bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chromatic discrimination measures in mature observers depend on the response window
Authors: Fars Julien , Fernandes Thiago P. , Huchzermeyer Cord , Kremers Jan , Paramei Galina V. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractOur past anecdotal evidence prompted that a longer response window (RW) in the Trivector test (Cambridge Colour Test) improved mature observers’ estimates of chromatic discrimination. Here, we systematically explored whether RW variation affects chromatic discrimination thresholds measured by the length of Protan, Deutan and Tritan vectors. We employed the Trivector test with three RWs: 3 s, 5 s, and 8 s. Data of 30 healthy normal trichromats were stratified as age groups: ‘young’ (20–29 years), ‘middle-aged’ (31–48 years), and ‘mature’ (57–64 years). We found that for the ‘young’ and ‘middle-aged’, the thresholds were comparable at all tested RWs. However, the RW effect was apparent for the ‘mature’ observers: their Protan and Tritan thresholds decreased at 8-s RW compared to 3-s RW; moreover, their Tritan threshold decreased at 5-s RW compared to 3-s RW. Elevated discrimination thresholds at shorter RWs imply that for accurate performance, older observers require longer stimulus exposure and are indicative of ageing effects manifested by an increase in critical processing duration. Acknowledging low numbers in our ‘middle-aged’ and ‘mature’ samples, we consider our study as pilot. Nonetheless, our findings encourage us to advocate a RW extension in the Trivector protocol for testing mature observers, to ensure veridical measures of their chromatic discrimination by disentangling these from other ageing effects—slowing down of both motor responses and visual processing.
Potential future malaria transmission in Odisha due to climate change
Authors: Parihar Ruchi Singh , Bal Prasanta Kumar , Saini Atul , Mishra Saroj Kanta , Thapliyal Ashish 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFuture projections of malaria transmission is made for Odisha, a highly endemic region of India, through numerical simulations using the VECTRI dynamical model. The model is forced with bias-corrected temperature and rainfall from a global climate model (CCSM4) for the baseline period 1975–2005 and for the projection periods 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s under RCP8.5 emission scenario. The temperature, rainfall, mosquito density and entomological inoculation rate (EIR), generated from the VECTRI model are evaluated with the observation and analyzed further to estimate the future malaria transmission over Odisha on a spatio-temporal scale owing to climate change. Our results reveal that the malaria transmission in Odisha as a whole during summer and winter monsoon seasons may decrease in future due to the climate change except in few districts with the high elevations and dense forest regions such as Kandhamal, Koraput, Raygada and Mayurbhanj districts where an increase in malaria transmission is found. Compared to the baseline period, mosquito density shows decrease in most districts of the south, southwest, central, north and northwest regions of Odisha in 2030s, 2050s and 2080s. An overall decrease in malaria transmission of 20–40% (reduction in EIR) is seen during the monsoon season (June-Sept) over Odisha with the increased surface temperature of 3.5–4 °C and with the increased rainfall of 20–35% by the end of the century with respect to the baseline period. Furthermore, malaria transmission is likely to reduce in future over most of the Odisha regions with the increase in future warm and cold nights temperatures.
Cellular engagement and interaction in the tumor microenvironment predict non-response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Qin Angel , Lima Fatima , Bell Samantha , Kalemkerian Gregory P. , Schneider Bryan J. , Ramnath Nithya , Lew Madelyn , Krishnan Santhoshi , Mohammed Shariq , Rao Arvind , Frankel Timothy L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents have improved the survival of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). Tumor PD-L1 expression is an imperfect biomarker as it does not capture the complex interactions between constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Using multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry (mfIHC), we modeled the TME to study the influence of cellular distribution and engagement on response to ICI in mNSCLC. We performed mfIHC on pretreatment tissue from patients with mNSCLC who received ICI. We used primary antibodies against CD3, CD8, CD163, PD-L1, pancytokeratin, and FOXP3; simple and complex phenotyping as well as spatial analyses was performed. We analyzed 68 distinct samples from 52 patients with mNSCLC. Patients were 39–79 years old (median 67); 44% were male and 75% had adenocarcinoma histology. The most used ICI was atezolizumab (48%). The percentage of PD-L1 positive epithelial tumor cells (EC), degree of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) engagement with EC, and degree of CTL engagement with helper T lymphocytes (HTL) were significantly lower in non-responders versus responders (p = 0.0163, p = 0.0026 and p = 0.0006, respectively). The combination of these 3 characteristics generated the best sensitivity and specificity to predict non-response to ICI and was also associated with shortened overall survival (p = 0.0271). The combination of low CTL engagement with EC and HTL along with low expression of EC PD-L1 represents a state of impaired endogenous immune reactivity. Together, they more precisely identified non-responders to ICI compared to PD-L1 alone and illustrate the importance of cellular interactions in the TME.
Clinical artificial intelligence quality improvement: towards continual monitoring and updating of AI algorithms in healthcare
Authors: Feng Jean , Phillips Rachael V. , Malenica Ivana , Bishara Andrew , Hubbard Alan E. , Celi Leo A. , Pirracchio Romain 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMachine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have the potential to derive insights from clinical data and improve patient outcomes. However, these highly complex systems are sensitive to changes in the environment and liable to performance decay. Even after their successful integration into clinical practice, ML/AI algorithms should be continuously monitored and updated to ensure their long-term safety and effectiveness. To bring AI into maturity in clinical care, we advocate for the creation of hospital units responsible for quality assurance and improvement of these algorithms, which we refer to as “AI-QI” units. We discuss how tools that have long been used in hospital quality assurance and quality improvement can be adapted to monitor static ML algorithms. On the other hand, procedures for continual model updating are still nascent. We highlight key considerations when choosing between existing methods and opportunities for methodological innovation.
Deconvolution improves the detection and quantification of spike transmission gain from spike trains
Authors: Spivak Lidor , Levi Amir , Sloin Hadas E. , Someck Shirly , Stark Eran 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAccurate detection and quantification of spike transmission between neurons is essential for determining neural network mechanisms that govern cognitive functions. Using point process and conductance-based simulations, we found that existing methods for determining neuronal connectivity from spike times are highly affected by burst spiking activity, resulting in over- or underestimation of spike transmission. To improve performance, we developed a mathematical framework for decomposing the cross-correlation between two spike trains. We then devised a deconvolution-based algorithm for removing effects of second-order spike train statistics. Deconvolution removed the effect of burst spiking, improving the estimation of neuronal connectivity yielded by state-of-the-art methods. Application of deconvolution to neuronal data recorded from hippocampal region CA1 of freely-moving mice produced higher estimates of spike transmission, in particular when spike trains exhibited bursts. Deconvolution facilitates the precise construction of complex connectivity maps, opening the door to enhanced understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying brain function.
Functional and phylogenetic analysis of TetX variants to design a new classification system
Authors: Cheng Qipeng , Cheung Yanchu , Liu Chenyu , Chan Edward Wai Chi , Wong Kwok Yin , Zhang Rong , Chen Sheng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRecently, many TetX variants such as Tet(X3~14) were reported to confer resistance to tigecycline which is a last-resort antibiotic used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this study, we identified essential residues including 329, 339, 340, 350, and 351 in TetX variants that mediated the evolution of the tigecycline-inactive Tet(X2) enzyme to the active forms of Tet(X3) and Tet(X4). Based on their amino acid sequences and functional features, we classified TetX variants into TetX-A class, TetX-B class and TetX-C class. We further found that TetX-A class variants originated from Bacteroidetes, with some variants further evolving to TetX-C class and acquired by Enterobacteriaceae. On the other hand, our data showed that some variants genes belonging to TetX-A class evolved directly to TetX-B class, which was further transmitted to Acinetobacter spp. This new classification system may facilitate better clinical management of patients infected by TetX-producing strains.
Short-chain fatty acids promote the effect of environmental signals on the gut microbiome and metabolome in mice
Authors: Marrocco Francesco , Delli Carpini Mary , Garofalo Stefano , Giampaoli Ottavia , De Felice Eleonora , Di Castro Maria Amalia , Maggi Laura , Scavizzi Ferdinando , Raspa Marcello , Marini Federico , Tomassini Alberta , Nicolosi Roberta , Cason Carolina , Trettel Flavia , Miccheli Alfredo , Iebba Valerio , D’Alessandro Giuseppina , Limatola Cristina 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGut microorganisms and the products of their metabolism thoroughly affect host brain development, function and behavior. Since alterations of brain plasticity and cognition have been demonstrated upon motor, sensorial and social enrichment of the housing conditions, we hypothesized that gut microbiota and metabolome could be altered by environmental stimuli, providing part of the missing link among environmental signals and brain effects. In this preliminary study, metagenomic and metabolomic analyses of mice housed in different environmental conditions, standard and enriched, identify environment-specific microbial communities and metabolic profiles. We show that mice housed in an enriched environment have distinctive microbiota composition with a reduction in gut bacterial richness and biodiversity and are characterized by a metabolomic fingerprint with the increase of formate and acetate and the decrease of bile salts. We demonstrate that mice treated with a mixture of formate and acetate recapitulate some of the brain plasticity effects modulated by environmental enrichment, such as hippocampal neurogenesis, neurotrophin production, short-term plasticity and cognitive behaviors, that can be further exploited to decipher the mechanisms involved in experience-dependent brain plasticity.
Quantifying the role of the lattice in metal–insulator phase transitions
Authors: Georgescu Alexandru B. , Millis Andrew J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMany materials exhibit phase transitions at which both the electronic properties and the crystal structure change. Some authors have argued that the change in electronic order is primary, with the lattice distortion a relatively minor side-effect, and others have argued that the lattice distortions play an essential role in the energetics of the transition. In this paper, we introduce a formalism that resolves this long-standing problem. The methodology works with any electronic structure method that produces solutions of the equation of state determining the electronic order parameter as a function of lattice distortion. We use the formalism to settle the question of the physics of the metal–insulator transitions in the rare-earth perovskite nickelates (RNiO3) and Ruddlesden–Popper calcium ruthenates (Ca2RuO4) in bulk, heterostructure, and epitaxially strained thin film forms, finding that electron-lattice coupling is key to stabilizing the insulating state in both classes of materials.
Optimal Channel Networks accurately model ecologically-relevant geomorphological features of branching river networks
Authors: Carraro Luca , Altermatt Florian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRiver networks’ universal fractal structure not only defines their hydrology and connectivity, but has also profound biological consequences, especially regarding stability and persistence of organismal populations. While rivers’ scaling features are captured by Optimal Channel Networks, knowledge on adequate network topologies has hitherto been only partially transferred across geo- and biosciences. Consequently, ecologists have often studied riverine populations via random networks not respecting real rivers’ scaling character. Here we show that branching probability of random networks is a scale-dependent quantity in that it varies with the length scale or spatial resolution of observations. Therefore, our findings suggest that this property is not a robust driver of ecological dynamics. Moreover, we show that random networks lead to biased estimates of population stability and persistence, while only Optimal Channel Networks yield estimates comparable to real rivers. We hence advocate Optimal Channel Networks as model landscapes for realistic and generalizable projections of ecohydrological dynamics in riverine networks.
Diagnostic accuracy of fluorescence flow-cytometry technology using Sysmex XN-31 for imported malaria in a non-endemic setting
Authors: Picot Stéphane , Perpoint Thomas , Chidiac Christian , Sigal Alain , Javouhey Etienne , Gillet Yves , Jacquin Laurent , Douplat Marion , Tazarourte Karim , Argaud Laurent , Wallon Martine , Miossec Charline , Bonnot Guillaume , Bienvenu Anne-Lise 
Published: May 2022

Malaria diagnosis based on microscopy is impaired by the gradual disappearance of experienced microscopists in non-endemic areas. Aside from the conventional diagnostic methods, fluorescence flow cytometry technology using Sysmex XN-31, an automated haematology analyser, has been registered to support malaria diagnosis. The aim of this prospective, monocentric, non-interventional study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the XN-31 for the initial diagnosis or follow-up of imported malaria cases compared to the reference malaria tests including microscopy, loop mediated isothermal amplification, and rapid diagnostic tests. Over a one-year period, 357 blood samples were analysed, including 248 negative and 109 positive malaria samples. Compared to microscopy, XN-31 showed sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 97.13–100) and specificity of 98.39% (95% CI: 95.56–100) for the initial diagnosis of imported malaria cases. Moreover, it provided accurate species identification asfalciparumor non-falciparumand parasitaemia determination in a very short time compared to other methods. We also demonstrated that XN-31 was a reliable method for patient follow-up on days 3, 7, and 28. Malaria diagnosis can be improved in non-endemic areas by the use of dedicated haematology analysers coupled with standard microscopy or other methods in development, such as artificial intelligence for blood slide reading. Given that XN-31 provided an accurate diagnosis in 1 min, it may reduce the time interval before treatment and thus improve the outcome of patient who have malaria.
A Questionnaire Survey of German Thyroidologists on the Use of
Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroid and Euthyroid Patients: The THESIS (Treatment of
Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists: An International Survey)
Collaborative
Authors: Vardarli Irfan , Brandenburg Tim , Hegedüs Laszlo , Attanasio Roberto , Nagy EndreV. , Papini Enrico , Perros Petros , Weidemann Frank , Herrmann Ken , Führer Dagmar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective To identify the attitudes of German thyroid specialists towards
the clinical treatment of hypothyroidism using thyroid hormones (TH).
Methods All members of the thyroid section of the German Endocrine Society
(DGE) were e-mailed an invitation to participate in a web-based survey about
substitution with TH.
Results Out of 206 members of the DGE’s thyroid section, 163
(79.1%) responses were received and included in the analysis. Of
responding members, 98.6% used levothyroxine (LT4) as the treatment of
choice, and 45.4% also prescribed combination therapy with liothyronine
(LT4+LT3) in their clinical practice (p<0.001). LT4+LT3
combination was favored in patients with persistent hypothyroidism symptoms
despite biochemical euthyroidism on LT4 treatment (p<0.001). Of all
respondents, 26.4% never indicated TH therapy for euthyroid patients
(p<0.001), while the remainder would consider THs for one or more
indications (62.9% for euthyroid infertile women with high anti-thyroid
antibody levels (p<0.001), 7.1% in patients with severe
hypercholesterolemia, as complementary treatment (p=0.007), and
57.1% in patients with simple goiter (p<0.001)). In conditions
that could interfere with LT4 absorption, most respondents still preferred
tablets and did not expect a significant difference when switching from one LT4
formulation to another.
Conclusion For German thyroid specialists, LT4 is the treatment of choice
for hypothyroidism. Combination therapy with LT4+LT3 was considered for
patients with persistent symptoms. Even in conditions that could affect
bioavailability, German thyroid specialists prefer LT4 tablets rather than other
LT4 formulations, such as liquid or soft-gel capsules. The widespread use of
thyroid hormone for non-hypothyroid conditions is not consistent with current
evidence and needs further study.
Transferência do segundo dedo do pé para tratamento de amputação traumática do polegar em uma criança de quatro anos: Relato de caso
Authors: Nakamoto Hugo Alberto , Gonçalves Reinaldo Borges , Nakamoto João Carlos , Iwase Fernanda do Carmo , Pessa Mariana Miranda Nicolosi , Rezende Marcelo Rosa de 
Published: May 2022

ResumoA transferência microcirúrgica do dedo do pé para a reconstrução do polegar é um procedimento desafiador, considerando-se a habilidade técnica necessária para realizá-la e a difícil avaliação pós-operatória dos aspectos estéticos e funcionais. Este é um relato do caso de uma criança de 3 anos que sofreu uma amputação traumática do polegar. A reconstrução do polegar foi realizada por meio de transferência microcirúrgica do dedo do pé, meses após a falha do reimplante. Uma avaliação subjetiva e outra objetiva dos resultados foram realizadas cinco anos após o procedimento. O resultado funcional foi avaliado por meio do Questionário de Avaliação da Saúde na Infância (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, CHAQ, em inglês) e o Teste Funcional da Mão de Jebsen-Taylor (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, JTHFT, em inglês). Foram usados o dinamômetro Jamar (Sammons Preston, Bolingbrook, IL, EUA) e os instrumentos de medição Jamar Pinch Gauge (Sammons Preston) para avaliar as forças de preensão palmar e de pinças, respectivamente. Foram realizados os testes de monofilamento e de discriminação de dois pontos de Semmes-Weinstein. O paciente apresentou excelente resultado funcional, recuperação parcial da força, recuperação sensitiva completa, e mínima morbidade do sítio doador. Foi realizada também uma avaliação radiográfica, que demonstrou a preservação da placa epifisária e do potencial de crescimento no dedo do pé transplantado. Em todos os aspectos, os dados observados reforçam os benefícios e as indicações da transferência do dedo do pé para a reconstrução do polegar em crianças.
Does Music during Image-Guided Procedures Reduce Patient Anxiety Levels?
Authors: Mohamed Fahd , DSouza Lenon , Mijar Mahesh 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of music in alleviating anxiety in patients undergoing image guided procedures.
Materials and Methods A total of 129 patients were included in this prospective study after obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients were randomized into control (n = 59, median age 46, 30 males) and music (n = 70, median age 46.5, 33 males) groups. Procedures included thoracocentesis, paracentesis, fine needle aspiration cytology and biopsies of the breast, liver, thyroid and lymph nodes. It was performed over a period of 4 months, between September 2020 and December 2020. Pre- and intra procedure recordings of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Circumstantial anxiety was evaluated using the Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the procedure.
Results There was a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.001) in the rise of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in the music group as compared to the control group. There was also a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.001) in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale values in the music group as compared to the control group during the procedure.
Conclusion Patients undergoing image-guided procedures may be offered a choice to listen to music of their preference to reduce situational anxiety.
Analysis of rock microseismic signal based on blind source wavelet decomposition algorithm
Authors: Peng Guili , Liu Dewen , Lu Jing , Shen Tong , Wang Shoubin 
Published: May 2022

At present, microseismic technology is a widely used method for monitoring the rock burst phenomenon during the construction of deep-buried tunnels. The rock fracture in the tunnel will generate seismic waves. The seismic wave has strong randomness and low energy and is usually mixed with environmental noise, which is called the microseismic signal. The microseismic signal received by the geophone will contain other noises. So, there is an urgent need for an algorithm that can quickly decompose the mixed signal. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a blind source wavelet algorithm to extract the rock fracture signal. First, the signal is preprocessed, and the mixed signal matrix is established. Second, the blind source decomposition algorithm is used to process the signal, and the effective signal is reconstructed. Finally, the wavelet algorithm is used to further remove the noise to enhance the microseismic signal. The proposed method is compared with the wavelet decomposition method and the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method through the laboratory simulation data and the actual signal of Baihetan Hydropower Station. It is concluded that the proposed algorithm can effectively decompose and remove the noise in the mixed signal, and the decomposition accuracy is better than the wavelet decomposition method and the EMD method. The proposed algorithm has certain practical significance for the identification of microseismic signals of rock fracture and for rock burst early warning.