bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural soil microbiome variation affects spring foliar phenology with consequences for plant productivity and climate‐driven range shifts
Authors: Van Nuland Michael E. , Ware Ian M. , Schadt Chris W. , Yang Zamin , Bailey Joseph K. , Schweitzer Jennifer A.
Published: July 2021

Identifying the potential for natural soil microbial communities to predictably affect complex plant traits is an important frontier in climate change research. Plant phenology varies with environmental and genetic factors, but few studies have examined whether the soil microbiome interacts with plant population differentiation to affect phenology and ecosystem function.

We compared soil microbial variation in a widespread tree species (Populus angustifolia) with different soil inoculum treatments in a common garden environment to test how the soil microbiome affects spring foliar phenology and subsequent biomass growth.

We hypothesized and show that soil bacterial and fungal communities vary with tree conditioning from different populations and elevations, that this soil community variation influences patterns of foliar phenology and plant growth across populations and elevation gradients, and that transferring lower elevation plant genotypes to higher elevation soil communities delayed foliar phenology, thereby shortening the growing season and reducing annual biomass production.

Our findings show the importance of plant–soil interactions that help shape the timing of tree foliar phenology and productivity. These geographic patterns in plant population × microbiome interactions also broaden our understanding of how soil communities impact plant phenotypic variation across key climate change gradients, with consequences for ecosystem functioning.
Harlequin syndrome in a young girl: An opportunity to rethink the terminology
Authors: Douvali Theodora , Papageorgiou Vasiliki , Gerochristou Maria , Gerodimou Maria , Tampouratzi Eleftheria , Chasapi Vasiliki
Published: July 2021

Harlequin syndrome is a rare disorder of the autonomic nervous system, presenting as unilateral reduced flushing and sweating of the face induced by exercise, stress, or heat. It is caused by a cervical sympathetic deficit located at the preganglionic or postganglionic level on the non‐flushing side. We present a case of an 8 year old with harlequin syndrome and review the other dermatological conditions for which the term “harlequin” is part of the nomenclature.
Are e‐cigarette use and vaping associated with increased respiratory symptoms and poorer lung function in a population exposed to smoke from a coal mine fire?
Authors: Lee Wai Kit , Smith Catherine L. , Gao Caroline X. , Borg Brigitte M. , Nilsen Kristopher , Brown David , Makar Annie , McCrabb Thomas , Thompson Bruce R. , Abramson Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Background and objective

E‐cigarette use has become increasingly prevalent, but there is some evidence demonstrating potential harms with frequent use. We aimed to identify the profiles of e‐cigarette users from a regional community in Australia and investigate the associations of e‐cigarettes with respiratory symptoms and lung function.

Methods

A total of 519 participants completed a cross‐sectional study. Exposure to e‐cigarettes was collected via a validated questionnaire. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated via a self‐reported questionnaire and lung function measured with spirometry and forced oscillation technique (FOT). Linear and logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the associations between e‐cigarettes and outcomes, while controlling for confounders such as tobacco smoking.

Results

Of the 519 participants, 46 (9%) reported e‐cigarette use. Users tended to be younger (mean ± SD 45.2 ± 14.5 vs. 55.3 ± 16.0 years in non‐users), concurrently using tobacco products (63% vs. 12% in non‐users), have a mental health diagnosis (67% vs. 37% in non‐users) and have self‐reported asthma (63% vs. 42% in non‐users). After controlling for known confounders, chest tightness (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.9, p = 0.02) was associated with e‐cigarette use. Spirometry was not different after adjustment for confounding. However, FOT showed more negative reactance and a greater area under the reactance curve in e‐cigarette users than non‐users.

Conclusion

E‐cigarette use was associated with increased asthma symptoms and abnormal lung mechanics in our sample, supporting a potential health risk posed by these products. Vulnerable populations such as young adults and those with mental health conditions have higher usage, while there is high concurrent tobacco smoking.
Sleep apnea is associated with residual kidney function and mortality in patients with peritoneal dialysis: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Kang Shin Chan , Park Kyoung Sook , Chang Tae Ik , Shin Sug Kyun , Kang Ea Wha
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Fluid overload and sleep apnea (SA) are known risk factors for mortality in dialysis patients. Although incidence and severity of SA were shown higher in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients than in hemodialysis patients, data regarding the association of SA with body fluid status and mortality are limited. Therefore, the association of SA with body fluid status and mortality were investigated in a prospective cohort with patients undergoing PD.

Methods

The present study included 103 prevalent PD patients who were followed up for median 70 months. At baseline, the subjects underwent in‐home polysomnography, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and urea kinetics. Excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep quality were assessed using sleep questionnaires. SA was defined as apnea/hypopnea index higher than 15 events per hour.

Results

Sleep apnea was diagnosed in 57 (55.3%) patients (SA group); the subjects had significantly higher extracellular water (10.3 ± 1.4 vs. 9.2 ± 1.8, p = 0.001) and lower residual kidney function (RKF) (3.3 ± 3.3 vs. 5.9 ± 7.2, p = 0.02) compared with subjects in the non‐SA group. SA was significantly associated with RKF [odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73–0.97] in multivariable logistic regression analysis. In multivariable Cox regression models, SA was a significant predictor of mortality in PD patients (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.74; 95% CI, 1.09–30.31) after adjusting for well‐known risk factors.

Conclusions

Sleep apnea was very common in PD patients and significantly associated with lower RKF. SA was also a novel risk predictor of mortality in PD patients.
Ex vivo evaluation of novel core tenorrhaphy patterns in dogs
Authors: Chiu King Wa , Duffy Daniel J. , Chang Yi‐Jen , Gaffney Lewis , Fisher Matthew B.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To compare the biomechanical properties and gapping characteristics of four novel tenorrhaphy patterns in a canine flexor tendon model.

Study Design

Ex vivo, randomized, biomechanical study.

Sample Population

Superficial digital flexor tendons of 60 forelimbs (30 dogs).

Methods

Each tendon was transected 25 mm distal to its musculotendinous junction prior to tenorrhaphy with 2‐0 polypropylene. Repair patterns included the three‐loop pulley (3LP, control), exposed double‐cross‐lock (ExDCrL), embedded double‐cross‐lock (EmDCrL), triple‐circle‐lock (TCiL), and Modified‐Tang patterns (MTang) were randomly assigned to each experimental group (n = 12/group). Yield, peak, and failure loads, gap formation and failure modes were compared.

Results

Tendons repaired with ExDCrL (p < .0001), EmDCrL (p < .0001), and MTang (p < .0001) sustained yield, peak, and failure loads ~2.2x, ~2.0x, and ~1.9x, respectively, greater than those repaired with 3LP. Loads to 1 and 3 mm gapping were also higher for ExDCrL (p < .0001), EmDCrL (p < .0004), and MTang constructs (p < .0017) compared to 3LP. Although TCiL constructs sustained higher loads, their resistance to gap formation did not differ from that of 3LP repairs. Failure mode differed between groups (p < .0001), EmDCrL, ExDCrL, MTang, and TCiL constructs failing predominantly by suture breakage compared to 3LP repairs that failed by suture pull‐through.

Conclusion

Use of novel patterns ExDCrL, EmDCrL, and MTang improved resistance to loads and gap formation and were biomechanically superior compared to 3LP in healthy canine tendon repairs.

Clinical Significance

These results justify in vivo evaluation of ExDCrL, EmDCrL, or MTang pattern for tenorrhaphy in dogs.
Physical exercise increases global and gene‐specific (interleukin‐17 and interferon‐γ) DNA methylation in lymphocytes from aged women
Authors: Machado Otávio A. S. , Diniz Vinicius L. S. , Passos Maria E. P. , de Oliveira Heloisa H. , Santos‐Oliveira Laiane C. , Alecrim Amanda L. , Bertola Lobato Tiago , Manoel Richelieau , Correa Ilana , Silva Eliane B. , de Oliveira Poma Sarah , Mendes de Almeida Mariana , Pithon‐Curi Tania C. , Diniz Susana , Levada‐Pires Adriana C. , Curi Rui , Masi Laureane Nunes , Hirabara Sandro M. , Gorjão Renata
Published: July 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is lymphocyte DNA methylation differentially modulated by resistance training and aerobic exercise in older women?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The practice of resistance training led to an increased global DNA methylation in lymphocytes. The exercise‐induced increase of inflammatory genes methylation may be associated with immune function impairment during ageing.

Ageing‐induced increase in inflammatory gene expression through a reduction in DNA methylation might contribute to chronic diseases. Regular physical exercise practices, in turn, are associated with a decrease in the incidence of inflammatory diseases. We herein evaluated the effects of three exercise modalities on lymphocyte global and gene‐specific (interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin 17A (IL‐17A) DNA methylation in aged women (68 ± 7.5 years). This cross‐sectional study included 86 women, divided into four groups according to the physical exercise practice: 20 were practicing resistance training (RT); 24 were practicing water aerobics exercise (W); 22 were practicing water aerobics and resistance exercise (RWT), and 20 did not practice any physical exercise (CON). We evaluated volunteer functional capability using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, global lymphocyte DNA methylation by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, IFN‐γ and IL‐17A methylation by qPCR and CD4+IFN‐γ+ and CD4+IL‐17+ cell percentage by flow cytometry. The three physically exercised groups performed functional capability tests in a shorter period and showed a higher global lymphocyte DNA methylation and methylated CpGs of IL‐17A and IFN‐γ promoter regions than the control group. The practice of resistance training (RT and RWT groups) lead to high global DNA methylation. The combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise led to the increase of lymphocyte IL‐17A and IFN‐γ gene methylation induced by each separately. However, the percentage of IFN‐γ+ and IL‐17+ cells was lower only in the RT group. The exercise‐induced increase of inflammatory‐gene methylation may be associated with gene expression changes and immune function impairment during ageing.
Service with a Robot Smile
Authors: Gibson Tom
Published: July 2021

As robots begin working in public spaces such as grocery stores and hospitals, engineers are discovering that the machines need to develop social senses to better interact with the humans they encounter.
Theoretical Analysis and Optimization of a Gloved Hand–Arm System
Authors: Alabi Oreoluwa , Gupta Sunit K. , Barry Oumar
Published: July 2021

Studies have shown that isolators in the form of antivibration (AV) gloves effectively reduce the transmission of unwanted vibration from vibrating equipment to the human hand. However, as most of these studies are based on experimental or modeling techniques, the level of effectiveness and optimum glove properties for better performance remains unclear. To fill this gap, hand–arm system dynamics with and without gloves are studied analytically in this work. In this work, we use a lumped parameter model of the hand–arm system, with hand–tool interaction modeled as a linear spring–damper system. The resulting governing equations of motion are solved analytically using the method of harmonic balance. Parametric analysis is performed on the biomechanical model of the hand–arm system with and without a glove to identify key design parameters. It is observed that the effect of glove parameters on its performance is not repetitive and changes in the studied different frequency ranges. This observation further motivates us to optimize the glove parameters to minimize the overall transmissibility in different frequency ranges.
Unsteady Magnetohydrodynamics Stagnation-Point Flow of Fractional Oldroyd-B Fluid Over a Stretching Sheet With Modified Fractional Fourier's Law
Authors: Bai Yu , Wan Sa , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2021

The aim of the article is to research the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic stagnation-point flow of fractional Oldroyd-B fluid over a stretched sheet. According to the distribution characteristics of pressure and magnetic field near the stagnation point, the momentum equation based on a fractional Oldroyd-B constitutive model is derived. Moreover, the modified fractional Fourier's law considering thermal relaxation-retardation time is proposed, which applies in both the energy equation and the boundary condition of convective heat transfer. A new finite difference scheme combined with the L1 algorithm is established to solve the governing equations, whose convergence is confirmed by constructing an exact solution. The results indicate that the larger relaxation parameters of velocity block the flow, yet the retardation parameters of velocity show the opposite trend. It is particularly worth mentioning that all the temperature profiles first go up slightly to a maximal value and then descend markedly, which presents the thermal retardation characteristic of Oldroyd-B fluid. Additionally, under the effects of temperature's retardation and relaxation parameters, the intersection of the profiles far away from stretching sheet demonstrates the thermal memory characteristic.
Pulsating Film-Cooling Flow Over Smooth Cutback Surface at Airfoil Trailing Edge Measured by 2D3C-PTV
Authors: Yamamoto Shohei , Murata Akira , Oho Katsumi , Hayakawa Chihiro , Hayakawa Shumpei , Iwamoto Kaoru
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study is to clarify the effects of the film-cooling flow pulsation and the differences between the Strouhal number ratios of 1.0 and √2. The surface-averaged film cooling effectiveness for the Strouhal number ratios of 1.0 and √2 had decreased and increased, respectively, in comparison with the steady cooling flow in the authors' previous large eddy simulations. Subsequently, clarification on the possible reasons for these changes was sought. Measurements of the instantaneous velocity fields over the smooth cutback surface at two different pulsation frequencies were performed using two-dimensional three-component particle tracking velocimetry (2D3C-PTV). Notably, the power spectrum density of the wall-normal velocity fluctuations showed that the strongest peaks appeared at the pulsation frequencies, and the peak value for the Strouhal number ratio of 1.0 was much higher than those for the steady cooling flow and the Strouhal number ratio of √2. When the absolute Reynolds shear stresses integrated for the mixing-layer region were compared, those for the Strouhal number ratios of 1.0 and √2 were found to be higher and lower, respectively, than those for the steady cooling flow. Remarkably, the suppression of the turbulent mixing for the Strouhal number ratio √2 was caused by the suppressed development of the large-scale alternating vortices shed from the lip edge by imposing the cooling-flow pulsation at the frequency nonresonant with the vortex shedding frequency of the steady cooling flow.
Sensitivity of the Non-Equilibrium Approach for Mixture Condensation to Heat and Mass Transfer Correlations and Thermophysical Properties
Authors: Zimmermann Conrad , Dagli Cagatay Necati , Arnautovic Zlatan , Kabelac Stephan
Published: July 2021

The prediction of mixture condensation is still complex due to the coupled heat and mass transfer and insufficient data of thermophysical mixture properties. This article analyzes the impact of various heat and mass transfer correlations on the non-equilibrium approach for mixture condensation in a vertical plain tube. Furthermore, the influence of thermophysical properties from different databases is investigated. The results are shown for ethanol-water, but allow conclusions to other fluid mixtures. They indicate that the liquid heat transfer coefficient in the non-equilibrium approach dominates the qualitative behavior of the condensation process, but the vapor mass transfer coefficient can only decrease or increase the quantitative level of the effective heat transfer with minor impact. More importantly, the logarithm in the vapor mass transfer term is central for the prediction of the condensation heat transfer. As this logarithm contains vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data, it proves that there is a strong connection between VLE and overall prediction of mixture condensation. A demonstration of available data for thermophysical mixture properties of ethanol-water shows significant deviations, which affect the calculations as well. Besides, data from our own experiments are presented for mixture viscosity of ethanol-water. It is recommended to focus not only on improved heat and mass transfer correlations but also on thermophysical properties and VLE data for a precise prediction of mixture condensation.
Heat Transfer From a Concentrated Tip Source in Falkner–Skan Flow
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: July 2021

The Falkner–Skan flow over a wedge is classic in boundary layer theory. We consider the heat or mass transfer from a source at the vertex of the wedge. The interactions of the thermal boundary layer and momentum boundary layer lead to nonlinear similarity equations which are integrated numerically. There exists a mixing index that depends on the Prandtl number and the wedge opening angle. Attention is paid to special cases such as forced convection in Blasius flow past a semi-infinite plate and the Hiemenz stagnation flow normal to a plate.
Thermomechanical Microstructural Predictions of Fracture Nucleation of Zircaloy-4 Alloys With δ and ɛ Hydride Distributions
Authors: Mohamed I. , Hasan T. , Zikry M. A.
Published: July 2021

A crystalline dislocation-density formulation that was incorporated with a nonlinear finite-element (FE) method was utilized to understand and to predict the thermomechanical behavior of an hexagonal closest packed (h.c.p.) zircaloy system with hydrides with either face-centered cubic (f.c.c.) or body-centered cubic (b.c.c.) hydrides. This formulation was then used with a recently developed fracture methodology that is adapted for finite inelastic strains and multiphase crystalline systems to understand how different microstructurally based fracture modes nucleate and propagate. The interrelated microstructural characteristics of the different crystalline hydride and matrix phases with the necessary orientation relationships (ORs) have been represented, such that a detailed physical understanding of fracture nucleation and propagation can be predicted for the simultaneous thermomechanical failure modes of hydride populations and the matrix. The effects of volume fraction, morphology, crystalline structure, and orientation and distribution of the hydrides on simultaneous and multiple fracture modes were investigated for radial, circumferential, and mixed distributions. Another key aspect was accounting for temperatures changes due to the effects of thermal conduction and dissipated plastic work and their collective effects on fracture. For hydrided aggregates subjected to high temperatures, thermal softening resulted in higher ductility due to increased dislocation-density activity, which led to higher shear strain accumulation and inhibited crack nucleation and growth. The predictions provide validated insights into why circumferential hydrides are more fracture-resistant than radial hydrides for different volume fractions and thermomechanical loading conditions.
Role of hydrogen species in promoting photoluminescence from Eu3+-doped ZnO thin films via bandgap excitation
Authors: Akazawa Housei
Published: July 2021

We studied the role of hydrogen-containing species (OH and/or H) in promoting photoluminescence (PL) from 1 at. % Eu3+ ions doped in ZnO thin films. The hydrogen concentration in the films was systematically changed by varying the substrate temperature and the vapor pressure of H2O gas supplied during sputter deposition. The correlation between the PL spectra via bandgap excitation and the degree of oxidization/hydrogenation was investigated by x-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Films deposited at room temperature under H2O partial pressures higher than 10−2 Pa were sufficiently hydroxylated, as confirmed by the appearance of diffractions peaks from Zn(OH)2 coexisting with ZnO(002). Eu3+ emissions were observed after post-annealing in a vacuum or O2 atmosphere. When the H2O pressure was lower than 10−2 Pa, the ZnO:Eu films were so oxygen-deficient as to exhibit a metallic character, which deactivated the Eu3+ emission. Deposition at temperatures above 200 °C reduced the OH and/or H species incorporated in the ZnO films and only a faint Eu3+ emission was observed. The H2O pressure under which a sharp Eu3+ emission could be obtained was between 1.0 and 2.5 × 10−2 Pa if subsequent post-annealing was done in a vacuum. For more oxidized films deposited at 3.5 × 10−2 Pa, reduction by post-annealing in an H2 atmosphere was effective to generate a sharp and intense Eu3+ emission signal through reduction and hydrogenation, confirming that a moderate oxidization/hydrogenation state is a necessary condition. Codoped hydrogen species will facilitate substituting Zn2+ sites with emission-active Eu3+ ions and stabilize them.
Characteristics of Helicase-Primase Inhibitor Amenamevir-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: Sato Yuko , Suenaga Tadahiro , Kobayashi Makoto , Miyazaki Nozomu , Suzuki Takato , Ishioka Ken , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: July 2021

The antiherpetic drug amenamevir (AMNV) inhibits the helicase-primase complex of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, and varicella-zoster virus directly as well as inhibiting the replication of these viruses. Although several mutated HSV viruses resistant to helicase-primase inhibitors have been reported, the mutations contributing to the resistance remain unclear, as recombinant viruses containing a single mutation have not been analyzed.
Expression Dysregulation as a Mediator of Fitness Costs in Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Trauner Andrej , Banaei-Esfahani Amir , Gygli Sebastian M. , Warmer Philipp , Feldmann Julia , Zampieri Mattia , Borrell Sonia , Collins Ben C. , Beisel Christian , Aebersold Ruedi , Gagneux Sebastien
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to global health and the economy. Rifampicin-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
accounts for a third of the global AMR burden.
Efficacy of Voriconazole, Isavuconazole, Fluconazole, and Anidulafungin in the Treatment of Emerging Candida auris Using an Immunocompromised Murine Model of Disseminated Candidiasis
Authors: Gamal Ahmed , Long Lisa , Herrada Janet , Aram Jalal , McCormick Thomas S. , Ghannoum Mahmoud A.
Published: July 2021

Antifungal activity of anidulafungin, voriconazole, isavuconazole, and fluconazole in the treatment of
Candida auris
was determined
in vitro
and
in vivo
. MICs for anidulafungin, voriconazole, isavuconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B were 0.5, 1, >64, 0.25, and 4 μg/ml, respectively.
Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Repurposed Mitomycin C and Imipenem in Combination with the Lytic Phage vB_KpnM-VAC13 against Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Pacios Olga , Fernández-García Laura , Bleriot Ines , Blasco Lucía , González-Bardanca Mónica , López María , Fernández-Cuenca Felipe , Oteo Jesús , Pascual Álvaro , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Domingo-Calap Pilar , Bou Germán , Tomás María
Published: July 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that employs different strategies (resistance and persistence) to counteract antibiotic treatments. This study aimed to search for new means of combatting imipenem-resistant and persister strains of
K. pneumoniae
by repurposing the anticancer drug mitomycin C as an antimicrobial agent and by combining the drug and the conventional antibiotic imipenem with the lytic phage vB_KpnM-VAC13.
A Small Molecule, ACAi-028, with Anti-HIV-1 Activity Targets a Novel Hydrophobic Pocket on HIV-1 Capsid
Authors: Chia Travis , Nakamura Tomofumi , Amano Masayuki , Takamune Nobutoki , Matsuoka Masao , Nakata Hirotomo
Published: July 2021

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid (CA) is an essential viral component of HIV-1 infection and an attractive therapeutic target for antivirals. Here, we report that a small molecule, ACAi-028, inhibits HIV-1 replication by targeting a hydrophobic pocket in the N-terminal domain of CA (CA-NTD).
H-NS and ToxT Inversely Control Cholera Toxin Production by Binding to Overlapping DNA Sequences
Authors: Stone Jennifer B. , Withey Jeffrey H.
Published: July 2021

H-NS is a global negative regulator of transcription in Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in horizontally acquired genetic islands. Previous work in
Vibrio cholerae
suggested that H-NS represses the transcription of cholera toxin genes by binding to a large region upstream of its promoter and that the virulence activator ToxT derepresses transcription by removing H-NS from the promoter.
Ileal Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor Improves Hepatic Steatosis by Ameliorating Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in NAFLD Model Mice
Authors: Matsui Masahiro , Fukunishi Shinya , Nakano Takashi , Ueno Takaaki , Higuchi Kazuhide , Asai Akira
Published: July 2021

NAFLD is an increasingly recognized condition that may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and community surveys have assessed that the prevalence is 14 to 32% worldwide. The first line of treatment for NAFLD is lifestyle modification to achieve weight reduction, particularly through diet and exercise.
Galectin-8 Senses Phagosomal Damage and Recruits Selective Autophagy Adapter TAX1BP1 To Control
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Infection in Macrophages
Authors: Bell Samantha L. , Lopez Kayla L. , Cox Jeffery S. , Patrick Kristin L. , Watson Robert O.
Published: July 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb) infects one-quarter of the global population and causes one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. Macrophages are the first line of defense against Mtb infection and are typically incredibly efficient at destroying intracellular pathogens, but Mtb has evolved to survive and replicate in this harsh environment.
Low-level laser therapy for oral mucositis in children with cancer
Authors: Redman Melody Grace , Harris Katherine , Phillips Bob S
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess the efficacy of oral low-level laser therapy (LLLT) – also known as photobiomodulation – in the reduction of oral mucositis experienced by children and young people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Design

A systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of oral LLLT for oral mucositis in children with cancer and the safety of oral LLLT in any age with cancer (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews/PROSPERO registration: CRD42018099772). Multiple databases and grey literature were screened. Randomised controlled trials were considered for assessing efficacy, and all studies were considered for assessing safety. Primary outcomes included severity of oral mucositis, oral pain and adverse events. Where results were compatible, meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. A narrative synthesis considered other outcome measures.

Results

14 studies (n>416 children) were included in the narrative synthesis of LLLT efficacy. 5 studies (n=380 children and young people) were included in the meta-analyses. Results demonstrate that LLLT may reduce the severity of oral mucositis and the level of oral pain, but further randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm or deny this. There is vast variation in different trial protocols. Insufficient blinding between LLLT or sham therapy/control led to a strong risk of performance bias. 75 studies (encompassing 2712 patients of all ages who had undergone LLLT) demonstrated minor and infrequent adverse reactions, but most studies had significant areas of weakness in quality.

Conclusion

LLLT appears to be a safe therapy, but further evidence is needed to assess its efficacy as a prevention or treatment tool for oral mucositis in children with cancer.
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in an adolescent with a cryptic ovarian teratoma
Authors: Walker Christopher A , Poulik Janet , D'Mello Rahul J.
Published: July 2021

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disease frequently associated with ovarian teratomas. In cases where an ovarian teratoma is identified, treatment involves prompt removal of the ovarian teratoma, resulting in significant clinical improvement and decreased incidence of relapse. We present the case of a 14-year-old female patient admitted for progressively worsening psychiatric and neurological status, diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, and negative initial imaging for ovarian pathology. She was in the hospital for 8 months requiring admission to the intensive care unit and multiple courses of immunotherapy before clinical improvement. Three months after discharge, she was readmitted with clinical relapse and repeat imaging showed an ovarian teratoma. Removal of the teratoma resulted in sustained clinical improvement with return to baseline and no further relapse. Our case report highlights the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for an underlying ovarian teratoma in a female patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, even when initial imaging is negative. Currently, there are limited data on recommendations for repeat imaging. Therefore, we recommend repeat imaging in patients resistant to multiple lines of treatment or presenting with clinical relapse.
Usability testing of an e-learning resource designed to improve medical students’ physical activity prescription skills: a qualitative think-aloud study
Authors: Carter-Roberts Helen , Antbring Richard , Angioi Manuela , Pugh Gemma
Published: July 2021

Objective

An e-learning resource (MEdic GAming, MEGA) was developed based on the contents of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine exercise prescription booklet. This study aimed to (i) explore medical students’ perspectives of physical activity promotion and e-learning and (ii) investigate medical students’ response to the design, content and usability of the MEGA e-learning resource.

Design

Qualitative think-aloud interview study.

Setting

A London medical school.

Participants

19 undergraduate medical students were interviewed using the think-aloud method while using the e-learning resource concurrently.

Results

In general, medical students felt current education on physical activity is inadequate and held a strong desire for more teaching on exercise medicine. Students believed the MEGA e-learning resource addressed a gap in their knowledge on physical activity but noted e-learning should not replace face-to-face teaching and suggested physical activity education would be best delivered through a blended learning approach. Students felt such an approach would allow better opportunity to practice physical activity counselling skills with patients while on clinical placement. Students’ motivation to engage with the MEGA e-learning resource was positively impacted by aesthetically appealing design and interactive gamification elements such as self-assessment quizzes and visual progress tracking.

Conclusion

Medical students value the role of physical activity in health but are disappointed by the lack of teaching within the current medical curriculum. E-learning resources, such as MEGA, which contain interactive features are a viable means to integrate physical activity into the undergraduate curriculum but should be supplemented by the opportunity to practice physical activity counselling in-person.
Effect of HIV-related knowledge on utilisation of voluntary HIV testing service among university students in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Diress Gedefaw , Addisu Amanuel , Endalifer Melese Linger
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Voluntary HIV testing is a vital preventive measure to reduce HIV transmission. Existing evidence on the association between HIV-related knowledge and HIV testing service utilisation shows inconsistent findings. Therefore, the aim of this review is to assess whether knowledge of HIV is related to improvement in voluntary HIV testing service utilisation among university students in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review of studies on the association of HIV-related knowledge and voluntary HIV testing service utilisation among university students will be conducted. We will search several electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, African Journals Online, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, for all study types looking at the association between HIV-related knowledge and voluntary HIV testing service utilisation. Two reviewers will independently screen all retrieved records and full-text articles and extract data. The Higgins I2test will be used to assess heterogeneity between studies. Random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted, if feasible and appropriate. Additional analyses will be performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Stata statistical software (V.14) will be used to analyse the data.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required because the systematic review relies on primary studies. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation and the popular press.
Association of cigarette production and tobacco retailer density on secondhand smoke exposure in urban China
Authors: Hoe Connie , Cohen Joanna E , Yang Tingzhong , Peng Sihui , Zhang Weifang
Published: July 2021

The primary aims of this study are to examine the associations between two key environmental factors—regional cigarette tobacco production and tobacco retail outlet density—and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in urban China and to explore the possible mechanisms that explain this association.

Methods

A cross-sectional multistage sampling design was used to collect individual information in 21 cities in China. Environmental variables were retrieved from national databases. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between regional cigarette tobacco production, tobacco retail outlet density and SHS exposure. Structural equation modelling was employed to determine possible mechanisms.

Results

SHS exposure prevalence defined as daily exposure to SHS for at least 15 min/day at the time of the survey was found to be 28.1% among non-smokers (95% CI 27.1 to 29.0) across the 21 cities. The multilevel logistic regressions showed that province-level per capital cigarette production (OR: 2.72 (95% CI 1.56 to 4.76)and per GDP cigarette production(OR:1.69(95% CI 1,42,2.01), and city-level tobacco retail outlet density (OR: 2.66 (95% CI 1.63 to 4.38)) were significantly associated with SHS exposure. Moreover, results showed that these associations may be explained by the level of tobacco advertisement, which influences social norms, including attitudes and behaviours toward SHS exposure.

Conclusions

Findings shed light on the role of cigarette manufacturers and retailers in producing environmental SHS pollution. To address the health and economic burden associated with SHS in China, it will be critical for the Chinese government to enact tobacco control measures consistent with the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control. Efforts should also focus on restricting the permitted density of tobacco retail outlets, and tobacco production in China.
Fireball tomography from bottomonia elliptic flow in relativistic heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Bhaduri Partha Pratim , Alqahtani Mubarak , Borghini Nicolas , Jaiswal Amaresh , Strickland Michael
Published: July 2021

We calculate the elliptic flow of bottomonia produced in Pb$$\,+\,$$

+

Pb collisions at $$\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02$$

s
NN

=
5.02

 TeV. We consider temperature-dependent decay widths for the anisotropic escape of various bottomonium states and observe that the transverse momentum dependence of bottomonia elliptic flow provides a tomographic information about the QGP fireball at different stages of its evolution. For the space-time evolution of the fireball, we employ simulation results from the 3 + 1 D quasiparticle anisotropic hydrodynamic model. We find that our results for transverse momentum dependence of bottomonia elliptic flow are in reasonable agreement with experimental results from the ALICE and CMS collaborations.
THE ASYMMETRIC IMPACT OF RER-MISALIGNMENT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: AN APPLICATION OF HODRICK–PRESCOTT FILTER TECHNIQUE
Authors: ABBASI GHOSIA AYAZ , IQBAL D. JAVED
Published: July 2021

Previous studies that examined the impact of exchange rate misalignment on economic growth were based on the symmetric approach where both overvalued and undervalued exchange rates were supposed to affect the economic growth in a similar way. However, in recent years, a number of studies have established that exchange rate changes affect the trade flows in an asymmetric way. Hence, this study investigates the asymmetric effect of exchange rate misalignment on the economic growth of Pakistan. The findings of the study indicate that in the case of the symmetric approach, exchange rate misalignment has a negative impact on economic growth. However, after applying the nonlinear ARDL approach, the study finds significant evidence in favor of the asymmetric effect of exchange rate misalignment on economic growth. Interestingly, the results indicate that undervaluation spurs while over-valuation hampers the economic growth in Pakistan. The study recommends that though under-valued exchange rate may have temporary relief for the economy, yet in the long run, a market-based equilibrium exchanger rate is imperative for a developing economy like Pakistan.
CORPORATE CASH HOLDING PATTERNS FROM A PERFORMANCE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: ZHANG QIWANG , WANG JI , GENG JIANNAN
Published: July 2021

Because of the difficulty of corporate cash flow forecasting and cash demand forecasting, the corporate cash holding decisions have always been a focus in theory and practice. This paper constructs corporate cash holding patterns by combining the two basic characteristics of cash holding level and volatility, and uses the dynamic panel model to test the impact of different cash holding patterns on corporate performance. The research findings reveal that there are significant differences in the impact of different cash holding patterns on corporate performance, with the stable and normal-level cash holding pattern having the greatest positive impact, while volatile and low-level cash holding pattern proved to be greatest negative impacts.
Most general propagator in quantum field theory
Authors: Fabbri Luca , Rogerio Rodolfo José Bueno
Published: July 2021

One of the most important mathematical tools necessary for Quantum Field Theory calculations is the field propagator. Applications are always done in terms of plane waves and although this has furnished many magnificent results, one may still be allowed to wonder what is the form of the most general propagator that can be written. In this paper, by exploiting what is called polar form, we find the most general propagator in the case of spinors, whether regular or singular, and we give a general discussion in the case of vectors.
Gravitationally decoupled non-static anisotropic spherical solutions
Authors: Sharif M. , Ahmed Shehrbano
Published: July 2021

This paper is devoted for the formulation of new anisotropic solutions for non-static spherically symmetric self-gravitating systems through gravitational decoupling technique. Initially, we add a gravitational source in the perfect matter distribution for inducing the effects of anisotropy in the considered model. We then decouple the field equations through minimal geometric deformation approach and derive three new anisotropic solutions. Among these, two anisotropic solutions are evaluated by applying specific constraints on anisotropic source and the third solution is obtained by employing the barotropic equation of state. The physical acceptability and stability of the anisotropic models are investigated through energy conditions and causality condition, respectively. We conclude that all the derived anisotropic solutions are physically viable as well as stable.
Design of a high speed router for NOC
Authors: Jiang Zhanpeng , Yang Zhe , Zhang Penghui , Dong Changchun
Published: July 2021

The complexity of System on Chip (SoC) is increasing with the scale of ICs, and Network on Chip (NoC) has become one of the most important solutions for SoC communication. As a significant point of NoC, research of routers and routing algorithms is receiving more and more attention from researchers and research institutes. This paper proposes a high-speed router on-chip router, which adopts wormhole switching mechanism, output queuing caching strategy, Credit-based flow control mechanism and Round-Robin arbitration mechanism, and the entire operation of the router is a two-stage flow. The selection of adaptive and deterministic routing algorithms can be done automatically, and finally, the performance parameters are evaluated.
Soliton molecules and some novel hybrid solutions for (3+1)-dimensional B-type Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Ma Hongcai , Huang Huaiyu , Deng Aiping
Published: July 2021

In recent years, soliton molecules have received reinvigorating scientific interests in physics and other fields. Soliton molecules have been successfully found in optical experiments. In this paper, we attribute the solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional B-type Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (BKP) equation by employing the bilinear method. Based on the [Formula: see text]-soliton solutions, we establish the soliton molecules, asymmetric solitons and some novel hybrid solutions of this equation by means of the velocity resonance mechanism and the long wave limit method. Finally, we give dynamic graphs of soliton molecules, asymmetric solitons and some novel hybrid solutions.
Certain homological invariants of bipartite kneser graphs
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Singh Pavinder , Verma Rohit
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we obtain a combinatorial formula for computing the Betti numbers in the linear strand of edge ideals of bipartite Kneser graphs. We deduce lower and upper bounds for regularity of powers of edge ideals of these graphs in terms of associated combinatorial data and show that the lower bound is attained in some cases. Also, we obtain bounds on the projective dimension of edge ideals of these graphs in terms of combinatorial data.
Statistical Convergence of Order α for Complex Uncertain Sequences
Authors: Debnath Shyamal , Das Bijoy
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we introduce convergence concepts namely, statistical convergence of order [Formula: see text], statistical convergence of order [Formula: see text] almost surely, statistical convergence of order [Formula: see text] in measure, statistical convergence of order [Formula: see text] in mean, statistical convergence of order [Formula: see text] in distribution in complex uncertain theory. We also investigate some relationships among them.
There are no Diophantine quadruples of Pell numbers
Authors: Rihane Salah Eddine , Luca Florian , Togbé Alain
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we prove that there are no positive integers [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a Diophantine quadruple, where for a positive integer [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]th Pell number.
The Electronic Characteristic and Optical Properties of Doped Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes from a First-Principles Study
Authors: Wang K. , Cui Z. , Li L. , Lu X.
Published: July 2021

In this contribution, electronic structures and optical properties of pure and doped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are investigated by the first-principles calculation. It is found that the B- and N-doped systems have the lowest binding energies of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV, respectively, indicating that the configurations are relatively stable. Interestingly, the indirect bandgap is transforming into a direct bandgap in the two systems, which has a good development prospect in the field of light-emitting devices. The charge difference density diagrams show that the electron deletion around all doped atoms is weakened, indicating that the covalence between the doped atom and carbon atom is weakened, which is consistent with the population analysis result. In the absorption spectrum, there is a “blueshift” phenomenon. In the reflection spectrum, the six doping systems show an obvious “redshift” phenomenon. In addition, the polarization ability of all doping systems has become stronger. Also, due to the different changes in the peak values of the imaginary part of the dielectric function, the doping of Al, Ga and P improved the photoresponse of the low-energy region, while the doping of B, N and As weakens it.
Sharp lower bounds on the sum-connectivity index of trees
Authors: Alyar S. , Khoeilar R.
Published: July 2021

The sum-connectivity index of a graph [Formula: see text] is defined as the sum of weights [Formula: see text] over all edges [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the degrees of the vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], respectively. In this paper, some extremal problems on the sum-connectivity index of trees are studied. The extremal values on the sum-connectivity index of trees with given graphic parameters, such as pendant number, matching number, domination number and diameter, are determined. The corresponding extremal graphs are characterized, respectively.
Business and Human Rights: Alternative Approaches to Transnational Regulation
Authors: Deva Surya
Published: July 2021

In recent years, various approaches to transnational regulation of business conduct have evolved as an alternative to the command-and-control model focusing on conduct of domestic businesses and the soft law approach of international human rights law to regulate corporations. On reviewing the potential of five such approaches (i.e., polycentric governance, extraterritorial regulation, proposed international treaty, reform of corporate laws, and rebalancing of trade-investment agreements), this article makes two arguments. First, although polycentric governance is critical to fill regulatory deficits of state-based regulation, this approach should not ignore or weaken further the role and relevance of states in regulating businesses, given the dynamic relation between state-based and other regulatory approaches. Second, greater attention should be paid to nonhuman rights regulatory regimes to change the corporate culture, which tends to externalize human rights issues. The increasing focus on the role of corporate laws and trade-investment agreements should be seen in this context.