bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism in intestinal absorption and lymphatic transport of dietary lipids
Authors: Liu Min , Shen Ling , Yang Qing , Nauli Andromeda M. , Bingamon Madison , Wang David Q.‐H. , Ulrich‐Lai Yvonne M. , Tso Patrick
Published: October 2021

Although the basic process of intestinal lipid absorption and transport is understood, many critical aspects remain unclear. One question in particular is whether intestinal lipid absorption and transport differ between the sexes. Using a well‐established lymph fistula model, we found that intact female mice exhibited lower lymphatic output of triacylglycerol (TAG) than male mice. Further analysis revealed that the female mice segregated into two groups: the high group having similar lymphatic TAG transport to the males, and the low group having significantly less lymphatic output, implying the impact of cyclical variation of ovarian hormonal levels. These led us to examine whether oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) affect intestinal absorption and lymphatic transport of dietary lipids. In ovariectomized (OVX) rats, E2 treatment significantly reduced [3H]‐TAG lymphatic output through reducing TAG transport; and P treatment decreased [14C]cholesterol (Chol) lymphatic output by inhibiting Chol absorption, compared to vehicle treatment. Gene expression data suggested that E2 enhances vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) signalling to reduce the permeability of lacteals, leading to reduced CM transport through the lymphatic system. Interestingly, E2 treatment also increased lymphatic output of apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I), but not apoB‐48 and apoA‐IV, in the OVX rats. Collectively, these data suggested that ovarian hormone‐induced reductions of intestinal lipid absorption and lymphatic transport, as well as increased lymphatic output of apoA‐I, may contribute to a beneficial protection from atherosclerosis in females.

image

Key points

Significant differences in intestinal lipid absorption and lymphatic transport were found between female and male animals.

Oestrogen treatment significantly reduced [3H]triacylglycerol (TAG) lymphatic output through suppressing TAG transport in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and this effect is associated with enhanced vegfa gene expression in the intestine.

Progesterone treatment significantly decreased the output of [14C]cholesterol in lymph by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the OVX rats.

Oestrogen treatment also increased lymphatic output of apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) in the OVX rats, which may contribute to the reduced risk of atherosclerosis in females.
DEVELOPMENT OF A LIFETIME PRESSURE SENSITIVE PAINT PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PRESSURE VANE TESTING
Authors: Aye-Addo Nyansafo , Paniagua Guillermo , Gonzalez Cuadrado David , Bhatnagar Lakshya , Castillo Sauca Antonio , Braun James , Gomez Mateo , Meyer Terrence , Bloxham Matthew
Published: October 2021

Optical measurements based on fast response Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) provide enhanced spatial resolution of the pressure field. This paper presents lifetime PSP at 20 kHz, with precise calibrations, and results from a demonstration in an annular vane cascade. The laser lifetime PSP methodology is first evaluated in a linear wind tunnel with a converging-diverging nozzle followed by a wavy surface. This test section is fully optically accessible with maximum modularity. A data reduction procedure is proposed for the PSP calibration, and optimal pixel binning is selected to reduce the uncertainty. In the annular test section, laser lifetime PSP was used to measure the time-averaged static pressure field on a section of the suction surface of a high-pressure turbine vane. Tests were performed at engine representative conditions in the Purdue Big Rig for Annular Stationary Turbine Analysis module at the Purdue Experimental Turbine Aerothermal Lab. The 2-D pressure results showed a gradual increase of pressure across the spanwise and flow directions, corroborated with local static pressure taps and computational results. The variation in PSP thickness was measured as a contribution to the uncertainty. The discrete Fourier transform of the unsteady pressure signal showed increased frequency content in wind-on compared to wind-off conditions at the mid-span and 30% span. Compared to the mid-span, the hub end wall region had an increase in frequencies and pressure amplitude. This result was anticipated given the expected presence of secondary flow structures at the near hub region.
Designed, highly expressing, thermostable dengue virus 2 envelope protein dimers elicit quaternary epitope antibodies
Authors: Kudlacek Stephan T. , Metz Stefan , Thiono Devina , Payne Alexander M. , Phan Thanh T. N. , Tian Shaomin , Forsberg Lawrence J. , Maguire Jack , Seim Ian , Zhang Shu , Tripathy Ashutosh , Harrison Joseph , Nicely Nathan I. , Soman Sandrine , McCracken Michael K. , Gromowski Gregory D. , Jarman Richard G. , Premkumar Lakshmanane , de Silva Aravinda M. , Kuhlman Brian
Published: October 2021

A stabilized dimer of the surface protein from dengue virus has been engineered to elicit antibodies that neutralize the virus.
Ocean warming threatens southern right whale population recovery
Authors: Agrelo Macarena , Daura-Jorge Fábio G. , Rowntree Victoria J. , Sironi Mariano , Hammond Philip S. , Ingram Simon N. , Marón Carina F. , Vilches Florencia O. , Seger Jon , Payne Roger , Simões-Lopes Paulo C.
Published: October 2021

Climate change challenges southern right whale survival.
Plakophilin-2 truncating variants impair cardiac contractility by disrupting sarcomere stability and organization
Authors: Zhang Kehan , Cloonan Paige E. , Sundaram Subramanian , Liu Feng , Das Shoshana L. , Ewoldt Jourdan K. , Bays Jennifer L. , Tomp Samuel , Toepfer Christopher N. , Marsiglia Júlia D. C. , Gorham Joshua , Reichart Daniel , Eyckmans Jeroen , Seidman Jonathan G. , Seidman Christine E. , Chen Christopher S.
Published: October 2021

PKP
2 mutations lead to instability in cell-cell junctions and sarcomeres that impairs cardiac tissue contractility in ACM.
Progressive alterations in amino acid and lipid metabolism correlate with peripheral neuropathy in
Polg
D257A
mice
Authors: Lim Esther W. , Handzlik Michal K. , Trefts Elijah , Gengatharan Jivani M. , Pondevida Carlos M. , Shaw Reuben J. , Metallo Christian M.
Published: October 2021

Alanine accumulation in
Polg
D257A
mice links mitochondrial defects to 1-deoxysphingolipids and peripheral neuropathy.
Complete three-dimensional structures of the Lon protease translocating a protein substrate
Authors: Li Shanshan , Hsieh Kan-Yen , Kuo Chiao-I , Lee Szu-Hui , Pintilie Grigore D. , Zhang Kaiming , Chang Chung-I
Published: October 2021

Full-length structures of the Lon protease complex reveal a tensegrity helix triangle for substrate selection and unfolding.
Design of tough adhesive from commodity thermoplastics through dynamic crosslinking
Authors: Rahman Md Anisur , Bowland Christopher , Ge Sirui , Acharya Shree Ram , Kim Sungjin , Cooper Valentino R. , Chen X. Chelsea , Irle Stephan , Sokolov Alexei P. , Savara Aditya , Saito Tomonori
Published: October 2021

Dynamic crosslinking of commodity thermoplastics with multiple interfaces enables remarkably tough reversible adhesion.
Generalizing hydrogel microparticles into a new class of bioinks for extrusion bioprinting
Authors: Xin Shangjing , Deo Kaivalya A. , Dai Jing , Pandian Navaneeth Krishna Rajeeva , Chimene David , Moebius Robert M. , Jain Abhishek , Han Arum , Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Alge Daniel L.
Published: October 2021

Bioprinting hydrogel microparticles requires consideration of size, stiffness, and nozzle geometry due to jamming effects.
Shots of hope
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2021

Desperately needed vaccines against COVID-19, developed and tested at record speed, are 2020's breakthrough.
A divisive disease
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: October 2021

As scientists struggled to understand and quell COVID-19, a second pandemic of misinformation and political mayhem raged.
Ones we've lost
Authors: Normile Dennis , Huihui Bian , Hicks Lucy , Langin Katie , Voosen Paul , O'Grady Cathleen , Kaiser Jocelyn , Stone Richard , Ortega Rodrigo Pérez , Cho Adrian , Mervis Jeffrey
Published: October 2021

Scientists, too, died in the pandemic.
Response to Comment on “Meta-analysis reveals declines in terrestrial but increases in freshwater insect abundances”
Authors: van Klink Roel , Bowler Diana E. , Gongalsky Konstantin B. , Swengel Ann B. , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: October 2021

Desquilbet
et al
. take issue with our data inclusion criteria and make several other dubious claims regarding data processing, analysis, and interpretation. Most of their concerns stem from disagreement on data inclusion criteria and analysis, misunderstanding of our goals, and unrealistic expectations. We maintain that our synthesis provides a state-of-the-art analysis of patterns of trends in insect abundances.
Celebrating Marie Tharp
Authors: Romano Marco , Chiocci Francesco Latino
Published: October 2021

Her maps of the ocean floor were crucial to the plate tectonic revolution
Datafication of digital natives
Child Data Citizen
Veronica Barassi
MIT Press, 2020. 232 pp.
Authors: Eichhorn Kate
Published: October 2021

An anthropologist investigates how data surveillance intersects with the 21st-century family
Bespoke myelin tailored to neuron type
Authors: Yalçın Belgin , Monje Michelle
Published: October 2021

Experience changes neural circuits through myelination of distinct neuron classes
Commensal bacteria promote endocrine resistance in prostate cancer through androgen biosynthesis
Authors: Pernigoni Nicolò , Zagato Elena , Calcinotto Arianna , Troiani Martina , Mestre Ricardo Pereira , Calì Bianca , Attanasio Giuseppe , Troisi Jacopo , Minini Mirko , Mosole Simone , Revandkar Ajinkya , Pasquini Emiliano , Elia Angela Rita , Bossi Daniela , Rinaldi Andrea , Rescigno Pasquale , Flohr Penny , Hunt Joanne , Neeb Antje , Buroni Lorenzo , Guo Christina , Welti Jonathan , Ferrari Matteo , Grioni Matteo , Gauthier Josée , Gharaibeh Raad Z. , Palmisano Anna , Lucchini Gladys Martinetti , D’Antonio Eugenia , Merler Sara , Bolis Marco , Grassi Fabio , Esposito Antonio , Bellone Matteo , Briganti Alberto , Rescigno Maria , Theurillat Jean-Philippe , Jobin Christian , Gillessen Silke , de Bono Johann , Alimonti Andrea
Published: October 2021

Microbes hijack prostate cancer therapy

Androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are essential for male reproduction and sexual function. Androgens can also influence the growth of prostate tumor cells, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) either by surgical means (castration) or pharmacological approaches (hormone suppression), is the cornerstone of current prostate cancer treatments. Pernigoni
et al
. found that when the body was deprived of androgens during ADT, the gut microbiome could produce androgens from androgen precursors (see the Perspective by McCulloch and Trinchieri). Gut commensal microbiota in ADT-treated patients or castrated mice produced androgens that were absorbed into the systemic circulation. These microbe-derived androgens appeared to favor the growth of prostate cancer and helped to facilitate development into a castration- or endocrine therapy–resistant state. —PNK
Levitodynamics: Levitation and control of microscopic objects in vacuum
Authors: Gonzalez-Ballestero C. , Aspelmeyer M. , Novotny L. , Quidant R. , Romero-Isart O.
Published: October 2021

To have to hold

The ability to control and cool the motion of levitated systems—in some cases down to their motional ground state—and to couple these systems to external forces provides opportunities for fundamental science and technology. Gonzalez-Ballestero
et al
. provide an overview of the status, challenges, and prospects of levitodynamics, the multidisciplinary research area that focuses on the understanding and control of optical trapping of microparticles and nanoparticles in vacuum, with the goal of eventually using such levitated particles as ultrasensitive probes for sensing applications. —ISO
Population-specific neuromodulation prolongs therapeutic benefits of deep brain stimulation
Authors: Spix Teresa A. , Nanivadekar Shruti , Toong Noelle , Kaplow Irene M. , Isett Brian R. , Goksen Yazel , Pfenning Andreas R. , Gittis Aryn H.
Published: October 2021

How to optimize deep-brain stimulation

Deep-brain stimulation as presently used in clinical settings, for example, to treat Parkinson’s disease, does not differentiate between different neural circuitries. Considerable improvements could thus be achieved with selective stimulation that targets particular neuronal populations. Spix
et al
. used optogenetics to develop a clever electrical stimulation protocol that enhances cell-type specificity (see the Perspective by Haas). The authors managed to drive population-specific neuromodulation in a brain region called the external globus pallidus with brief bursts of electrical stimulation, which then yielded a long-lasting effect in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. —PRS
Microfluidic-like fabrication of metal ion–cured bioadhesives by mussels
Authors: Priemel Tobias , Palia Gurveer , Förste Frank , Jehle Franziska , Sviben Sanja , Mantouvalou Ioanna , Zaslansky Paul , Bertinetti Luca , Harrington Matthew J.
Published: October 2021

Mussel mooring made mighty by metals

Mussels produce an exceptional proteinaceous adhesive so they can withstand waves and currents. Metal ions bound to modified tyrosine residues play an important role in reinforcing the adhesive. Priemel
et al
. brought together a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to study the cellular mechanisms involved in adhesive fabrication in mussels (see the Perspective by Wilker). They found that metal ion–rich vesicles are secreted alongside vesicles containing the adhesive protein and mix in a microfluidic-like process within interconnected microchannels found in the lateral duct of the mussel foot to create porous, adhesive plaque filaments. —MAF
Grain boundary velocity and curvature are not correlated in Ni polycrystals
Authors: Bhattacharya Aditi , Shen Yu-Feng , Hefferan Christopher M. , Li Shiu Fai , Lind Jonathan , Suter Robert M. , Krill Carl E. , Rohrer Gregory S.
Published: October 2021

Revising grain growth

Polycrystalline materials will often coarsen during annealing, a process that can modify the physical properties. A generally accepted theory ties the grain boundary curvature to the velocity at which grain boundaries migrate. Bhattacharya
et al
. measured this relationship for 52,000 grains in a nickel sample. They did not observe any relationship between curvature and velocity, suggesting that this accepted theory is not robust for polycrystalline samples. The observations require grain-coarsening models to be updated to more accurately predict the effects of annealing. —BG
Adam, Eve, and the evolution of humankind
In Quest of the Historical Adam: A Biblical and Scientific Exploration
William Lane Craig
Eerdmans, 2021. 439 pp.
Authors: Schaffner Stephen
Published: October 2021

A theologian looks to science for clues about the Bible’s first couple
Rare metal, precious adhesion
Authors: Wilker Jonathan J.
Published: October 2021

Mussels use microfluidic assembly and vanadium to create an adhesive that anchors them in their natural environment
Edmond Fischer (1920–2021)
Authors: Scott John D. , Davis Trisha N. , Klevit Rachel E. , Catterall William A.
Published: October 2021

A biochemical virtuoso
In Other Journals
Authors: Sugden Andrew M. , Smith Keith T. , Alderton Gemma , Kelly Priscilla N. , Ray L. Bryan , Funk Michael A. , Lavine Marc S.
Published: October 2021

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Plan aims to slash toll from bacterial meningitis
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: October 2021

New five-in-one vaccine could help end epidemics in Africa and cut deaths worldwide by 70%, WHO says
Vikings in paradise: Did the Norse settle the Azores?
Authors: Price Michael
Published: October 2021

Seafarers may have landed on lush archipelago more than 1000 years ago, sediment cores suggest
CD300a blockade enhances efferocytosis by infiltrating myeloid cells and ameliorates neuronal deficit after ischemic stroke
Authors: Nakahashi-Oda Chigusa , Fujiyama Satoshi , Nakazawa Yuta , Kanemaru Kazumasa , Wang Yaqiu , Lyu Wenxin , Shichita Takashi , Kitaura Jiro , Abe Fumie , Shibuya Akira
Published: October 2021

CD300a blockade ameliorates stroke pathology through enhancing efferocytosis in the brain by infiltrating myeloid cells.
Systems approach reveals distinct and shared signaling networks of the four PGE
2
receptors in T cells
Authors: Lone Anna M. , Giansanti Piero , Jørgensen Marthe Jøntvedt , Gjerga Enio , Dugourd Aurelien , Scholten Arjen , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Heck Albert J. R. , Taskén Kjetil
Published: October 2021

PGE
2
receptors elicit shared, receptor-specific, and cell type–specific downstream signaling in T cells.
The Role of
mprF
Mutations in Seesaw Effect of Daptomycin-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates
Authors: Jiang Shengnan , Zhuang Hemu , Zhu Feiteng , Wei Xiang , Zhang Junxiong , Sun Lu , Ji Shujuan , Wang Haiping , Wu Dandan , Zhao Feng , Yan Rushuang , Yu Yunsong , Chen Yan
Published: October 2021

The emergence of daptomycin-resistant (DAP-R)
Staphylococcus aureus
strains has become a global problem. Point mutations in
mprF
are the main cause of daptomycin (DAP) treatment failure.
Social inequalities in access to care at birth and neonatal mortality: an observational study
Authors: Michel Morgane , Alberti Corinne , Carel Jean-Claude , Chevreul Karine
Published: October 2021

Objective

To look at the association of socioeconomic status (SES) with the suitability of the maternity where children are born and its association with mortality.

Design

Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort constituted using hospital discharge databases.

Setting

France

Population

Live births in 2012–2014 in maternity hospitals in mainland France followed until discharge from the hospital.

Main outcome measure

Unsuitability of the maternity to newborns’ needs based on birth weight and gestational age, early transfers (within 24 hours of birth) and in-hospital mortality.

Results

2 149 454 births were included, among which 155 646 (7.2%) were preterm. Preterm newborns with low SES were less frequently born in level III maternities than those with high SES. They had higher odds of being born in an unsuitable maternity (OR=1.174, 95% CI 1.114 to 1.238 in the lowest SES quintile compared with the highest), and no increase in the odds of an early transfer (OR=0.966, 95% CI 0.849 to 1.099 in the lowest SES quintile compared with the highest). Overall, newborns from the lowest SES quintile had a 40% increase in their odds of dying compared with the highest (OR=1.399, 95% CI 1.235 to 1.584).

Conclusions

Newborns with the lowest SES were less likely to be born in level III maternity hospitals compared with those with the highest SES, despite having higher prematurity rates. This was associated with a significantly higher mortality in newborns with the lowest SES. Strategies must be developed to increase health equity among mothers and newborns.
Description and evaluation of a pathway for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Authors: Armitage Alice Jane , Cohen Jonathan , Heys Michelle , Hardelid Pia , Ward Allison , Eisen Sarah
Published: October 2021

Objective

(1) To describe a novel integrated pathway for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC).

(2) To evaluate a population engaged with this service.

Design

Description of the integrated pathway (objective 1) and retrospective evaluation, using data from community paediatrics, infectious diseases (IDs) screening and a sexual health (SH) service (objective 2).

Setting

Unlinked data were collected from three services across three National Health Service (NHS) trusts in London.

Patients

All Camden UASC engaged with the service from 01 January 2016 to 30 March 2019.

Interventions

A multidisciplinary approach prioritising the health needs of UASC including a childre and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) clinican and a health improvement practitioner. There are low thresholds for onward referral and universal asymptomatic screening of UASC for ID.

Main outcome measures

Data on demographics, unmet health needs and known outcomes.

Results

Data were available for 101 UASC, 16% female, median age 16 years (range 14–17). Physical assault/abuse was reported in 67% and 13% disclosed sexual assault/abuse, including 38% of female UASC. Mental health symptoms were documented in 77%. IDs warranting treatment were identified in 41% including latent tuberculosis (25%) and schistosomiasis (13%). Interpreters were required for 97% and initial non-attendance rates at follow-up were 40% (ID) and 49% (SH).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate high rates of historical physical and sexual assault/abuse, unmet physical, mental and emotional health needs among UASC and significant barriers to engaging with services. An integrated pathway has been successfully implemented and shown to deliver appropriate, joined-up care for UASC, consistent with current recommendations, with the potential to improve outcomes.
Evaluation of treatment response and symptom progression in 400 patients with visual snow syndrome
Authors: Puledda Francesca , Vandenbussche Nicolas , Moreno-Ajona David , Eren Ozan , Schankin Christoph , Goadsby Peter J
Published: October 2021

Aims

To gather information on useful medications to treat visual snow syndrome (VSS) as well as to validate an instrument to assess its clinical severity and the course of the disorder over time.

Methods

Four hundred patients with VSS were included in this web-based prospective questionnaire study. All subjects completed a treatment questionnaire and a clinical diary. The first allowed evaluation of the effects of previous medications on visual snow, while the second measured VSS symptoms daily over the course of 30 days.

Results

Patients commonly reported previous use of medications such as antidepressants, antiepileptics, antibiotics and benzodiazepines. However, none of these drug classes was beneficial for the majority of patients. Recreational drugs and alcohol worsened visual snow symptoms in several reports. Vitamins and benzodiazepines had high therapeutic ratios, although in most cases they did not change the course of VSS.

The monthly diary confirmed that the static in VSS is a consistent symptom over time. It also showed that indoor and fluorescent lights have a worse effect on symptoms when compared with natural outdoor lighting.

Conclusions

The study confirms clinical experience that medications are generally ineffective in VSS, with the exception of vitamins and perhaps benzodiazepines, which could be beneficial in some patients. The 30-day diary represents a useful tool to measure symptom progression over time, which could be used in future trials on VSS.
Primary and secondary focal choroidal excavation morphologic phenotypes, associated ocular disorders and prognostic implications
Authors: Capellan Pamela , Gonzalez Luis A , Abdallah Mahrous M , Weiss Stephanie J , Botsford Benjamin , Lenis Tamara L , Ryan Michael , Orlin Anton , Papakostas Thanos , Kiss Szilard , D'Amico Donald , Kovacs Kyle
Published: October 2021

Aims

To characterise and classify the morphological, clinical and tomographic characteristics of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) lesions to determine their prognostic implications.

Methods

36 eyes with FCE (32 patients) underwent multimodal imaging, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence. FCE lesions were classified into three subtypes: (1) type 1: myopic (central choroidal thickness: <100 µm), (2) type 2: suspected congenital (central choroidal thickness: 100–200 µm, without associated chorioretinal pathology) and (3) type 3: secondary or acquired (central choroidal thickness: >200 µm, with associated chorioretinal pathology).

Results

80.6% of eyes were followed longitudinally (26.8±18.8 months). There were 9 type 1 FCEs (myopic), 8 type 2 FCEs (U-shaped, congenital) and 19 type 3 FCEs (V-shaped, secondary). Type 2 FCEs trended towards larger maximum widths (p=0.0563). Type 3 FCEs were associated with central serous chorioretinopathy or pachyvessels (47.4%), but were also seen in pattern dystrophy, geographic atrophy, inactive choroiditis, torpedo maculopathy and adult-onset vitelliform dystrophy. Choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) were more prevalent in type 3 FCE (41.2% compared with 11.1% for type 1 FCE, p=0.251, and 0% for type 2 FCE, p=0.043).

Conclusions

The FCE types, stratified by central choroidal thickness, demonstrated distinct morphological characteristics and associated findings. The classification scheme held prognostic implications as type 3 FCE with V shapes were associated with other chorioretinal conditions and were more likely to develop CNVM.
Burden of near vision loss in China: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Jin Guangming , Zou Minjie , Liu Chi , Chen Aiming , Sun Yi , Young Charlotte Aimee , Li Yi , Zheng Danying , Congdon Nathan , Han Xiaotong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To investigate the burden of near vision loss (NVL) in China by year, age and gender from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

We used estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study to report the prevalence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to NVL in China. Estimates of crude counts and age-standardised rates per 100 000 population are accompanied by 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We summarised the age-specific and sex-specific patterns and trends regarding the burden of NVL in China, compared with seven neighbouring countries.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the all-age number and rate for NVL prevalence and DALYs increased significantly in China (all p<0.001). The age-standardised rate decreased from 7538.1 (95% UI 6946.3 to 8075.1) to 7392.9 (95% UI 6855.8 to 7890.5) per 100 000 population for NVL prevalence (p=0.107), and from 74.9 (95% UI 69.6 to 79.9) to 73.8 (95% UI 70.6 to 80.1) per 100 000 population for DALYs (p=0.388). Women had higher NVL prevalence (t=170.1, p<0.001) and DALYs (t=192.5, p<0.001) than men. Higher disease burden of NVL was observed in the middle-aged and elderly population. The age-standardised prevalence and DALY rate attributable to NVL in China were lower than in India, North Korea, Pakistan (all p<0.001), but higher than Russia, South Korea, Singapore and Japan (all p<0.001).

Conclusions

Despite a small decrease in age-standardised prevalence and DALYs due to NVL in China in the past two decades, the existing burden is still considerable and significantly higher compared with neighbouring developed countries. An approach that includes all stakeholders is needed to further reduce this burden.
Biosimilar SB11 versus reference ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 1-year phase III randomised clinical trial outcomes
Authors: Bressler Neil M , Veith Miroslav , Hamouz Jan , Ernest Jan , Zalewski Dominik , Studnička Jan , Vajas Attila , Papp András , Vogt Gabor , Luu James , Matuskova Veronika , Yoon Young Hee , Pregun Tamás , Kim Taehyung , Shin Donghoon , Oh Inkyung , Jeong Hansol , Kim Mercy Yeeun , Woo Se Joon
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims

To provide longer-term data on efficacy, safety, immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics (PK) of ranibizumab biosimilar SB11 compared with the reference ranibizumab (RBZ) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods

Setting: Multicentre.Design: Randomised, double-masked, parallel-group, phase III equivalence study.Patient population: ≥50 years old participants with nAMD (n=705), one ‘study eye’. Intervention: 1:1 randomisation to monthly intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg SB11 or RBZ.Main outcome measures: Visual efficacy endpoints, safety, immunogenicity and PK up to 52 weeks.

Results

Baseline and disease characteristics were comparable between treatment groups. Of 705 randomised participants (SB11: n=351; RBZ: n=354), 634 participants (89.9%; SB11: n=307; RBZ: n=327) completed the study until week 52. Previously reported equivalence in primary efficacy remained stable up to week 52 and were comparable between SB11 and RBZ. The adjusted treatment difference between SB11 and RBZ in full analysis set at week 52 of change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity was −0.6 letters (90% CI −2.1 to 0.9) and of change from baseline in central subfield thickness was −14.9 µm (95% CI –25.3 to –4.5). The incidence of ocular treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (SB11: 32.0% vs RBZ: 29.7%) and serious ocular TEAE (SB11: 2.9% vs RBZ: 2.3%) appeared comparable between treatment groups, and no new safety concerns were observed. The PK and immunogenicity profiles were comparable, with a 4.2% and 5.5% cumulative incidence of antidrug antibodies up to week 52 for SB11 and RBZ, respectively.

Conclusions

Longer-term results of this study further support the biosimilarity established between SB11 and RBZ.
Relationship between vision impairment and employment
Authors: Chai Yi Xuen , Gan Alfred Tau Liang , Fenwick Eva K , Sui Abraham Y , Tan Benjamin Kye Jyn , Quek Debra Q Y , Qian Chaoxu , Wong Tien Yin , Cheng Ching-Yu , Lamoureux Ecosse Luc , Man Ryan Eyn Kidd
Published: October 2021

Aims

To examine the relationship between vision impairment (VI) and employment outcomes in a multiethnic Asian population.

Methods

We included 7608 Asian individuals aged ≥40 years (mean (SD) age: 58.4 (10.3) years; 64.8% male) from the Singapore Epidemiology Eye Disease Study (response rate: 78.8%), a population-based cohort study (mean follow-up period: 6.2 years). Presenting visual acuity (VA) was assessed using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) chart, with VI defined as mild (VA >0.3 to <0.6 logMAR) and moderate to severe (VA ≥0.6 logMAR). Self-reported employment statuses at both baseline and follow-up were used as outcomes. Underemployment was defined as a decline in occupational skill level, categorised by International Standard Classification of Occupations, at follow-up compared with baseline. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine independent associations between VI and various employment outcomes, adjusted for variables that were found to significantly differ across employment statuses.

Results

Presenting VI was prevalent in 20.2% (N=1536) of participants. Compared with those without VI, participants with mild and moderate to severe VI were more likely to be unemployed at baseline (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.87, p=0.002 and 2.74, 95% CI 1.94 to 3.89, p<0.001, respectively). At follow-up, participants with any VI at baseline were more likely to be underemployed (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.05, p=0.033).

Conclusion

VI, even when mild, is associated with unemployment and underemployment. Future studies should investigate whether visual interventions could be used as part of a multipronged strategy to improve employment outcomes for the population.
Cost-effectiveness of rapid laboratory-based mass-spectrometry diagnosis of bloodstream infection: evidence from the RAPIDO randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dixon Padraig , Hollingworth William , Pike Katie , Reynolds Rosy , Stoddart Margaret , MacGowan Alasdair
Published: October 2021

Objectives and intervention

Bloodstream infection, the presence of viable micro-organisms in the blood, is a prevalent clinical event associated with substantial mortality. Patient outcomes may be improved when the causative micro-organism is identified quickly. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of rapid microbial identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.

Design

Economic evaluation alongside a randomised multicentre trial (RAPIDO: RAPId Diagnosis on Outcome) assessing the impact of rapid identification by MALDI-TOF spectrometry.

Setting

Adult inpatients with bloodstream infections at seven National Health Service hospital trusts in England and Wales.

Primary outcome

Net monetary benefit, estimated as incremental costs compared with incremental 28-day survival, of rapid identification by MALDI-TOF spectrometry compared with conventional identification.

Methods

Patients were randomised (1:1) to receive diagnosis by conventional methods of microbial identification (conventional arm) only or by MALDI-TOF spectrometry in addition to conventional identification (RAPIDO arm).

Results

Data from 5550 patients were included in primary analysis. Mean imputed costs in 2018/2019 prices per patient were lower by £126 in the RAPIDO arm (95% CI −£784 to £532) but the proportion of patients alive at day 28 was lower (81.4% vs 82.3%). The probability of cost-effectiveness of MALDI-TOF was <0.5 at cost-effectiveness thresholds between £20 000 and £50 000.

Conclusions

Adjunctive MALDI-TOF diagnosis was unlikely to be cost-effective when measured as cost per death avoided at 28 days. However, the differences between arms in cost and effect were modest, associated with uncertainty and may not accurately reflect ‘real-world’ routine use of MALDI-TOF technology in this patient group.

Trial registration numbers

ISRCTN97107018/UKCRN 11978.
Prevalence and correlates of pre-diabetes in adults of mixed ethnicities in the South African population: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Sosibo Aubrey Mbulelo , Mzimela Nomusa Christina , Ngubane Phikelelani Siphosethu , Khathi Andile
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Pre-diabetes is a metabolic condition characterised by moderate glycaemic dysregulation and is a front-line risk factor to multiple metabolic complications such as overt diabetes. To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis that focuses on generating a comprehensive pooling of studies that report on the pre-diabetes prevalence in South Africa. Therefore, the review’s purpose will be to screen and elect reports that can be used to synthesise and provide the best estimate prevalence and correlate of pre-diabetes in the South African population.

Methods and analysis

To determine the prevalence and correlates of pre-diabetes in South African, we will search PubMed, Embase and African Journal online for published or unpublished studies reporting the prevalence of pre-diabetes in South Africa starting from the year 2000 to 2020. Studies will be assessed for eligibility by checking if they meet the inclusion criteria. Eligible studies will undergo data extraction and risk of bias assessment. We will perform a subgroup analysis to detect probable causes of heterogeneity.

Ethics and dissemination

The review will not require ethics clearance because non-identifiable data will be used. The review outcomes will give more insight into the current burden that pre-diabetes has in South Africa.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020182430.
Systematic review of occupational hazards at postharvest grain operations
Authors: Bellochio Sabrina Dalla Corte , Coradi Paulo Carteri
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Agriculture stands out in relation to the high number of occupational incidents and diseases. In this sense, grains postharvest operations, such as receiving, precleaning, drying, storage and shipping the grains, are highlighted in the number of injuries and fatalities.

Aim

To identify and extract qualitative and quantitative data related to the main occupational hazards present in grains postharvest operations at preprocessing and storage facilities.

Methods

A systematic review was carried out in the databases of Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science for papers published between 1980 and 2019. The abstract should have described a study related to any occupational hazard (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and mechanical) and at least one of the occupational hazards should be related to any postharvest operations.

Results and discussions

In total, 42% of 38 analysed papers were published between 2015 and 2019. Three journals were responsible for 45% of publications related to occupational hazards present in grains postharvest operations. The most part of analysed publications related to confined spaces, grain entrapment, machine entanglement and falls hazards are related to Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program which applied research in occupational safety at grains postharvest.

Conclusions

The creation of standardised internationals can collaborate to reduce occupational risks in grain storage units. It is suggested the development of monitoring technologies to obtain real-time information on noise, dust, gases and heat in postharvest operations and equipment. The use of intelligent algorithms can create prevention mechanisms for possible occupational risks and avoid injuries to employees.
Missing cases of injury death: use of quantitative methods and case reviews to inform future improvements in case definition
Authors: Cryer Colin , Gulliver Pauline , Davie Gabrielle , Samaranayaka Ari , Fowler Christine
Published: October 2021

Background

Knowledge of fatal injuries is required to inform prevention activities. Where hospital patients with an injury principal diagnosis (PDx) died and were certified to a medical underlying cause of death (UCoD), there is the potential to underestimate injury mortality. We sought to characterise injury/non-injury (NI) mismatches between PDx and UCoD by identifying which subgroups had small/large mismatches, and to understand why mismatches had occurred using informative examples.

Method

Hospital records (n=10 234) with a PDx of injury were linked to the mortality collection using a unique personal identifier. Percentages UCoD coded to a NI were tabulated, for three follow-up periods and by selected variables. Additionally, we reviewed a sample of 70 records for which there was a mismatch.

Results

%NIs were 39%, 66% and 77% for time from injury to death of <1 week, <90 days and <1 year, respectively. Variations in %NI were found for all variables. Illustrative examples of 70 medical UCoD deaths showed that for 12 cases the injury event was unequivocally judged to have resulted in premature death. A further 16 were judged as injury deaths using balance of probability arguments.

Conclusion

There is variation in rates of mismatch between PDx of injury and UCoD of NI. While legitimate reasons exist for mismatches in certain groups, a material number of injury deaths are not captured using UCoD alone; a new operational definition of injury death is needed. Early solutions are proposed. Further work is needed to investigate operational definitions with acceptable false positive and negative detection rates.
Automatic oxygen titration versus constant oxygen flow rates during walking in COPD: a randomised controlled, double-blind, crossover trial
Authors: Schneeberger Tessa , Jarosch Inga , Leitl Daniela , Gloeckl Rainer , Hitzl Wolfgang , Dennis Clancy John , Geyer Tatjana , Criée Carl-Peter , Koczulla Andreas Rembert , Kenn Klaus
Published: October 2021

Rationale

In patients with COPD, oxygen (O2)-supplementation via a constant flow oxygen system (CFOS) can result in insufficient oxygen saturation (SpO2<90%) during exercise. An automatically titrating O2-system (ATOS) has been shown to be beneficial compared with an untitrated CFOS, however, it is unknown if ATOS is superior to CFOS, titrated during exercise as stipulated by guidelines. The aim was to investigate the effects of ATOS compared with titrated CFOS on walking capacity in people with hypoxaemic COPD.

Methods

Fifty participants completed this prospective randomised controlled, double-blind, crossover trial. Participants performed two endurance shuttle walk tests (ESWTs) with: (1) exercise titrated CFOS (ESWTCFOS) and (2) ATOS targeting an SpO2of 92% (ESWTATOS). Primary outcome measure was walking time. Secondary measures were SpO2, transcutaneous-PCO2(TcPCO2), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR) at isotime (end of shortest ESWT) with blood gases and dyspnoea at rest and end exercise.

Results

Participants (median (IQR): age 66 (59, 70) years, FEV128.8 (24.8, 35.1) % predicted, PO254.7 (51.0, 57.7) mm Hg, PCO244.2 (38.2, 47.8) mm Hg) walked significantly longer with ESWTATOSin comparison to ESWTCFOS(median effect (95% CI) +144.5 (54 to 241.5) s, p<0.001). At isotime, SpO2was significantly higher (+3 (95% CI 1 to 4) %, p<0.001) with ATOS while TcPCO2, RR and HR were comparable. End exercise, PO2(+8.85 (95% CI 6.35 to 11.9) mm Hg) and dyspnoea (−0.5 (95% CI −1.0 to −0.5) points) differed significantly in favour of ATOS (each p<0.001) while PCO2was comparable.

Conclusion

In patients with hypoxaemia with severe COPD the use of ATOS leads to significant, clinically relevant improvements in walking endurance time, SpO2, PO2and dyspnoea with no impact on PCO2.

Trial registration number

NCT03803384.
Qubit-based momentum measurement of a particle
Authors: Konrad Bernd , Di Pumpo Fabio , Freyberger Matthias
Published: October 2021

An early approach to include pointers representing measurement devices into quantum mechanics was given by von Neumann. Based on this idea, we model such pointers by qubits and couple them to a free particle, in analogy to a classical time-of-flight arrangement. The corresponding Heisenberg dynamics leads to pointer observables whose expectation values allow us to reconstruct the particle’s momentum distribution via the characteristic function. We investigate different initial qubit states and find that such a reconstruction can be considerably simplified by initially entangled pointers.

Graphical abstract
On the dynamic slip boundary condition for Navier–Stokes-like problems
Authors: Abbatiello Anna , Bulíček Miroslav , Maringová Erika
Published: October 2021

The choice of the boundary conditions in mechanical problems has to reflect the interaction of the considered material with the surface. Still the assumption of the no-slip condition is preferred in order to avoid boundary terms in the analysis and slipping effects are usually overlooked. Besides the “static slip models”, there are phenomena that are not accurately described by them, e.g. at the moment when the slip changes rapidly, the wall shear stress and the slip can exhibit a sudden overshoot and subsequent relaxation. When these effects become significant, the so-called dynamic slip phenomenon occurs. We develop a mathematical analysis of Navier–Stokes-like problems with a dynamic slip boundary condition, which requires a proper generalization of the Gelfand triplet and the corresponding function space setting.
ABM DOCUMENTATION AND ODD PROTOCOL IN ECONOMICS: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: ALVAREZ EMILIANO , BRIDA JUAN GABRIEL , LONDON SILVIA
Published: October 2021

Since the first agent-based models (ABM), the scientific community has been interested in making not only the results of computational models understandable but also the modeling description, to facilitate their replication. The form that has been adopted to a greater extent has been the ODD (Overview, Design concepts, and Details) protocol, which provides a generic structure for its documentation. This protocol provides a way to clearly explain the procedures and interactions of the complex systems to be analyzed, with applications that have spread across different disciplines. This study presents a bibliometric analysis using Scopus database of the articles that emerged from the first publication of this protocol in 2006. The results show that the use of this form of documenting has grown in Economics, but its participation remains stable in relative terms. Results also show that the top journal both in number of articles and impact is JASSS, but it is not observed that there is a greater dissemination toward specific Economics journals or that it is used for a greater number of topics. Finally, it is found that there is a common core in Economics’ ABM literature, with a bias toward methodological articles in the articles that follow the ODD protocol while there is a bias towards articles on economic models in those that do not follow this protocol.
The New Global City Hypothesis: Theoretical Connotation and Characteristics
Authors: NI Pengfei , SHEN Li
Published: October 2021

Based on the logic of how the connotation of globalization has changed in different stages, we review the development process of practices and theories about global cities, extract a more general theoretical framework for global cities, and then propose a hypothesis about new global cities in accordance with the theory and historical logic. From the theoretical and empirical perspectives, we analyze the formation and characteristics of new global cities, evaluate them from a new perspective, and come to the following conclusions: Information technology (IT) and finance are becoming the leading forces of economic globalization; the superposition of cities’ functions as an IT center and a financial center has become the core feature of the new global cities; and new global cities can be divided into four levels, among which New York, Beijing, London and San Jose are at the top level.
BATS: A Spectral Biclustering Approach to Single Document Topic Modeling and Segmentation
Authors: Wu Qiong , Hare Adam , Wang Sirui , Tu Yuwei , Liu Zhenming , Brinton Christopher G. , Li Yanhua
Published: October 2021

Existing topic modeling and text segmentation methodologies generally require large datasets for training, limiting their capabilities when only small collections of text are available. In this work, we reexamine the inter-related problems of “topic identification” and “text segmentation” for sparse document learning, when there is a single new text of interest. In developing a methodology to handle single documents, we face two major challenges. First is
sparse information
: with access to only one document, we cannot train traditional topic models or deep learning algorithms. Second is
significant noise
: a considerable portion of words in any single document will produce only noise and not help discern topics or segments. To tackle these issues, we design an unsupervised, computationally efficient methodology called Biclustering Approach to Topic modeling and Segmentation (BATS). BATS leverages three key ideas to simultaneously identify topics and segment text: (i) a new mechanism that uses word order information to reduce sample complexity, (ii) a statistically sound graph-based biclustering technique that identifies latent structures of words and sentences, and (iii) a collection of effective heuristics that remove noise words and award important words to further improve performance. Experiments on six datasets show that our approach outperforms several state-of-the-art baselines when considering topic coherence, topic diversity, segmentation, and runtime comparison metrics.
Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Users Evaluating Designs for Highlighting Key Words in Educational Lecture Videos
Authors: Kafle Sushant , Dingman Becca , Huenerfauth Matt
Published: October 2021

There are style guidelines for authors who highlight important words in static text, e.g., bolded words in student textbooks, yet little research has investigated highlighting in dynamic texts, e.g., captions during educational videos for Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) users. In our experimental study, DHH participants subjectively compared design parameters for caption highlighting, including: decoration (underlining vs. italicizing vs. boldfacing), granularity (sentence level vs. word level), and whether to highlight only the first occurrence of a repeating keyword. In partial contrast to recommendations in prior research, which had not been based on experimental studies with DHH users, we found that DHH participants preferred boldface, word-level highlighting in captions. Our empirical results provide guidance for the design of keyword highlighting during captioned videos for DHH users, especially in educational video genres.