bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved fatigue life prediction model based on loading sequence
Authors: Xue Qiwen , Du Xiuyun
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In view of the difficulty in determining the key parameters d in the Corten-Dolan model, based on the introduction of small loads, damage degrees and stress states to the Corten-Dolan model and the existing improved model, the sequential effects of the adjacent two-stage load were further considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Two improved Corten-Dolan models were established on the basis of modifying the parameter d by two different methods, namely, increasing stress ratio coefficient as well as considering the effects of loading sequence and damage degree as independent influencing factors respectively. According to the test data of the welded joints of common materials (standard 45 steel), alloy materials (standard 16Mn steel) and Q235B steel, the validity and feasibility of the above two improved models for fatigue life prediction were verified.

Findings

Results show that, compared with the traditional Miner model and the existing Corten-Dolan improved model, the two improved models have higher prediction accuracy in the fatigue life prediction of welding materials whether under two-stage load or multi-stage load.

Originality/value

Because the mathematical expressions of the models are relatively simple and need no multi-layer iterative calculation, it is convenient to predict the fatigue life of welded structure in practical engineering.
Simplified modeling for elastic analysis of a floating body in heave motion
Authors: Dahmani Massicilia , Seghir Abdelghani , Issaadi Nabil , Amiri Ouali
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a numerical modeling procedure for response analysis of elastic body floating in water and submitted to regular waves. An equivalent simplified mechanical single-degree-of-freedom system allowing to reproduce the heave movements is first developed, then the obtained lumped characteristics are used for elastic analysis of the floating body in heave motion.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a two-dimensional numerical model of a rigid floating body in a wave tank is implemented under DualSPHysics, an open source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics method. Then, the obtained results are exploited to derive an equivalent mechanical mass-spring-damper model. Finally, estimated equivalent characteristics are used in a structural finite element modeling of the considered body assuming elastic behavior.

Findings

Obtained results concerning the floating body displacements are represented and validated using existing experimental data in the literature. Wave forces acting on the body are also evaluated. It was found that for regular waves, it is possible to replace the complex CFD refined model by an equivalent simplified mechanical system which makes easy the use of structural finite element analysis.

Originality/value

The originality of this work lies in the proposed procedure to evaluate the mechanical properties of the equivalent elastic system. This allows to couple two different software tools and to take advantages of their features.
Structured evaluation of a virtual emergency department triage model of care: A study protocol
Authors: Sher Loren , Semciw Adam , Jessup Rebecca L , Carrodus Ariana , Boyd James
Published: May 2022

Objective

A new virtual ED service was introduced into a hospital network in the northern suburbs of Melbourne in response to changing needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The ‘virtual ED’ utilises a telehealth model as a means of assessment for appropriately selected patients to facilitate either complete care or navigation into streamlined pathways for ongoing care, in some cases bypassing the ED entirely where appropriate. The proposed study aims to evaluate the implementation of the model and identify future improvement opportunities, assess the impact on traditional health service delivery processes and patient experience, and determine the acceptability of the ‘virtual ED’ model of care.

Methods

The present study will consist of a pre‐post‐ implementation evaluation using the RE‐AIM framework. Routine health service data will be collected for 6 months post‐implementation of the virtual ED model and compared to 24 months prior to implementation. Prospective data will be collected using routinely collected and survey data. Interviews and focus groups will be conducted to understand consumer and clinician perspectives on barriers and enablers to implementation and adoption of the virtual ED.

Results

Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the study population and key outcomes, including changes in ED presentations and length of stay. Thematic analysis will be conducted on transcribed interviews and focus group data. This will be triangulated with data collected from patient feedback surveys.

Conclusion

This project will support the delivery of care to ED patients by evaluating the ‘virtual ED’ model of care.
Intermittent methionine restriction reduces IGF‐1 levels and produces similar healthspan benefits to continuous methionine restriction
Authors: Plummer Jason D. , Johnson Jay E.
Published: May 2022

A sustained state of methionine restriction (MR) dramatically extends the healthspan of several model organisms. For example, continuously methionine‐restricted rodents have less age‐related pathology and are up to 45% longer‐lived than controls. Promisingly, MR is feasible for humans, and studies have suggested that methionine‐restricted individuals may receive similar benefits to rodents. However, long‐term adherence to a methionine‐restricted diet is likely to be challenging for many individuals. Prompted by this, and the fact that intermittent variants of other healthspan‐extending interventions (i.e., intermittent fasting and the cyclic ketogenic diet) are just as effective, if not more, than their continuous counterparts, we hypothesized that an intermittent form of MR might produce similar healthspan benefits to continuous MR. Accordingly, we developed two increasingly stringent forms of intermittent MR (IMR) and assessed whether mice maintained on these diets demonstrate the beneficial metabolic changes typically observed for continuous MR. To the best of our knowledge, we show for the first time that IMR produces similar beneficial metabolic effects to continuous MR, including improved glucose homeostasis and protection against diet‐induced obesity and hepatosteatosis. In addition, like continuous MR, IMR confers beneficial changes in the plasma levels of the hormones IGF‐1, FGF‐21, leptin, and adiponectin. Together, our findings demonstrate that the more practicable intermittent form of MR produces similar healthspan benefits to continuous MR, and thus may represent a more appealing alternative to the classical intervention.
Shorting costs and profitability of long–short strategies
Authors: Kim Dongcheol , Lee Byeung‐Joo
Published: May 2022

We examine how the profitability of long–short arbitrage strategies based on anomalies is affected after adjustment for two shorting costs: implicit cost due to unavailability of stocks in the short‐leg to sell short and loan fees actually paid to stock lenders. The combined shorting cost amounts to almost 40 percent of long–short gross returns over the sample period from January 2006 to December 2017. After adjustment for these shorting costs, long–short arbitrage profits are thus reduced by almost 40 percent. Even after adjustment for risk, the proportion of shorting costs is also substantial. If other trade‐related transaction costs are considered, long–short arbitrage profits would be reduced further. Our results provide explicit evidence that casts doubt on the profitability of long‐short arbitrage strategies based on anomalies.
Distribution and life history of Contarinia brassicola (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in canola (Brassica napus) grown on the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Vankosky Meghan A. , Hladun Shane , Soroka Juliana J. , Andreassen Lars , Meers Scott , Mori Boyd A.
Published: May 2022

Contarinia brassicola Sinclair (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a recently described species found infesting canola (Brassica napus L. and Brassica rapa L., Brassicaceae) in western Canada. There is concern that C. brassicola could have economic impacts on canola production. To learn about its biology, distribution, natural enemies, and potential impact, we conducted a prairie‐wide survey in western Canada and field studies using emergence cages and plant dissections between 2017 and 2019. Results of a transect‐based survey conducted in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba indicated that C. brassicola is widely distributed in western Canada. Two species of parasitic wasp were reared from C. brassicola larvae collected during the survey. We found that C. brassicola can have multiple generations per year, with the first peak of adult emergence occurring in early July with the onset of the susceptible crop stage. Adult midge and larvae may be found from June until early autumn. Midge larvae appear capable of extended diapause over multiple years. During this study, we found that C. brassicola damage was restricted to developing flowers. In the vast majority of fields surveyed, C. brassicola occurred in low population densities and was unlikely to impact yield in those fields.
The Golden Billion: Russia, COVID, Murderous Global Elites
Authors: Cherkaev Xenia
Published: May 2022

This essay tells the story of the hot, brooding summer that preceded Russia’s “special military operation” attack on Ukraine: an attack that could not legally be called a war and that many people in Russia supported even while they neither trusted the media nor cared to talk about politics. Rallying support for this undeclared war, Russian state rhetoric drew on images of WWII fascism, NATO expansion, and morally rotten transnational elites: themes resonant with long‐standing feelings of hurt national pride and personal abandonment in the face of spiraling social stratification. To many of its supporters, “the war seemed a relief after many years of stagnation,” wrote the Moscow‐based journalist Shura Burtin (2022). “Like a fire in prison: at least there’ll be some commotion.” This essay describes a high point of this pregnant stagnation. Written in August 2021, it draws on over a decade of ethnographic fieldwork in North‐Western Russia to examine the idea that a “Golden Billion” of the world’s most powerful people governs to exterminate the rest of us—at a moment when this idea seemed eminently reasonable.
Dependency and aged care in Spain: Tensions and contradictions in a society in transition
Authors: Castelo Uzuri , Gil de Montes Lorena , Larrañaga Maider , Soubelet‐Fagoaga Iduzki
Published: May 2022

Dependency and care assistance during old age has become an increasing focus of debate and change in society. Consequently, people must cope with diverse and even contradictory values and ideas about the issue. This study aimed to understand the social representations of dependency based on the dialogical approach of the Social Representations theory. Total 26 semi‐structured interviews were conducted in the Basque Country (north of Spain) with relatives, care workers, and older adult care recipients. The thematic analysis results show that social representations are articulated around seven themes, reflecting people's tensions and contradictions at cultural, organizational, and relational levels. In addition, the polyphasic and dynamic nature of social representations is discussed, addressing current public debates about the meaning of dependency in a changing sociocultural context.
Preservation of the nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve using intraoperative nerve monitoring during endoscopic thyroidectomy
Authors: Hiramitsu Takahisa , Tomosugi Toshihide , Okada Manabu , Futamura Kenta , Goto Norihiko , Narumi Shunji , Watarai Yoshihiko , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Ichimori Toshihiro
Published: May 2022

A 40‐year‐old woman underwent right lobe thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules that increased in size from 17 mm to 33.5 mm within 1 year. Identification of arteria lusoria using computed tomography suggested the presence of a right nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (RNRLN). Endoscopic thyroidectomy was performed under general anesthesia. The right vagal nerve was first identified between the common carotid artery and jugular vein. A positive response was confirmed via intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM), implying that the RNRLN did not branch from the central side of the stimulated point of the vagal nerve. The RNRLN was confirmed using IONM around the middle to lower pole of the right thyroid gland. The right thyroid lobe was successfully removed, with meticulous preservation of the RNRLN. The motion of the vocal cord, examined by an ear‐nose‐throat doctor postoperatively, was intact. We demonstrated the efficacy of IONM in patients with RNRLN who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy.
Comparison of the effects of perineural or intravenous dexamethasone on thoracic paravertebral block in Ivor‐Lewis esophagectomy: A double‐blind randomized trial
Authors: Zhang Yan , Qiao Lu , Ding Wenping , Wang Kai , Chen Yuqiong , Wang Liwei
Published: May 2022

Efforts to prolong thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) analgesia include local anesthetic adjuvants, such as dexamethasone (Dex). Previous studies showed that both perineural (PN) and intravenous (i.v.) routes could prolong analgesia. As PN Dex is an off‐label use, anesthesiologists should be fully informed of the clinical differences, if any, on block duration. This study was designed to evaluate the two administration routes of Dex for duration of analgesia in TPVB. Ninety‐five patients scheduled for Ivor‐Lewis esophagectomy were randomized to receive TPVB (0.5% ropivacaine 15 ml), PN or i.v. Dex 8 mg. The primary end point was the duration of analgesia. The secondary end points included pain scores, analgesic consumption, adverse effects rate, and incidence of chronic pain at 3 months postoperatively. The PN‐Dex group showed better analgesic effects than the i.v.‐Dex group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the visual analogue scale scores in patients at 2, 4, 8, and 12 h postoperatively were lower in the PN‐Dex group than the i.v.‐Dex group (p < 0.05). The analgesic consumption in both the PN‐Dex and i.v.‐Dex groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding the incidence of chronic pain, regardless of route, Dex decreased the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain and neuropathic pain at 3 months after surgery (p < 0.05), but there were no clinical differences between the i.v.‐Dex and PN‐Dex groups. Perineural dexamethasone improved the magnitude and duration of analgesia compared to that of the i.v.‐Dex group in TPVB in Ivor‐Lewis esophagectomy. However, there were no clinically significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of chronic pain.
Successful hemostasis and closure using an over‐the‐scope clip for perforated duodenal ulcer bleeding
Authors: Kubota Yo , Wada Takuya , Tanabe Satoshi
Published: May 2022

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Causal inference on the engagement effects of athletic participation from within‐student variation
Authors: DiSalvo Richard W. , Che Jing
Published: May 2022

We study how athletic participation relates to two measures of engagement, school attendance and disciplinary suspension, among students in an urban school district. Following one strand of the literature, we study within‐student variation, comparing the same student when playing sports versus not. To this literature, we contribute a microeconomic model to better interpret estimates obtained using such variation, and we propose and employ novel instrumental variables based on lagged season‐specific sports choices and the sports‐specific participation trajectories of other students. Our most rigorous models suggest positive effects of athletics on student attendance, but no significant effects on disciplinary suspension.
Invasion impacts and dynamics of a European‐wide introduced species
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Ahmed Danish A. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Stubbington Rachel , Domisch Sami , Marquez Jaime R. G. , Beidas Ayah , Amatulli Giuseppe , Kiesel Jens , Shen Longzhu Q. , Soto Ismael , Angeler David G. , Bonada Núria , Cañedo‐Argüelles Miguel , Csabai Zoltán , Datry Thibault , de Eyto Elvira , Dohet Alain , Drohan Emma , England Judy , Feio Maria J. , Forio Marie A. E. , Goethals Peter , Graf Wolfram , Heino Jani , Hudgins Emma J. , Jähnig Sonja C. , Johnson Richard K. , Larrañaga Aitor , Leitner Patrick , L'Hoste Lionel , Lizee Marie‐Helene , Maire Anthony , Rasmussen Jes J. , Schäfer Ralf B. , Schmidt‐Kloiber Astrid , Vannevel Rudy , Várbíró Gábor , Wiberg‐Larsen Peter , Haase Peter
Published: May 2022

Globalization has led to the introduction of thousands of alien species worldwide. With growing impacts by invasive species, understanding the invasion process remains critical for predicting adverse effects and informing efficient management. Theoretically, invasion dynamics have been assumed to follow an “invasion curve” (S‐shaped curve of available area invaded over time), but this dynamic has lacked empirical testing using large‐scale data and neglects to consider invader abundances. We propose an “impact curve” describing the impacts generated by invasive species over time based on cumulative abundances. To test this curve's large‐scale applicability, we used the data‐rich New Zealand mud snailPotamopyrgus antipodarum, one of the most damaging freshwater invaders that has invaded almost all of Europe. Using long‐term (1979–2020) abundance and environmental data collected across 306 European sites, we observed thatP. antipodarumabundance generally increased through time, with slower population growth at higher latitudes and with lower runoff depth. Fifty‐nine percent of these populations followed the impact curve, characterized by first occurrence, exponential growth, then long‐term saturation. This behaviour is consistent with boom‐bust dynamics, as saturation occurs due to a rapid decline in abundance over time. Across sites, we estimated that impact peaked approximately two decades after first detection, but the rate of progression along the invasion process was influenced by local abiotic conditions. The S‐shaped impact curve may be common among many invasive species that undergo complex invasion dynamics. This provides a potentially unifying approach to advance understanding of large‐scale invasion dynamics and could inform timely management actions to mitigate impacts on ecosystems and economies.
Characterisation of a New Delta‐Zero Natural Mg Solution Alfa‐Mg for Isotope Ratio Measurement and Mg Isotopic Values in Fourteen Matrix Reference Materials
Authors: Liu Jinke , Han Guilin
Published: May 2022

The Mg isotope system helps constrain a variety of geochemical processes in the hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. DSM3 is commonly used as delta‐zero material for relative Mg isotopic measurements. In this study, we have characterised the Mg isotopic composition of a new pure Mg solution (Alfa‐Mg). This solution could potentially be used as a secondary delta‐zero reference material, or as an alternative primary reference material when DSM3 is depleted. The Alfa‐Mg solution has been checked for homogeneity and stability and is available free of charge upon request. The certified δ26/24Mg value relative to DSM3 of the Alfa‐Mg solution is −1.40‰, with an expanded (k = 2) uncertainty of 0.05‰. We also characterised a range of existing Earth‐surface reference materials including soils, riverine sediments and plants. The δ26/24Mg values (relative to DSM‐3) of plant materials range between −1.06 ± 0.03‰ (2s, n = 12) and −0.75 ± 0.03‰ (2s, n = 12). The δ26/24Mg values of soil materials vary from −0.72 ± 0.11‰ (2s, n = 12) to 0.17 ± 0.05‰ (2s, n = 12). The δ26/24Mg values of riverine sediment materials range between −0.66 ± 0.01‰ (2s, n = 12) and −0.17 ± 0.03‰ (2s, n = 12). These data could serve as a reference for inter‐laboratory calibration and quality control, as well as for potential applications in geological and biological fields.
Surgical outcomes in patients with haemophilia A or B receiving extended half‐life recombinant factor VIII and IX Fc fusion proteins: Real‐world experience in the Nordic countries
Authors: Lehtinen Anna‐Elina , Baghaei Fariba , Astermark Jan , Holme Pål André
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Perioperative dosing recommendations vary across Nordic haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) for extended half‐life (EHL) factor concentrates in haemophilia A/B (HA/HB) patients.

Aim

To summarise Nordic real‐world surgical experiences with EHL recombinant factor VIII/IX Fc (rFVIIIFc/rFIXFc) fusion proteins using retrospective data from clinical records at four HTCs in Finland, Sweden and Norway.

Methods

Factor dosing and surgical outcomes were recorded from HA/HB patients who underwent surgery and were treated with rFVIIIFc/rFIXFc. Perioperative factor dosing regimens were clinician‐determined based on local practises.

Results

Twenty five surgeries were performed on 20 patients, all covered by bolus injections except one minor HA surgery; eight minor surgeries were in paediatric patients. Median preoperative rFVIIIFc dose for major HA surgeries (n = 8) was 48 IU/kg (range: 35–57), with total consumption up to Day 14 of 427 IU/kg (196–568). For the two major HB surgeries (in one patient), preoperative rFIXFc doses were 50 IU/kg and 20 IU/kg; total consumption up to Day 14 was 130 IU/kg and 40 IU/kg. Median preoperative rFVIIIFc/rFIXFc bolus doses for minor HA (n = 10) and HB (n = 4) surgeries were 50 IU/kg (24–79) and 47 IU/kg (40–71), with total consumption up to Day 5 of 138 IU/kg (49–404) and 100 IU/kg (43–125), respectively. Intraoperative and postoperative haemostatic responses were rated as at least good/excellent for 24/25 surgeries, with bleeding episodes reported in only three surgeries.

Conclusion

Nordic real‐world experiences suggest that EHL products can be used safely and effectively for peri‐operative haemostasis. Further research is required to develop local dosing guidelines for optimised treatment schedules.
Automated radio tracking provides evidence for social pair bonds in an obligate brood parasite
Authors: Scardamaglia Romina C. , Lew Axel A. , Gravano Agustín , Winkler David W. , Kacelnik Alex , Reboreda Juan C.
Published: May 2022

Social monogamy predominates in avian mating systems, but this strategy seems unlikely among brood parasites, where the emancipation from parental care should lead to an increase in numbers of mates for both sexes. Despite this, there is great diversity in mating systems in brood parasitic birds. The Screaming CowbirdMolothrus rufoaxillarisis a brood parasite that specializes almost exclusively on one host, the Greyish BaywingAgelaioides badius. Field observations and a radio telemetry study have indicated that male–female pairs spend a great deal of time together through the day, suggesting that they may be socially monogamous. We tested the hypothesis of social monogamy by radio‐tracking male and female Screaming Cowbirds using an array of automated radiotracking receivers to collect data on spatial behaviour and social mating system. Monogamous pair bonds were recorded through social network analysis. These bonds endured throughout the entire breeding season, with males and females remaining associated throughout the day. In accordance with the hypothesis, paired Screaming Cowbirds spent significantly more time in proximity to their mates than to other conspecifics of the opposite sex, and had similar home‐ranges. Social monogamy in the Screaming Cowbird differed markedly from the social polygyny/promiscuity exhibited by the sympatric congener Shiny CowbirdMolothrus bonariensis, a generalist brood parasite.
Bone marrow and peripheral blood involvement of relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma after prior cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Chang Soon Hee
Published: May 2022

The author report an interesting case of relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) involvement after prior cold agglutinin disease (CAD). A minority of patients with DLBCL present with CAD, and BM or PB involvement with CAD are quite rare. Differential diagnosis of patients with CAD should include DLBCL, considering the possibility of BM or even PB involvement.
Urethral reconstruction for iatrogenic urethral stricture after transurethral prostate surgery: An analysis of surgical and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Yagi Kota , Horiguchi Akio , Shinchi Masayuki , Ojima Kenichiro , Hirano Yusuke , Takahashi Eiji , Kimura Fumihiro , Ito Keiichi , Azuma Ryuichi
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We investigated the efficacy of urethral reconstruction in male patients with iatrogenic urethral stricture after transurethral prostate surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 82 patients who underwent urethral reconstruction for iatrogenic urethral stricture caused by transurethral prostate surgery between August 2011 and July 2021. Patients were followed up postoperatively with uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine measurement, and questionnaires using Peeling's picture score, International Prostate Symptom Score, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, EuroQol‐5 dimensions, and EuroQol‐5 dimensions visual analog scores. Successful urethral reconstruction was defined as the absence of a postoperative decrease in urinary force and any additional treatment.

Results

The median patient age was 72 years, and the stricture site was the urethral meatus in eight (9.8%) patients, penoscrotal junction in 42 (51.2%), and proximal bulbar urethra in 26 (31.7%). Six patients (7.3%) had synchronous urethral strictures. Urethral reconstruction was successful in 78 patients (95.1%), with a median follow‐up of 43 months. The mean maximum flow rate (P < 0.0001), postvoid residual urine (P = 0.004), Peeling's picture score (P < 0.0001), the score for each question and total International Prostate Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score‐quality of life scores (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons), and EuroQol‐5 dimensions and EuroQol‐5 dimensions visual analog scores (P < 0.0001 for both) significantly improved postoperatively. However, the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form scores remained unchanged (P = 0.09 and 0.70, respectively).

Conclusions

Urethral reconstruction was effective for urethral stricture due to transurethral prostate surgery in both subjective and objective aspects.
The Hox gene Abdominal‐B regulates the appendage development during the embryogenesis of scorpionflies
Authors: Liu Bing‐Peng , Ding Guo , Miao Ying , Hua Bao‐Zhen
Published: May 2022

The Homeotic Complex (Hox) genes encode conserved homeodomain transcription factors that specify segment identity and appendage morphology along the antero‐posterior axis in bilaterian animals. The Hox gene Abdominal‐B (Abd‐B) is mainly expressed in the posterior segments of the abdomen and plays an important role in insect organogenesis. In Mecoptera, the potential function of this gene remains unclear yet. Here, we performed a de novo transcriptome assembly and identified an Abd‐B ortholog in the scorpionfly Panorpa liui. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR showed that Abd‐B expression increased gradually in embryos 76 h post oviposition, and was mainly present in the more posterior abdominal segments. Embryonic RNA interference of Abd‐B resulted in a set of abnormalities, including developmental arrest, malformed suckers and misspecification of posterior segment identity. These results suggest that Abd‐B is required for the proper development of the posterior abdomen. Furthermore, in Abd‐B RNAi embryos, the expression of the appendage marker Distal‐less (Dll) was up‐regulated and was additionally present on abdominal segments IX and X compared with wild embryos, suggesting that scorpionfly Abd‐B may act to suppress proleg development and has gained the ability to repress Dll expression on the more posterior abdominal segments. This study provides additional information on both the functional and evolutionary roles of Abd‐B across different insects.
CD39 pathway inhibits Th1 cell function in tuberculosis
Authors: Luo Ying , Xue Ying , Lin Qun , Tang Guoxing , Song Huijuan , Liu Wei , Mao Liyan , Sun Ziyong , Wang Feng
Published: May 2022

The role of CD39 pathway in Th1 cell function in tuberculosis (TB) is rarely elucidated. The present study aims to investigate the modulating mechanism of CD39 pathway during Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. CD39 expression was examined on host immune cells among patients with TB. The relationship between CD39 expression and Th1 cell function was analysed. Patients with TB displayed dramatically higher CD39 expression on Th1 cells than healthy controls, and a significantly increased expression of surface markers, including activation, exhaustion and apoptosis markers, were noted in CD39+ Th1 cells in comparison with CD39− Th1 cells. Conversely, CD39 expression on Th1 cells was associated with diminished number of polyfunctional cells producing Th1‐type cytokines, and CD39+ Th1 cells showed obviously lower proliferation potential. Notably, tetramer analysis demonstrated a predominant CD39 expression on TB‐specific CD4+ cells, which was associated with higher apoptosis and lower cytokine‐producing ability. Transcriptome sequencing identified 27 genes that were differentially expressed between CD39+ and CD39− Th1 cells, such as IL32, DUSP4 and RGS1. Inhibition of CD39 pathway could enhance the activation, proliferation and cytokine‐producing ability of Th1 cells. Furthermore, there was a significantly negative correlation between CD39 expression on Th1 cells and nutritional status indicators such as lymphocyte count and albumin levels, and we observed a significant decline in CD39 expression on Th1 cells after anti‐TB treatment. CD39 is predominantly expressed on TB‐specific Th1 cells and correlated with their exhausted function, which suggests that CD39 could serve as a prominent target for TB therapy.
Alternatively activated macrophages at the recipient site improve fat graft retention by promoting angiogenesis and adipogenesis
Authors: Li Ye , Chen Xinyao , Liu Lin , Chen Yunzi , Bi Xin , Chen Yuting , Zou Jialiang , Wang Zijue , Dong Ziqing , Lu Feng
Published: May 2022

The inflammatory response mediated by macrophages plays a role in tissue repair. Macrophages preferentially infiltrate the donor site and subsequently, infiltrate the recipient site after fat grafting. This study aimed to trace host‐derived macrophages and to evaluate the effects of macrophage infiltration at the recipient site during the early stage on long‐term fat graft retention. In our novel mouse model, all mice underwent simulated liposuction and were divided into 2 groups. The fat procurement plus grafting (Pro‐Grafting) group was engrafted with prepared fat (0.3 ml). The pro‐Grafting+M2 group was engrafted with prepared fat (0.3 ml) mixed with 1.0 × 106 GFP+M0 macrophages, and then, 2 ng IL‐4 was injected into the grafts on Day 3. In addition, 1.0 × 106 GFP+M0 macrophages were injected into the tail vein for tracing in the Pro‐Grafting group. As a result, GFP+macrophages first infiltrated the donor site and subsequently infiltrated the recipient site in the Pro‐Grafting group. The long‐term retention rate was higher in the Pro‐Grafting+M2 group (52% ± 6.5%) than in the Pro‐Grafting group (40% ± 3.5%). CD34+ and CD31+ areas were observed earlier, and expression of the adipogenic proteins PPAR‐γ, C/EBP and AP2 was higher in the Pro‐Grafting+M2 group than in the Pro‐Grafting group. The host macrophages preferentially infiltrate the donor site, and then, infiltrate the recipient site after fat grafting. At the early stage, an increase in macrophages at the recipient site may promote vascularization and regeneration, and thereby improve the fat graft retention rate.
Impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer inpatient treatment in Germany – a nationwide analysis
Authors: Kleemann J. , Meissner M. , Özistanbullu D. , Balaban Ü. , Old O. , Kippenberger S. , Kloka J. , Kaufmann R. , Zacharowski K. , Friedrichson B.
Published: May 2022

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2 has massively changed the care situation in hospitals worldwide. Although tumour care should not be affected, initial reports from European countries were suggestive for a decrease in skin cancer during the first pandemic wave and only limited data are available thereafter.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate skin cancer cases and surgeries in a nationwide inpatient dataset in Germany.

Methods

Comparative analyses were performed in a prepandemic (18 March 2019 until 17 March 2020) and a pandemic cohort (18 March 2020 until 17 March 2021). Cases were identified and analysed using the WHO international classification of diseases codes (ICDs) and process key codes (OPSs).

Results

Comparing the first year of the pandemic with the same period 1 year before, a persistent decrease of 14% in skin cancer cases (n = 19 063) was observed. The largest decrease of 24% was seen in non‐invasive in situ tumours (n = 1665), followed by non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) with a decrease of 16% (n = 15 310) and malignant melanoma (MM) with a reduction of 7% (n = 2088). Subgroup analysis showed significant differences in the distribution of sex, age, hospital carrier type and hospital volume. There was a decrease of 17% in surgical procedures (n = 22 548), which was more pronounced in minor surgical procedures with a decrease of 24.6% compared to extended skin surgery including micrographic surgery with a decrease of 15.9%.

Conclusions

Hospital admissions and surgical procedures decreased persistently since the beginning of the pandemic in Germany for skin cancer patients. The higher decrease in NMSC cases compared to MM might reflect a prioritization effect. Further evidence from tumour registries is needed to investigate the consequences of the therapy delay and identify the upcoming challenges in skin cancer care.
Real‐time equilibrium moisture content monitoring to predict grain quality of corn stored in silo and raffia bags
Authors: Lutz Éverton , Coradi Paulo Carteri , Jaques Lanes Beatriz Acosta , de Oliveira Carneiro Letícia , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , Meneghetti Volnei Luiz , de Souza Guilherme Abreu Coelho
Published: May 2022

The use of silo and raffia bags for the temporary grain storage has been increasing in recent years. However, the methods for monitoring a stored product are limited to visual inspections and sampling. Thus, this research aimed to real‐time equilibrium moisture content monitoring to predict grain quality of corn stored in different conditions in silo and raffia bags using wireless sensor network prototype, Internet of Things (IoT) platform, and neural network algorithms. Experiments were conducted using corn grain with two initial water contents of 13% and 18% (w.b.), three storage environments with temperatures of 30, 23, and 17°C, and two types of packaging, that is, silo and raffia bags, for a 3‐month storage evaluation. During the monitoring of stored grain, variations in equilibrium moisture hygroscopic content were observed, which inferred changes in the corn quality. Water contents of 13% under a storage condition of 17°C showed the highest quality results, whereas storage in silo bags with water contents of 13% and 18% showed no differences at 23°C; however, at a temperature of 30°C, the grain suffered a high level of deterioration. The storage time influenced the reduction of grain quality for all factors. The physicochemical quality prediction results indicated a high coefficient of determination of the trained models, presenting itself as a promising perspective, mainly in developing embedded technologies for monitoring and predicting the qualitative variables of grain stored in silo and raffia bags.

Practical Applications

The application of sensor technology and the Internet of Thing (IoT) to monitor the temperature and relative humidity of intergranular air in real time for the determination of equilibrium moisture content became possible to predict the physical and physicochemical quality of grains stored in bag silos and raffia bags using artificial neural networks (ANN) algorithms. The results obtained were satisfactory and can replace the punctual sampling of the grains mass stored in hermetic packages. The application of a set of technologies possible to monitor the grain quality in real time and predict the grain storage time in bag and raffia silos to reduce losses.
Associations between sedentary behaviour, physical activity and frailty in older Chinese women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Ting , Pan Yang , He Qiang , Du Litao , Chen Ke , Ren Xiaoyu , Chen Si , Zhang Xianliang
Published: May 2022

Aims and objectives

To investigate the association between sedentary behaviour (SB), physical activity (PA), and frailty and frailty subdomains in community‐dwelling older women.

Background

Frailty is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes in older people, and women had a higher prevalence than men. However, older adults may face different health risks due to different combinations of frailty subdomains; therefore, specific studies on frailty subdomains are needed.

Design

A cross‐sectional study guided by the STROBE.

Methods

In total, 1099 community‐dwelling older Chinese women (60–70 years) were included. SB and PA were objectively obtained using a validated triaxial accelerometer. Frailty was defined using the Fried Phenotype (FP) Model.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, a significant association was found between SB, PA and the prevalence of frailty. The optimal cut‐off values of total SB time, light PA (LPA) time, and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) time to discriminate between frailty and non‐frailty were 625.4 min/day, 379.3 min/day and 20.1 min/day, respectively. For frailty subdomains, total SB time was positively associated with low PA. When it comes to total LPA time, the association with low PA was negative. Total MVPA time was significantly and negatively associated with exhaustion, weakness, slowness and low PA, and the optimal cutoff value was 24.4 min/day, 26 min/day, 29.5 min/day and 20.8 min/day, respectively.

Conclusions

Effective management of frailty requires consideration of different combinations of frailty subdomains. Increasing MVPA and limiting SB may help deal with frailty for community‐dwelling older Chinese women. Additional research is needed to determine whether PA are useful for prevention of frailty.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study could help caregivers provide professional and specific physical activity guidance for order women, who are on a risk of or already suffered frailty.
Adenosine, caffeine, and sleep–wake regulation: state of the science and perspectives
Authors: Reichert Carolin Franziska , Deboer Tom , Landolt Hans‐Peter
Published: May 2022

For hundreds of years, mankind has been influencing its sleep and waking state through the adenosinergic system. For ~100 years now, systematic research has been performed, first started by testing the effects of different dosages of caffeine on sleep and waking behaviour. About 70 years ago, adenosine itself entered the picture as a possible ligand of the receptors where caffeine hooks on as an antagonist to reduce sleepiness. Since the scientific demonstration that this is indeed the case, progress has been fast. Today, adenosine is widely accepted as an endogenous sleep‐regulatory substance. In this review, we discuss the current state of the science in model organisms and humans on the working mechanisms of adenosine and caffeine on sleep. We critically investigate the evidence for a direct involvement in sleep homeostatic mechanisms and whether the effects of caffeine on sleep differ between acute intake and chronic consumption. In addition, we review the more recent evidence that adenosine levels may also influence the functioning of the circadian clock and address the question of whether sleep homeostasis and the circadian clock may interact through adenosinergic signalling. In the final section, we discuss the perspectives of possible clinical applications of the accumulated knowledge over the last century that may improve sleep‐related disorders. We conclude our review by highlighting some open questions that need to be answered, to better understand how adenosine and caffeine exactly regulate and influence sleep.
Metamorphic common toads keep chytrid infection under control, but at a cost
Authors: Kásler A. , Ujszegi J. , Holly D. , Üveges B. , Móricz Á. M. , Herczeg D. , Hettyey A.
Published: May 2022

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes chytridiomycosis, an infectious disease of amphibians, which has contributed to population declines in hundreds of species worldwide. Common toads (Bufo bufo) exhibit low resistance and relatively high tolerance to Bd infection, which may partly be attributable to bufadienolide toxins secreted in their granular skin glands. Bufadienolides are known to provide an effective defense against several pathogens, parasites, and predators. The toxin production of bufonids is a plastic trait, inducible by several environmental factors. Here, we experimentally infected juvenile common toads with Bd and investigated if the toadlets could clear the infection over time, whether the infection induced bufadienolide production, and whether the infection caused decreased body mass. We found that prevalence remained 100% throughout the entire experimental period, but infection intensity did not increase and it was significantly lower on day 30 than on day 20. At the same time, compared to controls, infected toadlets produced lesser amounts of bufadienolides and their body mass was also lower. These results suggest that although young toadlets may not be able to clear Bd infection on their own, they may be able to keep infection intensities under control. Nonetheless, even if toadlets do not succumb to the disease, the costs of chronic infection may still compromise their fitness.
Does money laundering inflate residential house prices? Evidence from the Italian provincial markets
Authors: Novaro Riccardo , Piacenza Massimiliano , Turati Gilberto
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we provide an estimate of the impact of money laundering on residential house market prices. The housing market is commonly exploited by criminal organizations to clean illegal profits. The increase in demand due to money laundering contrasts the negative externality of crime on house prices, which has been investigated by a large literature. We build a new dataset on residential house prices at the provincial level in Italy over the period 2005–2012, obtaining a sample of 672 observations. We then estimate a hedonic equilibrium price model, controlling for proxies both for illegal profits derived from “entrepreneurial” crimes (drug dealing, receiving stolen goods, prostitution) and for violent crimes (extortions), together with traditional market drivers. Adding to the evidence from the traditional literature, which remarks the negative impact of crime on house prices, our findings suggest that money laundering from “entrepreneurial” crimes creates an upward distortion in the housing market prices. The impact is stronger where retail markets for illicit trades are richer.
Drought impacts on tree carbon sequestration and water use – evidence from intra‐annual tree‐ring characteristics
Authors: Martínez‐Sancho Elisabet , Treydte Kerstin , Lehmann Marco M. , Rigling Andreas , Fonti Patrick
Published: May 2022

The impact of climate extremes on forest ecosystems is poorly understood but important for predicting carbon and water cycle feedbacks to climate. Some knowledge gaps still remain regarding how drought‐related adjustments in intra‐annual tree‐ring characteristics directly impact tree carbon and water use.

In this study we quantified the impact of an extreme summer drought on the water‐use efficiency and carbon sequestration of four mature Norway spruce trees. We used detailed observations of wood formation (xylogenesis) and intra‐annual tree‐ring properties (quantitative wood anatomy and stable carbon isotopes) combined with physiological water‐stress monitoring.

During 41 d of tree water deficit, we observed an enrichment in 13C but a reduction in cell enlargement and wall‐thickening processes, which impacted the anatomical characteristics. These adjustments diminished carbon sequestration by 67% despite an 11% increase in water‐use efficiency during drought. However, with the resumption of a positive hydric state in the stem, we observed a fast recovery of cell formation rates based on the accumulated assimilates produced during drought.

Our findings enhance our understanding of carbon and water fluxes between the atmosphere and forest ecosystems, providing observational evidence on the tree intra‐annual carbon sequestration and water‐use efficiency dynamics to improve future generations of vegetation models.
Signatures of polygenic adaptation align with genome‐wide methylation patterns in wild strawberry plants
Authors: De Kort Hanne , Toivainen Tuomas , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Andrés Javier , Hytönen Timo P. , Honnay Olivier
Published: May 2022

Epigenetic inheritance can drive adaptive evolution independently of DNA sequence variation. However, to what extent epigenetic variation represents an autonomous evolutionary force remains largely elusive.

Through gene ontology and comparative analyses of genomic and epigenomic variation of wild strawberry plants raised in distinct drought settings, we characterised genome‐wide covariation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs).

Covariation between SNPs and DMCs was independent of genomic proximity, but instead associated with fitness‐related processes such as stress responses, genome regulation and reproduction. We expected this functional SNP–DMC covariation to be driven by adaptive evolution canalising SNP and DMC variation, but instead observed significantly lower covariation with DMCs for adaptive rather than for neutral SNPs. Drought‐induced DMCs frequently co‐varied with tens of SNPs, suggesting high genomic redundancy as a broad potential basis for polygenic adaptation of gene expression.

Our findings suggest that stress‐responsive DMCs initially co‐vary with many SNPs under increased environmental stress, and that natural selection acting upon several of these SNPs subsequently reduces standing covariation with stress‐responsive DMCs. Our study supports DNA methylation profiles that represent complex quantitative traits rather than autonomous evolutionary forces. We provide a conceptual framework for polygenic regulation and adaptation shaping genome‐wide methylation patterns in plants.