bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air-to-air atmospheric pressure plasma treatment – perspective for composite manufacturing
Authors: Fang Cheng , Jonas Hottentot Cederløf Daan , Bardenshtein Alexander , Kusano Yukihiro
Published: October 2020

Fibre-reinforced polymer composites are gaining increasing attention in various applications for constructing mechanical structures such as wind turbine blades. The interface between fibres and a polymer matrix should be optimally designed to promote the mechanical performance of the composites. Plasma treatment shows obvious advantages over conventional approaches, since it has the characteristic of environmental friendliness, low-cost, and easy operation. A plasma can be favourably generated at atmospheric pressure. One of the most commonly used atmospheric pressure plasmas is a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). In the present work, an air-to-air DBD is introduced. The DBD was generated in a gas mixture of helium and fluorocarbon between a rod-shaped water-cooled powered electrode covered with alumina and a one-dimensionally movable ground aluminium plate. Polyethylene terephthalate films were used as model specimens, and attached on the aluminium plate for the surface modification. The results indicate that specimen surfaces can be oxidized or fluorinated, depending on the conditions, and that the gap between the electrodes and gas flowrates significantly affect the treatment effect.
Understanding the mechanical response of glass and carbon fibres: stress-strain analysis and modulus determination
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Mikkelsen Lars P , Lilholt Hans , Madsen Bo
Published: October 2020

Accurate characterization of fibres is crucial for the understanding the properties and behaviour of fibre-reinforced composite materials. Fibre properties are key parameters for composite design, modelling and analysis. In this study, characterization of mechanical properties of glass and carbon fibres has been performed using a semi-automated single-fibre testing machine. Based on a sample set of 150 glass and carbon fibers fibres, engineering and true stress-strain curves are analyzed. Different modulus determination methods are discussed based on true stress-strain and tangent modulus-strain relationships. For glass fibres, the true stress-strain based tangent modulus is found to be independent of applied strain, whereas for carbon fibres, a tendency of tangent modulus to increase with applied strain is observed. The modulus of glass fibres is found to be independent of fibre diameter, whereas carbon fibres with smaller diameter show higher modulus compared with carbon fibres with larger diameters.
Effect of maximum load on cyclic crack growth in UD E-glass/vinyl ester composites with constant and alternating stitch density
Authors: Erives Anchondo Rubén I , Goutianos Stergios
Published: October 2020

DCB specimens, manufactured from composites with constant and alternating stitching density, are tested under pure mode I for static and cyclic loading. The tests are carried out for different maximum load values, but keeping the same R-ratio. The crack growth is recorded from pictures at different cycle intervals, and the energy release rate (ERR) is computed using an approach based on the J-Integral. Along with the crack-tip, the length of the fracture process zone (FPZ) is recorded with the number of cycles. A curve relating the crack growth rate (CGR) and the cyclic fracture resistance, ΔJ, which can be directly applied in the design/repair process of composite structures, is derived.
Preliminary multi-axial strain analysis in wind turbine blades under fatigue test loads
Authors: Castro Oscar , Branner Kim
Published: October 2020

A preliminary experimental characterization of the longitudinal, transverse, and shear strains in wind turbine blades under fatigue loading is presented in this study. For that, strains at different cross-section regions of a 14.3 m blade under different uni-axial and biaxial fatigue tests are recorded and analyzed. The results from this analysis provide initial indications on how current testing methods used to certify and characterize the fatigue response of wind turbine blade materials can be improved to better represent what the blades experience during testing. It is shown, for example, how some of the blade regions can experience high biaxiality strain ratios, and how some of these regions can also experience broad internal loading conditions, in terms of strain levels and load orientation (i.e., compression, tension-compression, and tension), depending on the test type.
Indian Golf Union and the Lingering Ghost of common law severability in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Aditya Prasanna , Tiwari Harsh , Makkar Kashish
Published: October 2020

While India formally recognizes the doctrine of severability of an arbitration agreement from the contract, this recognition gets strained when subjected to novation, or invalidation of the contract. Until the enactment of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, the Supreme Court’s decision in Kishorilal validly held the field on the subject. However, the enactment of the Act muddled this clarity. The Act affirmed Kishorilal’s ratio on severability in the event of termination of contract, but reversed it in the event of novation. Yet, there are a series of decisions that have still chosen to rely upon Kishorilal—ignoring the effect of the Act. Therefore, severability has become the subject of great confusion under Indian law. The Calcutta High Court’s recent decision in Indian Golf Union brings this confusion to the forefront. We use this decision as a platform to trace the development of the doctrine under Indian law and propose a set of guiding principles to help demystify its application.
MetaTX: deciphering the distribution of mRNA-related features in the presence of isoform ambiguity, with applications in epitranscriptome analysis
Authors: Wang Yue , Chen Kunqi , Wei Zhen , Coenen Frans , Su Jionglong , Meng Jia
Published: October 2020

Motivation

The distribution of biological features strongly indicates their functional relevance. Compared to DNA-related features, deciphering the distribution of mRNA-related features is non-trivial due to the existence of isoform ambiguity and compositional diversity of mRNAs.

Results

We propose here a rigorous statistical framework, MetaTX, for deciphering the distribution of mRNA-related features. Through a standardized mRNA model, MetaTX firstly unifies various mRNA transcripts of diverse compositions, and then corrects the isoform ambiguity by incorporating the overall distribution pattern of the features through an EM algorithm. MetaTX was tested on both simulated and real data. Results suggested that MetaTX substantially outperformed existing direct methods on simulated datasets, and that a more informative distribution pattern was produced for all the three datasets tested, which contain N6-Methyladenosine sites generated by different technologies. MetaTX should make a useful tool for studying the distribution and functions of mRNA-related biological features, especially for mRNA modifications such as N6-Methyladenosine.

Availability and implementation

The MetaTX R package is freely available at GitHub: https://github.com/yue-wang-biomath/MetaTX.1.0.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Increased O-GlcNAcylation prevents degeneration of dopamine neurons
Authors: Hart Gerald W , Huang Chia-Wei
Published: October 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘O-GlcNAcylation regulates dopamine neuron function, survival and degeneration in Parkinson disease’, by Lee et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa320).
Oscillation-Driven Memory Encoding, Maintenance, and Recall in an Entorhinal–Hippocampal Circuit Model
Authors: Kurikawa Tomoki , Mizuseki Kenji , Fukai Tomoki
Published: October 2020

During the execution of working memory tasks, task-relevant information is processed by local circuits across multiple brain regions. How this multiarea computation is conducted by the brain remains largely unknown. To explore such mechanisms in spatial working memory, we constructed a neural network model involving parvalbumin-positive, somatostatin-positive, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-positive interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 and the superficial and deep layers of medial entorhinal cortex (MEC). Our model is based on a hypothesis that cholinergic modulations differently regulate information flows across CA1 and MEC at memory encoding, maintenance, and recall during delayed nonmatching-to-place tasks. In the model, theta oscillation coordinates the proper timing of interactions between these regions. Furthermore, the model predicts that MEC is engaged in decoding as well as encoding spatial memory, which we confirmed by experimental data analysis. Thus, our model accounts for the neurobiological characteristics of the cross-area information routing underlying working memory tasks.
HSCCC Separation of Three Main Compounds from the Crude Extract of Dracocephalum Tanguticum by Using Dimethyl Sulfoxide as Cosolvent
Authors: Yang Xue , Liu Yongling , Chen Tao , Wang Nana , Li Hongmei , Zhao Jingyang , Li Yulin
Published: October 2020

Separation of natural compounds directly from the crude extract is a challenging work for traditional column chromatography. In the present study, an efficient method for separation of three main compounds from the crude extract of Dracocephalum tanguticum has been successfully established by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The crude extract was directly introduced into HSCCC by using dimethyl sulfoxide as cosolvent. Ethyl acetate/n-butyl alcohol/0.3% glacial acetic acid (4: 1: 5, v/v) system was used and three target compounds with purity higher than 80% were obtained. Preparative HPLC was used for further purification and three target compounds with purity higher than 98% were obtained. The compounds were identified as chlorogenic acid, pedaliin and pedaliin-6″-acetate.
Profound Pathogen-Specific Alterations in Intestinal Microbiota Composition Precede Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants: A Longitudinal, Multicenter, Case-Control Study
Authors: el Manouni el Hassani Sofia , Niemarkt Hendrik J , Berkhout Daniel J C , Peeters Carel F W , Hulzebos Christian V , van Kaam Anton H , Kramer Boris W , van Lingen Richard A , Jenken Floor , de Boode Willem P , Benninga Marc A , Budding Andries E , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M , de Boer Nanne K H , de Meij Tim G J
Published: October 2020

Background

The role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants is largely unexplored but could provide opportunities for microbiota-targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies. We hypothesized that microbiota composition changes before the onset of sepsis, with causative bacteria that are isolated later in blood culture.

Methods

This multicenter case-control study included preterm infants born under 30 weeks of gestation. Fecal samples collected from the 5 days preceding LOS diagnosis were analyzed using a molecular microbiota detection technique. LOS cases were subdivided into 3 groups: gram-negative, gram-positive, and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS).

Results

Forty LOS cases and 40 matched controls were included. In gram-negative LOS, the causative pathogen could be identified in at least 1 of the fecal samples collected 3 days prior to LOS onset in all cases, whereas in all matched controls, this pathogen was absent (P = .015). The abundance of these pathogens increased from 3 days before clinical onset. In gram-negative and gram-positive LOS (except CoNS) combined, the causative pathogen could be identified in at least 1 fecal sample collected 3 days prior to LOS onset in 92% of the fecal samples, whereas these pathogens were present in 33% of the control samples (P = .004). Overall, LOS (expect CoNS) could be predicted 1 day prior to clinical onset with an area under the curve of 0.78.

Conclusions

Profound preclinical microbial alterations underline that gut microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of LOS and has the potential as an early noninvasive biomarker.
Impact of Meningococcal B Vaccine on Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents
Authors: McMillan Mark , Wang Bing , Koehler Ann P , Sullivan Thomas R , Marshall Helen S
Published: October 2020

Background

From 2017, a statewide cluster randomized trial was conducted in South Australia to assess the impact of the meningococcal B vaccine 4CMenB on pharyngeal Neisseria meningitidis carriage in adolescents. Senior schools were randomized to receive the vaccine in 2017 (intervention) or 2018 (control). In this study we report the vaccine impact of 4CMenB on serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in 16- to 19-year-old adolescents in South Australia.

Methods

This observational time series analysis of serogroup B IMD cases compares the 14 years prior to the commencement of the trial (2003–2016) with the 2 years following 4CMenB vaccination of the 2017 adolescent cohort.

Results

Approximately 62% of year 10 and 11 students (15–16 years old) in South Australia enrolled in the trial. A total of 30 522 year 10–12 students received at least 1 dose of 4CMenB. The number of serogroup B IMD cases in 16- to 19-year old adolescents in South Australia increased on average by 10% per year from 2003 to 2016 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6%–15%, P < .001), peaking with 10 cases in 2015. Serogroup B IMD cases reduced to 5 in 2017–2018 and 1 in 2018–2019, below the expected numbers of 9.9 (95% prediction interval [PI], 3.9–17.5) and 10.9 (95% PI, 4.4–19.1), respectively. This translated to an overall reduction in the number of serogroup B IMD cases of 71% (95% CI, 15%–90%, P = .02). There were no serogroup B IMD cases in vaccinated adolescents.

Conclusions

Vaccinating adolescents with 4CMenB was associated with a reduction in group B meningococcal disease in South Australia.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03089086.
Adjunctive Pharmacotherapy Use in Patients With Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis (IPAA)
Authors: Nyabanga Custon T , Axelrad Jordan E , Zhang Xian , Barnes Edward L , Chang Shannon
Published: October 2020

Background

This study evaluated the prevalence of adjunctive pharmacotherapies use among ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) patients.

Methods

The IBD Partners database was queried to compare IPAA patients with and without pouch-related symptoms (PRS). Within the cohort of patients with PRS, patient reported outcomes were compared among opioid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and probiotic users.

Results

There were no differences in patient reported outcomes based on NSAID or probiotic usage. Opioid users reported increased bowel frequency, urgency, poor general well-being, abdominal pain, and depression (P < 0.05 for all variables).

Conclusions

In IPAA patients with PRS, opioid use, but not NSAIDs or probiotics, was associated with a higher burden of PRS.
The IMEx coronavirus interactome: an evolving map ofCoronaviridae–host molecular interactions
Authors: Perfetto L , Pastrello C , del-Toro N , Duesbury M , Iannuccelli M , Kotlyar M , Licata L , Meldal B , Panneerselvam K , Panni S , Rahimzadeh N , Ricard-Blum S , Salwinski L , Shrivastava A , Cesareni G , Pellegrini M , Orchard S , Jurisica I , Hermjakob H , Porras P
Published: October 2020

The current coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, has spurred a wave of research of nearly unprecedented scale. Among the different strategies that are being used to understand the disease and develop effective treatments, the study of physical molecular interactions can provide fine-grained resolution of the mechanisms behind the virus biology and the human organism response. We present a curated dataset of physical molecular interactions focused on proteins from SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and other members of the Coronaviridae family that has been manually extracted by International Molecular Exchange (IMEx) Consortium curators. Currently, the dataset comprises over 4400 binarized interactions extracted from 151 publications. The dataset can be accessed in the standard formats recommended by the Proteomics Standards Initiative (HUPO-PSI) at the IntAct database website (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/intact) and will be continuously updated as research on COVID-19 progresses.
Fathers of Young Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Szarkowski Amy , Dirks Evelien
Published: October 2020

Much of the literature exploring the role of parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) has focused on mothers; yet, the involvement and perspectives of fathers is valuable and warrants attention. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic literature review examined the peer-reviewed research that has differentially explored the experiences of fathers and mothers of young DHH children. Utilizing three databases (Web of Science, PsychINFO, Scopus) and spanning 50 years (1969–2019), 457 non-duplicated articles were identified that included the fathers of DHH children, birth to six years. Independent review of the titles, abstracts, and keywords by the authors limited these to 119. Full manuscripts were assessed for eligibility; 37 were deemed appropriate for inclusion in this systematic review. The papers included have been organized into the following themes: perspectives on parenting, parental stress and coping, parent-child interaction, involvement in early intervention, parental self-efficacy, and benefits of fathers’ inclusion. Recommendations for future research include: (a) actively recruiting fathers in research, (b) differentially analyzing fathers’ and mothers’ experiences in research studies, (c) using information gleaned from research regarding father-child and mother-child interactions to guide interventions/programming, (d) recognizing the bidirectional influences of fathers and their DHH children, (e) moving beyond descriptive studies to explore fathers' influences on child outcomes, and (f) recognizing diverse family constellations.
Evidence of positive regulation of mycobacteriophage D29 early gene expression obtained from an investigation using a temperature-sensitive mutant of the phage
Authors: Ghosh Shrestha , Shaw Rahul , Sarkar Apurba , Gupta Sujoy K Das
Published: October 2020

Mycobacteriophages are phages that infect and kill Mycobacteria, several of which, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), for example, cause the disease tuberculosis. Although genomes of many such phages have been sequenced, we have very little insight into how they express their genes in a controlled manner. To address this issue, we have raised a temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant of phage D29 that can grow at 37°C but not at 42°C and used it to perform differential gene expression and proteome analysis studies. Our analysis results indicate that expression of genes located in the right arm, considered to be early expressed, was lowered as the temperature was shifted from 37°C to 42°C. In contrast, expression of those on the left, the late genes were only marginally affected. Thus, we conclude that transcription of genes from the two arms takes place independently of each other and that a specific factor must be controlling the expression of the right arm genes. We also observe that within the right arm itself; there exists a mechanism to ensure high-level synthesis of Gp48, a thymidylate synthase X. Enhanced presence of this protein in infected cells results in delayed lysis and higher phage yields.
Long-term enriched methanogenic communities from thermokarst lake sediments show species-specific responses to warming
Authors: in 't Zandt Michiel H , Frank Jeroen , Yilmaz Polen , Cremers Geert , Jetten Mike S M , Welte Cornelia U
Published: October 2020

Thermokarst lakes are large potential greenhouse gas (GHG) sources in a changing Arctic. In a warming world, an increase in both organic matter availability and temperature is expected to boost methanogenesis and potentially alter the microbial community that controls GHG fluxes. These community shifts are, however, challenging to detect by resolution-limited 16S rRNA gene-based approaches. Here, we applied full metagenome sequencing on long-term thermokarst lake sediment enrichments on acetate and trimethylamine at 4°C and 10°C to unravel species-specific responses to the most likely Arctic climate change scenario. Substrate amendment was used to mimic the increased organic carbon availability upon permafrost thaw. By performing de novo assembly, we reconstructed five high-quality and five medium-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) that represented 59% of the aligned metagenome reads. Seven bacterial MAGs belonged to anaerobic fermentative bacteria. Within the Archaea, the enrichment of methanogenic Methanosaetaceae/Methanotrichaceae under acetate amendment and Methanosarcinaceae under trimethylamine (TMA) amendment was not unexpected. Surprisingly, we observed temperature-specific methanogenic (sub)species responses with TMA amendment. These highlighted distinct and potentially functional climate-induced shifts could not be revealed with 16S rRNA gene-based analyses. Unraveling these temperature- and nutrient-controlled species-level responses is essential to better comprehend the mechanisms that underlie GHG production from Arctic lakes in a warming world.
Social Isolation and Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-National Analysis
Authors: Kim Harris Hyun-soo , Jung Jong Hyun
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in social isolation globally, creating heightened levels of stress and anxiety. This study investigates the link between social isolation and mental well-being in later life, and how it varies across countries.

Research Design and Methods

We draw on a subset of older adults from Global Behaviors and Perceptions in the COVID-19 Pandemic, a unique global online survey of 13,660 participants from 62 countries. We use mixed-effects models to analyze the data.

Results

Social isolation (distancing) significantly predicts poor mental health operationalized as coronavirus-induced distress (p < .01). At the aggregate level, average distress varies positively across countries with higher numbers of coronavirus-related deaths (p < .10) and more fragile state capacity (p < .05), while varying negatively across those with more stringent anticoronavirus policies (p < .05). Finally, we report several cross-level interactions between social isolation and the total number of deaths (p = .025), policy stringency (p = .065), state fragility (p = .061), and globalization index (p = .071).

Discussion and Implications

Our study shows that a proper understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of older adults should consider the moderating role of national context.
Designing post-disaster temporary housing inspired by the housing of indigenous nomads of Iran
Authors: Reza Mojahedi Mohammad , Vafamehr Mohsen , Ekhlassi Ahmad
Published: October 2020

The significance of post-disaster temporary housing for the victims has led to the problem of designing a good model of temporary housing. According to research hypothesis, using the design of Iranian nomads’ housing instead of common forms of temporary housing contributes to energy saving. Investigating the architecture of nomads’ housing indicates that there is a type of indigenous knowledge for designing and constructing this type of housing. After the study, data collection and a review of the types of Iranian nomads’ housing using library and causal method, thermal simulation was conducted to investigate the effect of changing the temporary housing form inspired by the nomads’ housing on energy consumption. Findings showed that using shapes like Kapars of Baluchistan nomads, wigwams of Shahsavan tribe in Ardabil and mudhifs of Khuzestan will save energy for 36%, 24% and 25%, respectively.
Job Ads Don’t Add Up: Arabic + Middle East + Texts ≠ Islam
Authors: Morgenstein Fuerst Ilyse
Published: October 2020

Job advertisements for Islamic studies faculty positions provide material and significant insight into the construction and reification of a normative Islam. These ads serve to further entrench inaccurate notions of “authentic” Islam. Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate how religious studies colleagues craft job calls that replicate stereotypes about Islam and Muslims, how the study of Islam functions, and an Arab and Arabic-centric emphasis. Such ads prefer specific regions (the Middle East), languages (Arabic), and subjects (texts). Ironically, this archive shows that ads for jobs in the field of Islamic studies frequently instantiate biases and stereotypes that Islamic studies scholars dedicate their careers to dismantling. Stated hiring preferences, including teaching obligations, entrench an “essence” of Islam or Islamic studies at odds with scholarly discourse about Islam, Islamic studies, and religious studies that may be summarized as a simple, troubling equation: Islam = Middle East + Arabic + texts.
Validation of the saniTracers Sanitation Verification Method from Stainless Steel Environmental Surfaces: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 032001
Authors: Chou Quin , Herbold Nicole , Cerrillo Lucia
Published: October 2020

Effective sanitation of equipment is critical in an integrated food safety system. Existing sanitation verification methods have significant shortcomings that decrease their effectiveness and create an opportunity for novel approaches. This study is intended to validate abiotic bacterial surrogates (saniTracers™) for the rapid verification of solid surface sanitation processes. AOAC validation studies included a pure analyte LOD, matrix studies, inhibition, selectivity, product consistency and stability, instrument variation, and robustness. Stainless steel coupons (4 × 4”), pure or diluted analyte, and Chai qPCR systems were used for those studies. The saniTracers were quantified by qPCR. Average ΔCt values for all matrixes at 50 and 250 ppm sodium hypochlorite sanitation show 3.23 and 11.95, respectively. saniTracers behave similarly in the presence of all matrixes. saniTracers were not inhibited at significant concentrations by any of the sanitizers used. No discrepant results were observed with the robustness study. Lot-to-lot/stability testing demonstrated no differences between the three lots of tests analyzed. saniTracers demonstrated high repeatability and minimal interference from matrix, disinfectant, or microorganisms. The microbial selectivity study indicated a correlation between the removal of pathogens and change in Ct value for saniTracers, following the disinfection process. An average log(cfu) reduction of 4.00 was observed for the three pathogens evaluated, correlating to an average 10.65 Ct change in saniTracers, indicating a correlation in the removal of an average of 0.38 log(cfu) of pathogens per one saniTracer Ct change, following the disinfection process.
Canola meal in nursery pig diets: growth performance and gut health
Authors: Hong Jinsu , Ndou Saymore Petros , Adams Seidu , Scaria Joy , Woyengo Tofuko Awori
Published: October 2020

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of including canola meal (CM) in nursery pig diets on growth performance, immune response, fecal microbial composition, and gut integrity. A total of 200 nursery pigs (initial body weight = 7.00 kg) were obtained in two batches of 100 pigs each. Pigs in each batch were housed in 25 pens (four pigs per pen) and fed five diets in a randomized complete block design. The five diets were corn–soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diets with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of CM. The diets were fed in three phases: phase 1: day 0 to 7, phase 2: day 7 to 21, and phase 3: day 21 to 42. Diets in each phase were formulated to similar net energy, Ca, and digestible P and amino acid contents. Feed intake and body weight were measured by phase. Immune response and gut integrity parameters were measured at the end of phases 1 and 2. Fecal microbial composition for diets with 0% or 20% CM was determined at the end of phase 2. Overall average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P < 0.05) to increasing dietary level of CM such that ADG was increased by 17% due to an increase in the dietary level of CM from 0% to 20% and was reduced by 16% due to an increase in the dietary level of CM from 20% to 40%. Pigs fed diets with 0% or 40% CM did not differ in overall ADG. Dietary CM tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.09) serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) level at the end of phase 2 such that serum IgA level tended to reduce with an increase in dietary CM from 0% to 20% and to increase with an increase in dietary CM from 20% to 40%. Dietary CM at 20% decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum and tended to increase (P = 0.07) the relative abundance of Firmicutes phylum. Dietary CM linearly increased (P < 0.05) the lactulose to mannitol ratio in the urine by 47% and 49% at the end of phases 1 and 2, respectively, and tended to linearly decrease (P < 0.10) ileal transepithelial electrical resistance at the end of phase 1 by 64%. In conclusion, CM fed in the current study could be included in corn–SBM-based diets for nursery pigs 20% to improve the growth performance and gut microbial composition and reduce immune response. Also, the CM used in the current study could be included in corn–SBM-based diets for nursery pigs at 30% or 40% without compromising growth performance. Dietary CM increased gut permeability, implying that dietary CM at 20% improves the growth performance of weaned pigs through mechanisms other than reducing gut permeability.
uGMRT detection of associated H i 21-cm absorption at z ≈ 3.5
Authors: Aditya J N H S , Jorgenson Regina , Joshi Vishal , Singh Veeresh , An Tao , Chandola Yogesh
Published: October 2020

We report a uGMRT (upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope) detection of H i 21-cm absorption associated with the radio source 8C 0604+728, at z = 3.52965. The source is at the highest redshift at which associated H i 21-cm absorption has been discovered to date, surpassing earlier known absorber at z ≈ 3.39. We estimate ultraviolet luminosities of $\rm (3.2 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{23}$ and $\rm (6.2 \pm 0.2)\times 10^{23}~W~Hz^{-1}$, and ionizing photon rates of $\rm (1.8 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{56}$ and $\rm (5.0 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{56}~s^{-1}$, using data at different epochs; the source shows year-scale variability in both its luminosity and photon rate. The luminosity and photon rate at later epochs are ≈6.2 and ≈1.7 times higher than thresholds suggested in the literature above which all the neutral hydrogen in the active galactic nucleus (AGN) host galaxy is expected to be ionized. The detection demonstrates that neutral hydrogen can survive in the host galaxies of AGNs with high ultraviolet luminosities. We estimate a high equivalent width ratio of 15.2 for the Lyman-α (Ly α) and He ii emission lines detected in the optical spectrum, which is consistent with AGN photoionization models. However, a significant contribution from young stellar populations to the excess Ly α flux cannot be ruled out.
Study of central intensity ratio of early-type galaxies from low-density environment
Authors: Sruthi K , Ravikumar C D
Published: October 2020

We present correlations involving central intensity ratio (CIR) of 52 early-type galaxies, including 24 ellipticals and 28 lenticulars, selected from low-density environment in the nearby (<30 Mpc) universe. CIR is found to be negatively and significantly correlated with the mass of the central supermassive black hole, central velocity dispersion, absolute B-band magnitude, stellar bulge mass, and central Mg2 index of the host galaxy. The study proposes the use of CIR as a simple, fast, and efficient photometric tool for exploring the co-evolution scenario existing in galaxies.
PheLiGe: an interactive database of billions of human genotype–phenotype associations
Authors: Shashkova Tatiana I , Pakhomov Eugene D , Gorev Denis D , Karssen Lennart C , Joshi Peter K , Aulchenko Yurii S
Published: October 2020

Genome-wide association studies have provided a vast array of publicly available SNP × phenotype association results. However, they are often in disparate repositories and formats, making downstream analyses difficult and time consuming. PheLiGe (https://phelige.com) is a database that provides easy access to such results via a web interface. The underlying database currently stores >75 billion genotype–phenotype associations from 7347 genome-wide and 1.2 million region-wide (e.g. cis-eQTL) association scans. The web interface allows for investigation of regional genotype-phenotype associations across many phenotypes, giving insights into the biological function affected by the variant in question. Furthermore, PheLiGe can compare regional patterns of association between different traits. This analysis can ascertain whether a co-association is due to pleiotropy or linkage. Moreover, comparison of association patterns for a complex trait of interest and gene expression and protein levels can implicate causal genes.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway for Single-Level Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Decreases Length of Stay and Opioid Consumption
Authors: Kerolus Mena G , Yerneni Ketan , Witiw Christopher D , Shelton Alena , Canar William Jeffrey , Daily Deval , Fontes Ricardo B V , Deutsch Harel , Fessler Richard G , Buvanendran Asokumar , O’Toole John E
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Opioid requirements in the perioperative period in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion surgery remain problematic. Although minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques have been developed, there still remain substantial challenges to reducing length of hospital stay (LOS) because of postoperative opioid requirements.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of implementing an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway in patients undergoing a 1-level MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) at our institution.

METHODS

We implemented an ERAS pathway in patients undergoing an elective single-level MIS TLIF for degenerative changes at a single institution. Consecutive patients were enrolled over a 20-mo period and compared with a pre-ERAS group prior to the implementation of the ERAS protocol. The primary outcome was LOS. Secondary outcomes included reduction in morphine milligram equivalent units (MME), pain scores, postoperative urinary retention (POUR), and incidence of postoperative delirium. Patients were compared using the chi-square and Welch's 2-sample t-tests.

RESULTS

A total of 299 patients were evaluated in this study: 87 in the ERAS group and 212 in the pre-ERAS group. In the ERAS group, there was a significant reduction in LOS (3.13 ± 1.53 vs 3.71 ± 2.07 d, P = .019), total admission MME (252.74 ± 317.38 vs 455.91 ± 498.78 MME, P = .001), and the number of patients with POUR (48.3% vs 65.6%, P = .008). There were no differences in pain scores.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest ERAS MIS fusion cohort published to date evaluating a single cohort of patients in a generalizable manner. This ERAS pathway has shown a substantial decrease in LOS and opioid requirements in the immediate perioperative and postoperative period. There is further work to be done to evaluate patients undergoing other complex spine surgical interventions.
In vitro genotoxicity evaluation and metabolic study of residual glutaraldehyde in animal-derived biomaterials
Authors: Shi Jianfeng , Lian Huan , Huang Yuanli , Zhao Danmei , Wang Han , Wang Chunren , Li Jingli , Ke Linnan
Published: October 2020

Glutaraldehyde (GA) is an important additive that is mainly used in animal-derived biomaterials to improve their mechanical and antimicrobial capacities. However, GA chemical toxicity and the metabolic mechanism remain relatively unknown. Therefore, residual GA has always been a major health risk consideration for animal-derived medical devices. In this study, extracts of three bio-patches were tested via the GA determination test and mouse lymphoma assay (MLA). The results showed that dissolved GA was a potential mutagen, which could induce significant cytotoxic and mutagenic effects in mouse lymphoma cells. These toxic reactions were relieved by the S9 metabolic activation (MA) system. Furthermore, we confirmed that GA concentration decreased and glutaric acid was generated during the catalytic process. We revealed GA could be oxidized via cytochrome P450 which was the main metabolic factor of S9. We found that even though GA was possibly responsible for positive reactions of animal-derived biomaterials’ biocompatibility evaluation, it may not represent the real situation occurring in human bodies, owing to the presence of various detoxification mechanisms including the S9 system. Overall, in order to achieve a general balance between risk management and practical application, rational decisions based on comprehensive analyses must be considered.
Etiologies and management of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: is it time for an updated protocol and targeted treatments?
Authors: Posas-Mendoza Therese F , McLeod Cara , Davis William , Zakem Jerald , Quinet Robert 
Published: October 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyse the features, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes for adult patients with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) at a single centre.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review of all patients >18 years of age diagnosed with HLH according to HLH-2004 or H-score criteria at Ochsner Medical Center-New Orleans between 2013 and 2019.

Results

A total of 29 patients with HLH met inclusion criteria. A total of 7 patients had an underlying malignancy, 12 had an autoimmune disease, 2 were transplant patients, and 2 had a combination of malignancy, autoimmune disease, or immunodeficiency. A total of 6 patients developed HLH precipitated by infection alone. All 29 patients presented with fever. A total of 28 (97%) patients met H-score criteria, and only 20 (67%) met HLH-2004 criteria. Fifteen patients were treated with the HLH-2004 protocol. Of those treated with the HLH-2004 protocol, 73% (11/15) died, 8% (1/15) had recurrence of HLH, and 20% (3/15) had resolution of HLH. A total of 14 patients were treated with targeted therapy. Of those treated with targeted therapy, 93% (13/14) had resolution of HLH and 1 died. Targeted therapy included pulse steroids, tocilizumab, anakinra, IVIG, CSA, rituximab, and/or CYC in addition to antiviral or antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that the rheumatologic patient population responded well to a targeted therapeutic approach and poorly to the HLH-2004 protocol. Whether the poor outcomes found with the use of the HLH-2004 protocol are secondary to the protocol itself or the aggressive nature of malignancy-associated HLH is unclear. Further studies are needed to develop tailored therapeutic regimens.
The Leverage–Profitability Puzzle Resurrected*
Authors: Eckbo B Espen , Kisser Michael
Published: October 2020

With zero capital structure rebalancing costs, dynamic trade-off theory predicts that firms stay at their leverage targets with more profitable firms staying at higher leverage. This prediction is rejected by the robustly negative correlation between leverage and profitability. When rebalancing costs are added to this theory, it predicts a positive leverage–profitability correlation only in periods where companies pay these costs and actively rebalance their capital structures. However, we show that the correlation is negative when firms issue debt and distribute the proceeds to shareholders—precisely the case where the theory predicts it should be positive. Our results thus resurrect the leverage–profitability puzzle.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): telemedicine and remote care delivery in a time of medical crisis, implementation, and challenges
Authors: Kronenfeld Joshua P , Penedo Frank J
Published: October 2020

The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to many challenges throughout the world, one of which is the delivery of health care to patients while they remain home. Telemedicine, or the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support and promote long-distance clinical health care, has been utilized by health care providers for many years, but its widespread implementation did not occur until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, it has become the primary mechanism of care delivery for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. While obstacles are present for hospitals and providers to establish these services, most barriers exist with patient access. Patients require advanced technical support, translator services, and other measures to become comfortable engaging in a telemedicine encounter. In addition, appropriate follow-up must be provided for chronic medical illnesses and malignancies, helping to prevent the evolution of these conditions during the COVID-19 crisis. Finally, we must ensure equity for all patients seeking to access health services, including those of lower socioeconomic status. Many of these patients rely on public hotspots or library computers for their internet connectivity, but this is likely not conducive to a clinical encounter. These barriers must be addressed to ensure health equity for all patients seeking care. Telemedicine can connect patients and providers during this time of crisis and hopefully will serve as a model for continued use after the pandemic has abated.
The efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compound combined with western medicine for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Sun Lei , Zhao Wenjuan , Yan Mingliang , Yang Bin , Xiong Peng , Zhao Shengjie
Published: October 2020

Background:

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulations are selected according to different populations, with strong targeting and less adverse reactions. As a complex disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has limited efficacy in the use of conventional treatment regiments, short life cycle, high cost, many side effects, and low quality of life. It is urgent to seek new alternative therapies. Clinical practice shows that Chinese herbal compound combined with western medicine has certain therapeutic advantages, but there is no evidence of evidence-based medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compound combined with western medicine in the treatment of ALS.

Methods:

Use computer to retrieve English database (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese database (CNKI, Wanfang Database, Weipu database, and China Biomedical Literature Service System), moreover manually retrieve Baidu academic and Google academic from the establishment of the database to 2020 July for randomized controlled clinical study on ALS treated with compound Chinese medicine with western medicine therapy, 2 researchers independently conducted data extraction and literature quality evaluation on the quality of the included studies, and meta-analysis of the included literature was carried out using RevMan5.3 software.

Results:

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of TCM combined with western medicine in the treatment of ALS by means of effective rate, improved Norris scale, ALS Functional Rating Scale, TCM syndrome score, and adverse reaction incidence.

Conclusion:

This study will provide reliable evidence for the clinical application of Chinese herbal compound combined with western medicine in the treatment of ALS.

OSF registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/R5XG4
Relationships between white blood cell count and insulin resistance, glucose effectiveness, and first- and second-phase insulin secretion in young adults
Authors: Kuo Ting-Ya , Wu Chung-Ze , Lu Chieh-Hua , Lin Jiunn-Diann , Liang Yao-Jen , Hsieh Chang-Hsun , Pei Dee , Chen Yen-Lin
Published: October 2020

The Increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been observed in younger adults. Insulin resistance [IR], decreased first-, second-phase insulin secretion, and glucose effectiveness (GE) (IR, first phase insulin secretion [FPIS], second phase insulin secretion [SPIS], and GE), denoted as diabetes factors (DF), are core for developing T2DM. A body of evidence has shown that inflammation contributes to the development of diabetes. In the present study, our goals were first, evaluate the relationships between white blood cell (WBC) count and, second, examine the relative tightness between the 4 DFs to WBC count. Thus, the pathophysiology of T2DM in Chinese young men could be more understood.

21112 non-obese males between 18 to 27 years old were recruited (mean age: 24.3 ± 0.017), including 1745 subjects with metabolic syndrome. DFs were calculated by the published equations by our groups as follows:

The association between DFs and WBC count was analyzed using a simple correlation. The r-values of the simple correlation are regarded as the tightness of the relationships.

Higher WBC, FPIS, SPIS, IR, age, BMI, blood pressure, FPG, TG, Cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower HDL-C and GE were observed in subjects with metabolic syndrome. A similar trend was seen across the quartiles of WBC levels. Among the 4 DFs, GE has the highest r-value (r = -0.093, P < .001), followed by IR (r = 0.067, P < .001), SPIS (r = 0.029, P < .001) and FPIS (r = 0.027, P < .001).

Elevated WBC count is significantly associated with all the 4 DFs and the relative order of the tightness, from the highest to the lowest, are GE, IR, SPIS, and FPIS in Chinese young men.
Platinum versus immunotherapy for early resectable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tong Zhangwei , Luo Fei , Yang Xiaojie , Kang Mingqiang , Lin Jiangbo
Published: October 2020

Background:

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. Non-small cell Lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85% of the total lung cancer. For patients with resectable early NSCLC, conventional postoperative adjuvant therapy can significantly prolong the overall survival of patients and reduce the risk of tumor recurrence. With the emergence and maturity of molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the strategy of postoperative chemotherapy for lung cancer patients has changed greatly. To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative chemotherapy (platinum based chemotherapy and immunotherapy) with or without radiotherapy for NSCLC patients, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published or unpublished randomized controlled trials.

Methods:

We will search Pubmed (Medline), Embase, Google Scholar, Cancerlit, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for related studies published without language restrictions before June 20, 2021. Two review authors will search and assess relevant studies independently. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials studies will be included. we will perform subgroup analysis in different methods of postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with resectable early NSCLC. Because this study will be based on published or unpublished records and studies, there is no need for ethics approval. INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202080064.

Results:

The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

This study will compare the efficacy of platinum chemotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with resectable early NSCLC. Since the large sample randomized trials that meet the inclusion criteria of this study may be inadequate, we will consider incorporating some high quality small sample related tests, which may lead to heterogeneity and affect the reliability of the results.