bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring relationships between alcohol consumption, inflammation, and brain structure in a heavy drinking sample
Authors: Karoly Hollis C. , Skrzynski Carillon J. , Moe Erin N. , Bryan Angela D. , Hutchison Kent E.
Published: September 2021

Background

Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with structural brain changes and increased inflammatory signaling throughout the brain and body. Increased inflammation in the brain has been associated with structural damage. Recent studies have also shown that neurofilament light polypeptide (NfL) is released into the systemic circulation following neuronal damage. Although NfL has thus been proposed as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases, its connection to alcohol use disorder has not been explored. For this secondary data analysis, we proposed a conceptual model linking alcohol consumption, the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6, brain structure, and NfL in heavy drinking participants.

Methods

Of the 182 individuals enrolled in this study, 81 participants had usable data on gray matter (GM) thickness and 80 had usable data on white matter (WM) diffusivity. A subset of participants had NfL (n = 78) and IL‐6 (n = 117) data. An estimate of GM thickness was extracted from middle frontal brain regions using FreeSurfer. Estimated mean WM diffusivity values were extracted from Tract Based Spatial Statistics. NfL and IL‐6 were measured in blood. Regression models were used to test individual linkages in the conceptual model. Based on significant regression results, we created a simplified conceptual model, which we tested using path analysis.

Results

In regressions, negative relationships emerged between GM and both drinks per drinking day (DPDD) (p = 0.018) and NfL (p = 0.004). A positive relationship emerged between WM diffusivity and DPDD (p = 0.033). IL‐6 was not significantly associated with alcohol use, GM or WM. The final path model demonstrated adequate fit to the data and showed significant, negative associations between DPDD and middle frontal gyrus (MFG) thickness, and between MFG thickness and NfL, but the association between DPDD and NfL was not significant.

Conclusions

This is the first study to show that heavy drinking is associated with lower GM thickness and higher WM diffusivity and that lower GM thickness is associated with higher circulating NfL. The analyses also show that the effects of drinking do not involve the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6.
Depressive symptoms interfere with the improvement in exercise capacity by cardiac rehabilitation after left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Kitagaki Kazufumi , Ono Rei , Shimada Yukihiro , Yanagi Hidetoshi , Konishi Harumi , Nakanishi Michio
Published: September 2021

Background

Although depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of readmission after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, it is unclear whether they affect the efficacy of exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR). This study aimed to investigate the effect of depressive symptoms on EBCR efficacy.

Methods

We analyzed 48 patients who participated in EBCR after LVAD implantation (mean age 45 ± 12 years; 60% male). Patients were classified into two groups using the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS): depressive group (SDS ≥40, n = 27) and non‐depressive group (SDS <40, n = 21). We examined changes in peak oxygen uptake (VO2), knee extensor muscular strength (KEMS), and quality of life (QOL) during EBCR using analysis of covariance.

Results

Although baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, the non‐depressive group was less likely to receive diuretics (22% vs. 52%, p = 0.030). Peak VO2, KEMS, and QOL significantly increased over time in both groups (all p < 0.05). The depressive group had a significantly lower change in peak VO2 than the non‐depressive group (2.7 vs. 1.6 ml/kg/min; mean difference: −1.1 ml/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.045 to −2.17; p = 0.041, d = 0.59). There was no between‐group difference regarding the change in KEMS or QOL. Adjusting for the baseline value, a significant difference between groups was observed only in peak VO2 (p = 0.045).

Conclusions

Although EBCR significantly improved exercise capacity after LVAD implantation, depressive symptoms interfered with this improvement. Further studies are needed to determine whether psychological interventions for depression, in addition to EBCR, would improve the response to EBCR after LVAD implantation.
The impact of virtuality on team effectiveness in organizational and non‐organizational teams: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Purvanova Radostina K. , Kenda Renata
Published: September 2021

We meta‐analytically assess the virtuality‐team effectiveness relationship using 73 samples of organizational teams (5738 teams) reporting on a wide range of productive (e.g. earnings), performance (e.g. customer ratings), social (e.g. cohesion), and team member (e.g. project satisfaction) outcomes. Our results suggest that in work organizations, virtuality is not a direct input—negative or positive—to team effectiveness. In contrast, using 109 samples of non‐organizational teams (5620 teams), we show that virtuality is a significant negative input to team effectiveness. We also meta‐analytically assess the issue of results generalizability from non‐organizational to organizational settings, and find that overall, results from non‐organizational studies largely fail to generalize to organizational virtual teams. Using moderator analysis, we explore a number of study features that may explain the poor results generalizability from non‐organizational to organizational studies. We find that results from non‐organizational studies using undergraduate students, short team duration, and laboratory settings drive the non‐generalizability effect, whereas results from non‐organizational studies using graduate students, longer team duration, and classroom settings produce results comparable to those of organizational studies of virtual teams. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.
More than a solo method: Netnography’s capacity to enhance offline research methods
Authors: Wu Di
Published: September 2021

As the use of the Internet has become ubiquitous and pervasive in people’s work and day‐to‐day life, netnography has been increasingly adopted to study online communities and activities in a range of social science disciplines, including Geography. The literature has identified that netnography is an effective research method in its own right. This paper aims to contribute to the literature on netnography by revealing novel possibilities that emerge when netnography is combined with offline research methods. It finds that a more active and participatory approach to netnography can significantly facilitate and smooth offline research methods such as interviews and observations in two major ways. First, it increases social and cognitive proximity between researchers and their participants. Second, it enables the spatial and temporal extension of researchers’ fieldwork.
A qualitative and quantitative comparison of IgE antibody profiles with two multiplex platforms for component‐resolved diagnostics in allergic patients
Authors: Scala Enrico , Caprini Elisabetta , Abeni Damiano , Meneguzzi Giorgia , Buzzulini Francesca , Cecchi Lorenzo , Villalta Danilo , Asero Riccardo
Published: September 2021

Background

Clinically complex phenotypes require more and more sophisticated and comprehensive diagnostic approaches, able to discriminate genuine sensitizations from cross‐reactivity. Interpretative complexity of multiplex diagnostic arrays has somewhat limited their diffusion. This study compares two currently available methods, namely ISAC® test and ALEX2® test.

Methods

In total, 140 allergic individuals, with a history of atopic dermatitis, adverse food reactions, allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma were studied by Allergy Explorer‐ALEX2® macroarray and ImmunoCAP ISAC112®. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots were used to verify the agreement between continuous values. Cohen's kappa coefficient (k) was assessed for the molecules available in both tests. The degree of relationship was analysed using Spearman's correlation (quantitative variables) and Pearson's χ2 or Fisher's exact test (categorical variables).

Results

A substantial agreement (κ = 0.795) was observed between the two methods with 94,3% concordant results when results were dichotomized as negative or positive, but if double‐negative results were discarded, the agreement dropped to 71%. Conversely, little or no concordance was observed comparing raw data. Considering the 102 molecules shared by both systems, 28/102 (27%) showed an almost perfect agreement (k > 0.81), and concordance was good (k > 0.61) in a further 32 (31%) cases. A perfect to substantial agreement was observed by comparing species‐specific aeroallergens. Heterogeneous results emerged comparing panallergens (co‐recognition ranging from 30% for tropomyosin/serum albumins to 70% for PR‐10/profilin). The correlation among LTP, profilin and PR‐10 assayed with ISAC® was better than ALEX2®, but the latter identified more positive cases due to the wider number of molecules available. The CCD blocker provided by ALEX® test abolishes the carbohydrate determinants signal in 60% of the 33 cases reactive to MUXF3 on the ISAC® test.

Conclusion

Despite the excellent concordance of the species‐specific markers, the analysis of the panallergens provided in both methods suggests a better performance of the ISAC® test on those components, while the ALEX2® test, which includes a larger number of allergens, allowing a broader molecular detection.
Influence of age on surgical treatment and postoperative outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer in Denmark and Yorkshire, England
Authors: Taylor John C. , Iversen Lene H. , Burke Dermot , Finan Paul J. , Howell Simon , Pedersen Lars , Iles Mark M. , Morris Eva J. A. , Quirke Philip ,   the YCR BCIP Study Group
Published: September 2021

Aim

Denmark and Yorkshire are demographically similar and both have undergone changes in their management of colorectal cancer to improve outcomes. The differential provision of surgical treatment, especially in the older age groups, may contribute to the magnitude of improved survival rates. This study aimed to identify differences in the management of colorectal cancer surgery and postoperative outcomes according to patient age between Denmark and Yorkshire.

Method

This was a retrospective population‐based study of colorectal cancer patients diagnosed in Denmark and Yorkshire between 2005 and 2016. Proportions of patients undergoing major surgical resection, postoperative mortality and relative survival were compared between Denmark and Yorkshire across several age groups (18–59, 60–69, 70–79 and ≥80 years) and over time.

Results

The use of major surgical resection was higher in Denmark than in Yorkshire, especially for patients aged ≥80 years (70.5% versus 50.5% for colon cancer, 49.3% versus 38.1% for rectal cancer). Thirty‐day postoperative mortality for Danish patients aged ≥80 years was significantly higher than that for Yorkshire patients with colonic cancer [OR (95% CI) = 1.22 (1.07, 1.38)] but not for rectal cancer or for 1‐year postoperative mortality. Relative survival significantly increased in all patients aged ≥80 years except for Yorkshire patients with colonic cancer.

Conclusion

This study suggests that there are major differences between the management of elderly patients with colorectal cancer between the two populations. Improved selection for surgery and better peri‐ and postoperative care in these patients appears to improve long‐term outcomes, but may come at the cost of a higher 30‐day mortality.
Natural infection of Pinus contorta var. latifolia, Pinus banksiana and their hybrid by Dothistroma septosporum in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ramsfield Tod , Myrholm Colin , Tomm Bradley
Published: September 2021

Seedlings of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), jack pine (P. banksiana), and their hybrid were infected by Dothistroma septosporum under natural conditions in Alberta, Canada, after planting these taxa within a heavily infected stand of lodgepole pine. This experiment has further proven that all three of these taxa are hosts for the pathogen. This information is necessary for assessing the risk of eastward movement of the pathogen from Alberta through populations of P. banksiana in the boreal forest.
MicroRNA regulation of B cell receptor signaling
Authors: Borbet Timothy C. , Hines Marcus J. , Koralov Sergei B.
Published: September 2021

B lymphocytes play a central role in host immune defense. B cell receptor (BCR) signaling regulates survival, proliferation, and differentiation of B lymphocytes. Signaling through the BCR signalosome is a multi‐component cascade that is tightly regulated and is important in the coordination of B cell differentiation and function. At different stages of development, B cells that have BCRs recognizing self are eliminated to prevent autoimmunity. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small single‐stranded non‐coding RNAs that contribute to post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression and have been shown to orchestrate cell fate decisions through the regulation of lineage‐specific transcriptional profiles. Studies have identified miRNAs to be crucial for B cell development in the bone marrow and their subsequent population of the peripheral immune system. In this review, we focus on the role of miRNAs in the regulation of BCR signaling as it pertains to B lymphocyte development and function. In particular, we discuss the most recent studies describing the role of miRNAs in the regulation of both early B cell development and peripheral B cell responses and examine the ways by which miRNAs regulate signal downstream of B cell antigen receptor to prevent aberrant activation and autoimmunity.
A novel mechanism of imeglimin‐mediated insulin secretion via the cADPR‐TRP channel pathway
Authors: Funazaki Shunsuke , Yoshida Masashi , Yamada Hodaka , Kakei Masafumi , Kawakami Masanobu , Nagashima Shuichi , Hara Kazuo , Dezaki Katsuya
Published: September 2021

Aims/Introduction

Imeglimin is a novel oral hypoglycemic agent that improves blood glucose levels through multiple mechanisms of action including the enhancement of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), however, the details of this mechanism have not been clarified. In the process of GSIS, activation of the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel, a type of non‐selective cation channel (NSCCs) in β‐cells, promotes plasma membrane depolarization. The present study aimed to examine whether imeglimin potentiates GSIS via the TRPM2 channel in β‐cells.

Materials and Methods

Pancreatic islets were isolated by collagenase digestion from male wild‐type and TRPM2‐knockout (KO) mice. Insulin release and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) production in islets were measured under static incubation. NSCC currents in mouse single β‐cells were measured by patch‐clamp experiments.

Results

Batch‐incubation studies showed that imeglimin enhanced GSIS at stimulatory 16.6 mM glucose, whereas it did not affect basal insulin levels at 2.8 mM glucose. Imeglimin increased the glucose‐induced production of NAD+, a precursor of cADPR, in islets and the insulinotropic effects of imeglimin were attenuated by a cADPR inhibitor 8‐Br‐cADPR. Furthermore, imeglimin increased NSCC current in β‐cells, and abolished this current in TRPM2‐KO mice. Imeglimin did not potentiate GSIS in the TRPM2‐KO islets, suggesting that imeglimin’s increase of NSCC currents through the TRPM2 channel is causally implicated in its insulin releasing effects.

Conclusions

Imeglimin may activate TRPM2 channels in β‐cells via the production of NAD+/cADPR, leading to the potentiation of GSIS. Developing approaches to stimulate cADPR‐TRPM2 signaling provides a potential therapeutic tool to treat type 2 diabetes.
Prevalence and persistency of deficiency citations in Florida assisted living facilities
Authors: Sharma Hari
Published: September 2021

Background

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are plagued with quality issues but there are limited studies on the quality of ALFs. In Florida, state surveyors conduct inspections of ALFs and cite and/or fine facilities that are in violation of regulations. Yet, we do not know the types of quality problems identified and the extent to which facilities repeat such problems. In this study, we begin to fill this gap in our understanding of ALFs quality by summarizing the deficiency citations in Florida ALFs.

Methods

We obtained inspection citation data on 957 large ALFs (bed size ≥ 25) in Florida from 2012 to 2018. Citation data are summarized at the facility‐year level and classified into different groups such as resident care, admissions, medication, staffing, and training. We examined the trends in citations over time and stratified citations by profit status, license type, and facility size. We also assessed repeat citations among the ALFs.

Results

Of the 957 large ALFs operating in Florida, 87% of the facilities were cited one or more times from 2012 to 2018. In 2018, the most common citations were related to medications (26.2%), resident care (25.3%), training (25.3%), admissions (21.1%), and staffing (20.8%). For‐profit facilities, facilities with beds over 100, and facilities with limited mental health license tended to be cited more often across most types of deficiencies. Repeat citations are common with over 40% of facilities cited in two or more years for resident care and medication from 2012 to 2018.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that repeat citations are common and ALFs do not improve quality on a long‐term basis after citations. If we want to improve ALFs quality, we may need to provide appropriate incentives and resources to ALFs along with stringent enforcement of regulations.
The impact of biogas production on the organic carbon input to the soil of Dutch dairy farms: A substance flow analysis
Authors: Hoang Dieu Linh , Wiersema Brienne , Moll Henri C. , Nonhebel Sanderine
Published: September 2021

The use of Dutch dairy manure for biogas production is expected to increase from 10% in 2020 to 60% in 2030. Traditionally, manure is returned to fields as a source of nutrients and organic carbon. Since a share of manure carbon is converted into biogas, this practice impacts the organic carbon input to soil (OCIS) of the dairy farms. The magnitude of the impact depends on the magnitude of the other sources of organic carbon. This impact is not considered by current advocates for large‐scale use of dairy manure for biogas while understanding it is essential because of the risk of decreasing carbon soil input. Therefore, a study of carbon flows of dairy farms that eventually contribute to the OCIS is required. In this paper, we use substance flow analysis to quantify the carbon flows on different Dutch dairy farms and investigate the impact of using manure for biogas production to their OCIS (kgC/year/ha). The farms differ in farming practices such as whether cows are grazed outside or not. The results show that about 40% of OCIS of a Dutch dairy farm comes from manure and the rest comes from its crop production. The organic carbon from manure to the soil is also limited by the need to export manure due to the Dutch nutrient regulations. The overall reduction in OCIS caused by biogas production is 10%–20%. The impact is largest in farms with no grazing. These findings provide insights into the possible trade‐offs of using manure for biogas production.
ENETS standardized (synoptic) reporting for radiological imaging in neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Dromain Clarisse , Vullierme Marie‐Pierre , Hicks Rodney J. , Prasad Vikas , O’Toole Dermot , de Herder Wouter W. , Pavel Marianne , Faggiano Antongiulio , Kos‐Kudla Beata , Öberg Kjell , Krejs Guenter J. , Grande Enrique , Niederle Bruno , Sundin Anders
Published: September 2021

This expert consensus document represents an initiative by the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) to provide guidance for synoptic reporting of radiological examinations critical to the diagnosis, grading, staging and treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Template drafts for initial tumor staging and follow‐up by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were established, based on existing institutional and organisational reporting templates relevant for NEN imaging, and applying the RadLex lexicon of radiological information (Radiological Society of North America), for consistency regarding the radiological terms. During the ENETS Scientific Advisory Board meeting 2018, the template drafts were subject to iterative interdisciplinary discussions among experts in imaging, surgery, gastroenterology, oncology and pathology. Members of the imaging group stated a strong preference for a combination of limited and standardised options by way of drop‐down menus. Separate templates were produced for the initial work‐up and for follow‐up, respectively. To provide a detailed description of the radiological findings of the primary tumor and its local extension and spread, different templates were developed for bronchial, pancreatic and gastrointestinal NENs for CT and MRI, respectively. Each template was structured in 10 sections: clinical details, comparative imaging modality, acquisition technique, primary tumor findings, regional lymph node metastases, distant metastases, TNM classification, reference lesions according to RECIST 1.1, additional findings and conclusion. Two templates were developed for follow‐up, for CT and MRI, respectively, and were specifically focused on assessment of therapy response. These included a qualitative response assessment, such as decrease of vascularisation and presence of necrosis, and a quantitative assessment according to RECIST 1.1 and the modified RECIST (mRECIST) for assessing tumor response following transarterial chemoembolisation.
Activation of Nrf2 signaling protects hypoxia‐induced HTR‐8/SVneo cells against ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Li , Zhou Xunxi
Published: September 2021

Aim

This article aims to investigate the possible mechanism by which nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling exerts protective effects on the progression of preeclampsia (PE).

Methods

HTR‐8/SVneo cells were cultured under hypoxic conditions to establish PE cell model. Cell viability and invasion were respectively examined by CCK‐8 assay and transwell assay. The detection of oxidative stress and Fe2+ content was carried out by corresponding commercial kits, and the expression of corresponding proteins and genes was detected by western blot and qPCR. After Nrf2 was overexpressed in HTR‐8/SVneo cells, the above assays were conducted to confirm the exact effects of Nrf2 activation on ferroptosis.

Results

Hypoxia reduced the invasion of HTR‐8/SVneo cells, induced oxidative stress (upregulated levels of glutathione [GSH], malondialdehyde [MDA], and reactive oxygen species [ROS]), and induced ferroptosis which exhibited by upregulated Fe2+ and downregulated expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11/System xCT (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and ferroportin1 (FPN1). Meanwhile, hypoxia promoted the translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus, leading to Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling activation. These changes upon hypoxia induction were strengthened by ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) but were abolished by deferoxamine (DFO). Moreover, Nrf2 overexpression in hypoxia‐induced HTR‐8/SVneo cells exerted inhibitory effects on levels of GSH, MDA, ROS, and Fe2+, and promotive effects on Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling activation and expression of SCL7A11, GPX4, and FPN1, indicating that Nrf2 overexpression decreased oxidative stress and ferroptosis in hypoxia‐induced HTR‐8/SVneo cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, activation of Nrf2 signaling alleviated hypoxia‐induced invasion lacking, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in hypoxia‐induced HTR‐8/SVneo cells, suggesting that Nrf2 signaling activation play a protective role in PE, which can provide instructions for the targeted treatment of PE.
White Allies and the Semiotics of Wokeness: Raciolinguistic Chronotopes of White Virtue on Facebook
Authors: Delfino Jennifer B.
Published: September 2021

This study examines how the figure of the white ally is constructed on Facebook via raciolinguistic chronotopes of “white virtue,” which is the idea that whites who can identify racism are good people who cannot themselves be racist. Using data I collected from a public group called “White People ACTING for Change!” (WPAC) I use semiotic discourse analysis to highlight how participants produce histories of becoming a woke white ally towards an imagined future of anti‐racist praxis in which “people of all colors” are equally positioned. These posts appear to promote inclusion and equality while actually recentering white perspectives on race and the racial difference by recruiting individualist understandings of race and racism. This study considers how allyship recruits liberal democratic discourses of racial difference such that white supremacy is reconstructed as an ordinary ideology of governance.
Management and referral of acute laryngotracheitis – Croup: The New South Wales Neonatal and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service experience
Authors: Syamkumar Suma , Jani Shefali , Browning Carmo Kathryn
Published: September 2021

Aim

To evaluate the experience of NETS (The Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service) New South Wales (NSW) with children referred with a provisional diagnosis of croup. To examine the adherence of referral hospitals to NSW Health policy guidelines and to establish criteria for the need to transfer and the level of escort required for a child with croup to a higher level of care.

Methods

A retrospective audit of all children with a provisional diagnosis of croup referred to NETS over the epoch: 2005–2015. The NETS database was searched for keywords: croup and laryngotracheitis. Demographics, retrieval characteristics and management strategies were collected.

Results

A total of 432 patients were identified. The number of children triaged to a medically led NETS team for transfer decreased (P < 0.001) whilst those transferred into more local regional or metropolitan hospitals (P < 0.001) increased. The number of adrenaline doses was not associated with intensive care admissions or the need for invasive ventilation.

Conclusion

Medically led retrieval teams are not necessary for safe transfer of children with a provisional diagnosis of croup unless the airway is secured with an endotracheal tube. Transfer to more local hospitals for paediatric care should be considered and time allowed for medications to take effect prior to movement.
Relationship between drinking frequency and fatty liver prevalence or incidence in Japanese undergoing health checkup in 2008‐2019
Authors: Sugiyama Aya , Kurisu Akemi , Ouoba Serge , E Bunthen , Ko Ko , Rakhimov Anvarjon , Hussain Md Razeen Ashraf , Akita Tomoyuki , Harakawa Takayuki , Sako Toru , Koshiyama Makoto , Tanaka Junko
Published: September 2021

Background & Aims

The relationship between the frequency of drinking and fatty liver in the general population is still poorly understood. This study analysed data from a large cohort who underwent health checkups in Japan between 2008 and 2019 to investigate the prevalence and incidence of fatty liver by alcohol consumption and risk factors for fatty liver.

Methods

The prevalence of fatty liver diagnosed with ultrasonography was calculated in 75,670 residents. The incidence of fatty liver in 31,062 residents who underwent ultrasonography at least twice during the period without fatty liver at the first time was calculated using the person‐year method. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to investigate risk factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of fatty liver.

Results

The prevalence of fatty liver was 27.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.2‐27.9) in non‐drinkers, 28.5% (27.5‐29.5) in moderate‐drinkers and 28.0% (26.0‐29.9) in heavy‐drinkers. The incidence of fatty liver was 3,084/100,000 person‐years (2,997‐3,172/100,000) in non‐drinkers, 3,754/100,000 person‐years (3,481‐4,042/100,000) in moderate‐drinkers and 3,861/100,000 person‐years (3,295‐4,497/100,000) in heavy‐drinkers. The prevalence and incidence of fatty liver were not associated with drinking status. Obesity was the most important independent risk factor (prevalence: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 6.3; 95% CI, 6.0‐6.5; incidence: AOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.3‐2.6).

Conclusions

Drinking status does not affect the prevalence or incidence of fatty liver in Japanese residents undergoing health checkups. From a public health perspective, measures for obesity control must be prioritised to reduce the burden of disease of fatty liver in Japan.
Understanding delays in the introduction of complementary foods in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Hirvonen Kalle , Wolle Abdulazize , Laillou Arnaud , Vinci Vincenzo , Chitekwe Stanley , Baye Kaleab
Published: September 2021

Age‐appropriate breastfeeding and introduction to complementary foods can shape child feeding practices, ensure adequate energy and nutrient intake and prevent linear growth faltering. This study aimed to assess mothers' and health workers' knowledge of timely introduction to complementary foods and evaluate the relationship between delays in complementary feeding and subsequent linear growth. We conducted two rounds of surveys (March/August 2017) among 249 health workers (n = 249) and caregivers (n = 2635) of children 6–23 months of age. We collected information about socio‐demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice related to timely introduction to complementary foods. The study was conducted in households from the Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) districts, in four highland regions of Ethiopia. Delays in the introduction to complementary feeding were widespread with 53% of children 6–8 months of age not consuming solid, semisolid or soft foods in the past 24 h. After controlling for child, caregiver and household characteristics, children not introduced to complementary foods by 6–8 months had a 0.48 SD lower length‐for‐age z‐score at 12–15 months. Caregivers' knowledge was strongly and inversely correlated with untimely introduction of complementary foods in logistic regressions (OR = 0.55, p < 0.01). In turn, local health extension worker's knowledge was strongly correlated with caregiver's knowledge. Consequently, frequent and timely visits by health extension workers emphasising not only on what to feed but also when and how to feed a child are needed. Innovative ways of increasing reach, intensity and frequency of nutrition messaging by using the PSNP interactions as an additional point of contact would need to be explored further.
Relation between number of teeth, malnutrition, and 3‐year mortality in elderly individuals ≥85 years
Authors: Nishio Kensuke , Arai Yasumichi , Abe Yukiko , Takayama Michiyo , Fukasawa Mai , Oikawa Daichi , Ito Tomoka , Takatsu Masaki , Iinuma Toshimitsu
Published: September 2021

Objective

The number of teeth has been shown to affect mortality. However, it is unclear why the number of teeth is associated with mortality. We focused on the number of teeth and malnutrition and examined whether these differences affect 3‐year all‐cause mortality among very elderly individuals.

Methods

This analysis was conducted using data from the Tokyo Oldest Old Survey on Total Health study. Altogether 513 participants ≥85 years were categorized based on remaining teeth (0, 1–7, 8–18, ≥19). All‐cause mortality was determined by calculating the cumulative 3‐year survival rate according to the remaining number of teeth and the presence/absence of malnutrition. Further, hazard ratios (HRs) were analyzed using Cox regression analyses.

Results

No difference was observed according to the number of teeth (p = 0.638), but the presence/absence of malnutrition was significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.001). Malnutrition was independently associated with higher HRs, even after adjusting for confounding factors associated with mortality. (HR: 2.315, 95% CI: 1.431–3.746). Additionally, adjusting for the number of teeth, HR remained significant (HR: 2.365, 95% CI: 1.449–3.853).

Conclusion

In the very elderly, malnutrition—but not the number of teeth—was independently associated with 3‐year all‐cause mortality after adjusting for various health issues.
Frugivore diversity increases evenness in the seed rain on deforested tropical landscapes
Authors: Camargo Paulo H. S. A. , Carlo Tomás A. , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Pizo Marco A.
Published: September 2021

The diversity of tropical forests is strongly shaped by mutualistic interactions involving plants and frugivores that disperse their seeds. However, it is little known how decreases in the diversity of frugivores can affect seed dispersal patterns, plant community composition and species' coexistence in tropical forest landscapes. Here, we investigated the effects of bird frugivore diversity on seed dispersal of rare plant species and on the magnitude of equalizing effects on the seed rain in open areas within 12 fragmented landscapes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We monitored the production of bird‐dispersed seeds and bird abundance in forest fragments, and sampled the seed rain and the activity of birds attracted to experimental tree nuclei established in neighboring pastures. The activity of frugivores in tree nuclei was positively correlated with the diversity of birds recorded in nearby forest fragments, and the seed rain diversity increased with frugivore activity. The proportion of seeds dispersed more frequently than expected by chance in tree nuclei increased linearly with the species' richness of birds. The richness and abundance of active frugivores in deforested areas promoted a seed rain with evenness and diversity up to five times greater than the seed pool available in forest fragments due to the proportional increase in the dispersal of rare plant species and a concomitant proportional decrease in the dispersal of dominant fruiting plants. Furthermore, every additional bird species detected in a site was associated with a 10% increase in the equalizing effect on dispersed seeds' relative abundance. Our results show that the aggregated behavior of avian frugivore communities on deforested areas results in higher species richness in the seed rain of plant communities and underscore the urgency to reduce bird species' loss and the simplification of their communities in tropical landscapes.
The upsizing of the São Tomé seed dispersal network by introduced animals
Authors: Heleno Ruben H. , Mendes Filipa , Coelho Ana P. , Ramos Jaime A. , Palmeirim Jorge M. , Rainho Ana , de Lima Ricardo F.
Published: September 2021

Biological invasions are a major threat to global biodiversity with particularly deleterious consequences on oceanic islands. The introduction of large terrestrial animals – generally absent on islands – can disrupt important ecosystem functions, such as the dispersal of native seeds. However, while the consequences of plant invasions received much attention, the potential of introduced animals to change insular seed dispersal networks remains largely unknown. Here, we collated evidence from five sampling methods to assemble qualitative and quantitative, multi‐guild seed dispersal network for the island of São Tomé (Gulf of Guinea) and explore whether native and introduced seed dispersers consistently differ in their topological roles, in their gape width and in the size of the dispersed seeds. Our network included 428 interactions between 23 dispersers (14 birds, 2 bats, 1 snake and 6 non‐flying mammals) and 133 plant species. Each method (direct observations, identification of seeds in droppings and stomachs, questionnaires and literature review) was particularly informative for a small group of dispersers, thus rendering largely complementary information. Native and introduced dispersers did not differ in their topological position in either qualitative or quantitative networks (linkage level, specialization d' and species strength). However, introduced dispersers tend to have much larger gape widths and to disperse significantly larger seeds. Our results point to a general upsizing of the seed dispersal network in the island of São Tomé driven by the recent arrival of large, introduced animals. We argue that this pattern is likely common on other oceanic islands where introduced dispersers might counteract the general pattern of seed dispersal downsizing resulting from the selective extinction of larger animals.
Comparison of Intravertebral Clefts between Kümmell Disease and Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Radiological Study
Authors: Chen Zhenzhong , Lou Chao , Yu Weiyang , He Dengwei
Published: September 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the radiological features of intravertebral clefts (IVC) between Kümmell disease (KD) and acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective study. A total of 79 patients with IVC from January 2014 to December 2018 were included in this study. There were 22 men and 57 women, with an average of 73.5 years. Based on the exact time interval from injury to treatment and the pathological examination results, the patients were divided into KD group (44 patients) and acute OVCF group (35 patients). The two groups were compared by the margin sclerosis of IVC, vertebra and pedicle ossification, stress fracture of the spinous process, paravertebral callus, the shape of IVC, cleft in the adjacent disc, and flatness of IVC's margin from plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT). The two groups were compared by the IVC content, double‐line sign, and signal of fracture vertebral from their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

There were no significant differences in sex, age, and fracture distribution between the KD group and the acute OVCF group. IVC was present in both the KD group and the acute OVCF group. Six radiological features were only present in the KD group, including sclerosis of the cleft margin (95.5%, 42/44), ossification of the fractured vertebrae (100%, 44/44), ossification of the pedicle (31.8%, 14/44), double‐line sign (27.3%, 12/44), stress fracture of the spinous process (13.6%, 6/44), and even formation of paravertebral callus (18.2%, 8/44). Although there were statistical differences in the other four radiological features of content of IVC (P = 0.02), cleft sign in adjacent intervertebral disc (P < 0.01), margin of IVC (P = 0.02), and the shape of IVC (P = 0.01) between the KD group and acute OVCF group, these characteristics could be found in both groups.

Conclusion

IVC could present in patients with both KD and acute OVCF; however, we found that marginal cleft sclerosis, vertebral and pedicle ossification, double‐line sign, spinous process fracture, and formation of paravertebral callus are unique radiological features of KD and could be used for differentiation of KD from acute OVCF with IVC.
Improving the urine spot protein/creatinine ratio by the estimated creatinine excretion to predict proteinuria in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Incir Said , Tasdemir Mehmet , Kocak Burak , Yelken Berna , Arpali Emre , Akyollu Basak , Palaoglu Kerim Erhan , Baygul Arzu , Bilge Ilmay , Turkmen Aydin
Published: September 2021

Background

Since the daily creatinine excretion rate (CER) is directly affected by muscle mass, which varies with age, gender, and body weight, using the spot protein/creatinine ratio (Spot P/Cr) follow‐up of proteinuria may not always be accurate. Estimated creatinine excretion rate (eCER) can be calculated from spot urine samples with formulas derived from anthropometric factors. Multiplying Spot P/Cr by eCER gives the estimated protein excretion rate (ePER). We aimed to determine the most applicable equation for predicting daily CER and examine whether ePER values acquired from different equations can anticipate measured 24 h urine protein (m24 h UP) better than Spot P/Cr in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

This study enrolled 23 children with kidney transplantation. To estimate m24 h UP, we calculated eCER and ePER values with three formulas adapted to children (Cockcroft‐Gault, Ghazali‐Barratt, and Hellerstein). To evaluate the accuracy of the methods, Passing‐Bablok and Bland‐Altman analysis were used.

Results

A statistically significant correlation was found between m24 h UP and Spot P/Cr (p < .001, r = 0.850), and the correlation was enhanced by multiplying the Spot P/Cr by the eCER equations. The average bias of the ePER formulas adjusted by the Cockcroft‐Gault, Ghazali‐Barratt, and Hellerstein equations were −0.067, 0.031, and 0.064 g/day, respectively, whereas the average bias of Spot P/Cr was −0.270 g/day obtained by the Bland‐Altman graphics.

Conclusion

Using equations to estimate eCER may improve the accuracy and reduce the spot urine samples’ bias in pediatric kidney transplantation recipients. Further studies in larger populations are needed for ePER reporting to be ready for clinical practice.
H3 acetylation selectively promotes basal progenitor proliferation and neocortex expansion
Authors: Kerimoglu Cemil , Pham Linh , Tonchev Anton B. , Sakib M. Sadman , Xie Yuanbin , Sokpor Godwin , Ulmke Pauline Antonie , Kaurani Lalit , Abbas Eman , Nguyen Huong , Rosenbusch Joachim , Michurina Alexandra , Capece Vincenzo , Angelova Meglena , Maricic Nenad , Brand-Saberi Beate , Esgleas Miriam , Albert Mareike , Minkov Radoslav , Kovachev Emil , Teichmann Ulrike , Seong Rho H. , Huttner Wieland B. , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Stoykova Anastassia , Staiger Jochen F. , Fischer Andre , Tuoc Tran
Published: September 2021

H3K9ac promotes basal progenitor amplification, neocortex expansion, and gyrification by activating Trnp1 expression in evolution.
NSG-Pro mouse model for uncovering resistance mechanisms and unique vulnerabilities in human luminal breast cancers
Authors: Sun Yunguang , Yang Ning , Utama Fransiscus E. , Udhane Sameer S. , Zhang Junling , Peck Amy R. , Yanac Alicia , Duffey Katherine , Langenheim John F. , Udhane Vindhya , Xia Guanjun , Peterson Jess F. , Jorns Julie M. , Nevalainen Marja T. , Rouet Romain , Schofield Peter , Christ Daniel , Ormandy Christopher J. , Rosenberg Anne L. , Chervoneva Inna , Tsaih Shirng-Wern , Flister Michael J. , Fuchs Serge Y. , Wagner Kay-Uwe , Rui Hallgeir
Published: September 2021

Prolactin-humanized mice promote growth and metastatic progression of estrogen-dependent patient-derived breast cancer.
Sensing low intracellular potassium by NLRP3 results in a stable open structure that promotes inflammasome activation
Authors: Tapia-Abellán Ana , Angosto-Bazarra Diego , Alarcón-Vila Cristina , Baños María C. , Hafner-Bratkovič Iva , Oliva Baldomero , Pelegrín Pablo
Published: September 2021

The specific NLRP3 N-terminal domain is essential for NLRP3 activation and inflammasome formation in response to K
+
efflux.
Ultrafast, sensitive, and portable detection of COVID-19 IgG using flexible organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Liu Hong , Yang Anneng , Song Jiajun , Wang Naixiang , Lam Puiyiu , Li Yuenling , Law Helen Ka-wai , Yan Feng
Published: September 2021

A portable test device can specifically detect ultralow concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 IgG within several minutes.
Genomic Insights into the Ecological Role and Evolution of a Novel
Thermoplasmata
Order, “
Candidatus
Sysuiplasmatales”
Authors: Yuan Yang , Liu Jun , Yang Tao-Tao , Gao Shao-Ming , Liao Bin , Huang Li-Nan
Published: September 2021

A wide array of archaea populate Earth’s extreme environments; therefore, they may play important roles in mediating biogeochemical processes such as iron and sulfur cycling. However, our knowledge of archaeal biology and evolution is still limited considering that the majority of the archaeal diversity is uncultured.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Laccase for Lignin Degradation, LacZ1
Authors: Zhang Weiran , Wang Weiwei , Wang Jinghong , Shen Guinan , Yuan Yuan , Yan Lei , Tang Hongzhi , Wang Weidong
Published: September 2021

Lignin is a natural aromatic polymer that is not easily degraded, hindering the efficient use of lignocellulose-rich biomass resources, such as straw. Biodegradation is a method of decomposing lignin that has recently received increasing attention.
Comparing Immunoassays for SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection in Patients with and without Laboratory-Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Leuzinger Karoline , Osthoff Michael , Dräger Sarah , Pargger Hans , Siegemund Martin , Bassetti Stefano , Bingisser Roland , Nickel Christian H. , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah , Khanna Nina , Rentsch Katharina , Battegay Manuel , Egli Adrian , Hirsch Hans H.
Published: September 2021

Commercially available SARS-CoV-2-directed antibody assays may assist in diagnosing past exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens. We cross-compared the following eight immunoassays detecting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) or spike (S) antigens in three cohorts consisting of 859 samples from 622 patients: (i) EDI novel coronavirus COVID-19 (Epitope), (ii) RecomWell SARS-CoV-2 (Mikrogen), (iii) COVID-19 ELISA (VirCell), (iv) Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 N (Roche), (v) Liaison SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 (DiaSorin), (vi) anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (EuroImmun), (vii) Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (Roche), and (viii) Liaison SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS (DiaSorin).
Development of a Nanobody-Based Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Efficiently and Specifically Detecting Antibodies against Genotype 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Viruses
Authors: Duan Hong , Chen Xu , Zhao Jiakai , Zhu Jiahong , Zhang Guixi , Fan Mengnan , Zhang Beibei , Wang Xueting , Sun Yani , Liu Baoyuan , Zhou En-Min , Zhao Qin
Published: September 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection causes considerable economic loss to the global pig industry. Efficient detection assay is very important for the prevention of the virus infection.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus VP3 Protein Acts as a Critical Proinflammatory Factor by Promoting Toll-Like Receptor 4-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Dan , Yang Wenping , Wang Yue , Li Lulu , Zheng Haixue
Published: September 2021

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection causes a severe inflammatory response in cloven-hoofed animals, such as pigs, cattle, and sheep, with typical clinical manifestations of high fever, numerous blisters on the oral mucosa, hoof, and breast, as well as myocarditis (tigroid heart). However, the mechanism underlying the inflammatory response caused by FMDV is enigmatic.
Natural Occurring Polymorphisms in HIV-1 Integrase and RNase H Regulate Viral Release and Autoprocessing
Authors: Imamichi Tomozumi , Bernbaum John G. , Laverdure Sylvain , Yang Jun , Chen Qian , Highbarger Helene , Hao Ming , Sui Hongyan , Dewar Robin , Chang Weizhong , Lane H. Clifford
Published: September 2021

Nascent HIV-1 is a noninfectious viral particle. Cleaving Gag and GagPol polyproteins in the particle by mature HIV protease (PR), the nascent virus becomes an infectious virus.
A Competitive Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay for Dissecting Functional Antibody Activity against Influenza Virus
Authors: Kirchenbaum Greg A. , Sautto Giuseppe A. , Richardson Robert A. , Ecker Jeffrey W. , Ross Ted M.
Published: September 2021

The hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay is a well-established and reproducible method that quantifies functional antibody activity against influenza viruses and, in particular, the capability of an antibody formulation to inhibit the binding of hemagglutinin (HA) to sialic acid. However, the HAI assay does not provide full insights on the breadth and epitope recognition of the antibody formulation, especially in the context of polyclonal sera, where multiple antibody specificities contribute to the overall observed functional activity.