radiological examination.

Conclusions

In order to avoid breakage of the high-speed hand-piece bur, the number of uses of the bur should be monitored and the integrity and state of the bur should be carefully checked. Moreover, light pressure with little lateral force should be used during tooth sectioning. If bur breakage and displacement occur, the retrieval protocol should be determined based on the imaging findings and conducted as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences.
Dental students’ self-evaluation comparison between dual dental education systems in Korea
Authors: Ji Young-A , Seol Yang-Jo , Ihm Jungjoon
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to examine the satisfaction, educational linkage, and self-perceived competence of dental students enrolled in either 4 + 4 dental program, comprising an undergraduate degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS), or 3 + 4 program, which is a BS/DDS combined degree program, in the Korean dental education system.

Materials and methods

The survey questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale was developed and validated by four dental education experts, consisting of satisfaction with undergraduate courses, the interconnection of undergraduate courses with the DDS curriculum, and self-assessed core competency for dental graduates. A total of 252 students provided informed consent and voluntarily responded to the survey, among whom 109 students were in the 3 + 4 system and 143 were in the 4 + 4 system. Cronbach’s correlation analysis and independent t-test were conducted for each evaluation item.

Results

Students’ overall satisfaction level with the undergraduate education was higher in the 4 + 4 system than in the 3 + 4 system (P = 0.003). Students enrolled in the 4 + 4 system recognized that natural sciences are more connected to the graduate-level DDS program (P <  0.001), while the 3 + 4 students recognized that studies in medicine are closely interconnected to the DDS program (P = 0.001). There was almost no statistically significant difference in the students’ perception of competency between the two education systems.

Discussion

Even though this study analyzed the case of a single university operating both 3 + 4 and 4 + 4 systems, it can be used as the groundwork for developing new opportunities and models of dental education system.
Relationship between perceived organizational support and professional values of nurses: mediating effect of emotional labor
Authors: Peng ChaoHua , Chen Ye , Zeng Tieying , Wu Meiliyang , Yuan Mengmei , Zhang Ke
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Perceived organizational support was a benefit for the work performance of nurses, which may affect emotional labor and the development of professional values. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nurses’ perceived organizational support and professional values, and investigate the mediating role of emotional labor.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in 3 tertiary hospitals in Wuhan from October 2020 to January 2021. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, the Emotional Labor Scale for Nurses, the nurses’ Perceived Organizational Support Scale, and the Nursing Professional Values Scale (NPVS-R). A convenience sample of 1017 nurses responded to the questionnaire survey. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to test the relationship between variables. Predictor effects were tested using hierarchical multiple regressions. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the mediation effect of emotional labor on the pathway from perceived organizational support to professional values.

Results

A positive moderate correlation was observed between the perceived organizational support and emotional labor (r = 0.524, P < 0.01), and a positive strong correlation was observed between perceived organizational support and professional values (r = 0.609, P < 0.01). Emotional labor and perceived organizational support were positive predictors of professional values (B = 0.531, 95%CI = 0.414 ~ 0.649; B = 0.808, 95%CI = 0.715 ~ 0.901, respectively). The association between perceived organizational support and professional values was mediated by emotional labor.

Conclusions

Results showed that perceived organizational support was positively related to nurses’ emotional labor, which was in turn associated with high professional values. For nurses, improving organizational support and training nurses to engage in emotional labor through providing multiple support systems, establishing appropriate incentive mechanisms, and training nurses to regulate emotions can be effective ways to promote nurses’ professional values.