bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transplantation programs facing lack of empirical evidence on SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination: A society recommendation consensus update
Authors: Nevermann Nora , Wiering Leke , Wu Helen , Moroder Philipp , Brandl Andreas , Globke Brigitta , Krenzien Felix , Raschzok Nathanael , Schöning Wenzel , Lurje Georg , Öllinger Robert , Schmelzle Moritz , Pratschke Johann , Ritschl Paul Viktor
Published: July 2021

Background

Since phase III trials for the most prominent vaccines excluded immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients, data on safety and efficacy of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines for recipients of solid organ transplantations are scarce.

Aims

Our study offers a synthesis of expert opinions aligned with available data addressing key questions of the clinical management of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations for transplant patients.

Method

An online research was performed retrieving available recommendations by national and international transplantation organizations and state institutions on SARS‐CoV2 vaccination management for transplant recipients.

Results

Eleven key statements were identified from recommendations by 18 national and international societies, and consensus for the individual statements was evaluated by means of the Society Recommendation Consensus score. The highest consensus level (SRC A) was found for prioritized access to vaccination for transplant patients despite anticipation of a weakened immune response. All currently authorized vaccines can be considered safe for transplant patients (SRC A). The handling of immunosuppressive medication, the timely management of vaccines, and other aspects were aligned with available expert opinions.

Conclusion

Expert consensus can be determined for crucial aspects of the implementation of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination programs. We hereby offer a tool for immediate decision‐making until empirical data
becomes available.
Correlation between leaf epicuticular wax composition and structure, physio‐biochemical traits and drought resistance in glaucous and non‐glaucous near‐isogenic lines of rye
Authors: Laskoś Kamila , Czyczyło‐Mysza Ilona M. , Dziurka Michał , Noga Angelika , Góralska Magdalena , Bartyzel Jakub , Myśków Beata
Published: July 2021

The objective of this research was to investigate the differences between glaucous and non‐glaucous near‐isogenic lines (NILs) of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) in terms of epicuticular wax layer properties (weight, composition, and crystal morphology), selected physiological and biochemical responses, yield components, above‐ground biomass, and plant height under soil drought stress. An important aspect of this analysis was to examine the correlation between the above characteristics. Two different NIL pairs were tested, each consisting of a typical glaucous line and a non‐glaucous line with a recessive mutation. The drought experiment was conducted twice (2015–2016). Our study showed that wax accumulation during drought was not correlated with higher leaf hydration and glaucousness. Environmental factors had a large impact on the response of the lines to drought in individual years, both in terms of physiological and biochemical reactions, and the composition of epicuticular leaf wax. The analysed pairs displayed significantly different responses to drought. Demonstration of the correlation between the components of rye leaf wax and the physiological and biochemical parameters of rye NILs is a significant achievement of this work. Interestingly, the study showed a correlation between the wax components and the content of photosynthetic pigments and tocopherols, whose biosynthesis, similarly to the biosynthesis of wax precursors, is mainly located in chloroplasts. This suggests a relationship between wax biosynthesis and plant response to various environmental conditions and drought stress.
Thioredoxins m are major players in the multifaceted light‐adaptive response in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Serrato Antonio J. , Rojas‐González José A. , Torres‐Romero Diego , Vargas Paola , Mérida Ángel , Sahrawy Mariam
Published: July 2021

Thioredoxins (TRXs) are well‐known redox signalling players, which carry out post‐translational modifications in target proteins. Chloroplast TRXs are divided into different types and have central roles in light energy uptake and the regulation of primary metabolism. The isoforms TRX m1, m2, and m4 from Arabidopsis thaliana are considered functionally related. Knowing their key position in the hub of plant metabolism, we hypothesized that the impairment of the TRX m signalling would not only have harmful consequences on chloroplast metabolism but also at different levels of plant development. To uncover the physiological and developmental processes that depend on TRX m signalling, we carried out a comprehensive study of Arabidopsis single, double, and triple mutants defective in the TRX m1, m2, and m4 proteins. As light and redox signalling are closely linked, we investigated the response to high light (HL) of the plants that are gradually compromised in TRX m signalling. We provide experimental evidence relating the lack of TRX m and the appearance of novel phenotypic features concerning mesophyll structure, stomata biogenesis, and stomatal conductance. We also report new data indicating that the isoforms of TRX m fine‐tune the response to HL, including the accumulation of the protective pigment anthocyanin. These results reveal novel signalling functions for the TRX m and underline their importance for plant growth and fulfilment of the acclimation/response to HL conditions.
W′ reconstitution rate at different intensities above critical torque: the role of muscle size and maximal strength
Authors: Abdalla Leonardo Henrique Perinotto , Broxterman Ryan Michael , Barstow Thomas Jackson , Greco Camila Coelho , Denadai Benedito Sérgio
Published: July 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do muscle size, maximal force and exercise intensity influence the recovery time constant for the finite impulse above critical torque (τIET′)?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Muscle size and maximal strength have different influences on the parameters of the hyperbolic torque–time to task failure relationship. Greater muscle size and maximal strength, as well as exercise at an intensity of 60% MVC, prolong τIET′ during intermittent isometric exercise.

Muscle perfusion and O2 delivery limitations through muscle force generation appear to play a major role in defining the hyperbolic torque–time to task failure (Tlim) relationship. Therefore, we aimed to determine the influence of muscle size and maximal strength on the recovery time constant for the finite impulse above critical torque (τIET′). Ten men participated in the study and performed intermittent isometric tests until task‐failure (Tlim) for the knee‐extensors (KE) (35% and 60% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)) and plantar flexors (PF) (60% MVC). The τIET′ was determined for each of these Tlim tests using the IET′BAL model. The IETʹ (9738 ± 3080 vs. 2959 ± 1289 N m s) and end‐test torque (ET)(84.5 ± 7.1 vs. 74.3 ± 12.7 N m) were significantly lower for PF compared to KE (P < 0.05). Exercise tolerance (Tlim) was significantly longer for PF (239 ± 81 s) than KE (150 ± 55 s) at 60% MVC, and significantly longer for KE at 35% MVC (641 ± 158 s) than 60% MVC. The τIET′ was significantly faster at 35% MVC (641 ± 177 s) than 60% MVC (1840 ± 354 s) for KE, both of which were significantly slower than PF at 60% MVC (317 ± 102 s). This study showed that τIET′ during intermittent isometric exercise is slower with greater muscle size and maximal strength.
Enhanced slow inactivation contributes to dysfunction of a recurrent SCN2A mutation associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Ganguly Surobhi , Thompson Christopher H. , George Alfred L.
Published: July 2021

Key points

The recurrent SCN2A mutation R853Q is associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with typical onset after the first months of life.

Heterologously expressed R853Q channels exhibit an overall loss‐of‐function as a result of multiple defects in time‐ and voltage‐dependent channel properties.

A previously unrecognized enhancement of slow inactivation is conferred by the R853Q mutation and is a major driver of loss‐of‐function.

Enhanced slow inactivation is potentiated in the canonical splice isoform of the channel and this may explain the later onset of symptoms associated with R853Q.

Mutations in voltage gated sodium (NaV) channel genes, including SCN2A (encoding NaV1.2), are associated with diverse neurodevelopmental disorders with or without epilepsy that present clinically with varying severity, age‐of‐onset and pharmacoresponsiveness. We examined the functional properties of the most recurrent SCN2A mutation (R853Q) to determine whether developmentally‐regulated alternative splicing impacts dysfunction severity and to investigate effects of the mutation on slow inactivation. We engineered the R853Q mutation into neonatal and adult NaV1.2 splice isoforms. Channel constructs were heterologously co‐expressed in HEK293T cells with human β1 and β2 subunits. Whole‐cell patch clamp recording was used to compare time‐ and voltage‐dependent properties of mutant and wild‐type channels. The R853Q mutation exhibits an overall loss‐of‐function attributed to multiple functional defects including a previously undiscovered enhancement of slow inactivation. The mutation exhibited altered voltage dependence of activation and inactivation, slower recovery from inactivation and decreased channel availability during high‐frequency depolarizations. More notable were effects on slow inactivation, including a 10‐fold slower rate of recovery from slow inactivation exhibited by mutant channels. The impairments in fast inactivation properties were more severe in the neonatal splice isoform, whereas slow inactivation was more pronounced in the splice isoform of the channel expressed predominantly in later childhood. Enhanced later‐onset slow inactivation may be a primary driver of the later onset of neurological features associated with this mutation.
Climatic Effect on the Exergetic Performance of Conventional to Hybrid Evaporative Coolers With Varying Dead-State Temperatures in India
Authors: Venkateswara Rao V. , Datta Santanu Prasad
Published: July 2021

A comprehensive exergy, exergo-economic, and sustainability assessment of seven conventional to hybrid air-conditioning systems comprising direct and indirect evaporative coolers with direct expansion system and their several combinations integrated into an eight-story domestic building for five different cities corresponding to arid, semi-arid, humid subtropical, tropical wet and dry, and tropical wet climatic zones across India are investigated based on simulation output from energyplus. The exergetic performances are reported for varying dead state temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 40 °C, while the saturated humidity ratio and pressure at system outlet are two other dead state properties. The results reveal that the specific exergy of moist air and exergetic efficiency decreases with increasing dead state temperature and becomes least at a dead state temperature near American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) comfort temperature of 23 °C. In arid, semi-arid, and humid subtropical climates, the three-stage evaporative cooling system exhibits the lowest exergy destruction of 100 J/kg1 and the highest exergy efficiency of 90% at a dead state temperature of 40 °C. The two-stage direct evaporative-direct expansion cooling system exhibits superior exergy efficiency in tropical wet and dry and tropical wet zones. Furthermore, the Grassmann diagram based on the climate of Hyderabad indicates that the three-stage cooling system is energetically and exergetically optimum with exergy destruction of 28.86%.
The force required to operate the plunger on a French press
Authors: Wadsworth Fabian B. , Vossen Caron E. J. , Heap Michael J. , Kushnir Alexandra , Farquharson Jamie I. , Schmid Diana , Dingwell Donald B. , Belohlavek Lukas , Huebsch Mila , Carbillet Lucille , Kendrick Jackie E.
Published: July 2021

The French press is a popular device for brewing coffee, comprising a cylindrical beaker—or “jug”—fitted with a lid and plunger with a fine wire mesh filter. The plunger is used to drive the solid coffee particles to the bottom of the jug, separating these grounds from hot liquid above. When using the French press in this way, a growing permeable pack of ground coffee is pushed through hot water by applying force to the plunger. We use a combination of kitchen-based and laboratory experiments to determine the force required to push on the plunger as a function of the speed of the plunger and the mass of coffee used. We calculate that for the recommended preparation method, the maximum force is 32 N to complete the pressing action in 50 s. We propose that home coffee preparation provides a fun, low-cost, and relatable learning opportunity for students and for those who are interested in coffee science.
The Star Excursion Balance Test: An Update Review and Practical Guidelines
Authors: Picot Brice , Terrier Romain , Forestier Nicolas , Fourchet François , McKeon Patrick O.
Published: July 2021

The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a reliable, responsive, and clinically relevant functional assessment of lower limbs’ dynamic postural control. However, great disparity exists regarding its methodology and the reported outcomes. Large and specific databases from various population (sport, age, and gender) are needed to help clinicians when interpreting SEBT performances in daily practice. Several contributors to SEBT performances in each direction were recently highlighted. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to (a) provide an updated review of the design, implementation, and interpretation of the SEBT and (b) propose guidelines to standardize SEBT procedures for better comparisons across studies.
Got Beer? A Systematic Review of Beer and Exercise
Authors: Wynne Jaison L. , Wilson Patrick B.
Published: July 2021

Beer is used to socialize postexercise, celebrate sport victory, and commiserate postdefeat. Rich in polyphenols, beer has antioxidant effects when consumed in moderation, but its alcohol content may confer some negative effects. Despite beer’s popularity, no review has explored its effects on exercise performance, recovery, and adaptation. Thus, a systematic literature search of three databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was conducted by two reviewers. The search resulted in 16 studies that were appraised and reviewed. The mean PEDro score was 5.1. When individuals are looking to rehydrate postexercise, a low-alcohol beer (<4%) may be more effective. If choosing a beer higher in alcoholic content (>4%), it is advised to pair this with a nonalcoholic option to limit diuresis, particularly when relatively large volumes of fluid (>700 ml) are consumed. Adding Na+ to alcoholic beer may improve rehydration by decreasing fluid losses, but palatability may decrease. These conclusions are largely based on studies that standardized beverage volume, and the results may not apply equally to situations where people ingest fluids and food ad libitum. Ingesting nonalcoholic, polyphenol-rich beer could be an effective strategy for preventing respiratory infections during heavy training. If consumed in moderation, body composition and strength qualities seem largely unaffected by beer. Mixed results that limit sweeping conclusions are owed to variations in study design (i.e., hydration and exercise protocols). Future research should incorporate exercise protocols with higher ecological validity, recruit more women, prioritize chronic study designs, and use ad libitum fluid replacement protocols for more robust conclusions.
Leg and Joint Stiffness Adaptations to Minimalist and Maximalist Running Shoes
Authors: Gruber Allison H. , Zhang Shuqi , Pan Jiahao , Li Li
Published: July 2021

The running footwear literature reports a conceptual disconnect between shoe cushioning and external impact loading: footwear or surfaces with greater cushioning tend to result in greater impact force characteristics during running. Increased impact loading with maximalist footwear may reflect an altered lower-extremity gait strategy to adjust for running in compliant footwear. The authors hypothesized that ankle and knee joint stiffness would change to maintain the effective vertical stiffness, as cushioning changed with minimalist, traditional, and maximalist footwear. Eleven participants ran on an instrumental treadmill (3.5 m·s−1) for a 5-minute familiarization in each footwear, plus an additional 110 seconds before data collection. Vertical, leg, ankle, and knee joint stiffness and vertical impact force characteristics were calculated. Mixed model with repeated measures tested differences between footwear conditions. Compared with traditional and maximalist, the minimalist shoes were associated with greater average instantaneous and average vertical loading rates (P < .050), greater vertical stiffness (P ≤ .010), and less change in leg length between initial contact and peak resultant ground reaction force (P < .050). No other differences in stiffness or impact variables were observed. The shoe cushioning paradox did not hold in this study due to a similar musculoskeletal strategy for running in traditional and maximalist footwear and running with a more rigid limb in minimalist footwear.
The Evolution of the Athletic Training Profession
Authors: Diakogeorgiou Eleni , Ray R. Richard , Brown Sara , Hertel Jay , Casa Douglas J.
Published: July 2021

Athletic training is a health care profession with roots in athletics and kinesiology that has evolved into a critical component of contemporary sports medicine. The aim of this article is to review the history and evolution of the athletic training profession, contextualize the current state of athletic training education and research, and address priorities and challenges that the athletic training profession must confront if it is to continue to thrive. Specific challenges include addressing health disparities in sports medicine, increasing the diversity of the athletic training profession, clearly delineating athletic training’s place in the health care arena, and increasing salaries and retention of athletic trainers in the profession.
A Novel Intronic Circular RNA Antagonizes Influenza Virus by Absorbing a microRNA That Degrades CREBBP and Accelerating IFN-β Production
Authors: Qu Zhiyuan , Meng Fei , Shi Jianzhong , Deng Guohua , Zeng Xianying , Ge Jinying , Li Yanbing , Liu Liling , Chen Pucheng , Jiang Yongping , Li Chengjun , Chen Hualan
Published: July 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are new members of the long noncoding RNA families and have been identified in a variety of organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. Accumulating data indicate that circRNAs perform multiple functions in a variety of cellular processes associated with human diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer; however, the roles of circRNAs in virus infection have been largely uninvestigated.
Transcription Factor Repurposing Offers Insights into Evolution of Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Regulation
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Drott Milton , Greco Claudio , Luciano-Rosario Dianiris , Wang Pinmei , Keller Nancy P.
Published: July 2021

Fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) are an important source of pharmaceuticals on one hand and toxins on the other. Efforts to identify the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that synthesize SMs have yielded significant insights into how variation in the genes that compose BGCs may impact subsequent metabolite production within and between species.
A Novel Model for Papillomavirus-Mediated Anal Disease and Cancer Using the Mouse Papillomavirus
Authors: Blaine-Sauer Simon , Shin Myeong-Kyun , Matkowskyj Kristina A. , Ward-Shaw Ella , Lambert Paul F.
Published: July 2021

We show, for the first time, that MmuPV1 infection is sufficient to efficiently mediate high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in the anal tract of mice using the NSG immunocompromised strain and that MmuPV1, in combination with the chemical carcinogen DMBA, has carcinogenic potential. We further show that MmuPV1 is able to persist for up to 6 months in the anal tract of FVB/NJ mice irradiated with UVB and contributes to high-grade disease and cancer in an immunocompetent strain.
Cation and Anion Channelrhodopsins: Sequence Motifs and Taxonomic Distribution
Authors: Govorunova Elena G. , Sineshchekov Oleg A. , Li Hai , Wang Yumei , Brown Leonid S. , Palmateer Alyssa , Melkonian Michael , Cheng Shifeng , Carpenter Eric , Patterson Jordan , Wong Gane K.-S. , Spudich John L.
Published: July 2021

Channelrhodopsins are widely used in neuroscience and cardiology as research tools and are considered prospective therapeutics, but their natural diversity and mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Genomic and metagenomic sequencing projects are producing an ever-increasing wealth of data, whereas biophysical characterization of the encoded proteins lags behind.
The Future of Bacteriophage Therapy Will Promote Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Barber Olivia Williams , Miramontes Iria Mañas , Jain Manu , Ozer Egon A. , Hartmann Erica M.
Published: July 2021

Rising antimicrobial resistance severely limits efforts to treat infections and is a cause for critical concern. Renewed interest in bacteriophage therapy has advanced understanding of the breadth of species capable of targeting bacterial antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, but many questions concerning ideal application remain unanswered.
Comparative Genomics of
Exiguobacterium
Reveals What Makes a Cosmopolitan Bacterium
Authors: Zhang Dechao , Zhu Zhaolu , Li Yangjie , Li Xudong , Guan Ziyu , Zheng Jinshui
Published: July 2021

The wide distribution characteristics of
Exiguobacterium
make it a valuable model for studying the adaptive strategies of bacteria that can survive in multiple habitats. In this study, we reveal that members of the
Exiguobacterium
genus have a cosmopolitan distribution and share an extensive adaptability that enables them to survive in various environments.
Comprehensive Cultivation of the Swine Gut Microbiome Reveals High Bacterial Diversity and Guides Bacterial Isolation in Pigs
Authors: Wang Xiaofan , Howe Samantha , Wei Xiaoyuan , Deng Feilong , Tsai Tsungcheng , Chai Jianmin , Xiao Yingping , Yang Hua , Maxwell Charles V. , Li Ying , Zhao Jiangchao
Published: July 2021

The swine gut microbiome has been the focus of many investigations due to the fact that pigs serve as both an excellent biomedical model for human diseases and an important protein source. Substantial progress has been made in swine gut microbiome studies using next-generation sequencing-based culture-independent approaches, but little is known about the culturability of the swine gut microbiota.
Life Cycle Stage-Specific Accessibility of Leishmania donovani Chromatin at Transcription Start Regions
Authors: Grünebast Janne , Lorenzen Stephan , Zummack Julia , Clos Joachim
Published: July 2021

Leishmania
parasites are important pathogens with a global impact and cause poverty-related illness and death. They are devoid of classic
cis
- and
trans
-acting transcription regulators but use regulated translation and gene copy number variations to adapt to hosts and environments.
Archaea Are Rare and Uncommon Members of the Mammalian Skin Microbiome
Authors: Umbach Alexander K. , Stegelmeier Ashley A. , Neufeld Josh D.
Published: July 2021

The current state of research on mammalian skin-associated archaea is limited, with the few papers focusing on potential skin archaeal communities often in disagreement with each other. As such, there is no consensus on the prevalence or taxonomic composition of archaea on mammalian skin.
Ice-crystal traces imply ephemeral freezing in early Permian equatorial Pangea
Authors: Pfeifer Lily S. , Birkett Brooke A. , Van Den Driessche Jean , Pochat Stéphane , Soreghan Gerilyn S.
Published: July 2021

Delicate impressions in lacustrine strata of the lower Permian (lower Cisuralian) Usclas Formation record ephemeral freezing in equatorial Pangea. These sediments accumulated in the paleoequatorial and intramontane Lodève Basin (southern Massif Central, France) during peak icehouse conditions of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age. Experimental replication of these features supports the interpretation that they are ice-crystal molds. Evidence for films of ice in marginal-lacustrine sediment at such low latitudes and inferred low to moderate altitudes (1–2 km) calls for a reevaluation of climate conditions in eastern equatorial Pangea. Ephemeral freezing implies either cold tropical temperatures (~5 °C cooler than the Last Glacial Maximum) and/or lapse rates that exceeded those of the Last Glacial Maximum. Extreme continentality of the Lodève Basin would have amplified seasonality, albeit the climatic forcing(s) necessary to have promoted cold temperatures in equatorial Pangea remain enigmatic.
Hydrothermal alteration can result in pore pressurization and volcano instability
Authors: Heap Michael J. , Baumann Tobias , Gilg H. Albert , Kolzenburg Stephan , Ryan Amy G. , Villeneuve Marlène , Russell J. Kelly , Kennedy Lori A. , Rosas-Carbajal Marina , Clynne Michael A.
Published: July 2021

The collapse of a volcanic flank can be destructive and deadly. Hydrothermal alteration is common to volcanoes worldwide and is thought to promote volcano instability by decreasing rock strength. However, some laboratory studies have shown that not all alteration reduces rock strength. Our new laboratory data for altered rhyodacites from Chaos Crags (Lassen volcanic center, California, USA) show that pore- and crack-filling mineral precipitation can reduce porosity and permeability and increase strength, Young's modulus, and cohesion. A significant reduction in permeability, by as much as four orders of magnitude, will inhibit fluid circulation and create zones of high pore fluid pressure. We explored the consequences of pore fluid pressurization on volcano stability using large-scale numerical modeling. Upscaled physical and mechanical properties for hydrothermally altered rocks were used as input parameters in our modeling. Results show that a high-pore-pressure zone within a volcano increases volcano deformation and that increasing the size of this zone increases the observed deformation. Hydrothermal alteration associated with mineral precipitation, and increases to rock strength, can therefore promote pore pressurization and volcano deformation, increasing the likelihood of volcano spreading, flank collapses, and phreatic/phreatomagmatic explosions. We conclude that porosity-decreasing alteration, explored here, and porosity-increasing alteration can both promote volcano instability and collapse, but by different mechanisms. Hydrothermal alteration should therefore be monitored at volcanoes worldwide and incorporated into hazard assessments.
Tiny, glassy, and rapidly trapped: The nano-sized planktic diatoms in Messinian (late Miocene) gypsum
Authors: Pellegrino Luca , Natalicchio Marcello , Abe Kenta , Jordan Richard W. , Longo Sergio E. Favero , Ferrando Simona , Carnevale Giorgio , Pierre Francesco Dela
Published: July 2021

Primary gypsum represents an excellent paleobiological archive due to its early and fast growth, favoring the preservation of delicate biomineralized structures. The Mediterranean region is renowned for evaporite deposits that formed during the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC), an event that supposedly annihilated most of the marine biota. However, the Messinian evaporites have been scarcely studied for their fossil content. Abundant nano-sized planktic diatoms and associated organic matter are observed for the first time in bottom-grown gypsum crystals that formed during the early stage of the MSC in different marginal basins of the western Mediterranean. This discovery increases our knowledge of the Messinian biota and reveals that nano-sized planktic diatoms played a prominent role in carbon and silicon export during gypsum deposition. The co-occurrence of these diatoms with larger diatoms, possibly associated with a deep chlorophyll maximum, suggests that Messinian gypsum formed in stratified and relatively deep basins (far below the photic zone), typified by marine conditions in the upper water column. The nano-sized planktic diatoms may have taken advantage of the hydrological reconfigurations experienced by the Mediterranean since the onset of the MSC. This study confirms that primary gypsum represents a promising archive of information for elucidating the marine biotic response to an ancient environmental crisis.
Severe acquired haemophilia associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Wang Kevin Y , Shah Pratik , Roarke Dennis T , Shakil Shams A
Published: July 2021

A 65-year-old man presented with symptoms of severe subcutaneous bleeding in his arm, which led to compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy and massive blood transfusion protocol. Medical history was significant for history of autoimmune thyroid disease. Workup revealed elevated partial thromboplastin time, decreased factor VIII levels and elevated factor VIII inhibitor levels. He was worked up for causes of acquired haemophilia A and was found to have an elevated SARS-CoV-2 antibody level. Given his negative workup for other secondary aetiologies, we suspect that the cause of his haemophilia A was from his SARS-CoV-2 infection, which has been observed previously in various case reports.
Responding to the COVID-19 second wave in Thailand by diversifying and adapting lessons from the first wave
Authors: Rajatanavin Nattadhanai , Tuangratananon Titiporn , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: July 2021

Thailand’s first wave of COVID-19 in March 2020 was triggered from boxing events and nightclubs in Bangkok, which spread to 68 provinces. The nation responded rapidly with strong public health and social measures on 26 March 2020. Contact tracing was performed by over 1000 surveillance and rapid response teams with support from 1.1 million village health volunteers to identify, isolate and quarantine cases.

Thailand implemented social measures in April 2020 including a full-scale national lockdown, curfews and 14-day mandatory quarantine for international travellers. With a strong health system infrastructure, people’s adherence to social measures and a whole-of-government approach, the first wave recorded only 3042 cases and 57 deaths with 1.46% case fatality rate. Economic activities were resumed on 1 May 2020 until the end of the year. On 17 December 2020, a second wave was carried by undocumented migrants who were not captured by the quarantine system. As the total lockdown earlier led to serious negative economic impact, the government employed a targeted strategy, locking down specific areas and employing active case finding. Essential resources including case finding teams, clinicians and medicine were mobilised.

With synergistic multisectoral efforts involving health, non-health and private sector, the outbreak was contained in February 2021. Total cases were seven times higher than the first wave, however, early admission and treatment resulted in 0.11% case fatality rate. In conclusion, experiences of responding to the first wave informed the second wave response with targeted locking down of affected localities and active case findings in affected sites.
Reconceptualising health security in post-COVID-19 world
Authors: Malik Sadia Mariam , Barlow Amy , Johnson Benjamin
Published: July 2021

While drawing upon the existing literature and policy documents on health security and its practice at the national and global levels, this article shows that the idea of health security has mostly remained rhetoric or at the most conceptualised and operationalised within the narrow Westphalian tradition of protecting nation states from external threats. By undertaking a critical examination of the national security strategies of some powerful G-20 countries, we show that non-traditional threats such as infectious diseases and pandemics are either absent from the list of potential threats or are accorded a weak priority and addressed within the state and military-centric notion of security. This approach has shortcomings that are laid bare by the ongoing pandemic. In this article, we show how national and global health security agendas can be advanced much more productively by mobilising a wider securitisation discourse that is driven by the human security paradigm as advanced by the United Nations in 1994, that considerspeoplerather thanstatesas the primary referent of security and that emphasisescollective actionrather thancompetitionto address the transnational nature of security threats. We discuss the relevance of this paradigm in broadening the concept of health security in view of the contemporary and future threats to public health.
BET 2: Caffeine as an analgesic adjunct in tension-type headache and migraine
Authors: Whiting Jack , Kilgour Peter
Published: July 2021

A short-cut review of the literature was carried out to examine the benefits of caffeine as an analgesic adjunct in tension-type and migraine-type headache. Six papers were identified as suitable for inclusion using the reported search strategy. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of the best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that caffeine provides effective analgesia as an adjunctive treatment in the management of secondary headache syndromes.
Abstracts from international emergency medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: July 2021

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
Clinical significance of pulmonary hypertension in patients with constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Lim Kyunghee , Yang Jeong Hoon , Miranda William R , Chang Sung-A , Jeong Dong Seop , Nishimura Rick A , Schaff Hartzell , Soo Wern Miin , Greason Kevin L , Oh Jae K
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We investigated haemodynamics and clinical outcomes according to type of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP).

Background

As the prevalence of CP with concomitant myocardial disease (mixed CP) grows, PH is more commonly seen in patients with CP. However, haemodynamic and outcome data according to the presence or absence of PH are limited.

Methods

150 patients with surgically confirmed CP who underwent echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation within 7 days at two tertiary centres were divided into three groups: no-PH, isolated postcapillary PH (Ipc-PH) and combined postcapillary and precapillary PH (Cpc-PH). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality during follow-up.

Result

In this retrospective cohort study, 110 (73.3%) had PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg). Cpc-PH, using defined cut-offs for pulmonary vascular resistance (>3 Wood units) or diastolic pulmonary gradient (≥7 mm Hg), was seen in 18 patients (12%). The Cpc-PH group had a higher prevalence of comorbidities (diabetes and atrial fibrillation) and concomitant myocardial disease as an aetiology of CP than other groups. Pulmonary vascular resistance had a significant direct correlation with medial E/e′ by Doppler echocardiography (r=0.404, p<0.001). Survival rate was significantly lower in the Cpc-PH than the no-PH (p=0.002) and Ipc-PH (p=0.024) groups. On multivariable analysis, age, New York Heart Association functional class IV, medial e′ velocity, Cpc-PH and Ipc-PH were independently associated with long-term mortality.

Conclusion

Combined postcapillary and precapillary PH develops in a subset of patients with CP and is associated with long-term mortality after pericardiectomy.
p38 MAPK signaling in M1 macrophages results in selective elimination of M2 macrophages by MEK inhibition
Authors: Baumann Daniel , Drebant Jennifer , Hägele Tanja , Burger Luisa , Serger Clara , Lauenstein Claudia , Dudys Przemyslaw , Erdmann Gerrit , Offringa Rienk
Published: July 2021

M2 macrophages promote tumor progression and therapy resistance, whereas proimmunogenic M1 macrophages can contribute to the efficacy of cytostatic and immunotherapeutic strategies. The abundance of M2 macrophages in the immune infiltrate of many cancer types has prompted the search for strategies to target and eliminate this subset. From our prior experiments in syngeneic mouse tumor models, we learned that pharmacological inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) did not merely result in tumor cell death, but also in the modulation of the tumor immune infiltrate. This included a prominent decrease in the numbers of macrophages as well as an increase in the M1/M2 macrophage ratio. Investigation of the mechanism underlying this finding in primary murine macrophage cultures revealed that M2 macrophages are significantly more sensitive to MEK inhibition-induced cell death than their M1 counterparts. Further analyses showed that the p38 MAPK pathway, which is activated in M1 macrophages only, renders these cells resistant to death by MEK inhibition. In conclusion, the dependency of M2 macrophages on the MEK/extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway empowers MEK inhibitors to selectively eliminate this subset from the tumor microenvironment.
Knockdown of lysyl oxidase like 1 inhibits the proliferation and pro-fibrotic effects of transforming growth factor-β1-induced hypertrophic scar fibroblasts
Authors: Ying Mengxia , Chen Yan , Yuan Bo
Published: July 2021

The excessive healing response during wound repair can result in hypertrophic scars (HS). Lysyl oxidase like 1 (LOXL1) has been reported to be associated with fibrosis via targeting transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) signaling. This study aimed to investigate the effect of LOXL1 on HS formation. The expression of LOXL1 in HS tissues and TGF-β1-induced HS-derived fibroblasts (HSFs) was detected via reverse transcription quantitative PCR and Western blot. LOXL1 was silenced in HSFs using transfection with short hairpin RNA (shRNA), then wound healing process including cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition along with Smad expression were measured by cell counting kit-8, EdU staining, flow cytometry, transwell, immunofluorescence, and Western blot assays. LOXL1 was upregulated in HS tissues and TGF-β1-induced HSFs. Knockdown of LOXL1 inhibited proliferation and migration but promoted cell cycle G0/G1 phase arrest in TGF-β1-induced HSFs; it increased expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, MMP2, MMP9, COL1A1, COL1A2, fibronectin, COL3A1, α-SMA, but decreased expression of p27, and the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 caused by TGF-β1 were also blocked by LOXL1 silencing. Silence of LOXL1 could effectively inhibit TGF-β1-induced proliferation, migration, and ECM deposition in HSFs via inactivating Smad pathway. Targeting LOXL1 may have future therapeutic implications for HS treatment.
Cardiac hypertrophy caused by hyperthyroidism in rats: the role of ATF-6 and TRPC1 channels
Authors: Bektur Aykanat Nuriye Ezgi , Şahin Erhan , Kaçar Sedat , Bağcı Rıdvan , Karakaya Şerife , Burukoğlu Dönmez Dilek , Şahintürk Varol
Published: July 2021

Hyperthyroidism influences the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Transient receptor potential canonical channels (TRPCs) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are regarded as critical pathways in cardiac hypertrophy. Hence, we aimed to identify the TRPCs associated with ER stress in hyperthyroidism-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Twenty adult Wistar albino male rats were used in the study. The control group was fed with standard food and tap water. The group with hyperthyroidism was also fed with standard rat food, along with tap water that contained 12 mg/L of thyroxine (T4) for 4 weeks. At the end of the fourth week, the serum-free triiodothyronine (T3), T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels of the groups were measured. The left ventricle of each rat was used for histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) analysis. As per our results, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6), inositol-requiring kinase 1 (IRE-1), and TRPC1, which play a significant role in cardiac hypertrophy caused by hyperthyroidism, showed increased activation. Moreover, TOS and serum-free T3 levels increased, while TAC and TSH levels decreased. With the help of the literature review in our study, we could, for the first time, indicate that the increased activation of ATF-6, IRE-1, and TRPC1-induced deterioration of the Ca2+ ion balance leads to hypertrophy in hyperthyroidism due to heart failure.
The impact of digital contact tracing on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic—a comprehensive modelling study
Authors: Pollmann Tina R. , Schönert Stefan , Müller Johannes , Pollmann Julia , Resconi Elisa , Wiesinger Christoph , Haack Christian , Shtembari Lolian , Turcati Andrea , Neumair Birgit , Meighen-Berger Stephan , Zattera Giovanni , Neumair Matthias , Apel Uljana , Okolie Augustine
Published: July 2021

Contact tracing is one of several strategies employed in many countries to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Digital contact tracing (DCT) uses tools such as cell-phone applications to improve tracing speed and reach. We model the impact of DCT on the spread of the virus for a large epidemiological parameter space consistent with current literature on SARS-CoV-2. We also model DCT in combination with random testing (RT) and social distancing (SD).

Modelling is done with two independently developed individual-based (stochastic) models that use the Monte Carlo technique, benchmarked against each other and against two types of deterministic models.

For current best estimates of the number of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers (approximately 40%), their contagiousness (similar to that of symptomatic carriers), the reproductive number before interventions (${R_{0}}$

R
0

at least 3) we find that DCT must be combined with other interventions such as SD and/or RT to push the reproductive number below one. At least 60% of the population would have to use the DCT system for its effect to become significant. On its own, DCT cannot bring the reproductive number below 1 unless nearly the entire population uses the DCT system and follows quarantining and testing protocols strictly. For lower uptake of the DCT system, DCT still reduces the number of people that become infected.

When DCT is deployed in a population with an ongoing outbreak where $\mathcal{O}$
O
(0.1%) of the population have already been infected, the gains of the DCT intervention come at the cost of requiring up to 15% of the population to be quarantined (in response to being traced) on average each day for the duration of the epidemic, even when there is sufficient testing capability to test every traced person.
Approximation Algorithms for Non-Submodular Optimization Over Sliding Windows
Authors: Luo Yunxin , Wu Chenchen , Xu Chunming
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the problem we study is how to maximize a monotone non-submodular function with cardinality constraint. Different from the previous streaming algorithms, this paper mainly considers the sliding window model. Based on the concept of diminishing-return ratio [Formula: see text], we propose a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm with the memory [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the ratio between maximum and minimum values of any singleton element of function [Formula: see text]. Then, we improve the approximation ratio to [Formula: see text] through the sub-windows at the expense of losing some memory. Our results generalize the corresponding results for the submodular case.
Tuning of relative spatial distributions of a two-component ion system to improve sympathetic cooling efficiency
Authors: Du Li-Jun , Meng Yan-Song , He Yu-Ling , Xie Jun
Published: July 2021

Herein, a fine-tuning method is proposed for the spatial distributions of a mixed three-dimensional (3D) ion system in dual radio frequency (RF) linear Paul traps to achieve efficient sympathetic cooling. The dual RF field matching, efficient capture method and transient process of the intrinsic micromotion of the mixed ion system are analyzed quantitatively by numerical simulations. The 3D correlation coupling characteristics between intrinsic micromotion and secular motion of ion system are obtained. It is found that reasonable low-frequency trapping potential can produce ultra-low-frequency pulling effect on ions with low mass-to-charge ratio (M/Q), which is beneficial to the dynamic coupling between ions with large M/Q differences. The effects of equivalent stiffness coefficients [Formula: see text] on the relative spatial configuration and dynamic coupling process of mixed 3D ion crystals with large M/Q differences are discussed. By tuning [Formula: see text], radial distributions of laser-cooled ions (LCIs) and sympathetically cooled ions (SCIs) that do not conform to the rules based on M/Q are realized. The optimum sympathetic-cooling efficiency occurs, where [Formula: see text] is approximately equivalent to [Formula: see text]. These results are applicable to studies such as cold ion clocks, quantum logic manipulation, antimatter synthesis, regulation of cold chemical reaction, and precise spectral measurements based on sympathetic cooling.
Study of thermal properties of Ga0.5In1.5Se3 by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Ibrahimova S. I.
Published: July 2021

The crystal structure and thermal properties of the [Formula: see text] compound have been investigated. Structural studies were performed by X-ray diffraction at room temperature. The crystal structure of this compound was found to correspond to the hexagonal symmetry of the space group P61. Thermal properties were studied using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found in the temperature range [Formula: see text] that thermal effects occur at temperatures [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The thermodynamic parameters of these effects are calculated.
Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis of Laminated Composite Plates Using Cell- and Edge-Based Smoothing MITC3 Finite Elements
Authors: Nguyen Van-Hau , Nguyen Trung-Kien , Chau-Dinh Thanh
Published: July 2021

A novel finite element model for geometrically nonlinear analysis of laminated composite plates is proposed in this paper. It is based on a seven-variables higher-order shear deformation theory that only requires a C0-type continuity. The finite element method with mixed interpolation of tensorial components approach (MITC) is considered in which an MITC3 three-node triangle element with seven degree-of-freedoms per nodes, cell- and edge-based strain smoothing techniques is developed. The geometrical nonlinearity of the plates involving by von Karman strain is formed in the total Lagrange approach based on the small strain assumptions. Numerical examples of cross-ply laminated composite plates are provided to investigate the validation of the proposed method.