bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nationwide study of obstetric management and outcomes in premature rupture of membrane at term: Report from the Perinatology Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2017–2018
Authors: Oda Tomoaki , Mitsuda Nobuaki , Miyakoshi Kei , Makino Shintaro , Ishii Keisuke , Kurasawa Kentaro , Kubo Takahiko , Shimoya Koichiro , Ikeda Tomoaki , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: October 2022

Aim

This nationwide study aimed to investigate the practical management of term premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and its relationship with maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a questionnaire survey of 415 facilities participating in the Japan Perinatal Registry Network of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2016. The patients were women expecting vaginal birth after PROM at term without clinical chorioamnionitis. We classified the facilities into three groups based on duration of the expectant management after PROM (within 24, 24, and 48 h). Furthermore, we analyzed the association between perinatal outcomes and management protocol using the Japan Perinatal Registry Network Database 2016.

Results

Of 415 facilities, 346 (83.4%) completed and returned the survey. Among 231 facilities with management protocols, an interval of 3 days from PROM to delivery was acceptable in 167 facilities (72.3%). One hundred forty‐nine facilities (64.5%) responded that they did not perform mechanical cervical dilation, and 90 (39.0%) used oxytocin as a uterotonic irrespective of cervical maturation. The number of hospitals that had a policy to administer antibiotics to Group B streptococcus‐positive patients was 211 (91.3%). Neonatal outcomes at birth and the frequency of cesarean section and postpartum fever did not differ among the three groups.

Conclusions

Most facilities in the Japan Perinatal Registry Network managed women at term to delivery within 3 days after PROM with attention to bacterial infection. Expectant management up to 48 h after PROM did not increase the risk of postpartum fever, compared to labor induction immediately after PROM.
Uterine‐sparing laparoscopic lateral suspension in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Kumbasar Serkan , Salman Suleyman , Sogut Ozlem , Ketenci Gencer Fatma , Bacak Havva B. , Tezcan Ayse D. , Timur Gözde Y.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Apical prolapse is an important component of pelvic organ prolapse. The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) surgery, which we performed while sparing the uterus.

Methods

LLS surgery was performed on 62 patients due to apical prolapse, preserving their uterus. The patients' pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP‐Q) points and sexual function using pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual function questionnaire (PISQ‐12) prior to and 12 months following the surgery were compared, and the results were evaluated.

Results

The POP‐Q points and PISQ‐12 scores evaluating sexual function of the patients who underwent LLS were significantly improved compared to pre‐operation values (p ˂ 0.001). No intraoperative complications were observed in the patients. Recurrence was observed in 6 (9.6%) of 62 total cases in post‐operative follow‐up. Apical prolapse was seen in two patients (3.2%), and anterior vaginal wall recurrence was observed in one patient (1.6%). Posterior vaginal wall recurrence was seen in three patients (4.8%). Pelvic pain complications were observed in four patients (6.4%) in the postoperative follow‐up. Mesh erosion was not observed in any of the cases. It was observed that 5 (38%) of 13 patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) had improved SUI complaints after surgery. The mean operation time was 66.3 ± 12.3 min.

Conclusion

LLS is an effective and safe method for patients with apical prolapse who want to preserve their uterus. LLS can be applied as an alternative to the sacrocolpopexy procedure, which has risks such as potentially serious neurological and life‐threatening vascular injury in the sacral region.
Falling treatment uptake in the hepatitis C care cascade is a growing threat to achieving elimination
Authors: Bryce Kathleen , Smith Colette , Rodger Alison , Macdonald Douglas
Published: October 2022

Most high‐income countries are not on track to achieve the World Health Organization hepatitis C elimination targets. As elimination programmes assess growing proportions of patients in community‐based pathways, rates of treatment uptake may fall. We aimed to identify factors associated with DAA treatment uptake and measure changes in their prevalence over time. We performed a time‐to‐treatment analysis on 2728 patients approved for hepatitis C Direct‐Acting Antiviral treatment in the North Central London region between January 2016 and October 2019. We investigated the association between treatment uptake and factors including assessment/treatment setting (hospital, drug service or prison), patient age, gender, injection drug use, harmful alcohol use, cirrhosis status and previous treatment. The likelihood of treatment uptake was reduced by three independent risk factors. These included assessment setting: prison‐based or drug‐service pathways (aHR 0.29 or 0.81 vs. hospital outpatient pathway, 95% CI 0.21–0.40 and 0.70–0.94 respectively, p < .001); being UK‐born (aHR 0.89 vs. non‐UK born, 0.82–0.98, p = .01); and history of harmful alcohol use (aHR 0.84 vs. no history, 0.72–0.99, p = .04). The average number of these risk factors for not starting treatment per patient increased over time (R2 = 0.66 p < .001). Independent of these, there was an additional 5% reduction in rate of treatment initiation in each successive year of the programme (aHR 0.95, 0.91–0.99, p = .02). In conclusion, disengagement from care before treatment uptake was found to be a growing threat to elimination. Despite provision of community‐based test‐to‐cure pathways, there are persistent barriers to treatment uptake and these are increasing over time.
Implementation of a re‐linkage to care strategy in patients with chronic hepatitis C who were lost to follow‐up in Latin America
Authors: Mendizabal Manuel , Thompson Marcos , Gonzalez‐Ballerga Esteban , Anders Margarita , Castro‐Narro Graciela E. , Pessoa Mario G. , Cheinquer Hugo , Mezzano Gabriel , Palazzo Ana , Ridruejo Ezequiel , Descalzi Valeria , Velarde‐Ruiz Velasco Jose A. , Marciano Sebastian , Muñoz Linda , Schinoni Maria I. , Poniachik Jaime , Perazzo Rosalía , Cerda Eira , Fuster Francisco , Varon Adriana , Ruiz García Sandro , Soza Alejandro , Cabrera Cecilia , Gomez‐Aldana Andres J. , Beltrán Flor de María , Gerona Solange , Cocozzella Daniel , Bessone Fernando , Hernández Nelia , Alonso Cristina , Ferreiro Melina , Antinucci Florencia , Torre Aldo , Moutinho Bruna D. , Coelho Borges Silvia , Gomez Fernando , Murga Maria Dolores , Piñero Federico , Sotera Gisela F. , Ocampo Jhonier A. , Cortés Mollinedo Valeria A. , Simian Daniela , Silva Marcelo O.
Published: October 2022

To achieve WHO's goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV), innovative strategies must be designed to diagnose and treat more patients. Therefore, we aimed to describe an implementation strategy to identify patients with HCV who were lost to follow‐up (LTFU) and offer them re‐linkage to HCV care. We conducted an implementation study utilizing a strategy to contact patients with HCV who were not under regular follow‐up in 13 countries from Latin America. Patients with HCV were identified by the international classification of diseases (ICD‐9/10) or equivalent. Medical records were then reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of chronic HCV infection defined by anti‐HCV+ and detectable HCV‐RNA. Identified patients who were not under follow‐up by a liver specialist were contacted by telephone or email, and offered a medical reevaluation. A total of 10,364 patients were classified to have HCV. After reviewing their medical charts, 1349 (13%) had undetectable HCV‐RNA or were wrongly coded. Overall, 9015 (86.9%) individuals were identified with chronic HCV infection. A total of 5096 (56.5%) patients were under routine HCV care and 3919 (43.5%) had been LTFU. We were able to contact 1617 (41.3%) of the 3919 patients who were LTFU at the primary medical institution, of which 427 (26.4%) were cured at a different institutions or were dead. Of the remaining patients, 906 (76.1%) were candidates for retrieval. In our cohort, about one out of four patients with chronic HCV who were LTFU were candidates to receive treatment. This strategy has the potential to be effective, accessible and significantly impacts on the HCV care cascade.
Flexible phonics: a complementary ‘next generation’ approach for teaching early reading
Authors: Boldrini Greta , Fox Amy C. , Savage Robert S.
Published: October 2022

We describe the rationale for‐ and content of‐ a freely available, novel, theoretically driven and evidence‐based approach to improving the teaching of word reading in reception classrooms called ‘Flexible Phonics’. Flexible Phonics (FP) adds measurable value to‐, rather than wholly replacing, existing synthetic phonics programmes. The rationale underpinning the FP approach concerns the need for multi‐componential, maximally efficient, and truly generative approaches to allow early independence in reading for all children that apply to all words in the opaque spelling system of English. Building from these three principles, contemporary reading theory and evidence from cognitive science, linguistics and scaled educational implementation research, FP embodies a 5‐element intervention differentiated to children's current attainment levels. FP augments mandated synthetic phonics through use of quality real books allowing ‘Direct Mapping’ of taught grapheme‐phoneme correspondences, targeted oral vocabulary teaching, strategy‐instruction on ‘Set‐for‐Variability’ and targeted preventative intervention for the most at‐risk readers to then access wider FP content. Implications for policy and enhanced professional practice in English schools are considered.
Bacterial communities in a subarctic stream network: Spatial and seasonal patterns of benthic biofilm and bacterioplankton
Authors: Malazarte Jacqueline , Muotka Timo , Jyväsjärvi Jussi , Lehosmaa Kaisa , Nyberg Joel , Huttunen Kaisa‐Leena
Published: October 2022

Water‐column bacterial communities are assembled by different mechanisms at different stream network positions, with headwater communities being controlled by mass effects (advection of bacteria from terrestrial soils) while downstream communities are mainly driven by environmental sorting. Conversely, benthic biofilms are colonized largely by the same set of taxa across the entire network. However, direct comparisons of biofilm and bacterioplankton communities along whole stream networks are rare. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to explore the spatiotemporal variability of benthic biofilm (2 weeks old vs. mature biofilm) and water‐column communities at different network positions of a subarctic stream from early summer to late autumn. Amplicon sequence variant (ASV) richness of mature biofilm was about 2.5 times higher than that of early biofilm, yet the pattern of seasonality was the same, with the highest richness in midsummer. Biofilm bacterial richness was unrelated to network position whereas bacterioplankton diversity was negatively related to water residence time and distance from the source. This pattern of decreasing diversity along the network was strongest around midsummer and diminished greatly as water level increased towards autumn. Biofilm communities were phylogenetically clustered at all network positions while bacterioplankton assemblages were phylogenetically clustered only at the most downstream site. Both early and mature biofilm communities already differed significantly between upstream (1st order) and midstream (2nd order) sections. Network position was also related to variation in bacterioplankton communities, with upstream sites harbouring substantially more unique taxa (44% of all upstream taxa) than midstream (20%) or downstream (8%) sites. Some of the taxa that were dominant in downstream sections were already present in the upmost headwaters, and even in riparian soils, where they were very rare (relative abundance <0.01%). These patterns in species diversity and taxonomic and phylogenetic community composition of the riverine bacterial metacommunity were particularly strong for water‐column communities, whereas both early and mature biofilm exhibited weaker spatial patterns. Our study demonstrated the benefits of studying bacterioplankton and biofilm communities simultaneously to allow testing of ecological hypotheses about biodiversity patterns in freshwater bacteria.
Cryptic lineages and standing genetic variation across independent cane toad introductions
Authors: Mittan‐Moreau Cinnamon S. , Kelehear Crystal , Toledo Luís Felipe , Bacon Jamie , Guayasamin Juan M. , Snyder Andrew , Zamudio Kelly R.
Published: October 2022

Widespread introduced species can be leveraged to investigate the genetic, ecological and adaptive processes underlying rapid evolution and range expansion, particularly the contributions of genetic diversity to adaptation. Rhinella marina, the cane toad, has been a focus of invasion biology for decades in Australia. However, their introduction history in North America is less clear. Here, we investigated the roles of introduction history and genetic diversity in establishment success of cane toads across their introduced range. We used reduced representation sequencing (ddRAD) to obtain 34,000 SNPs from 247 toads in native (French Guiana, Guyana, Ecuador, Panama, Texas) and introduced (Bermuda, southern Florida, northern Florida, Hawaiʻi, Puerto Rico) populations. Unlike all other cane toad introductions, we found that Florida populations were more closely related to native Central American lineages (R. horribilis), than to native Southern American lineages (R. marina). Furthermore, we found high levels of diversity and population structure in the native range, corroborating suggestions that R. marina is a species complex. We also found that introduced populations exhibit only slightly lower genetic diversity than native populations. Together with demographic analyses, this indicates founding populations of toads in Florida were larger than previously reported. Lastly, within R. marina, only one of 245 putatively adaptive SNPs showed fixed differences between native and introduced ranges, suggesting that putative selection in these introduced populations is based upon existing genetic variation. Our findings highlight the importance of genetic sequencing in understanding biological introductions and hint at the role of standing genetic variation in range expansion.
Metabarcoding for biodiversity inventory blind spots: A test case using the beetle fauna of an insular cloud forest
Authors: Arjona Yurena , Arribas Paula , Salces‐Castellano Antonia , López Heriberto , Emerson Brent C. , Andújar Carmelo
Published: October 2022

Soils harbour a rich arthropod fauna, but many species are still not formally described (Linnaean shortfall) and the distribution of those already described is poorly understood (Wallacean shortfall). Metabarcoding holds much promise to fill this gap, however, nuclear copies of mitochondrial genes, and other artefacts lead to taxonomic inflation, which compromise the reliability of biodiversity inventories. Here, we explore the potential of a bioinformatic approach to jointly “denoise” and filter nonauthentic mitochondrial sequences from metabarcode reads to obtain reliable soil beetle inventories and address open questions in soil biodiversity research, such as the scale of dispersal constraints in different soil layers. We sampled cloud forest arthropod communities from 49 sites in the Anaga peninsula of Tenerife (Canary Islands). We performed whole organism community DNA (wocDNA) metabarcoding, and built a local reference database with COI barcode sequences of 310 species of Coleoptera for filtering reads and the identification of metabarcoded species. This resulted in reliable haplotype data after considerably reducing nuclear mitochondrial copies and other artefacts. Comparing our results with previous beetle inventories, we found: (i) new species records, potentially representing undescribed species; (ii) new distribution records, and (iii) validated phylogeographic structure when compared with traditional sequencing approaches. Analyses also revealed evidence for higher dispersal constraint within deeper soil beetle communities, compared to those closer to the surface. The combined power of barcoding and metabarcoding contribute to mitigate the important shortfalls associated with soil arthropod diversity data, and thus address unresolved questions for this vast biodiversity fraction.
The bacterial virulence factor NleA undergoes host‐mediated O‐linked glycosylation
Authors: Burns Lindsay , Giannakopoulou Natalia , Zhu Lei , Xu Yong Zhong , Khan Rufaida H. , Bekal Sadjia , Schurr Erwin , Schmeing T. Martin , Gruenheid Samantha
Published: October 2022

Enterohaemorrhagic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EHEC and EPEC) are gastrointestinal pathogens responsible for severe diarrheal illness. EHEC and EPEC form “attaching and effacing” lesions during colonization and, upon adherence, inject proteins directly into host intestinal cells via the type III secretion system (T3SS). Injected bacterial proteins have a variety of functions but generally alter host cell biology to favor survival and/or replication of the pathogen. Non‐LEE‐encoded effector A (NleA) is a T3SS‐injected effector of EHEC, EPEC, and the related mouse pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. Studies in mouse models indicate that NleA has an important role in bacterial virulence. However, the mechanism by which NleA contributes to disease remains unknown. We have determined that the following translocation into host cells, a serine and threonine‐rich region of NleA is modified by host‐mediated mucin‐type O‐linked glycosylation. Surprisingly, this region was not present in several clinical EHEC isolates. When expressed in C. rodentium, a non‐modifiable variant of NleA was indistinguishable from wildtype NleA in an acute mortality model but conferred a modest increase in persistence over the course of infection in mixed infections in C57BL/6J mice. This is the first known example of a bacterial effector being modified by host‐mediated O‐linked glycosylation. Our data also suggests that this modification may confer a selective disadvantage to the bacteria during in vivo infection.
Exposure and behavioral responses of tagged beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) to ships in the Pacific Arctic
Authors: Martin Morgan J. , Halliday William D. , Storrie Luke , Citta John J. , Dawson Jackie , Hussey Nigel E. , Juanes Francis , Loseto Lisa L. , MacPhee Shannon A. , Moore Lisa , Nicoll Adrian , O'Corry‐Crowe Gregory , Insley Stephen J.
Published: October 2022

Arctic marine mammals face a multitude of challenges linked to climate change, including increasing anthropogenic noise from ship traffic. The beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), a predominately Arctic endemic cetacean, relies heavily on acoustic communication, with documented overlap between their vocalizations and hearing range and ship noise. Some belugas migrate through areas with the highest levels of ship traffic in the Pacific Arctic and exposure to ship noise is highly probable. Here, we document the responses of nine satellite‐tagged Eastern Beaufort Sea belugas to encounters with ships in the Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering Seas during July–December 2018. We report 177 occasions when ships were within 125 km of tagged belugas and quantified changes in lateral and vertical movements to investigate individual behavioral responses to ship approaches within 50 km (n = 23). Belugas' swim speed was negatively correlated with ship distance, showing possible changes in swim speed up to 79 km away. Changes in lateral and vertical movements, indicating disruption of behavior, were observed when some ships passed within 50 km. These findings corroborate previous studies that have shown behavioral responses of belugas to ships at distances far beyond visual range, implying belugas react to low‐amplitude ship noise near ambient levels.
Five‐year surveillance study of clinical and environmental Triazole‐ResistantAspergillus fumigatus isolates in Iran
Authors: Khojasteh Shaghayegh , Abastabar Mahdi , Haghani Iman , Valadan Reza , Ghazanfari Sahar , Abbasi Kiana , Ahangarkani Fatemeh , Zarrinfar Hossein , Khodavaisy Sadegh , Badali Hamid
Published: October 2022

Background

Invasive aspergillosis is one of the most common fungal infections and azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) is a growing medical concern in high‐risk patients. To our knowledge, there is no comprehensive epidemiological surveillance study on the prevalence and incidence of ARAf isolates available in Iran.

Objectives

The study aimed to report a five‐year survey of triazole phenotypes and genotype patterns concerning the resistance in clinical and environmental A. fumigatus in Iran.

Methods

During the study time frame (2016–2021), a total of 1208 clinical and environmental Aspergillus species were collected. Isolates were examined and characterised by in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing (CLSI M38 broth microdilution) and cyp51A sequencing.

Results

In total, 485 Aspergillus section Fumigati strains were recovered (clinical, n = 23; 4.74% and environment, n = 462; 95.26%). Of which A. fumigatus isolates were the most prevalent species (n = 483; 99.59%). Amphotericin B and the echinocandins demonstrated good in vitro activity against the majority of isolates in comparison to triazole. Overall, 16.15% (n = 78) of isolates were phenotypically resistant to at least one of the azoles. However, 9.73% of A. fumigatus isolates for voriconazole were classified as resistant, 89.03% were susceptible, and 1.24% were intermediate. While, for itraconazole and posaconazole, using the epidemiological cut‐off value 16.15% and 6.83% of isolates were non‐wild types, respectively. Remarkably, in 21.79% (n = 17) phenotypically resistant isolates, no mutations were detected within the cyp51A gene.

Conclusion

Although the incidence of ARAf varies from country to country, in Iran the rate has ranged from 3.3% to 18%, significantly increasing from 2013 to 2021. Strikingly, a quarter of the phenotypically resistant isolates harboured no mutations in the cyp51A gene. It seems that other mechanisms of resistance are importantly increasing. To fill a gap in our understanding of the mechanism for azole resistance in the non‐cyp51A strains, we highly recommend further and more extensive monitoring of the soil with or without exposure to fungicides in agricultural and hospital areas.
AMPHORAE FROM BAETICA. NEW DATA RELEVANT TO RURAL PRODUCTION IN THE GUADALQUIVIR VALLEY (FIRST CENTURY BC–FIFTH/SIXTH CENTURIES AD)
Authors: González Tobar Iván
Published: October 2022

One of the most prolific areas of agrarian production of the Roman Empire was the Guadalquivir valley of Hispania Baetica. The current study was carried out in the region downstream from Corduba (Córdoba), the capital of Baetica. Knowledge of amphorae from this zone, often underrepresented at consumption sites, has in recent times undergone a complete renewal. This study thus offers an overview of the main archaeological results concerning amphora production based on fieldwork carried out between 2016 and 2020. It sheds light on a heretofore unknown early activity dating to the Augustan period followed by variable dynamics during the first three centuries of the first millennium. The findings also allow a delving deeper into the mechanisms of the sector during Late Antiquity, widening the repertoire of amphorae originating from the area.
WEIGHTS, CURRENCY BARS AND METROLOGY AT DANEBURY HILLFORT. FROM WEIGHING TO VALUE ASSESSMENT?
Authors: Poigt Thibaud
Published: October 2022

This paper studies the metrological characteristics of a series of balance weights recovered at Danebury hillfort (Stockbridge, Hampshire). It is based on the use of 3D‐digitalization to virtually reconstruct broken weights and statistical analysis to approach their metrology. The results of this investigation suggests the use of two weighing units during the Late Iron Age at Danebury, one of 309 g and another of 257.7 g. The comparison of the weighing metrology inferred with currency bars found on the settlement and elsewhere suggests that a complex practice of weighing and counting linked the use of weights and iron bars.
Voltage mapping and pulmonary vein isolation in master athletes with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Liu Brian , Pagan Eric , Beccarino Nicholas , Chang David , Dulmovits Eric , Beldner Stuart
Published: October 2022

Background

Master athletes encompass a wide range of exercise enthusiasts. At the extreme, there is an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Therapies aimed at rate or rhythm control are often limited given unfavorable side effects. Although studies suggest an increase in left atrial (LA) fibrosis in this population, minimal electrophysiologic data exist regarding the LA voltage mapping and the efficacy of AF ablation with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods

In a retrospective single‐center study, we reviewed AF ablations (pulmonary vein isolation and assessment/ablation of non‐pulmonary vein triggers) performed in extreme master athletes with AF. We define “extreme” as those who have repeatedly competed in long distance endurance events for a > 10‐year period. Bipolar voltage mappings obtained through PENTARAY Catheter (Biosense Webster) were reviewed using CARTO. LA scarring was defined as an area of less than 0.1 mV. All patients were monitored as outpatients for AF recurrence.

Results

Between January 2018 and February 2022, 16 patients (11 marathon runners, four long distance cyclers, and one marathon swimmer) underwent AF ablations. All patients in the cohort were male with an average CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1.2 ± 0.8 and left atrial volume of 34.4 cc/m2 ± 9.9. A total of eight patients (50%) had persistent AF. One patient (6.3%) had LA scar on bipolar voltage mapping, whom also had a non‐pulmonary vein trigger of AF. Bidirectional blocks of the four pulmonary veins were achieved by radiofrequency (RF) ablation in all patients. Freedom from documented recurrence of AF up to 24 months was 93.8%. One patient (6.3%) had recurrence of AF at 14 months and underwent successful cardioversion.

Conclusion

In our series of extreme master athletes with AF, the incidence of LA scarring on bipolar voltage mapping was low and the recurrence of AF following PVI by RF ablation was minimal.
The role of short‐term grass pollen exposure in food skin‐prick test reactivity, food allergy, and eczema flares in children
Authors: Idrose Nur Sabrina , Lodge Caroline J. , Peters Rachel L. , Douglass Jo A. , Koplin Jennifer J. , Lowe Adrian J. , Perrett Kirsten P. , Tang Mimi L. K. , Newbigin Ed J. , Abramson Michael J. , Erbas Bircan , Vicendese Don , Dharmage Shyamali C.
Published: October 2022

Background

While the relationship between pollen and respiratory allergies is well‐documented, the role of short‐term pollen exposure in food allergy and eczema flares has not previously been explored. We aimed to investigate these associations in a population‐based sample of children.

Methods

We investigated 1‐ (n = 1108) and 6‐year‐old (n = 675) children in the grass pollen season from the HealthNuts cohort. Grass pollen concentrations were considered on the day of testing (lag 0), up to three days before (lag 1‐lag 3) and cumulatively (lag 0–3). Associations between grass pollen and food skin‐prick test reactivity (SPT ≥ 2 mm at age 1 year and ≥ 3 mm at age 6 years), eczema flares, challenge‐confirmed food allergy, reaction threshold to oral food challenges (OFC), and serum food‐specific IgE levels were analyzed using either logistic or quantile regression models. Atopy and family history of allergic disease were considered as potent effect modifiers.

Results

Grass pollen at lag 0–3 (every 20 grains/m3 increase) was associated with an up to 1.2‐fold increased odds of food SPT reactivity and eczema flares in 6‐year‐olds. In 1‐year‐olds, the associations were only observed for peanut in those with a family history of food allergy. Increasing grass pollen concentrations were associated with a lower reaction threshold to OFC and higher serum IgE levels in peanut‐allergic 1‐year‐olds only.

Conclusion

Increasing grass pollen concentration was associated with increased risk of food SPT reactivity and eczema flares in children. The associations in peanut‐allergic infants may be related to immune activation and/or peanut and grass pollen cross‐reactivity leading to a lower reaction threshold.
Small for gestational age is associated with reduced lung function in middle age: A prospective study from first to fifth decade of life
Authors: Tandra Melvin , Walters E. Haydn , Perret Jennifer , Lowe Adrian J. , Lodge Caroline J. , Johns David P. , Thomas Paul S. , Bowatte Gayan , Davis Peter G. , Abramson Michael J. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Bui Dinh S.
Published: October 2022

Background and Objective

The association between birth weight, particularly relative to gestational age, and adult lung function is uncertain. We investigated the associations between birth weight relative to gestational age and measures of lung function in middle age, and mediation of these associations by adult height.

Methods

Participants in the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study who had both known birth weight and lung function assessment at age 45 years were included (n = 849). Linear regression models were fitted to investigate the association between small for gestational age and birth weight with post‐bronchodilator lung function measures (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV1/FVC, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide [DLco], residual volume [RV] and total lung capacity [TLC]), adjusting for potential confounders. The contribution of adult height as a mediator of these associations was investigated.

Results

Compared with infants born with normal weight for gestational age, those born small for gestational age had reduced FEV1 (coefficient: −191 ml [95%CI: −296, −87]), FVC (−205 ml [−330, −81]), TLC (−292 ml [−492, −92]), RV (−126 ml [−253, 0]) and DLco (−0.42 mmol/min/kPa [−0.79, −0.041]) at age 45 years. However, they had comparable FEV1/FVC. For every 1 kg increase in birth weight, lung function indices increased by an average of 117 ml (95%CI: 40, 196) for FEV1, 124 ml (30, 218) for FVC, 215 ml (66, 365) for TLC and 0.36 mmol/min/kPa (0.11, 0.62) for DLco, independent of gestational age, but again not for FEV1/FVC. These associations were significantly mediated by adult height (56%–90%).

Conclusion

Small for gestational age was associated with reduced lung function that is likely due to smaller lungs with little evidence of any specific parenchymal impairment.
Functioning strategies of the research groups' leaders in the context of funding and policy instabilities☆
Authors: Jaime Astrid , Pérez‐Martelo Constanza , Herrera Bernardo , Ordóñez‐Matamoros Gonzalo , Vinck Dominique
Published: October 2022

We explore the strategies implemented by Research Groups' Leaders while coping with unstable contexts, characterized by incoherence and lack of coordination among different policy discourses and instruments, and scarce resources. We focus on a country where these conditions are present: Colombia. In doing so, we study two cases, one in nanotechnology and another one in biomedical engineering. Interviews, focus groups and workshops allowed us to identify and validate strategies grouped in four popular sayings, proper to local idiosyncrasy, highlighting the role of home institutions and principal investigators in facing such situations with resilience and resourcefulness, and even taking advantage of them. We find that Research Groups' Leaders use strategies such as: adapting, balancing agendas and funding sources, networking, and taking advantage of the support programs available at their home institution to continue functioning. These are setting the ground for a further survey which could pretend some generalization. However, policymakers could consider these findings when defining policy instruments or for assessing their effectiveness or impacts.
State estimation for aoristic models
Authors: van Lieshout Maria N. M. , Markwitz Robin L.
Published: October 2022

Aoristic data can be described by a marked point process in time in which the points cannot be observed directly but are known to lie in observable intervals, the marks. We consider Bayesian state estimation for the latent points when the marks are modeled in terms of an alternating renewal process in equilibrium and the prior is a Markov point process. We derive the posterior distribution, estimate its parameters and present some examples that illustrate the influence of the prior distribution. The model is then used to estimate times of occurrence of interval censored crimes.
Impaired cell growth under ammonium stress explained by modeling the energy cost of vacuole expansion in tomato leaves
Authors: Poucet Théo , Beauvoit Bertrand , González‐Moro María Begoña , Cabasson Cécile , Pétriacq Pierre , Flandin Amélie , Gibon Yves , Marino Daniel , Dieuaide‐Noubhani Martine
Published: October 2022

Ammonium (NH4+)‐based fertilization efficiently mitigates the adverse effects of nitrogen fertilization on the environment. However, high concentrations of soil NH4+ provoke growth inhibition, partly caused by the reduction of cell enlargement and associated with modifications of cell composition, such as an increase of sugars and a decrease in organic acids. Cell expansion depends largely on the osmotic‐driven enlargement of the vacuole. However, the involvement of subcellular compartmentation in the adaptation of plants to ammonium nutrition has received little attention, until now. To investigate this, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants were cultivated under nitrate and ammonium nutrition and the fourth leaf was harvested at seven developmental stages. The vacuolar expansion was monitored and metabolites and inorganic ion contents, together with intracellular pH, were determined. A data‐constrained model was constructed to estimate subcellular concentrations of major metabolites and ions. It was first validated at the three latter developmental stages by comparison with subcellular concentrations obtained experimentally using non‐aqueous fractionation. Then, the model was used to estimate the subcellular concentrations at the seven developmental stages and the net vacuolar uptake of solutes along the developmental series. Our results showed ammonium nutrition provokes an acidification of the vacuole and a reduction in the flux of solutes into the vacuoles. Overall, analysis of the subcellular compartmentation reveals a mechanism behind leaf growth inhibition under ammonium stress linked to the higher energy cost of vacuole expansion, as a result of alterations in pH, the inhibition of glycolysis routes and the depletion of organic acids.
The complete chloroplast genome of Campsis grandiflora (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: PARK Jongsun , XI Hong
Published: October 2022

Campsis grandiflora (Thunb.) K. Schum is an ornamental species with various useful biological effects. The chloroplast genome of C. grandiflora isolated in Korea is 154,293 bp long (GC ratio: 38.1%) and has four subregions: 84,121 bp of large single-copy (36.2%) and 18,521 bp of small single-copy (30.0%) regions are separated by 24,332 bp of inverted repeat (42.9%) regions including 132 genes (87 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). One single-nucleotide polymorphism and five insertion and deletion (INDEL) regions (40-bp in total) were identified, indicating a low level of intraspecific variation in the chloroplast genome. All five INDEL regions were linked to the repetitive sequences. Seventy-two normal simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 47 extended SSRs were identified to develop molecular markers. The phylogenetic trees of 29 representative Bignoniaceae chloroplast genomes indicate that the tribe-level phylogenic relationship is congruent with the findings of previous studies.
Nineteen new records of plant species including two new genera recorded from the Bhutan Himalayas
Authors: DORJI Rinchen , PHUENTSHO Phuentsho , DORJI Kencho , TSHEWANG Sangay , WANGDI Phuntsho , TOBGAY Kezang , GYELTSHEN Nima , GYELTSHEN Choki
Published: October 2022

Through the collection of herbarium specimens in Bhutan over the years, new plant species are discovered nearly annually. Thus, this paper reports two new genera and 19 new records of flowering plant species from Bhutan. The new genera include Eurycorymbus of the family Sapindaceae and Homalium of the family Salicaceae. The new records of plant species are Eranthemum erythrochilum (Acanthaceae), Hemidesmus indicus (Apocynaceae), Ilex umbellulata (Aquifoliaceae), Canarium strictum (Burseraceae), Ehretia acuminate (Boraginaceae), Vaccinium sikkimense (Ericaceae), Nothapodytes foetida (Icacinaceae), Machilus edulis (Lauraceae), Grewia asiatica (Malvaceae), Hibiscus fragrans (Malvaceae), Cipadessa baccifera (Meliaceae), Baccaurea javanica (Phyllanthaceae), Canthiumera glabra (Rubiaceae), Homalium napaulense (Salicaceae), Eurycorymbus cavaleriei (Sapindaceae), Acmella radicans (Asteraceae), Silene latifolia (Caryophyllaceae), Cleome rutidosperma (Cleomaceae), and Cuphea carthagenensis (Lythraceae). Morphological determinations of the genera and species were carried out at the National Herbarium (THIM) of the National Biodiversity Centre of Bhutan. Brief descriptions of the species, phenology, and photo plates are provided in this annotated checklist.
New record and prediction of the potential distribution of the invasive alien species Brassica tournefortii (Brassicaceae) in Korea
Authors: KANG Eun Su , KIM Han Gyeol , NAM Myoung Ja , CHOI Mi Jung , SON Dong Chan
Published: October 2022

The invasive alien species Brassica tournefortii Gouan (Brassicaceae) is herein reported for the first time in Korea, from Gunsan-si, Gochang-gun, and Jeju-si. Brassica tournefortii can easily be distinguished from B. juncea and B. napus by its dense stiff hairs at the base of the stem and leaves, basally and distally branched stems, partially dehiscent fruits, and seeds that become mucilaginous in the presence of moisture. Although some taxonomists have classified this species as belonging to Coincya Rouy based on its fruit and seed characteristics, the existence of one vein on the fruit valves and our maximum likelihood analysis using internal transcribed spacer sequences placed it in Brassica. Distribution data, photographs, and a description of B. tournefortii are presented herein. Moreover, potential changes in the distribution of B. tournefortii were predicted under different climate scenarios, but our analysis showed that the probability of the spreading of this species is low. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring is necessary for an accurate assessment. The results of the present study can be used to conduct an invasion risk assessment and can assist with the effective management of this invasive alien species.
VALIDATION OF MARKER-TRAIT ASSOCIATIONS IN SIX-ROWED BARLEY LINES BRED IN KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Amalova A. , Genievskaya Yu. , Abugalieva S. , Chudinov V. , Turuspekov Ye.
Published: October 2022

Barley is an important cereal crop in Kazakhstan, mostly used for animal feeding, malting, and the food industry. The success of barley production is dependent on the genetic resources (cultivars) available, and local breeding programs that focus on the development of competitive cultivars. One way to develop new high-yielding cultivars and improve the efficiency of breeding programs is the application of modern molecular genetic and genomic tools. One such technology is genome-wide association study (GWAS), which has been successfully applied to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the valuable traits. The identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on GWAS can be converted to flexible and cost-effective KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) assays and validated for use in future marker-assisted breeding projects. The purpose of this study was to genotype eleven promising six-rowed barley lines using twenty-one KASP assays associated with agronomic traits reported in previous GWAS. The genotyping results suggested that only seven out of twenty-one KASP markers were polymorphic in this group of barley accessions. The t-test output suggested that six out of nine agronomic traits were significantly associated with seven KASPs. Notably, two assays (ipbb_hv_6, ipbb_hv_108) affected both vegetation period (VP) and yield per m2 (YM2) in conditions of Northern Kazakhstan, where barley is growing in more than 80% of total crop sowing areas of the country. The application of these highly informative KASP markers can help enhance the efficiency of local breeding projects in barley.
An Experimental Study of Feasibility of a Mini-Invasive Fixator for Rib Osteosynthesis
Authors: Puglisi Lucrezia , Ceccarelli Marco , Ambrogi Vicenzo
Published: October 2022

Alternatives to the current invasive rib implants are discussed as from the current solutions with their constraints and disadvantages mainly in surgery application and clinical consequences. A novel rib fixator is presented with an experimental validation and characterization for a potential implementation in facilitating osteosynthesis of multifractured ribs. Testing is designed with lab facilities replicating normal breathing with the possibility of simulating cough too. Results of lab test with a ribolution rib fixator prototype are discussed from experiences with pig ribs with satisfactory results in behavior and numerical values.
Effect of Direct Liquid Cooling Technology With Flow Guide Integration on Avionics Devices Thermal and Electrical Performance
Authors: Qi Wenliang , Liu Tingting , Zhang Zichun , Wang Bin , Liu Qi , Xu Yingjie
Published: October 2022

With the application of various high-power electronic devices to improving aircraft comprehensive performance, there has been a significant interest in the use of high heat flux dissipation technology to maintain an effective and safe operation for electronic devices. This article presents a numerical study on the thermal and electrical performance of the avionics server module by using single-phase immersion cooling technology with flow distributor and investigates the influence of heat dissipation capacity on the thermal performance of the avionics server module and DC IR-drop of printed circuit board power distribution network (PDN). The simulation results showed that a higher dielectric fluid flowrate can be provided b flow distributor with the same pumping power, and the maximum temperature of the hot spot was 4–8 °C lower than the module without a flow distributor. The result confirmed the improved flow performance and enhances heat transfer of the hot spot for the module with a flow distributor. However, the module without the flow distributor showed better comprehensive cooling performance with about 10–15% reduction in average Nusselt number with an increase in Re. The discrepancy of PDN DC IR-drop under different Re values was constant at 3% for different design geometries, which means the effect of the flow distributor on power delivery capability can be neglected.
Investigation of Surge in a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor With Vaned Diffuser—Part I: Surge Signature
Authors: Lou Fangyuan , Harrison Herbert M. , Key Nicole L.
Published: October 2022

The identification of stall inception mechanisms and stability-limiting components in a centrifugal compressor is required for the development of effective surge suppression approaches. Part I of this two-part paper investigates the surge signature of a centrifugal compressor at subsonic, transonic, and supersonic inlet tip conditions, and Part II considers the relationship of the surge signature with the compressor static pressure characteristics, as well as the impeller leading edge relative tip Mach number. Experiments were performed in the single stage centrifugal compressor (SSCC) facility at Purdue University with both steady performance and dynamic pressure data recorded. Results show the presence of both mild and deep surges on the compressor map. Deep surge occurs at subsonic and supersonic impeller tip relative Mach numbers while the mild surge is observed as the tip relative Mach number nears unity. Long length-scale modal oscillations can be detected only at the transonic operating condition while spike disturbances are identified as the precursor to instability at subsonic and supersonic tips relative Mach numbers. Finally, the impeller is determined to be the origin of instability throughout most of the compressor map. The observation of impeller-induced instability refreshes the conventional understanding that the diffuser is typically the stability-limiting component for centrifugal compressors with vaned diffusers and suggests various surge suppression approaches may be necessary to achieve range extension throughout a compressor map.
New Concept for Design in Turbomachinery Applications Using Full RANS Gradient Methodology
Authors: Del Rio Armando , Casartelli Ernesto , Fleischli Benno , Mangani Luca
Published: October 2022

Centrifugal compressors are mainly designed with the best efficiency point in mind and the focus oriented toward the impeller. The vaned diffuser geometry is usually developed using simple shapes, such as prismatic blades or wedges, which are unable to account for the flow distortion at the impeller outlet. Investigations of diffuser modifications using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) during the design phase can help to extend the operating range. In order to assess the effect of such modifications, simulations in off-design conditions need to be performed. Accurate predictions of local flow structures at such conditions require a robust flow solver with mixing-plane interfaces and advanced turbulence modeling capabilities. In recent years diffuser modifications were performed mainly based on manual trial-and-error approaches and show considerable potential for improvements. To accelerate the process and allow automation, which is crucial in industrial applications, it is suggested to use an adjoint-based optimization algorithm for diffuser shape design. In this work, a discrete adjoint solver implemented into a robust pressure-based CFD framework was used. While many optimization studies follow the frozen-turbulence approach, which essentially ignores the dependency of the sensitivity on the turbulence quantities, the present adjoint solver fully includes such effects. Automatic differentiation even allows for flexibility with respect to the choice of turbulence model. Any model available in the primal solver can also be used in the adjoint solver. In this particular case, the k–ɛ enhanced wall treatment model was used, since it shows good convergence behavior and is capable of predicting the machine characteristic even at off-design conditions. Mesh morphing was realized via the free-form deformation method, which provides stable mesh deformation and offers a simple and fast setup procedure. Several optimizations were conducted for the RWTH Aachen “Radiver” centrifugal compressor case with vaned diffuser. It was shown that an optimization strategy using a multi-operating point approach, considering part- and overload conditions, is capable of improving the peak efficiency as well as the overall shape of the machine characteristic.