bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaboration is Uncomfortable
Authors: Newman Terri
Published: November 2020

Artist/Teacher/Researcher: I see this identity as one of collaborations. It is one that I share with my colleagues and students. Each day, with others we question, develop, think, create and rebound ideas, changing and moulding them, as we do materials and matter, backwards and forwards, in dialogue with one another. In the absence of these interactions, alone in my flat, I've been thinking of the comfort that comes from not having my ideas challenged, although we continue our learning digitally, it feels stunted. Without our community we must travel a road upon which our own ideas are absolute and this I believe limits the learning experience. It is being outside of one's comfort zone, having ones ideas challenged and being asked to see something differently that I believe is at the core to learning, but it comes at the cost of feeling uncomfortable.
Volumetric changes at implant sites: A systematic appraisal of traditional methods and optical scanning‐based digital technologies
Authors: Tavelli Lorenzo , Barootchi Shayan , Majzoub Jad , Siqueira Rafael , Mendonça Gustavo , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: November 2020

Aim

To evaluate techniques for assessing soft tissue alterations at implant sites and compare the traditionally utilized methods to the newer three‐dimensional technologies emerging in the literature.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive search was performed to identify interventional studies reporting on volumetric changes at implant sites following different treatments.

Results

Seventy‐five articles were included the following: 30 used transgingival piercing alone, one utilized calliper, six with ultrasonography, six on cone‐beam computed tomography, and 32 utilized optical scanning and digital technologies. Optical scanning‐based digital technologies were the only approach that provided ‘volumetric changes,’ reported as volumetric variation in mm3, or the mean distance between the surfaces/mean thickness of the reconstructed volume. High variability in the digital analysis and definition of the region of interest was observed. All the other methods reported volume variation as linear dimensional changes at different apico‐coronal levels. No studies compared volumetric changes with different approaches.

Conclusions

Despite the emergence of optical scanning‐based digital technologies for evaluating volumetric changes, a high degree of variation exists in the executed workflow, which renders the comparison of study results not feasible. Establishment of universal guidelines could allow for volumetric comparisons among different studies and treatments.
A hyaluronic acid‐based filler reduces lipolysis in human mature adipocytes and maintains adherence and lipid accumulation of long‐term differentiated human preadipocytes
Authors: Nadra Karim , André Mathilde , Marchaud Emmanuelle , Kestemont Philippe , Braccini Frédéric , Cartier Hugues , Kéophiphath Mayoura , Fanian Ferial
Published: November 2020

The beneficial role of subcutaneous adipose tissue in skin rejuvenation derived from its capacity to fill the under‐layer volumes but also from its ability to regulate the extracellular matrix production by dermis fibroblasts. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, is a commonly used injectable dermal filler showing excellent efficiencies to maintain tissue augmentation even after its biodegradation. To improve their stability, the HA molecules can also be “cross‐linked” to each other. The effects of cross‐linked HA‐based fillers on the dermal structure are well known. For safety reasons, most of the physicians prefer to use the blunt cannula for injections. However, evidences showed that the cannula could not be located in the dermis, but it passes through immediate hypodermis and the long‐lasting effect of cross‐linked HA‐based fillers may be related to its effects on adipose tissue. To test whether cross‐linked HA has a direct effect on human adipocytes, we treated isolated adipocytes and precursors cells from human skin donors with cross‐linked HA. Biochemical and cellular analysis demonstrated that treatment by cross‐linked HA showed beneficial effects on differentiated cell adherence and survival as well as reduced basal and induced lipolysis in fully mature adipocytes. Taken together, these data showed that cross‐linked HA promoted cell adherence and preserved the adipogenic capacity of preadipocytes during prolonged cell culture, bringing additional evidences of the beneficial role of cross‐linked HA‐based fillers in maintenance of the subcutaneous fat mass. This first study could defend a preventive approach to facial volume loss during natural aging.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized trial of skin‐lightening cream containing lycopene and wheat bran extract on melasma
Authors: Bavarsad Neda , Mapar Mohammad Ali , Safaezadeh Mona , Latifi Seyed Mahmoud
Published: November 2020

Objective

Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation disorder, and reactive oxygen species play important role in regulating melanin synthesis. Lycopene is one of the most effective oxygen neutralizers among tomato‐derived carotenoids. Also, hydroquinone is a compound that has been used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation by mechanism of tyrosinase inhibition and can be found in wheat.

Methods

An appropriate cream formulation containing 0.05% tomato lycopene and 3.45% wheat bran extract was prepared, and physicochemical characterization was performed. The prepared formulations were applied twice a day for three months in combination with SPF = 30 sunscreen by 22 patients diagnosed with melasma. MASI score in two groups was evaluated at weeks 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 and 1 month after the treatment.

Results

The prepared formulation shows smooth and homogeneous appearance with suitable spreadability and viscosity. The MASI score of intervention group from the sixth week until the end of the treatment was significantly decreased compared to the onset of the treatment (P < .05), and the mean difference of the MASI score and the rate of skin discoloration in intervention group (0.53 ± 0.47 and 3.73 ± 1.90, respectively) were significantly higher than in placebo group (0.14 ± 0.20 and 0.91 ± 0.07, respectively; P < .05). Size of melasma during the study was decreased significantly from 6.59 ± 3.47 to 5.97 ± 3.83 (P < .05).

Conclusion

The data of mean difference of the MASI score indicated skin improvement in intervention group. Meanwhile, no recurrence was observed one month after the end of the treatment. These data suggest that the prepared formulation containing lycopene and wheat bran extract is safe and could be promising as an efficacious cosmetic treatment.
Employing immunohistochemical staining to labial minor salivary gland biopsies from patients with Sjogren's syndrome increases diagnostic certainty
Authors: Trivedi Apoorva , Cornejo Kristine M. , O'Donnell Patrick , Dresser Karen , Deng April
Published: November 2020

Background

Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) is an autoimmune disease characterized clinically by dry eyes and dry mouth, and histopathologically by lymphocytic infiltrates in the salivary glands. Labial minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) is a major diagnostic test for SjS, deemed positive by a focus score of ≥1, meaning that ≥50 lymphocytes were found in 4 mm2 tissue on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides. The diagnosis can be challenging, and the above diagnostic criteria has low and variable sensitivity.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on MSGBs done for possible SjS. We compared the percent of MSGBs which met the histologic criteria by H&E stain alone and that with the addition of CD45, CD3, and CD20 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for these patients. A total of 45 cases with complete data were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐five of the 45 patients had the diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome (SjS+) based on ACR criteria. However, based on H&E staining alone, only 22/35 cases (63%) met the histologic criteria. After adding IHC staining with CD45, CD3, and CD20 to MSGBs of SjS + patients, 29/35 (83%) cases met the histological criteria for SjS. All MSGBs from patients without SjS had no significant lymphocyte infiltrate on either H&E or IHC stains.

Conclusions

Immunohistochemical better identifies lymphocytic infiltrates in MSGB and increases diagnostic certainty. Due to high cost, their use should be restricted to cases where there is high clinical suspicion of SjS and negative H&E evaluation alone, or if the diagnosis is uncertain.
Subsidizing heterogeneous higher education systems
Authors: Hatsor Limor , Zilcha Itzhak
Published: November 2020

In many countries, there is an ongoing debate on the public funding of the higher education (HE) system. Our goal is to examine the theoretical justification for the establishment of HE institutions and analyze the self‐selection of students under different policies of student subsidies. We study nonstationary equilibria of an overlapping‐generation economy in a hierarchical education system. Given the capacity constraints of Universities, we explore the impact of adding new institutions, to be called Colleges, to the HE system, focusing on three issues. Given that Colleges are less productive and less selective than Universities: (a) Should the government establish Colleges? (b) Should the government divert funds from Universities to Colleges? On the basis of long‐run economic growth considerations, we obtain positive answers to both questions. (c) Then, we compare several policies of student subsidies across the board. Our results suggest that much caution is needed in the implementation of student subsidies. Specifically, targeting subsidies to the highly‐ranked students in each institution may distort their self‐selection across institutions and downgrade the human capital accumulation in the economy. To offset this distortion in the demand for HE it may be useful to target subsidies to the low‐ranked students in each institution. Our model also accounts for several stylized facts over time: (1) the increase in the number of institutions and students, (2) the decline in College admission standards, and (3) the decline in public budget per student and the corresponding increase in out‐of‐pocket student payments.
Conditional Cash Transfers and Homogeneous Spaces: The Politics of Multiplicative Effects
Authors: Costa Carlos
Published: November 2020

Las transferencias monetarias condicionadas son una política popular de alivio de la pobreza en todo el mundo. Sus efectos de alto impacto atraen la atención de los políticos, que pueden manipular estos programas para obtener votos. Este artículo analiza cómo la distribución espacial de los perfiles de votantes afecta la distribución de beneficios. La teoría aquí presentada sugiere que los espacios con mayor homogeneidad de tipos de votantes reciben menos beneficios que sus contrapartes más heterogéneas, lo que a su vez crea un incentivo de redistribución conflictivo—las mismas características que se asocian con mayores participaciones de beneficios también pueden comprometerlos, según su posición dentro del espacio objetivo. Esta expectativa se basa en la confianza de un político en los efectos multiplicativos; los beneficios crean un efecto dominó de otros tipos de beneficios que también generan votos, que los políticos pueden tener en cuenta. El estudio del caso de Bolsa Familia de Brasil, el programa de transferencias monetarias condicionadas más grande del mundo, proporciona pruebas sólidas para respaldar las hipótesis.
The potential use of Bayesian Networks to support committee decisions in programmatic assessment
Authors: Zoanetti Nathan , Pearce Jacob
Published: November 2020

Context

The benefits of programmatic assessment are well‐established. Evidence from multiple assessment formats is accumulated and triangulated to inform progression committee decisions. Committees are consistently challenged to ensure consistency and fairness in programmatic deliberations. Traditional statistical and psychometric techniques are not well‐suited to aggregating different assessment formats accumulated over time. Some of the strengths of programmatic assessment are also vulnerabilities viewed through this lens. While emphasis is often placed on data richness and considered input of qualified experts, committees reasonably wish for practical, defensible solutions to these challenges.

Methods

We draw upon on existing literature regarding Bayesian Networks (BN), noting their utility and application in educational systems. We provide illustrative examples of how they could potentially be used in contexts that embed programmatic principles. We show a simple BN for a knowledge domain before presenting a full‐scale ‘proof of concept’ BN to support committee decisions. We zoom in on one ‘node’ to demonstrate the capacity of incorporating disparate evidence throughout the network.

Conclusions

Bayesian Networks offer an approach that is theoretically well‐supported for programmatic assessment. They can aid committees in managing evidence accumulation, help them make inferences under conditions of uncertainty, and buttress decisions by adding a layer of defensibility to the process. They are a pragmatic tool adding value to the programmatic space by applying a complementary statistical framework. We see four major benefits of BNs in programmatic assessment: BNs allow for visual capturing of evidentiary arguments by committees during decision‐making; ‘recommendations’ from probabilistic pathways can be used by committees to confirm their qualitative judgments; BNs can ensure precedents are maintained and consistency occurs over time; and the imperative to capture data richness is maintained without resorting to questionable methodological strategies such as adding qualitatively different things together. Further research into their feasibility and robustness in practice is warranted.
Perioperative nurses’ experiences in relation to surgical patient safety: A qualitative study
Authors: Peñataro‐Pintado Ester , Rodríguez Encarna , Castillo Jordi , Martín‐Ferreres María Luisa , De Juan María Ángeles , Díaz Agea José Luis
Published: November 2020

Surgical patient safety remains a concern worldwide as, despite World Health Organization recommendations and implementation of its Surgical Safety Checklist, adverse events continue to occur. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the views and experiences of perioperative nurses regarding the factors that impact surgical patient safety. Data were collected through five focus groups involving a total of 50 perioperative nurses recruited from four public hospitals in Spain. Content analysis of the focus groups yielded four main themes: personal qualities of the perioperative nurse, the surgical environment, safety culture, and perioperative nursing care plans. One of the main findings concerned barriers to the exercise of leadership by nurses, especially regarding completion of the Surgical Safety Checklist. Some of the key factors that impacted the ability of perioperative nurses to fulfil their duties and ensure patient safety were the stress associated with working in the operating room, time pressures, and ineffective communication in the multidisciplinary team. Targeting these aspects through training initiatives could contribute to the professional development of perioperative nurses and reduce the incidence of adverse events by enhancing the surgical safety culture.
Interaction between IgA and gut microbiota and its role in controlling metabolic syndrome
Authors: Guo Jielong , Han Xue , Huang Weidong , You Yilin , Jicheng Zhan
Published: November 2020

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant immunoglobulin isotype secreted into the mucosal tissues, mainly intestinal mucus. Humans can produce several grams of IgA every day, accounting for three quarters of the body's total immunoglobulin content. IgA, together with mucus and antimicrobial peptides, forms the first line of defence for intestinal epithelial cells, protecting them from a significant number of intestinal antigens. IgA also plays a principal role in controlling the gut microbiota (GM), and disruption in IgA can result in dysbiosis, such as the enrichment of Proteobacteria, which are generally bound by IgA. Proteobacteria overexpansion is also usually seen in obesity and colitis. Consistent with this, IgA dysfunction frequently results in metabolic syndrome (MetS), including conditions such as obesity, adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. In contrast, enhanced IgA function can improve, and even prevent, MetS. Interactions among IgA, GM, and metabolism provide a promising avenue to combat MetS.
MiR‐646 regulates proliferation and migration of laryngeal carcinoma through the PI3K/AKT pathway via targeting GPX1
Authors: Yuan Xuanju , Liu Yufeng , Chen E. , Wang Junhua , Deng Shouping , Chen Ping , Wang Xianhe , Deng Shouheng
Published: November 2020

Laryngeal cancer is a common type of head and neck malignancy. microRNA is implicated in the development and progression of various tumours. The present study aimed to explore the potential roles and mechanisms of miR‐646 in laryngeal carcinoma cells. We detected the expression of miR‐646 and observed that miR‐646 was reduced in laryngeal cell lines. Subsequently, the proliferation, migration and invasion of TU212 and TU686 cells were evaluated using CCK‐8 assays, cell proliferation ELISA BrdU and transwell assays after transfection with miR‐646 mimic. Overexpression of miR‐646 attenuated the proliferative and invasive abilities of TU212 and TU686 cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) is a direct target of miR‐646. Interestingly, restoration of GPX1 promoted cell proliferation and migration, and reversed the biological activities of miR‐646 in cell proliferation and migration. It is worth noting that miR‐646 overexpression blocked the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, and this was partly abrogated by GPX1. 740Y‐P, a PI3K agonist abolished the effects of miR‐646 on cell proliferation and invasion. Taken together, miR‐646 prohibited the proliferation and invasion of laryngeal carcinoma cells through the PI3K/AKT pathway via targeting GPX1.
Unity and objectivity in Strawson and Cassam
Authors: Gomes Anil
Published: November 2020

Some comments on Quassim Cassam'sSelf and Worldwritten for a conference at theInstitute of Philosophyin 2017. I consider the objection that Cassam raises to Strawson's argument from unity to objectivity inThe Bounds of Senseand raise some general questions about Cassam's problem of misconception and its application to transcendental arguments.
Child hand contamination is associated with subsequent pediatric diarrhea in rural Democratic Republic of the Congo (REDUCE Program)
Authors: George Christine Marie , Cirhuza Lucien Bisimwa , Birindwa Alves , Williams Camille , Beck Sara , Julian Timothy , Kuhl Jennifer , Coglianese Nicole , Thomas Elizabeth , Bauler Sarah , François Ruthly , Saxton Ronald , Presence Amani Sanvura , Rusanga Jean Claude Bisimwa , Perin Jamie , Mirindi Patrick
Published: November 2020

Objective

The Reducing Enteropathy, Undernutrition, and Contamination in the Environment (REDUCE) program focuses on identifying exposure pathways to faecal pathogens for young children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and on developing scalable interventions to reduce faecal contamination from these pathways.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 690 participants was conducted to investigate the association between hand, food, and environmental faecal contamination and diarrhoeal disease prevalence among young children in Walungu Territory, South Kivu, DRC. A total of 1923 hand rinse, soil, food, object, surface, stored water and water source samples were collected during unannounced spot checks after baseline enrolment and analysed for Escherichia coli. Caregiver reports of diarrhoea were obtained from children < 5 years at a 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

E.coli was detected in 73% of child and caregiver hand‐rinse samples, 69% of soil samples from child play spaces, 54% of child food samples, 38% of objects and surfaces children were observed putting in their mouths, 74% of stored water samples, and 40% of source water samples. Children < 5 years with E. coli on their hands had significantly higher odds of diarrhoea at the 6‐month follow‐up (odds ratio: 2.03 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 3.92)).

Conclusion

The cohort study findings from the REDUCE program have shown that child hand contamination is associated with diarrhoeal disease in rural DRC, and that there is high faecal contamination in child plays spaces and food. These findings provide evidence demonstrating the urgent need to provide clean play spaces for young children and interventions targeting hand hygiene to reduce paediatric exposure to faecal pathogens.
In the autumn of their lives: Exploring the geographies and rhythms of old[er] age masculinities
Authors: Riley Mark
Published: November 2020

Using a novel longitudinal qualitative approach of revisiting older men across an elongated period, this paper addresses the lack of geographical attention given to older age masculinities specifically, and the limited exploration of the temporal aspects of masculinity more generally. Situated within debates around intersectional and relational approaches to masculinity and the critical geographies of ageing, the paper utilises insights from Lefebvre’s rhythmanalysis to examine how older men (re)produce, organise, and improvise rhythms in using and experiencing places as they age. The paper shows how the notion of masculinities as relational is given fresh insight when considered through the lens of rhythms, offering a less dualistic framing of men than those centred on bodily capacity and that automatically present older men as subordinate, redundant, or inferior. The paper draws on in‐depth, repeat, qualitative interviews across four phases in an 18‐year period with 32 older men (over 65) in the UK. The analysis points to how changing rhythms as men age may be accommodated through, and subsumed within, wider rhythms of continued work, periods of busyness, and eurhythmia (accordance of rhythms) with those around them. Conversely, aspects of arrhythmia (dissonance or conflict of rhythms) that have previously been pointed to as marginalising may also offer older men a level of distinction – allowing, for example, a distancing from age‐graded spaces and prevalent discourses of older age as well as enabling socially dominant masculine positions compared to others at the local level. The paper also points to how masculinities are not only relational to other people and places but also to natural and non‐human rhythms and daily and seasonal contingencies as well as across time.
The effectiveness of non-pharmacologic treatments compared to pharmacologic treatments in veterans with sleep disturbances: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Albanese Beau , Palokas Michelle
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The objective is to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic treatments compared to pharmacologic treatments in veterans with sleep disturbances.

Introduction:

Sleep disturbances in veterans are a common occurrence. If left untreated, these individuals are susceptible not only to accidents and injuries but long-term psychiatric and/or cardiovascular complications.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies of veterans, aged 18 and over, with a diagnosis of sleep disturbances. This study will exclude patients with psychotic disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, or other medical illnesses causing disrupted sleep.

Methods:

This review will use the JBI methodology for evidence of effectiveness. The search will be limited to studies published in English after 1970. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), and PsycINFO (EBSCO). The trial registers to be searched include US National Library of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov) and Cochrane Library. The search for unpublished studies will include ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, MedNar, and WorldWideScience. Eligible studies will undergo critical appraisal and data extraction by two independent reviewers using standardized critical appraisal instruments and a data extraction tool from JBI. Studies will be pooled in statistical meta-analysis when possible. When statistical pooling is not possible, the findings will be presented in narrative form with tables and figures.

Systematic Review Registration Number:

PROSPERO (CRD42019140804)
Kv11 (ether‐à‐go‐go‐related gene) voltage‐dependent K+ channels promote resonance and oscillation of subthreshold membrane potentials
Authors: Matsuoka Toshinori , Yamasaki Miwako , Abe Manabu , Matsuda Yukiko , Morino Hiroyuki , Kawakami Hideshi , Sakimura Kenji , Watanabe Masahiko , Hashimoto Kouichi
Published: November 2020

Key points

Some ion channels are known to behave as inductors and make up the parallel resonant circuit in the plasma membrane of neurons, which enables neurons to respond to current inputs with a specific frequency (so‐called ‘resonant properties’).

Here, we report that heterologous expression of mouse Kv11 voltage‐dependent K+ channels generate resonance and oscillation at depolarized membrane potentials in HEK293 cells; expressions of individual Kv11 subtypes generate resonance and oscillation with different frequency properties.

Kv11.3‐expressing HEK293 cells exhibited transient conductance changes that opposed the current changes induced by voltage steps; this probably enables Kv11 channels to behave like an inductor.

The resonance and oscillation of inferior olivary neurons were impaired at the resting membrane potential in Kv11.3 knockout mice.

This study helps to elucidate basic ion channel properties that are crucial for the frequency responses of neurons.

The plasma membranes of some neurons preferentially respond to current inputs with a specific frequency, and output as large voltage changes. This property is called resonance, and is thought to be mediated by ion channels that show inductor‐like behaviour. However, details of the candidate ion channels remain unclear. In this study, we mainly focused on the functional roles of Kv11 potassium (K+) channels, encoded by ether‐á‐go‐go‐related genes, in resonance in mouse inferior olivary (IO) neurons. We transfected HEK293 cells with long or short splice variants of Kv11.1 (Merg1a and Merg1b) or Kv11.3, and examined membrane properties using whole‐cell recording. Transfection with Kv11 channels reproduced resonance at membrane potentials depolarized from the resting state. Frequency ranges of Kv11.3‐, Kv11.1(Merg1b)‐ and Kv11.1(Merg1a)‐expressing cells were 2–6 Hz, 2–4 Hz, and 0.6–0.8 Hz, respectively. Responses of Kv11.3 currents to step voltage changes were essentially similar to those of inductor currents in the resistor–inductor–capacitor circuit. Furthermore, Kv11 transfections generated membrane potential oscillations. We also confirmed the contribution of HCN1 channels as a major mediator of resonance at more hyperpolarized potentials by transfection into HEK293 cells. The Kv11 current kinetics and properties of Kv11‐dependent resonance suggested that Kv11.3 mediated resonance in IO neurons. This finding was confirmed by the impairment of resonance and oscillation at –30 to –60 mV in Kcnh7 (Kv11.3) knockout mice. These results suggest that Kv11 channels have important roles in inducing frequency‐dependent responses in a subtype‐dependent manner from resting to depolarized membrane potentials.
Interfacial modulation on single-crystalline aluminum films grown on GaAs by ErAs insertion
Authors: Zhang Kedong , Pan Rui , Xia Shunji , Zhang Wangwei , Chang Menglin , Ding Yuanfeng , Li Chen , Deng Yu , Lu Hong , Chen Yan-Feng
Published: November 2020

Single-crystalline aluminum (Al) films are grown on GaAs (100) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. The Al/GaAs interface is modified by ErAs insertion, and the Al quality is further improved. The full-width at half-maximum for Al (111) diffraction peak is 0.06°, and the root-mean-square surface roughness is 0.69 nm. In addition, the Al growth orientation can be tuned by ErAs insertion, which is attributed to the smaller lattice mismatch and higher surface symmetry provided by ErAs. The interfacial interdiffusion between Al and GaAs can be suppressed by ErAs as well. The sharp interfaces as well as the high quality of Al are confirmed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy studies. The lattice arrangements of the two stable Al/GaAs and Al/ErAs structures are proposed to show that the lattice matching and the interfacial bonding are two main driving forces.
Violent encounters between social units hinder the growth of a high-density mountain gorilla population
Authors: Caillaud Damien , Eckardt Winnie , Vecellio Veronica , Ndagijimana Felix , Mucyo Jean-Pierre , Hirwa Jean-Paul , Stoinski Tara
Published: November 2020

As mountain gorilla density increases in an isolated forest, violent encounters between groups cause infant deaths.
Spider silk self-assembly via modular liquid-liquid phase separation and nanofibrillation
Authors: Malay Ali D. , Suzuki Takehiro , Katashima Takuya , Kono Nobuaki , Arakawa Kazuharu , Numata Keiji
Published: November 2020

Liquid-liquid phase separation coupled with acidification triggers the self-assembly of spider silk to form nanofibril networks.
Monodisperse drops templated by 3D-structured microparticles
Authors: Wu Chueh-Yu , Ouyang Mengxing , Wang Bao , de Rutte Joseph , Joo Alexis , Jacobs Matthew , Ha Kyung , Bertozzi Andrea L. , Di Carlo Dino
Published: November 2020

Shaped microparticles with tailored surface chemistry template monodisperse drops compatible with molecular and cellular assays.
Trisulfide bond–mediated doxorubicin dimeric prodrug nanoassemblies with high drug loading, high self-assembly stability, and high tumor selectivity
Authors: Yang Yinxian , Sun Bingjun , Zuo Shiyi , Li Ximu , Zhou Shuang , Li Lingxiao , Luo Cong , Liu Hongzhuo , Cheng Maosheng , Wang Yongjun , Wang Shujun , He Zhonggui , Sun Jin
Published: November 2020

Trisulfide bond enhances the stability and GSH sensitivity of doxorubicin dimeric prodrug nanoassemblies.
Plasmonic linear nanomotor using lateral optical forces
Authors: Tanaka Yoshito Y. , Albella Pablo , Rahmani Mohsen , Giannini Vincenzo , Maier Stefan A. , Shimura Tsutomu
Published: November 2020

A nanoscale metal particle functions as a light-powered linear motor via engineering its localized surface plasmons.
Reward activity in ventral pallidum tracks satiety-sensitive preference and drives choice behavior
Authors: Ottenheimer David J. , Wang Karen , Tong Xiao , Fraser Kurt M. , Richard Jocelyn M. , Janak Patricia H.
Published: November 2020

The brain’s ventral pallidum encodes reward preference across changing physiological state and influences reward decisions.
Female hunters of the early Americas
Authors: Haas Randall , Watson James , Buonasera Tammy , Southon John , Chen Jennifer C. , Noe Sarah , Smith Kevin , Viviano Llave Carlos , Eerkens Jelmer , Parker Glendon
Published: November 2020

Sexual division of labor with females as gatherers and males as hunters is a major empirical regularity of hunter-gatherer ethnography, suggesting an ancestral behavioral pattern. We present an archeological discovery and meta-analysis that challenge the man-the-hunter hypothesis. Excavations at the Andean highland site of Wilamaya Patjxa reveal a 9000-year-old human burial (WMP6) associated with a hunting toolkit of stone projectile points and animal processing tools. Osteological, proteomic, and isotopic analyses indicate that this early hunter was a young adult female who subsisted on terrestrial plants and animals. Analysis of Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene burial practices throughout the Americas situate WMP6 as the earliest and most secure hunter burial in a sample that includes 10 other females in statistical parity with early male hunter burials. The findings are consistent with nongendered labor practices in which early hunter-gatherer females were big-game hunters.
Leverage electron properties to predict phonon properties via transfer learning for semiconductors
Authors: Liu Zeyu , Jiang Meng , Luo Tengfei
Published: November 2020

Transfer learning greatly improves phonon prediction by leveraging knowledge hidden in bigger, even if inaccurate, electron data.
A decision algorithm to promote outpatient antimicrobial stewardship for uncomplicated urinary tract infection
Authors: Kanjilal Sanjat , Oberst Michael , Boominathan Sooraj , Zhou Helen , Hooper David C. , Sontag David
Published: November 2020

Machine learning models for predicting antibiotic resistance could reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in urinary tract infection.
The nanogeochemistry of abiotic carbonaceous matter in serpentinites from the Yap Trench, western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Nan(南景博) Jingbo , King Helen E. , Delen Guusje , Meirer Florian , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Guo(郭自晓) Zixiao , Peng(彭晓彤) Xiaotong , Plümper Oliver
Published: November 2020

Serpentinization may provide a unique environment for the abiotic formation of condensed carbonaceous matter. This could support the deep biosphere and contribute to the deep carbon cycle, and may have provided the first building blocks for life. However, thus far, condensed carbonaceous matter has been found only in association with the minor mineral constituents of serpentinites. In contrast, here we show the direct association between carbonaceous matter and the dominant Fe oxide in serpentinites, magnetite. Our samples were recovered from the Yap Trench, western Pacific Ocean, with a human-occupied vehicle at a depth of 6413 m below sea level. The carbonaceous matter coincides with some micron-sized magnetite grains, but particularly with nanosized Fe oxides within serpentinite nanopores. Vibrational spectroscopy reveals that the condensed carbonaceous matter contains both aliphatic and aromatic compounds, but there is no evidence for functional groups typical for biological organics. Based on these observations, we suggest that physicochemical phenomena in serpentinite nanopores and nanosized catalytically active minerals may play a key role in the abiotic synthesis of complex carbonaceous matter.
Initiation and evolution of knickpoints and their role in cut-and-fill processes in active submarine channels
Authors: Guiastrennec-Faugas Léa , Gillet Hervé , Peakall Jeff , Dennielou Bernard , Gaillot Arnaud , Jacinto Ricardo Silva
Published: November 2020

Submarine channels are the main conduits and intermediate stores for sediment transport into the deep sea, including organics, pollutants, and microplastics. Key drivers of morphological change in channels are upstream-migrating knickpoints whose initiation has typically been linked to episodic processes such as avulsion, bend cutoff, and tectonics. The initiation of knickpoints in submarine channels has never been described, and questions remain about their evolution. Sedimentary and flow processes enabling the maintenance of such features in non-lithified substrates are also poorly documented. Repeated high-resolution multibeam bathymetry between 2012 and 2018 in the Capbreton submarine canyon (southeastern Bay of Biscay, offshore France) demonstrates that knickpoints can initiate autogenically at meander bends over annual to multi-annual time scales. Partial channel clogging at tight bends is shown to predate the development of new knickpoints. We describe this initiation process and show a detailed morphological evolution of knickpoints over time. The gradients of knickpoint headwalls are sustained and can grow over time as they migrate through headward erosion. This morphology, associated plunge pools, and/or development of enhanced downstream erosion are linked herein to the formation and maintenance of hydraulic jumps. These insights of autogenically driven, temporally high-frequency knickpoints reveal that cut-and-fill cycles with depths of multiple meters can be the norm in submarine systems.
Feasibility of using patient-reported outcome measures with visually impaired children/young people attending paediatric ophthalmology clinics
Authors: Robertson Alexandra O , Tadić Valerija , Cortina-Borja Mario , Rahi Jugnoo
Published: November 2020

Objective

To explore feasibility of using child/young person patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) routinely in practice, using vision-specific instruments and paediatric ophthalmology as the exemplar.

Methods

Participants comprised patients aged 8–17 years, with visual impairment or low vision (visual acuity of the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) worse than 0.3 in the better eye), attending the Department of Ophthalmology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK. All participants completed age-appropriate PROMs before attending their outpatient appointment. Half were randomly assigned to completion at home, with the choice of paper-and-pencil or electronic format. The other half were invited to complete PROMs during their hospital appointment, and randomly assigned to completion format. All participants completed a face-to-face survey exploring their attitudes and preferences. Analysis comprised survival analysis, and direct comparisons of proportions, with complementary qualitative data analysis.

Results

93 patients participated. 48 (98%) completing PROMs at home chose the paper-and-pencil format. Completion at home took longer than at hospital (median=20, vs 14 min, p<0.001). Visual acuity was associated with completion time (p=0.007) and missing data (p=0.03). Overall, 52 (60%) reported a preference for completion at home but there was no clear preference for format (37 (43%) preferred either format).

Conclusion

PROM completion at home ahead of hospital appointments may be preferable for collecting complete, high-quality datasets. Despite equipoise on preference for format, the majority of those completing at home chose the traditional paper-and-pencil format, despite impaired sight. These findings should inform implementation of child/young person PROMs into routine practice.
OCT angiography measured changes in the foveal avascular zone area after glaucoma surgery
Authors: Shoji Takuhei , Kanno Junji , Weinreb Robert N , Yoshikawa Yuji , Mine Izumi , Ishii Hirokazu , Ibuki Hisashi , Shinoda Kei
Published: November 2020

Background/Aims

To evaluate quantitative changes in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area after glaucoma surgery using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

Methods

Fifty-four consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who met the inclusion criteria and underwent unilateral glaucoma surgery to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) between April 2018 and July 2019.

Eyes underwent IOP-lowering glaucoma surgery and their fellow (non-surgical) eyes were included. OCTA of the macula was performed in both eyes before glaucoma surgery and 3 months postoperatively. Two blinded examiners reviewed the image quality. Within- and between-group comparisons of the FAZ area and correlation of the FAZ area with age, IOP, central sensitivity and clinical variables.

Results

The mean (±SD) age was 66.7±11.3 years. After surgery, the IOP and FAZ area significantly decreased from 22.1±9.5 mmHg to 10.3±3.5 mmHg and from 0.485±0.193 mm2 to 0.446±0.174 mm2, respectively (both p<0.001). Conversely, in the non-surgery group, the preoperative and postoperative mean FAZ areas (0.398±0.119 mm2 and 0.396±0.110 mm2, respectively) did not significantly differ (p=0.469). Change in the FAZ area significantly correlated with the preoperative FAZ area, preoperative foveal sensitivity and change in IOP (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

The FAZ area is decreased with IOP-lowering surgery in patients with POAG, and change in the FAZ area was significantly correlated with both preoperative foveal sensitivity and change in IOP.
Postural sway correlates with cognition and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Apthorp Deborah , Smith Alex , Ilschner Susanne , Vlieger Robin , Das Chandi , Lueck Christian J , Looi Jeffrey C L
Published: November 2020

Background

The severity of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is difficult to assess objectively owing to the lack of a robust biological marker of underlying disease status, with consequent implications for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The current standard tool is the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), but this is hampered by variability between observers and within subjects. Postural sway has been shown to correlate with complex brain functioning in other conditions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between postural sway, MDS-UPDRS and other non-motor measures of disease severity in patients with PD.

Method

25 patients with PD and 18 age-matched controls participated in the study. All participants underwent assessment of postural sway using a force plate, with eyes open and closed. In addition, participants underwent tests of cognition and quality of life: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment (NUCOG) and, for the patients, the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39–1), and assessment of clinical status using the motor component of the MDS-UPDRS.

Results

Patients swayed significantly more than controls. This was most obvious in the eyes-closed condition. Sway path length showed strong correlations with PDQ-39–1, MoCA and the verbal fluency component of the NUCOG, and, to a lesser degree, with the UPDRS-III in patients with PD.

Conclusion

These results suggest that motor and non-motor symptoms of PD are associated in patients, and, in particular, that postural sway shows potential as a possible measure of underlying disease status in PD, either alone or in combination with other measures.
Novel electronic adherence monitoring devices in children with asthma: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Makhecha Sukeshi , Chan Amy , Pearce Christina , Jamalzadeh Angela , Fleming Louise
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Adherence monitoring to inhaled corticosteroids is an essential component of asthma management. Electronic monitoring devices (EMD) provide objective data on date, time and number of actuations. However, most give no information on inhalation. Novel EMD (NEMD) platforms have the potential to monitor both activation and inhalation.

Aim

To assess the feasibility of NEMDs, in terms of usability, acceptability to patients and healthcare professionals and accuracy.

Methods

This was an open-label, prospective, mixed-methods, pragmatic randomised study. Children with asthma attending specialist tertiary care were randomised to one of four NEMD: Remote Directly Observed Therapy (R-DOT), Hailie Smartinhaler, INhaler Compliance Assessment device (INCA) and the Rafi-tone App. Following monitoring, participants were invited to focus groups or one-to-one interviews. Usability and acceptability were evaluated using themes identified from the focus groups and interviews. Adherence accuracy was determined using adherence data from each NEMD.

Results

Thirty-five children were recruited; 18 (51%), (11 males, median age 13.5 (7–16) years) completed monitoring, 14 (78%) provided feedback. Participants identified various features such as ease of use and minimal effort as desirable criteria for an NEMD. The Hailie and INCA fulfilled these criteria and were able to record both actuation and inhalation. Negative themes included a ‘Big Brother’ effect and costs.

Conclusion

There was no ‘one size fits all’, as participants identified advantages and disadvantages for each NEMD. Devices that can easily calculate adherence to activation and inhalation have the potential to have greatest utility in clinical practice. Each NEMD has different functionality and therefore choice of platform should be determined by the needs of the patient and healthcare professional.
Association of heart failure and its comorbidities with loss of life expectancy
Authors: Drozd Michael , Relton Samuel D , Walker Andrew M N , Slater Thomas A , Gierula John , Paton Maria F , Lowry Judith , Straw Sam , Koshy Aaron , McGinlay Melanie , Simms Alexander D , Gatenby V Kate , Sapsford Robert J , Witte Klaus K , Kearney Mark T , Cubbon Richard M
Published: November 2020

Objective

Estimating survival can aid care planning, but the use of absolute survival projections can be challenging for patients and clinicians to contextualise. We aimed to define how heart failure and its major comorbidities contribute to loss of actuarially predicted life expectancy.

Methods

We conducted an observational cohort study of 1794 adults with stable chronic heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, recruited from cardiology outpatient departments of four UK hospitals. Data from an 11-year maximum (5-year median) follow-up period (999 deaths) were used to define how heart failure and its major comorbidities impact on survival, relative to an age–sex matched control UK population, using a relative survival framework.

Results

After 10 years, mortality in the reference control population was 29%. In people with heart failure, this increased by an additional 37% (95% CI 34% to 40%), equating to an additional 2.2 years of lost life or a 2.4-fold (2.2–2.5) excess loss of life. This excess was greater in men than women (2.4 years (2.2–2.7) vs 1.6 years (1.2–2.0); p<0.001). In patients without major comorbidity, men still experienced excess loss of life, while women experienced less and were non-significantly different from the reference population (1 year (0.6–1.5) vs 0.4 years (−0.3 to 1); p<0.001). Accrual of comorbidity was associated with substantial increases in excess lost life, particularly for diabetes, chronic kidney and lung disease.

Conclusions

Comorbidity accounts for the majority of lost life expectancy in people with heart failure. Women, but not men, without comorbidity experience survival close to reference controls.
Gender, marital and educational inequalities in mid- to late-life depressive symptoms: cross-cohort variation and moderation by urbanicity degree
Authors: Ruiz Milagros A , Beenackers Marielle A , Doiron Dany , Gurer Asli , Sarr Aliou , Sohel Nazmul , Timmermans Erik J , Wissa Rita , Chaix Basile , Huisman Martijn , Krokstad Steinar , Kubinova Ruzena , Malyutina Sofia , Raina Parminder , Tamosiunas Abdonas , van Lenthe Frank J , Bobak Martin
Published: November 2020

Background

Although ageing populations are increasingly residing in cities, it is unknown whether depression inequalities are moderated by urbanicity degree. We estimated gender, marital and educational inequalities in depressive symptoms among older European and Canadian adults, and examined whether higher levels of urbanicity, captured by population density, heightened these inequalities.

Methods

Harmonised cross-sectional data on 97 826 adults aged ≥50 years from eight cohorts were used. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated for probable depression, depressed affect and depressive symptom severity by gender, marital status and education within each cohort, and combined using random-effects meta-analysis. Using a subsample of 73 123 adults from six cohorts with available data on population density, we tested moderating effects measured by the number of residents per square kilometre.

Results

The pooled PRs for probable depression by female gender, unmarried or non-cohabitating status and low education were 1.48 (95% CI 1.28 to 1.72), 1.44 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.61) and 1.29 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.41), respectively. PRs for depressed affect and high symptom severity were broadly similar. Except for one Dutch cohort with findings in an unexpected direction, there was no evidence that population density modified depressive symptom inequalities.

Conclusions

Despite cross-cohort variation in gender, marital status and educational inequalities in depressive symptoms, there was weak evidence that these inequalities differed by levels of population density.