bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Carrying and Evolution Matrices in Epidemic Models
Authors: Sen Manuel De la , Ibeas Asier , Alonso-Quesada Santiago , Nistal Raul
Published: January 2021

This study presents a technical characterization of classical epidemic models of compartments by decomposing the state into an infectious sub-state (or infective compartment) and a non-infective sub-state (or non-infective compartment). Then, the linearized infective part of the model is discussed through a positivity/stability viewpoint from linear algebraic tools. Some relevant properties of the transition and transmission matrices are described in a general context. The main advantage of the given formalism is that the linearized behavior about the equilibrium steady-state is general in the sense that it is independent of the particular epidemic model due to the compartmental structure performed analysis. The performed study is made in the absence and in the presence of delayed dynamics.
Simulation Analysis of Iron Roughneck’s Stretching Device based on MATLAB and Adams
Authors: Li Quan , Sha Yongbai , Zhao Xiaoying , Piao Chong
Published: January 2021

In this paper the composition and working principle of stretching device for arm iron roughneck are introduced, and the kinematic model of the mechanism is established. The kinematic parameter curves of each necessary component are got by using complex vector method and solving the model with MATLAB. The kinematics simulation analysis of the virtual prototype of the iron roughneck’s stretching device is carried out by Adams, and then the kinematic parameter curves of each component are obtained, and compared with the curve obtained by MATLAB. The results show that the performance of iron roughneck stretching device is good. Most of the parameter curves calculated by MATLAB are consistent with the results of Adams simulation, and the influencing factors of the curve inconsistency are analyzed.
Relationship Between Resting Heart Rate and Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in the Elderly With Prehypertension
Authors: Zhang Ling-yu , Luo Li , Shen Yi-hua , Xu Guo-yan , Xie Liang-di
Published: January 2021

Background

To investigate the relationship between resting heart rate and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in patients with prehypertension.

Methods

A total of 288 outpatients with prehypertension and 326 normotensive outpatients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled between March 2017 and March 2019. Body weight, resting heart rate, and blood pressure of all patients were recorded. Blood biochemical indexes and cfPWV were determined.

Results

Compared with the normotensive controls, cfPWV in the prehypertension group was significantly higher (P < 0.01). There was an increase in cfPWV with advancing age in both prehypertension and control groups, and cfPWV in males was higher than females. In the prehypertension group, after stratified with age and gender, partial correlation analysis showed that resting heart rate was positively correlated with cfPWV (r = 0.230, P < 0.01). After adjusted for other cardiovascular risk factors, multivariable stepwise regression analysis indicated that resting heart rate, age, and gender were independently associated with cfPWV in the prehypertension group (all P < 0.01). Moreover, resting heart rate was independently associated with cfPWV in the patients with prehypertension aged ≥60 years in both males and females (all P < 0.01). However, in patients with prehypertension aged <60 years, no significant correlation was observed between resting heart rate and cfPWV.

Conclusions

In the elderly with prehypertension, resting heart rate is independently associated with cfPWV.
DisentanglingAntirhea(Rubiaceae): resurrection ofGuettardellaand description of the new genusAchilleanthus
Authors: Chavez Jayson G , Meve Ulrich , Nürk Nicolai M , Liede-Schumann Sigrid
Published: January 2021

The Palaeotropical genus Antirhea (Guettardeae, Rubiaceae) currently comprises 37 dioecious species classified into three subgenera, Antirhea, Mesocarpa and Guettardella. It has a complex taxonomic history with varying generic delineation and variable application of species names. Recent phylogenetic studies have indicated the non-monophyly of Antirhea, but the limited sampling does not allow resolution of its circumscription or nomenclatural changes to be proposed. Here, we reconcile the generic boundaries of Antirhea based on phylogenetic analyses of two nuclear (ETS, ITS) and three plastid loci (atpB-rbcL, rps16, trnT-F) using Bayesian, maximum likelihood and parsimony methods. Our results show that Antirhea in its current circumscription is highly polyphyletic, whereas its three subgenera are retrieved as well-supported independent clades. A new generic framework is proposed based on phylogenetic results and supported by morphological evidence. We intend to restrict Antirhea to species native to the Mascarene Islands and Madagascar, to reinstate the genus Guettardella with emended diagnostic features and to describe the new genus Achilleanthus to accommodate the species of subgenus Mesocarpa plus Guettarda glabrescens, G. hypoplasia and G. ngoyensis. As a consequence, seven new combinations in Achilleanthus and 17 new combinations in Guettardella are made.
Chandelier Cartridge Density Is Reduced in the Prefrontal Cortex in Autism
Authors: Amina Sarwat , Falcone Carmen , Hong Tiffany , Wolf-Ochoa Marisol Wendy , Vakilzadeh Gelareh , Allen Erik , Perez-Castro Rosalia , Kargar Maryam , Noctor Stephen , Martínez-Cerdeño Verónica
Published: January 2021

An alteration in the balance of excitation-inhibition has been proposed as a common characteristic of the cerebral cortex in autism, which may be due to an alteration in the number and/or function of the excitatory and/or inhibitory cells that form the cortical circuitry. We previously found a decreased number of the parvalbumin (PV)+ interneuron known as Chandelier (Ch) cell in the prefrontal cortex in autism. This decrease could result from a decreased number of Ch cells, but also from decreased PV protein expression by Ch cells. To further determine if Ch cell number is altered in autism, we quantified the number of Ch cells following a different approach and different patient cohort than in our previous studies. We quantified the number of Ch cell cartridges—rather than Ch cell somata—that expressed GAT1—rather than PV. Specifically, we quantified GAT1+ cartridges in prefrontal areas BA9, BA46, and BA47 of 11 cases with autism and 11 control cases. We found that the density of GAT1+ cartridges was decreased in autism in all areas and layers. Whether this alteration is cause or effect remains unclear but could result from alterations that take place during cortical prenatal and/or postnatal development.
Accelerated Aging of the Amygdala in Alcohol Use Disorders: Relevance to the Dark Side of Addiction
Authors: Tomasi Dardo , Wiers Corinde E , Manza Peter , Shokri-Kojori Ehsan , Michele-Vera Yonga , Zhang Rui , Kroll Danielle , Feldman Dana , McPherson Katherine , Biesecker Catherine , Schwandt Melanie , Diazgranados Nancy , Koob George F , Wang Gene-Jack , Volkow Nora D
Published: January 2021

Here we assessed changes in subcortical volumes in alcohol use disorder (AUD). A simple morphometry-based classifier (MC) was developed to identify subcortical volumes that distinguished 32 healthy controls (HCs) from 33 AUD patients, who were scanned twice, during early and later withdrawal, to assess the effect of abstinence on MC-features (Discovery cohort). We validated the novel classifier in an independent Validation cohort (19 AUD patients and 20 HCs). MC-accuracy reached 80% (Discovery) and 72% (Validation). MC features included the hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum, putamen, corpus callosum, and brain stem, which were smaller and showed stronger age-related decreases in AUD than HCs, and the ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid, which were larger in AUD and older participants. The volume of the amygdala showed a positive association with anxiety and negative urgency in AUD. Repeated imaging during the third week of detoxification revealed slightly larger subcortical volumes in AUD patients, consistent with partial recovery during abstinence. The steeper age-associated volumetric reductions in stress- and reward-related subcortical regions in AUD are consistent with accelerated aging, whereas the amygdalar associations with negative urgency and anxiety in AUD patients support its involvement in the “dark side of addiction”.
Analysis of Choline, Carnitine, Acetylcarnitine and Acetylcholine in Animal Feeds, Blood and Urine Using Ion Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Decheng Suo , Xia Fan , Shulin Wei , Yang Li
Published: January 2021

A simple and sensitive method was proposed for choline, carnitine, acetylcarnitine (ACa) and acetylcholine (ACh) separation in feed, blood and urine of animals by using ion chromatography (IC) and detection by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Analytes were extracted using a mixture of acetonitrile and water, purified by C18 solid-phase extraction columns, separated via IC with an IonPac SCS-1 column and detected by an MS/MS detector by using isotopic internal standards for quantification. The effects of different chromatographic parameters on the separation were also investigated. Under optimal conditions, the recovery was >90%, with the relative standard deviations of <15%. The proposed method was highly reliable for the simultaneous determination of choline, carnitine, ACa and ACh in feed, blood and urine.
Microclimate drives intraspecific thermal specialization: conservation perspectives in freshwater habitats
Authors: Bartolini Fabrizio , Giomi Folco
Published: January 2021

Endemic and relict species are often confined to ecological refugia or over fragmented distributions, representing priority conservation subjects. Within these sites, the individual population may realize distinct niches to a varying degree of specialization. An emblematic example is provided by freshwater species segregated in thermal-mineral springs, where individuals may face highly diverse microclimates in limited geographic areas. Downscaling the characterization of physiological traits to microclimatic niches becomes pivotal to adopt effective conservation measures in these heterogeneous habitats. Melanopsis etrusca (Brot, 1862) is an endangered relict snail endemic to a small number of thermal-mineral streams in central Italy. Here we describe the thermal tolerance of two populations of M. etrusca inhabiting streams with distinctly different thermal regimes, investigating the extent of physiological and behavioural specialization to such diverse microclimatic niches. The comparison of oxygen consumption rates of a population dwelling in temperate streams, characterized by seasonal temperature fluctuations (12–27°C), with a population experiencing constantly hot water (35–38°C) revealed the absence of any seasonal or geographic effect on metabolic compensation. Conversely, mobility performances were maximized in the population inhabiting the hot stream. Interestingly, here, the snails exhibited emersion behaviour outside the water, triggered by temperatures above 37°C. In the field, individuals of this population are observed inactive on stream banks, conceivably to minimize the metabolic cost that otherwise would be induced by remaining in the hot water. Only a few individuals from the temperate stream exhibited the same behaviour when exposed to elevated temperatures, suggesting the exaptation of a pre-existing trait during the evolutionary process of adaptation to hot waters. The present results provide elements for the best practice in future programmes aimed at reintroducing stocks of threatened species across heterogeneous habitats. Our study further underlines the relevance of downscaling data collection for endangered species conservation in order to recognize microclimatic specializations.
Predicting pathological lymph node status in clinical stage IA peripheral lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Aokage Keiju , Suzuki Kenji , Wakabayashi Masashi , Mizutani Tomonori , Hattori Aritoshi , Fukuda Haruhiko , Watanabe Shun-Ichi
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES

Even with current diagnostic technology, it is difficult to accurately predict pathological lymph node status (PLNS). This study aimed to develop a prediction model of PLNS in peripheral adenocarcinoma with a dominant solid component, based on clinical and radiological factors on thin-section computed tomography, to identify patients to whom wedge resection or other local therapies could be applied.

METHODS

Of 811 patients enrolled in a prospective multi-institutional study (JCOG0201), 420 patients with clinical stage IA peripheral lung adenocarcinoma having a dominant solid component were included. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to develop a model based on clinical and centrally reviewed radiological factors. Leave-one-out cross-validation and external validation analyses were performed, using independent data from 221 patients. Sensitivity, specificity and concordance statistics were calculated to evaluate diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

The formula for calculating the probability of pathological lymph node metastasis included the following variables: tumour diameter (including ground-glass opacity), consolidation-to-tumour ratio and density of solid component. The concordance statistic was 0.8041. When the cut-off value associated with the risk of incorrectly predicting negative pathological lymph node metastasis (pN−) was 4.9%, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in predicting PLNS were 95.7% and 46.0%, respectively. The concordance statistic for the external validation set was 0.7972, and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in predicting PLNS were 95.4% and 40.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed model is clinically useful and successfully predicts pN− in patients with clinical stage IA peripheral lung adenocarcinoma with a dominant solid component.
One health disparities and COVID-19
Authors: Solis Alma , Nunn Charles L
Published: January 2021

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected some communities and populations more than others. We propose that an interdisciplinary framework of ‘One Health Disparities’ advances understanding of the social and systemic issues that drive COVID-19 in vulnerable populations. One Health Disparities integrates the social environment with One Health perspectives on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. To apply this framework, we consider One Health Disparities that emerge in three key components of disease transmission: exposure, susceptibility, and disease expression. Exposure disparities arise through variation in contact with COVID-19’s causative agent, SARS-CoV-2. Disparities in susceptibility and disease expression also exist; these are driven by biological and social factors, such as diabetes and obesity, and through variation in access to healthcare. We close by considering how One Health Disparities informs understanding of spillback into new animal reservoirs, and what this might mean for further human health disparities.

Lay summary

One Health focuses on interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health. We propose that social environments are also important to One Health and help illuminate disparities in the coronavirus pandemic, including its origins, transmission and susceptibility among humans, and spillback to other species. We call this framework One Health Disparities.
Novel multi-virus rapid respiratory microbiological point-of-care testing in primary care: a mixed-methods feasibility evaluation
Authors: Khalid Tanzeela Y , Duncan Lorna J , Thornton Hannah V , Lasseter Gemma , Muir Peter , Toney Zara Abigail , Hay Alastair D
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives

Rapid multi-viral respiratory microbiological point-of-care tests (POCTs) have not been evaluated in UK primary care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a multi-viral microbiological POCT for suspected respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

Methods

In this observational, mixed-methods feasibility study practices were provided with a POCT machine for any patient aged ≥3 months with suspected RTI. Dual throat/nose swabs tested for 17 respiratory viruses and three atypical bacteria, 65 minutes per sample.

Results

Twenty clinicians recruited 93 patients (estimated 1:3 of all RTI cases). Patient’s median age was 29, 57% female, and 44% with co-morbidities. Pre-test diagnoses: upper RTI (48%); lower RTI (30%); viral/influenza-like illness (18%); other (4%). Median set-up time was 2.72 minutes, with 72% swabs processed <4 hours, 90% <24 hours. Tests detected ≥1 virus in 58%, no pathogen 37% and atypical bacteria 2% (3% inconclusive). Antibiotics were prescribed pre-test to 35% of patients with no pathogen detected and 25% with a virus. Post-test diagnoses changed in 20%, and diagnostic certainty increased (P = 0.02), more so when the test was positive rather than negative (P < 0.001). Clinicians predicted decreased antibiotic benefit post-test (P = 0.02). Interviews revealed the POCT has clear potential, was easy to use and well-liked, but limited by time-to-result and the absence of testing for typical respiratory bacteria.

Conclusions

This POCT was acceptable and appeared to influence clinical reasoning. Clinicians wanted faster time-to-results and more information about bacteria. Randomized trials are needed to understand the safety, efficacy and patient perceptions of these POCTs.
Microbiology's next top model: Galleria in the molecular age
Authors: Dinh Hue , Semenec Lucie , Kumar Sheemal S , Short Francesca L , Cain Amy K
Published: January 2021

Galleria mellonella has risen to fame as an invertebrate model organism given its ethical advantages, low maintenance costs, rapid reproduction time, short life cycle, high number of progeny, tolerance for human body temperatures, innate immune system and similarities to mammalian host models. It is increasingly being utilised to evaluate in vivo toxicity and efficacy of chemical compounds and antimicrobials, modelling microbial (bacterial, fungal, viral) pathogenicity and assessing host-pathogen interaction during infection. During this molecular age of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and genetic manipulation approaches, our understanding of microbial pathogenicity and host-pathogen interactions has deepened from high-throughput molecular studies performed in G. mellonella. In this review, we describe the use of G. mellonella in a broad range of studies involving omics, drug resistance, functional analysis and host-microbial community relationships. The future of G. mellonella in the molecular age is bright, with a multitude of new approaches and uses for this model from clinical to biotechnological on the horizon.
Convolutional neural networks with SegNet architecture applied to three-dimensional tomography of subsurface electrical resistivity: CNN-3D-ERT
Authors: Vu M T , Jardani A
Published: January 2021

In general, the inverse problem of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is treated using a deterministic algorithm to find a model of subsurface resistivity that can numerically match the apparent resistivity data acquired at the ground surface and has a smooth distribution that has been introduced as prior information. In this paper, we propose a new deep learning algorithm for processing the 3-D reconstruction of ERT. This approach relies on the approximation of the inverse operator considered as a nonlinear function linking the section of apparent resistivity as input and the underground distribution of electrical resistivity as output. This approximation is performed with a large amount of known data to obtain an accurate generalization of the inverse operator by identifying during the learning process a set of parameters assigned to the neural networks. To train the network, the subsurface resistivity models are theoretically generated by a geostatistical anisotropic Gaussian generator, and their corresponding apparent resistivity by solving numerically 3-D Poisson's equation. These data are formed in a way to have the same size and trained on the convolutional neural networks with SegNet architecture containing a three-level encoder and decoder network ending with a regression layer. The encoders including the convolutional, max-pooling and nonlinear activation operations are sequentially performed to extract the main features of input data in lower resolution maps. On the other side, the decoders are dedicated to upsampling operations in concatenating with feature maps transferred from encoders to compensate the loss of resolution. The tool has been successfully validated on different synthetic cases and with particular attention to how data quality in terms of resolution and noise affects the effectiveness of the approach.
Multiple geophysical investigations to characterize massive slope failure deposits: application to the Balta rockslide, Carpathians
Authors: Mreyen A-S , Cauchie L , Micu M , Onaca A , Havenith H-B
Published: January 2021

Origins of ancient rockslides in seismic regions can be controversial and must not necessarily be seismic. Certain slope morphologies hint at a possible coseismic development, though further analyses are required to better comprehend their failure history, such as modelling the slope in its pre-failure state and failure development in static and dynamic conditions. To this effect, a geophysical characterization of the landslide body is crucial to estimate the possible failure history of the slope. The Balta rockslide analysed in this paper is located in the seismic region of Vrancea-Buzau, Romanian Carpathian Mountains and presents a deep detachment scarp as well as a massive body of landslide deposits. We applied several geophysical techniques on the landslide body, as well as on the mountain crest above the detachment scarp, in order to characterize the fractured rock material as well as the dimension of failure. Electrical resistivity measurements revealed a possible trend of increasing fragmentation of rockslide material towards the valley bottom, accompanied by increasing soil moisture. Several seismic refraction surveys were performed on the deposits and analysed in form of P-wave refraction tomographies as well as surface waves, allowing to quantify elastic parameters of rock. In addition, a seismic array was installed close to the detachment scarp to analyse the surface wave dispersion properties from seismic ambient noise; the latter was analysed together with a colocated active surface wave analysis survey. Single-station ambient noise measurements completed all over the slope and deposits were used to further reveal impedance contrasts of the fragmented material over in situ rock, representing an important parameter to estimate the depth of the shearing horizon at several locations of the study area. The combined methods allowed the detection of a profound contrast of 70–90 m, supposedly associated with the maximum landslide material thickness. The entirety of geophysical results was used as basis to build up a geomodel of the rockslide, allowing to estimate the geometry and volume of the failed mass, that is, approximately 28.5–33.5 million m3.
An investigation of the health-promoting practices of Australian universities
Authors: McDonald Hayden , Gould Ryan , Delaney Deborah , Vecchio Nerina
Published: January 2021

Workplace health promotion programmes (WHPPs) are more likely to succeed where design and implementation account for the influence of health’s complex, systemic nature. Thus, a greater understanding of how frameworks developed to progress WHPPs are operationalized across different countries and industries is needed. This study investigates health concerns targeted in an underexplored setting—Australian universities, describing how diverse programmes are implemented to target different health issues and health risk factors. Content analysis is used to outline how Australian universities implement WHPPs to target diverse health concerns. Content from 497 website documents is collected and analysed using NVivo software. A framework for examining diverse WHPPs currently used in practice is developed. Based on this framework, it was evident that Australian universities emphasized initiatives targeting health issues focusing on ‘mental health’ and ‘diabetes’. Regarding health risk factors, ‘alcohol and other addictions’, ‘discrimination and harassment’, and ‘physical activity’ were emphasized. Links between different health concerns targeted and corresponding WHPPs implemented, provide workplaces with a benchmark for designing and implementing programmes. University WHPPs targeted a diverse range of health concerns when enough legal and political motivations to do so existed. These findings about the motivations for improving employee health indicate a potential gap between health promotion benefits reported in literature and the appreciation for these benefits in practice.
Development of a multimedia intervention to improve pneumoconiosis prevention in construction workers using RE-AIM framework
Authors: Chen Jieling , Wong Cho Lee , Law Bernard Man Hin , So Winnie Kwok Wei , Leung Doris Yin Ping , Chan Carmen Wing Han
Published: January 2021

Pneumoconiosis is a common occupational lung disease among construction workers. Educational interventions targeting specific ethnic groups of construction workers are of benefit for pneumoconiosis prevention. The aim of this study was to develop a multimedia educational intervention for pneumoconiosis prevention for South Asian construction workers, and to evaluate its feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness in increasing knowledge of pneumoconiosis, modifying beliefs about pneumoconiosis, and enhancing intention to implement measures for its prevention among the workers. This evaluation was performed using the Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance framework. A one-group design was adopted and intervention mapping was used to guide the process of intervention development, while the Health Belief Model guided the development of intervention content. The intervention was delivered at construction sites, ethnic minority associations and South Asian community centres. Data were collected via surveys completed at pre-intervention, post-intervention and 3 months after the intervention. A total of 1002 South Asian construction workers participated in the intervention. The participants reported a moderate-to-large increase in knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action and self-efficacy (Cohen’s d: 0.37–0.89), a small reduction in perceived barriers (Cohen’s d = 0.12) and a moderate improvement in attitudes and intention to practice (Cohen’s d: 0.45, 0.51) at post-intervention. A follow-up survey of 121 participants found that the implementation of preventive measures appeared to increase. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the implementation of a culturally adapted multimedia educational intervention could be an effective approach to improving knowledge, self-efficacy and intention regarding pneumoconiosis prevention among South Asian construction workers.
Internet use and health in higher education students: a scoping review
Authors: Rouvinen Hanna , Jokiniemi Krista , Sormunen Marjorita , Turunen Hannele
Published: January 2021

The amount of time spent online has increased over the last decade among higher education students. Students engage in online activities related to studies, work, leisure, entertainment and electronic services (e-services) use. The Internet is also used for health-related matters. The increase in the use of the Internet has influenced students’ health, especially mental and physical health and well-being. This scoping review scrutinizes the literature between 2015 and 2020 (N = 55) on the association between Internet use and health in higher education students. A methodological framework, outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, was applied to conduct this review. Systematic searches were carried out in the CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus databases and in the available grey literature. For the data, a thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke was utilized. Two major themes of ‘Health-promoting Internet use’ and ‘Health-threatening Internet use’ emerged and are described in this review.
Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with higher risk of premature ovarian insufficiency—a nationwide Health Insurance Research Database study
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Ting , Ho Jason Y P
Published: January 2021

STUDY QUESTION

Is thyroid autoimmunity associated with a higher risk of low ovarian reserve and POI?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Thyroid autoimmunity significantly increases the risk of POI in women.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

POI is closely related with autoimmune disease, and according to some studies, thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) may account for diminished ovarian reserve. However, no large-scale cohort study has demonstrated the association between TAI and POI.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A longitudinal population-based retrospective cohort study on the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was designed. Since 1 March 1995, the National Health Insurance (NHI) programme in Taiwan has included 99.9% of the 23 million population of Taiwan. Patients between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2012 were eligible for recruitment, and 21 325 subjects were analysed in our study.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Two cohorts, Hashimoto’s and Grave’s disease, were composed of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease between 20 and 40 years of age. The comparison cohorts consisted of patients in the NHIRD without autoimmune thyroid disease matched by age at a ratio of 1:4 in subject numbers.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The Hashimoto's disease (HD) cohort, Grave's disease (GD) cohort and two comparison cohorts were followed up until a diagnosis of amenorrhoea, menopausal syndrome, other ovarian failure or infertility due to ovarian failure had been made. Compared statistically with the non-HD cohort, patients with HD exhibited an 89% higher risk of amenorrhoea (95% CI =1.36–2.61). The HD patients exhibited a 2.40-fold higher risk of infertility due to ovarian failure than the non-HD subjects (hazard ratio (HR)=2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02–5.68). In comparison with the non-GD cohort, patients with GD exhibited a 68% higher risk of amenorrhoea (95% CI = 1.43–1.98) after adjustment. According to the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the cumulative incidence of amenorrhoea and menopausal syndrome was significantly higher in the TAI groups than in the control groups.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This is a retrospective study using ICD-9 disease code analysis to determine the statistical association between two diseases.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Given that autoimmune thyroid disease is highly associated with early diminished ovarian reserve or even premature ovarian failure or POI, the options for infertility treatment may be re-directed to more efficient methods in infertile patients diagnosed with the disease. If the ovarian reserve is normal at the time of diagnosis of thyroid autoimmune disease, close follow-up of ovarian reserve may be highly recommended.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study is supported in part by Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare Clinical Trial Center, Grant Number: MOHW109-TDU-B-212-114004. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.
Forging a New Path in English-French Lexicography: Guy Miège in Relation to Robert Sherwood
Authors: Francoeur Aline
Published: January 2021

From 1632 to the late 1670s, the English-French lexicographic scene was monopolized by Robert Sherwood’s Dictionaire Anglois & François, which was annexed to Randle Cotgrave’s second edition of the Dictionarie of the French and English Tongues and reissued in all subsequent editions (1650, 1660, and 1673). Sherwood’s work would have been the source of choice for any lexicographer wanting to compile a new English-French dictionary. However, for Guy Miège, the author of A New Dictionary French and English, with another English and French published in 1677, Sherwood’s dictionary seems to have been a minor influence at best. What the relation between them sets forth is the significantly new range and originality of Miège’s work in comparison, as demonstrated in this study.
Folding of Hitchin Systems and Crepant Resolutions
Authors: Beck Florian , Donagi Ron , Wendland Katrin
Published: January 2021

Folding of ADE-Dynkin diagrams according to graph automorphisms yields irreducible Dynkin diagrams of $\textrm{ABCDEFG}$-types. This folding procedure allows to trace back the properties of the corresponding simple Lie algebras or groups to those of $\textrm{ADE}$-type. In this article, we implement the techniques of folding by graph automorphisms for Hitchin integrable systems. We show that the fixed point loci of these automorphisms are isomorphic as algebraic integrable systems to the Hitchin systems of the folded groups away from singular fibers. The latter Hitchin systems are isomorphic to the intermediate Jacobian fibrations of Calabi–Yau orbifold stacks constructed by the 1st author. We construct simultaneous crepant resolutions of the associated singular quasi-projective Calabi–Yau three-folds and compare the resulting intermediate Jacobian fibrations to the corresponding Hitchin systems.
Stochastic Ricci Flow on Compact Surfaces
Authors: Dubédat Julien , Shen Hao
Published: January 2021

In this paper we introduce the stochastic Ricci flow (SRF) in two spatial dimensions. The flow is symmetric with respect to a measure induced by Liouville conformal field theory. Using the theory of Dirichlet forms, we construct a weak solution to the associated equation of the area measure on a flat torus, in the full “$L^1$ regime” $\sigma < \sigma _{L^1}=2 \sqrt \pi $ where $\sigma $ is the noise strength. We also describe the main necessary modifications needed for the SRF on general compact surfaces and list some open questions.
Humanized Transgenic Mice Are Resistant to Chronic Wasting Disease Prions From Norwegian Reindeer and Moose
Authors: Wadsworth Jonathan D F , Joiner Susan , Linehan Jacqueline M , Jack Kezia , Al-Doujaily Huda , Costa Helena , Ingold Thea , Taema Maged , Zhang Fuquan , Sandberg Malin K , Brandner Sebastian , Tran Linh , Vikøren Turid , Våge Jørn , Madslien Knut , Ytrehus Bjørnar , Benestad Sylvie L , Asante Emmanuel A , Collinge John
Published: January 2021

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy or prion disease affecting cervids. In 2016, the first cases of CWD were reported in Europe in Norwegian wild reindeer and moose. The origin and zoonotic potential of these new prion isolates remain unknown. In this study to investigate zoonotic potential we inoculated brain tissue from CWD-infected Norwegian reindeer and moose into transgenic mice overexpressing human prion protein. After prolonged postinoculation survival periods no evidence for prion transmission was seen, suggesting that the zoonotic potential of these isolates is low.
Differential impact of on-site or telepharmacy in the intensive care unit: a controlled before–after study
Authors: Ramos Joao Gabriel Rosa , Hernandes Sandra Cristina , Pereira Talita Teles Teixeira , Oliveira Shana , Soares Denis de Melo , Passos Rogerio da Hora , Caldas Juliana Ribeiro , Guarda Suzete Nascimento Farias , Batista Paulo Benigno Pena , Mendes Ana Verena Almeida
Published: January 2021

Background

Clinical pharmacists have an important role in the intensive care unit (ICU) team but are scarce resources. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of on-site pharmacists on medical prescriptions in the ICU.

Methods

This is a retrospective, quasi-experimental, controlled before-after study in two ICUs. Interventions by pharmacists were evaluated in phase 1 (February to November 2016) and phase 2 (February to May 2017) in ICU A (intervention) and ICU B (control). In phase 1, both ICUs had a telepharmacy service in which medical prescriptions were evaluated and interventions were made remotely. In phase 2, an on-site pharmacist was implemented in ICU A, but not in ICU B. We compared the number of interventions that were accepted in phase 1 versus phase 2.

Results

During the study period, 8797/9603 (91.6%) prescriptions were evaluated, and 935 (10.6%) needed intervention. In phase 2, there was an increase in the proportion of interventions that were accepted by the physician in comparison to phase 1 (93.9% versus 76.8%, P < 0.001) in ICU A, but there was no change in ICU B (75.2% versus 73.9%, P = 0.845).

Conclusion

An on-site pharmacist in the ICU was associated with an increase in the proportion of interventions that were accepted by physicians.
Prognostic impact of geriatric assessment in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer: an integrated analysis of two randomized phase III trials (JCOG1115-A)
Authors: Katayama Hiroshi , Mizusawa Junki , Fukuda Haruhiko , Nakamura Shinichiro , Nakamura Kenich , Saijo Nagahiro , Yokoyama Akira , Ohe Yuichro , Shinkai Tetsu , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Abe Tetsuya , Mitsuoka Shigeki , Okamoto Hiroaki , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Ando Masahiko , Tamura Tomohide , Takeda Koji
Published: January 2021

Objective

Patients’ actual age and performance status do not always accurately identify the ‘fit elderly’ for chemotherapy. This study aimed to determine whether four geriatric assessment tools could predict prognosis.

Methods

This study were analyzed using the data of two randomized phase III trials (JCOG0207 and JCOG0803/WJOG4307L) for elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and included all eligible patients who were assessed before treatment with four geriatric assessment tools: the Barthel activities of daily living index, Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Univariable and multivariable analyses for overall survival, adjusted for baseline factors, were performed using a stratified Cox regression model with treatment regimen as strata.

Results

This analysis included 330 patients aged 70–74, 75–79 or 80 or more (n = 95/181/54), with a performance status of 0 or 1 (n = 119/211). Patients were divided into three groups based on Mini-Mental State Examination and two groups based on Geriatric Depression Scale, but over 80% of patients had perfect scores for both activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. In overall survival subgroup analyses by GA tool, only Mini-Mental State Examination scores were associated with substantial outcome differences (median survival times: 21.2, 13.5 and 12.2 months for scores 30, 29–24 and ≤23). After adjusting for baseline factors, the Mini-Mental State Examination, sex and performance status were tended to be worse overall survival.

Conclusion

MMSE scores, performance status and sex, but not chronological age, effectively predicted the prognosis of elderly patients. Further studies should confirm that the Mini-Mental State Examination is useful for determining the indication of chemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Family Functioning in Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Garr Katlyn , Odar Stough Cathleen , Origlio Julianne
Published: January 2021

Objective

Children with some chronic health conditions experience family functioning difficulties. However, research examining family functioning in youth with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) has produced mixed results. Therefore, the current review critically synthesized the literature on family functioning among youth with FGIDs.

Methods

A systematic search using pediatric, family functioning, and FGID search terms was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, and ProQuest. Out of the 586 articles initially identified, 17 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were included if they presented original research in English, assessed family functioning, and the study sample consisted of children (0–18 years) diagnosed with a FGID. Quality assessment ratings were conducted for each included study based on a previously developed scientific merit 3-point rating system.

Results

The majority of studies (n = 13) examined family functioning between youth with FGIDs and comparison groups. The remaining studies explored associations between family functioning and study variables (e.g., child psychosocial functioning and sociodemographic factors) and examined family functioning clusters among children with FGIDs. In general, children with FGIDs demonstrated poorer family functioning compared to healthy counterparts. Findings also suggested that child psychosocial functioning, disease characteristics, and sociodemographic factors were related to family functioning among youth with FGIDs. The average quality of studies was moderate (M = 2.3).

Conclusions

Maintaining healthy family functioning appears to be challenging for some families of children with FGIDs. Future research should explore the directionality of the relationship between family functioning and child physical and psychosocial outcomes to advance the understanding and treatment of pediatric FGIDs.
NUPR1 participates in YAP-mediate gastric cancer malignancy and drug resistance via AKT and p21 activation
Authors: Jiang Lei , Wang Wenjun , Li Zhanwu , Zhao Yao , Qin Zhensheng
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To assess nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) level in human gastric cancer (GC) cells, explore the effects of NUPR1 on GC progression, and investigate the possible regulatory mechanism.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunoblot and quantitative PCR assays were conducted to detect the NUPR1 level in human GC tissues and corresponding normal tissues. Also, NUPR1 expression level correlates with clinical features of GC patients. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT), transwell assays, Immunoblot assays, and flow cytometry (FCM) assays were used to evaluate the effects of NUPR1 on the proliferation, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and apoptosis of GC cells in vitro. Immunoblot assays were performed to detect the potential mechanism in NUPR1-mediated drug resistance.

Key findings

We found the expression of NUPR1 was upregulated in human gastric cancer tissues and correlated with the clinical features including tumour size, tumour stage and, lymph node metastasis. We further noticed that the depletion of NUPR1 inhibited the invasion and EMT of gastric cancer cells and stimulated the apoptosis. In doxorubicin-resistant gastric cancer cells, yes-associated protein (YAP) activation was up-regulated, and YAP could regulate the expression of NUPR1 to affect drug-resistance. We further provided the evidence that overexpression of NUPR1 reversed the effect of YAP knockdown on cell malignancy and drug resistance via regulating AKT and p21 pathway.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated the involvement of NUPR1 in the progression of gastric cancer and elucidated its molecular mechanism in regulating drug resistance.
Proteomics of developing pea seeds reveals a complex antioxidant network underlying the response to sulfur deficiency and water stress
Authors: Henriet Charlotte , Balliau Thierry , Aimé Delphine , Le Signor Christine , Kreplak Jonathan , Zivy Michel , Gallardo Karine , Vernoud Vanessa
Published: January 2021

Pea is a legume crop producing protein-rich seeds and is increasingly in demand for human consumption and animal feed. The aim of this study was to explore the proteome of developing pea seeds at three key stages covering embryogenesis, the transition to seed-filling, and the beginning of storage-protein synthesis, and to investigate how the proteome was influenced by S deficiency and water stress, applied either separately or combined. Of the 3184 proteins quantified by shotgun proteomics, 2473 accumulated at particular stages, thus providing insights into the proteome dynamics at these stages. Differential analyses in response to the stresses and inference of a protein network using the whole proteomics dataset identified a cluster of antioxidant proteins (including a glutathione S-transferase, a methionine sulfoxide reductase, and a thioredoxin) possibly involved in maintaining redox homeostasis during early seed development and preventing cellular damage under stress conditions. Integration of the proteomics data with previously obtained transcriptomics data at the transition to seed-filling revealed the transcriptional events associated with the accumulation of the stress-regulated antioxidant proteins. This transcriptional defense response involves genes of sulfate homeostasis and assimilation, thus providing candidates for targeted studies aimed at dissecting the signaling cascade linking S metabolism to antioxidant processes in developing seeds.
A genome-wide association study reveals cytokinin as a major component in the root defense responses againstRalstonia solanacearum
Authors: Alonso-Díaz Alejandro , Satbhai Santosh B , de Pedro-Jové Roger , Berry Hannah M , Göschl Christian , Argueso Cristiana T , Novak Ondrej , Busch Wolfgang , Valls Marc , Coll Núria S
Published: January 2021

Bacterial wilt caused by the soil-borne pathogen Ralstonia solancearum is economically devastating, with no effective methods to fight the disease. This pathogen invades plants through their roots and colonizes their xylem, clogging the vasculature and causing rapid wilting. Key to preventing colonization are the early defense responses triggered in the host’s root upon infection, which remain mostly unknown. Here, we have taken advantage of a high-throughput in vitro infection system to screen natural variability associated with the root growth inhibition phenotype caused by R. solanacearum in Arabidopsis during the first hours of infection. To analyze the genetic determinants of this trait, we have performed a genome-wide association study, identifying allelic variation at several loci related to cytokinin metabolism, including genes responsible for biosynthesis and degradation of cytokinin. Further, our data clearly demonstrate that cytokinin signaling is induced early during the infection process and cytokinin contributes to immunity against R. solanacearum. This study highlights a new role for cytokinin in root immunity, paving the way for future research that will help in understanding the mechanisms underpinning root defenses.
A heat stress responsive NAC transcription factor heterodimer plays key roles in rice grain filling
Authors: Ren Ye , Huang Zhouquan , Jiang Hao , Wang Zhuo , Wu Fengsheng , Xiong Yufei , Yao Jialing
Published: January 2021

High temperature often leads to failure of grain filling in rice (Oryza sativa) causing yield loss, but the underlying mechanisms are still not elucidated. Here, we report that two genes encoding seed-specific NAM/ATAF/CUC (NAC) domain transcription factors, ONAC127 and ONAC129, are responsive to heat stress and involved in the grain filling process of rice. ONAC127 and ONAC129 are dominantly expressed in the pericarp and can form a heterodimer during rice grain filling. CRISPR/Cas9 induced mutants and overexpression lines were then generated to investigate the function of these two transcription factors. Interestingly, both knock-out and overexpression plants showed incomplete grain filling and shrunken grains, which became more severe under heat stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed that ONAC127 and ONAC129 mainly regulate stimulus response and nutrient transport. ChIP-seq analysis identified that the direct target genes of ONAC127 and ONAC129 in developing rice seeds include monosaccharide transporter gene OsMST6, sugar transporter gene OsSWEET4, calmodulin-like protein gene OsMSR2 and AP2/ERF factor gene OsEATB. These results suggest that ONAC127 and ONAC129 regulate grain filling by affecting sugar transportation and abiotic stress responses. Overall, this study demonstrates a transcriptional regulatory network with ONAC127 and ONAC129 coordinating multiple pathways to modulate seed development and heat stress responses at rice reproductive stages.