bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warning behaviors and leaked intent: Potential new avenues to prevent mass shootings
Authors: Freitas Corina , Annas George David
Published: November 2021

On March 12, 2018, John Laubscher, owner of AJ’s Archery in Nelson, NY, had a gut feeling and refused to sell a rifle to a Syracuse University student—disrupting a mass shooting (https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2018/04/how_gun_shop_owner_thwarted_on_the_edge_su_student_from_buying_high‐capacity_rif.html. Accessed 10 Nov 2021). Prompted by this, we surveyed the opinions, beliefs, attitudes, and current practices of gun sellers in Onondaga County, NY, in regard to safe gun sales. The primary outcome was to determine which types of “concerning behaviors” are more likely to cause a seller to intervene in some manner. Secondary outcomes included the following: ascertaining the frequency of denials of customer purchases, frequency of reporting to law enforcement, and identifying any gaps that make it difficult for gun sellers to report behaviors to the authorities. Follow‐up interviews were conducted with those who were willing to speak with the authors in more depth. A response rate of 12.9% was achieved. Sixty‐two percent (62.5%) of respondents had some experience in uniformed services, with specialized training in mental or emotional crises, as well as deception detection. The majority found the training helpful in their gun selling career. Reasons for personal denials were reported as: “interest in illegal fittings,” “information revealed during conversation,” and “lack of basic knowledge of using the firearm looking to purchase.” Two respondents stated that due to a lack of a “reporting protocol,” they would not report any concerns to law enforcement. The study helps inform future research in regard to surveying more sellers across NY state and nationwide.
Hierarchy‐guided neural network for species classification
Authors: Elhamod Mohannad , Diamond Kelly M. , Maga A. Murat , Bakis Yasin , Bart Henry L. , Mabee Paula , Dahdul Wasila , Leipzig Jeremy , Greenberg Jane , Avants Brian , Karpatne Anuj
Published: November 2021

Species classification is an important task which is the foundation of industrial, commercial, ecological and scientific applications involving the study of species distributions, dynamics and evolution.

While conventional approaches for this task use off‐the‐shelf machine learning (ML) methods such as existing Convolutional Neural Network (ConvNet) architectures, there is an opportunity to inform the ConvNet architecture using our knowledge of biological hierarchies among taxonomic classes.

In this work, we propose a new approach for species classification termed hierarchy‐guided neural network (HGNN), which infuses hierarchical taxonomic information into the neural network's training to guide the structure and relationships among the extracted features. We perform extensive experiments on an illustrative use‐case of classifying fish species to demonstrate thatHGNNoutperforms conventional ConvNet models in terms of classification accuracy, especially under scarce training data conditions.

We also observe thatHGNNshows better resilience to adversarial occlusions, when some of the most informative patch regions of the image are intentionally blocked and their effect on classification accuracy is studied.
Cardiopulmonary bypass in a child with erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Pathman Lydia , Bennett Martin , d’Udekem Yves , Phillips Roderic
Published: November 2021

Children with erythropoietic porphyria are generally under the care of paediatric dermatologists. When these children undergo major surgery, they are at risk of unusual complications due to their photosensitivity. Dermatologists may be consulted prior to surgery for advice. We describe a case of a child with erythropoietic porphyria undergoing open heart surgery, utilising an exchange transfusion alongside other strategies to minimise the risk of photosensitivity‐induced haemolysis.
The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult liver transplant patients: A qualitative systematic review of literature
Authors: Reid Trista D. , Kratzke Ian M. , Dayal Diana , Raff Lauren , Serrano Pablo , Kumar Aman , Zendel Alex , Herdman Victoria , Gallaher Jared , Carlson Rebecca , Charles Anthony G. , Desai Chirag S.
Published: November 2021

Background

A paucity of evidence exists regarding risks and benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult liver transplantation.

Methods

This was a systematic review conducted from January 1, 2000 to April 24, 2020 of adult liver transplant recipients (pre‐ or post‐transplant) and donors who underwent Veno‐arterial or Veno‐venous ECMO cannulation. Death was the primary outcome, with graft function and complications as secondary outcomes.

Results

Forty‐one articles were identified that fit criteria. A total of 183 donors were placed on ECMO, with recipient complication profiles and mortality that mirrored rates from standard criteria donors. Sixty‐one recipients were placed on ECMO intraoperatively or postoperatively. Most patients experienced at least one complication with infections as the most common cause and minimal complications specifically related to ECMO use. Multisystem organ failure (MSOF) and infections were more common among liver recipients who died compared to those who survived. Overall mortality at 90 days was 45.9%. Causes of death were most commonly MSOF and infections.

Conclusions

ECMO use in adult liver transplantation is a useful adjunct. Recipient morbidity and mortality from donors placed on ECMO parallel that of recipients from standard criteria donors, and morbidity and mortality of recipients placed on ECMO are similar to other ECMO populations.
“That is when you realize your age”—A spatial approach to age(ing)
Authors: Enßle‐Reinhardt Friederike , Helbrecht Ilse
Published: November 2021

Age is a conceptual challenge for geographical research due to its twofold character as a marker of difference (age) and a dynamic process (ageing). The fluidity of the ageing process makes it difficult to employ age as an analytic variable for empirical research, perhaps even more so than for other social categories such as gender, ethnicity, social status, or sexual orientation. Drawing on qualitative research with 18 expert interviews and 4 focus group discussions with older people (n = 26) from diverse backgrounds in Berlin (Germany), this paper argues for a spatial perspective to grasp the individual, continuous process of ageing. Based on the spatial settings of (1) places of recreation, (2) places of work, and (3) home as examples, our empirical findings reveal how older people become aware of their own ageing through specific places and how the process of ageing is perceived in relation to both people of other age groups and one's personal lived lifetime. The intersectional approach of our research thus demonstrates how social diversity shapes the experience of later life. The paper concludes by proposing three ways how a spatial perspective on the ageing process can advance debates within geographies of ageing.
To take or not take? Examination of the status quo process for issuing take authorizations of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales and implications for their recovery
Authors: Migura Mandy , Bollini Celeste
Published: November 2021

Endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales' (CIBWs; Delphinapterus leucas) abundance has declined nearly 80% since the 1970s, and continues to decline 2.3% annually with less than 300 whales remaining. Despite the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act prohibiting take of protected species, exceptions allow the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to authorize take of CIBWs. Harassment, a type of take, has the potential to hinder CIBWs' recovery by contributing to the threat of cumulative effects. Recovery action 62 in the 2016 CIBW Recovery Plan recommends NMFS reassess its current project‐by‐project approach for authorizing harassment takes to determine whether a comprehensive approach is more effective at reducing cumulative effects. To start this assessment, we compiled data from publicly available documents about CIBW research and incidental take authorizations effective since publication of the Recovery Plan, identified the amount of legal harassment NMFS authorized annually, and examined whether a relationship exists between total annual take authorizations and the population size. By the end of 2020, NMFS authorized nearly 120,000 takes of CIBWs cumulatively for 2017–2025. In 2020 alone, 22,350 takes were authorized, equating to 8371% of the estimated population size; research takes accounted for 99.4% of the total authorizations; and 50% of the population was authorized to be incidentally harassed. We found strong evidence of an inverse relationship between total takes authorized annually and the population size. Our results provide support for NMFS immediately implementing action 62 to take a critical look at the existing process for authorizing takes and its potential impacts to CIBW recovery. Several recommendations are provided for improving the take authorization process to help reduce the potential for cumulative effects and improve transparency of take data. To our knowledge, this is the first assessment of cumulative levels of take authorizations of CIBWs at this scale.
Successful endoscopic mucosal incision and enucleation of an implanted press‐through package sheet in the esophageal wall
Authors: Suga Tomoaki , Oguchi Takaya , Maruyama Kiyotomi
Published: November 2021

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Long‐term individual retention with cenobamate in adults with focal seizures: Pooled data from the clinical development program
Authors: Sander Josemir W. , Rosenfeld William E. , Halford Jonathan J. , Steinhoff Bernhard J. , Biton Victor , Toledo Manuel
Published: November 2021

Objective

We determined retention on open‐label cenobamate therapy in the clinical development program to assess the long‐term efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive cenobamate in individuals with uncontrolled focal seizures.

Methods

Data from two randomized, controlled cenobamate studies and one open‐label safety and pharmacokinetic study were pooled. Based on the percentage of participants remaining on treatment, retention rates were estimated using Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses. We performed two additional analyses to assess factors contributing to retention, stratifying a robust data set (through 2 years) by cenobamate modal dose and frequently used concomitant anti‐seizure medications. Cenobamate discontinuations and treatment‐emergent adverse events were summarized.

Results

Data from 1844 participants were pooled: 149 from a single‐dose randomized trial, 355 from a multi‐dose randomized trial, and 1340 from an open‐label safety and pharmacokinetic study. Most participants from randomized trials continued in open‐label extensions, and pooled data represent >95% of participants exposed to cenobamate. Baseline characteristics and disease and treatment histories were similar across studies. Median duration of cenobamate exposure was 34 months, with a median modal dose of 200 mg/day. Kaplan‐Meier estimates of cumulative cenobamate retention rates were 80% at 1 year and 72% at 2 years. Once participants reached the maintenance phase, retention rates were consistently high in participants receiving ≥100 mg/day cenobamate, and concomitant anti‐seizure medications did not affect long‐term retention. By 2 years, 535 (29%) had actually discontinued cenobamate; the most common reasons for discontinuation were adverse events (37.6%), withdrawal of consent (21.1%), and other (16.8%).

Significance

Treatment retention rates provide a proxy measure for long‐term efficacy, safety, tolerability, and adherence. The consistently high retention rates we found suggest that cenobamate may be an effective and well‐tolerated new treatment option for people with drug‐resistant focal seizures.
Golden sine cosine SALP swarm algorithm for shape matching using atomic potential function
Authors: Xiang Zhehong , Zhou Guo , Zhou Yongquan , Luo Qifang
Published: November 2021

Salp swarm algorithm (SSA) is one of the efficient recent meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms, where it has been successfully utilized in a wide range of optimization problems in different fields. In the research process, it is found that it is very difficult to maintain the balance between the exploration and exploitation capabilities of a certain algorithm. Therefore, one of the main purposes of this article is to provide an algorithm that can intelligently balance between exploration and exploitation, so that it can balance exploration and exploitation capabilities. Later, in the research process, it was found that the sine and cosine function and the salp foraging trajectory have a high mathematical similarity, which greatly improves the optimization ability of the algorithm. In addition, the variable neighbourhood strategy can appropriately expand the optimization range of the algorithm. So in this paper, a novel golden sine cosine salp swarm algorithm with variable neighbourhood search scheme (GSCSSA‐VNS) is proposed, the another objective of proposing this algorithm is as a new optimization method for shape matching. As a relatively new branch, atomic potential matching (APM) model is inspired by potential field attractions. Compared to the conventional edge potential function (EPF) model, APM has been verified to be less sensitive to intricate backgrounds in the test image and far more cost effective in the computation process. Experimental results of four realistic examples show that GSCSSA‐VNS is able to provide very competitive results and outperforms the other algorithms.
Enhancing foreign language motivation through the magic of cooperative learning: Dream or reality?
Authors: Fakhri Alamdari Ebrahim , Ghani Fariborz
Published: November 2021

Motivation, a major contributor to the acquisition of language skills, can be promoted consciously through principled methods. This study investigated the impact of cooperative learning (CL) on foreign language (FL) learners' motivation in Iran. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were applied to pursue the aims of this study. The participants were 180 male and female intermediate FL learners in three groups. The Experimental Group 1 (N = 60) received two CL techniques: Student Teams‐Achievement Division and Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC). The participants in Experimental Group 2 (N = 60) received Round‐Table and Think–Pair–Share techniques. The participants in the Control Group (N = 60) were taught the same materials conventionally without any CL strategies. The Language Learning Orientations Scale (LLOS‐IEA) was used before and after the intervention to track changes in FL learners' motivation. The results indicated that the integration of CL techniques into FL classrooms had a significant impact on FL learners' motivation in both experimental groups. The post‐hoc Tukey's Test also depicted no statistically significant difference between the two experimental groups after the intervention. The results of Kruskal‐Wallis test comparing the three groups in subscales of LLOS also revealed that all subscales—amotivation, intrinsic (Knowledge, Accomplishment, and Stimulation) and extrinsic (External Regulation, Introjected Regulation, and Identified Regulation) motivation—were statistically significant. In addition, the analysis of the qualitative data revealed some cultural and contextual constraints associated with Iranian context.
Long‐term microtensile bond strength of self‐etch adhesives and influence of 7‐s phosphoric acid etching on adhesion of a 3‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive to the dentine of primary teeth
Authors: Amend Stefanie , Frankenberger Roland , Oschmann Tobias , Lücker Susanne , Winter Julia , Krämer Norbert
Published: November 2021

Background

The immediate microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of self‐etch (SE) adhesives to primary dentine is promising, but evidence about the durability is scarce.

Aim

To assess the long‐term µTBS of SE adhesives to primary dentine and to examine the effect of 7‐s etching on µTBS of a 3‐step etch‐and‐rinse (ER) adhesive.

Design

The enamel of 115 caries‐free human primary teeth was ground flat, and bonding was performed according to group assignment: G‐aenial™ Bond/GC [GB], Clearfil™ SE Bond/Kuraray [CS], OptiBond™ XTR/Kerr [OX], Scotchbond™ Universal/3M™ [SU], Prime&Bond® NT™/Dentsply [PB], and OptiBond™ FL/Kerr [OF]. After storage (24 h, 6 mos., 12 mos.), 1,762 beams were cut for µTBS testing. Fracture analysis was performed using light/fluorescence microscopy. Resin‐dentine interfaces were exemplarily analyzed using SEM.

Results

After 24 h, OX and SU showed significantly higher estimated mean µTBS than GB, which exhibited the lowest µTBS at all stages (p < .05). μTBS within each adhesive group showed slight variations over time (p > .05). OF_SE produced acceptable µTBS. Etching increased the mean immediate µTBS for OF (p > .05) and the percentage of cohesive fractures.

Conclusions

SE adhesives achieved durable μTBS to primary dentine. 7‐s etching may improve the immediate µTBS of a 3‐step ER adhesive.
New regulation of medical devices in the EU: impact in dermatology
Authors: Malvehy J. , Ginsberg R. , Sampietro‐Colom L. , Ficapal J. , Combalia M. , Svedenhag P.
Published: November 2021

Medical device (MD) is a broad term that encompasses products ranging from, for example, examination gloves to digital dermoscopy systems; all of which are regulated by a new regulatory framework in the EU from May 2021. The new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) (Regulation EU 2017/745) will have a significant effect on suppliers of MD and will have subsequent effects also for dermatologists and other clinicians. Medical device software and apps are reclassified leading to more stringent requirements on documentation within, e.g. clinical evidence, as well as regulatory authority control. The changes will likely have positive effects on quality, to the benefit of patients. There will, however, be implications affecting the availability and support of existing devices and the introduction of new devices, as well as a likely price increase due to the higher costs for suppliers. Dermatologists, other clinicians and administrators need to be aware of the effects of MDR to ensure that existing devices and new purchases can be used as planned. Specifically, clinicians need to be aware of the following: (i) improved quality of MD and follow‐up of incidents can be expected. (ii) Only ‘non‐significant’ updates will be permitted after May 2021 to many existing systems and devices unless approved under the new MDR. (iii) Existing devices that do not achieve approval under the new regulation will no longer be manufactured after May 2024. (iv) New products and methods will take longer time to be approved and available. (v) Prices will likely increase. (vi) Suppliers of products that do not fulfil the new regulation will disappear, and the availability of consumables, spare parts or upgrades might be discontinued. (vii) A trend to oligopoly may appear in the market. It is therefore important to check with your suppliers as to how and when they will adhere to the new MDR regulation.
Cancer‐related fatigue and treatment burden in surgically treated colorectal cancer patients – A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Husebø Anne Marie Lunde , Dalen Ingvild , Søreide Jon Arne , Bru Edvin , Richardson Alison
Published: November 2021

Objective

This cross‐sectional study aimed to describe cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who were surgically treated with curative intent, identify subgroups at risk of elevated fatigue levels and explore associations between CRF and treatment burden.

Background

CRF is a prominent symptom among cancer patients. In patients treated for CRC, CRF is associated with adjuvant treatments, low quality of life and reduced ability to self‐manage.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐four patients with CRC treated at a Norwegian university hospital between 2016–2018 were included. The Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale‐6 and the Patient Experience with Treatment and Self‐management questionnaires were applied for data collection. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and non‐parametric approaches to analyse correlations and identify differences between groups. The study adhered to STROBE Statement checklist for reporting of cross‐sectional studies.

Results

Median fatigue level was 10.0 (range: 7.0–13.0). Physical fatigue was higher than perceptual fatigue, with medians of 6.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.0–13.0) and 4.0 (IQR: 3.0–12.0), respectively. Higher fatigue levels were associated with age <60 years, advanced cancer and adjuvant treatments. Increased CRF was significantly associated with higher treatment burden on seven of the nine dimensions, adjusted for demographic and clinical variables. The association of fatigue and treatment burden was stronger in survivors <60 years, with advanced cancer, 6–12 months since surgery or who had more comorbid conditions.

Conclusions

This study showed patients at risk of experiencing CRF following CRC treatment. It established proof of associations between CRF and treatment burden and identified subgroups of CRC patients where this association was stronger.

Relevance to clinical practice

Screening of CRF in CRC patients can help clinicians provide individualized treatment and care to manage CRF. Clinicians should consider the association between CRF and treatment burden, especially in subgroups of CRF patients.
One plus one makes seven: Intricate phylogeographic patterns in Odontites vernus (Orobanchaceae: Rhinantheae) in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Pinto‐Carrasco Daniel , Rico Enrique , Martínez‐Ortega M. Montserrat
Published: November 2021

The Odontites vernus group is the most widespread of the genus Odontites, occupying the temperate regions of Eurasia and northern Morocco. The group contains three species, all inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, where O. vernus s.l. (sensu lato) exhibits remarkable morphological variability and includes diploid and tetraploid individuals corresponding to the two subspecies that occur there. We collected 301 individuals from 100 sampling sites covering the entire distribution of O. vernus in the Iberian Peninsula and genotyped them using 12 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Their ploidy level was estimated by flow cytometry, and two cpDNA regions (rps16 intron and trnK‐rps16) were sequenced. We found 129 diploids and 172 tetraploids distributed following a mosaic parapatry model, while only two mixed‐ploidy populations were discovered. The 20 haplotypes found fit two well‐defined haplogroups, to some extent correlated with estimated ploidy levels. The frequencies of the SSR alleles shared by both cytotypes, as well as those of the private alleles corresponding to the tetraploid cytotype, indicate that tetraploids likely originated at least twice through autopolyploidy. Additionally, the results from SSR markers were structured in a higher number of groups than did the cpDNA sequences. Thus, the genetic distance analysis detected four groups, but the Bayesian analysis of population structure identified seven, with only low levels of gene flow detected among groups. The distributions of the seven genetic groups coincide with well‐known refugium areas within the Iberian Peninsula during the climatic oscillations of the Quaternary. Thus, the results give additional support to the “refugia within refugia” hypothesis.
Targeted protein degradation at the host–pathogen interface
Authors: Grohmann Christoph , Marapana Danushka S. , Ebert Gregor
Published: November 2021

Infectious diseases remain a major burden to global health. Despite the implementation of successful vaccination campaigns and efficient drugs, the increasing emergence of pathogenic vaccine or treatment resistance demands novel therapeutic strategies. The development of traditional therapies using small‐molecule drugs is based on modulating protein function and activity through the occupation of active sites such as enzyme inhibition or ligand–receptor binding. These prerequisites result in the majority of host and pathogenic disease‐relevant, nonenzymatic and structural proteins being labeled “undruggable.” Targeted protein degradation (TPD) emerged as a powerful strategy to eliminate proteins of interest including those of the undruggable variety. Proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are rationally designed heterobifunctional small molecules that exploit the cellular ubiquitin‐proteasome system to specifically mediate the highly selective and effective degradation of target proteins. PROTACs have shown remarkable results in the degradation of various cancer‐associated proteins, and several candidates are already in clinical development. Significantly, PROTAC‐mediated TPD holds great potential for targeting and modulating pathogenic proteins, especially in the face of increasing drug resistance to the best‐in‐class treatments. In this review, we discuss advances in the development of TPD in the context of targeting the host–pathogen interface and speculate on their potential use to combat viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection.
The barley HvSTP13GR mutant triggers resistance against biotrophic fungi
Authors: Skoppek Caroline Ines , Punt Wilko , Heinrichs Marleen , Ordon Frank , Wehner Gwendolin , Boch Jens , Streubel Jana
Published: November 2021

High‐yielding and stress‐resistant crops are essential to ensure future food supply. Barley is an important crop to feed livestock and to produce malt, but the annual yield is threatened by pathogen infections. Pathogens can trigger an altered sugar partitioning in the host plant, which possibly leads to an advantage for the pathogen. Hampering these processes represents a promising strategy to potentially increase resistance. We analysed the response of the barley monosaccharide transporter HvSTP13 towards biotic stress and its potential use for plant protection. The expression of HvSTP13 increased on bacterial and fungal pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP) application, suggesting a PAMP‐triggered signalling that converged on the transcriptional induction of the gene. Promoter studies indicate a region that is probably targeted by transcription factors downstream of PAMP‐triggered immunity pathways. We confirmed that the nonfunctional HvSTP13GR variant confers resistance against an economically relevant biotrophic rust fungus in barley. Our experimental setup provides basal prerequisites to further decode the role of HvSTP13 in response to biological stress. Moreover, in line with other studies, our experiments indicate that the alteration of sugar partitioning pathways, in a host–pathogen interaction, is a promising approach to achieve broad and durable resistance in plants.
EBV, CMV, and BK viral infections in pediatric kidney transplantation: Frequency, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: Levi Shelly , Davidovits Miriam , Alfandari Hadas , Dagan Amit , Borovitz Yael , Bilavsky Efraim , Landau Daniel , Haskin Orly
Published: November 2021

Background

Improved short‐ and long‐term outcomes of kidney transplantation have been achieved over the past decades due to improved immunosuppression. This may have increased the risk for infections and, particularly, for the viral infections: cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), and polyoma BK virus (BKV).

Methods

A retrospective review of viremic CMV, EBV, and BKV infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients treated and followed by a national referral center over a 10‐year period.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients (68% males) received 68 kidney grafts (62% from living donors) during the study period; the mean follow‐up period was 5.2 ± 2.4 years. Twenty‐seven viremic episodes were documented (CMV: 13, EBV: 6, BKV: 8) in 24 patients (35.2%). The median time (interquartile range) to viremia post‐transplant was 11 (4–38) months. The viral infection rate was significantly higher in the years 2014–2015 than in previous years (61% vs. 29%, p = .017). Compared to patients who did not develop viremia, patients with viremias were younger at the time of transplantation, were more likely to receive thymoglobulin induction pre‐transplant and to develop an acute rejection. Multiple logistic regression modeling identified transplant year and recipient's age as significant risk factors for viremia. Graft outcome and eGFR at the last follow‐up was similar between patients who did and did not develop viremia.

Conclusions

Viral infections continue to be a major cause of morbidity in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. However, with close monitoring and prompt intervention, patient and renal outcomes remain favorable.
Assessment of serum amyloid A concentrations and biochemical profiles in lactating jennies and newborn Ragusano donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling in Sicily
Authors: Bazzano Marilena , Bonfili Laura , Eleuteri Anna Maria , Serri Evelina , Scollo Carmela , Yaosen Yang , Tesei Beniamino , Laus Fulvio
Published: November 2021

A proper knowledge of biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers like serum amyloid A (SAA) is crucial in the monitoring of the first post‐partum period in equids. Since no information is available on SAA for donkeys at this stage, 50 animals including jennies (n.10) and newborn foals (n.10) within 48 hr from foaling, and jennies (n.10) and foals (n.20) after 30 days from parturition were enrolled in the study to assess routine biochemical profile including SAA. Jennies showed higher alkaline phosphatase and lower bilirubins and cholesterol at 30 days of lactation compared to post‐partum. Neonatal donkey foals showed significant higher concentrations of sodium, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and albumin within 48 hr of age, whilst higher values of phosphate and triglycerides were observed in older foals of 30 days of age. Significant higher SAA concentrations were recorded during the peripartum period in both jennies (25.95 ± 14.98 μg/ml) and newborn donkey foals (37.44 ± 19.75 μg/ml) compared to SAA values recorded in lactating jennies (2.38 ± 1.78 μg/ml) and in donkey foals (16.04 ± 18.14 μg/ml) at 30 days after parturition. The assessment of SAA in jennies and donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling represents a valuable tool for the monitoring of health status during this stage when animals have to face with new challenges like the peak of lactation and extrauterine life adaptation respectively.
Weekly pattern of dialysis unit blood pressure is a promising marker for prognosis evaluation in hemodialysis population
Authors: Han Yu‐Chen , Gao Min , Pan Ming‐Ming , Wang Bin , Liu Hong , Tang Ri‐Ning , Liu Bi‐Cheng
Published: November 2021

Background: Dialysis unit blood pressure (BP) pattern showed superiority in prognostic evaluation and interdialytic BP burden assessment. However previous studies mainly focused on the recurrent BP pattern within a session (intradialytic BP change or intradialytic BP slope), the clinical value of the weekly pattern of dialysis unit BP is unknown. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study in adult end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on thrice weekly hemodialysis (HD). The slope and the change of the postdialysis systolic BP (SBP) in the course of a week (post‐SBP slope and post‐SBP change) were used to characterize the weekly pattern of dialysis unit BP. Outcomes included all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and first cardiovascular event. We also measured the home BP in our cohort. Results: One hundred and twenty‐nine subjects were followed over a median of 31 months. Higher post‐SBP slope (≥0.185) was independently associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and first cardiovascular event. Results were similar for increased post‐SBP change. HD patients with a higher post‐SBP slope or an increased post‐SBP change also had significant increased interdialytic BP burden measured by home SBP on both dialysis days and non‐dialysis days. Conclusions: Post‐SBP slope and post‐SBP change might be promising dialysis unit BP markers for prognostic evaluation and interdialytic BP burden assessment.
Investigation and management of postcoital bleeding
Authors: Owens Gemma L , Wood Nick J , Martin‐Hirsch Pierre
Published: November 2021

Key Content

Postcoital bleeding is a common gynaecological symptom affecting up to 9% of women.

Postcoital bleeding is commoner in women with invasive cervical cancer than the general population; however, most women with postcoital bleeding will not have an underlying malignancy.

Knowledge of how to investigate and manage postcoital bleeding is imperative to provide optimal care and ensure patient safety.

It is essential that all gynaecologists are aware of referral pathways for suspected cervical malignancy.

Learning Objectives

To review causes of postcoital bleeding.

To appreciate the importance of diagnostic tests in the assessment of postcoital bleeding.

To understand the management options for women with an identifiable cause of their postcoital bleeding and the management of recurrent or persistent postcoital bleeding in the absence of pathology.
Active seeking of post‐donation information to minimize a potential threat to transfusion safety: A pilot programme in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lewin Antoine , Renaud Christian , Boivin Amélie , Germain Marc
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives

Early in the pandemic, the transmissibility of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) by transfusion was unknown. We piloted a systematic, post‐donation outreach programme to contact blood donors and inquired about symptoms post‐donation.

Materials and Methods

Persons who donated on on May 1 and 2, 2020 were contacted 3 days post‐donation, by phone to assess COVID‐19‐related symptoms. Half of the donors were administered a short questionnaire, consisting of only three questions. Others were questioned using a longer, more specific questionnaire. If symptoms were reported, products were quarantined until donors were contacted again by a trained nurse who more thoroughly assessed the likelihood of COVID‐19. Blood products were withdrawn if symptoms indicative of COVID‐19 were identified.

Results

Of 654 donors, 609 (93.1%) were successfully contacted. Of 310 donors who answered the short questionnaire and 299 who answered the long questionnaire, 19 (6.1%) and 8 (2.7%) had one or more symptoms, respectively. Based on the nurses' assessment, two donations (0.3%) had to be withdrawn.

Conclusion

These results suggest that actively seeking post‐donation information might be feasible to mitigate emerging, unqualified transfusion risks.
The Long-Term Residual Effects of Low-Magnitude Mechanical Stimulation on Murine Femoral Mechanics
Authors: Bodnyk Kyle A. , Kim Do-Gyoon , Pan Xueliang , Hart Richard T.
Published: November 2021

As an alternative to drug treatments, low-magnitude mechanical stimulation (LMMS) may improve skeletal health without potential side effects from drugs. LMMS has been shown to increase bone health short term in both animal and clinical studies. Long-term changes to the mechanical properties of bone from LMMS are currently unknown, so the objective of this research was to establish the methodology and preliminary results for investigating the long-term effects of whole body vibration therapy on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of bone. In this study, 10-week-old female BALB/cByJ mice were given LMMS (15 min/day, 5 days/week, 0.3 g, 90 Hz) for 8 weeks; SHAM did not receive LMMS. Two sets of groups remained on study for an additional 8 or 16 weeks post-LMMS (N = 17). Micro-CT and fluorochrome histomorphology of these femurs were studied and results were published by Bodnyk et al. (2020, “The Long-Term Residual Effects of Low-Magnitude Mechanical Stimulation Therapy on Skeletal Health,” J. Biol. Eng., 14, Article No. 9.). Femoral quasi-static bending stiffness trended 4.2% increase in stiffness after 8 weeks of LMMS and 1.3% increase 8 weeks post-LMMS compared to SHAM. Damping, tan delta, and loss stiffness significantly increased by 17.6%, 16.3%, and 16.6%, respectively, at 8 weeks LMMS compared to SHAM. Finite element models of applied LMMS signal showed decreased stress in the mid-diaphyseal region at both 8-week LMMS and 8-week post-LMMS compared to SHAM. Residual mechanical changes in bone during and post-LMMS indicate that LMMS could be used to increase long-term mechanical integrity of bone.
Landscape evolution under the southern Laurentide Ice Sheet
Authors: Naylor Shawn , Wickert Andrew D. , Edmonds Douglas A. , Yanites Brian J.
Published: November 2021

Ancient glaciated landscapes reveal interactions among ice dynamics, bed composition, and preglacial river networks.
Cytokine-scavenging nanodecoys reconstruct osteoclast/osteoblast balance toward the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Zhou Yang , Deng Yekun , Liu Zhongmin , Yin Mengyuan , Hou Mengying , Zhao Ziyin , Zhou Xiaozhong , Yin Lichen
Published: November 2021

Biomimetic nanodecoys reconstruct the osteoclast/osteoblast balance to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.
A microRNA-21–mediated SATB1/S100A9/NF-κB axis promotes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis
Authors: Kim Richard Y. , Sunkara Krishna P. , Bracke Ken R. , Jarnicki Andrew G. , Donovan Chantal , Hsu Alan C. , Ieni Antonio , Beckett Emma L. , Galvão Izabela , Wijnant Sara , Ricciardolo Fabio LM. , Di Stefano Antonino , Haw Tatt Jhong , Liu Gang , Ferguson Angela L. , Palendira Umamainthan , Wark Peter A. , Conickx Griet , Mestdagh Pieter , Brusselle Guy G. , Caramori Gaetano , Foster Paul S. , Horvat Jay C. , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: November 2021

Inhibition of cigarette smoke–induced microRNA-21 suppresses chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through effects on a SATB1/S100A9/NF-κB axis.
Enterococcal bacteremia in mice is prevented by oral administration of probiotic
Bacillus
spores
Authors: Piewngam Pipat , Chiou Janice , Ling Joie , Liu Ryan , Pupa Pawiya , Zheng Yue , Otto Michael
Published: November 2021

Quorum sensing contributes to systemic
Enterococcus
infection in mice and is inhibited by oral administration of
Bacillus
spores.
Small-molecule antagonism of the interaction of the RAGE cytoplasmic domain with DIAPH1 reduces diabetic complications in mice
Authors: Manigrasso Michaele B. , Rabbani Piul , Egaña-Gorroño Lander , Quadri Nosirudeen , Frye Laura , Zhou Boyan , Reverdatto Sergey , Ramirez Lisa S. , Dansereau Stephen , Pan Jinhong , Li Huilin , D’Agati Vivette D. , Ramasamy Ravichandran , DeVita Robert J. , Shekhtman Alexander , Schmidt Ann Marie
Published: November 2021

Small-molecule antagonism of RAGE-DIAPH1 reduces diabetes-related complications in mice.
Isolation and Culture of Single Microbial Cells by Laser Ejection Sorting Technology
Authors: Liang Peng , Liu Bo , Wang Yun , Liu Kunxiang , Zhao Yinping , Huang Wei E. , Li Bei
Published: November 2021

We developed a laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) technology to accurately isolate single live microbial cells. The cultivation recovery rates of the ejected single cells were 63% for
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, 22% for
E. coli
DH5α, and 74% for
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG (LGG).
Legionella pneumophila Risk from Cooling Tower Systems in China
Authors: Qin Tian , Zhao Dahui , Zhu Li , Ren Hongyu , Li Yinan , Liu Xinjun , Li Xiaopeng , Li Wei , Zhao Na , Lu Jiao , Liu Di , Shi Yi , Fang Min , Duan Xuefeng
Published: November 2021

LD is likely to be underrecognized in many countries. Due to the widespread existence ofL. pneumophilain natural and artificial water environments and to the lack of cross-protection against different strains,L. pneumophilais a potentially serious threat to human health.
d
-Alanine Metabolism via
d-
Ala Aminotransferase by a Marine Gammaproteobacterium,
Pseudoalteromonas
sp. Strain CF6-2
Authors: Yu Yang , Yang Jie , Teng Zhao-Jie , Zheng Li-Yuan , Sheng Qi , Li Ping-Yi , Fu Hui-Hui , Li Chun-Yang , Chen Yin , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Ding Jun-Mei , Chen Xiu-Lan
Published: November 2021

As the most abundant
d-
amino acid in the ocean,
d-
Ala is a component of marine DON (dissolved organic nitrogen) pool. However, the underlying mechanism of bacterial metabolization of
d-
Ala to drive the recycling and mineralization of
d-
Ala in the ocean is still largely unknown.
Reverse Genetics with a Full-Length Infectious cDNA Clone of Bovine Torovirus
Authors: Ujike Makoto , Etoh Yuka , Urushiyama Naoya , Taguchi Fumihiro , Asanuma Hideki , Enjuanes Luis , Kamitani Wataru
Published: November 2021

ToVs are diarrhea-causing pathogens detected in various species, including humans. Through the development of a BAC-based BToV, we introduced the first reverse genetics system forTobaniviridae.
Nucleoside-Modified mRNA Vaccines Protect IFNAR
–/–
Mice against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infection
Authors: Appelberg Sofia , John Lijo , Pardi Norbert , Végvári Ákos , Bereczky Sándor , Ahlén Gustaf , Monteil Vanessa , Abdurahman Samir , Mikaeloff Flora , Beattie Mitchell , Tam Ying , Sällberg Matti , Neogi Ujjwal , Weissman Drew , Mirazimi Ali
Published: November 2021

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a zoonotic pathogen causing Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a severe fever disease. CCHFV has a wide distribution and is endemic in several areas around the world.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mortierella alpina Strain LL118, Isolated from an Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Leaf Litter Sample
Authors: Yang Shu , Vinatzer Boris A.
Published: November 2021

Mortierella alpina
is a filamentous fungus commonly associated with soil and is one of very few fungal species known to include strains with ice nucleation activity. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the ice nucleation-active
M. alpina
strain LL118, isolated from aspen leaf litter collected in Alberta, Canada.
Genome Sequence and Characteristics of Cluster C1 Mycobacterium smegmatis Phage EasyJones
Authors: Amaya Isabel , Bui Duyen , Egbunine Ariel , Mushrush Ember , Viland Maggie , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Heller Danielle , Sivanathan Viknesh
Published: November 2021

Bacteriophage EasyJones is a myovirus infecting
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155, with a genome length and gene content similar to those of phages grouped in subcluster C1. Interestingly, EasyJones contains a gene found in a subset of C1 genomes that is similar to the well-characterized immunity repressor of subcluster A1 mycobacteriophage Bxb1.
Loss of Corpus-Specific Lipids in Helicobacter pylori-Induced Atrophic Gastritis
Authors: Lin Aung Soe , Shuman Jennifer H. B. , Kotnala Ankita , Shaw Jeff A. , Beckett Amber C. , Harvey Jennifer L. , Tuck Michael , Dixon Beverly R. E. A. , Reyzer Michelle L. , Algood Holly M. Scott , Schey Kevin L. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Cover Timothy L.
Published: November 2021

H. pyloricolonization of the stomach triggers a cascade of gastric alterations that can potentially culminate in stomach cancer. The molecular alterations that occur in gastric tissue prior to development of stomach cancer are not well understood.
Coupling between Ribotypic and Phenotypic Traits of Protists across Life Cycle Stages and Temperatures
Authors: Zou Songbao , Fu Rao , Deng Huiwen , Zhang Qianqian , Gentekaki Eleni , Gong Jun
Published: November 2021

Based on phenotypic traits, traditional surveys usually characterize organismal richness, abundance, biomass, and growth potential to describe diversity, organization, and function of protistan populations and communities. The rRNA gene (rDNA) and its transcripts have been widely used as molecular markers in ecological studies of protists.
Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation early after hospitalisation in COPD (early HomeBase): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cox Narelle S , Lahham Aroub , McDonald Christine F , Mahal Ajay , O"Halloran Paul , Hepworth Graham , Spencer Lissa , McNamara Renae J , Bondarenko Janet , Macdonald Heather , Gavin Samantha , Burge Angela T , Le Maitre Caitlin , Ringin Cade , Webb Elizabeth , Nichols Amanda , Tsai Ling-Ling , Luxton Nia , van Hilten Stephanie , Santos Mary , Crute Hayley , Byrne Megan , Boursinos Helen , Broe Jennifer , Corbett Monique , Marceau Tunya , Warrick Brooke , Boote Claire , Melinz Joanna , Holland Anne E
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by exacerbations of respiratory disease, frequently requiring hospital admission. Pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce the likelihood of future hospitalisation, but programme uptake is poor. This study aims to compare hospital readmission rates, clinical outcomes and costs between people with COPD who undertake a home-based programme of pulmonary rehabilitation commenced early (within 2 weeks) of hospital discharge with usual care.

Methods

A multisite randomised controlled trial, powered for superiority, will be conducted in Australia. Eligible patients admitted to one of the participating sites for an exacerbation of COPD will be invited to participate. Participants will be randomised 1:1. Intervention group participants will undertake an 8-week programme of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation commencing within 2 weeks of hospital discharge. Control group participants will receive usual care and a weekly phone call for attention control. Outcomes will be measured by a blinded assessor at baseline, after the intervention (week 9–10 posthospital discharge), and at 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome is hospital readmission at 12 months follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Human Research Ethics approval for all sites provided by Alfred Health (Project 51216). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and lay publications.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619001122145.
Running races during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 2020 survey of the running community
Authors: Robinson James N , Fontana Mark Alan , Metzl Jordan D , Dixit Sameer , Kliethermes Stephanie A , Quijano Brianna , Toresdahl Brett
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To survey runners and triathletes about their willingness to resume in-person racing during the COVID-19 pandemic, health concerns related to mass races and changes in running patterns since the start of the pandemic.

Design

An electronic survey was distributed from 15 July to 1 September 2020 to runners and triathletes by New York Road Runners, ASICS North America, and race medical directors, and through social media.

Participants

Runners and triathletes 18 years of age or older who participated in at least one race in 2019.

Results

A total of 2278 surveys were received. Not all participants answered every question; the denominator represents the number of responses to each question. Most participants were from the USA (1620/1940, 83.5%), of which over half were from New York (812/1475, 55.1%). Regarding when respondents would feel comfortable returning to in-person racing, the most frequent response was ‘Whenever local laws allow, but only if there are sufficient precautions’ (954/2173, 43.9%), followed by ‘Not until there is a vaccine’ (540/2173, 24.9%). The most common concerns about in-person races were crowded starting corrals (1802/2084, 86.5%), the number of COVID-19 cases in the race location (1585/2084, 76.1%) and the number of participants (1517/2084, 72.8%). Comparing running patterns before the pandemic to Summer 2020, the mean weekly mileage decreased from 25.5 (SD 15.4) miles to 22.7 (16.2) miles (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Most runners are willing to return to racing when local laws allow, though as of Summer 2020, many desired certain precautions to feel comfortable.