bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain 11C‐ITMM PET to longitudinally assess type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor availability in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ishibashi Kenji , Miura Yoshiharu , Wagatsuma Kei , Kameyama Masashi , Ishii Kenji
Published: June 2021

Background and Purpose

Little evidence exists on the role of type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although mGluR1 may be involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. We have recently reported that mGluR1 availability in the early stage of AD is equivalent to that in healthy subjects. This study aimed to address whether mGluR1 availability changes with the progression of AD.

Methods

Eight patients with AD (79.1 ± 4.6 years) underwent a total of two positron emission tomography (PET) examinations using the mGluR1 radioligand during the early‐to‐middle stages of AD. The mean interval was 2.8 years. Volumes‐of‐interest were placed on the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices, hippocampus, anterior and posterior lobes, and vermis in the cerebellum. The binding potential (BPND) was calculated to estimate mGluR1 availability, applying partial volume correction to the BPND values.

Results

No significant difference was observed in BPND values between the first and second PET examinations in the frontal cortex (p = 0.94), parietal cortex (p = 0.67), temporal cortex (p = 0.20), hippocampus (p = 0.17), anterior lobe (p = 0.73), posterior lobe (p = 0.21), and vermis (p = 0.22).

Conclusion

This study suggests that mGluR1 availability is unchanged in the follow‐up period of a few years during the early‐to‐middle stages of AD.
Discussing overweight in dogs during a regular consultation in general practice in the Netherlands
Authors: Aldewereld Celine M. , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Kroese Floor M. , de Ridder Denise T. D. , Nielen Mirjam , Corbee Ronald J.
Published: June 2021

In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that, similar to general practitioners, veterinarians find it difficult to discuss overweight in dogs. This study aimed to provide insight in the barriers and motivators for veterinarians to discuss overweight in dogs and to compare the results with findings from human medicine. Sub‐hypotheses were postulated based on existing literature to investigate if lack of time, fear of offending clients, or lack of skills were potential barriers, and if feeling responsible and feeling compassion were potential motivators for veterinarians to discuss overweight in dogs. To this end, an online survey (n = 59) was conducted. Furthermore, 15 small animal clinicians working in general practice were interviewed by semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews. Results from the online survey indicated that veterinarians find it sometimes difficult to discuss overweight in dogs. Veterinarians who responded to the online survey did not experience strong barriers but did make use of motivators (e.g. feeling responsible and feeling compassion) when discussing overweight in dogs. Interestingly, results from the semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews showed that the responding veterinarians did experience strong barriers, as well as motivators, when discussing overweight in dogs with their clients. The most prominent barrier was customer dissatisfaction, whereas lack of time and lack of skills were also experienced. The most prominent motivator was feeling responsible for animal health and preventive veterinary medicine. These findings were strikingly similar to previous research on discussing childhood overweight by general practitioners. To improve treatment and prevention of overweight in dogs, veterinarians need more communication skills and should be more aware of the motivators that drive their self‐motivation. Improving awareness on overweight and its comorbidities should be a One Health issue.
Pyrophosphate inhibits periodontal ligament stem cell differentiation and mineralization through MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Liang Yongxi , Hu Zhiai , Li Qian , Liu Xiaohua
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are the primary cell source for the regeneration and remodeling of periodontal ligament (PDL). It is crucial to prevent PDLSCs from mineralization when using the PDLSCs for PDL regeneration. At present, little is known about how to inhibit PDLSC mineralization. This study investigates the effects of pyrophosphate (PPi) on inhibiting PDLSC osteogenic differentiation and mineralization as well as the underlying mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Human PDLSCs were cultured in an osteogenic differentiation medium with different PPi concentrations (0, 10, or 100 μM). The effects of PPi on osteogenic differentiation were assessed by ALP activity and the expressions of osteogenic related proteins (OPN, RUNX2, OSX, and DMP1). The mineralization formation was detected by alizarin red staining. The activation of MAPK signaling pathways (ERK1/2, JNK, and p38) was determined by western blotting and pathway blockade assays. The gene expressions of PPi's regulators (Ank, Enpp1, and Alpl) were assessed by real‐time PCR.

Results

Both low and high concentrations (10 μM and 100 μM) of PPi inhibited the mineralization of PDLSCs. The addition of PPi (10 μM or 100 μM) decreased the ALP activity of the PDLSCs to approximately two‐thirds of the control group on day 3. PPi reduced the expressions of RUNX2, OSX, and DMP1 on days 7, 14, and 21, while it increased the expression of OPN at the three time points. PPi enhanced the phosphorylation of MAPK pathways, and the application of corresponding MAPK pathway inhibitors reversed the osteogenic inhibition effects of PPi.

Conclusion

PPi inhibits the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of PDLSCs in vitro through activating ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 signaling pathways.
Extensive human‐mediated jump dispersal within and across the native and introduced ranges of the invasive termite Reticulitermes flavipes
Authors: Eyer Pierre‐André , Blumenfeld Alexander J. , Johnson Laura N. L. , Perdereau Elfie , Shults Phillip , Wang Shichen , Dedeine Franck , Dupont Simon , Bagnères Anne‐Geneviève , Vargo Edward L.
Published: June 2021

As native ranges are often geographically structured, invasive species originating from a single source population only carry a fraction of the genetic diversity present in their native range. The invasion process is thus often associated with a drastic loss of genetic diversity resulting from a founder event. However, the fraction of diversity brought to the invasive range may vary under different invasion histories, increasing with the size of the propagule, the number of reintroduction events, and/or the total genetic diversity represented by the various source populations in a multiple‐introduction scenario. In this study, we generated a SNP data set for the invasive termite Reticulitermes flavipes from 23 native populations in the eastern United States and six introduced populations throughout the world. Using population genetic analyses and approximate Bayesian computation random forest, we investigated its worldwide invasion history. We found a complex invasion pathway with multiple events out of the native range and bridgehead introductions from the introduced population in France. Our data suggest that extensive long‐distance jump dispersal appears common in both the native and introduced ranges of this species, probably through human transportation. Overall, our results show that similar to multiple introduction events into the invasive range, admixture in the native range prior to invasion can potentially favour invasion success by increasing the genetic diversity that is later transferred to the introduced range.
Culturally safe dementia care: Building nursing capacity to care for First Nation Elders with memory loss
Authors: Hulko Wendy , Mahara Mary Star , Wilson Danielle , Campbell‐McArthur Gwen
Published: June 2021

Background

Nursing staff require culturally relevant and dementia‐specific education to care for the increasing number of First Nation Elders experiencing memory loss. The culturally safe dementia care (CSDC) research team, composed of researchers, decision makers and Secwepemc Elders, was formed to address this.

Objectives

To increase the capacity of nurses to care for First Nations Elders with memory loss in a culturally safe way.

Methods

Our community‐based research used purposive sampling and mixed methods to create, implement and evaluate an education programme for nurses. Thirty‐four Elders from six Secwepemc communities participated in roundtables to share views and stories of dementia and nursing care. These data were used to create four teaching stories for the storytelling sessions and talking circles with Elders which, together with the Indigenous Cultural Competency (ICC) training, comprised the CSDC education programme. Thirty‐eight nurses (healthcare aides, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses) working in Central British Columbia began the CSDC study and 15 nurses took part in the education programme, evaluated the storytelling session and completed the three pre‐ and post‐measures (Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ), ICC knowledge quiz and self‐assessment, and Care Plans). The pre‐ and post‐tests were scored, and the data were analysed statistically. The data from the roundtables and talking circles were analysed thematically through a collaborative process.

Results

The scores for the ADQ Hope sub‐scale, the ICC knowledge quiz and the Care Plans increased from pre‐ to post‐test. All nurse participants judged the storytelling session to be effective and their learning outcomes reflected culturally safe dementia care.

Conclusions

This programme can improve the knowledge, skills and values of nurses to provide culturally safe dementia care.
Arthroscopic Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome with External Snapping Hip: A Comparison Study of Matched Case Series
Authors: Zhang Shan‐xing , An Ming‐yang , Li Zhong‐li , Wang Zhi‐gang , Liu Yu‐jie , Qi Wei , Li Chun‐bao
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of hip arthroscopy combined with endoscopic iliotibial band (ITB) release in patients with both femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and external snapping hip (ESH).

Methods

Retrospectively review the preoperative and minimum of 2‐year follow‐up data of patients with both FAI syndrome and ESH who underwent endoscopic ITB release during hip arthroscopy (FAI + ESH group) from January 2014 to December 2018. The same number of age‐ and gender‐matched FAI syndrome patients without ESH undergoing hip arthroscopy were enrolled in the control group (FAI group). Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) including international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT‐33), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), visual analog scale for pain (VAS‐pain), and abductive force of affected hip at 3 month and 2 years postoperatively were comparatively analyzed. The VAS‐satisfaction score of two groups at 2 years postoperatively were also analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of ESH in FAI syndrome patients undergoing hip arthroscopy in our institution was 5.5% (39 of 715 hips), including nine males (10 hips) and 29 females (29 hips). The mean age at the time of surgery was 32.1 ± 6.9 years (range, 22–48 years). According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 patients were enrolled in FAI + ITB group. Twenty‐three age‐ and sex‐matched FAI syndrome patients were enrolled in FAI group. At 24 months postoperatively, no patient still suffered ESH symptoms and painful palpation at lateral region in FAI + ITB group. The iHOT‐33, mHHS, and VAS‐pain score of patients in FAI + ESH group were significantly severer than patients in FAI group preoperatively (41.6 ± 7.5 vs 48.8 ± 7.2, 54.8 ± 7.2 vs 59.2 ± 6.9, 5.5 ± 0.9 vs 4.7 ± 1.0; P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in these scores between the patients in FAI + ESH group and FAI group at 3‐month and 24‐month follow‐up (73.6 ± 8.5 vs 76.1 ± 6.9, 85.3 ± 7.8 vs 84.2 ± 6.6, 0.8 ± 0.9 vs 0.6 ± 0.9; P > 0.05). At 3 months after surgery, the abductive force of operated hip was significantly smaller than that in FAI group (82.4 ± 12.4 N vs 91.9 ± 16.1 N, P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference at 24 months after surgery (101.6 ± 14.9 N vs 106.5 ± 13.7 N, P > 0.05). The VAS‐satisfaction scores of patients in the two groups were at a similarly high level (90.5 ± 6.8 vs 88.8 ± 7.3, P > 0.05). There was no complication and no arthroscopic revision in either group until 2‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Although abductive force recovery of the hip was delayed, hip arthroscopy combined with endoscopic ITB release addressed hip snapping in patients with both FAI syndrome and ESH, and could get similar functional improvement, pain relief, recovery speed, as well as patient satisfaction compared with the pure hip arthroscopy in FAI syndrome patients without ESH.
Coronavirus disease 2019 in healthy children: What is the effect of household contact?
Authors: Ustundag Gulnihan , Yilmaz‐Ciftdogan Dilek , Kara‐Aksay Ahu , Sahin Aslihan , Ekemen‐Keles Yildiz , Orsdemir‐Hortu Hacer , Kanik Ali , Yuksel Necmi Can , Arslan Fatma Demet , Yilmaz Nisel
Published: June 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in children is milder than in adults. Household virus exposure may affect clinical severity. We aimed to determine the household contact history of patients and its influence on the clinical stage.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐three pediatric patients with COVID‐19 as diagnosed with positive real‐time polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 aged 1 month to 18 years were included. Demographic data, laboratory and clinical findings, and the history of household contact of the patients were obtained. They were classified according to their clinical stage as mild or moderate‐severe.

Results

Sixty patients (34.7%) were asymptomatic, and 113 were symptomatic (65.3%). Of the 173 patients, 138 (79.8%) had at least one family member in the household who was diagnosed as having COVID‐19. Hemoglobin, absolute neutrophil count, and absolute neutrophil count /absolute lymphocyte count ratio decreased significantly in patients with household contact. The presence of a household contact did not have a significant effect on the presence of symptoms, clinical course, age, and the sex of the patients. The need for hospitalization was less in the group that had household contact. Being 0–12 months, being female, and being a patient without household contact were independent factors associated with higher hospitalization ratios in logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that household contact history did not significantly affect presenting symptoms and clinical course. We detected the rate of hospitalization to be less in the group with only household contact.
Structural injustice
Authors: McKeown Maeve
Published: June 2021

The concept of “structural injustice” has a long intellectual lineage, but Iris Marion Young popularised the term in her late work in the 2000s. Young’s theory tapped into the zeitgeist of the time, providing a credible way of thinking about transnational and domestic injustices, illuminating the importance of political, economic and social structures in generating injustice, theorising the role of individuals in perpetuating structural injustice, and the responsibility of everyone to try to correct it. Young’s theory has inspired secondary and novel research. In this paper, I outline the main topics in this recent literature: what structural injustice is, responsibility for structural injustice, acting on responsibility, avoiding responsibility, and historical injustice. I conclude by noting how the influence of structural injustice theory is spreading beyond the confines of political theory. Any field that is concerned with structural inequalities, disadvantage, or oppression, can utilize structural injustice theory.
Oryza sativa,C4HC3‐type really interesting new gene (RING),OsRFPv6, is a positive regulator in response to salt stress by regulating Na+absorption
Authors: Kim Jong Ho , Lim Sung Don , Jang Cheol Seong
Published: June 2021

Salinity negatively affects plant growth, productivity, and metabolism. Therefore, plants have evolved diverse strategies to survive in saline environments. To identify such strategies involving the ubiquitin/26S proteasome system, we characterized molecular functions of a rice C4HC3 really interesting new gene (RING)‐type E3‐ubiquitin ligase gene.Oryza sativaRING finger protein v6 (OsRFPv6) was highly expressed under conditions of abiotic stress, induced by 100 mM NaCl and 20% PEG. The GFP‐OsRFPv6 protein was localized in the plasma membrane and cytosol in rice protoplasts. In vitro ubiquitin assay revealed that OsRFPv6 possessed E3‐ubiquitin ligase activity, but its variant OsRFPv6C100A did not. OsRFPv6‐overexpressing plants were insensitive to salinity, but their growth was delayed under normal conditions. Under saline conditions, transgenic plants exhibited higher proline, soluble sugar, and chlorophyll content and lower H2O2accumulation than wild‐type plants. Moreover, transgenic plants exhibited lower Na+uptake, lower Na+content, and higher K+content in the xylem sap assay. Under saline conditions, the expression levels of nine Na+/K+transporter genes in roots and leaves were significantly different between transgenic and wild‐type plants. Specifically, under both normal and saline conditions, the expression of OsHKT2;1, a Na+transporter, in the roots of transgenic plants was lower than that in the roots of wild‐type plants. These results suggest that OsRFPv6 E3‐ubiquitin ligase serves as a positive regulator of salinity response via Na+uptake.
Defeat, entrapment, and suicidal ideation: Twelve‐month trajectories
Authors: Höller Inken , Rath Dajana , Teismann Tobias , Glaesmer Heide , Lucht Luise , Paashaus Laura , Schönfelder Antje , Juckel Georg , Forkmann Thomas
Published: June 2021

Background

Defeat and entrapment have been highlighted in the development of suicidal ideation within the Integrated Motivational–Volitional model of suicidal behavior. Research suggests that entrapment has to be differentiated into internal and external entrapment. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between defeat, internal, external entrapment, and suicidal ideation within and prospectively over measurements.

Methods

A sample of 308 psychiatric inpatients (53% female) aged 18 to 81 years (M = 36.92, SD = 14.30) was assessed for the four constructs after admission to a psychiatric ward and six, nine, and twelve months later. Multilevel analyses were conducted to examine associations.

Results

Defeat was associated with (a change in) internal and external entrapment. Defeat predicted a change in internal entrapment over time. Defeat and internal, but not external, entrapment were associated with (a change in) suicidal ideation. Internal entrapment was able to predict suicidal ideation. Internal entrapment and defeat predicted a change in suicidal ideation over time.

Conclusion

Results highlight the importance to distinguish between internal and external entrapment, and their specific association with suicidal ideation. Perceptions of internal entrapment are of central relevance when experiencing suicidal ideation and should be considered in clinical practice.
Painful and provocative events: Determining which events are associated with increased odds of attempting suicide
Authors: Bond Allison E. , Bandel Shelby L. , Daruwala Samantha E. , Anestis Michael D.
Published: June 2021

Objective

The present study sought to determine which painful and provocative events differentiated those with suicidal ideation from those who attempted suicide. Additionally, it presents a novel way of utilizing the Painful and Provocative Scale (PPES) by looking at items dichotomously as experienced or not experienced, instead of the frequency at which they are experienced.

Method

Participants (N = 666) were recruited as part of a large online study seeking to understand suicide risk across multiple high‐risk groups (i.e., veterinarians, military service members, transgender individuals, and gun owners) for suicide. Participants in the present study were predominately white, female, and heterosexual.

Results

First, the PPES was examined as a dichotomous measure and results indicate that experiencing physical or sexual abuse, tying a noose, using intravenous drugs, or having injuries that required medical attention were associated with greater odds of attempting suicide; shooting a gun was associated with decreased odds. Next, the PPES was examined as a scale measure and findings indicate that increased exposure to rock climbing, experiencing physical or sexual abuse, or using intravenous drug were associated with increased odds of attempting suicide; while increased exposure to shooting a gun was associated with decreased odds.

Conclusions

The present study adds to the literature on the ideation‐to‐action framework and provides evidence considering the frequency of experiences using the Painful and Provocative Event Scale may not provide substantial information beyond dichotomous scoring.
The jasmonoyl‐isoleucine receptor CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 suppresses defense gene expression in Arabidopsis roots independently of its ligand
Authors: Ulrich Louisa , Schmitz Johanna , Thurow Corinna , Gatz Christiane
Published: June 2021

The F‐box protein CORONANTINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) serves as the receptor for the plant hormone jasmonoyl‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile). COI1, its co‐receptors of the JASMONATE ZIM‐domain (JAZ) protein family, and JA‐Ile form a functional unit that regulates growth or defense mechanisms in response to various stress cues. Strikingly, COI1, but not JA‐Ile, is required for susceptibility of Arabidopsis thaliana towards the soil‐borne vascular pathogen Verticillium longisporum. In order to obtain marker genes for further analysis of this JA‐Ile‐independent COI1 function, transcriptome analysis of roots of coi1 and allene oxide synthase (aos) plants (impaired in JA biosynthesis) was performed. Intriguingly, nearly all of the genes that are differentially expressed in coi1 versus aos and wild type are constitutively more highly expressed in coi1. To support our notion that COI1 acts independently of its known downstream signaling components, coi1 plants were complemented with a COI1 variant (COI1AA) that is compromised in its interaction with JAZs. As expected, these plants showed only weak induction of the expression of the JA‐Ile marker gene VEGETATIVE STORAGE PROTEIN2 after wounding and remained sterile. On the other hand, genes affected by COI1 but not by JA‐Ile were still strongly repressed by COI1AA. We suggest that COI1 has a potential moonlighting function that serves to repress gene expression in a JA‐Ile‐ and JAZ‐independent manner.
The effect of topical ophthalmic proparacaine, fluorescein, and tropicamide on subsequent bacterial cultures in healthy dogs
Authors: Mironovich Melanie A. , Mitchell Maria S. , Liu Chin‐Chi , Carter Renee T. , Lewin Andrew C.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine whether tropicamide, fluorescein, and proparacaine applied topically before sample collection affect the quantity or species of bacteria isolated via aerobic culture.

Animals studied

12 female adult research beagle cross‐breed dogs.

Procedures

A conjunctival swab was taken before and after the sequential application of proparacaine, tropicamide, and fluorescein to the same eye (P/T/F) with a five‐minute gap between medications. Paired swabs were submitted for aerobic culture. Bacterial enumeration was performed using the spread plate method. Following a one‐week washout period, the procedure was repeated using balanced salt solution (BSS). Following a second one‐week washout period, the experiment was repeated using ofloxacin 0.3% solution. Colony counts were compared using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc comparison. Bacterial species reduction was compared using a Friedman rank test and Dunn's method.

Results

The bacterial colony count for P/T/F and BSS was significantly higher than the ofloxacin group (p = 0.0052, p = 0.0022). There was no significant difference for colony counts between P/T/F and BSS (p = 0.9295). The most frequently isolated bacteria included: Psychrobacter spp., Staphylococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Streptococcus spp. The bacterial species reduction for P/T/F and BSS was significantly lower than for ofloxacin (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0160). There was no significant difference for species reduction between P/T/F and BSS (p = 0.3749).

Conclusions

The application of proparacaine, tropicamide, and fluorescein did not significantly decrease the amount or species of bacteria isolated from the conjunctiva in this canine population. The application of these solutions prior to ocular swab collection in healthy dogs is unlikely to affect subsequent culture results.
Support Vector Machines Used for the Prediction of the Structural Conditions of Pipes in Bogota’s Sewer System
Authors: Hernández Nathalie , Caradot Nicolas , Sonnenberg Hauke , Rouault Pascale , Torres Andrés
Published: June 2021

Objective: this paper focused on: (i) developing a deterioration model based on support vector machines (SVM) from its regression approach to separate the prediction of the structural condition of sewer pipes from a classification by grades and predict the scores obtained by failures found in CCTV inspections; and (ii) comparing the prediction results of the proposed model with the ones obtained by a deterioration model based on SVM classification tasks to explore the advantages and disadvantages of their predictions from different perspectives. Materials and methods: The sewer network of Bogota was the case study for this work in which a dataset consisting of the characteristics of 5031 pipes inspected by CCTV (obtained by GIS) was considered, as well as information on external variables (e.g., age, sewerage, and road type). Probability density functions (PDF) were used to convert the scores given by failures found in CCTV into structural grades. In addition, three techniques were used to evaluate the predictions from different perspectives: positive likelihood rate (PLR), performance curve and deviation analysis. Results: it was found that: (i) SVM-based deterioration model used from its regression approach is suitable to predict critical structural conditions of uninspected sewer pipes because this model showed a PLR value around 6.8 (the highest value among the predictions of all structural conditions for both models) and 74 % of successful predictions for the first 100 pipes with the highest probability of being in critical conditions; and (ii) SVM-based deterioration model used from its classification approach is suitable to predict other structural conditions because this model showed homogeneous PLR values for the prediction of all structural conditions (PLR values between 1.67 and 3.88) and deviation analysis results for all structural conditions are lower than the ones for the SVM-based model from its regression approach.
Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Study of Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic acid Using Silver Capped Silicon Nanopillars
Authors: Castillo John , Rozo Ciro , Wu Kaiyu , Rindzevicius Tomas , Boisen Anja
Published: June 2021

Glyphosate (GP) is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide which is used for killing a wide variety of harmful plants. Several recent studies indicate possible adverse health effects on humans. This work is focused on detection and adsorption studies of GP and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) on silver-capped silicon nanopillars using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Density Functional Theory with the B3LYP functional was employed for the geometry optimization of ground state geometries and simulation of Raman and SERS spectra of the GP and AMPA. The theoretically calculated and experimentally observed vibrations of GP and AMPA free and attached to the Ag surface exhibited different Raman spectra revealing chemical interactions between the analysed molecules and the metal surface. DFT studies confirmed that the main Ag-GP interaction is with the oxygen from carboxylic and phosphate groups, andfor AMPA the main interaction is via a strong interaction between nitrogen from NH with the metal surface. In order to study the binding behavior, adsorption isotherm analysis between GP and AMPA on silver-capped silicon nanopillars (AgNPs) were performed. Finally, the obtained isotherms for GP and AMPA followed a negative cooperative binding mechanism.
The Effects of Reynolds Number on the Stall and Pre-Stall Behavior of Compact Axial Compressors
Authors: Hutchings Jack , A. Hall Cesare
Published: June 2021

Compact axial compression systems are of interest to the domestic appliance industry. The associated low Reynolds number leads to high losses compared to large-scale compressors due to a transitional flow field with large regions of separation. This paper investigates how Reynolds number variations affect the three-dimensional and unsteady flow field in a compact compressor both pre-stall and in stall. An experimental study has been conducted using a scaled-up single-stage axial compressor across a Reynolds number range of 104–105. Steady and unsteady casing static pressure measurements, along with rotor upstream and downstream unsteady velocity measurements, have been used to observe the rotor flow field. As the Reynolds number is reduced below a critical value, 60,000 in the case of the compressor studied, the pressure rise coefficient of the compressor rapidly decreases. The exact value of the critical Reynolds number is expected to vary with the compressor geometry. This fall-off in performance corresponds to an increase in the compressor rotor secondary flows. Prior to stall, a broadband hump at around 50% of the blade passing frequency is present in the near-field casing static pressure spectra. At Reynolds numbers below the critical value, multiple equally spaced peaks also appear around the peak of the broadband hump. The spacing of these peaks has been found to be exactly equal to the measured stall cell speed once rotating stall is established. When operating in stall, the stall cell is found to increase in circumferential size and slow down as Reynolds number decreases. The measured spectra and observed flow structures show that disturbances exist prior to stall at frequencies consistent with the frequencies within stall. The size and shape of the stall cells that form are related to the extent of the three-dimensional flow field present prior to stall. Below a critical value, all of these flow features are highly sensitive to Reynolds number.
CD8
+
T cell immunity blocks the metastasis of carcinogen-exposed breast cancer
Authors: Li Kaiwen , Li Tiancheng , Feng Zhaoyi , Huang Mei , Wei Lei , Yan Zhiyu , Long Mark , Hu Qiang , Wang Jianmin , Liu Song , Sgroi Dennis C. , Demehri Shadmehr
Published: June 2021

Cancer-prone breast gland exposure to a carcinogen induces immune factors in breast cancer cells and immunity against metastasis.
Systematic profiling of protein complex dynamics reveals DNA-PK phosphorylation of IFI16 en route to herpesvirus immunity
Authors: Justice Joshua L. , Kennedy Michelle A. , Hutton Josiah E. , Liu Dawei , Song Bokai , Phelan Brett , Cristea Ileana M.
Published: June 2021

The functional interaction landscape of HSV-1 infection uncovers a link between immune sensing and the DNA damage response.
Marshes on the move
Authors: Popkin Gabriel
Published: June 2021

Coastal ecologist Matt Kirwan is optimistic that coastal wetlands can outrun rising seas. But some question that rosy picture.
Examining the Aztecs
The Aztecs
Frances F. Berdan
Reaktion Books, 2021. 232 pp.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: June 2021

Skilled naturalists and healers, the Mesoamerican society left behind a rich cultural legacy
Pseudohyperaldosteroism during itraconazole treatment: a hitherto neglected clinically significant side effect
Authors: Brandi Sandra L , Feltoft Claus L , Serup Jørgen , Eldrup Ebbe
Published: June 2021

We describe a married couple who both presented with hypertension and hypokalaemia. Both patients were diagnosed with pseudohyperaldosteronism triggered by the widely used antifungal drug itraconazole. This effect appears to be dose-dependent, where a daily intake of 100 mg itraconazole is enough to induce pseudohyperaldosteronism. Clinicians should be aware of pseudohyperaldosteronism as a possible adverse effect of itraconazole, and we recommend monitoring potassium levels and blood pressure in all patients receiving this drug over a longer period of time. Voriconazole is probably an alternative antifungal treatment to itraconazole but also with this drug potassium levels should be monitored.
Granulomatous lung disease and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in Whipple’s disease
Authors: Hofmann Patrick , Durisch Nina , Buetikofer Claudia , Helmchen Birgit Maria
Published: June 2021

We present the case of a 70-year-old woman with a history of seronegative arthritis, recurrent pleural effusion and weight loss. A prior lung biopsy had revealed non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas without evidence for microbial organisms on special stains. Intestinal biopsy findings where suspicious for Whipple’s disease, which was confirmed by PCR testing, both on the intestinal and retrospectively on the lung tissue. Treatment with ceftriaxone resulted in clinical deterioration with fever, arthritis and recurrent pleuritis consistent with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Dose increase of glucocorticoids and therapy rotation to doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine resulted in rapid clinical improvement.
Barriers to cervical cancer prevention in rural Cameroon: a qualitative study on healthcare providers’ perspective
Authors: Roux Amandine Noemie , Kenfack Bruno , Ndjalla Alexandre , Sormani Jessica , Wisniak Ania , Tatrai Karoline , Vassilakos Pierre , Petignat Patrick , Schmidt Nicole
Published: June 2021

Objective

Cervical cancer in Cameroon ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, mainly due to the lack of prevention. Our principal objective was to explore potential barriers to an human papillomavirus (HPV)-based cervical cancer screening from a healthcare provider (HCP) perspective in a low-income context. Second, we aimed to explore the acceptability of a single-visit approach using HPV self-sampling.

Settings

The study took place in the District hospital of Dschang, Cameroon.

Participants

Focus groups (FGs) involved HCPs working in the area of Dschang and Mbouda.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

All FGs were audiorecorded, transcribed and coded independently by two researchers using the ATLAS.ti software. A qualitative methodology was used to capture insights related to the way people perceive their surroundings. Discussion topics focused on perceived barriers, suggestions to improve cervical cancer screening uptake, and acceptability.

Results

A total of 16 HCPs were interviewed between July and August 2019. The identified barriers were (1) lack of basic knowledge on cervical cancer among most women and men and (2) lack of awareness of the role and existence of a screening programme to prevent it. Screening for cervical cancer prevention using HPV self-sampling was considered as an acceptable approach for patients according to HCPs. Traditional chiefs were identified as key entry points to raise awareness because they were perceived as essential to reach not only women, but also their male partners.

Conclusions

Awareness campaigns about cervical cancer, its prevention and the availability of the screening programmes are crucial. Furthermore, involving male partners, as well as key community leaders or institutions was identified as a key strategy to encourage participation in the cervical cancer screening programme.

Trial registration

Ethical Cantonal Board of Geneva, Switzerland (CCER, N°2017-0110 and CER-amendment n°2) and Cameroonian National Ethics Committee for Human Health Research (N°2018/07/1083/CE/CNERSH/SP).
Neurobiology Youth Follow-up Study: protocol to establish a longitudinal and prospective research database using multimodal assessments for current and past mental health treatment-seeking young people within an early intervention service
Authors: Nichles Alissa , Zmicerevska Natalia , Song Yun Ju Christine , Wilson Chloe , McHugh Catherine , Hamilton Blake , Crouse Jacob , Rohleder Cathrin , Carpenter Joanne Sarah , Ho Nicholas , Hermens Daniel F , Wray Naomi , Scott Jan , Merikangas Kathleen R , Leweke F Markus , Koethe Dagmar , Iorfino Frank , Naismith Sharon L , Guastella Adam J , Scott Elizabeth M , Hickie Ian B
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Approximately 75% of major mental illness occurs before the age of 25 years. Despite this, our capacity to provide effective, early and personalised interventions is limited by insufficient evidence for characterising early-stage, and less specific, presentations of major mental disorders in youth populations. This article describes the protocol for setting up a large-scale database that will collect longitudinal, prospective data that incorporate clinical, social and occupational function, neuropsychological, circadian, metabolic, family history and genetic metrics. By collecting data in a research-purposed, standardised manner, the ‘Neurobiology Youth Follow-up Study’ should improve identification, characterisation and profiling of youth attending mental healthcare, to better inform diagnosis and treatment at critical time points. The overall goal is enhanced long-term clinical and functional outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This longitudinal clinical cohort study will invite participation from youth (12–30 years) who seek help for mental health-related issues at an early intervention service (headspace Camperdown) and linked services. Participants will be prospectively tracked over 3 years with a series of standardised multimodal assessments at baseline, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Evaluations will include: (1) clinician-administered and self-report assessments determining clinical stage, pathophysiological pathways to illness, diagnosis, symptomatology, social and occupational function; (2) neuropsychological profile; (3) sleep–wake patterns and circadian rhythms; (4) metabolic markers and (5) genetics. These data will be used to: (1) model the impact of demographic, phenomenological and treatment variables, on clinical and functional outcomes; (2) map neurobiological profiles and changes onto a transdiagnostic clinical stage and pathophysiological mechanisms framework.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Sydney Local Health District (2020/ETH01272, protocol V.1.3, 14 October 2020). Research findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences and to user and advocacy groups. Participant data will be de-identified.
Concordance between fasting plasma glucose and HbA1cin the diagnosis of diabetes in black South African adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wade Alisha N , Crowther Nigel J , Abrahams-Gessel Shafika , Berkman Lisa , George Jaya A , Gómez-Olivé F Xavier , Manne-Goehler Jennifer , Salomon Joshua A , Wagner Ryan G , Gaziano Thomas A , Tollman Stephen M , Cappola Anne R
Published: June 2021

Objectives

We investigated concordance between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-defined diabetes and fasting plasma glucose (FPG)-defined diabetes in a black South African population with a high prevalence of obesity.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Rural South African population-based cohort.

Participants

765 black individuals aged 40–70 years and with no history of diabetes.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was concordance between HbA1c-defined diabetes and FPG-defined diabetes. Secondary outcome measures were differences in anthropometric characteristics, fat distribution and insulin resistance (measured using Homoeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)) between those with concordant and discordant HbA1c/FPG classifications and predictors of HbA1cvariance.

Results

The prevalence of HbA1c-defined diabetes was four times the prevalence of FPG-defined diabetes (17.5% vs 4.2%). Classification was discordant in 15.7% of participants, with 111 individuals (14.5%) having HbA1c-only diabetes (kappa 0.23; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.31). Median body mass index, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, subcutaneous adipose tissue and HOMA-IR in participants with HbA1c-only diabetes were similar to those in participants who were normoglycaemic by both biomarkers and significantly lower than in participants with diabetes by both biomarkers (p<0.05). HOMA-IR and fat distribution explained additional HbA1cvariance beyond glucose and age only in women.

Conclusions

Concordance was poor between HbA1cand FPG in diagnosis of diabetes in black South Africans, and participants with HbA1c-only diabetes phenotypically resembled normoglycaemic participants. Further work is necessary to determine which of these parameters better predicts diabetes-related morbidities in this population and whether a population-specific HbA1cthreshold is necessary.
A pragmatic health centre-based evaluation comparing the effectiveness of a PCV13 schedule change from 3+0 to 2+1 in a high pneumococcal carriage and disease burden setting in Malawi: a study protocol
Authors: Swarthout Todd D , Ibarz-Pavon Ana , Kawalazira Gift , Sinjani George , Chirombo James , Gori Andrea , Chalusa Peter , Bonomali Farouck , Nyirenda Roseline , Bulla Edwin , Brown Comfort , Msefula Jacquline , Banda Marjory , Kachala Jean , Mwansambo Charles , Henrion Marc YR , Gordon Stephen B , French Neil , Heyderman Robert S
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Streptococcus pneumoniae(the pneumococcus) is commonly carried as a commensal bacterium in the nasopharynx but can cause life-threatening disease. Transmission occurs by human respiratory droplets and interruption of this process provides herd immunity. A 2017 WHO Consultation on Optimisation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) Impact highlighted a substantial research gap in investigating why the impact of PCV vaccines in low-income countries has been lower than expected. Malawi introduced the 13-valent PCV (PCV13) into the national Expanded Programme of Immunisations in 2011, using a 3+0 (3 primary +0 booster doses) schedule. With evidence of greater impact of a 2+1 (2 primary +1 booster dose) schedule in other settings, including South Africa, Malawi’s National Immunisations Technical Advisory Group is seeking evidence of adequate superiority of a 2+1 schedule to inform vaccine policy.

Methods

A pragmatic health centre-based evaluation comparing impact of a PCV13 schedule change from 3+0 to 2+1 in Blantyre district, Malawi. Twenty government health centres will be randomly selected, with ten implementing a 2+1 and 10 to continue with the 3+0 schedule. Health centres implementing 3+0 will serve as the direct comparator in evaluating 2+1 providing superior direct and indirect protection against pneumococcal carriage. Pneumococcal carriage surveys will evaluate carriage prevalence among children 15–24 months, randomised at household level, and schoolgoers 5–10 years of age, randomly selected from school registers. Carriage surveys will be conducted 18 and 33 months following 2+1 implementation.

Analysis

The primary endpoint is powered to detect an effect size of 50% reduction in vaccine serotype (VT) carriage among vaccinated children 15–24 months old, expecting a 14% and 7% VT carriage prevalence in the 3+0 and 2+1 arms, respectively.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Malawi College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (COMREC; Ref: P05.19.2680), the University College London Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 8603.002) and the University of Liverpool Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 5439). The results from this study will be actively disseminated through manuscript publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT04078997.
Kobe project for the exploration of newer strategies to reduce the social burden of dementia: a study protocol of cohort and intervention studies
Authors: Nagai Yoji , Kojima Shinsuke , Kowa Hisatomo , Yamamoto Yasuji , Kajita Hiroyuki , Osaki Tohmi , Kakei Yasumasa , Kothari Kavita U , Kayano Ryoma
Published: June 2021

Introduction

This research project addresses the lack of screening tools for the early detection of high-risk individuals for long-term care, through four individual studies.

Study 1 investigates the predictive ability of the ‘Kihon Check List’, study 2 the ‘Cognitive Function instrument’ and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) and study 3 the ‘Cognitive Function instrument’ and EQ-5D as well as the ‘Frail Kenshin’ health check-up, for incident long-term care certification over a follow-up period of up to 4 years. This is the first large prospective study to evaluate the predictive ability of these tools for the outcome measure long-term care certification. The last subsection of this project study four aims to explore a mixed methods intervention for delaying the need for long-term care. This section is purely exploratory, looking for clues for further studies.

Methods and analysis

Baseline data have been collected through local government programs, as well as through postal self-reported questionnaires. The primary outcome variable for all studies is long-term care certification data. Statistical analysis will be carried out using Kaplan-Meier, Multiple Cox regression as well as logistic regression.

Conclusion

This project hopes to identify tools effective in predicting long-term care need. This will enable identification of citizens that are of higher risk for long-term care in the near future. This subset of high-risk individuals can in the future be addressed for extra support/intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

All studies have been approved by respective institutional ethical committees and the WHO ethical committee ERC.0002899. In addition, all studies conform to the provisions of the Declaration of Helsinki and are conducted in accordance with Japan’s ‘Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects’. All findings will be disseminated at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

UMIN000023283.