bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health of older people with mild and moderate intellectual disability in Australia
Authors: Hussain R. , Wark S. , Janicki M. P. , Parmenter T. , Knox M. , Tabatabaei‐Jafari H.
Published: March 2021

Background

The progressive increase in life expectancy of people with intellectual disability (ID) has resulted in enhanced survival into old age and has also seen a growth in research on both lifelong and emerging ageing‐related health issues. Health issues amongst provider‐supported adults have been previously studied, but these studies have not always included older community‐dwelling adults with ID.

Methods

A study examining the extent of mental health of 391 community‐dwelling adults with ID age 60 and older in both metropolitan and rural areas of two East Coast Australian states was undertaken using a cross‐sectional survey. Examined were a range of demographic (age, sex, living arrangements, employment and socio‐economic status) and life (co‐morbidities, adverse life events and social support) factors. Data were parsed by two age groupings (60–65:n = 234 and >65:n = 157).

Results

Findings revealed that older community‐dwelling adults with ID have many of the same mental health disorders as do other ageing people, with the exception of significant psychiatric disorders often associated with older age. Over a third (35%:n = 137) reported some one or more mental health disorders. Age, sex, location (rural or urban), financial hardship, social support or type of living arrangement were not statistically significant as risk factors for poor mental health. However, employment status was a clear predictor. Stepwise regression models showed a strong association between mental ill‐health and adverse life events and between mental ill‐health and multiple physical co‐morbidities.

Conclusions

The cross‐sectional nature of the study limits causal inference. The cumulative effect of chronic health conditions and adverse life events cannot be prevented retrospectively. However, greater awareness amongst both health professionals and care staff that older adults with ID have a high likelihood of significant and/or repeated traumas and need better health care to limit physical co‐morbidity may assist in providing support that is better tailored to individual needs in older age to reduce the burden of mental ill‐health.
Beliefs regarding COVID‐19 vaccines among Canadian workers in the intellectual disability sector prior to vaccine implementation
Authors: Lunsky Y. , Kithulegoda N. , Thai K. , Benham J. L. , Lang R. , Desveaux L. , Ivers N. M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Workers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience significant stress in their essential role during COVID‐19 due to the high risk of their clients contracting COVID‐19 and having adverse outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to describe the attitudes of workers towards COVID‐19 vaccination prior to vaccination rollout, with a view to informing strategies to promote vaccine uptake within this high‐risk sector.

Methods

An online survey was sent via email to workers supporting adults with ID in Ontario, Canada, between January 21 and February 3, 2021 by agency leadership and union representatives.

Results

Three thousand and three hundred and seventy‐one workers, representing approximately 11.2% of Ontario workers supporting adults with ID completed an online survey. Most reported that they were very likely (62%) or likely (20%) to get a COVID‐19 vaccine (vaccination intent) although 18% reported they were less likely to do so (vaccination nonintent). Workers with vaccination nonintent were younger and were more likely to endorse the beliefs that (1) it will not benefit them or those around them, (2) it was not part of their job, (3) rapid development confers uncertainties and risks, and (4) they were scared of potential vaccine side effects.

Conclusions

There is need to address common misconceptions among workers supporting adults with ID to help activate them as vaccine advocates in the communities they serve. Partnered efforts between workers, unions and agency leadership with public health experts to address concerns are required.
Chocolate ingestion in dogs: 156 events (2015–2019)
Authors: Weingart C. , Hartmann A. , Kohn B.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To describe the clinical features and outcome of dogs after chocolate ingestion.

Material and Methods

Retrospective evaluation of clinical signs, clinical pathological findings, therapy and outcome of 156 dogs after chocolate ingestion. The concentration of methylxanthines (theobromine, caffeine) was calculated based on the type of chocolate and the amount ingested.

Results

One hundred and twelve dogs had no clinical signs. Forty‐four dogs had clinical signs of chocolate intoxication. Twenty‐eight of these 44 dogs ingested dark and bitter chocolate. Reasons for presentation were agitation (33), tremor (22), vomiting (21), panting (11), polyuria/polydipsia (seven) and diarrhea (two). Common clinical findings were sinus tachycardia (28), tachypnea/panting (14), hyperthermia (10) and dehydration (seven). Clinical pathological findings in 34 of 44 dogs consisted of hyperlactataemia (23), hypokalaemia (16), mild hyperglycaemia (16) and mild alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation (14). After decontamination (apomorphine, activated carbon) and symptomatic treatment (fluid therapy, esmolol, forced diuresis, sedatives), 43 of the 44 dogs survived.

Clinical Significance

In dogs with potential chocolate intoxication, the type and amount of chocolate and the time of ingestion are important factors. Cardiovascular, neurological and gastrointestinal signs are the most common clinical signs. In this case series, the prognosis after decontamination and symptomatic therapy was good, with a mortality rate of less than 3%.
Elafibranor and liraglutide improve differentially liver health and metabolism in a mouse model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Perakakis Nikolaos , Stefanakis Konstantinos , Feigh Michael , Veidal Sanne S. , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: March 2021

Background & Aims

This study aimed to assess and compare the effects of the GLP‐1 analog liraglutide and the PPARα/δ agonist elafibranor on liver histology and their impact on hepatic lipidome, metabolome, Kupffer and hepatic stellate cell activation in a model of advanced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Male C57BL/6JRj mice with biopsy‐confirmed hepatosteatosis and fibrosis induced by 36‐week Amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet (high‐fat, fructose and cholesterol) were randomized to receive for 12 weeks: (a) liraglutide (0.4 mg/kg/day s.c.), (b) elafibranor (30 mg/kg/day p.o.) and (c) vehicle. Metabolic status, liver pathology, markers of inflammation, Kupffer and stellate cell activation, and metabolomics/lipidomics were assessed at study completion.

Results

Elafibranor and liraglutide improved weight, insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis and NAFLD activity score (pre‐to‐post biopsy). Elafibranor had a profound effect on hepatic lipidome, demonstrated by reductions in glycerides, increases in phospholipids, and by beneficial regulation of mediators of fatty acid oxidation, inflammation and oxidative stress. Liraglutide had a major impact on inflammatory and fibrogenic markers of Kupffer and hepatic stellate cell activation (Galectin‐3, Collagen type I alpha 1, alpha‐smooth muscle actin). Liraglutide exerted beneficial effects on bile acid and carbohydrate metabolism, demonstrated by restorations of the concentrations of bile acids, glycogen metabolism by‐products and pentoses, thus facilitating glycogen utilization turnover and nucleic acid formation.

Conclusions

Liraglutide and elafibranor robustly but through different pathways improve overall metabolic health and liver status in NAFLD. These data indicate important differences in the respective mechanisms of action and support the notion for their evaluation as combination therapies in the future.
EpCam is required for maintaining the integrity of the biliary epithelium
Authors: Zhan Yougen , Ward Stephen C. , Fiel Maria Isabel , Teruya‐Feldstein Julie , McKay Eileen M. , Dekio Fumiko
Published: March 2021

Background & Aims

Tufting enteropathy (TE) is a rare congenital disorder often caused by mutations in the gene encoding epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCam). The disease leads to diarrhoea, intestinal failure and dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). These patients often have liver impairments, but the pathology and mechanism of the damage are not well understood. We evaluated liver biopsies from TE patients to understand the pathophysiology.

Methods

We identified three patients with TE who underwent liver biopsy. Two normal controls and 45 patients on TPN secondary to short gut syndrome were selected for comparison (five were age‐ and TPN duration matched to the TE patients).

Results

We found that all TE patients showed a complete loss of EpCam expression in enterocytes and biliary epithelial cells, while the normal and TPN groups show basolateral expression. Histologically TE patients showed ductopenia, which was not seen in control groups. E‐cadherin and β‐catenin are normally located along the lateral membrane of biliary epithelial cells. However, they were relocated to the apical membrane in TE patients, indicating a defect in the apical‐basal polarity of cholangiocytes. We examined hepatic reparative cells and found near absence of hepatic progenitor cells and intermediate hepatobiliary cells with mild reactive ductular cells in TE patients.

Conclusion

Our findings show that TE is associated with disrupted polarity of cholangiocyte and ductopenia. We demonstrate for the first time a role of EpCam in the maintenance of integrity of biliary epithelium. We also provided evidence for a disrupted development of hepatic reparative cells.
End of magmatism in the upper crust of asteroid 4 Vesta
Authors: Jourdan F. , Forman L. , Kennedy T. , Benedix G. K. , Eroglu E. , Mayers C.
Published: March 2021

Asteroid 4 Vesta is the only largely preserved differentiated asteroid and thus is an excellent proxy to study early magmatism occurring on planets and moons. In this study, we focus on eucrite Pecora Escarpment (PCA) 82502, a medium‐ to fine‐grained eucrite which chemical analyses suggest belongs to the main howardite–eucrite–diogenite clan, albeit with some peculiarities. We carried out backscattered electron and electron backscattered diffraction microscopy analyses of the meteorite along with step‐heating40Ar/39Ar dating analyses of various types of groundmass aliquots. We show that Pecora Escarpment 82502 is composed of medium‐grained igneous crystalline clasts and smaller fractured satellite clasts surrounded by approximately 50 µm wide impact melt veins of the same composition. Our results show that the large crystalline clasts and fine‐grained veins both display little evidence of shock processes. Six groundmass aliquots from large crystalline clasts returned concordant plateau (>70% of39Ar) or mini‐plateau (50–70% of39Ar)40Ar/39Ar ages with a weighted mean of 4531 ± 6 Ma (P = 0.67). Thermodynamic cooling and40Ar diffusion models suggest that the K/Ar system recorded and preserved the igneous age despite subsequent infiltration of hot and quickly quenched melt veins. Our new igneous age, combined with evidence for four other young volcanic and plutonic eucrites of similar age, shows that Vesta was still magmatically active around 4531 Ma. The lack of younger ages suggests that this age might well represent the end of the magmatic activity in the upper crust of Vesta. When combined with existing paleomagnetic constraints, our data suggest that 4 Vesta had an active dynamo that was still active ~35 Ma after accretion.
Inversion breakpoints and the evolution of supergenes
Authors: Villoutreix Romain , Ayala Diego , Joron Mathieu , Gompert Zachariah , Feder Jeffrey L. , Nosil Patrik
Published: March 2021

The coexistence of discrete morphs that differ in multiple traits is common within natural populations of many taxa. Such morphs are often associated with chromosomal inversions, presumably because the recombination suppressing effects of inversions help maintain alternate adaptive combinations of alleles across the multiple loci affecting these traits. However, inversions can also harbour selected mutations at their breakpoints, leading to their rise in frequency in addition to (or independent from) their role in recombination suppression. In this review, we first describe the different ways that breakpoints can create mutations. We then critically examine the evidence for the breakpoint‐mutation and recombination suppression hypotheses for explaining the existence of discrete morphs associated with chromosomal inversions. We find that the evidence that inversions are favoured due to recombination suppression is often indirect. The evidence that breakpoints harbour mutations that are adaptive is also largely indirect, with the characterization of inversion breakpoints at the sequence level being incomplete in most systems. Direct tests of the role of suppressed recombination and breakpoint mutations in inversion evolution are thus needed. Finally, we emphasize how the two hypotheses of recombination suppression and breakpoint mutation can act in conjunction, with implications for understanding the emergence of supergenes and their evolutionary dynamics. We conclude by discussing how breakpoint characterization could improve our understanding of complex, discrete phenotypic forms in nature.
Divergent diapause life history timing drives both allochronic speciation and reticulate hybridization in an adaptive radiation ofRhagoletisflies
Authors: Inskeep Katherine A. , Doellman Meredith M. , Powell Thomas H. Q. , Berlocher Stewart H. , Seifert Nicholas R. , Hood Glen R. , Ragland Gregory J. , Meyers Peter J. , Feder Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2021

Divergent adaptation to new ecological opportunities can be an important factor initiating speciation. However, as niches are filled during adaptive radiations, trait divergence driving reproductive isolation between sister taxa may also result in trait convergence with more distantly related taxa, increasing the potential for reticulated gene flow across the radiation. Here, we demonstrate such a scenario in a recent adaptive radiation ofRhagoletisfruit flies, specialized on different host plants. Throughout this radiation, shifts to novel hosts are associated with changes in diapause life history timing, which act as “magic traits” generating allochronic reproductive isolation and facilitating speciation‐with‐gene‐flow. Evidence from laboratory rearing experiments measuring adult emergence timing and genome‐wide DNA‐sequencing surveys supported allochronic speciation between summer‐fruitingVacciniumspp.‐infestingRhagoletis mendaxand its hypothesized and undescribed sister taxon infesting autumn‐fruiting sparkleberries. The sparkleberry fly andR. mendaxwere shown to be genetically discrete sister taxa, exhibiting no detectable gene flow and allochronically isolated by a 2‐month average difference in emergence time corresponding to host availability. At sympatric sites across the southern USA, the later fruiting phenology of sparkleberries overlaps with that of flowering dogwood, the host of another more distantly related and undescribedRhagoletistaxon. Laboratory emergence data confirmed broadly overlapping life history timing and genomic evidence supported on‐going gene flow between sparkleberry and flowering dogwood flies. Thus, divergent phenological adaptation can drive the initiation of reproductive isolation, while also enhancing genetic exchange across broader adaptive radiations, potentially serving as a source of novel genotypic variation and accentuating further diversification.
Functional and structural characterization of AntR, an Sb(III) responsive transcriptional repressor
Authors: Viswanathan Thiruselvam , Chen Jian , Wu Minghan , An Lijin , Kandavelu Palani , Sankaran Banumathi , Radhakrishnan Manohar , Li Mingshun , Rosen Barry P.
Published: March 2021

The ant operon of the antimony‐mining bacterium Comamonas testosterone JL40 confers resistance to Sb(III). The operon is transcriptionally regulated by the product of the first gene in the operon, antR. AntR is a member of ArsR/SmtB family of metal/metalloid‐responsive repressors resistance. We purified and characterized C. testosterone AntR and demonstrated that it responds to metalloids in the order Sb(III) = methylarsenite (MAs(III) >> As(III)). The protein was crystallized, and the structure was solved at 2.1 Å resolution. The homodimeric structure of AntR adopts a classical ArsR/SmtB topology architecture. The protein has five cysteine residues, of which Cys103a from one monomer and Cys113b from the other monomer, are proposed to form one Sb(III) binding site, and Cys113a and Cys103b forming a second binding site. This is the first report of the structure and binding properties of a transcriptional repressor with high selectivity for environmental antimony.
How and where do disturbances promote the establishment of nonnative mycorrhizal plants at high elevations?
Authors: Bueno C. Guillermo , Hiiesalu Inga , Koorem Kadri
Published: March 2021

This article is a Commentary on Clavel et al. (2021), 230: 1156–1168.
What Makes Systemic RacismSystemic?
Authors: Bonilla‐Silva Eduardo
Published: March 2021

In this article, I clarify some components and expand a few underdeveloped ideas of theracialized social systemapproach to racial stratification. I divide the paper into three parts. In the first section, I explore the limitations of the figure of “the racist.” In the second part, I examine the problem of change. In the third part, which is the core of the paper, I discuss what makes “systemic racism” systemic. My main contention in this article is that the “systemic” in “systemic racism” means that we all participate in the reproduction of the racialized order. Furthermore, this reproduction depends fundamentally on behavior and actions that are normative, habituated, and often unconscious. Hence, systemic racism is the product of the behavior and practices of regular White folks rather than the “racists.” In the conclusion, I discuss the implications of my claims for further theory‐building, research, and the struggle for racial justice.
Altered chromatin conformation and transcriptional regulation in watermelon following genome doubling
Authors: Garcia‐Lozano Marleny , Natarajan Purushothaman , Levi Amnon , Katam Ramesh , Lopez‐Ortiz Carlos , Nimmakayala Padma , Reddy Umesh K.
Published: March 2021

Polyploidy has played a crucial role in plant evolution, development and function. Synthetic autopolyploid represents an ideal system to investigate the effects of polyploidization on transcriptional regulation. In this study, we deciphered the impact of genome duplication at phenotypic and molecular levels in watermelon. Overall, 88% of the genes in tetraploid watermelon followed a >1:1 dosage effect, and accordingly, differentially expressed genes were largely upregulated. In addition, a great number of hypomethylated regions (1688) were identified in an isogenic tetraploid watermelon. These differentially methylated regions were localized in promoters and intergenic regions and near transcriptional start sites of the identified upregulated genes, which enhances the importance of methylation in gene regulation. These changes were reflected in sophisticated higher‐order chromatin structures. The genome doubling caused switching of 108 A and 626 B compartments that harbored genes associated with growth, development and stress responses.
Efficacy and safety of suprachoroidal triamcinolone injection in horses with poorly responsive equine recurrent uveitis
Authors: Gagnon Nicole A. , Hartley Claudia , Gilger Brian C.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), a chronic, immune‐mediated intraocular inflammatory disease, is a common cause of blindness in horses. The severity and recurrent nature of ERU makes it difficult to treat with current therapeutics leading to a poor visual prognosis. The suprachoroidal space (SCS), a potential space between the choroid and sclera surrounding the ocular posterior segment, offers a promising alternative site for drug application to the eye. Corticosteroid administration within this space is hypothesized to be safe and effective at controlling intraocular inflammation, especially in horses with poorly responsive ERU.

Animal studied

Horses with active, poorly responsive ERU.

Procedure(s)

A retrospective study was performed with 29 horses (36 total eyes) that received SCS injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) with ERU not well controlled with standard uveitis treatment. A standardized ocular inflammation score (OIS) was used to assess inflammation at the time of injection and at follow‐ups.

Results

Standardized OIS revealed a significant decrease in ocular inflammation over time after SCS TA administration (p < .004). Adverse effects after injections occurred in <20% of the horses at follow‐up, but some of these effects were attributed to chronic inflammation prior to effective treatment, long‐term topical corticosteroid use, or complications from hospitalization rather than the SCS injections. Most horses (86.7%) in this study remained visual greater than 3 months after SCS injection.

Conclusions

Based on these results, SCS TA injections appear to be a safe and possible effective treatment modality for managing poorly responsive ERU; further clinical study is warranted.
Germination biology, distribution and control of the invasive species Eragrostis curvula [Schard. Nees] (African Lovegrass): A global synthesis of current and future management challenges
Authors: Roberts Jason , Florentine Singarayer , van Etten Eddie , Turville Christopher
Published: March 2021

Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass) is an invasive C4 perennial grass that is threatening natural ecosystems globally. Native to Africa, this species can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, from acidic soils to areas with low rainfall and regions with frequent fires, which assists in its widespread distribution. With its large production of small seeds (0.3 to 0.7 mm) and quick seed germination, it has the ability to form dense swards which can limit the recruitment of other more desirable species in the landscape. Due to its invasive behaviour, E. curvula can now be found in several countries (Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States of America) where it causes environmental and economic degradation of the land, particularly if appropriate management is not applied. Previous management on the species has been focused on restoring competitive grasslands and pastures, grazing management, herbicide application, large‐scale burning and manual removal; however, in many regions there has been little to no long‐term success in reducing the species spread. Therefore, this review aimed to synthesise the existing research into the biology, distribution and management of E. curvula, whilst identifying any research gaps which may help improve the effective management of the species.
A New Method to Find the Forced Response of Nonlinear Systems With Dry Friction
Authors: Altamirano Gregory , Tien Meng-Hsuan , D'Souza Kiran
Published: March 2021

Coulomb friction has an influence on the behavior of numerous mechanical systems. Coulomb friction systems or dry friction systems are nonlinear in nature. This nonlinear behavior requires complex and time-demanding analysis tools to capture the dynamics of these systems. Recently, efforts have been made to develop efficient analysis tools able to approximate the forced response of systems with dry friction. The objective of this paper is to introduce a methodology that assists in these efforts. In this method, the piecewise linear nonlinear response is separated into individual linear responses that are coupled together through compatibility equations. The new method is demonstrated on a number of systems of varying complexity. The results obtained by the new method are validated through the comparison with results obtained by time integration. The computational savings of the new method are also discussed.
Effect of an Added Mass on the Vibration Characteristics for Raster Scanning of a Cantilevered Optical Fiber
Authors: Kiekens Kelli C. , Vega David , Thurgood Harrison T. , Galvez Dominique , McGregor Davis J. , Sawyer Travis W. , Barton Jennifer K.
Published: March 2021

Piezoelectric tube actuators with cantilevered optical fibers have enabled the miniaturization of scanning image acquisition techniques for endoscopic implementation. To achieve raster scanning for such a miniaturized system, the first resonant frequency should be of the order of 10 s of Hz. We explore adding a mass at an intermediate location along the length of the fiber to alter the resonant frequencies of the system. We provide a mathematical model to predict resonant frequencies for a cantilevered beam with an intermediate mass. The theoretical and measured data match well for various fiber lengths, mass sizes, and mass attachment locations along the fiber.
Bone metabolism and evolutionary origin of osteocytes: Novel application of FIB-SEM tomography
Authors: Haridy Yara , Osenberg Markus , Hilger André , Manke Ingo , Davesne Donald , Witzmann Florian
Published: March 2021

New applications of imaging technology reveal that 425 million–year–old fossil bone cells had modern mineral metabolism abilities.
Separable neuronal contributions to covertly attended locations and movement goals in macaque frontal cortex
Authors: Messinger Adam , Cirillo Rossella , Wise Steven P. , Genovesio Aldo
Published: March 2021

The monkey frontal cortex can flexibly direct covert spatial attention without tapping the circuitry for planning movements.
Deformation-induced crystalline-to-amorphous phase transformation in a CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Dengke , An Xianghai , Zhang Yin , Sun Shijie , Tian Yanzhong , Zhang Zhefeng , Wang Anguo , Liu Jinqiao , Song Min , Ringer Simon P. , Zhu Ting , Liao Xiaozhou
Published: March 2021

In situ TEM experiments reveal the crystalline-to-amorphous phase transformation in an ultrafine-grained Cantor alloy.
The trilobite upper limb branch is a well-developed gill
Authors: Hou Jin-bo , Hughes Nigel C. , Hopkins Melanie J.
Published: March 2021

The trilobite upper limb branch served as a gill, resolving a long-standing debate about its function.
Heavy iron in large gem diamonds traces deep subduction of serpentinized ocean floor
Authors: Smith Evan M. , Ni Peng , Shirey Steven B. , Richardson Stephen H. , Wang Wuyi , Shahar Anat
Published: March 2021

Isotopically heavy metallic iron in sublithospheric diamonds reveals deeply subducted serpentinized oceanic peridotite.
An unexpected role for p53 in regulating cancer cell–intrinsic PD-1 by acetylation
Authors: Cao Zhijie , Kon Ning , Liu Yajing , Xu Wenbin , Wen Jia , Yao Han , Zhang Mi , Wu Zhen , Yan Xiaojun , Zhu Wei-Guo , Gu Wei , Wang Donglai
Published: March 2021

Activation of PD-1 by p53 is critical for its tumor suppression in an immunity-independent manner.
Deep-sea predator niche segregation revealed by combined cetacean biologging and eDNA analysis of cephalopod prey
Authors: Visser F. , Merten V. J. , Bayer T. , Oudejans M. G. , de Jonge D. S. W. , Puebla O. , Reusch T. B. H. , Fuss J. , Hoving H. J. T.
Published: March 2021

Reconstruction of deep-sea cephalopod communities in cetacean foraging zones indicates differentiation on prey size, not species.
Smart contact lens and transparent heat patch for remote monitoring and therapy of chronic ocular surface inflammation using mobiles
Authors: Jang Jiuk , Kim Joohee , Shin Haein , Park Young-Geun , Joo Byung Jun , Seo Hunkyu , Won Jong-eun , Kim Dai Woo , Lee Chang Young , Kim Hong Kyun , Park Jang-Ung
Published: March 2021

Integration of a smart contact lens and a heat patch realizes personal management of ocular surface diseases wirelessly.
Orally administered saccharide-sequestering nanocomplex to manage carbohydrate metabolism disorders
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhang Huijun , Li Jiacheng , Tian Meng , Yang Juanjuan , Sun Songxuan , Hu Qixin , Yang Liu , Zhang Shiyi
Published: March 2021

A safe polymer limits the absorption of a broad spectrum of saccharides in the gut to manage metabolic disorders.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Strains of
Acidithiobacillus
spp. Isolated from Acidic Cold Springs in a Freshwater Wetland
Authors: Parker H. V. , Marnocha C. L.
Published: March 2021

We isolated three
Acidithiobacillus
sp. strains from an acidic spring in a freshwater wetland. Here, we report the draft genomes of these three strains, which were obtained using Illumina-based sequencing technology.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mobilitalea sibirica Strain P3M-3
T
, the Sole Representative of the Genus
Mobilitalea
Authors: Thieme Nils , Rettenmaier Regina , Liebl Wolfgang , Zverlov Vladimir V.
Published: March 2021

Mobilitalea sibirica
strain P3M-3
T
is a strictly anaerobic, halotolerant, organotrophic bacterium of the family
Lachnospiraceae
that can utilize various plant-derived polysaccharides as its carbon source. The strain was originally isolated by from a microbial mat in western Siberia (Russia). In this study, we present the draft genome sequence of
M. sibirica
P3M-3
T
based on Illumina paired-end sequencing.
Supplemental Material: Protogenetic sulfide inclusions in diamonds date the diamond formation event using Re-Os isotopes
Authors: Pamato Martha , al. et
Published: March 2021

Description of Rietveld refinements and composition of the Mss, reciprocal crystallographic orientations and Os diffusion model, unit-cell parameters of pyrrhotite single crystals, and orientation matrices for both inclusions and hosts.
Supplemental Material: Detrital zircon geochronology of modern river sediment in south-central Alaska: Provenance, magmatic, and tectonic insights into the Mesozoic and Cenozoic development of the southern Alaska convergent margin
Authors: Fasulo C.R. , Ridgway K.D.
Published: March 2021

Table S1: U-Pb analytical results from detrital zircons from modern rivers in south-central Alaska.
Rapidly worsening pneumonia in a middle-aged woman: a rare diagnosis and a crucial management decision
Authors: Thomas Liza , Mohammed Asna , Shaikh Niaz Ahmed , Aldaham Tahani Ahmed
Published: March 2021

A 54-year-old Indian female presented to the hospital with a 4-day history of fever, shortness of breath and blood-streaked sputum. Chest radiograph showed consolidation and she was admitted as a case of bilateral bronchopneumonia. She was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and antivirals but she continued to deteriorate clinically with increasing oxygen requirement and worsening lung infiltrates. Since lab investigations also revealed significant anaemia and renal impairment, vasculitic workup for pulmonary renal haemorrhagic syndrome was ordered even though she had no haemoptysis in the hospital and haemoglobin was stable after initial blood transfusion. High-resolution computed tomography scan was done on day 5 to assess progression and for any clue to diagnosis. It showed extensive bilateral air space consolidation and ground-glass opacities with suggested radiological differential diagnosis of cryptogenic organising pneumonia or pulmonary haemorrhage. Pulmonology team did not recommend bronchoscopy at the time.

In view of the clinical features of rapidly progressing pneumonia despite standard treatment, history of haemoptysis, anaemia, renal impairment and CT scan findings suggestive of pulmonary haemorrhage, pulse intravenous Methylprednisolone was initiated. The patient showed marked clinical and radiological improvement. The vasculitic workup later revealed positive myeloperoxidase antibody and a definitive diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis was made. She was discharged in a stable condition and advised to follow-up in rheumatology where she continues to follow-up 2 years after her initial diagnosis.

This is the first case reported in literature, where treatment was initiated for this rare disease entity within a week of presentation based on highly suggestive clinical, laboratory and radiological evidence without waiting for a confirmatory diagnosis. Delay in this rapidly deteriorating patient could have been fatal and our prompt action was crucial in securing a favourable outcome.
Epidemiological impact of prioritising SARS-CoV-2 vaccination by antibody status: mathematical modelling analyses
Authors: Ayoub Houssein H , Chemaitelly Hiam , Makhoul Monia , Al Kanaani Zaina , Al Kuwari Einas , Butt Adeel A , Coyle Peter , Jeremijenko Andrew , Kaleeckal Anvar Hassan , Latif Ali Nizar , Shaik Riyazuddin Mohammad , Abdul Rahim Hanan F , Nasrallah Gheyath K , Yassine Hadi M , Al Kuwari Mohamed G , Al Romaihi Hamad Eid , Al-Thani Mohamed H , Bertollini Roberto , Al Khal Abdullatif , Abu-Raddad Laith J
Published: March 2021

Background

Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been developed, but their availability falls far short of global needs. This study aimed to investigate the impact of prioritising available doses on the basis of recipient antibody status, that is by exposure status, using Qatar as an example.

Methods

Vaccination impact (defined as the reduction in infection incidence and the number of vaccinations needed to avert one infection or one adverse disease outcome) was assessed under different scale-up scenarios using a deterministic meta-population mathematical model describing SARS-CoV-2 transmission and disease progression in the presence of vaccination.

Results

For a vaccine that protects against infection with an efficacy of 95%, half as many vaccinations were needed to avert one infection, disease outcome or death by prioritising antibody-negative individuals for vaccination. Prioritisation by antibody status reduced incidence at a faster rate and led to faster elimination of infection and return to normalcy. Further prioritisation by age group amplified the gains of prioritisation by antibody status. Gains from prioritisation by antibody status were largest in settings where the proportion of the population already infected at the commencement of vaccination was 30%–60%. For a vaccine that only protects against disease and not infection, vaccine impact was reduced by half, whether this impact was measured in terms of averted infections or disease outcomes, but the relative gains from using antibody status to prioritise vaccination recipients were similar.

Conclusions

Major health and economic gains can be achieved more quickly by prioritizing those who are antibody-negative while doses of the vaccine remain in short supply.
Collaboration between the military and a charity: delivering care to patients, training to defence medical staff and defence engagement overseas
Authors: Cameron Claire Louise , Duncan P , Chatterjee J , O'Carroll J E
Published: March 2021

The Royal College of Anaesthetists Military Anaesthesia higher training module was approved in 2008. The opportunities for trainee deployments to operational environments are limited, and while the need to ensure training and demonstrate the unique military skill set remains, these may not be consistently attainable within NHS posts. This paper proposes a template for the successful integration of military training with a charity mission by describing experiences in Addis Ababa over the two weeks of Project Harar’s 2020 Complex Surgery Mission. This model not only benefits patients and military trainees by providing opportunities to gain the skills and attributes required by the Armed Services Consultant Appointment Board, but also by projecting the Defence Medical Services on the global stage.
Biomechanical evaluation of a tool-less external fixator
Authors: Carpanen Diagarajen , Masouros S D , Stinner D J
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Current external fixator systems used by the US and UK military for stabilising extremity fractures require specialised tools to build a construct. The goal of obtaining and maintaining limb length and alignment is not achieved if these tools are misplaced. An alternative, tool-less system is currently available, namely the Dolphix Temporary Fixation System. The aim of this study was to compare the stiffness of the Dolphix system with the existing Hoffmann III system.

Methods

Three Hoffmann III and three Dolphix constructs were assembled on a bone (tibia) surrogate. A 30 mm fracture gap was created to simulate a comminuted proximal tibia or distal femur fracture. The constructs were then tested in cyclic axial compression once daily for 3 consecutive days.

Results

The length and alignment of the surrogate limb was restored following each testing cycle with both external fixation systems. The stiffness of the constructs was maintained throughout each sequential test, with the Dolphix exhibiting 54% the stiffness of the Hoffmann III construct.

Conclusion

Given the Dolphix’s performance in mechanical testing and the unique advantage of having a tool-less manual locking clamp mechanism, this tool-less system should be considered for use in the mobile austere environment.
Temporal trends in hyperuricaemia among adults in Wuhan city, China, from 2010 to 2019: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wan Zhengce , Song Lulu , Hu Liu , Lei Xiaomei , Huang Yuancheng , Lv Yongman
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Hyperuricaemia is a risk factor for gout attacks, kidney damage and cardiovascular events. Evidence on the trends in hyperuricaemia burden in Wuhan city, China, was limited. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and a decade trend in hyperuricaemia in Wuhan city.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Health Management Center of Tongji Hospital.

Participants

A total of 732 527 adult participants from the general population who took a physical examination in the Health Management Center between 2010 and 2019.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of and trends in hyperuricaemia.

Results

The overall prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 25.8% (36.6% in men and 10.8% in women) in 2019. The hyperuricaemia prevalence and serum uric acid (SUA) levels were significantly higher in young men, old women and participants with obesity, hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidaemia (p<0.05). SUA levels among men and women gradually increased from 358.0 (313.0–407.0) umol/L and 250.0 (217.0–288.0) umol/L in 2010 to 388.0 (338.0–445.2) umol/L and 270.0 (233.0–314.0) umol/L in 2019, respectively, p<0.05. From 2010 through 2019, hyperuricaemia prevalence significantly increased in each age category and it increased most sharply among participants aged 20–39 years. The multivariate-adjusted prevalence among men was 26.1% (25.4% to 26.7%) in 2010, 30.9% (30.4% to 31.4%) in 2015 and 34.4% (34.1% to 34.8%) in 2019, while among women it was 5.8% (5.4% to 6.2%) in 2010, 7.2% (6.9% to 7.5%) in 2015 and 10.1% (9.9% to 10.3%) in 2019.

Conclusions

Hyperuricaemia was highly prevalent among adults in Wuhan city. More attention should be paid to the increasing burden of hyperuricaemia, especially for those at higher risks.
Lenient rate control versus strict rate control for atrial fibrillation: a protocol for the Danish Atrial Fibrillation (DanAF) randomised clinical trial
Authors: Feinberg Joshua Buron , Olsen Michael Hecht , Brandes Axel , Raymond llan , Nielsen Walter Bjørn , Nielsen Emil Eik , Stensgaard-Hansen Frank , Dixen Ulrik , Pedersen Ole Dyg , Gang Uffe Jakob Ortved , Gluud Christian , Jakobsen Janus Christian
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart arrhythmia with a prevalence of approximately 2% in the western world. Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of death and morbidity. In many patients, a rate control strategy is recommended. The optimal heart rate target is disputed despite the results of the the RAte Control Efficacy in permanent atrial fibrillation: a comparison between lenient vs strict rate control II (RACE II) trial.

Our primary objective will be to investigate the effect of lenient rate control strategy (<110 beats per minute (bpm) at rest) compared with strict rate control strategy (<80 bpm at rest) on quality of life in patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation.

Methods and analysis

We plan a two-group, superiority randomised clinical trial. 350 outpatients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation will be recruited from four hospitals, across three regions in Denmark. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to a lenient medical rate control strategy (<110 bpm at rest) or a strict medical rate control strategy (<80 bpm at rest). The recruitment phase is planned to be 2 years with 3 years of follow-up. Recruitment is expected to start in January 2021. The primary outcome will be quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire (physical component score). Secondary outcomes will be days alive outside hospital, symptom control using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life, quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire (mental component score) and serious adverse events. The primary assessment time point for all outcomes will be 1 year after randomisation.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained through the ethics committee in Region Zealand. The design and findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals as well as be made available on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trial registration number

NCT04542785.
Household food insecurity and its association with self-reported male perpetration of intimate partner violence: a survey of two districts in central and western Uganda
Authors: Awungafac George , Mugamba Stephen , Nalugoda Fred , Sjöland Carl Fredrik , Kigozi Godfrey , Rautiainen Susanne , Malyabe Robert Bulamba , Ziegel Leo , Nakigozi Gertrude , Nalwoga Grace Kigozi , Kyasanku Emmanuel , Nkale James , Watya Stephen , Ekström Anna Mia , Kågesten Anna
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the lifetime prevalence of male-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV), and to assess the association with food insecurity, sociodemographic factors and health risk behaviours in Uganda in the year preceding COVID-19-associated lockdowns.

Design

Population-based, cross-sectional household survey.

Setting

Urban, semiurban and rural communities of the Wakiso and Hoima districts in Uganda.

Participants

A total of N=2014 males aged 13–80 years participated in the survey. The current study included males who reported having ever been in a sexual union and responded to the IPV questions (N=1314).

Measures

Data were collected face-to-face from May 2018 to July 2019 using an interviewer-mediated questionnaire. Lifetime IPV perpetration was measured as ‘no physical and/or sexual IPV’, ‘physical’ versus ‘sexual violence only’, and ‘physical and sexual violence’. Past-year food insecurity was measured through the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and categorised into ‘none’, ‘low’ and ‘high’. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the crude and adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRRs) of IPV perpetration in relation to self-reported food insecurity, adjusting for sociodemographic and health risk behaviours.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported lifetime IPV perpetration was 14.6% for physical and 6.5% for sexual violence, while 5.3% reported to have perpetrated both physical and sexual IPV. Most (75.7%) males reported no food insecurity, followed by low (20.7%) and high (3.6%) food insecurity. In adjusted models, food insecurity was associated with increased risk of having perpetrated both physical and sexual violence (aRRR=2.57, 95% CI 1.52 to 4.32). IPV perpetration was also independently associated with having had more than one lifetime sexual partner and drinking alcohol, but not with education level or religion.

Conclusion

This study suggests that food insecurity is associated with male IPV perpetration, and more efforts are needed to prevent and mitigate the expected worsening of this situation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Miles and days until medical abortion via TelAbortion versus clinic in Oregon and Washington, USA
Authors: Beardsworth Kathleen Marie , Doshi Uma , Raymond Elizabeth , Baldwin Maureen K
Published: March 2021

Background

Medical abortion provided via telemedicine is becoming more widely available, potentially decreasing travel time for in-person abortion evaluation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all outpatient medical abortions from October 2016 through December 2019 at our academic medical centre in Portland, Oregon, USA. Using mifepristone administration logs, we identified patients who underwent abortion via direct-to-patient telemedicine or in clinic. Both groups had pre-abortion ultrasound examination. We extracted patient characteristics and geographic data to compare travel distance to clinic, ultrasound facility, and nearest advertised abortion clinic. We compared time from first contact until mifepristone ingestion and gestational age at mifepristone ingestion.

Results

Median distance from mailing address to clinic for 80 telemedicine and 124 clinic medical abortions was 95 (range 4–377) and 12 (range 0–184) miles (p<0.01). Distance travelled to ultrasound facility was shorter for telemedicine patients (median 7 miles, range 0–150 vs 12 miles, range 0–184; p<0.01) excluding outliers >200 miles. Distance to nearest advertised abortion clinic was equal between groups (median 7 miles, p=0.4). Time to mifepristone administration (ingestion) was longer (11 vs 6 days; p<0.01) and median gestational age was higher (49 vs 44 days; p=0.01) for telemedicine.

Conclusions

Telemedicine increases the reach of abortion providers and provides care to more geographically distant patients. Patients chose telemedicine abortion even when they had an equidistant option, suggesting that patients value telemedicine for reasons other than geographic convenience. This telemedicine delivery model that included ultrasound testing prior to abortion resulted in up to a 5-day delay in abortion initiation, which was not clinically significant.
Preoperative Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Increased Risk of Postoperative Hypocalcemia after Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Choi Eun Ho Eunice , Qeadan Fares , Alkhalili Eyas , Lovato Christina , Burge Mark R
Published: March 2021

Prior single-institution studies suggest that preoperative vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is associated with postoperative hypocalcemia and a prolonged length of hospital stay following total thyroidectomy. In this study, we employ a multi-institutional, de-identified electronic health records database to address this issue. We hypothesize that total thyroidectomy patients with preoperative VDD will be at an increased associated risk of postoperative hypocalcemia and hospitalization. Using Cerner Health Facts, we identified 2447 patients who underwent total or subtotal thyroidectomy between 2008 and 2016 and who had a documented 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration obtained within 12 months of the surgery date using International Classification of Diseases 9/10, Current Procedural Terminology and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes. Data from 984 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were analyzed. Analysis of variance models estimated the effect of VDD on postoperative numerical variables. Multiple logistic regression estimated the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia and hospital stay, adjusting for any imbalanced demographic variables and operative characteristics. On average, postoperative total calcium concentrations in the VDD group were lower by 0.3 mg/dL compared with that of the non-VDD group (p<0.01). The risk of postoperative hypocalcemia was 2.2 times higher in the VDD group compared with the non-VDD group (p<0.01). Although the length of hospital stay after thyroidectomy was longer in the VDD group compared with the non-VDD group (p=0.03), VDD is not an independent risk factor for prolonged hospitalization following thyroidectomy (p=0.13). VDD is associated with a higher risk of hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy. Prethyroidectomy operative screening for VDD should be considered.