bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin advanced glycation end products as a diagnostic and monitoring tool among psoriatic patients: how the therapy helps reduce cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Lanna Caterina , Zangrilli Arianna , Bavetta Mauro , Diluvio Laura , Campione Elena , Bianchi Luca
Published: August 2021

Background and aims

Psoriasis is a disturbing and burdensome inflammatory skin disorder, with a global prevalence of 2–3%. An increased risk of cardiometabolic disease between psoriatic patients has been recently demonstrated. This is probably due to the psoriasis systemic inflammation and the increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐17, IL‐23, and TNF‐α. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the products of nonenzymatic glycation and oxidation of proteins and lipids which modify their structure and function. They have a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases of diabetic adults and children. The accumulation of AGEs can be measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF). Adalimumab (Humira ®) is a fully human monoclonal antibody, administered via subcutaneous injection, which binds the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and is used to treat moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis. We performed an observational prospective study of 24 weeks to assess the reduction of AGEs through SAF measurement during treatment with adalimumab.

Methods

SAF measurements in patients were performed at T0 and after 24 weeks of therapy. Adalimumab efficacy was assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Results

ESR, AGEs, PASI, and VAS for pain decreased throughout the study period.

Conclusion

Adalimumab reduced AGEs in psoriatic patients. Biologic therapies may also prevent cardiovascular disease, suggesting a new approach of combined therapy for psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases.
MiR‐363‐5p modulates regulatory T cells through STAT4‐HSPB1‐Notch1 axis and is associated with the immunological abnormality in Graves' disease
Authors: Yin Xianlun , Ge Junfeng , Ge Xiurong , Gao Jing , Su Xinhuan , Wang Xiaowei , Zhang Qunye , Wang Zhe
Published: August 2021

MiRNAs are a class of small non‐coding RNAs with ability to regulate function of Treg cells and are involved in many autoimmune diseases. Our previous study found that miR‐363‐5p expression was significantly upregulated in peripheral Treg cells of GD patients. Herein, we aimed to investigate its effect and mechanism on Treg cell dysfunction in GD patients. The results showed that miR‐363‐5p upregulation was significantly associated with the Treg cell dysfunction and inflammatory factors levels in GD patients. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that 883 genes were significantly regulated by miR‐363‐5p in Treg cells. These genes with significant differential expression were primarily involved in lymphocyte differentiation, immunity, as well as Notch1 and various interleukin signalling pathways. Moreover, miR‐363‐5p can regulate HSPB1 and Notch1 through the target gene STAT4, thereby regulating Notch1 signalling pathway and inhibiting Treg cells. The effects of miR‐363‐5p on Treg cell function and STAT4‐HSPB1‐Notch1 axis were also verified in GD patients. In conclusion, our results indicated that miR‐363 could inhibit the proliferation, differentiation and function of Treg cells by regulating the STAT4‐HSPB1‐Notch1 axis through target gene STAT4. MiR‐363‐5p may play an important role in Treg cell dysfunction and immune tolerance abnormalities in GD patients.
Evolutionary origin of species diversity on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Mao Kang‐Shan , Wang Yi , Liu Jian‐Quan
Published: August 2021

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) sensu lato (sl) houses an exceptional species diversity in Asia. To develop a comprehensive understanding of species diversity in this fascinating region, we reviewed recent progress from biogeographic, paleogeographic, paleontological and genomic research of both plants and animals in the QTPsl. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine whether the QTPsl uplift triggered the production of rich species diversity there, whether a Quaternary “unified ice sheet” eliminated plants and animals on the central plateau and how high‐altitude species developed the extreme environment adaptations. Major disputes arose about the first issue, mainly from different understanding of the QTP circumscriptions and related uplift, inaccurate dating of molecular phylogenetic trees, and non‐causal correlations between uplift and species diversification. The QTPsl uplift is spatially and temporally heterogeneous, and abundant fossils reported recently similarly support such an asynchronous upheaval model across the entire region. Available phylogeographic studies of alpine plants and animals suggested their glacial refugia in the central QTPsl, rejecting a unified ice sheet during the Last Glacial Maximum. Genomic evidence from a limited number of alpine species has identified numerous candidate genes for high‐altitude adaptation. In the future, more studies should be focused on speciation and adaptation mechanisms of the alpine species in the QTPsl based on the cutting‐edge methods.
As nurses, are we meeting the unique needs of the intact client?
Authors: Wodwaski Nadine , Munyan Kristen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Current routine circumcision rates declined indicating a procedure reduction and because of this, nurses will encounter more intact male patients. Best practices are needed to provide appropriate, safe nursing care. The research aim was to understand what American nurses presently know about intact care and if any knowledge deficits exist.

Design and Methods

The research was conducted using a cross‐sectional survey design. American nurses currently in practice were invited to participate in a survey distributed via social media groups for nursing professionals. No incentive was offered for participation. An author‐developed instrument was used to assess knowledge levels regarding intact care. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics as there was no intervention.

Methods

American nurses currently in practice were invited to participate in a survey distributed via social media groups for nursing professionals. No incentive was offered for participation. An author‐developed instrument was used to assess knowledge levels regarding intact care. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics as there was no intervention.

Results

A convenient sample of 345 nursing professionals participated indicating an intact care knowledge deficit across the lifespan. Fourteen percent of respondents did not indicate that replacing the foreskin back over the glans was necessary with adult genital hygiene for intact patients. In pediatrics, 41.7% answered yes to the item statement “Do you retract the foreskin of an infant male child for catheter placement.”

Practice Implications

The results indicate a knowledge deficit among American nurses regarding genital hygiene, particularly for pediatric patients. Practicing without knowledge of intact care that scientifically based can endanger the caring relationship between nurse and patient, resulting in physical harm and may open themselves and their health systems to legal liability.
Enriched and discriminative convolutional neural network features for pedestrian re‐identification and trajectory modeling
Authors: Wong Peter Kok‐Yiu , Luo Han , Wang Mingzhu , Cheng Jack C. P.
Published: August 2021

Understanding pedestrian flow patterns in urban areas could support the decision‐making for infrastructure planning. By incorporating computer vision techniques into surveillance video processing, human walking trajectories in a wide area could be identified by pedestrian re‐identification (ReID) across multiple cameras. Recent ReID methods mostly use convolutional neural networks equipped with deep learning techniques to extract discriminative human features from images for identity matching. However, they still suffer from realistic challenges such as occlusion and appearance variation. This paper develops a ReID‐based framework for pedestrian trajectory recognition across multiple cameras. Specifically, a generic approach of explainable model design is presented, which intuitively analyzes existing baseline models based on feature visualization. Hence, a new model named OSNet + BDB is developed that extracts discriminative‐and‐distributed features. Additionally, an incremental feature aggregation strategy is designed for more robust identity matching. Our ReID method notably outperforms its baselines by 4% identification F1 accuracy in public benchmarks. Practically, pedestrian flow statistics in a real building are extracted for behavioral modeling. Simulations of several what‐if layouts are then conducted for facility performance evaluation.
Variables influencing manometric parameters of deglutitive and non‐deglutitive upper esophageal sphincter: A study of 89 asymptomatic participants
Authors: Edeani Francis O. , Kern Mark , Ulualp Kenan , Kovacic Karlo , Sanvanson Patrick , Mei Ling , Shaker Reza
Published: August 2021

Background

High‐resolution manometry overcomes limitations imposed by axial and radial asymmetry as well as swallow and respiration‐induced movement of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), allowing for its reliable use in evaluation of dysphagic and reflux patients. The aim of this study was to determine normative values and their variability across position, sex, age, height, weight, BMI, and volume for clinically relevant deglutitive and non‐deglutitive UES parameters.

Methods

We studied 89 asymptomatic volunteers age 19–90 years, (45 female) during 3–10 repetitions of dry, 5 and 10 ml water swallows at 30‐s intervals using high‐resolution manometry.

Key Results

Upper esophageal sphincter high‐pressure zone was longer in men than women and in supine than upright position. UES basal contractile integral and mean basal pressure were higher in supine compared to upright; higher in men than women, inversely correlated with age, correlated positively with height and with weight in the supine position only. UES relaxation duration was longer in upright than in supine position but not affected by age, sex, height, weight, or BMI. It was longer with 5 and 10 ml compared with dry swallows. UES minimum/nadir relaxation and mean relaxation pressures were lower in upright than supine position, increased with increase in age and were higher in men than women.

Conclusions and Inferences

Position, sex, age, height, weight, and volume affect some deglutitive and non‐deglutitve UES manometric parameters. BMI does not affect the studied manometric parameters. These effects should be taken into consideration in clinical evaluation of UES.
Gastric mesenchymal tumor with smooth muscle differentiation and echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4‐anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4‐ALK) fusion
Authors: Akimoto Eigo , Tokunaga Masanori , Sato Reo , Yoshida Akihiko , Naito Yoichi , Yamashita Riu , Kinoshita Takahiro , Kuwata Takeshi
Published: August 2021

Gastric mesenchymal tumors are relatively rare, and their molecular pathogeneses are poorly understood, except for gastrointestinal stromal tumor, desmoid, and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. We report a case of a gastric mesenchymal tumor with prominent smooth muscle cell differentiation and an echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4‐anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4‐ALK) fusion. On gross section, the tumor was 26 mm at the largest diameter, well‐circumscribed, and located in the submucosal and muscular layers of the stomach wall. Histologically, the tumor comprised intersecting fascicles of spindle cells, non‐atypical nuclei, and highly eosinophilic cytoplasm. Myxoid changes were observed focally, but inflammatory infiltrates were only evident in limited areas. Immunochemical staining revealed that the tumor was positive for α‐smooth muscle actin and desmin. Diffuse positive staining for h‐caldesmon was observed throughout the tumor, which suggested smooth muscle cell differentiation. Intracytoplasmic staining for ALK protein was also observed, and fluorescence in situ hybridization using ALK break‐apart probes showed split chromosomal signals. RNA‐sequencing analysis identified EML4‐ALK fusion transcripts. We concluded that the tumor was a gastric mesenchymal tumor with smooth muscle differentiation based on its distinct differential smooth muscle properties, such as highly eosinophilic cytoplasm and diffuse expression of h‐caldesmon. Furthermore, activated ALK may underly the tumor's pathogenesis.
Beginnings of coinhibition
Authors: Sinclair Nicholas R. StC.
Published: August 2021

Costimulatory and coinhibitory mechanisms appear to be involved throughout immune responses to control their specificity and level. Many mechanisms operate; therefore, various theoretical models should be considered complementary rather than competing. One such coinhibitory model, pictured in 1971, involves the crosslinking of antigen receptors with inhibitory Fc receptors by antigen/antibody complexes. This model was prompted by observations that the Fc portion of antibody was required for potent suppression of immune responses by antibody. The signal via the antigen receptor wakes up T or B cells, providing specificity, while costimulators and coinhibitors stimulate or inhibit these awoken cells. The recent observations that administration of monoclonal anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike antibodies in early COVID‐19 patients inhibits the induction of clinically damaging autoimmune antibodies suggest they may provide negative Fc signals that are blocked in COVID‐19 patients. Furthermore, the reduced ability of SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen to localize to germinal centres in COVID‐19 patients also suggests a block in binding of the Fc of antibody bound to antigen on FcγRIIb of follicular dendritic cells. The distinction between self and foreign is made not only at the beginning of immune responses but also throughout, and involves multiple mechanisms and models. There are past beginnings (history of models) and current and future beginnings for solving serious clinical problems (such as COVID‐19) and different types of models used for understanding the complexities of fundamental immunology.
The impact of room location on time reversal focusing amplitudes
Authors: Patchett Brian D. , Anderson Brian E. , Kingsley Adam D.
Published: August 2021

Time reversal (TR) is a signal processing technique often used to generate focusing at selected positions within reverberant environments. This study investigates the effect of the location of the focusing, with respect to the room wall boundaries, on the amplitude of the focusing and the uniformity of this amplitude when focusing at various room locations. This is done experimentally with eight sources and two reverberation chambers. The chambers are of differing dimensions and were chosen to verify the findings in different volume environments. Multiple spatial positions for the TR focusing are explored within the rooms' diffuse field, against a single wall, along a two-wall edge, and in the corners (three walls). Measurements of TR focusing at various locations within the room show that for each region of study, the peak amplitude of the focusing is quite uniform, and there is a notable and consistent increase in amplitude for each additional wall that is adjacent to the focal location. A numerical model was created to simulate the TR process in the larger reverberation chamber. This model returned results similar to those of the experiments, with spatial uniformity of focusing within the room and increases when the focusing is near adjacent walls.
Microglial Calhm2 regulates neuroinflammation and contributes to Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Authors: Cheng Jinbo , Dong Yuan , Ma Jun , Pan Ruiyuan , Liao Yajin , Kong Xiangxi , Li Xiaoheng , Li Shuoshuo , Chen Pingfang , Wang Liang , Yu Ye , Yuan Zengqiang
Published: August 2021

Calhm2 has an important role in microglial activation and contributes to Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
Submicrometer perovskite plasmonic lasers at room temperature
Authors: Cho Sangyeon , Yang Yi , Soljačić Marin , Yun Seok Hyun
Published: August 2021

The beneficial plasmonic effect enables plasmonic lasing from full submicrometer–sized perovskite crystals.
A distributed circuit for associating environmental context with motor choice in retrosplenial cortex
Authors: Franco Luis M. , Goard Michael J.
Published: August 2021

The retrosplenial cortex plays a role in associating familiar environmental contexts with appropriate motor actions.
Microglial dyshomeostasis drives perineuronal net and synaptic loss in a CSF1R
+/−
mouse model of ALSP, which can be rescued via CSF1R inhibitors
Authors: Arreola Miguel A. , Soni Neelakshi , Crapser Joshua D. , Hohsfield Lindsay A. , Elmore Monica R. P. , Matheos Dina P. , Wood Marcelo A. , Swarup Vivek , Mortazavi Ali , Green Kim N.
Published: August 2021

Microglia dyshomeostasis induces pathology in CSF1R
+/−
mice, which can be reduced with pharmacological CSF1R inhibition.
A Novel Potentially Recombinant Rodent Coronavirus with a Polybasic Cleavage Site in the Spike Protein
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Liang , Liu Peipei , Li Hongying , Huo Shuting , Zong Kexin , Zhu Shiyan , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhang Libiao , Hu Ben , Lan Yu , Chmura Aleksei , Wu Guizhen , Daszak Peter , Liu William J. , Gao George F.
Published: August 2021

Surveillance of viruses among rodents in rural and urban areas of South China identified three rodent coronaviruses, RCoV-GCCDC3, RCoV-GCCDC4, and RCoV-GCCDC5, one of which was identified as a novel potentially recombinant coronavirus with a polybasic cleavage site in the spike (S) protein. Through reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) screening of coronaviruses, we found that coronavirus prevalence in urban areas is much higher than that in rural areas.
Specific Features of the Macrozoobenthic Communities of Small Arctic Lakes in Eurasia
Authors: Chertoprud M. V. , Krylenko S. V. , Lukinych A. I. , Glazov P. M. , Dubovskaya O. P. , Chertoprud E. S.
Published: August 2021

The taxonomic structure, typology, species richness, and total abundance of bentic and littoral macroinvertebrate communities from small lakes of the Arctic and Subarctic zones are considered on the basis of original data from three northern Palearctic regions (the foot of the Putorana Plateau, Kolguev Island, and Western Svalbard Island). A comparative analysis of the communities of these regions has been carried out. The features of High Arctic insular, Low Arctic, subarctic, and boreal lake communities are discussed using a large volume of literature data. The complex pattern of changes in the total benthos biomass of small lakes has been revealed: it decreases in the subarctic taiga, increases in the hypoarctic tundra, and decreases again in the High Arctic.
Accuracy of emergency medical services (EMS) telephone triage in identifying acute coronary syndrome (ACS) for patients with chest pain: a systematic literature review
Authors: Alotaibi Ahmed , Alghamdi Abdulrhman , Reynard Charles , Body Richard
Published: August 2021

Objective

To systematically appraise the available evidence to determine the accuracy of decision aids for emergency medical services (EMS) telephone triage of patients with chest pain suspected to be caused by acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or life-threatening conditions.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Electronic searches were performed in Embase 1974, Medline 1946 and CINAHL 1937 databases from 3 March 2020 to 4 March 2020.

Eligibility criteria

The review included all types of original studies that included adult patients (>18 years) who called EMS with a primary complaint of chest pain and evaluated dispatch triage priority by telephone. Outcomes of interest were a final diagnosis of ACS, acute myocardial infarction or other life-threatening conditions.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two authors independently extracted data on study design, population, study period, outcome and all data for assessment of accuracy, including cross-tabulation of triage priority against the outcomes of interest. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 assessment tool.

Results

Searches identified 553 papers, of which 3 were eligible for inclusion. Those reports described the evaluation of three different prediction models with variation in the variables used to detect ACS. The overall results showed that dispatch triage tools have good sensitivity to detect ACS and life-threatening conditions, even though they are used to triage signs and symptoms rather than diagnosing the patients. On the other hand, prediction models were built to detect ACS and life-threatening conditions, and therefore, prediction models showed better sensitivity and negative predictive value than dispatch triage tools.

Conclusion

We have identified three prediction models for telephone triage of patients with chest pain. While they have been found to have greater accuracy than standard EMS dispatch systems, prospective external validation is essential before clinical use is considered.

PROSPERO registration number

This systematic review was pre-registered on the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) database (reference CRD42020171184).
Resource availability, utilisation and cost in the provision of critical care in Tanzania: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Kazibwe Joseph , Shah Hiral A , Kuwawenaruwa A , Schell Carl Otto , Khalid Karima , Tran Phuong Bich , Ghosh Srobana , Baker Tim , Guinness Lorna
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Critical care is essential in saving lives of those that are critically ill, however, provision of critical care can be costly and heterogeneous across lower-resource settings. This paper describes the protocol for a systematic review of the literature that aims to identify the reported costs and resources available for the provision of critical care and the forms of critical care provision in Tanzania.

Methods and analysis

The review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health) will be searched to identify articles that report the forms of critical care, resources used in the provision of critical care in Tanzania, their availability and the associated costs. The search strategy will be developed from four key concepts; critical care provision, critical illness, resource use, Tanzania. The articles that fulfil the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be assessed for quality using the Reference Case for Estimating the Costs of Global Health Services and Interventions checklist. The extracted data will be summarised using descriptive statistics including frequencies, mean and median of the quantity and costs of resources used in the components of critical care services, depending on the data availability. This study will be carried out between February and November 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is a review of secondary data and ethical clearance was sought from and granted by the Tanzanian National Institute of Medical Research (reference: NIMR/HQ/R.8a/Vol. IX/3537) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (ethics ref: 22866). We will publish the review in a peer-reviewed journal as an open access article in addition to presenting the findings at conferences and public scientific gatherings.

PROSPERO registration number

The protocol was registered with PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42020221923.
Lived experience of dietary change among Chinese colorectal cancer survivors in Hong Kong: A qualitative study
Authors: Wong Janet Yuen Ha , Ho Judy Wai Chu , Lee Antoinette Marie , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Chu Natural , Leung Sharron , Chan Y Y Wynnie , Lam Sharon HS , Leung Ivy P F , Macfarlane Duncan , Cerin Ester , Taylor Aliki J , Cheng Kar Keung
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This is a qualitative study which aims to understand the lived experience of dietary changes among Chinese survivors of colorectal cancer who participated in a dietary intervention.

Setting

The surgical and oncological departments of four public hospitals in Hong Kong.

Participants

Fifty-five Chinese colorectal cancer survivors who were aged 18 years or above and had received potentially curative treatment in the surgical and oncological departments in Hong Kong were examined. Participants’ mean age was 64 years, with 29 (53%) males.

Intervention

A 12-month dietary intervention delivered via face-to-face motivational interviews, fortnightly motivational phone calls, monthly electronic pamphlets, quarterly newsletters and quarterly group meeting.

Outcome measure

We adopted the qualitative approach to capture participants’ perspectives and to apply the understanding pragmatically in everyday life. Content analysis was conducted.

Results

We identified themes of motives to changes of dietary practices including (1) individual commitment to dietary change; (2) adaptive strategies in interpersonal contexts and (3) working with healthcare professionals during the journey.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrated how Chinese custom and culture posing unique challenges to colorectal cancer survivors and the need of having dietary advice from healthcare professionals. Participants were motivated to change their eating habits by support from family, friends and healthcare professionals. Our findings could help healthcare professionals provide specific dietary advice and guidance to Chinese colorectal cancer survivors.

Trial registration number

NCT01708824.
Evaluating the safety of mental health-related prescribing in UK primary care: a cross-sectional study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)
Authors: Khawagi Wael Y , Steinke Douglas , Carr Matthew J , Wright Alison K , Ashcroft Darren M , Avery Anthony , Keers Richard Neil
Published: August 2021

Background

Most patients with mental illness are managed in primary care, yet there is a lack of data exploring potential prescribing safety issues in this setting for this population.

Objectives

Examine the prevalence of, between-practice variation in, and patient and practice-level risk factors for, 18 mental health-related potentially hazardous prescribing indicators and four inadequate medication monitoring indicators in UK primary care.

Method

Cross-sectional analyses of routinely collected electronic health records from 361 practices contributing to Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD database. The proportion of patients ‘at risk’ (based on an existing diagnosis, medication, age and/or sex) triggering each indicator and composite indicator was calculated. To examine between-practice variation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and median OR (MOR) were estimated using two-level logistic regression models. The relationship between patient and practice characteristics and risk of triggering composites including 16 of the 18 prescribing indicators and four monitoring indicators were assessed using multilevel logistic regression.

Results

9.4% of patients ‘at risk’ (151 469 of 1 611 129) triggered at least one potentially hazardous prescribing indicator; between practices this ranged from 3.2% to 24.1% (ICC 0.03, MOR 1.22). For inadequate monitoring, 90.2% of patients ‘at risk’ (38 671 of 42 879) triggered at least one indicator; between practices this ranged from 33.3% to 100% (ICC 0.26, MOR 2.86). Patients aged 35–44, females and those receiving more than 10 repeat prescriptions were at greatest risk of triggering a prescribing indicator. Patients aged less than 25, females and those with one or no repeat prescription were at greatest risk of triggering a monitoring indicator.

Conclusion

Potentially hazardous prescribing and inadequate medication monitoring commonly affect patients with mental illness in primary care, with marked between-practice variation for some indicators. These findings support health providers to identify improvement targets and inform development of improvement efforts to reduce medication-related harm.
Trajectories of phenotypical frailty over a decade in young–old community-dwelling adults: results from the Lc65+ study
Authors: Fustinoni Sarah , Santos-Eggimann Brigitte , Henchoz Yves
Published: August 2021

Background

Few studies have examined the frailty trajectories of young–old adults using Fried frailty phenotype. Dropouts due to death were rarely taken into account. This longitudinal study aimed to identify trajectories with and without adjustment for non-random attrition and to analyse related factors.

Methods

We used the first two samples of community-dwelling people in the Lausanne cohort 65+. Frailty phenotype was assessed at age 66–71 years and every third year over 10 years. A group-based trajectory modelling—first without and then with adjustment for non-random attrition—identified trajectories among all individuals with at least two observations (n=2286), excluding dropouts for reasons other than death. Multinomial logistic regressions estimated independent effects of participants’ baseline characteristics.

Results

We identified three frailty trajectories (low, medium and high). Participants in the highest trajectory had a higher mortality over 10 years. (Pre)frailty at baseline was the main factor associated with adverse trajectories. Smoking, obesity, comorbidity and negative self-perceived health were associated with unfavourable trajectories independently of baseline frailty, while social engagement was related to the lowest frailty trajectory. Ignoring transitions to death attenuated the estimated effects of age on trajectories.

Conclusions

Fried frailty phenotype should be assessed in individuals aged late 60s as it is strongly associated with frailty trajectories in the following decade of their life. Lifetime prevention of behavioural risk factors such as smoking and obesity is the strategy most likely to influence the development of frailty in older populations. Furthermore, our results underline social engagement as an important area of interest for future research.
High-resolution CT with arch/neck/head CT angiography on a mobile stroke unit
Authors: Alexandrov Anne W , Arthur Adam S , Bryndziar Tomas , Swatzell Victoria M , Dusenbury Wendy , Hardage Keri , McCormick Sarah , Rhudy James P , Maleki Ana Hossein Zadeh , Singh Savdeep , Krishnaiah Balaji , Nearing Katherine , Rubin Mark N , Malkoff Marc D , McKendry Christopher , Metter E Jeffrey , Alexandrov Andrei V
Published: August 2021

Background

Mobile stroke units (MSUs) performance dependability and diagnostic yield of 16-slice, ultra-fast CT with auto-injection angiography (CTA) of the aortic arch/neck/circle of Willis has not been previously reported.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study of the first-of-its kind MSU equipped with high resolution, 16-slice CT with multiphasic CTA. Field CT/CTA was performed on all suspected stroke patients regardless of symptom severity or resolution. Performance dependability, efficiency and diagnostic yield over 365 days was quantified.

Results

1031 MSU emergency activations occurred; of these, 629 (61%) were disregarded with unrelated diagnoses, and 402 patients transported: 245 (61%) ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, 17 (4%) transient ischemic attack, 140 (35%) other neurologic emergencies. Total time from non-contrast CT/CTA start to images ready for viewing was 4.0 (IQR 3.5–4.5) min. Hemorrhagic stroke totaled 24 (10%): aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage 3, hemorrhagic infarct 1, and 20 intraparenchymal hemorrhages (median intracerebral hemorrhage score was 2 (IQR 1–3), 4 (20%) spot sign positive). In 221 patients with ischemic stroke, 73 (33%) received alteplase with 31.5% treated within 60 min of onset. CTA revealed large vessel occlusion in 66 patients (30%) of which 9 (14%) were extracranial; 27 (41%) underwent thrombectomy with onset to puncture time averaging 141±90 min (median 112 (IQR 90–139) min) with full emergency department (ED) bypass. No imaging needed to be repeated for image quality; all patients were triaged correctly with no inter-hospital transfer required.

Conclusions

MSU use of advanced imaging including multiphasic head/neck CTA is feasible, offers high LVO yield and enables full ED bypass.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence among firefighters in Orange County, California
Authors: Vieira Verónica , Tang Ian W , Bartell Scott , Zahn Matthew , Fedoruk Marion Joseph
Published: August 2021

Objectives

We conducted serological SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing from October to November 2020 to estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among firefighters/paramedics in Orange County (OC), California.

Methods

OC firefighters employed at the time of the surveillance activity were invited to participate in a voluntary survey that collected demographic, occupational and previous COVID-19 testing data, and a SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody blood test. We collected venous blood samples using mobile phlebotomy teams that travelled to individual fire stations, in coordination with an annual tuberculosis testing campaign for firefighters employed by OC Fire Authority (OCFA), and independently for firefighters employed by cities. We estimated seroprevalence and assessed several potential predictors of seropositivity.

Results

The seroprevalence was 5.3% among 923 OCFA personnel tested, with 92.2% participating. Among firefighters self-reporting a previous positive COVID-19 antibody or PCR test result, twenty-one (37%) did not have positive IgG tests in the current serosurvey. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics between cases and non-cases. Work city was a significant predictor of case status (p=0.015). Seroprevalence (4.8%) was similar when aggregated across seven city fire departments (42%–65% participation). In total, 1486°C fire personnel were tested.

Conclusion

Using a strong serosurvey design and large firefighter cohort, we observed a SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence of 5.3%. The seroprevalence among OC firefighters in October 2020 was lower than the general county population estimated seroprevalence (11.5%) in August. The difference may be due in part to safety measures taken by OC fire departments at the start of the pandemic, as well as differences in antibody test methods and/or duration of antibody response.
Recognition and characterization of small-scale sand injectites in seismic data: implications for reservoir development
Authors: Bradaric Alma Dzozlic , Andersen Trond , Lecomte Isabelle , Løseth Helge , Eide Christian Haug
Published: August 2021

Thin (<20 m), sand injectites, too small to resolve in conventional seismic reflection data, can constitute a large part of the net-to-gross volume and affect fluid flow in the reservoir. However, they may also cause challenges for well placement and reservoir development because they are too small to be reliably imaged in seismic reflection data. It is therefore important to better understand how small-scale injectites influence seismic images, and how they may be recognized and characterized above reservoirs. The Grane Field (North Sea) hosts numerous small-scale sand injectites above the main reservoir unit, challengin well placement, volume estimates and seismic interpretation. Here, we investigate how such small-scale sand injectites influence seismic images and may be characterized by (1) using well, 3D seismic and outcrop data to investigate geometries of small-scale sand injectites (0–15 m thick), (2) performing seismic convolution modelling to investigate how these would be imaged in seismic data, and (3) comparing these synthetic seismic images with actual 3D seismic data from the well-investigated Grane Field. Our results show that despite injectites being below seismic resolution, small-scale sand injectites can be detected in seismic data. They are more likely to be detected if they have high thickness (>5 m), steep dip (>30°), and when densely spaced. Furthermore, as the fraction of sand injectites increases the top reservoir amplitude will decrease. Moreover, comparison of the synthetic seismic images with real seismic data from the Grane Field indicates that the low-amplitude anomalies and irregularities observed above the reservoir may be a result of the overlying sand injectites. Additionally, the comparison strongly suggests that the Grane Field hosts sand injectites that are thicker and located further away from the top reservoir than is indicated by well observations. These results may be used to improve well planning and develop reservoirs with overlying sand injectites.

Supplementary material:
A PDF file containing all the seismic modelling results allowing the reader to flip back and forth between the models is available at
https://www.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14333102
and well logs from well 25/11-18T2 are available at
https://factpages.npd.no/pbl/wellbore_documents/2358_25_1_18_COMPLETION_REPORT_AND_LOG.pdf
Construction of Ti3C2TxMXene Supported Low-Platinum Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Direct Electrochemical Strategy
Authors: Jian Xuan , Wei Tong-Tong , Zhang Mi-Mi , Li Rui , Liu Jian-Xin , Liang Zhen-Hai
Published: August 2021

The design of high-performance catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is urgently needed in the development of renewable energy. Herein, we report a rapid strategy for synthesizing an efficient catalyst with ultralow-Pt nanoclusters on a two-dimensional titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene support (denoted as Pt NCs-MXene, 5μg cm−2) via electrophoretic deposition and cyclic voltammetry. The MXene support not only provides more active sites to anchor Pt nanoclusters (NCs) but also increases the electrochemically active surface area. The electrochemical HER performance of the as-synthesized Pt NCs-MXene catalyst was investigated in an acid electrolyte. The results showed that at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, the overpotential and Tafel slope of the Pt NCs-MXene were 40 mV and 50.8 mV dec−1, respectively, lower than those of the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst. The turnover frequency and mass activity of the Pt NCs-MXene were 7.09 H2s−1and 7.02 A mgPt−1, respectively, which were approximately 70 times those of the Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the developed catalyst also exhibited a stable hydrogen evolution current for 18 h in a long-term cycling test. This work can provide novel and nontoxic methods for the preparation of low-Pt loading electrocatalysts for high-efficiency HER.
Regulated exocytosis: renal aquaporin-2 3D vesicular network organization and association with F-actin
Authors: Holst Mikkel R. , Jensen Louis G. , Aaron Jesse , Login Frédéric H. , Rajkumar Sampavi , Hahn Ute , Nejsum Lene N.
Published: August 2021

Regulated vesicle exocytosis is a key response to extracellular stimuli in diverse physiological processes, including hormone regulated short-term urine concentration. In the renal collecting duct, the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) localizes to the apical plasma membrane as well as to small, subapical vesicles. In response to stimulation with the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin, aquaporin-2-containing vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane, which increases collecting duct water reabsorption and thus, urine concentration. The nanoscale size of these vesicles has limited analysis of their three-dimensional (3D) organization. Using a cell system combined with 3D superresolution microscopy, we provide the first direct analysis of the 3D network of aquaporin-2-containing exocytic vesicles in a cell culture system. We show that aquaporin-2 vesicles are 43 ± 3 nm in diameter, a size similar to synaptic vesicles, and that one fraction of AQP2 vesicles localized with the subcortical F-actin layer and the other localized in between the F-actin layer and the plasma membrane. Aquaporin-2 vesicles associated with F-actin and this association were enhanced in a serine 256 phospho-mimic of aquaporin-2, whose phosphorylation is a key event in antidiuretic hormone-mediated aquaporin-2 vesicle exocytosis.
A peptide derived from chaperonin 60.1, IRL201104, inhibits LPS-induced acute lung inflammation
Authors: Man Francis , Nadkarni Suchita , Kanabar Varsha , e-Lacerda Rodrigo R. , Gomes Ferreira Sueli , Federici Canova Donata , Perretti Mauro , Page Clive P. , Riffo-Vasquez Yanira
Published: August 2021

Chaperonin 60.1 (Cpn60.1) is a protein derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that has been shown, along with its peptide fragment IRL201104, to have beneficial effects in models of allergic inflammation. To further investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of Cpn60.1 and IRL201104, we have investigated these molecules in a model of nonallergic lung inflammation. Mice were treated with Cpn60.1 (0.5–5,000 ng/kg) or IRL201104 (0.00025–2.5 ng/kg), immediately before intranasal instillation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cytokine levels and cell numbers in mouse bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were measured 4 h after LPS administration. In some experiments, mice were depleted of lung-resident phagocytes. Cells from BAL fluid were analyzed for inflammasome function. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were analyzed for adhesion molecule expression. Human neutrophils were analyzed for integrin expression, chemotaxis, and cell polarization. Cpn60.1 and IRL201104 significantly inhibited neutrophil migration into the airways, independently of route of administration. This effect of the peptide was absent in TLR4 and annexin A1 knockout mice. Intravital microscopy revealed that IRL201104 reduced leukocyte adhesion and migration into inflamed tissues. However, IRL201104 did not significantly affect adhesion molecule expression in HUVECs or integrin expression, chemotaxis, or polarization of human neutrophils at the studied concentrations. In phagocyte-depleted animals, the anti-inflammatory effect of IRL201104 was not significant. IRL201104 significantly reduced IL-1β and NLRP3 expression and increased A20 expression in BAL cells. This study shows that Cpn60.1 and IRL201104 potently inhibit LPS-induced neutrophil infiltration in mouse lungs by a mechanism dependent on tissue-resident phagocytes and to a much lesser extent, the proresolving factor annexin A1.
Developmental shift to mitochondrial respiration for energetic support of sustained transmission during maturation at the calyx of Held
Authors: Lujan Brendan J. , Singh Mahendra , Singh Abhyudai , Renden Robert B.
Published: August 2021

We dissect the role of presynaptic glycolysis versus mitochondrial respiration in supporting high-frequency neurotransmission, by acutely blocking these ATP-generating pathways at a synapse tuned for high-frequency transmission. We find that massive energy expenditure is required to generate failure when only one pathway is inhibited. Action potential propagation is lost before impaired synaptic vesicle recycling. Synaptic transmission is exclusively dependent on OxPhos in mature synapses, indicating presynaptic glycolysis may be dispensable for ATP maintenance.
Aortic Valve Replacement and Penicillin Desensitization in a Patient with Abiotrophia defectiva Aortic Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Kumar S. , Mahmood S. , Madras A. , Iyer A.
Published: August 2021

Abiotrophia defectiva is an uncommon and insidious yet destructive cause of infective endocarditis preferentially treated with penicillin/gentamicin and often requiring surgical treatment. A 60-year-old man with penicillin anaphylaxis history presented with fevers and a nonspecific constellation of symptoms. He was ultimately diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve infective endocarditis based on blood cultures growing A.defectiva and echocardiographic evidence of bicuspid aortic valve, severe valvular regurgitation, and

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vegetation. Aortic valve replacement and culture yielded penicillin-sensitive A.defectiva. After successful penicillin desensitization, antibiotic therapy was switched from vancomycin/gentamicin to benzylpenicillin. This is the first published case of penicillin desensitization in a patient with A.defectiva-associated infection. Penicillin desensitization, optimal antibiotic therapy, prompt aortic valve replacement, and close collaboration between cardiology and various other specialties were essential in achieving a positive outcome.
Optimized Extraction Method for Kleeb Bua Daeng Formula with the Aid of the Experimental Design
Authors: Ngamkhae Nittaya , Monthakantirat Orawan , Chulikhit Yaowared , Boonyarat Chantana , Khamphukdee Charinya , Maneenat Juthamart , Kwankhao Pakakrong , Pitiporn Supaporn , Daodee Supawadee
Published: August 2021

Kleeb Bua Daeng formula is one of the popular remedies sold in Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Thailand. This formula contains Piper nigrum L., Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., and Centella asiatica L. as active components. Owing to getting the highest content of its phytochemical compounds, the conditions of solvent extraction for this formula were optimized. The type of solvent, number of extraction times, and ratio between the material and solvent were varied in this study using the Box–Behnken design. The important phytochemical constituents (total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) were also determined. From the result of this study, it was found that the highest content of each total active compound was obtained from different conditions such as the optimal extraction condition of phenolic content was obtained using methanol as solvent, one time of extraction, and the ratio of powder and solvent was 1 : 6. Thus, the variation of solvent extraction condition could affect the phytochemical content. Further studies about the herbal formula involving the extraction process should concern the variation of extraction conditions to get the highest content of the active compound.
A Multifeature Complementary Attention Mechanism for Image Topic Representation in Social Networks
Authors: Shi Lei , Luo Jia , Cheng Gang , Liu Xia , Xie Gang
Published: August 2021

Image topic representation in social networks is vital for people to get significant and valuable content. However, this task is difficult and challenging due to the complexity of image features. This paper proposes a multifeature complementary attention mechanism for image topic representation named CATR. CATR uses scene-level and instance-level object detection methods to obtain the object information on social networks. Here, the image features are divided into focused features and unfocused features. Focused features are used to learn and express semantic information, while unfocused features are used to filter out noise information in focused feature extraction. The attention mechanism is constructed by combining the object features and the features of the image itself, while the image topic representation in social networks is realized by the complementary attention mechanism. Based on the real image data of Sina Weibo and Mir-Flickr 25K, several groups of comparative experiments are constructed to verify the performance of the proposed CATR by leveraging different evaluation measures. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed CATR obtains an optimal accuracy and significantly outperforms the other comparison methods in image topic representation.