bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of survival data from multiple studies
Authors: Ventz Steffen , Mazumder Rahul , Trippa Lorenzo
Published: July 2021

We introduce a statistical procedure that integrates datasets from multiple biomedical studies to predict patients' survival, based on individual clinical and genomic profiles. The proposed procedure accounts for potential differences in the relation between predictors and outcomes across studies, due to distinct patient populations, treatments and technologies to measure outcomes and biomarkers. These differences are modeled explicitly with study‐specific parameters. We use hierarchical regularization to shrink the study‐specific parameters towards each other and to borrow information across studies. The estimation of the study‐specific parameters utilizes a similarity matrix, which summarizes differences and similarities of the relations between covariates and outcomes across studies. We illustrate the method in a simulation study and using a collection of gene expression datasets in ovarian cancer. We show that the proposed model increases the accuracy of survival predictions compared to alternative meta‐analytic methods.
Tenorio syndrome: Description of 14 novel cases and review of the clinical and molecular features
Authors: Tenorio‐Castaño Jair Antonio , Arias Pedro , Fernández‐Jaén Alberto , Lay‐Son Guillermo , Bueno‐Lozano Gloria , Bayat Allan , Faivre Laurence , Gallego Natalia , Ramos Sergio , Butler Kameryn M. , Morel Chantal , Hadjiyannakis Stasia , Lespinasse James , Tran‐Mau‐Them Frederic , Santos‐Simarro Fernando , Pinson Lucile , Martínez‐Monseny Antonio Federico , O'Callaghan Cord María del Mar , Álvarez Sara , Stolerman Elliot S. , Washington Camerun , Ramos Feliciano J. , The S. O. G. R. I. Consortium  , Lapunzina Pablo
Published: July 2021

Tenorio syndrome (TNORS) (OMIM #616260) is a relatively recent disorder with very few cases described so far. Clinical features included macrocephaly, intellectual disability, hypotonia, enlarged ventricles and autoimmune diseases. Molecular underlying mechanism demonstrated missense variants and a large deletion encompassing RNF125, a gene that encodes for an U3 ubiquitin ligase protein. Since the initial description of the disorder in six patients from four families, several new patients were diagnosed, adding more evidence to the clinical spectrum. In this article, we described 14 additional cases with deep phenotyping and make an overall review of all the cases with pathogenic variants in RNF125. Not all patients presented with overgrowth, but instead, most patients showed a common pattern of neurodevelopmental disease, macrocephaly and/or large forehead. Segregation analysis showed that, though the variant was inherited in some patients from an apparently asymptomatic parent, deep phenotyping suggested a mild form of the disease in some of them. The mechanism underlying the development of this disease is not well understood yet and the report of further cases will help to a better understanding and clinical characterization of the syndrome.
Acute changes in muscle thickness, edema, and blood flow are not different between low‐load blood flow restriction and non‐blood flow restriction
Authors: Hill Ethan C. , Housh Terry J. , Smith Cory M. , Keller Joshua L. , Anders John Paul V. , Schmidt Richard J. , Johnson Glen O.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute changes in muscle swelling (as assessed by muscle thickness and echo intensity) and muscle blood flow associated with an acute bout of low‐load blood flow restriction (LLBFR) and low‐load non‐blood flow restriction (LL) exercise. Twenty women (mean ± SD; 22 ± 2years) volunteered to perform an acute exercise bout that consisted of 75 (1 × 30, 3 × 15) isokinetic, reciprocal, concentric‐only, submaximal (30% of peak torque), forearm flexion and extension muscle actions. Pretest, immediately after (posttest), and 5‐min after (recovery) completing the 75 repetitions, muscle thickness and echo intensity were assessed from the biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscles and muscle blood flow was assessed from the brachial artery. There were no between group differences for any of the dependent variables, but there were significant simple and main effects for muscle and time. Biceps and triceps brachii muscle thickness increased from pretest (2.13 ± 0.39 cm and 1.88 ± 0.40 cm, respectively) to posttest (2.58 ± 0.49 cm and 2.17 ± 0.43 cm, respectively) for both muscles and remained elevated for the biceps brachii (2.53 ± 0.43 cm), but partially returned to pretest levels for the triceps brachii (2.06 ± 0.41 cm). Echo intensity and muscle blood flow increased from pretest (98.0 ± 13.6 Au and 94.5 ± 31.6 ml min−1, respectively) to posttest (109.2 ± 16.9 Au and 312.2 ± 106.5 ml min−1, respectively) and pretest to recovery (110.1 ± 18.3 Au and 206.7 ± 92.9 ml min−1, respectively) and remained elevated for echo intensity, but partially returned to pretest levels for muscle blood flow. The findings of the present study indicated that LLBFR and LL elicited comparable acute responses as a result of reciprocal, concentric‐only, forearm flexion and extension muscle actions.
The importance of future generations and conflict management in conservation
Authors: Lewis‐Brown Emily , Beatty Hope , Davis Katrina , Rabearisoa Ando , Ramiaramanana Jeannot , Mascia Michael B. , Mills Morena
Published: July 2021

The need to scale‐up conservation initiatives is widely accepted, but understanding how to catalyze the adoption of conservation initiatives remains elusive. To address this challenge, we used diffusion of innovation theory and Best‐Worst Scaling experiments to rank the factors that influence the adoption of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) by villages in north Madagascar. The most important driver for respondents to adopt LMMAs was the wellbeing of future generations, while the most important barrier was conflict within and between villages that could arise from the adoption of LMMAs. This emphasis on the benefits and costs of adoption is consistent with diffusion of innovation theory. However, our results indicate that people's intrinsic values (e.g., benevolence and peace) were more important to survey respondents in the adoption of LMMAs than is generally reported in the diffusion of innovation literature. Concerns about conflict from LMMAs and the distribution of livestock incentives warrant further consideration to support the adoption of this conservation initiative in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals. Our study can guide future conservation research and practice to identify the “best” and “worst” attributes of LMMAs and other initiatives to increase the adoption of conservation.
Incidence of early diaphragmatic dysfunction after lung transplantation: results of a prospective observational study
Authors: Crothers Elise , Kennedy David S. , Emmanuel Sam , Molan Nikki , Scott Sean , Rogers Kris , Glanville Allan R. , Ntoumenopoulos George
Published: July 2021

Background

Diaphragmatic dysfunction is common after cardiothoracic surgery, but few studies report its incidence and consequences after lung transplantation. We aimed to estimate the incidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction using ultrasound in lung transplant patients up to 3 months postoperatively and evaluated the impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a single‐center prospective observational cohort study of 27 lung transplant recipients using diaphragmatic ultrasound preoperatively, at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Diaphragmatic dysfunction was defined as excursion < 10 mm in men and < 9 mm in women during quiet breathing. Clinical outcomes measured included duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay (LOS) in Intensive Care (ICU), and hospital LOS.

Results

Sixty‐two percentage of recipients experienced new, postoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction, but the prevalence fell to 22% at 3 months. No differences in clinical outcomes were found between those with diaphragmatic dysfunction compared to those without. Patients who experienced diaphragmatic dysfunction at 1 day postoperatively were younger and had a lower BMI than those who did not.

Conclusions

Diaphragmatic dysfunction is common after lung transplant, improves significantly within 3 months, and did not impact negatively on duration of mechanical ventilation, LOS in ICU or hospital, or discharge destination.
Guar cells in urine cytology: Two case reports and literature review
Authors: Varela dos Santos Margarida , Pacheco João , Barroca Helena
Published: July 2021

This article aims to describe guar cells, a type of vegetable cell that can be found in urine cytology specimens collected from ostomy devices. Their recognition as a morphological pitfall is important to prevent misdiagnosis of pathological processes.
Teaching Bayesian and Markov methods in business analytics curricula: An integrated approach
Authors: Johnson Marina E. , Misra Ram , Berenson Mark
Published: July 2021

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), big data (BD), and digital transformation (DT), analytics students should gain the ability to solve business problems by integrating various methods. This teaching brief illustrates how two such methods—Bayesian analysis and Markov chains—can be combined to enhance student learning using the Analytics Project Life Cycle Management (APLCM) approach and a case study involving qualitative forecasting. The theoretical frameworks for combining Bayesian and Markov methods are developed, and a forecasting solution is implemented in both MS Excel and Python. Based on an assessment of student learning, applying this pedagogical approach helps students better use these disjoint methods and appreciate the value of integrating them. Although this teaching brief is designed and most appropriate for graduate students with previous BA courses, it can also be used in upper‐level courses within an undergraduate BA curriculum. Finally, this teaching brief provides the instructors wishing to use this pedagogical approach in their appropriate courses with the necessary resources (i.e., case study, in‐class example, and the MS Excel and Python templates).
Social punishment for breaching restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Takahashi Ryo , Tanaka Kenta
Published: July 2021

In response to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Japanese government requested the temporary closure of businesses. Consequently, complying with restrictions came to be recognized as the social norm, and stores that continued with business as usual were seen as norm‐breakers. This study empirically investigates costly punishment behavior for stores' violation of restrictions and how this behavior changes when a decision‐maker receives information pertaining to contrasting norms, implicitly requiring the opposite response. By implementing joy‐of‐destruction minigames, we found that costly punishment behavior for norm‐breakers was significantly stimulated (by approximately 11%) but not increased when additional information was provided.
How does the solitary beeCentris(Heterocentris)analis(Fabricius) find its nest?
Authors: Antunes Pedro R. , Telles Francismeire J. , Rodríguez‐Gironés Miguel A. , Augusto Solange C.
Published: July 2021

1. The knowledge of the sensory and cognitive abilities of insects is mostly restricted to studies withDrosophilaand social hymenopteran species. Here, we investigated how a truly solitary bee localises and identifies its nest when spatial, chromatic, and chemical cues from and around its nest are manipulated.

2. Our setup consisted of 30 standardised trap‐nests made of bamboo canes, inserted in a vertical grey panel. After choosing a cane and memorising its initial position, returning females ofCentris analiswere individually presented to a new arrangement and had to rely on their sensory abilities to localise and recognise their own nests. During consecutive foraging trips, we tested the capacity of the bees for associative learning and the relative importance of visual cues, either spatial or chromatic, and chemical information, alone or in combination. We recorded the certainty of bees, their returns to the previous nest position (PNP) and the time needed to find their nests.

3. Nests associated with a coloured stimulus resulted in the highest certainty when compared with treatments based on learning a new spatial position and/or a possible chemical profile of the nests. Time differences among treatments were mostly between those with and without a coloured stimulus. Returns to the PNP were higher when the precedent treatment was based on a fixed position.

4.Centris analishave demonstrated to be flexible learners and to rely strongly on spatial and visual information, having odour as a secondary cue only used during nest identification.
Cannabidiol for at risk for psychosis youth: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Amminger G. Paul , Lin Ashleigh , Kerr Melissa , Weller Amber , Spark Jessica , Pugh Charlotte , O'Callaghan Sally , Berger Maximus , Clark Scott R. , Scott James G. , Baker Andrea , McGregor Iain , Cotter David , Sarnyai Zoltan , Thompson Andrew , Yung Alison R. , O'Donoghue Brian , Killackey Eoin , Mihalopoulos Cathy , Yuen Hok Pan , Nelson Barnaby , McGorry Patrick D.
Published: July 2021

Background

No biological treatment has been firmly established for the at‐risk stage of psychotic disorder. In this study we aim to test if subthreshold psychotic symptoms can be effectively treated with cannabidiol (CBD), a non‐psychoactive compound of the plant Cannabis sativa. The question has taken on increased importance in the wake of evidence questioning both the need and efficacy of specific pharmacological interventions in the ultra‐high risk (UHR) for psychosis group.

Methods

Three‐arm randomized controlled trial of 405 patients (135 per arm) aged 12–25 years who meet UHR for psychosis criteria. The study includes a 6‐week lead‐in phase during which 10% of UHR individuals are expected to experience symptom remission. Participants will receive CBD (per oral) at doses 600 or 1000 mg per day (fixed schedule) for 12 weeks. Participants in the third arm of the trial will receive matching placebo capsules. Primary outcome is severity of positive psychotic symptoms as measured by the Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States at 12 weeks. We hypothesize that CBD will be significantly more effective than placebo in improving positive psychotic symptoms in UHR patients. All participants will also be followed up 6 months post baseline to evaluate if treatment effects are sustained.

Conclusion

This paper reports on the rationale and protocol of the Cannabidiol for At Risk for psychosis Youth (CanARY) study. This study will test CBD for the first time in the UHR phase of psychotic disorder.
Ligustilide enhances hippocampal neural stem cells activation to restore cognitive function in the context of postoperative cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhou Xiang , Wu Jusheng , Xiao Renjie , Chen Yong , Lu Yimei , Lang Haili
Published: July 2021

Ligustilide exerts potential neuroprotective effects against various cerebral ischaemic insults and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the function and mechanisms of LIG‐mediated hippocampal neural stem cells (H‐NSCs) activation as well as cognitive recovery in the context of post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) remain elusive and need to be explored. Mice were subjected to transient global cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion (tGCI/R) injury and treated with LIG (80 mg/kg) or vehicle for 1 month. Morris water maze test and western blot were employed to assess cognitive function. Nissl staining and immunofluorescence (IF) staining were used to detect H‐NSCs proliferation and neurogenesis in hippocampus. Subsequently, primary H‐NSCs were treated with LIG, and the level of H‐NSCs proliferation and neuronal‐differentiation was examined by IF staining for Edu and β‐Tubulin III. The protein levels of ERK1/2, β‐catenin, NICD, TLR4, Akt and FoxO1 were examined using western blotting. Finally, pretreatment with the ERK agonist SCH772984 was performed to observe the change in ERK expression. LIG treatment promoted H‐NSCs proliferation and neurogenesis, increased the number of neurons in the hippocampal subfields, and ultimately reversed cognitive impairment in tGCI/R injury. Furthermore, LIG also promoted primary H‐NSCs proliferation and neuronal‐differentiation, as well as ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Pretreatment with SCH772984 effectively reversed the ability of LIG to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation and promote H‐NSCs proliferation and neuronal‐differentiation. LIG can promote cognitive recovery after tGCI/R injury by activating ERK1/2 in H‐NSCs to promote their proliferation and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Therefore, LIG has potential for use in the prevention and/or treatment of POCD.
The View from the Other Side: How Parents and their Representatives View Family Court
Authors: Stephens Tricia N. , Katz Colleen Cary , Pisciotta Caterina , Lens Vicki
Published: July 2021

This qualitative study brings together the voices of parents and their representatives, including attorneys, social workers and parent advocates, to understand the lived experiences of child welfare involved parents as they navigate Family Court, and how to improve it. The findings suggest that these courts are difficult to navigate for both parents and their representatives, and are often experienced as punitive and unsupportive spaces. The findings also reveal a strong congruence between how parents and their advocates wish the courts to operate (and how they sometimes do), and the principles of therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ), which recognizes the emotional and psychological toll legal proceedings can take and suggests ways to minimize that harm. Parents' relationship with their judge and the judge's ability to understand and connect with them are identified as transformative factors in the courtroom.
Farewell Alimony Deduction: In the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Nothing Can Be Said To Be Certain, Except Alimony and Taxes1
Authors: Blane Michael
Published: July 2021

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repealed deductions for alimony payments required by post‐2018 divorce agreements and court orders. From hindering the receiver of alimony from obtaining enough funds to become self‐supporting and disincentivizing the payor from paying more considerable sums of alimony, the current law overlooks and burdens alimony's very purpose. This Note proposes repealing the TCJA's alimony tax, which will uphold the many valuable purposes of alimony in family law.
Patterns and drivers of phylogenetic structure of pteridophytes in China
Authors: Qian Hong , Kessler Michael , Deng Tao , Jin Yi
Published: July 2021

Aim

Previous studies have found strikingly different geographical patterns of phylogenetic diversity of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which have been suggested to result, in part, from the greater age of the former. To assess the effects of clade age on phylogenetic structure, we assessed phylodiversity patterns of pteridophytes (lycophytes and ferns), which combine ancient and modern lineages, across China.

Location

China.

Time period

Present day.

Taxon

Pteridophytes.

Methods

We divided China into 66 regions and collated species lists of pteridophytes for each region. We then related taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, and their related metrics, to six climatic variables for pteridophytes as a whole and for different evolutionary clades. We examined the effect of spatial autocorrelation among regional floras on the results.

Results

We found that when all pteridophytes or ferns were considered, the patterns resembled those of gymnosperms, presumably reflecting the effects of several ancient global mass extinctions and the relict distribution of old families. In contrast, when we considered only the modern Polypodiales radiation, which accounts for three‐quarters of current fern diversity and is about as old as the angiosperm radiation, we found a pattern similar to that of angiosperms. This pattern is consistent with the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis and suggests that both major groups of land plants have a broadly similar evolutionary trajectory, with most families originating in tropical conditions and few families adapting to cold and arid conditions.

Main conclusions

Our study shows that the phylogenetic structures of more recently evolved and diversified clades of pteridophytes are fairly consistent with the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis, suggesting that the age of the taxon, its physiological adaptations and the global climatic changes that it experienced during its evolutionary history are reflected in the composition of current plant assemblages.
Ostomy prevalence and survival in elderly patients with stage III and IV rectal cancer
Authors: Badic Bogdan , Oguer Maude , Cariou Melanie , Kermarrec Tiphaine , Bouzeloc Servane , Nousbaum Jean‐Baptiste , Robaszkiewicz Michel , Quénéhervé Lucille
Published: July 2021

Aim

Oncological strategies in the elderly population are often debated. The objective of this study was to investigate the survival rates and prevalence of ostomy in elderly patients operated on for stage III and IV rectal cancers.

Methods

This retrospective multicentric population‐based study included 151 patients aged ≥75 years with stage III and IV rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the impact of different prognostic factors.

Results

The median age of the patients was 81 years (range: 75–97 years) with 40 patients >85 years of age. Age was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) in both stage III and IV cancers (P < 0.001). For patients ≥80 years the presence of comorbid conditions was associated with a lower chance of survival (P = 0.02). A digestive stoma was created in 67 (76.1%) patients with stage III cancer and 26 (29.54%) had a stoma reversal. A palliative derivative stoma was performed in half of patients with stage IV cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy was independently associated with improved 5‐year OS (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Age, comorbidities and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent predictors for OS. Resection of rectal tumors in fit elderly patients should be promoted; however, patients should be aware of the high risk of stoma. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 670–675.
Visual abstracts do not increase some impact scores more than conventional abstracts of clinical research: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Aggarwal Vaibhav
Published: July 2021

Background and Objective

We examined whether the use of visual abstracts on social media platforms can improve comprehensive social media and conventional metrics such as total altmetric attention score, full text page views and citation counts (study outcomes) through retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We included all original research articles (Total 307 articles: N = 69 in visual abstract group and N = 238 in control group) published between July 2018 and January 2019 in the JAMA, BMJ and the NEJM and used negative binomial regression to adjust for article characteristics.

Results

Adjusted analysis showed no significant differences between articles with and without visual abstracts in the altmetric attention score (p = 0.37) and in number of page views (p = 0.44). Citations in the Web of Science core collection were found to be statistically significant favouring control group (p = 0.028). We also found no significant differences in altmetric attention score and page views after stratification for article type [randomised controlled trial (RCT) vs. non‐RCT]. Citations counts were found to be borderline significant for RCT (p = 0.04) and non‐significant for non‐RCT.

Conclusion

Visual abstracts might not be effective in disseminating scientific research. We should look at other innovative ways to improve the visibility of the research.
Supporting, enabling and empowering
Authors: Grant Maria J.
Published: July 2021

When you think about a journal you probably think of it in terms of its interactions with authors, but relations extend beyond this and are embodied in the actions and values of the editorial team and board. The Health Information and Libraries Journal editorial team and board pride themselves in the support they provide to enable and build confidence in the contributing authors, and the referees who collaborate with them by providing constructive peer review.
Nanoemulsions: formation, stability and an account of dietary polyphenol encapsulation
Authors: Siraj Arwa , Naqash Farah , Shah Mohammad Ashraf , Fayaz Shemilah , Majid Darakshan , Dar Basharat Nabi
Published: July 2021

To enhance nutraceutical performance, vehicle systems are required to promote the usage of food supplements, which have shown an increasingly growing demand. These food supplements such as dietary polyphenols are nutritious constituents but with varying solubility, sensitivity to oxygen, light, temperature, or adverse effects encountered during processing, making their incorporation difficult in foods. Additionally, these are bound to the food matrix so tightly, that they are not available to be taken up in the digestive system causing less absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. To counter these challenges, polyphenols are encapsulated in nanoemulsion‐based delivery systems which forms an effective approach to enhance and improve their bioavailability. Because of their small droplet size, these exhibit various benefits over conventional emulsions making them suitable for usage in the food industry. This review summarises the basic characteristics of nanoemulsions and their application to enhance the stability of polyphenols.
Sesame seed as an alternative plant protein source: A comprehensive physicochemical characterisation study for alkaline, salt and enzyme‐assisted extracted samples
Authors: Koysuren Begum , Oztop Mecit Halil , Mazi Bekir Gokcen
Published: July 2021

Sesame seed is mostly utilised for its oil but also the waste of the oil processing; the seed meal has also significant potential to be used as an alternative protein source. In this study, the goal is to produce sesame seed protein by using three different techniques; alkaline, salt and enzyme‐assisted extraction. A comprehensive physicochemical characterisation of the extracts was performed. Total and soluble protein contents, emulsification activity & emulsion stability, FTIR spectroscopy, hydration behaviour and gelling ability experiments by TD‐NMR were conducted for all extracted proteins. Also, SDS‐PAGE experiments were performed to observe the effect of extraction conditions on protein folding. Overall, the aqueous phase of enzyme‐assisted extracted proteins (E‐ACP) had the highest protein content and solubility, which resulted in other improved physicochemical properties. Salt extracted samples were ‘salted‐out’, therefore, had poor physicochemical properties. TD‐NMR experiments further confirmed the solubility and gelling ability results by measuring the change in the T2 spin relaxation times. Additionally, FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the most critical peaks for the proteins; Amide I (C=O stretching) and Amide II (N–H bending). In summary, depending on the physicochemical property of interest, different extraction methods yielded proteins with different properties.
Lymphocytes screening on admission is essential for predicting in‐hospital clinical outcome in COVID‐19 patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nie Lirong , Liu Yan , Weng Yijie , Zheng Yaqiong , Cai Liping , Kou Guomei , Xiong Zhou , Liu Lei
Published: July 2021

Introduction

We aimed to identify the associations between the lymphocytes (LYM) absolute count on admission and clinical outcomes in COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 224 COVID‐19 patients who were admitted to General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the PLA from January 22 to April 4, 2020, were consecutively included. These patients were divided into the lymphopenia group and the nonlymphopenia group according to whether the LYM count on admission was below the normal range.

Results

During hospitalization, patients in the lymphopenia group have a much higher all‐cause mortality (14.5% vs 0.0%; P < .001) and an evidently longer length of hospital stay (24.0 vs 17.5 days; P < .001) than patients in the nonlymphopenia group. The correlation analysis results indicated that the LYM count was negatively correlated with the values of NEU (R = −.2886, P < .001), PT (R = −.2312, P < .001), FIB (R = −.2954, P < .001), D‐D (R = −.3554, P < .001), CRP (R = −.4899, P < .001), IL‐6 (R = −.5459, P < .001), AST (R = −.2044, P < .01), Cr (R = −.1350, P < .05), CPK (R = −.2119, P < .01), CK‐Mb (R = −.1760, P < .01), and LDH (R = −.4330, P < .001), and was positively correlated with the count of PLT (R = .2679, P < .001). In addition, LYM as a continuous variable was associated with 97% decreased risk of in‐hospital mortality in the fully adjusted models (OR = 0.03, 95%CI, 0.00‐0.37, P < .001).

Discussion

LYM screening on admission is a critical predictor for assessment of disease severity and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID‐19, and lymphopenia substantially correlates with poor clinical outcomes.
Prenatal antibiotic exposure and birth weight
Authors: Tomar Nupoor , Uldbjerg Cecilie Skaarup , Bech Bodil Hammer , Burgner David P. , Pedersen Lars Henning , Miller Jessica Eden
Published: July 2021

Background/Objectives

Current research suggests an association between antibiotic use in early life and later obesity. Less is known about prenatal antibiotic exposure and foetal growth. We investigated the association between prenatal antibiotic exposure and birth weight.

Methods

Data from the Danish National Birth Cohort were linked to the Danish National Medical Birth Registry. Exposure was self‐reported antibiotic use in pregnancy. Outcome was registered birth weight. Multivariable linear regression models were adjusted for confounders defined a priori.

Results

A total of 63 300 mother–child dyads from 1996 to 2002 were included. Overall, prenatal antibiotic exposure was not associated with birth weight (−8.90 g, 95%CI: −19.5– +1.64 g, p = 0.10). Findings were similar for those born term and preterm. Antibiotic exposure in second to third trimester, compared to no exposure, was associated with lower birth weight (−12.6 g, 95%CI: −24.1 to −1.1 g, p = 0.03). In sex‐stratified analyses, there were no observed associations between antibiotics and birth weight. With further stratifications, prenatal antibiotic exposure and birth weight were associated in boys who were preterm (+91.0 g, 95%CI: +6.8 g– +175.2 g, p = 0.03) but not among girls who were preterm (−44.0 g, 95%CI: −128.1 to +40.0 g, p = 0.30).

Conclusions

Prenatal antibiotic exposure is not consistently associated with birth weight.
Predicting aviation training performance with multimodal affective inferences
Authors: Li Tianshu , Lajoie Susanne
Published: July 2021

Affect influences learning and training through various cognitive, psychomotor and motivational processes. This research aims to examine the role of affect in aviation training. Participants’ (N = 19) affect and performance were examined in simulated aviation training while they performed ten tasks. Affective states were inferred from electrodermal activity, facial expression and NASA Taskload Index. Performance accuracy was graded with the rubrics provided by pilot instructors in CAE Inc. We found that arousal (inferred from electrodermal activity) positively predicted performance in the level 2 (easy) task (F(1, 17) = 7.408, p < 0.05, std β = 0.55). Mental workload (as measured from self‐report) negatively predicted performance in the level 3 (medium difficulty) (F(1, 15) = 4.598, p < 0.05, std β = −0.54) and level 4 (difficult) tasks (F(1, 15) = 12.85, p < 0.01, std β = −0.73), controlling for affect valence and arousal. This research is a preliminary step to a reconsideration of affect in theoretical frameworks in aviation. It demonstrates a comprehensive assessment of affect in aviation training, which could provide guidelines for instructional interventions to improve the overall training experience and pilot performance.
Impact of differential ureteral stent diameters on clinical outcomes after ureteroscopy intracorporeal lithotripsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Gang , Sun Fengze , Sun Kai , Zhang Dongxu , Yao Huibao , Wu Jitao , Cui Yuanshan
Published: July 2021

In this meta‐analysis we assessed whether the diameter of ureteral stents (4.7−5‐Fr, 6‐Fr) has an impact on the rate of occurrence of urinary tract symptoms and complications after successful URS and intracorporeal lithotripsy. A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. A rigorous search for relevant studies published in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was conducted to find informative randomized controlled trials. The reference lists of relevant articles were also manually searched and reviewed. The protocol was prospectively registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020202164). All statistical evaluations were performed using RevMan software version 5.3.0. Seven articles comprising 547 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. After placement of ureteral stents with different diameters for approximately 1 week, we found that ureteral stents with smaller diameters (4.7−5‐Fr) were associated with significant improvements in the main domain scores on the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire, such as urinary symptoms (mean difference −4.47, 95% confidence interval −5.87 to −3.08; P < 0.00001) and body pain (mean difference −2.48, 95% confidence interval −4.37 to −0.59; P = 0.01), but poor outcomes in stent migration compared to ureteral stents with a 6‐Fr diameter (odds ratio 3.00, 95% confidence interval 1.06–8.51; P = 0.04). However, there were no significant differences in Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire scores with regard to work performance (mean difference −0.56, 95% confidence interval −2.52 to 1.40; P = 0.58), general health (mean difference −2.29, 95% confidence interval −4.95 to 0.37; P = 0.09), additional problems (mean difference −0.43, 95% confidence interval −1.02 to 0.15; P = 0.15), and complications such as fever (odds ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.24–2.39; P = 0.63). Ureteral stents with a diameter of 4.7−5‐Fr have better outcomes than those with a diameter of 6‐Fr, based on the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire pain and urinary tract symptoms scores. However, they are more prone to migration compared to those with a larger diameter.
Cell fate dynamics and genomic programming of plasma cell precursors
Authors: Manakkat Vijay Godhev K. , Singh Harinder
Published: July 2021

This review is focused on the cellular dynamics and genomic programming of plasma cell (PC) precursors that arise during germinal center (GC) B cell responses in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) and give rise to PCs in the bone marrow. Considerable progress has been made in the phenotypic characterization of circulating and bone marrow PC precursors as well as their differentiated short‐lived (SLPC) and long‐lived (LLPC) counterparts, in the context of model antigen and vaccine responses. Importantly, it has been possible to infer the temporal dynamics of generation of PC precursors during a GC response. However, the nature of the PC precursors at their site of generation in SLOs, and their signaling and genomic states, remain to be elucidated. Our synthesis draws upon experimental studies conducted in murine models as well as in humans, the latter complemented with cell culture manipulations of PCs and their precursors. By integration of the studies in murine and human systems, which are being accelerated by new genomic methodologies, we highlight insights and hypotheses concerning the generation of PCs. This framework can be extended and explored from both fundamental and translational standpoints.
The structure of sodium silicate glass from neutron diffraction and modeling of oxygen‐oxygen correlations
Authors: Hannon Alex C. , Vaishnav Shuchi , Alderman Oliver L. G. , Bingham Paul A.
Published: July 2021

It is shown that modeling the first oxygen‐oxygen peak in the neutron correlation function of a glass enables structural information about other correlations to be obtained, and the method is illustrated by application to a sodium silicate glass. The first O–O coordination number can be calculated from network theory, and sodium silicate crystal structures show that the mean O–O distance can be calculated from the Si–O distance, despite the distortion of the SiO4 tetrahedra. Modeling the O–O peak for a sodium silicate glass allows the Na‐O bond length distribution to be determined. For a binary glass with 42.5 mol% Na2O, it is found that the Na–O coordination number is 4.8(2) with an average bond length of 2.45 Å, and the Na–O bond lengths are more widely distributed than in sodium silicate crystal structures. Sodium ions are bonded mostly to non‐bridging oxygens (NBOs), and the Na–NBO coordination number may be four as in crystals. Sodium ions are also bonded to a smaller number of bridging oxygens (BOs). Contrary to previous reports, it is not concluded that Na–NBO bonds are shorter than Na–BO bonds, but instead that the Na–BO distribution is relatively narrow, whilst the Na–NBO distribution extends to both shorter and longer distance. The broad distribution of Na–O bond lengths arises from a relatively broad distribution of Na–NBO bond valences, subject to the overall requirement of charge balance.
A novel sulfur‐emission free route for preparing ultrafine MoSi2 powder by silicothermic reduction of MoS2
Authors: Chang He‐Qiang , Zhang Guo‐Hua , Chou Kuo‐Chih
Published: July 2021

The extraction of metal from sulfide mineral is usually accompanied by the emission of sulfur‐containing gas (e.g., SO2), which will cause serious pollution to the environment. In this work, a sulfur‐emission free route for preparing ultrafine molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) powder by silicothermic reduction of MoS2 with the desulfurization agent of lime was proposed. The internal MoS2‐Si mixture is wrapped in an external desulfurization layer composed of lime. After the reaction is completed, the prepared MoSi2 can be easily separated from the desulfurization layer by using a non‐chemical method. In addition, when the reaction temperature is higher than 1000°C, almost all S in MoS2 is transformed to sulfur‐containing gas SiS, which can be fully captured by lime to generate CaS, Si, and CaSiO3. For the raw material with a MoS2:Si molar ratio of 1:4, after reacting at 1000, 1100, and 1200°C for 2 h, the average grain sizes of the obtained MoSi2 powder are approximately 100, 300, and 800 nm, respectively. Moreover, when the reaction time is prolonged from 2 to 6 h at 1000°C, the average grain size of the acquired MoSi2 powder is about 200 nm, and the residual sulfur content is about 0.12%. This work provides a new insight to extract metals or metal compounds from sulfide ores without releasing sulfur‐containing gas.
Enhanced ionic conductivity of aluminum tungstate by crystallographic orientation in a strong magnetic field
Authors: Özbilgin Cem E. , Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Tamura Shinji , Imanaka Nobuhito , Suzuki Tohru S.
Published: July 2021

The ionic conduction of multiply charged ions, rather than singly charged ions, is beneficial for energy storage and sensor applications. The low mobility of multiply charged ions is one important obstacle to the implementation of these applications. Chemical methods, such as doping and solid solution formation, have been used to improve ionic conductivity. However, the apparent performance of ceramic electrolytes can be improved by the crystallographic alignment of anisotropic grains. In this study, crystal‐oriented aluminum tungstate ceramics were processed by slip casting in a strong magnetic field. The b‐axis‐ and c‐axis‐oriented aluminum tungstate ceramics can be produced by this technique. The orientation of grains along the b‐axis could enhance ionic conductivity by at least 1.77 times compared to that of a randomly oriented sample and 2.13 times compared to that of the c‐axis‐oriented sample. The results of this study suggest that this method can improve the ionic conductivity of an anisotropic material using polycrystalline processing instead of difficult single‐crystal synthesis techniques.
Atrial fibrosis progression in patients with no history of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Dagher Lilas , Shi Hanyuan , Zhao Yan , Mitlacher Marcel , Schnupp Steffen , Ajmi Issameddine , Forkmann Mathias , Marrouche Nassir , Mahnkopf Christian
Published: July 2021

Background

Unexpected high levels of atrial fibrosis are found in individuals with no history of atrial fibrillation (AF). The temporal behavior of atrial fibrosis in this population is still unknown. We sought to investigate the progression and predictors of atrial fibrosis in non‐AF individuals.

Methods

Non‐AF individuals at baseline who underwent late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐MRI) for assessment of left atrial (LA) fibrosis at least twice were retrospectively included in this study. The incidence of AF was assessed using review of medical records.

Results

In 42 non‐AF patients (15 females, 65.9 ± 8.6 years old), all patients had a detectable level of LA fibrosis at baseline, ranging from 4.5% to 28.8%, with a mean of 12.9 ± 5.9%. LA fibrosis in the second LGE‐MRI was significantly higher in all patients compared to the first measurement (mean value of 12.9 ± 5.9% vs. 17.34 ± 6.8%; p < .05). Congestive heart failure was a significant clinical predictor of atrial fibrosis progression. The seven patients (16.6%) who developed new‐onset AF during follow‐up showed a significantly higher degree of LA fibrosis on their second MRI, compared to individuals who stayed in sinus rhythm (20.5 ± 6.9% vs. 16.7 ± 6.7%, p < .05).

Conclusion

Atrial fibrotic remodeling is a dynamic process that is progressively increasing in non‐AF patients, accentuated by congestive heart failure. The higher extent of LA remodeling observed in patients who developed AF could highlight either the fact that AF is an expression of a highly dynamic left atrial substrate, or that remodeling processes are accelerated by AF.
LncRNA MAYA promotes iron overload and hepatocyte senescence through inhibition of YAP in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yuan Ping , Qi Xiaoyu , Song Anping , Ma Mingyue , Zhang Xinbei , Lu Chunfeng , Bian Mianli , Lian Naqi , He Jianling , Zheng Shuguo , Jin Huanhuan
Published: July 2021

Although recent evidence has shown that hepatocyte senescence plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the mechanism is still not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the signal transduction pathways involved in the senescence of hepatocyte, in order to provide a potential strategy for blocking the process of NAFLD. The results confirmed that hepatocyte senescence occurred in HFD‐fed Golden hamsters and PA‐treated LO2 cells as manifested by increased levels of senescence marker SA‐β‐gal, p16 and p21, heterochromatin marker H3K9me3, DNA damage marker γ‐H2AX and decreased activity of telomerase. Further studies demonstrated that iron overload could promote the senescence of hepatocyte, whereas the overexpression of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) could blunt iron overload and alleviate the senescence of hepatocyte. Of importance, depression of lncRNA MAYA (MAYA) reduced iron overload and cellular senescence via promotion of YAP in PA‐treated hepatocytes. These effects were further supported by in vivo experiments. In conclusion, these data suggested that inhibition of MAYA could up‐regulate YAP, which might repress hepatocyte senescence through modulating iron overload. In addition, these findings provided a promising option for heading off the development of NAFLD by abrogating hepatocyte senescence.
Body mass index and internalizing symptoms from early childhood through early adolescence: Trend of codevelopment and directionality
Authors: Zhou Nan , Liang Yue , Cao Hongjian , Chen Yu , Lin Xiuyun , Zhang Jintao
Published: July 2021

Background

Higher body mass index (BMI) and internalizing symptoms often codevelop with each other, and both of them have been widely linked to child later maladjustment. However, existing studies on the association between BMI and internalizing symptoms predominantly focus on the between‐person association (i.e., the average association for a given group) and use continuous measures of BMI. To address these gaps, using approaches that can effectively partition within‐person from between‐person variation, this study aimed to delineate temporal dynamics (i.e., directionality) of the associations between BMI and internalizing symptoms (as continuous and clinical cut‐off categorical measures for both of them). The trend of codevelopment between BMI and internalizing symptoms is also investigated.

Methods

This study used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Studies, Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011 (ECLS:2011), a nationally representative birth cohort study in the United States. Participants were 17,552 children (48.78% female, Mage = 5.6 years old at the first wave) who were assessed seven times from kindergarten through Grade 5.

Results

Results of the random intercept, cross‐lagged panel model suggested reciprocal within‐person associations between BMI and internalizing symptoms from child 7.1 to 11.1 years old.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight both the necessity of disaggregating between‐person and within‐person effects in cross‐lagged associations between BMI and internalizing symptoms and the importance of interventions that target body weight and mental health issues in middle childhood to reduce the negative impact of both in the long run.
Current status of oral antidiabetic drug prescribing patterns based on the body mass index for Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and yearly changes in diabetologists' prescribing patterns from 2002 to 2019 (JDDM61)
Authors: Yagi Noriharu , Komiya Ichiro , Arai Keiko , Oishi Mariko , Fukumoto Yoshihide , Shirabe Shinichirou , Yokoyama Hiroki , Yamazaki Katsuya , Sugimoto Hidekatsu , Maegawa Hiroshi ,   Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study Group (JDDM study group),
Published: July 2021

Aims/Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is caused by a relative imbalance between insulin secretion and sensitivity related to the body mass index (BMI). Seven categories of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) are available in Japan. It is important to assess the OAD utilization patterns based on patients’ BMI levels.

Materials and methods

OAD prescribing patterns from 2002 to 2019 were analyzed using the data collected in the computerized diabetes care database provided by the Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study Group; OAD utilization patterns in 25,751 OAD‐treated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients registered in 2019 were analyzed after classifying them into five categories of BMI.

Results

Comparing OAD usage between 2002 and 2019, sulfonylureas decreased from 44.5 to 23.2%, and biguanides (BGs) increased from 19.3 to 50.3%. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4is) increased to 56.9% in 2019. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) increased to 23.6% in 2019. About 90% of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had BMI < 30 kg/m2. DPP4is were the most used OADs in 2019. When BMI exceeded 30 kg/m2, use of BGs and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors increased, and use of sulfonylureas and DPP4is decreased. Although DPP4is were the most used OADs for patients with BMI <30 kg/m2, they were the third most prescribed OADs for patients with BMI >35 kg/m2 after BGs and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors .

Conclusions

DPP4i usage was as high as that of BG in the analysis of Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with relatively low BMI. This was considered to be a treatment option appropriate for the pathophysiology in Japanese patients.