bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of sex and gender in the selection of Alzheimer patients for clinical trial pre-screening
Authors: Rosende-Roca Maitee , Abdelnour Carla , Esteban Ester , Tartari Juan Pablo , Alarcon Emilio , Martínez-Atienza Juliana , González-Pérez Antonio , Sáez María E. , Lafuente Asunción , Buendía Mar , Pancho Ana , Aguilera Nuria , Ibarria Marta , Diego Susana , Jofresa Sara , Hernández Isabel , López Rogelio , Gurruchaga Miren Jone , Tárraga Lluís , Valero Sergi , Ruiz Agustín , Marquié Marta , Boada Mercè
Published: May 2021

Background

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the elderly with a prevalence of 7.1% in women and 3.3% in men. Sex-related patterns have been reported in prognosis, biomarker status, and risk factors. Despite this, the interaction of sex has received limited attention, with AD trials persistently recruiting lower numbers of women than the population distribution and a lack of information on the sex-disaggregated effects of anti-dementia therapies. This is the first study aiming to identify the role of sex in the selection for screening in AD clinical trials.

Methods

This cross-sectional study provides a comprehensive analysis of screening eligibility according to a set of pre-selection criteria currently applied at Fundació ACE memory clinic for a more efficient trial screening process. A cohort of 6667 women and 2926 men diagnosed with AD dementia (55%) or mild cognitive impairment (45%) was analyzed. We also assessed the frequencies of men and women effectively screened for trial enrolment over a period of 10 years. Additionally, data from AddNeuroMed study was used to explore trends in eligibility based on the education criteria.

Results

Women showed a significantly lower chance of being eligible for screening than men (OR = 1.26; p < 0.01). This imbalance was confirmed by a lower frequency of women screened for enrolment compared to the study population (63.0% vs. 69.5%). Education was revealed as the key criterion contributing to this unbalance, with men showing over twice the chance of being screened compared with women (OR = 2.25, p < 0.01). Education-based differences were greater in earlier born patients, but the gap narrowed and achieved balance with increasing year of birth. This observation was replicated using data from other European populations included in AddNeuroMed study. Comorbidity was the most limiting criterion with sex differences in frequencies and significant discrimination against the selection of men (OR = 0.86, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The large number of low-educated elderly women with AD demands for a sex-focused approach in clinical research. New assessment tools insensitive to education level should be developed to enable a proportional representation of women. Although this gender education gap is mostly inexistent in developed countries, economic or cultural factors may lead to different scenarios in other regions. Overlooking the impact of sex may lead to a handicap in AD research with a direct adverse impact on women’s health.
MYOD1 inhibits avian adipocyte differentiation via miRNA-206/KLF4 axis
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhao Qiangsen , Li Xiaoqin , Yin Zhongtao , Chen Sirui , Wu Sen , Yang Ning , Hou Zhuocheng
Published: May 2021

Background

A considerable number of muscle development-related genes were differentially expressed in the early stage of avian adipocyte differentiation. However, the functions of them in adipocyte differentiation remain largely known. In this study, the myoblast determination protein 1 (MYOD1) was selected as a representative of muscle development. We investigated its expression, function, and regulation in avian adipocyte differentiation.

Results

The expression of MYOD1 decreased significantly in the early stage of avian adipocyte differentiation. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of MYOD1 induced adipocyte differentiation, whereas over-expression of MYOD1 inhibited adipogenesis. The mRNA-seq data showed that MYOD1 could perturb the lipid biosynthetic process during differentiation. Our results showed that MYOD1 directly up-regulates the miR-206 expression by binding the upstream 1200 bp region of miR-206. Then, over-expression of miR-206 can inhibit the adipogenesis. Furthermore, MYOD1 affected the expression of endogenous miR-206 and its target gene Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), which is an important activator of adipogenesis. Accordingly, the inhibition of miR-206 or over-expression of KLF4 could counteract the inhibitory effect of MYOD1 on adipocyte differentiation.

Conclusions

Our results establish that MYOD1 inhibits adipocyte differentiation by up-regulating miR-206 to suppress the KLF4 expression. These findings identify a novel function of MYOD1 in adipocyte differentiation, suggesting a potential role in body-fat distribution regulation.
Convergence of the turkey gut microbiota following cohabitation under commercial settings
Authors: Miller Elizabeth A. , Winfield Brittanie , Weber Bonnie P. , Flores-Figueroa Cristian , Munoz-Aguayo Jeannette , Huisinga Jared , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Microbiota development is a critical aspect of turkey poult maturation, and the succession of microbes in the turkey gut has been shown to correlate with poult performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the fate of the microbiota in turkey poults after movement of birds first raised in an isolated hatch brood system into a more traditional commercial brood facility with pre-existing birds. Turkey poults were first divided into groups raised in conventional brood pens from day-of-hatch and those raised in an experimental hatch brood system. After 11 days of growth, hatch brood birds were moved into pens within the conventional brood barn and monitored for an additional 18 days. Sampling of both hatch brood and conventional pen birds was performed at multiple timepoints throughout the study, and cecal content was used to analyze the bacterial microbiota using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Results

Alpha diversity tended to be higher in samples from conventional pen birds compared to those from hatch brood birds prior to the day 11 move, but the difference between systems was not observed post-move. Using beta diversity metrics, bacterial community succession appeared delayed in the hatch brood system birds pre-move, but post-move community composition quickly converged with that of the conventional pen birds. This was validated through assessment of significantly different genera between hatch brood system and conventional pen birds, where numbers of significantly different taxa quickly decreased following the move. Some key taxa previously associated with poult performance were delayed in their appearance and relative abundance in hatch brood birds.

Conclusions

Overall, this study demonstrates that the use of isolated hatch brood systems has an impact on the poult gut microbiota, but its impact is resolved quickly once the birds are introduced into a conventional brood environment. Therefore, the benefits of pathogen reduction with hatch brood systems may outweigh negative microbiota impacts due to isolation.
Seismic characterization of CO2 storage driven by time-lapse images of a prior injection using the artificial neural network
Authors: Aldakheel Mohammed , Pevzner Roman , Gurevich Boris , Glubokovskikh Stanislav
Published: May 2021

To optimize geologic CO2 storage and ensure its safety, it is necessary to demonstrate conformance between the reservoir simulations and geophysical monitoring such as time-lapse (TL) seismic. This process, known as history matching, often relies on subjective judgment and intuition of a reservoir modeling team because a direct examination of the multitude of plausible geologic scenarios is prohibitively expensive. The artificial neural network (ANN) aims to reconstruct the observed plume based on a set of seismic attribute maps. Via a randomized test, the trained model then provides an estimate of the importance of each attribute according to the attribute’s contribution to the accuracy of the plume prediction. This same test is also used to identify specific geologic controls for each part of the CO2 plume. The developed ANN is then used to forecast a CO2 plume that will likely arise from a future injection into the same formation 700 m away from the previous injection. The predicted map of the probability of the occurrence of CO2 after the future injection looks reasonable and agrees with existing reservoir simulations. At the same time, the neural network predicts some potential risks (e.g., across the fault migration) that were not considered in the fluid flow simulations. Although the neural network cannot fully replace high-fidelity fluid flow simulations, it can highlight geologic and petrophysical scenarios that should be simulated. Hence, our workflow may significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of manual history matching.
Novel Approach Using Administrative Claims to Evaluate Trends in Oncology Multigene Panel Testing for Patients Enrolled in Medicare Advantage Health Plans
Authors: Caplan Eleanor O. , Wong William B. , Ferries Erin , Hulinsky Rebecca , Brown Vicky T. , Bordenave Kristine , Suehs Brandon T.
Published: May 2021

PURPOSE

To develop an approach to identify and evaluate recent use of multigene panel testing over time.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective database analysis using medical and pharmacy claims data. Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan members diagnosed with select malignant solid tumors were identified. The pattern of somatic genetic testing for each patient was evaluated from January 2016 through December 2018. Tests were classified by the number of genes tested in the panel: < 50 (small or medium) and ≥ 50 (large).

RESULTS

An initial feasibility study using our novel approach for identifying panel tests resulted in 2.4 and 1.2 times more large and medium panels, respectively, identified compared with using procedure codes alone. A total of 121,675 eligible patients were identified, with 131,915 unique cancer cases. Overall, 5,457 (4.5%) patients received any panel test from 2016 to 2018. We found the number of tests performed each quarter increased from 238 in Q1 of 2016 to 755 in Q4 of 2018. The highest number of cases were genitourinary cancers; however, the highest proportion of cancer-related genetic testing was among patients with respiratory cancer. Across all tumor types, the proportion of large-panel tests performed as a function of all multigene panel tests increased from 20.7% of tests in Q1 of 2016 to 46.4% of tests in Q4 of 2018. The three cancer categories with the highest count of cancer-related panel tests, respiratory cancer, GI cancer, and female reproductive cancer, had a consistently greater proportion receiving a panel test at any point postindex.

CONCLUSION

Across a variety of cancers, use of somatic, large-panel cancer-related genetic testing, as a proportion of all somatic cancer-related genetic testing, increased from 2016 to 2018, although testing overall was low.
Aneuploidy facilitates dysplastic and tumorigenic phenotypes in the Drosophila gut
Authors: Brás Rita , Monteiro Augusta , Sunkel Claudio E. , Resende Luís Pedro
Published: May 2021

Aneuploidy has been strongly linked to cancer development, and published evidence has suggested that aneuploidy can have an oncogenic or a tumor suppressor role depending on the tissue context. Using the Drosophila midgut as a model, we have recently described that adult intestinal stem cells (ISCs), do not activate programmed cell death upon aneuploidy induction, leading to an increase in ISC proliferation rate, and tissue dysplasia. How aneuploidy impacts ISCs in intestinal tumorigenic models remains to be investigated, and it represents a very important biological question to address since data from multiple in vivo models suggests that the cellular impact of aneuploidy is highly dependent on the cellular and tissue context. Using manipulation of different genetic pathways such as EGFR, JAK-STAT and Notch that cause dysplastic phenotypes in the Drosophila gut, we found that concomitant aneuploidy induction by impairment of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) consistently leads to a more severe progression of intestinal dysplasia or tumorigenesis. This is characterized by an accumulation of progenitor cells, high tissue cell density and higher stem cell proliferation rates, revealing an additive or synergistic effect depending on the misregulated pathway in which aneuploidy was induced. Thus, our data suggests that in the Drosophila gut, both dysplasia and tumorigenic phenotypes can be fueled by inducing genomic instability of resident stem cells.
Rola pracowników w zarządzaniu modelem otwartych innowacji
Authors: Iwaniuk Ewa
Published: May 2021

Zarówno w teorii, jak i w praktyce wprowadzanie innowacji uznaje się za jeden z najważniejszych czynników we współczesnej działalności przedsiębiorstw decydującej o ich przetrwaniu i konkurencyjności. Niezbędne do wprowadzenia innowacji jest odpowiednie dobranie metod zarządzania, jakimi są modele zarządzania innowacjami. Odchodzi się od tradycyjnych modeli i uwagę poświęca nowym, jednym z nich jest otwarty model innowacji powstały na początku XXI w., wraz z którym zmieniło się podejście organizacyjne przedsiębiorstwa. Spowodował on zmiany w sposobie zarządzania zasobami ludzkimi poprzez odrzucenie tradycyjnego podejścia zarządzania pracownikami i wybranie nowoczesnych metod menedżerskich angażujących pracowników w tworzenie wartości dodanej dla przedsiębiorstwa. Celem niniejszego rozdziału jest przedstawienie roli pracowników na różnym szczeblach w przedsiębiorstwie stosującym model otwartych innowacji.
Zakaz lotów do Polski w czasie pandemii ­COVID-19 a decyzje podróżnych
Authors: Madras Katarzyna
Published: May 2021

W niniejszej pracy skupiono się na wprowadzonym zakazie lądowania na terytorium Polski samolotów cywilnych wykonujących loty międzynarodowe w czasie pandemii ­COVID-19. Celem rozdziału jest zaprezentowanie postaw podróżnych w stosunku do wprowadzonego ograniczenia. W pracy przedstawiono próbę odpowiedzi na pytania: Czy polscy turyści zmieniali swoje plany wyjazdowe czy z nich zrezygnowali? Czy polscy turyści wierzą w istnienie pandemii ­COVID-19 i jak oceniają zagrożenie z nią związane? Jaki mają stosunek do zakazu lotów do Polski, wprowadzony przez polski rząd? Badanie opiera się na analizie dokumentów urzędowych i przekazów medialnych oraz na ankiecie przeprowadzonej na portalu społecznościowym.
Εκτίμηση της υποκλινικής αγγειοπάθειας με τη χρήση νεώτερων μη επεμβατικών αγγειακών βιοδεικτών σε ασθενείς με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου 2
Authors: Κωνσταντώνης Γεώργιος
Published: May 2021

Εισαγωγή: Ο σακχαρώδης διαβήτης τύπου 2 (ΣΔ2) είναι ένας πολύ σημαντικός παράγοντας εμφάνισης αθηρωματικής νόσου και επιταχύνει την εξέλιξή της σε σχέση με άτομα χωρίς διαβήτη. Τα τελευταία χρόνια έχει αποδειχτεί σε επίπεδο κλινικών μελετών η ωφέλιμη επίδραση της πολυπαραγοντικής προσέγγισης στη θεραπεία του σακχαρώδους διαβήτη τύπου 2 (ΣΔ2) στη μείωση του καρδιαγγειακού κινδύνου.Σκοπός: Να εξετάσουμε την επίδραση της πολυπαραγοντικής αντιμετώπισης στη θεραπεία του ΣΔ2 στην εξέλιξη της υποκλινικής αρτηριακής νόσου, σε σύγκριση με μη διαβητικά άτομα, σε περιβάλλον καθημερινής κλινικής πράξης.Μέθοδος: Εξετάστηκαν προοπτικά 116 διαδοχικοί ασθενείς με ΣΔ2 και 324 άτομα χωρίς σακχαρώδη διαβήτη, οι οποίοι υποβλήθηκαν σε παρόμοια πολυπαραγοντική θεραπευτική προσέγγιση για τη διόρθωση κλασικών παραγόντων καρδιαγγειακού κινδύνου (αρτηριακή πίεση, δυσλιπιδαιμία, κάπνισμα, κ.α.). Μετά από 3.2 χρόνια εξετάστηκαν οι αλλαγές σε αγγειακούς βιοδείκτες που συνδέονται με την υποκλινική αρτηριακή νόσο (αθηρωμάτωση, αρτηριακή σκληρία, υπερτροφία καρωτίδων αρτηριών). Αποτελέσματα: Στην αρχή της μελέτης οι ασθενείς με ΣΔ (μέση ηλικία 63,7 έτη) είχαν σημαντικά μεγαλύτερο επιπολασμό υποκλινικής αγγειοπάθειας σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα χωρίς διαβήτη (μέση ηλικία 51,2 έτη). Στο τέλος της μελέτης οι αλλαγές στα κλινικά, βιοχημικά και χαρακτηριστικά τρόπου ζωής καθώς και στις αντιυπερτασικές/αντιλιπιδαιμικές θεραπείες ήταν συγκρίσιμες μεταξύ των 2 ομάδων. Κατά την επανεξέταση, κλασικοί παράγοντες καρδιαγγειακού κινδύνου όπως το κάπνισμα, η αρτηριακή πίεση, η LDL χοληστερόλη, τα τριγλυκερίδια καθώς και συμπεριφορικά χαρακτηριστικά όπως η άσκηση και συμμόρφωση στη Μεσογειακή διατροφή είχαν βελτιωθεί σημαντικά και στις 2 ομάδες. Πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση, μετά από στάθμιση για κλασικούς παράγοντες και αντιυπερτασικές/αντιλιπιδαιμικές θεραπείες, δεν κατέδειξε σημαντικές διαφορές μεταξύ των 2 ομάδων σε κανέναν από τους δείκτες υποκλινικής αγγειοπάθειας.Συμπέρασμα: Η εφαρμογή ενός προγράμματος πολυπαραγοντικής αντιμετώπισης του ΣΔ2 είναι εφικτή στην καθημερινή κλινική πράξη και έχει ως αποτέλεσμα την επιβράδυνση του ρυθμού εξέλιξης της υποκλινικής αρτηριακής νόσου.
Perceived stress and generalized anxiety in the Indian population due to lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wakode Naina , Wakode Santosh , Santoshi John
Published: May 2021

Background: Research on the psychosocial toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is being conducted in various countries. This study aimed to examine stress levels and causal stressors for perceived stress and generalized anxiety in the Indian population related to the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A total of 300 adults were invited to participate in the online study via snowball and virtual snowball sampling. They were requested to complete electronic survey forms for assessing perceived stress and anxiety, and questions related to psychosocial stressors. Frequency and percentage were used for categorical variables. One-way ANOVA test was applied to compare responses based on gender, level of education, employment, and place of residence. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result: In total, 257 out of the 300 invited, responded and completed the survey. Men accounted for 58% (n=149) of the respondents. Overall, 84% (n=217) of participants had moderate to severe levels of perceived stress and 88% (n=228) had moderate to severe levels of anxiety. Women, as well as those not employed, reported significantly higher perceived stress and anxiety, urban residents reported higher perceived stress, while level of education had no difference in terms of perceived stress as well as anxiety. Fear of contracting COVID-19 was the highest stressor followed by difficulties in executing a routine exercise schedule and worry about the future.

Conclusion: The psychosocial impact of the nationwide lockdown on the Indian population has been high. Vulnerable groups for increased stress and anxiety include women, younger ages, and the unemployed. The stressors recognized include fear of contracting COVID-19, inability to execute a routine exercise schedule and worry about the future.
Determinants of in-hospital death in patients with a thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale: protocol of a systematic review
Authors: Jiménez-Ruiz Amado , Shah Palak , Gibson Andrew , Vargas-González Juan Camilo , Sposato Luciano A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Thrombi identified on echocardiography at the time of straddling a patent foramen ovale (PFO) constitute a medical emergency with an associated imminent risk of death.  Ischemic stroke (IS) and myocardial infarction (MI) occurring in patients with a thrombus straddling a PFO (TSPFO) may be associated with increased risk of in-hospital death. Variables associated with increased risk of death in women and men may be different. We will perform a systematic review of case reports and cases series of patients with a TSPFO to assess if IS and MI are associated with increased risk of in-hospital death and we will further stratify analyses by sex.

Methods: This systematic review will include all case reports and case series of adult patients (18-year-old or older) with echocardiographic or pathological (e.g. at autopsy for older reports) evidence of a TSPFO published between inception and June 30, 2020, in any language. We will search in PubMed and Embase databases. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, retrieve full texts, and extract the data in a predesigned form. We will apply a multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate the association of IS and MI with in-hospital mortality. We will stratify analyses by sex. 

Discussion: IS and MI in patients with TSPFO could potentially be associated with worse outcomes if they are not timely identified or left untreated.  Both acute IS and MI require specific treatment (e.g. thrombolysis, primary coronary intervention, or mechanical thrombectomy) that may be influenced by the therapy instituted for the TSPFO. Knowing the incidence of acute IS and MI among patients diagnosed with TSPFO and whether they are associated with an increased risk of death would help to improve the management of this medical emergency.

Protocol registration: CRD42020216118, PROSPERO.
Design of a soft sensing technique for measuring pitch and yaw angular positions for a Twin Rotor MIMO System
Authors: Nayak Sneha , Vemulapalli Sravani , Venkata Santhosh Krishnan , Shankar Meghana
Published: May 2021

Background: This paper presents a soft sensor design technique for estimation of pitch and yaw angular positions of a Twin Rotor MIMO System (TRMS). The objective of the proposed work was to calculate the value of pitch and yaw angular positions using a stochastic estimation technique. 

Methods: Measurements from optical sensors were used to measure fan blade rotations per minute (RPM).  The Kalman filter, which is a stochastic estimator, was used in the proposed system and its results were compared with those of the Luenberger observer and neural network. The Twin Rotor MIMO System is a nonlinear system with significant cross coupling between its rotors. 

Results: The estimators were designed for the decoupled system and were applied in real life to the coupled TRMS. The convergence of estimation to the actual values was checked on a practical setup. The Kalman filter estimators were evaluated for various inputs and disturbances, and the results were corroborated in real time. 

Conclusion:  From the proposed work it was seen that the Kalman filter had at least Integral Absolute Error (IAE), Integral Square Error (ISE), Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) as compared to the neural network and the Luenberger based observer.
The Main Directions of the State Policy of Reforming the Audit Activity in Russia
Authors: Dmitrieva I. , Kharakoz Yu.
Published: May 2021

The article considers the main provisions of the Concept of Development of audit Activity in the Russian Federation until 2024, analyzes the measures for their implementation, including improving the system of legal regulation of audit activity, developing the market of audit services, improving the skills of auditors, and others.
Licensed Activities in the Field of Education
Authors: Feklin S.
Published: May 2021

In accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, educational activities are subject to licensing, and if they are carried out without a license, administrative or criminal liability occurs.

At the same time, the legislator did not clearly formulate the definition of "educational activity", did not establish the criteria for distinguishing between educational and other similar activities, which in practice gives rise to the incorrect application of legislation and prosecution in disputable situations.

The author of the article, having studied the regulatory legal acts, having analyzed the practice of carrying out control and supervisory activities, presents a scientific view of activities in the field of education, which are subject to licensing.
Efficacy of common antiseptic solutions against clinically relevant microorganisms in biofilm
Authors: O’Donnell Jeffrey A. , Wu Mark , Cochrane Niall H. , Belay Elshaday , Myntti Matthew F. , James Garth A. , Ryan Sean P. , Seyler Thorsten M.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are among the most devastating complications after joint arthroplasty. There is limited evidence on the efficacy of different antiseptic solutions on reducing biofilm burden. The purpose of the present study was to test the efficacy of different antiseptic solutions against clinically relevant microorganisms in biofilm.

Methods

We conducted an in vitro study examining the efficacy of several antiseptic solutions against clinically relevant microorganisms. We tested antiseptic irrigants against nascent (four-hour) and mature (three-day) single-species biofilm created in vitro using a drip-flow reactor model.

Results

With regard to irrigant efficacy against biofilms, Povidone-iodine treatment resulted in greater reductions in nascent MRSA biofilms (logarithmic reduction (LR) = 3.12; p < 0.001) compared to other solutions. Bactisure treatment had the greatest reduction of mature Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms (LR = 1.94; p = 0.032) and a larger reduction than Vashe or Irrisept for mature Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms (LR = 2.12; p = 0.025). Pooled data for all biofilms tested resulted in Bactisure and Povidone-iodine with significantly greater reductions compared to Vashe, Prontosan, and Irrisept solutions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Treatment failure in PJI is often due to failure to clear the biofilm; antiseptics are often used as an adjunct to biofilm clearance. We tested irrigants against clinically relevant microorganisms in biofilm in vitro and showed significant differences in efficacy among the different solutions. Further clinical outcome data is necessary to determine whether these solutions can impact PJI outcome in vivo. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):908–915.
Radiological humeral adaptative changes five years after anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty using a standard-length cementless hydroxyapatite-coated humeral component
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Tram V. , Martinez-Catalan Natalia , Songy Chad E. , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin
Published: May 2021

Aims

The purpose of this study was to report bone adaptive changes after anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) using a standard-length hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated humeral component, and to report on a computer-based analysis of radiographs to determine changes in peri-implant bone density objectively.

Methods

A total of 44 TSAs, performed between 2011 and 2014 using a cementless standard-length humeral component proximally coated with HA, were included. There were 23 males and 21 females with a mean age of 65 years (17 to 65). All shoulders had good quality radiographs at six weeks and five years postoperatively. Three observers graded bone adaptive changes. All radiographs were uploaded into a commercially available photographic software program. The grey value density of humeral radiological areas was corrected to the grey value density of the humeral component and compared over time.

Results

Stress shielding was graded as mild in 14 shoulders and moderate in three; the greater tuberosity was the predominant site for stress shielding. The mean metaphyseal and diaphyseal fill-fit ratios were 0.56 (SD 0.1) and 0.5 (SD 0.07), respectively. For shoulders with no radiologically visible stress shielding, the mean decrease in grey value in zones 1 and 7 was 20%, compared with 38% in shoulders with radiologically visible stress shielding.

Conclusion

The rate of moderate stress shielding was 7%, five years after implantation of a cementless standard-length HA-coated humeral component. Clinical observation of stress shielding identified on radiographs seems to represent a decrease in grey value of 25% or more. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):958–963.
Scapholunate ligament 360° procedure
Authors: Kakar Sanjeev , Logli Anthony L. , Ramazanian Taghi , Gaston Raymond Glenn , Fowler John R.
Published: May 2021

Aims

The purpose was to evaluate early clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes of the scapholunate ligament 360° tenodesis (SL 360) technique for treatment of scapholunate (SL) instability.

Methods

We studied the results of nine patients (eight males and one female with a mean age of 44.7 years (26 to 55)) who underwent the SL 360 procedure for reducible SL instability between January 2016 and June 2019, and who were identified from retrospective review of electronic medical records. Final follow-up of any kind was a mean of 33.7 months (12.0 to 51.3). Clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcome data included visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and Patient-Rated Wrist Examination (PRWE). Means were analyzed using paired t-test.

Results

Before surgery, patients with SL instability were significantly impaired with respect to wrist flexion, extension, and grip strength (mean flexion, 51° (20° to 85°) vs 73° (45° to 90°); mean extension, 46° (15° to 70°) vs 66° (45° to 80°); mean grip strength, 25 kg (20 to 31) vs 50 kg (35 to 68) compared to the unaffected side). The mean SL gap (4.9 mm (2.3 to 7.3) vs 2.1 mm (1.6 to 2.9)) and mean SL angle (71° (59° to 105°) vs 50° (38° to 64°) were also significantly greater in the affected wrist. At final follow-up, there was mean improvement regarding clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes comparing preoperative to final postoperative values for the VAS for pain scale, QuickDASH, MWS, PRWE, and SL gap and SL angle.

Conclusion

In our small series, the SL 360 procedure for reducible SL instability has favourable early clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes at a mean of 33.7 months (12.0 to 51.3). The suture tape and tendon construct confers robust stability, permitting earlier mobilization without the inherent disadvantages of Kirschner wire stabilization. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):939–945.
Surface illuminated interdigitated Ge-on-Si photodetector with high responsivity
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Liu Xiaobin , Li Xuetong , Wang Shuai , Ye Han , Zhang Lanxuan , Li Yingzhi , Sun Shengxian , Chen Baisong , Ma Yao , Guo Pengfei , Gao Fengli , Li Xueyan , Lo Guoqiang , Song Junfeng
Published: May 2021

To address the problem of traditional surface illuminated detectors being of low responsivity, this work proposes a large-size interdigitated “finger-type” germanium-on-silicon (Ge-on-Si) photodetector (PD) based on the surface illumination approach. For 1550 nm light with a surface incident power of -20 dBm at room temperature, the best responsivity of the PD achieved is ∼0.64 A/W at 0.5 V. At the same time, the optimal bandwidth reaches 1.537 MHz with 3.5 V applied voltage. In order to suppress the dark current induced noise, a Ge-on-Si avalanche photodiode (APD) with the interdigitated structure is designed. The avalanche voltage is designed ∼13.3 V at room temperature, and the dark current density in linear region is at mA/cm2 order. We believe this type of device can be applied in weak light detection condition.
Localization of a Gaussian beam in an electrically tunable curved Airy channel in a paraelectric Mn:KLTN crystal
Authors: Lu Qieni , Zhang Miaomiao , Zhang Mingdi , Dai Haitao , Ma Xiangguo
Published: May 2021

An optical Airy channel is built in a paraelectric Mn: KLTN crystal via a photo-induced Airy beam based on the photo-refractive effect. A laser beam, incident with the main lobe of the Airy channel, propagates along the Airy channel with a bias field as the control parameter. We find that the light beam is nicely confined in the Airy channel and propagates along it, presenting Airy-like properties of non-diffraction and bending action under a certain voltage range; then a breathing soliton can be formed with bias electric field rising, originating from space-charge-field-induced nonlocal refractive index perturbation. The experiment is corroborated by simulation. This Letter opens up new possibilities for fabricating an electrical engineering functional device, such as optical routing.
Neural oscillations are a start toward understanding brain activity rather than the end
Authors: Doelling Keith B. , Assaneo M. Florencia
Published: May 2021

Does rhythmic neural activity merely echo the rhythmic features of the environment, or does it reflect a fundamental computational mechanism of the brain? This debate has generated a series of clever experimental studies attempting to find an answer. Here, we argue that the field has been obstructed by predictions of oscillators that are based more on intuition rather than biophysical models compatible with the observed phenomena. What follows is a series of cautionary examples that serve as reminders to ground our hypotheses in well-developed theories of oscillatory behavior put forth by theoretical study of dynamical systems. Ultimately, our hope is that this exercise will push the field to concern itself less with the vague question of “oscillation or not” and more with specific biophysical models that can be readily tested.
The hierarchical packing of euchromatin domains can be described as multiplicative cascades
Authors: Noa Amra , Kuan Hui-Shun , Aschmann Vera , Zaburdaev Vasily , Hilbert Lennart
Published: May 2021

The genome is packed into the cell nucleus in the form of chromatin. Biochemical approaches have revealed that chromatin is packed within domains, which group into larger domains, and so forth. Such hierarchical packing is equally visible in super-resolution microscopy images of large-scale chromatin organization. While previous work has suggested that chromatin is partitioned into distinct domains via microphase separation, it is unclear how these domains organize into this hierarchical packing. A particular challenge is to find an image analysis approach that fully incorporates such hierarchical packing, so that hypothetical governing mechanisms of euchromatin packing can be compared against the results of such an analysis. Here, we obtain 3D STED super-resolution images from pluripotent zebrafish embryos labeled with improved DNA fluorescence stains, and demonstrate how the hierarchical packing of euchromatin in these images can be described as multiplicative cascades. Multiplicative cascades are an established theoretical concept to describe the placement of ever-smaller structures within bigger structures. Importantly, these cascades can generate artificial image data by applying a single rule again and again, and can be fully specified using only four parameters. Here, we show how the typical patterns of euchromatin organization are reflected in the values of these four parameters. Specifically, we can pinpoint the values required to mimic a microphase-separated state of euchromatin. We suggest that the concept of multiplicative cascades can also be applied to images of other types of chromatin. Here, cascade parameters could serve as test quantities to assess whether microphase separation or other theoretical models accurately reproduce the hierarchical packing of chromatin.
Rapid nucleus-scale reorganization of chromatin in neurons enables transcriptional adaptation for memory consolidation
Authors: Peter Manuel , Aschauer Dominik F. , Rose Renata , Sinning Anne , Grössl Florian , Kargl Dominic , Kraitsy Klaus , Burkard Thomas R. , Luhmann Heiko J. , Haubensak Wulf , Rumpel Simon
Published: May 2021

The interphase nucleus is functionally organized in active and repressed territories defining the transcriptional status of the cell. However, it remains poorly understood how the nuclear architecture of neurons adapts in response to behaviorally relevant stimuli that trigger fast alterations in gene expression patterns. Imaging of fluorescently tagged nucleosomes revealed that pharmacological manipulation of neuronal activity in vitro and auditory cued fear conditioning in vivo induce nucleus-scale restructuring of chromatin within minutes. Furthermore, the acquisition of auditory fear memory is impaired after infusion of a drug into auditory cortex which blocks chromatin reorganization in vitro. We propose that active chromatin movements at the nucleus scale act together with local gene-specific modifications to enable transcriptional adaptations at fast time scales. Introducing a transgenic mouse line for photolabeling of histones, we extend the realm of systems available for imaging of chromatin dynamics to living animals.
No support for white matter connectivity differences in the combined and inattentive ADHD presentations
Authors: Saad Jacqueline F. , Griffiths Kristi R. , Kohn Michael R. , Braund Taylor A. , Clarke Simon , Williams Leanne M. , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S.
Published: May 2021

Evidence from functional neuroimaging studies support neural differences between the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presentation types. It remains unclear if these neural deficits also manifest at the structural level. We have previously shown that the ADHD combined, and ADHD inattentive types demonstrate differences in graph properties of structural covariance suggesting an underlying difference in neuroanatomical organization. The goal of this study was to examine and validate white matter brain organization between the two subtypes using both scalar and connectivity measures of brain white matter. We used both tract-based spatial statistical (TBSS) and tractography analyses with network-based Statistics (NBS) and graph-theoretical analyses in a cohort of 35 ADHD participants (aged 8–17 years) defined using DSM-IV criteria as combined (ADHD-C) type (n = 19) or as predominantly inattentive (ADHD-I) type (n = 16), and 28 matched neurotypical controls. We performed TBSS analyses on scalar measures of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), radial (RD), and axial (AD) diffusivity to assess differences in WM between ADHD types and controls. NBS and graph theoretical analysis of whole brain inter-regional tractography examined connectomic differences and brain network organization, respectively. None of the scalar measures significantly differed between ADHD types or relative to controls. Similarly, there were no tractography connectivity differences between the two subtypes and relative to controls using NBS. Global and regional graph measures were also similar between the groups. A single significant finding was observed for nodal degree between the ADHD-C and controls, in the right insula (corrected p = .029). Our result of no white matter differences between the subtypes is consistent with most previous findings. These findings together might suggest that the white matter structural architecture is largely similar between the DSM-based ADHD presentations is similar to the extent of being undetectable with the current cohort size.
Bridging between material properties of proteins and the underlying molecular interactions
Authors: Song Guang
Published: May 2021

In this work, we develop a novel method that bridges between material properties of proteins, particularly the modulus of elasticity, and the underlying molecular interactions. To this end, we employ both an all-atom normal mode analysis (NMA) model with the CHARMM force field and an elastic solid model for proteins and protein interfaces. And the “bridge” between the two models is a common physical property predictable by both models: the magnitude of thermal vibrations. This connection allows one to calibrate the Young’s moduli of proteins and protein interface regions. We find that the Young’s moduli of proteins are in the range of a few Gpa to 10 Gpa, while the Young’s moduli of the interface regions are several times smaller. The work is significant as it represents the first attempt to systematically compute the elastic moduli of proteins from molecular interactions.
The last battle of Anne of Brittany: Solving mass grave through an interdisciplinary approach (paleopathology, biological anthropology, history, multiple isotopes and radiocarbon dating)
Authors: Colleter Rozenn , Bataille Clément P. , Dabernat Henri , Pichot Daniel , Hamon Philippe , Duchesne Sylvie , Labaune-Jean Françoise , Jean Stéphane , Le Cloirec Gaétan , Milano Stefania , Trost Manuel , Steinbrenner Sven , Marchal Marine , Guilbeau-Frugier Céline , Telmon Norbert , Crubézy Éric , Jaouen Klervia
Published: May 2021

Mass graves are usually key historical markers with strong incentive for archeological investigations. The identification of individuals buried in mass graves has long benefitted from traditional historical, archaeological, anthropological and paleopathological techniques. The addition of novel methods including genetic, genomic and isotopic geochemistry have renewed interest in solving unidentified mass graves. In this study, we demonstrate that the combined use of these techniques allows the identification of the individuals found in two Breton historical mass graves, where one method alone would not have revealed the importance of this discovery. The skeletons likely belong to soldiers from the two enemy armies who fought during a major event of Breton history: the siege of Rennes in 1491, which ended by the wedding of the Duchess of Brittany with the King of France and signaled the end of the independence of the region. Our study highlights the value of interdisciplinary approaches with a particular emphasis on increasingly accurate isotopic markers. The development of the sulfur isoscape and testing of the triple isotope geographic assignment are detailed in a companion paper [13].
Reverse engineering of ceramic anthropomorphic figurines from the Tumaco archaeological tradition in southwest Colombia
Authors: Bustamante Nohora Alba , Escobar Jairo Arturo , Martinón-Torres Marcos
Published: May 2021

Traditional studies of archaeological ceramics in Colombia have been largely based on visual and stylistic analyses. Here we introduce frameworks and concepts of reverse engineering as a complementary strategy to develop hypotheses about ceramic manufacture, as a first step to the address possible cross-craft relationships and broader sociocultural parameters affecting technical traditions. Our case study is focused on ceramic figurines recovered from two archaeological sites in southwest Colombia (Inguapí and La Cocotera), both dated to the period of greatest cultural and technological development of the Tumaco tradition (350 BC–AD 350). The results of the analyses including microscopy, XRF, SEM-EDS and XRD revealed two manufacturing pathways within the broader tradition, developed locally and adapted to the natural resources available to each site. These are shown through chemical and mineralogical differences in the raw materials, as well as differences in their preparation and shaping, molding, and modeling processes as observed at the microstructural level. Estimated firing temperatures are under 600°C for La Cocotera, and under 800°C for those of Inguapí, with an inhomogeneous, oxidizing atmosphere probably related to firing in a pit. The superficial characterization shows that all the figurines were painted, with those from Inguapí externally smoothed and polished, and those from La Cocotera covered with a slip. Notwithstanding differences between sites, the ceramic figurines illustrate a particular technical style that undoubtedly conveyed a shared ideological message of cultural affiliation. These results contribute in an innovative way to archaeological ceramic studies in Colombia from a different perspective that is complementary to the more common typological studies.
Die-off of plant pathogenic bacteria in tile drainage and anoxic water from a managed aquifer recharge site
Authors: Eisfeld Carina , van der Wolf Jan M. , van Breukelen Boris M. , Medema Gertjan , Velstra Jouke , Schijven Jack F.
Published: May 2021

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can provide irrigation water and overcome water scarcity in agriculture. Removal of potentially present plant pathogens during MAR is essential to prevent crop diseases. We studied the die-off of three plant pathogenic bacteria in water microcosms with natural or filtered tile drainage water (TDW) at 10 and 25°C and with natural anoxic aquifer water (AW) at 10°C from a MAR site. These bacteria were: Ralstonia solanacearum (bacterial wilt), and the soft rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP) Dickeya solani and Pectobacterium carotovorum sp. carotovorum (soft rot, blackleg). They are present in surface waters and cause destructive crop diseases worldwide which have been linked to contaminated irrigation water. Nevertheless, little is known about the survival of the SRP in aqueous environments and no study has investigated the persistence of R. solanacearum under natural anoxic conditions. We found that all bacteria were undetectable in 0.1 mL samples within 19 days under oxic conditions in natural TDW at 10°C, using viable cell counting, corresponding to 3-log10 reduction by die-off. The SRP were no longer detected within 6 days at 25°C, whereas R. solanacearum was detectable for 25 days. Whereas in anoxic natural aquifer water at 10°C, the bacterial concentrations declined slower and the detection limit was reached within 56 days. Finally, we modelled the inactivation curves with a modified Weibull model that can simulate different curve shapes such as shoulder phenomena in the beginning and long tails reflecting persistent bacterial populations. The non-linear model was shown to be a reliable tool to predict the die-off of the analysed plant pathogenic bacteria, suggesting its further application to other pathogenic microorganisms in the context of microbial risk assessment.
New records on the rich loriciferan fauna of Trezen ar Skoden (Roscoff, France): Description of two new species of Nanaloricus and the new genus Scutiloricus
Authors: Neves Ricardo Cardoso , Kristensen Reinhardt Møbjerg , Møbjerg Nadja
Published: May 2021

Loricifera is a phylum of microscopic animals that inhabit marine environments worldwide. Named after their conspicuous and protective lorica, the phylum was first described from Roscoff (France) in 1983 and, hitherto, it contains only 40 species. Based on data collected from Roscoff during the past four decades, we here describe two new species of Nanaloricus, namely Nanaloricus valdemari sp. nov. and Nanaloricus mathildeae sp. nov., as well as a new genus and species, Scutiloricus hugoi gen. et sp. nov. Adults of N. valdemari sp. nov. are distinguished by a pair of unique cuticular ridges, here referred to as longitudinal stripes, spanning laterally along the anterior two thirds of the dorsal lorical plate. N. mathildeae sp. nov. is characterized by strong sexual dimorphism. Specifically, the branches composing the multiform male clavoscalids are much broader as compared to other Nanaloricus species. The two new Nanaloricus species are both characterized by unique sensory organs associated with the double trichoscalids. The size and exact position of these organs differ between the two species. Adults of Scutiloricus hugoi gen. et sp. nov. are characterized by, among other features, a square lorica composed of six cuticular plates with a total of 14 anterior spikes, of which 12 have transverse cuticular ridges and thus appear fenestrated; laterodorsal flosculi arranged linearly; a posterior lorical region characterized by an anal field with a small anal cone flanked by a pair of spurs. Notably, mature females are characterized by a pair of seminal receptacles, a character not previously reported in Loricifera. We discuss the new findings and compare N. valdemari sp. nov. and N. mathildeae sp.nov. with other species assigned to genus Nanaloricus. The distinguishing features of Scutiloricus hugoi gen. et sp. nov. are discussed from a comparative perspective with the other genera of family Nanaloricidae.