bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The economic burden of anxiety and depression on the working age population with diabetes in Spain
Authors: Fernandez‐Piciochi Claudia , Martín‐Saborido Carlos , Bimbela‐Pedrola José Luís , Sarria‐Santamera Antonio
Published: October 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex, chronic, multifactorial, and costly health problem representing 8% of total public health expenditures in Spain. The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence and costs of Anxiety (AX) and Depression (DP) in the Spanish working population with DM. Data were obtained from the National Health Survey of Spain 2017. A multivariate analysis was conducted to predict the use of resources and absenteeism/presenteeism. Direct and indirect costs were calculated. The final population analysed contained 15,822 subjects (18–65 years old). DM prevalence was 4.8%, and AX‐DP 10.6% (50.5% were men). Self‐diagnosed health was rated as regular, poor or very poor in 89% of DM subjects with DP‐AX. The average costs estimated were €24,643.41 for DM subjects with AX‐DP and €20,059.53 for those with only DM. The total estimated 2017 economic impact of DM was 2.4% of Spanish gross domestic product (13% directly related to DP‐AX). Indirect costs represented 72.7% of total DP‐AX costs. Spanish society is paying a considerable price for the incidence of DP‐AX levels with DM in the working population. This global challenge has important repercussions for individuals' quality of life, health systems, and countries' development and economic growth.
It takes two to tango: Knowledge transfer between expatriates and host country nationals
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Shan , Chen Yu‐Ping , Chiang Flora F. T. , Shaffer Margaret A.
Published: October 2021

Integrating conservation of resource (COR) theory and the theory of relational organizing, we conceptualize expatriate–host country national (HCN) knowledge transfer as resource gains between the sender and receiver. Based on a sample of 107 expatriate–HCN dyads, we found that when the knowledge receiver, be it an expatriate or HCN, is high on cultural intelligence (CQ), the sender will be more likely to perceive higher levels of trust in the receiver and shared vision with the receiver. These cognitive responses to the receiver's CQ are instrumental in facilitating the receiver's knowledge acquisition. We also identified the sender's perceptions of the collaborative‐based HR configuration as a contextual condition that strengthens the relationship between the knowledge receiver's CQ and the sender's perceived trust in the receiver and shared vision with the receiver.
Having the talk when our little ones just learned to walk: Racial socialization with young children in contemporary times
Authors: Galán Chardée A. , Yu Ann C. , O'Connor John P. , Akinbola Deborah T. , Anderson Riana Elyse
Published: October 2021

The world as we knew it changed abruptly in 2020. Whether due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), or subsequent events, including the murder of George Floyd, the election of Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris, or the US Capital Insurrection, racialized events became a focal point for families who found themselves gathering together much more frequently due to government encouraged stay‐at‐home mandates. Caregivers across races and developmental ages began asking themselves the same question: how can I talk to my child about race? Here, we seek to provide psychoeducation around racial socialization, or the ways we have ‘The Talk’ to our children about race and racism, along with practical strategies to be competent in these conversations with young children in particular. Three steps for parents, including unpacking racial beliefs, practicing with supportive others, and utilizing media to enhance The Talk with children are advanced. We conclude by considering the future as a guidepost by which we can measure our hopes and successes of raising children in a racism‐free society.
Camrelizumab for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma: Extended follow‐up of the multicenter, single‐arm, Phase 2 study
Authors: Wu Jianqiu , Song Yuqin , Chen Xinchuan , Lin Tongyu , Cao Junning , Liu Yanyan , Zhao Yaozhong , Jin Jie , Huang Haiwen , Hu Jianda , Luo Jun , Zhang Liling , Xue Hongwei , Zhang Qingyuan , Wang Weiwei , Chen Chunxia , Feng Jifeng , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2021

Camrelizumab (a humanized high‐affinity IgG4 mAb against programmed death‐l) showed potent antitumor activity, well tolerance and controllable safety in patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r cHL), based on the primary analysis of a Phase 2 study. Here, we present the extended follow‐up outcomes. Seventy‐five patients who had failed to achieve a remission or experienced progression after autologous stem cell transplantation or had received at least two lines of systemic chemotherapies were enrolled to receive camrelizumab 200 mg every 2 weeks. With a median follow‐up of 36.2 months (range, 7.2‐38.1), objective response rate per independent central review was 76.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.7‐85.1). Among the 57 responders, 31 (54.4%) had ongoing responses. Median duration of response was 31.7 months (95% CI, 16.7‐not reached). Median progression‐free survival was 22.5 months (95% CI, 14.7‐not reached). Thirty‐six‐month overall survival rate was 82.7% (95% CI, 72.0‐89.5). Reactive capillary endothelial proliferation (RCEP) occurred in 97.3% of patients (73/75), but all RCEP were Grade 1 or 2 in severity and 67.1% of these patients (49/73) achieved complete resolution. Occurrence of new RCEP lesions was rare (8/42 [19.0%] at 12 months; 2/32 [6.3%] at 24 months). No treatment‐related deaths occurred, and no new toxicities were reported. With extended follow‐up, camrelizumab monotherapy continues to provide a robust and durable response, long survival and manageable safety in r/r cHL patients.
Design of MOFs with Absolute Structures: A Case Study
Authors: Wang Haoze , Pei Xiaokun , Proserpio Davide M. , Yaghi Omar M.
Published: October 2021

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with absolute structures are of particular interest as the asymmetry of their crystal structures enables wide applications from asymmetric catalysis to enantioselective separation. Previous reports on the synthetic strategies toward MOFs with absolute structures always required the use of chiral precursors or chiral templates, however, it is not always easy to obtain enantiopure starting materials. Here in, we report a new non‐centrosymmetric MOF, MOF‐829, synthesized from aluminium salt and achiral organic linker. Further comparisons are made between MOF‐829 and a reported Al‐based chiral MOF (MOF‐520) that is composed of the same metal ion and linker, and similarly synthesized without using chiral compounds. The configurations of the building units, the absolute structures of both MOFs, and their topologies were investigated in detail. We found that (i) topology is one of the determining factors in the formation of non‐centrosymmetric MOFs; (ii) the formation of chiral MOFs further requires the directionality of chiral linkers but more importantly chiral secondary building units (SBUs), which can be realized by fine tuning of the synthetic conditions. We envision that both synthetic exploration of chiral SBUs and the design of non‐centrosymmetric topologies will open a new direction in the design of MOFs with absolute structures.
Cancer of the vagina: 2021 update
Authors: Adams Tracey S. , Rogers Linda J. , Cuello Mauricio A.
Published: October 2021

Diagnosis of a primary vaginal cancer is rare, as most vaginal tumors are metastatic from another primary site. Although cancer of the vagina is more common in postmenopausal women, an increase in young women being diagnosed with primary vaginal cancer has been reported, especially in countries with a high HIV prevalence. This is associated with persistence of high‐risk HPV infection. The emphasis should be on primary prevention with prophylactic HPV vaccination. Once there is a suspicion of a primary vaginal cancer, this should be confirmed histologically with biopsy. Staging has been done clinically, as with cervical cancer; however, there is a role for imaging in assisting with staging as this is often a difficult assessment. Treatment should be individualized and depends on stage as well as histologic subtype. It is prudent to refer cases to centers of excellence with experience in dealing with this rare gynecological cancer.
Obesity and gynecological cancers: A toxic relationship
Authors: Wichmann Ignacio A. , Cuello Mauricio A.
Published: October 2021

Despite the evidence supporting the relevance of obesity and obesity‐associated disorders in the development, management, and prognosis of various cancers, obesity rates continue to increase worldwide. Growing evidence supports the involvement of obesity in the development of gynecologic malignancies. This article explores the molecular basis governing the alteration of hallmarks of cancer in the development of obesity‐related gynecologic malignancies encompassing cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. We highlight specific examples of how development, management, and prognosis are affected for each cancer, incorporate current knowledge on complementary approaches including lifestyle interventions to improve patient outcomes, and highlight how new technologies are helping us better understand the biology underlying this neglected pandemic.
Sinensetin attenuates oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion‐induced neurotoxicity by MAPK pathway in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Yang Dong , Yang Ronggang , Shen Jiangyi , Huang Lu , Men Shuai , Wang Tiancai
Published: October 2021

Sinensetin is a polymethoxylated flavone with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative activities. This work aimed to explore the function and mechanism of sinensetin in oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)‐induced neurotoxicity. The overlapping target genes of cerebral stroke and sinensetin were determined according to GeneCards and ParmMapper tools and were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) annotations and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) were stimulated with OGD/R. Neurotoxicity was investigated by Cell Counting Kit‐8, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, qRT‐PCR, and TUNEL analysis. The proteins (p38, JNK, and ERK) in mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling were measured using Western blotting. Total of 50 overlapping target genes of cerebral stroke and sinensetin were predicted. Pathway analysis showed they might be involved in the MAPK pathway. Sinensetin attenuated OGD/R‐induced neurotoxicity by mitigating viability reduction, LDH release, ROS generation, inflammatory response, and apoptosis in HCMECs. Sinensetin weakened OGD/R‐induced activation of the MAPK pathway via decreasing the phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK. The pathway inhibitors mitigated the activation of the MAPK signaling, and sinensetin exacerbated this effect. The inhibitors reversed OGD/R‐induced neurotoxicity in HCMECs, and sinensetin contributed to this role. Overall, sinensetin prevents OGD/R‐induced neurotoxicity through decreasing the activation of MAPK pathway.
Efficacy of water‐only or soap and water skin decontamination of chemical warfare agents or simulants using in vitro human models: A systematic review
Authors: Chiang Chavy , Kashetsky Nadia , Feschuk Aileen , Burli Anuk , Law Rebecca M. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: October 2021

Water‐only or water and soap are widely recommended as preferred solutions for dermal decontamination. However, limited efficacy data exist. We summarized experimental studies evaluating in vitro efficacy of water‐only or soap and water in decontaminating chemical warfare agents (CWA) or their simulants from human skin models. Embase, Covidence®, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for articles using water‐only or soap and water decontamination methods for removal of CWA/CWA simulants in in vitro human skin models. Data extraction was completed from seven studies, yielding seven contaminants. Water‐only decontamination led to partial decontamination in all skin samples (100%, n = 81/81). Soap and water decontamination led to partial decontamination in all skin samples (100%, n = 143/143). Four studies found decontamination to either paradoxically enhance absorption of contaminants or their penetration rates, known as the “wash‐in” effect. Despite recommendations, water‐only or water and soap decontamination were found to yield partial decontamination of CWA or their simulants in all human in vitro studies. Thus, more effective decontaminating agents are needed. Some studies demonstrated increased or faster penetration of chemicals following decontamination, which could prove deadly for agents such as VX, although these findings require in vivo validation. Heterogeneity in experimental setups limits interstudy comparison, and it remains unclear when water‐only or water and soap are ideal decontaminants, which requires more studies. Pending manuscripts will summarize in vivo human and animal efficacy data. International harmonized efficacy protocol should enable more efficient public health decisions for evidence‐based public health decisions.
Financial flexibility and economic policy uncertainty: Evidence from firm behavior and firm value
Authors: Yousefi Hamed , Yung Kenneth
Published: October 2021

Economic policy uncertainty imposes a non‐diversifiable risk on the firm. Our results show that financial flexibility is a formidable tool for firms in confronting economic policy uncertainty. Researchers have long considered financial flexibility a missing link in the literature as actual firm leverage is below the level predicted by traditional models. This study provides evidence that financial flexibility is valuable for firms. First, we find that financial flexibility is able to mitigate the negative relation between economic policy uncertainty and firm risk‐taking activity. Second, financial flexibility moderates the negative effect of EPU on equity payouts. Third, our results show that financial flexibility enhances firm value in the face of economic policy uncertainty.
New evidence on practical implications of the CAPM
Authors: Taussig Roi D.
Published: October 2021

The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) has received tremendous attention since 1964. One of the main aspects of the model is a linear relationship between the coefficient of systematic risk, beta, and expected stock returns. This linear relationship is tested with non‐parametric estimation. While the linear relationship is sustainable, the parabolic relationship is rejected significantly. The result is a strong support for the CAPM. Linear non‐parametric estimation produces better predictions, which can benefit professionals.
AMP‐activated protein kinase mediates lipopolysaccharide‐induced proinflammatory responses and elevated bone resorption in differentiated osteoclasts
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hsu , Hsueh Kuang‐Kai , Chu Pei‐Wen , Chen Shau‐Kwaun
Published: October 2021

Systemic and intracellular metabolic states are critical factors affecting immune cell functions. The metabolic regulator AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) senses AMP levels and mediates cellular responses to energy‐restrained conditions. The ubiquitously expressed AMPK participates in various biological functions in numerous cell types, including innate immune cell macrophages and osteoclasts, which are their specialized derivatives in bone tissues. Previous studies have demonstrated that the activation of AMPK promotes macrophage polarization toward anti‐inflammatory M2 status. Additionally, AMPK acts as a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis, and upregulation of AMPK disrupts the differentiation of osteoclasts. However, the regulation and roles of AMPK in differentiated osteoclasts have not been characterized. Here, we report that inflammatory stimuli‐regulated‐AMPK activation of differentiated and undifferentiated osteoclasts in opposite ways. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibited the phosphorylation of AMPK in macrophages and undifferentiated osteoclasts, but it activated AMPK in differentiated osteoclasts. Inactivating AMPK decreased cellular responses against the activation of toll‐like receptor signaling, including the transcriptional activation of proinflammatory cytokines and the bone resorption genesTRAP, andMMP9. The elevation of bone resorption by LPS stimulation was disrupted by AMPK inhibitor, indicating the pivotal roles of AMPK in inflammation‐induced activities in differentiated osteoclasts. The AMPK activator metformin did not increase proinflammatory responses, possibly because other factors are also required for this regulation. Notably, changing the activation status of AMPK did not alter the expression levels of bone resorption genes in unstimulated osteoclasts, indicating the essential roles of AMPK in cellular responses to inflammatory stimuli but not in the maintenance of basal levels. Unlike its M2‐polarizing roles in macrophages, AMPK was not responsive to the M2 stimulus of interleukin‐4. Our observations revealed differences in the cellular properties of macrophages and osteoclasts as well as the complexity of regulatory mechanisms for osteoclast functions.
The combinatorial game Nofil played on Steiner triple systems
Authors: Huggan Melissa A. , Huntemann Svenja , Stevens Brett
Published: October 2021

We introduce an impartial combinatorial game on Steiner triple systems called Next One to Fill Is the Loser (N
ofil)
. Players move alternately, choosing points of the triple system. If a player is forced to fill a block on their turn, they lose. By computing nim‐values, we determine optimal strategies for N
ofil on all Steiner triple systems up to order 15 and a sampling for orders 19, 21 and 25. The game N
ofil can be thought of in terms of play on a corresponding hypergraph which will become a graph during play. At that point N
ofil is equivalent to playing the game N
ode K
ayles on the graph. We prove necessary conditions and sufficient conditions for a graph to reached playing N
ofil. We conclude that the complexity of determining the outcome of the game N
ofil on Steiner triple systems is PSPACE‐complete for randomized reductions.
The effect of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor dose and administration interval after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation on early engraftment of neutrophil and platelet
Authors: Noorazar Leila , Bonakchi Hossein , Sankanian Ghazaleh , Parkhideh Sayeh , Salimi Maryam , Hajifathali Abbas , Mirfakhraie Reza , Roshandel Elham
Published: October 2021

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the treatments for hematologic malignancies. Numerous factors affect the HSCT outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of post‐HSCT administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (post‐G‐CSF) on early neutrophil and platelet engraftment in allogeneic HSCT (allo‐HSCT).

Material & methods

The study was performed on 76 patients diagnosed with AML and ALL. All patients underwent allo‐HSCT at Taleghani stem cell transplantation center, Tehran, Iran, from February 2016 to December 2018. Chemotherapy regimens based on patients' conditions were selected between myeloablative and reduced‐intensity regimens.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that the number of administered G‐CSF units after HSCT was a time‐dependent variable. Statistical analysis before day +11 reported that patients who received G‐CSF <14 units had three times better early neutrophil engraftment than those with G‐CSF ≥14 (CI 95%, AHR = 3.03, p:0.002). CD3+ cells count <318.5 × 106/kg was associated with fast platelet engraftment (CI 95%, AHR 2.28, p:0.01).

Conclusion

In this study, post‐G‐CSF stimulation was associated with early engraftment in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Administration of G‐CSF beyond 14 units resulted in adverse effects on neutrophil early engraftment. It also appeared that with a reduction in CD3+ cell counts, the likelihood of GVHD decreases, and platelet engraftment occurs earlier. Further investigations in the future are required to determine the factors affecting the process of early engraftment.
The use of trial‐level bias scores to examine attention bias and attention bias variability among people with and without social anxiety disorder
Authors: Gade Praful R. , Molloy Anthony , Anderson Page L.
Published: October 2021

Background

Cognitive models of anxiety propose that people with anxiety disorders show elevated levels of attention bias toward threat, but the most commonly used index of attention bias, which measures the construct with an aggregate score of multiple trials across an experimental session, shows poor test‐retest reliability. Newer indices that measure attention bias dynamically on a trial‐to‐trial basis show good reliability and enable researchers to measure not only overall attention bias toward threat, but also attention bias variability.

Methods

The current study tested the hypothesis that people diagnosed with social anxiety disorder would show higher attention bias variability and higher attention bias toward threat when calculated dynamically and when calculated using the traditional aggregate index. Participants diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (n = 47) and controls (n = 57) completed a 160‐trial version of the dot‐probe task using emotional and neutral images of faces as stimuli.

Results

Relative to controls, participants diagnosed with social anxiety disorder showed higher mean bias toward threat, but only when calculated using trial‐level bias scores. There were no differences between groups on attention bias variability.

Discussion

This is the first study to examine differences in attention bias and attention bias variability between people with and without social anxiety disorder using trial‐level bias scores. Results suggest that attention bias, but not attention bias variability, is a feature of social anxiety psychopathology and that trial‐level bias scores may be more sensitive than aggregated mean scores to detect it. These findings have implications for clinical interventions such as attention bias modification programs, which require precise measures of attention bias to accurately assess treatment outcomes.
Clarifying the association of eating disorder features to suicide ideation and attempts
Authors: Shahnaz Arezoo , Klonsky E. David
Published: October 2021

Objective

We examine the relationships of eight eating disorder (ED) features to histories of suicide ideation and suicide attempts.

Method

Participants were 387 adults (62% female, mean age = 36 years) recruited via an online platform, and oversampled for the presence of ED features, who completed standardized self‐report measures of study variables.

Results

Different ED features predicted suicide ideation versus attempts. Specifically, Restrictive Eating (d = 0.44), Purging (d = 0.30), and Body Dissatisfaction (d = 0.27) were higher among ideators compared to nonsuicidal participants. In contrast, Muscle Building (d = 0.31), Excessive Exercise (d = 0.26), Cognitive Restraint (d = 0.23), and Restrictive Eating (d = 0.20) were higher among attempters compared to ideators—however, we note that the p‐values for these effects range between 0.02 and 0.04 and it is unclear if they would replicate. Independent replication is important.

Conclusion

Findings have implications for the conceptualization of suicide risk in individuals with EDs.
'The threat is in all of us': Perceptions of loneliness and divided communities in urban and rural areas during COVID‐19
Authors: Van Beek Madison , Patulny Roger
Published: October 2021

Loneliness is becoming recognised as an important social issue with health and well‐being consequences. The recent and ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has likely impacted loneliness through increased social isolation, though the effects may vary across urban and rural locations, where the dynamics of social capital, community cohesion and community divide are likely to differ. This paper consequently examines the different and compounding impacts of isolating disasters, such as bushfires and pandemics, on social capital and loneliness in urban and rural areas of Australia. This article compares experiences of loneliness in rural/regional and urban areas of Australia moving from the aftermath of the 2019–2020 bushfires into the COVID‐19 pandemic. Semi‐structured interviews provide a complex insight into how loneliness is experienced across different locations. The key findings included a higher sense of social divide exacerbating loneliness in rural communities, higher levels of loneliness among participants who lived alone in either area. It was concluded that loneliness was experienced extensively among those who were single and/or lived alone, regardless of their geographical location.
The P2X7 purinergic receptor in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Penolazzi Letizia , Bergamin Leticia S. , Lambertini Elisabetta , Poma Valentina V. , Sarti Alba C. , De Bonis Pasquale , Di Virgilio Francesco , Piva Roberta
Published: October 2021

Mechanisms involved in the development of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration are only partially known, thus making the implementation of effective therapies very difficult. In this study, we investigated P2X7 purinergic receptor (P2X7R), NLRP3 inflammasome, and interleukin (IL)‐1β expression in IVD specimens at different stages of disease progression, and during the in vitro dedifferentiation process of the primary cells derived thereof. We found that P2X7R, NLRP3, and IL‐1β expression was higher in the IVD samples at a more advanced stage of degeneration and in the expanded IVD cells in culture which partially recapitulated the in vivo degeneration process. In IVD cells, the P2X7R showed a striking nuclear localization, while NLRP3 was mainly cytoplasmic. Stimulation with the semiselective P2X7R agonist benzoyl ATP together with lipopolysaccharide treatment triggered P2X7R transfer to the cytoplasm and P2X7R/NLRP3 colocalization. Taken together, these findings support pathophysiological evidence that the degenerated disc is a highly inflamed microenvironment and highlight the P2X7R/NLRP3 axis as a suitable therapeutic target. The immunohistochemical analysis and the assessment of subcellular localization revealed a substantial expression of P2X7R also in normal disc tissue. This gives us the opportunity to contribute to the few studies performed in natively expressed human P2X7R so far, and to understand the possible physiological ATP‐mediated P2X7R homeostasis signaling. Therefore, collectively, our findings may offer a new perspective and pave the way for the exploration of a role of P2X7R‐mediated purinergic signaling in IVD metabolism that goes beyond its involvement in inflammation.
Is muscle and protein loss relevant in long‐term fasting in healthy men? A prospective trial on physiological adaptations
Authors: Laurens Claire , Grundler Franziska , Damiot Anthony , Chery Isabelle , Le Maho Anne‐Laure , Zahariev Alexandre , Le Maho Yvon , Bergouignan Audrey , Gauquelin‐Koch Guillemette , Simon Chantal , Blanc Stéphane , Wilhelmi de Toledo Françoise
Published: October 2021

Background

Fasting is attracting an increasing interest as a potential strategy for managing diseases, including metabolic disorders and complementary cancer therapy. Despite concerns of clinicians regarding protein catabolism and muscle loss, evidence‐based clinical data in response to long‐term fasting in healthy humans are scarce. The objective of this study was to measure clinical constants, metabolic, and muscular response in healthy men during and after a 10 day fast combined with a physical activity programme.

Methods

Sixteen men (44 ± 14 years; 26.2 ± 0.9 kg/m2) fasted with a supplement of 200–250 kcal/day and up to 3 h daily low‐intensity physical activity according to the peer‐reviewed Buchinger Wilhelmi protocol. Changes in body weight (BW) and composition, basal metabolic rate (BMR), physical activity, muscle strength and function, protein utilization, inflammatory, and metabolic status were assessed during the 10 day fast, the 4 days of food reintroduction, and at 3 month follow‐up.

Results

The 10 day fast decreased BW by 7% (−5.9 ± 0.2 kg, P < 0.001) and BMR by 12% (P < 0.01). Fat mass and lean soft tissues (LST) accounted for about 40% and 60% of weight loss, respectively, −2.3 ± 0.18 kg and −3.53 ± 0.13 kg, P < 0.001. LST loss was explained by the reduction in extracellular water (44%), muscle and liver glycogen and associated water (14%), and metabolic active lean tissue (42%). Plasma 3‐methyl‐histidine increased until Day 5 of fasting and then decreased, suggesting that protein sparing might follow early proteolysis. Daily steps count increased by 60% (P < 0.001) during the fasting period. Strength was maintained in non‐weight‐bearing muscles and increased in weight‐bearing muscles (+33%, P < 0.001). Glycaemia, insulinemia, blood lipids, and blood pressure dropped during the fast (P < 0.05 for all), while non‐esterified fatty acids and urinary beta‐hydroxybutyrate increased (P < 0.01 for both). After a transient reduction, inflammatory cytokines returned to baseline at Day 10 of fasting, and LST were still lower than baseline values (−2.3% and −3.2%, respectively; P < 0.05 for both).

Conclusions

A 10 day fast appears safe in healthy humans. Protein loss occurs in early fast but decreases as ketogenesis increases. Fasting combined with physical activity does not negatively impact muscle function. Future studies will need to confirm these first findings.
Biomass to fuels and chemicals: A review of enabling processes and technologies
Authors: Rathore Anurag S , Singh Anurag
Published: October 2021

The growing worldwide concern over the environmental impact of our heavy dependence on fossil fuels has provided impetus for biomass utilisation to produce fuels and chemicals. A cost‐effective conversion technology stands as a challenge for bio‐based fuels and chemicals to be competitive with petroleum‐derived products. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in the conversion technologies of biomass, which includes thermochemical and biochemical processes. With a plethora of conversion technologies available, the choice of suitable conversion technology depends on the biomass feedstock availability and the desired end‐product. It is observed that present research is focused on the development of catalysts and optimisation of process parameters to improve the economics of conversion technologies. Efforts are also on towards utilisation of cheaper substrate, lignocellulosic biomass and CO2‐sequestering algae. Though few technologies have reached the commercial stage, conversion technologies for lignocellulosic and marine biomass are still evolving. Further, much impetus is being given to process optimisation for deriving platform chemicals from biomass for value addition and sustainability of the biorefinery concept. Some key developments in these areas are presented in this review. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound is helpful for differentiating benign from malignant parietal pleural lesions
Authors: Findeisen Hajo , Görg Christian , Hartbrich Ruby , Dietrich Christoph Frank , Görg Konrad , Trenker Corinna , Safai Zadeh Ehsan
Published: October 2021

Introduction

To describe the value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the differentiation of malignant from benign parietal pleural lesions (PPLs).

Materials and Methods

From November 2005 to June 2019, 63 patients with histologically/cytologically confirmed PPLs were investigated by CEUS. On CEUS, the extent of enhancement (EE; marked or reduced/absent) and the homogeneity of enhancement (HE; homogeneous or inhomogeneous) were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

In total, 24/63 lesions were benign, and 39/63 lesions were malignant. On CEUS, 11/24 benign and 36/39 malignant lesions showed a marked enhancement. A marked enhancement was significantly more frequently associated with malignancy compared with benign lesions (p < 0.001). In five cases, due to the absence of enhancement, it was not possible to determine the HE. In the remaining cases, 9/20 benign and 19/38 malignant lesions showed an inhomogeneous enhancement (p = 0.79).

Conclusion

On CEUS, marked enhancement was significantly more frequently associated with malignant compared with benign lesions. However, some benign lesions, such as chronic inflammatory processes, may also show a marked enhancement. Therefore, the interpretation of perfusion patterns in these lesions must always take into account the clinical background of the patient.
Comparison of transfer shock and graduation rates across engineering transfer student populations
Authors: Smith Natasha L. , Grohs Jacob R. , Van Aken Eileen M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Increasing the persistence of engineering transfer students can help meet the US national priority of increasing the number of engineering graduates. Many transfer students experience a decrease in their grade point average (GPA) at their receiving institution, known as transfer shock, which can lead to them leaving the institution. This GPA decrease is found to be more prevalent in engineering transfer students.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to analyze a single institutional dataset to determine when transfer shock occurs, how it differs among engineering transfer student subgroups, and if transfer shock is a predictor of graduation within 4 years in engineering.

Design/Method

A 10‐year dataset with 789 engineering transfer students was used in this study, and the engineering transfer students were split into four subgroups. Multiple statistical analyses were conducted, including Welch's F‐test, chi‐square, and logistic regression, to understand differences in transfer shock during the first three terms of enrollment as well as 4‐year graduation rates among each subgroup.

Results

Transfer shock extends through the first three post‐transfer terms, resulting in transfer norming. The engineering transfer student subgroups experience different levels of transfer norming; however, the subgroups were not predictors of graduation. The predictors were the transfer GPA and the transfer norming in the first three post‐transfer terms of enrollment.

Conclusions

Engineering transfer students are not a homogeneous population; there are key differences between lateral and vertical transfer students. More strategic, longitudinal programming and decision‐making should be considered by institutions.
Cardiovascular serotonergic system: Evolution, receptors, transporter, and function
Authors: Soslau Gerald
Published: October 2021

The serotonergic system, serotonin (5HT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and serotonin receptors (5HT‐x), is an evolutionarily ancient system that has clear physiological advantages to all life forms from bacteria to humans. This review focuses on the role of platelet/plasma serotonin and the cardiovascular system with minor references to its significant neurotransmitter function. Platelets transport and store virtually all plasma serotonin in dense granules. Stored serotonin is released from activated platelets and can bind to serotonin receptors on platelets and cellular components of the vascular wall to augment aggregation and induce vasoconstriction or vasodilation. The vascular endothelium is critical to the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. While there are numerous ligands, neurological components, and baroreceptors that effect vascular tone it is proposed that serotonin and nitric oxide (an endothelium relaxing factor) are major players in the regulation of systemic blood pressure. Signals not fully defined, to date, that direct serotonin binding to one of the 15 identified 5HT receptors versus the transporter, and the role platelet/plasma serotonin plays in regulating hypertension within the cardiovascular system remain important issues to better understand many diseases and to develop new drugs. Also, expanded research of these pathways in lower life‐forms may serve as important model systems to further our understanding of the evolution and mechanisms of action of serotonin.
Graduate training during the COVID‐19 pandemic: North American genetic counseling students' challenges, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychological well‐being
Authors: Kahn Eva , Sheldon Jane P. , Carmichael Alicia , Yashar Beverly M.
Published: October 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has upended genetic counseling (GC) graduate students’ lives, as they have been forced to transition, manage, and acclimate to life during a pandemic. The current study is a first step in understanding their lived experiences during this historic, global event. We investigated academic and personal challenges, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychological well‐being of GC students (n = 248) who trained during the pandemic (GC‐COV cohort) and those who did not (GC‐NoCOV cohort). Participants completed an online survey (July–September 2020) that used validated measures of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Psychological Well‐Being. To assess the academic and personal challenges students experienced during GC graduate training, we developed a 43‐item measure. Principal axis factoring of the items revealed categories of challenges related to the following: Academic & Professional Development, Self‐Regulation & Resilience, Institutional & Program Leadership, and Financial Stability. There was no cohort difference in Psychological Well‐Being. Linear mixed‐effects modeling showed significant cohort differences in challenges. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the GC‐COV cohort's Psychological Well‐Being was statistically significantly predicted by Institutional & Program Leadership challenges (p = .029), Self‐Regulation & Resilience challenges (p = .013), and Intolerance of Uncertainty (p = .010). For the GC‐NoCOV cohort, the statistically significant predictor of Psychological Well‐Being was Self‐Regulation & Resilience challenges (p = .029). Our findings demonstrate that GC students training during the COVID‐19 pandemic have experienced various personal, academic, and psychological disruptions and highlight a need to develop resources and implement interventions supporting students’ academic development and psychological well‐being.
Do research participants share genomic screening results with family members?
Authors: Wynn Julia , Milo Rasouly Hila , Vasquez‐Loarte Tania , Saami Akilan M. , Weiss Robyn , Ziniel Sonja I. , Appelbaum Paul S. , Wright Clayton Ellen , Christensen Kurt D. , Fasel David , Green Robert C. , Hain Heather S. , Harr Margaret , Hoell Christin , Kullo Iftikhar J , Leppig Kathleen A. , Myers Melanie F. , Pacyna Joel E. , Perez Emma F. , Prows Cynthia A. , Kulchak Rahm Alanna , Campbell‐Salome Gemme , Sharp Richard R. , Smith Maureen E , Wiesner Georgia L. , Williams Janet L. , Blout Zawatsky Carrie L. , Gharavi Ali G. , Chung Wendy K. , Holm Ingrid A.
Published: October 2021

The public health impact of genomic screening can be enhanced by cascade testing. However, cascade testing depends on communication of results to family members. While the barriers and facilitators of family communication have been researched following clinical genetic testing, the factors impacting the dissemination of genomic screening results are unknown. Using the pragmatic Electronic Medical Records and Genomics Network‐3 (eMERGE‐3) study, we explored the reported sharing practices of participants who underwent genomic screening across the United States. Six eMERGE‐3 sites returned genomic screening results for mostly dominant medically actionable disorders and surveyed adult participants regarding communication of results with first‐degree relatives. Across the sites, 279 participants completed a 1‐month and/or 6‐month post‐results survey. By 6 months, only 34% of the 156 respondents shared their results with all first‐degree relatives and 4% did not share with any. Over a third (39%) first‐degree relatives were not notified of the results. Half (53%) of participants who received their results from a genetics provider shared them with all first‐degree relatives compared with 11% of participants who received their results from a non‐genetics provider. The most frequent reasons for sharing were a feeling of obligation (72%) and that the information could help family members make medical decisions (72%). The most common reasons indicated for not sharing were that the family members were too young (38%), or they were not in contact (25%) or not close to them (25%). These data indicate that the professional returning the results may impact sharing patterns, suggesting that there is a need to continue to educate healthcare providers regarding approaches to facilitate sharing of genetic results within families. Finally, these data suggest that interventions to increase sharing may be universally effective regardless of the origin of the genetic result.
Innate and adaptive abnormalities in youth with vertically acquired HIV through a multicentre cohort in Spain
Authors: Carrasco Itzíar , Tarancon‐Diez Laura , Vázquez‐Alejo Elena , Jiménez de Ory Santiago , Sainz Talía , Apilanez Miren , Epalza Cristina , Guillén Sara , Tomás Ramos José , Díez Cristina , Bernardino Jose Ignacio , Iribarren José Antonio , Zamora Angielys , Muñoz‐Fernández María Ángeles , Navarro María Luisa ,   the Pediatric National AIDS Research Network of Spain (CoRISpe) integrated in the Translational Research Network in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP)
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Immune abnormalities have been described among youth with vertically acquired HIV (YWVH) despite antiretroviral treatment (ART). The CD4/CD8 ratio could be a useful prognostic marker. We assess immune activation and senescence in a cohort of YWVH in comparison to youth without vertically acquired HIV.

Methods

YWVH under suppressive ART were included and compared to a group of HIV‐negative donors (HD) matched by age and sex, from September 2019 to September 2020. Subset distribution and expression of activation, maturation, senescence and exhaustion markers on T and NK cells were studied on peripheral blood mononuclear cells by multiparametric flow cytometry.

Results

Thirty‐two YWVH (median age: 24.4 years (interquartile range: 22.5 to 28.3 years)) were included. Among YWVH, CD4‐ and CD8‐T cells showed high levels of activation (HLA‐DR/CD38), IL‐7 receptor expression (CD127) and exhaustion (TIM‐3). Regarding NK cells, YWVH showed increased levels of activation and exhaustion markers compared to HD. Strong inverted correlations were observed between T‐cell activation (HLA‐DR/CD38), senescence (CD57) and exhaustion (TIGIT, PD‐1) levels with the CD4/CD8 ratio among YWVH. HLA‐DR, CD69, NKG2D and NKG2A expression levels on NK cells also correlated with the CD4/CD8 ratio. Age at ART initiation was directly associated with higher frequency of CD16high NK‐cell subsets, exhaustion T‐cell levels (CD57, TIM3) and NK cells activation levels.

Conclusions

Immunological changes associated with vertically acquired HIV, characterized by increased activation and exhaustion levels in innate and adaptive immune components, are only partially restored by ART. The CD4/CD8 ratio can be a useful marker of disease progression for routine clinical practice.
Effects of slurry acidification on soil N2O fluxes and denitrification
Authors: Malique Francois , Wangari Elizabeth , Andrade‐Linares Diana Rocío , Schloter Michael , Wolf Benjamin , Dannenmann Michael , Schulz Stefanie , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus
Published: October 2021

Background

Reductions of ammonia volatilization resulting from slurry applications to intensively managed grassland may be achieved via slurry acidification. However, it remains uncertain if this may result in pollution swapping, that is, due to reduced ammonia volatilization and increased soil N availability, emission of nitrous oxide from soils may increase.

Aims

In this study, we compared control (no fertilizer) and slurry fertilized grassland treatments [not acidified (S) and acidified (AS)] to assess whether slurry acidification results in changes of soil N availability, denitrification potential and activity as well as soil fluxes of nitrous oxide.

Methods

The study was carried out in a montane grassland system in southern Germany, and parameters were followed over a 43‐days period with continuous measurements of soil GHG fluxes and biweekly measurements of microbial and soil parameters preceding and following two fertilizing events.

Results

Over the entire observation period cumulative N2O emissions were significantly elevated for treatments receiving slurry applications, with differences between acidified and non‐acidified slurry treatments being overall insignificant. Transcripts of the nirK type nitrite reductase showed significantly higher numbers in soils of the AS treatment. While soil potential denitrification rates (PDR) did not differ between treatments, there was a strong tendency of increased PDRs for the AS treatment.

Conclusions

Against expectation, we did not find that application of AS affects PDR or soil N2O emissions significantly, though in tendency higher rates of soil N2O emissions as well as higher potential denitrification rates were found in treatments receiving acidified slurry as compared to the slurry only treatment. Our results indicate that longer observation periods and given the significant spatial variability, higher numbers of replicates are needed, to finally assess if slurry application indeed results in increased soil denitrification activity, soil N2O production and soil‐atmosphere N2O emissions.
Neanderthals of Porto Selvaggio in southern Italy: lithic industry of Grotta Torre dell'Alto (Nardò, Lecce)
Authors: Ranaldo Filomena , Massafra Dario , Kitagawa Keiko
Published: October 2021

Porto Selvaggio in southern Italy is where the Uluzzian culture was first identified and documented, providing key insights into the transition from the Middle to the Upper Paleolithic. The area has also yielded evidence for continuous occupations by Neanderthals spanning between Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 and 3. Situated in the Natural Regional Park of Porto Selvaggio, different sites were excavated by Borzatti von Löwenstern in the 1960 and 1970s. As one of the initiatives in the research program of the Museo della Preistoria di Nardò, we have revisited the artifact assemblages from these caves. Based on the lithic analysis of production sequences, we document the development of Levallois and laminar methods before MIS 3 when this form of reduction sequence presumably dominated in the region according to the previous research. The review of the lithic assemblages is combined with the contextualization of chronostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental study in the region to consider the possible role that this region had for Neanderthals during unfavorable climatic conditions.