bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic signatures of osteoarthritis in urine using liquid chromatography‐high resolution tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Abdelrazig Salah , Ortori Catharine A. , Doherty Michael , Valdes Ana M. , Chapman Victoria , Barrett David A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of disability in older people, but its aetiology is not yet fully understood. Biomarkers of OA from metabolomics studies have shown potential use in understanding the progression and pathophysiology of OA.

Objectives

To investigate possible surrogate biomarkers of knee OA in urine using metabolomics to contribute towards a better understanding of OA progression and possible targeted treatment.

Method

Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was applied in a case–control approach to explore the possible metabolic differences between the urinary profiles of symptomatic knee OA patients (n = 74) (subclassified into inflammatory OA, n = 22 and non-inflammatory OA, n = 52) and non-OA controls (n = 68). Univariate, multivariate and pathway analyses were performed with a rigorous validation including cross-validation, permutation test, prediction and receiver operating characteristic curve to identify significantly altered metabolites and pathways in OA.

Results

OA datasets generated 7405 variables and multivariate analysis showed clear separation of inflammatory OA, but not non-inflammatory OA, from non-OA controls. Adequate cross-validation (R2Y = 0.874, Q2 = 0.465) was obtained. The prediction model and the ROC curve showed satisfactory results with a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 71% and accuracy of 77%. 26 metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers of inflammatory OA using HMDB, authentic standards and/or MS/MS database.

Conclusion

Urinary metabolic profiles were altered in inflammatory knee OA subjects compared to those with non-inflammatory OA and non-OA controls. These altered profiles associated with perturbed activity of the TCA cycle, pyruvate and amino acid metabolism linked to inflammation, oxidative stress and collagen destruction. Of note, 2-keto-glutaramic acid level was > eightfold higher in the inflammatory OA patients compared to non-OA control, signalling a possible perturbation in glutamine metabolism related to OA progression.
Differential Item Functioning Analysis Without A Priori Information on Anchor Items: QQ Plots and Graphical Test
Authors: Yuan Ke-Hai , Liu Hongyun , Han Yuting
Published: March 2021

Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis is an important step in establishing the validity of measurements. Most traditional methods for DIF analysis use an item-by-item strategy via anchor items that are assumed DIF-free. If anchor items are flawed, these methods will yield misleading results due to biased scales. In this article, based on the fact that the item’s relative change of difficulty difference (RCD) does not depend on the mean ability of individual groups, a new DIF detection method (RCD-DIF) is proposed by comparing the observed differences against those with simulated data that are known DIF-free. The RCD-DIF method consists of a D-QQ (quantile quantile) plot that permits the identification of internal references points (similar to anchor items), a RCD-QQ plot that facilitates visual examination of DIF, and a RCD graphical test that synchronizes DIF analysis at the test level with that at the item level via confidence intervals on individual items. The RCD procedure visually reveals the overall pattern of DIF in the test and the size of DIF for each item and is expected to work properly even when the majority of the items possess DIF and the DIF pattern is unbalanced. Results of two simulation studies indicate that the RCD graphical test has Type I error rate comparable to those of existing methods but with greater power.
Weight bearing versus conventional CT for the measurement of patellar alignment and stability in patients after surgical treatment for patellar recurrent dislocation
Authors: Lullini Giada , Belvedere Claudio , Busacca Maurizio , Moio Antonio , Leardini Alberto , Caravelli Silvio , Maccaferri Bruna , Durante Stefano , Zaffagnini Stefano , Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio Maria
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To compare weight-bearing cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) and conventional computer tomography (CT)-based measurements of patellofemoral alignment and stability in patients surgically treated for recurrent patellar dislocation. These scans implied respectively single-leg up-right posture, the knee flexed, and lower limb muscles activation, versus supine position with the knee extended.

Methods

A total of 17 patients (11 males/6 females) after surgical reconstruction with fascia lata allograft for recurrent patellofemoral dislocation were analyzed at 60-month follow-up. Tilt and congruence angles and tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT-TG) offset were measured on images obtained from CBCT and conventional CT scans by three independent and expert radiologists. Paired t tests were performed to compare measurements obtained from the two scans. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using a two-way mixed-effects model intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Only TT-TG offset was found significantly smaller (p < 0.001) in CBCT (mean 9.9 ± 5.3 mm) than in conventional CT (mean 15.9 ± 4.9 mm) scans. ICC for tilt and congruence angles and for TT-TG offset ranged between 0.80–0.94 with measurements in CBCT scans, between 0.52 and0.78 in conventional CT.

Conclusion

In patients surgically treated for recurrent patellar dislocation, TT-TG offset was found overestimated with conventional CT. All measurements of patellofemoral stability and alignment were found more consistent when obtained with weight-bearing CBCT compared to conventional CT.
Emerging Market Multinational Family Business Groups and the Use of Family Managers in Foreign Subsidiaries
Authors: Chung Hsi-Mei , Dahms Sven , Kao Pao T.
Published: March 2021

Little is known about the internationalization behavior of Emerging Market Family Business Groups (EFBGs) and their strategic usage of family managers in foreign subsidiaries facing uncertainty due to institutional differences. Informed by the resource-based view of the firm and by institutional theory, we hypothesize that family managers are an EFBGs-specific resource used to mitigate institutional uncertainty caused by larger institutional distances occurring between home and host countries. Moreover, family managers are used differently depending on the regional focus of the EFBGs, which further strengthens the critical role that family manager’s play in management and control across the business groups. We employ 5-year panel data on Taiwanese EFBGs, and our results indicate that family managers tend to be assigned by EFBGs with stronger operations outside the home region, and in foreign subsidiaries where strong differences in regulative and cognitive institution may exist. We contribute to the continuing understanding of family ownership in the management of EFBGs, and the research of internationalization of firms on managing foreign subsidiaries.
An Adaptable Framework for Factors Contributing to Medication Adherence: Results from a Systematic Review of 102 Conceptual Frameworks
Authors: Peh Kai Qi Elizabeth , Kwan Yu Heng , Goh Hendra , Ramchandani Hasna , Phang Jie Kie , Lim Zhui Ying , Loh Dionne Hui Fang , Østbye Truls , Blalock Dan V. , Yoon Sungwon , Bosworth Hayden Barry , Low Lian Leng , Thumboo Julian
Published: March 2021

Objective

To summarize the available conceptual models for factors contributing to medication adherence based on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s five dimensions of medication adherence via a systematic review, identify the patient groups described in available conceptual models, and present an adaptable conceptual model that describes the factors contributing to medication adherence in the identified patient groups.

Methods

We searched PubMed®, Embase®, CINAHL®, and PsycINFO® for English language articles published from inception until 31 March 2020. Full-text original publications in English that presented theoretical or conceptual models for factors contributing to medication adherence were included. Studies that presented statistical models were excluded. Two authors independently extracted the data.

Results

We identified 102 conceptual models, and classified the factors contributing to medication adherence using the WHO’s five dimensions of medication adherence, namely patient-related, medication-related, condition-related, healthcare system/healthcare provider-related, and socioeconomic factors. Eight patient groups were identified based on age and disease condition. The most universally addressed factors were patient-related factors. Medication-related, condition-related, healthcare system-related, and socioeconomic factors were represented to various extents depending on the patient group. By systematically examining how the WHO’s five dimensions of medication adherence were applied differently across the eight different patient groups, we present a conceptual model that can be adapted to summarize the common factors contributing to medication adherence in different patient groups.

Conclusion

Our conceptual models can be utilized as a guide for clinicians and researchers in identifying the facilitators and barriers to medication adherence and developing future interventions to improve medication adherence.

Protocol Registration

PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42020181316
In education we trust: on handling the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Swedish welfare state
Authors: Lindblad Sverker , Lindqvist Anders , Runesdotter Caroline , Wärvik Gun-Britt
Published: March 2021

Keeping schools open was an active strategy in Sweden to meet the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article we analyze how a collection of welfare state agents with different tasks, resources and interests in interaction formed an assemblage in their responses to the pandemic and how education thereby became part of a strategy to keep the society going. The inquiries concern what this tells us about education as framed and constrained as a part of society. Our observations are based on statements presented by the government and public agencies, mass media and websites. We identified an assemblage of interwoven agents such as institutions, laws, regulations and recommendations, pandemic manuals, statistics and media. All these were brought together by actions and ideas to handle a pandemic when there were no preventive vaccines. The overarching principle was to educate the population to competent actions in dealing with the pandemic. To keep schools open was part of that principle combined with caretaking ambitions. This assemblage looked like a centralistic machine but it was not; risks were pushed back to local authorities and schools. In conclusion, we note that education is vital in the overarching strategy to deal with the pandemic in Sweden in terms of trust in people and governmentality.
Embedding Theorems and Area Operators on Bergman Spaces with Doubling Measure
Authors: Pang Changbao , Perälä Antti , Wang Maofa
Published: March 2021

We establish an embedding theorem for the weighted Bergman spaces induced by a positive Borel measure $$d\omega (y)dx$$

d
ω
(
y
)
d
x

with the doubling property $$\omega (0,2t)\le C\omega (0,t)$$

ω
(
0
,
2
t
)
≤
C
ω
(
0
,
t
)

. The characterization is given in terms of Carleson squares on the upper half-plane. As special cases, our result covers the standard weights and logarithmic weights. As an application, we also establish the boundedness of the area operator.
What factors condition the financial viability of sheltered employment centres? Empirical evidence
Authors: Gelashvili Vera , Segovia-Vargas María-Jesús , Camacho-Miñano María-del-Mar
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, employment is a challenge for people but more for disabled ones. Prior literature shows that, at a European level, there are different ways for people with disabilities to find a job, such as a quota system, sheltered workshops, supported employment, etc. In Spain, sheltered employment centres are prototypes of sheltered workshops aimed at integrating more people with disabilities into the workplace. This research project aims to give visibility to these firms and to gain an understanding of their economic and financial situation. Using the whole sample of sheltered employment centres in Spain, and their financial data from 2004 to 2016, we show which variables explain their viability. Additionally, in light of the imminent worldwide crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, we want to test the impact of the last economic crisis on the profitability of sheltered employment centres. The main contribution of this study is that the size of these companies, age, financial risk and sales growth, are determining factors for their profitability. And, the economic and financial crisis has conditioned the viability of sheltered employment centres as many firms on the market registered a decrease in their profitability in the years following the crisis but survived. This study helps to shed light on the economic and financial situation of this kind of firms as well as their social visibility.
Sociodemographic and Psychological Risk Factors for Anxiety and Depression: Findings from the Covid-19 Health and Adherence Research in Scotland on Mental Health (CHARIS-MH) Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Hubbard Gill , den Daas Chantal , Johnston Marie , Dixon Diane
Published: March 2021

Background

Investigations about mental health report prevalence rates with fewer studies investigating psychological and social factors influencing mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Study aims: (1) identify sociodemographic groups of the adult population at risk of anxiety and depression and (2) determine if the following social and psychological risk factors for poor mental health moderated these direct sociodemographic effects: loneliness, social support, threat perception, illness representations.

Methods

Cross-sectional nationally representative telephone survey in Scotland in June 2020. If available, validated instruments were used, for example, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) to measure anxiety and depression. Simple linear regressions followed by examination of moderation effect.

Results

A total of 1006 participants; median age 53 years, 61.4% female, from all levels of area deprivation (i.e., 3.8% in the most deprived decile and 15.6% in the most affluent decile). Analyses show associations of anxiety and depression with sociodemographic (age, gender, deprivation), social (social support, loneliness) and psychological factors (perceived threat and illness representations). Mental health was poorer in younger adults, women and people living in the most deprived areas. Age effects were exacerbated by loneliness and illness representations, gender effects by loneliness and illness representations and deprivation effects by loneliness, social support, illness representations and perceived threat. In each case, the moderating variables amplified the detrimental effects of the sociodemographic factors.

Conclusions

These findings confirm the results of pre-Covid-19 pandemic studies about associations between sociodemographics and mental health. Loneliness, lack of social support and thoughts about Covid-19 exacerbated these effects and offer pointers for pre-emptive action.
Avenues for improving farming sustainability assessment with upgraded tools, sustainability framing and indicators. A review
Authors: Chopin Pierre , Mubaya Chipo P. , Descheemaeker Katrien , Öborn Ingrid , Bergkvist Göran
Published: March 2021

The sustainability of agriculture is questioned due to major negative environmental and socioeconomic impacts. To improve the state of agriculture, various management changes have been proposed. Different tools, with varying characteristics, sustainability framing and indicators, have been used to evaluate the impact of these changes on sustainability. Here, we review 119 tools for farm sustainability assessment and compare their use, sustainability dimensions, themes and types of indicators used for biodiversity conservation, farm viability and gender equity. Our main findings are that (1) tools could be classified into five groups that differ in stakeholder participation and model used for calculating sustainability, (2) seven different sustainability framings are used and (3) only two out of 29 indicators screened address impacts of farming system while the others address drivers, pressures or states of the system. The tools were grouped in “Long-term monitoring of farm activities” (11%), “Ex-ante assessment of sustainability with bioeconomic models” (9%), “Survey- and indicator-based assessment of tools” (41%), “Consultation-based assessment” (25%) and “Active engagement of stakeholder-based assessment” (14%). The “classical view of sustainability”, with the economic, social and environmental pillars, was used in 61% of the papers. Based on these findings, we suggest (1) development of temporal dynamic assessment of farm sustainability with active involvement of stakeholders in the framing of sustainability and design of indicators to achieve reliable and relevant assessment outcomes. We recommend (2) adoption of more complex sustainability framings dealing with emerging system properties, namely resilience, viability and stability. In these, (3) governance/institutional dimensions should be emphasised, and social themes targeting farmers’ characteristics should be included. Finally, (4) use of impact indicators in farm sustainability assessments is critical, and they should be designed to contribute to scientifically rigorous and relevant assessments of farming system sustainability.
Isolated partial tear of extensor digitorum longus tendon with overlying muscle herniation in acute ankle sports injury: role of high resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound
Authors: Deka Jeena Bordoloi , Deka Nilim Kumar , Shah Mohit V. , Bortolotto Chandra , Draghi Ferdinando , Jimenez Fernando
Published: March 2021

Lateral Ankle sprain is a common sports-related trauma with the mechanism of injury ranging from inversion to plantar flexion. These injuries commonly affect the ligaments but can also affect the associated soft tissue structures like the eversion muscles and tendons. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of such injuries is warranted so as to ensure early return to play and prevent long-term complications. Lateral ankle sprain injuries in sports may not always be associated with ligament injuries. We report a never before reported case of lateral ankle sprain injury in a soccer player with the unusual finding of isolated partial tear of Extensor digitorum longus muscle and its fascia leading to myo-fascial herniation. The lateral ankle ligaments were intact. The diagnosis was clinched on a high-frequency ultrasound scan supported by dynamic maneuvers which in fact proved to be superior to MRI as the latter failed to demonstrate the myo-fascial herniation in our case. We therefore propose that real-time ultrasound scanning with dynamic maneuvers should be the first line of investigation to assess sports injuries in anatomically complex joints like the ankle.
Using artificial neural networks for GNSS observations analysis and displacement prediction of suspension highway bridge
Authors: Beshr Ashraf A. A. , Zarzoura Fawzi H.
Published: March 2021

Bridges are playing a major role in the socio-economic development of any country over the world. Suspension highway bridges are one of the most sensitive structures to various external influences and loads. Therefore, the need for structural monitoring system, maintenance, and deformation prediction for these structures is important and vital. One of the main objectives of monitoring the structural deformation is predicting the deformation values, which will help to avoid sudden failure and accidents in the future. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) have proven successful solution in many engineering applications and problems. This paper investigates an integrated monitoring system using GNSS observations for studying the deformation behavior and displacement prediction for suspension highway bridge, taking into consideration the effect of wind, temperature, humidity and traffic loads during the operational and short-term measurements. Due to the complexity of the mathematical processing of large GNSS monitoring data for obtaining reliable results, adequate model of several alternatives should be chosen. One of the main objectives of this paper is to investigate the optimum predictive model for analysis of GNSS observations and displacement prediction. Several models are applied and compared for prediction of suspension bridge displacement for both kinematic and dynamic models. The resulting predicted displacement values by applying artificial neural networks (ANNs) and ANFIS provide a significant improvement for predicting the structure deformation values for suspension highway bridges from GNSS observations.
Novel Application and Validation of a Method to Assess Visual Impacts of Rotating Wind Turbine Blades Within Woodland Areas
Authors: Nopp-Mayr U. , Kunz F. , Suppan F. , Schöll E. , Coppes J.
Published: March 2021

Increasing numbers of wind power plants (WPP) are constructed across the globe to reduce the anthropogenic contribution to global warming. There are, however, concerns on the effects of WPP on human health as well as related effects on wildlife. To address potential effects of WPP in environmental impact assessments, existing models accounting for shadow flickering and noise are widely applied. However, a standardized, yet simple and widely applicable proxy for the visibility of rotating wind turbines in woodland areas was largely lacking up to date. We combined land cover information of forest canopy extracted from orthophotos and airborne laser scanning (LiDAR) data to represent the visibility of rotating wind turbines in five woodland study sites with a high spatial resolution. Performing an in-situ validation in five study areas across Europe which resulted in a unique sample of 1738 independent field observations, we show that our approach adequately predicts from where rotating wind turbine blades are visible within woodlands or not. We thus provide strong evidence, that our approach yields a valuable proxy of the visibility of moving rotor blades with high resolution which in turn can be applied in environmental impact assessments of WPP within woodlands worldwide.
Wie Hassenstein und Ravenstein Opfer des Gletscherrückgangs wurden
Authors: Crom Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Cartographers are rarely honoured by the use of their name as a toponym (proper name of a topographic object). On Kilimanjaro, however, the first climber and geographer, Hans Meyer, commemorated two outstanding contemporaries known in cartography, Ravenstein and Hassenstein. He named lava rocks after them which protruded from their embrace of ice.
Water, walls, and bicycles: wealth index composition using census microdata
Authors: Lovaton Davila Rodrigo , McCarthy Aine Seitz , Gondwe Dorothy , Kirdruang Phatta , Sharma Uttam
Published: March 2021

In this study, we produce a valid and consistent variable for socioeconomic status (SES) at the household level with census microdata from ten developing countries available from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series—International (IPUMS-I), the world's largest census database. We use principal components analysis to compute a wealth index based on asset ownership, utilities, and dwelling characteristics. We validate the index by verifying socioeconomic gradients on school enrollment and educational attainment. Given that the availability of socioeconomic indicators varies considerably across samples of census microdata, we implement a stepwise elimination procedure on the wealth index to identify the conditions that produce an internally consistent index. Using the results of the stepwise methodology, we propose which indicators are most important in measuring household SES. The development of the asset index for such a large archive of international census microdata is a very useful public resource for researchers.
Weather variability and transmissibility of COVID-19: a time series analysis based on effective reproductive number
Authors: Si Xiaohan , Bambrick Hilary , Zhang Yuzhou , Cheng Jian , McClymont Hannah , Bonsall Michael B. , Hu Wenbiao
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 is causing a significant burden on medical and healthcare resources globally due to high numbers of hospitalisations and deaths recorded as the pandemic continues. This research aims to assess the effects of climate factors (i.e., daily average temperature and average relative humidity) on effective reproductive number of COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China during the early stage of the outbreak. Our research showed that effective reproductive number of COVID-19 will increase by 7.6% (95% Confidence Interval: 5.4% ~ 9.8%) per 1°C drop in mean temperature at prior moving average of 0–8 days lag in Wuhan, China. Our results indicate temperature was negatively associated with COVID-19 transmissibility during early stages of the outbreak in Wuhan, suggesting temperature is likely to effect COVID-19 transmission. These results suggest increased precautions should be taken in the colder seasons to reduce COVID-19 transmission in the future, based on past success in controlling the pandemic in Wuhan, China.
Reluctant and Illegal Migrants in Mao's China: Civil Defense Evacuation in the Tianjin Region, 1969–1980
Authors: Brown Jeremy
Published: March 2021

More than 100,000 people from the city of Tianjin were evacuated to the countryside in a civil defense program during the 1970s. Many evacuees refused to submit to state migration mandates, instead sneaking back to the city illegally or petitioning to regain urban residency. City officials responded flexibly to the evacuees’ pleas, sympathizing with family reunification and treating suburban districts (jiaoqu) on the outskirts of Tianjin as a buffer zone between city and countryside. Dominated by agriculture but home to a growing number of factories, workshops, and offices during the 1970s, jiaoqu became a solution to evacuation headaches. When compared with the recent coerced movement of hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens on national security grounds, the civil defense evacuations of the 1970s suggest that it may be misguided to think of the Mao Zedong years as a faraway time that was more radical or repressive than China today.
Depression and worry symptoms predict future executive functioning impairment via inflammation
Authors: Zainal Nur Hani , Newman Michelle G.
Published: March 2021

Background

Scar models posit that heightened anxiety and depression can increase the risk for subsequent reduced executive function (EF) through increased inflammation across months. However, the majority of past research on this subject used cross-sectional designs. We therefore examined if elevated generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and panic disorder (PD) symptoms forecasted lower EF after 20 months through heightened inflammation.

Methods

Community-dwelling adults partook in this study (n = 614; MAGE = 51.80 years, 50% females). Time 1 (T1) symptom severity (Composite International Diagnostic Interview – Short Form), T2 (2 months after T1) inflammation serum levels (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, interleukin-6), and T3 (20 months after T1) EF (Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone) were assessed. Structural equation mediation modeling was performed.

Results

Greater T1 MDD and GAD (but not PD) severity predicted increased T2 inflammation (Cohen's d = 0.21–1.92). Moreover, heightened T2 inflammation forecasted lower T3 EF (d = −1.98 to −1.87). T2 inflammation explained 25–32% of the negative relations between T1 MDD or GAD and T3 EF. T1 GAD severity predicting T3 EF via T2 inflammation path was stronger among younger (v. older) adults. Direct effects of T1 MDD, GAD, and PD forecasting decreased T3 EF were found (d = −2.02 to −1.92). Results remained when controlling for socio-demographic, physical health, and lifestyle factors.

Conclusions

Inflammation can function as a mechanism of the T1 MDD or GAD–T3 EF associations. Interventions that successfully treat depression, anxiety, and inflammation-linked disorders may avert EF decrements.
Effects of the aqueous extract of Dicliptera verticillata on fertility and different stages of gestation in female rats
Authors: Meguem Stéphanie Ouabo , Lienou Landry Lienou , Goka Marie Stéphanie Chekem , Tagne Richard Simo , Yemele Didiane Mefokou , Telefo Phélix Bruno
Published: March 2021

Dicliptera verticillata is a medicinal plant traditionally used in western Cameroon to cure female infertility. This experiment was designed to assess the effects of the aqueous extract of Dicliptera verticillata (AEDv) on fertility and gestation in female rats. Oral increasing doses of AEDv were administered to immature female rats over 20 d. After this time, some animals were mated with fertile males and some fertility parameters were assayed; the other animals were euthanized for preliminary toxicity parameters analysis. The effects of AEDv on the different stages of gestation were assayed on selected animals previously controlled for estrous cycle regularity and mated. AEDv led to an increase in serum, uterine and ovarian proteins as well as in ovarian and uterine weights (P < 0.05) in immature female rats. Hepatic proteins significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in high dose-treated animals (50 and 100 mg/kg) compared with controls. The number of implantation sites and the fertility rate were significantly lower (P < 0.05), while the antifertility activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) in treated rats compared with controls. When administered from the 1st to the 5th day of pregnancy, AEDv led to a decrease of more than 60% in the implantation rate in high dose-treated rats (50, 100, and 400 mg/kg). From the 6th to the 9th day, the implantation, gestation rates and the number of fetuses decreased significantly in all treated groups. From the 11th to the 20th day, a 50% resorption and decrease in gestation rate were reported in 50 mg/kg dose-treated animals. AEDv possesses weak contraceptive and abortifacient effects during pregnancy.
Acid and aluminium-tolerant microbes isolated from China space station assembly cleanroom surfaces and identified by 16S rRNA/ITS sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Rcheulishvili Nino , Papukashvili Dimitri , Shakir Yasmeen , Deng Yulin , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2021

Corrosion of aluminium (Al) is a potential problem for spacecraft as this metal is used for various mechanical parts due to its strength, durability, etc. However, it can be corroded by certain factors including microbes. Studying microbes which can be implicated in microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) due to their extremophilic nature is of vital importance. In this current study, Al and acid-tolerant microbes were isolated from the samples of China space station assembly cleanroom surfaces; acidic environments can accelerate the corrosion process on metal surfaces. Nine bacterial and 10 fungal strains were identified with 16S ribosomal RNA gene/internal transcribed spacer region sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The dominant bacteria were of Bacillus, fungi of Penicillium and Aspergillus genera. Knowing the microbes which may be conveyed from the cleanrooms to the space stations with a potential capacity of Al degradation is important for long-term maintenance of station components. This study might aid in designing further researches of the aforementioned microorganisms and, therefore, contribute to the prevention of MIC.
Control of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) regrowth following failed applications of glufosinate and fomesafen
Authors: Haarmann Jesse A. , Young Bryan G. , Johnson William G.
Published: March 2021

Rapid vegetative growth and adverse application conditions are common factors leading to the failure of postemergence herbicides on Palmer amaranth. A sequential herbicide application, or respray, is often necessary to control weeds that have survived the initial herbicide application to protect crop yield and minimize weed seed production. The optimum timing after the initial application and the most effective herbicide for control of Palmer amaranth has not been characterized. The objectives of these experiments were to determine the optimum herbicide for treating Palmer amaranth regrowth, the optimum timing for each of those herbicides, and how the initial failed herbicide might affect efficacy of a second herbicide application. Bare ground field experiments were performed in 2017 and 2018 in which glufosinate or fomesafen herbicide failure was induced on Palmer amaranth plants that were 30 cm in height. Respray treatments of glufosinate, fomesafen, lactofen, 2,4-D, and dicamba were applied once at timings of 4 to 5 d, 7 d, or 11 d after the initial spray application. Nearly all herbicide treatment and timing combinations increased control by at least 13 percentage points compared to no respray herbicide treatment. Regardless of initial herbicide, glufosinate applied as a respray treatment was the most consistent and efficacious with up to 97% control. The specific herbicide used in the second application impacted final weed control more so than timing of the respray application. For instance, control by glufosinate respray treatments was 10 to 18 percentage points greater than control from lactofen respray treatments, whereas control decreased by 3 percentage points when respray applications of any herbicide were made 11 d after initial application of glufosinate compared to 4 to 5 and 7 d after initial application of glufosinate. In the event of failure to control Palmer amaranth with glufosinate or fomesafen, glufosinate should be applied in order to maximize control.
CME/Antworten: Hypertonie und die COVID-19-Pandemie: Was in der medizinischen Praxis zu beachten ist
Authors: Wuerzner Grégoire , Waeber Bernard
Published: March 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die COVID-19-Pandemie stellt ein grosses Problem für die öffentliche Gesundheit dar. Ein Teil der Bevölkerung hat ein erhöhtes Risiko, im Rahmen dieser Erkrankung vermehrt Komplikationen zu entwickeln, insbesondere ältere Menschen sowie Diabetiker, adipöse und möglicherweise hypertensive Patientinnen und Patienten. Für Letztere muss dies noch in gross angelegten kontrollierten Studien bestätigt werden. Die bisher gesammelten Erkenntnisse beruhigen, egal ob die Betroffenen behandelt sind oder nicht. Bei der Einnahme von blutdrucksenkenden Medikamenten, einschliesslich Blockern des Renin-Angiotensin-Systems, besteht kein Grund zur Besorgnis. Erste Beobachtungen deuten darauf hin, dass der COVID-19-Impfstoff ohne besondere Probleme bei Hypertoniepatientinnen und -patienten verabreicht werden kann. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass es keinen Grund gibt, hypertensive Patientinnen und Patienten anders zu behandeln als vor dem Ausbruch der Pandemie.
The Past, Present, and Future at JAMES
Authors: Pincus Robert
Published: March 2021

The outgoing editor in chief of JAMES reflects on his time at the journal, recent developments in Earth system modeling, and the challenges of making modeling data accessible.
Observational Evidence for Whistler Mode Waves Guided/Ducted by the Inner and Outer Edges of the Plasmapause
Authors: Chen Rui , Gao Xinliang , Lu Quanming , Tsurutani Bruce T. , Wang Shui
Published: March 2021

We present observational support for whistler mode waves guidance by the plasmapause gradients based on a case study and statistical analyses. Due to the combined effects of inhomogeneous magnetic fields and plasma densities, whistler mode waves near the inner edge of plasmapause (plasmasphere side) will be guided by a high density duct‐like (HDD) gradient, and tend to have very small wave normal angles (WNAs ≤ 20°) relative to the ambient magnetic field,B0. In contrast, whistler mode waves near the outer edge of the plasmapause (plasmatrough side) guided by a low density duct‐like (LDD) gradient, tend to have quite large WNAs (≥∼60°). Statistical analyses emphasize these remarkably different properties of waves in the plasmapause gradients. The results indicate that the wave ducting effects at the plasmapause may lead to unusual and anomalous energetic pitch angle scattering.
Nanoprinted high-neuron-density optical linear perceptrons performing near-infrared inference on a CMOS chip
Authors: Goi Elena , Chen Xi , Zhang Qiming , Cumming Benjamin P. , Schoenhardt Steffen , Luan Haitao , Gu Min
Published: March 2021

Optical machine learning has emerged as an important research area that, by leveraging the advantages inherent to optical signals, such as parallelism and high speed, paves the way for a future where optical hardware can process data at the speed of light. In this work, we present such optical devices for data processing in the form of single-layer nanoscale holographic perceptrons trained to perform optical inference tasks. We experimentally show the functionality of these passive optical devices in the example of decryptors trained to perform optical inference of single or whole classes of keys through symmetric and asymmetric decryption. The decryptors, designed for operation in the near-infrared region, are nanoprinted on complementary metal-oxide–semiconductor chips by galvo-dithered two-photon nanolithography with axial nanostepping of 10 nm1,2, achieving a neuron density of >500 million neurons per square centimetre. This power-efficient commixture of machine learning and on-chip integration may have a transformative impact on optical decryption3, sensing4, medical diagnostics5 and computing6,7.
Randomized trial of azithromycin to eradicate Ureaplasma respiratory colonization in preterm infants: 2-year outcomes
Authors: Viscardi Rose M. , Terrin Michael L. , Magder Laurence S. , Davis Natalie L. , Dulkerian Susan J. , Waites Ken B. , Allen Marilee , Ajayi-Akintade Ajoke , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Kaufman David A. , Donohue Pamela , Tuttle Deborah J. , Weitkamp Jörn-Hendrik
Published: March 2021

Background

To assess the potential impact of azithromycin treatment in the first week following birth on 2-year outcomes in preterm infants with and without Ureaplasma respiratory colonization who participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Respiratory morbidity was assessed at NICU discharge and at 6, 12, and 22–26 months corrected age using pulmonary questionnaires. Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments were completed between 22 and 26 months corrected age. The primary and secondary composite outcomes were death or severe respiratory morbidity and death or moderate–severe neurodevelopmental impairment, respectively, at 22–26 months corrected age.

Results

One hundred and twenty-one randomized participants (azithromycin, N = 60; placebo, N = 61) were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. There were no significant differences in death or serious respiratory morbidity (34.8 vs 30.4%, p = 0.67) or death or moderate–severe neurodevelopmental impairment (47 vs 33%, p = 0.11) between the azithromycin and placebo groups. Among all trial participants, tracheal aspirate Ureaplasma-positive infants experienced a higher frequency of death or serious respiratory morbidity at 22–26 months corrected age (58%) than tracheal aspirate Ureaplasma-negative infants (34%) or non-intubated infants (21%) (p = 0.028).

Conclusions

We did not observe strong evidence of a difference in long-term pulmonary and neurodevelopment outcomes in preterm infants treated with azithromycin in the first week of life compared to placebo.

Impact

No strong evidence of a difference in long-term pulmonary and neurodevelopment outcomes was identified at 22–26 months corrected age in infants treated with azithromycin in the first week of life compared to placebo.

The RCT is the first study of 2-year pulmonary and neurodevelopmental outcomes of azithromycin treatment in ELGANs.

Provides evidence that ELGANs with lower respiratory tract Ureaplasma have the most frequent serious respiratory morbidity in the first 2 years of life, suggesting that a Phase III trial of azithromycin to prevent BPD targeting this population is warranted.
Locally adapted gut microbiomes mediate host stress tolerance
Authors: Houwenhuyse Shira , Stoks Robby , Mukherjee Shinjini , Decaestecker Ellen
Published: March 2021

While evidence for the role of the microbiome in shaping host stress tolerance is becoming well-established, to what extent this depends on the interaction between the host and its local microbiome is less clear. Therefore, we investigated whether locally adapted gut microbiomes affect host stress tolerance. In the water flea Daphnia magna, we studied if the host performs better when receiving a microbiome from their source region than from another region when facing a stressful condition, more in particular exposure to the toxic cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa. Therefore, a reciprocal transplant experiment was performed in which recipient, germ-free D. magna, isolated from different ponds, received a donor microbiome from sympatric or allopatric D. magna that were pre-exposed to toxic cyanobacteria or not. We tested for effects on host life history traits and gut microbiome composition. Our data indicate that Daphnia interact with particular microbial strains mediating local adaptation in host stress tolerance. Most recipient D. magna individuals performed better when inoculated with sympatric than with allopatric microbiomes. This effect was most pronounced when the donors were pre-exposed to the toxic cyanobacteria, but this effect was also pond and genotype dependent. We discuss how this host fitness benefit is associated with microbiome diversity patterns.
Exploring transcriptional regulators Ref-1 and STAT3 as therapeutic targets in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours
Authors: Gampala Silpa , Shah Fenil , Zhang Chi , Rhodes Steven D. , Babb Olivia , Grimard Michelle , Wireman Randall S. , Rad Ellie , Calver Brian , Bai Ren-Yuan , Staedtke Verena , Hulsey Emily L. , Saadatzadeh M. Reza , Pollok Karen E. , Tong Yan , Smith Abbi E. , Clapp D. Wade , Tee Andrew R. , Kelley Mark R. , Fishel Melissa L.
Published: March 2021

Background

MPNST is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma that can arise from patients with NF1. Existing chemotherapeutic and targeted agents have been unsuccessful in MPNST treatment, and recent findings implicate STAT3 and HIF1-α in driving MPNST. The DNA-binding and transcriptional activity of both STAT3 and HIF1-α is regulated by Redox factor-1 (Ref-1) redox function. A first-generation Ref-1 inhibitor, APX3330, is being tested in cancer clinical trials and could be applied to MPNST.

Methods

We characterised Ref-1 and p-STAT3 expression in various MPNST models. Tumour growth, as well as biomarkers of apoptosis and signalling pathways, were measured by qPCR and western blot following treatment with inhibitors of Ref-1 or STAT3.

Results

MPNSTs from Nf1-Arfflox/floxPostnCre mice exhibit significantly increased positivity of p-STAT3 and Ref-1 expression when malignant transformation occurs. Inhibition of Ref-1 or STAT3 impairs MPNST growth in vitro and in vivo and induces apoptosis. Genes highly expressed in MPNST patients are downregulated following inhibition of Ref-1 or STAT3. Several biomarkers downstream of Ref-1 or STAT3 were also downregulated following Ref-1 or STAT3 inhibition.

Conclusions

Our findings implicate a unique therapeutic approach to target important MPNST signalling nodes in sarcomas using new first-in-class small molecules for potential translation to the clinic.
Correction: Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote progression and gemcitabine resistance via the SDF-1/SATB-1 pathway in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wei Lusheng , Ye Huilin , Li Guolin , Lu Yuanting , Zhou Quanbo , Zheng Shangyou , Lin Qing , Liu Yimin , Li Zhihua , Chen Rufu
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-021-03420-5
Self-consistent solution for the magnetic exchange interaction mediated by a superconductor
Authors: Ghanbari Atousa , Risinggård Vetle K. , Linder Jacob
Published: March 2021

We theoretically determine the magnetic exchange interaction between two ferromagnets coupled by a superconductor using a tight-binding lattice model. The main purpose of this study is to determine how the self-consistently determined superconducting state influences the exchange interaction and the preferred ground-state of the system, including the role of impurity scattering. We find that the superconducting state eliminates RKKY-like oscillations for a sufficiently large superconducting gap, making the anti-parallel orientation the ground state of the system. Interestingly, the superconducting gap is larger in the parallel configuration than in the anti-parallel configuration, giving a larger superconducting condensation energy, even when the preferred ground state is anti-parallel. We also show that increasing the impurity concentration in the superconductor causes the exchange interaction to decrease, likely due to an increasing localization of the mediating quasiparticles in the superconductor.
Nesting of Ceratina nigrolabiata, a biparental bee
Authors: Mikát Michael , Matoušková Eva , Straka Jakub
Published: March 2021

Biparental care is very rare in insects, and it was well-documented in only one bee species to this date – Ceratina nigrolabiata. However, biparental care was only recently discovered in this species, and detailed description of natural history of this species is missing. Here, we describe the nesting cycle ofC. nigrolabiata. Pairs ofC. nigrolabiataare established before female starts offspring provisioning. After provisioning is finished (when youngest offspring reached larval stage), the male abandons the nest. Males which are present in nests where female already finished provisioning brood cells, are probably mainly temporary visitors. The female can perform long-time offspring guarding, but only 22% of completely provisioned nests are guarded by a female. Most nests (54%) are closed and abandoned, when provisioning is completed, and other (24%) are orphaned before provisioning is finished. Guarded nests have statistically higher number of brood cells provisioned than unguarded nests. Generally,C. nigrolabiatais unique among bees due to its biparental behavior, but it has also uncommon traits of nesting biology amongCeratinabees, e.g. fast offspring development in comparison with provisioning rate, and high proportion of nests which are closed and abandoned by mother.
Comparison of the effect of air tamponade versus no tamponade after pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Authors: Jang Kyuhwan , Hwang Daniel Duck-Jin , Ahn Jayoung , Son Gisung , Park Ji In , Sohn Joonhong
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with and without air tamponade in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). We prospectively enrolled 145 patients with iERM who underwent a 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless PPV. Patients were assigned to either the air tamponade (air) group (79 eyes) or balanced salt solution (BSS; no tamponade) group (66 eyes). The central macular thickness (CMT), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared for two years. At baseline, there were no significant differences between the two groups. CMT and BCVA were not significantly different between the groups for 2 years. However, the air group had a significantly lower thickness in the superior temporal pRNFL sector at 1 month (p = 0.01) and in the inferior temporal and superior temporal pRNFL sectors at 3 months (p = 0.02 for both). There were no significant differences between both groups in all the pRNFL sectors from 6 months to 2 years. The outcomes of PPV with air tamponade and that with no tamponade appear to be equivalent. This shows that air tamponade may not be an imperative procedure for iERM surgery and has no additional benefit.