bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meiosis in allopolyploid Arabidopsis suecica
Authors: Nibau Candida , Gonzalo Adrián , Evans Aled , Sweet‐Jones William , Phillips Dylan , Lloyd Andrew 
Published: June 2022

SUMMARYPolyploidy is a major force shaping eukaryote evolution but poses challenges for meiotic chromosome segregation. As a result, first‐generation polyploids often suffer from more meiotic errors and lower fertility than established wild polyploid populations. How established polyploids adapt their meiotic behaviour to ensure genome stability and accurate chromosome segregation remains an active research question. We present here a cytological description of meiosis in the model allopolyploid species Arabidopsis suecica (2n = 4x = 26). In large part meiosis in A. suecica is diploid‐like, with normal synaptic progression and no evidence of synaptic partner exchanges. Some abnormalities were seen at low frequency, including univalents at metaphase I, anaphase bridges and aneuploidy at metaphase II; however, we saw no evidence of crossover formation occurring between non‐homologous chromosomes. The crossover number in A. suecica is similar to the combined number reported from its diploid parents Arabidopsis thaliana (2n = 2x = 10) and Arabidopsis arenosa (2n = 2x = 16), with an average of approximately 1.75 crossovers per chromosome pair. This contrasts with naturally evolved autotetraploid A. arenosa, where accurate chromosome segregation is achieved by restricting crossovers to approximately 1 per chromosome pair. Although an autotetraploid donor is hypothesized to have contributed the A. arenosa subgenome to A. suecica, A. suecica harbours diploid A. arenosa variants of key meiotic genes. These multiple lines of evidence suggest that meiosis in the recently evolved allopolyploid A. suecica is essentially diploid like, with meiotic adaptation following a very different trajectory to that described for autotetraploid A. arenosa.
Lebanese medical students’ knowledge on and attitude toward xenotransplantation and its ethical issues: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Safi Steven , Mansour Perla C. , Kaady Thea , El Kareh Antonio , Mokled Elie , Salameh Pascale 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionXenotransplantation is the transplantation of animal parts into humans. This study's aim is to assess the Lebanese medical students’ attitude toward xenotransplantation and their knowledge of its related ethical issues.MethodsA questionnaire was answered by 120 Lebanese medical students. Statistical analysis and ethical reflections were performed on the results.ResultsOut of the 120 participants, 100 already knew about xenotransplantation, and 61.7% of the students believe that it is applied clinically. Only 25% trust that the animals need to be genetically modified for the organs to be eligible for transplantation. About 25.8% and 46.7% of the students, respectively, strongly agree that the patients’ and physicians’ beliefs play an important role in agreeing to the procedure. Students were likely to accept the animal organ for transplantation if the transplant could completely cure or improve the course of an untreatable disease (86.6% and 75.0%) or if the outcomes and risks were the same as with a human transplant with a shorter waiting period (71.7%). Students who agreed that animal rights and welfare/wellbeing should be respected tended to disagree with the statement that it is acceptable to use animals for human ends (p = .026).ConclusionMedical students proved to be knowledgeable on the ethical dilemmas related to xenotransplantation and showed a favorable attitude toward this procedure, which is crucial in its establishment as an absolute clinical reality in the near future and in the development and strengthening of research in this field.
Laser Ablation Tomography for Rapid Three-Dimensional Tissue Imaging and Analysis
Authors: Lanba Asheesh , Hall Benjamin , Huff Wesley 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Laser ablation tomography (LATscan) produces three-dimensional (3D) tissue models at micron-scale resolution within a few minutes, being amenable to high-throughput applications. Red-green-blue images obtained from LATscan allow for enhanced and accurate feature segmentation and quantification. The technology uses an ultrafast, ultraviolet pulsed laser to continually ablate a sample as it is fed into the laser ablation plane. Laser ablation or photo-ablation is the process of removal of material via a pulsed laser. The ultrafast nature of the laser pushes the process into being athermal, minimizing structural damage to the material being imaged. The surfaces are imaged at the ablation plane. Precise motion control allows for submicron separation between consecutive images. The ablation results in color images due to the ultraviolet laser inducing multispectral fluorescence. The LATscan system can also be programmed prior to imaging to allow for coregistration of cross section under different lighting conditions. The images are then stacked, further processed and reconstructed into volume renderings with a voxel size that can go down to 0.2 μm3 for further analysis and virtual dissection. Image processing allows for the 3D visualization and quantification of desired anatomy. LATscan has been successfully applied in the fields of plant science, entomology, and materials science. It shows great promise for biomedical imaging and tissue analysis, and this paper presents a few results from the LATscan imaging of murine tissue. Various murine organs have been imaged, including the gut, kidney, and brain (inside the skull). The imaging and analysis combined have the potential to provide pathologists, researchers, and diagnosticians with insights and solutions not available to them before.
Supplemental Material: Autobrecciation and fusing of mafic magma preceding explosive eruptions
Authors: Marshall Aaron A. , al. et 
Published: June 2022

<p>Detailed sampling methods and locations, stratigraphic descriptions for samples analyzed in this study, operating conditions for sample imaging, crystal size distribution analyses of Valdivia et al. (2022), and Pearson coefficients for regressions in Figure 3. </p>
Mindfulness for academic performance in health professions students: a systematic review
Authors: Balasooriya Lekamge Roshini , Gasevic Danijela , Karim Md Nazmul , Ilic Dragan 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesTo systematically review the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on the academic performance of undergraduate medicine, nursing and allied health students.MethodsRandomised controlled trials that examined the effects of MBIs in medicine, nursing and allied health students on academic performance were eligible for inclusion. Electronic database searches were conducted across Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Plus), PsycINFO and ERIC databases. Two authors independently reviewed citations, extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. A descriptive analysis of included studies and a meta-analysis using a random-effects model of standardised mean difference were performed.ResultsA total of 267 studies were returned from the search, of which 2 met the inclusion criteria. The overall risk of bias was assessed as unclear risk of bias for one study and high risk of bias for second included study. A meta-analysis of MBIs on student academic performance as measured by marks in written examination indicated no statistical difference between interventions (Standardised Mean Difference (SMD)=0.43, 95% CI −1.77 to 2.62, I2=96%).DiscussionOur systematic review highlights a lack of evidence to either support, or refute, the use of mindfulness interventions on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students. We encourage that future randomised controlled trials pay heed to the dosing of mindfulness and include a measurement of mindfulness to enable us to draw a clearer causal relationship.
‘What puts the ‘Hic’ into Hiccups?’
Authors: Seifi Ali , Fox Mark R 
Published: June 2022

Recurrent and persistent bouts of hiccups impact the quality of life by interfering with eating, social interaction and work. Popular home remedies, such as breath holding and drinking ice water, target activity in the vagal and phrenic nerves that are thought to trigger these repetitive, myoclonic contractions. However, the pathophysiology of hiccups and the mechanism by which any of these methods work are unclear. Indeed, so little is known that there is no agreement whether the ‘Hic’ sound is due to the abrupt closure of the epiglottis or the glottis, including the vocal cords.Investigations were performed in a 50-year-old, otherwise healthy male with recurrent hiccups, in whom contractions persisted for up to 4 hours. Hiccups were initiated by drinking carbonated soda. The aerodigestive tract was visualised by video fluoroscopy. Hiccups were terminated by drinking a non-viscous contrast agent through a forced inspiratory suction and swallow tool. This device requires significant suction pressure (−100 mm Hg) to draw fluid into the mouth and is effective in approximately 90% of cases. The images were analysed together with concurrent audio recordings to gain insight into ‘what causes the ’hic’ in hiccups’ and how this commonplace but annoying problem can be treated.
Geospatial clustering and correlates of deaths during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia: a Bayesian geoadditive semiparametric analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional survey data
Authors: Amoako Johnson Fiifi , Sakyi Barbara 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the extent of geospatial clustering of reported deaths during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia and the covariates associated with the observed clustering.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsMale and female respondents from the 2019–2020 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis covered 11 928 (women=7854 and men=4074) respondents for whom complete data were available.Outcome measuresThe outcome variable was the death of a household member or relative during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, coded 1 if the respondent reported death and 0 otherwise.MethodsWe applied the Bayesian geoadditive semiparametric regression to examine the extent of geospatial clustering of deaths at the district-level and community-level development and socioeconomic factors associated with the observed clustering.ResultsAlmost a quarter (24.8%) of all respondents reported the death of a household member or relative during the Ebola outbreak. The results show that deaths were clustered within districts in six (Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Monsterrado, Margibi, Gbarpolu and Lofa) of the 15 counties in Liberia. Districts with high death clustering were all near or shared borders with Sierra Leone and Guinea. The community-level development indicators (global human footprint, gross cell production and population density) had a non-linear associative effect with the observed spatial clustering. Also, respondents’ characteristics (respondent’s age (non-linear effect), educational attainment and urban-rural place of residence) were associated with the observed clustering. The results show that death clustering during outbreaks was constrained to poor settings and impacts areas of moderate and high socioeconomic development.ConclusionReported deaths during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia were not randomly distributed at the district level but clustered. The findings highlight the need to identify at-risk populations during epidemics and respond with the needed interventions to save lives.
Managerial thinking in neonatal care: a qualitative study of place of care decision-making for preterm babies born at 27–31 weeks gestation in England
Authors: Cupit Caroline , Paton Alexis , Boyle Elaine , Pillay Thillagavathie , Armstrong Natalie 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesPreterm babies born between 27 and 31 weeks of gestation in England are usually born and cared for in either a neonatal intensive care unit or a local neonatal unit—with such units forming part of Operational Delivery Networks. As part of a national project seeking to optimise service delivery for this group of babies (OPTI-PREM), we undertook qualitative research to better understand how decisions about place of birth and care are made and operationalised.DesignQualitative analysis of ethnographic observation data in neonatal units and semi-structured interviews with neonatal staff.SettingSix neonatal units across two neonatal networks in England. Two were neonatal intensive care units and four were local neonatal units.ParticipantsClinical staff (n=15) working in neonatal units, and people present in neonatal units during periods of observation.ResultsIn the context of real-world neonatal practice, with multiple (and rapidly-evolving) uncertainties relating to mothers, babies and unit/network capacity, ‘best place of care’ protocols were only one element of much more complex decision-making processes. Staff often made judgements from a less-than-ideal starting point, and were forced to respond to evolving clinical and organisational factors. In particular, we report that managerial considerations relating to demand and capacity organised decision-making; demand and capacity management was time-consuming and generated various pressures on families, and tensions between staff.ConclusionsResearchers and policymakers should take account of the organisational context within which place of care decisions are made. The dominance of demand and capacity management considerations is likely to limit the impact of other improvement interventions, such as initiatives to integrate families into the neonatal care provision. Demand and capacity management is an important element of neonatal care that may be overlooked, but significantly organises how care is delivered.
Comparative end-of-life communication and support in hospitalised decedents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective regional cohort study in Ottawa, Canada
Authors: Lawlor Peter , Parsons Henrique , Adeli Samantha Rose , Besserer Ella , Cohen Leila , Gratton Valérie , Murphy Rebekah , Warmels Grace , Bruni Adrianna , Kabir Monisha , Noel Chelsea , Heidinger Brandon , Anderson Koby , Arsenault-Mehta Kyle , Wooller Krista , Lapenskie Julie , Webber Colleen , Bedard Daniel , Enright Paula , Desjardins Isabelle , Bhimji Khadija , Dyason Claire , Iyengar Akshai , Bush Shirley H , Isenberg Sarina , Tanuseputro Peter , Vanderspank-Wright Brandi , Downar James 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo compare end-of-life in-person family presence, patient–family communication and healthcare team–family communication encounters in hospitalised decedents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignIn a regional multicentre retrospective cohort study, electronic health record data were abstracted for a prepandemic group (pre-COVID) and two intrapandemic (March–August 2020, wave 1) groups, one COVID-19 free (COVID-ve) and one with COVID-19 infection (COVID+ve). Pre-COVID and COVID-ve groups were matched 2:1 (age, sex and care service) with the COVID+ve group.SettingOne quaternary and two tertiary adult, acute care hospitals in Ottawa, Canada.ParticipantsDecedents (n=425): COVID+ve (n=85), COVID-ve (n=170) and pre-COVID (n=170).Main outcome measuresEnd-of-life (last 48 hours) in-person family presence and virtual (video) patient–family communication, and end-of-life (last 5 days) virtual team–family communication encounter occurrences were examined using logistic regression with ORs and 95% CIs. End-of-life (last 5 days) rates of in-person and telephone team–family communication encounters were examined using mixed-effects negative binomial models with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs.ResultsEnd-of-life in-person family presence decreased progressively across pre-COVID (90.6%), COVID-ve (79.4%) and COVID+ve (47.1%) groups: adjusted ORs=0.38 (0.2–0.73) and 0.09 (0.04–0.17) for COVID-ve and COVID+ve groups, respectively. COVID-ve and COVID+ve groups had reduced in-person but increased telephone team–family communication encounters: IRRs=0.76 (0.64–0.9) and 0.61 (0.47–0.79) for in-person, and IRRs=2.6 (2.1–3.3) and 4.8 (3.7–6.1) for telephone communications, respectively. Virtual team–family communication encounters occurred in 17/85 (20%) and 10/170 (5.9%) of the COVID+ve and COVID-ve groups, respectively: adjusted OR=3.68 (1.51–8.95).ConclusionsIn hospitalised COVID-19 pandemic wave 1 decedents, in-person family presence and in-person team–family communication encounters decreased at end of life, particularly in the COVID+ve group; virtual modalities were adopted for communication, and telephone use increased in team–family communication encounters. The implications of these communication changes for the patient, family and healthcare team warrant further study.
Virtual respiratory therapy delivered through a smartphone app: a mixed-methods randomised usability study
Authors: Baxter Clarence Anthony , Carroll Julie-Anne , Keogh Brendan , Vandelanotte Corneel 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionA new smartphone app (QUT Inspire) has been developed to detect inspiratory sound and deliver virtual incentive spirometry (ISy), a respiratory therapy technique used in postoperative recuperation, management of some chronic conditions and with potential applications in SARS-CoV-2 rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to compare the usability of this new app with a clinical ISy device as measured by effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction.MethodsIn this mixed-methods randomised usability study, healthy volunteers (aged 39.2±12.2 years, n=24) compared inspirations using the QUT Inspire app and a Triflo II clinical ISy device. A post-test questionnaire and a semi-structured interview explored dimensions of usability regarding the new app.ResultsThe duration of inspirations performed using the QUT Inspire app (7.3±2.0 s) were comparable with use of the Triflo II ISy device (7.5±2.3 s). No artefacts arising from the order of device testing were identified. App users held their phones adjacent but not proximal to their mouths (13.6±6.4 cm), notwithstanding instructions to keep the phone less than 5 cm away for optimal breath sound detection. The use of onscreen text or video instructional materials did not result in a significant reduction in this distance. Participants reported clear preferences for the app (100%, n=24) to motivate persistence with repeated inspirations. App gamification features such as a timer (75%, n=18) and breath counter (83.3%, n=20) were well regarded. Analysis of semi-structured interviews identified four main themes arising from this study: visual reward from responsive app animations, clinical look and feel influencing credibility, perceived effort affecting engagement and selective adoption of gamification features.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that a virtual ISy app can be effective, efficient and have high satisfaction. Improvements informed by this research include use of additional phone sensors to optimise sound detection and minimising the distance that phones are held from the user’s mouth. Further research in randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate performance of this app in clinical contexts where ISy is currently employed.
A Novel Morphological Feature Extraction Approach for ECG Signal Analysis Based on Generalized Synchrosqueezing Transform, Correntropy Function and Adaptive Heuristic Framework in FPGA
Authors: Ganatra Miloni M. , Vithalani Chandresh H. 
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, a computer-aided diagnosis system is required to monitor the cardiac patients continuously and detecting the heart diseases automatically. In this paper, a new field programmable gate array-based morphological feature extraction approach is proposed for electrocardiogram signal analysis. The proposed architecture is mainly based on the Generalized Synchrosqueezing transform but a detrended fluctuation analyzer is applied in the reconstruction stage for capturing the maximum information of QRS complexes and P-waves by eliminating a set of noisy intrinsic modes. Then, a correntropy envelope is determined from the QRS enhanced signal for localizing the QRS region accurately. Also, an adaptive heuristic framework is introduced to detect the true P-wave from the P-wave enhanced reconstructed signal by analyzing both the positive and negative amplitudes. In addition, a root mean square Error estimation-based adaptive thresholding approach is used to estimate the T-wave after removing the P-QRS complexes. The proposed architecture has been implemented on field programmable gate array using the Xilinx Vertex 7 platform. The performance of the proposed architecture is validated by performing a comparative study between the resultant performances and those attained with state-of-the-art feature descriptors, in terms of Sensitivity, accuracy, positive prediction, error rate and field programmable gate array resources estimation. The proposed sensitivity, accuracy and positive prediction are 99.84%, 99.85% and 99.86% for QRS detection approach. The proposed sensitivity, accuracy and positive prediction are 99.45%, 99.23% and 99.78% for P-wave detection approach. The proposed sensitivity, accuracy and positive prediction are 99.58%, 99.65% and 100% for T-wave detection approach. The simulation results show that the proposed architecture overtakes existing designs and minimizes hardware complexity, which proves the suitability of this approach on real-time applications of electrocardiogram signals.
Facts and Hopes in the Relationship of EBV with Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Baochun , Choi Il-Kyu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEpstein–Barr virus (EBV), the first identified human tumor virus, infects and takes up residency in almost every human. However, EBV genome–positive tumors arise in only a tiny minority of infected people, presumably when the virus-carrying tumor cells are able to evade immune surveillance. Traditional views regard viral antigens as the principal targets of host immune surveillance against virus-infected cells. However, recent findings indicate that EBV-infected/-transformed B cells elicit both cytotoxic CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell responses against a wide range of overexpressed cellular antigens known to function as tumor-associated antigens (TAA), in addition to various EBV-encoded antigens. This not only broadens the ways by which the immune system controls EBV infection and prevents it from causing cancers, but also potentially extends immune protection toward EBV-unrelated cancers by targeting shared TAAs. The goal of this review is to incorporate these new findings with literature data and discuss future directions for improved understanding of EBV-induced antitumor immunity, as well as the hopes for rational immune strategies for cancer prevention and therapy.