bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of lovastatin and l-arginine co-loaded PLGA nanomedicine for enhancing nitric oxide production and eNOS expression
Authors: Wijaya Andy , Wang Yi , Tang Dan , Zhong Yuan , Liu Boyan , Yan Meng , Jiu Quhui , Wu Wei , Wang Guixue
Published: December 2021

LA and LV were co-loaded in PLGA NPs. PLGA-LA/LV NPs can suppress the proliferation of VSMCs, enhance eNOS mRNA and protein expression in HUVECs, promote SR-B1 mRNA expression, and lower the total cholesterol of blood plasma in C57BL/6 mice.
Impact of Auditory–Oral Education on Device Use in Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: Sanchez Chrisanda , Coto Jennifer , Berrios Daniela , Cejas Ivette
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

This study examined changes in datalogging for children attending an auditory–oral educational program with integrated audiology services versus children attending a mainstream or nonspecialized program.

Method:

Eighty children participated in this study, half of which were enrolled in an auditory–oral educational program versus the nonspecialized or mainstream setting. Datalogging for cochlear implant and hearing aid users was obtained via retrospective medical and educational chart review from 2016 to 2019.

Results:

Results demonstrated that at post-enrollment, children attending the auditory–oral educational program significantly increased device wear time (as measured by average hours/day) when compared to the control group. Children using hearing aids enrolled in the specialized educational program obtained the largest improvement in overall wear time, averaging an increase of 5 hr/day of device use from pre- to post-enrollment.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to document the association of specialized educational programs on device use. Clinical and educational programs should collaborate to provide integrated services to lessen family burden and increase a child's device use and retention.
Practical Approach to Hair Loss Diagnosis
Authors: Singh Sukhbir , Muthuvel Kumaresan
Published: December 2021

Hair loss is one of the common complaints encountered in a cosmetic practice. Evaluating a patient with hair loss requires a thorough understanding of the various causes of hair loss and practical knowledge in hair cosmetics and hair styling procedures. A systematic approach in hair loss evaluation helps the treating physician in arriving at a diagnosis. Various bedside tests and advent of trichoscopy has empowered the physician in arriving at a diagnosis. This article aims to provide the physician a systematic approach in evaluating a patient with hair loss.
Annealing-based manipulation of thermal phonon transport from light-emitting diodes to graphene
Authors: Park Sang-Hyuk , Lee Hun , Lee Sehyuk , Minnich Austin J. , Jeong Woo-Lim , Lee Dong-Seon , So Soon-Sung , Lee Joo-Hyoung , Min Song Young , Jho Young-Dahl
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate that the thermal boundary conductivity (TBC) between graphene and GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be manipulated through thermal annealing, which is verified by measuring the acoustic phonons after reflection at the interface. Thermal annealing affects the interfacial morphology as evaluated by both the Raman spectra and the spatial profile of the graphene wrinkles in atomic force microscopy. By tracing the phase of ultrafast acoustic oscillations on the basis of the pump-probe scheme, we extract the phonon reflection coefficient at the interface as a function of annealing temperatures up to 400 °C. Specifically, the phase shift of transient phononic oscillations at the graphene/LED interface conveys the photoelastic response during the phonon transfer process and can be used for extracting the interfacial coupling rate, which is strongly enhanced around ≈200°C. By incorporating the heat capacity and the interfacial coupling constants into TBC, along with analytical modeling based on the phonon reflection coefficients, we show that the TBC increases with the minimized surface roughness of graphene side at 200 °C. This new comprehensive TBC extraction scheme could spark further discussion on improving the heat dissipation of LEDs.
Effect of Al addition on the microstructures and deformation behaviors of non-equiatomic FeMnCoCr metastable high entropy alloys
Authors: Xu Ning , Yang Zhimin , Mu Xing , Huang Yubo , Li Shilei , Wang Yan-Dong
Published: December 2021

The phase stability, mechanical behaviors, and deformation mechanism among a series of Fe48-xMn32Co10Cr10Alx metastable high entropy alloys (HEAs) with different Al contents were systematically investigated. With the increase in Al content, the microstructures of alloys change from dual-phases of face-centered-cubic (FCC) + hexagonal-closed-packed to single-phase FCC and then to dual-phases of FCC + body-centered-cubic. The strength of the studied HEAs is related to the second-phase volume fractions in the initial microstructures. The stacking fault energy values of alloys increase with the increase in Al content. The dominant deformation mechanisms of the Al-free, 3 at. % Al, and 7 at. % Al HEAs are dislocation gliding plus martensitic transformation, dislocation gliding plus deformation twinning, and only dislocation gliding, respectively. This work is helpful to understand the physical mechanism in FCC metastable HEAs and further to develop high-performance HEAs.
A self-consistent interactive model for the study of luminescence coupling in multijunction solar cells
Authors: Micha Daniel N. , Silvares Ricardo T.
Published: December 2021

In this work, we propose a self-consistent interactive model based on the detailed balance approach to investigate the impact of luminescence coupling (LC) in multijunction solar cells (MJSCs). The proposed model is innovative in not using any empiric parameter input in considering the interactive nature of LC within the detailed balance framework to correlate the emissive and electrical properties of the junctions under interaction. We apply the model to radiative-limited series-connected MJSCs under different illumination conditions to demonstrate the influence of LC on the current matching condition and the impact on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) limits of such devices. As a result, we show that LC does not change the optimum bandgap energy combination leading to the highest PCE for a given operation condition but widens the span of configurations reaching high PCE, information that aids in the design of high PCE MJSC. Additionally, we analyzed some selected MJSC configurations with two to six junctions, well known from the literature to reach high PCE under different illumination conditions showing that even better performance can be achieved without either the need for changing the existent active materials or using optical thinning but using more efficient photon management concepts. Finally, we indicate MJSC configurations that can achieve high PCE for terrestrial applications under high coupling conditions, including some promises for low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaics, especially the ones involving stacks with silicon, perovskites, chalcogenides, and/or III–V materials.
Atomically sharp, crystal phase defined GaAs quantum dots
Authors: Geijselaers Irene , Vainorius Neimantas , Lehmann Sebastian , Pryor Craig E. , Dick Kimberly A. , Pistol Mats-Erik
Published: December 2021

Crystal phase defined heterostructures, or polytype heterostructures, are atomically sharp with no intermixing, which makes them ideal contenders for a wide range of applications. Although polytype quantum dots have shown promising results as single photon sources, a high degree of control on the dimensions and the number of polytype quantum dots is necessary before any application can be developed. In this work, we show results from optical characterization of highly controlled wurtzite (wz)–zinc blende (zb) GaAs quantum dots with sharp photoluminescence signal and a strong indication of 0D density of states. One band effective mass calculations show good agreement with the measured data. Radially confined nanowires with a single wz–zb GaAs interface also show sharp photoluminescence signal and 0D density of states. This indicates the existence of quantum dot like states in triangular wells formed at the wz–zb GaAs interface. These results show the potential of polytype quantum dots for physics and optics applications.
Opportunities for energy level tuning at inorganic/organic semiconductor interfaces
Authors: Koch Norbert
Published: December 2021

The aim of this Perspective is to provide an overview of approaches that can be employed to tune the energy level alignment at interfaces between inorganic and organic semiconductors for use in electronic and optoelectronic devices. The approaches include tailoring intramolecular dipolar bond distribution, controlling molecular orientation at interfaces, and the insertion of a molecularly thin interlayer that abruptly shifts the electrostatic potential between the two semiconductors and, thus, affords level tuning. With these state of the art methods, the frontier energy levels at an inorganic/organic heterojunction can be varied up to ca. 3 eV, i.e., covering the energy gap of most semiconductors. By combining two or more of these approaches or by employing interfacial molecular switches, it is envisioned that unconventional and dynamically switchable interfacial energy level scenarios can be created, enabling expanded or superior device functionality.
Cumulative air density depletion during high repetition rate filamentation of femtosecond laser pulses: Application to electric discharge triggering
Authors: Walch P. , Mahieu B. , Arantchouk L. , André Y.-B. , Mysyrowicz A. , Houard A.
Published: December 2021

We study the influence of the laser repetition rate on the generation of low-density channels of air left in the path of femtosecond laser filament. At high repetition rates, we observe the formation of a permanent millimeter-wide low-density channel that exceeds the depth and width of the transient depletion due to a single filament. We also show that this permanent cumulative effect decreases the breakdown voltage between two electrodes and can alter the path of the discharge. By comparing this effect in air and in pure nitrogen, we show that an accumulation of O2− ions contributes to the reduction in the breakdown voltage.
Unusual domain growth during local switching in triglycine sulfate crystals
Authors: Turygin A. P. , Kosobokov M. S. , Golitsyna O. M. , Drozhdin S. N. , Shur V. Ya.
Published: December 2021

Formation and growth of isolated lenticular domains created by local switching using a biased tip of the scanning probe microscope in nominally pure triglycine sulfate single crystals have been studied experimentally. The obtained unusual change in the domain shape during growth has been considered in terms of a kinetic approach and attributed to simultaneous stochastic step generation for domain widening and deterministic nucleation (step generation at the domain vertices) for domain elongation. The main parameters of the domain wall motion have been extracted by fitting of the field dependence of the domain length and width. The obtained results provide a useful insight into the features of the domain structure kinetics in the uniaxial ferroelectrics and can be used for development of the domain engineering methods.
Probability Distributions
Authors: Gardiner Crispin
Published: December 2021

This chapter outlines the properties of the most important kinds of probability distributions, namely those that have a certain claim to be universal. The uniform distribution and the Gaussian distribution are by far the most important distributions for random variables with a continuous range. That any computer has algorithms for generating random numbers according to both of these laws is a testament to their universal practical importance.
Modeling Population Processes
Authors: Gardiner Crispin
Published: December 2021

The stochastic modeling of any system is normally done for some practical reason, and the main principles informing any modeling strategy are that the results must be useful, and the procedures required must be as simple as possible. In setting up a model, the basic questions to be answered are the same for most systems.
Multitype branching processes in random environment
Authors: Vatutin V. A. , Dyakonova E. E.
Published: December 2021

A survey of results in the theory of multitype branching processes evolving in a random environment is presented.

Bibliography: 104 titles.
Transition from cMyc to L-Myc during dendritic cell development coordinated by rising levels of IRF8
Authors: Anderson David A. , Ou Feiya , Kim Sunkyung , Murphy Theresa L. , Murphy Kenneth M.
Published: December 2021

During dendritic cell (DC) development, Myc expression in progenitors is replaced by Mycl in mature DCs, but when and how this transition occurs is unknown. We evaluated DC development using reporters for MYC, MYCL, and cell cycle proteins Geminin and CDT1 in wild-type and various mutant mice. For classical type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), the transition occurred upon their initial specification from common dendritic cell progenitors (CDPs) or common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), respectively. This transition required high levels of IRF8 and interaction with PU.1, suggesting the use of EICEs within Mycl enhancers. In pDCs, maximal MYCL induction also required the +41kb Irf8 enhancer that controls pDC IRF8 expression. IRF8 also contributed to repression of MYC. While MYC is expressed only in rapidly dividing DC progenitors, MYCL is most highly expressed in DCs that have exited the cell cycle. Thus, IRF8 levels coordinate the Myc-Mycl transition during DC development.
Real-time, single-molecule observation of biomolecular interactions inside nanophotonic zero mode waveguides
Authors: Nemashkalo A , Phipps M E , Hennelly S P , Goodwin P M
Published: December 2021

Living cells rely on numerous protein-protein, RNA-protein and DNA-protein interactions for processes such as gene expression, biomolecular assembly, protein and RNA degradation. Single-molecule microscopy and spectroscopy are ideal tools for real-time observation and quantification of nucleic acids-protein and protein-protein interactions. One of the major drawbacks of conventional single-molecule imaging methods is low throughput. Methods such as sequencing by synthesis utilizing nanofabrication and single-molecule spectroscopy have brought high throughput into the realm of single-molecule biology. The Pacific Biosciences RS2 sequencer utilizes sequencing by synthesis within nanophotonic zero mode waveguides. A number of years ago this instrument was unlocked by Pacific Biosciences for custom use by researchers allowing them to monitor biological interactions at the single-molecule level with high throughput. In this capability letter we demonstrate the use of the RS2 sequencer for real-time observation of DNA-to-RNA transcription and RNA-protein interactions. We use a relatively complex model–transcription of structured ribosomal RNA from E. coli and interactions of ribosomal RNA with ribosomal proteins. We also show evidence of observation of transcriptional pausing without the application of an external force (as is required for single-molecule pausing studies using optical traps). Overall, in the unlocked, custom mode, the RS2 sequencer can be used to address a wide variety of biological assembly and interaction questions at the single-molecule level with high throughput. This instrument is available for use at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies Gateway located at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Green public procurement: learnings from Pesaro city, Italy
Authors: Iyer-Raniga Usha , Finamore Margherita
Published: December 2021

The development of mandatory green public procurement requirements is a significant and tangible contribution to undertaking planned, sustainable deconstruction (rather than demolition) approach to increase recycling materials, creating new businesses and new green jobs. Research undertaken of a procurement process for Pesaro, Italy demonstrates the application of an assessment approach and method based on holistic evaluation and interpretation of multiple sustainability aspects of buildings and their parts. Taking a holistic life cycle approach, this case study provides a clear evidence of how to foster ‘circular’ alternatives compared to linear, business as usual options in the management of public procurement. A competitive procedure in the procurement process was undertaken resulting in materials either being reused or taken to a recycling centre. The reuse of the materials during the new construction phase also included monitoring the quantity of all materials, preventing any waste and encouraging optimised reuse. This study shows that it is possible to drive the market towards a circular thinking and a circular construction site management is a critical requirement for transitioning towards a circular built environment. By ensuring that tendering processes support and develop sustainable recovery of waste materials, this study shows that it is possible to provide materials second and third life.
Circularity Assessment using the UN 2030 Agenda Indicators
Authors: Huovila P , Iyer-Raniga U
Published: December 2021

Established in 2015, the One Planet Sustainable Buildings and Construction (SBC) Programme has studied the state of play for circular built environment in different regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Oceania. One aspect of this study has been assessment for circularity using the 2030 Agenda indicators. This paper describes how nature’s resources are used in buildings to provide more comfortable and healthier spaces while generating less waste and emissions with the aim to change linear processes to circular, thereby increasing resource efficiency and reducing waste and emissions, while also providing local jobs.

A set of core indicators have been selected to assess the circularity at global and regional levels. It is intended that the indicators selected for SBC become a starting point for prioritising the built environment sector to embrace circularity principles and practices.
Facilitating circular site preparation; developing the instrument PrCiSi
Authors: Entrop A G , Hagen L , Kuiper A M
Published: December 2021

The urge to strive for closed material loops is felt in the construction industry. However, before the built environment can be regarded as circular, not only the material usage in buildings, but also preparations taken on sites need to be circular. In this paper a new instrument is presented to help project leaders at municipalities and contractors to assess how circular their process of site preparation is. The instrument, by the name of PrCiSi, has been developed on basis of a literature study on sustainable material usage and interviews among stakeholders in this niche market. The instrument has been tested on the site preparation processes for the residential neighbourhoods Olstergaard and Noorder Koeslag in the municipality of Olst-Wijhe. Of course, there is still room for improvement and more test cases are welcomed, but three main subjects, namely materials, equipment and personnel, seem to form a proper basis. A large number of test cases might help us to further develop the scoring system. However, being convinced that we can cross a boundary here, we are happy to share with you the current status to inspire you to use and improve this instrument with us.
Structural color coatings for high performance BIPV
Authors: Habets R , Vroon Z , Erich B , Meulendijks N , Mann D , Buskens P
Published: December 2021

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer aesthetics and freedom of design for architects and home owners. This can accelerate implementation and free up new spaces for solar energy harvesting at building level, which is a necessary step towards a climate neutral built environment. Colored solar panels with high conversion efficiency and low cost price are an important development for large scale market penetration of BIPV. Here we report a solution processed structural color coating for solar panels and solar collectors. We show that virtually any color can be prepared, that the desired coating stack can be designed using optical calculations and that the exact color can be produced via a low cost solution process. Furthermore, we show that the light transmission for the colored glass plates is still very high, exceeding commonly used absorbing colors and enables very high solar cell efficiency. The colored PV panels have been tested in real environment and via accelerated lifetime testing for 3 years without any performance decline or degradation.
CO-CREATING SYSTEMIC CHANGES FOR A CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN/UNDER CONSTRUCTION, PRELIMINARY LESSONS FROM THE FLEMISH LIVING LAB ON CIRCULAR CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Galle Waldo , Debacker Wim , Weerdt Yves De
Published: December 2021

Like any persistent challenge, the transition from a linear to a circular construction economy requires systemic changes. To divert from current practices that maintain the take-make-waste logic, we need new ways of doing and thinking within the value network of construction. In search for those enduring changes, a compass group advises the Flemish Living Lab on Circular Construction. This lab is a three-and-a-half-year project of study and experiment initiated by policy. During four participatory workshops, the compass group identified the most important system hurdles and necessary changes for achieving a circular construction economy, through subsequent steps of system analysis, translation and reflection. These outcomes have been synthesized and validated during the last workshop and are presented in this paper as a preliminary outcome of lab. Further, by bringing together forerunners of construction and co-creating together new knowledge, it is demonstrated how a well-guided compass group allows to bring into practice ‘participatory system modelling’. By consequently translating the resulting insights into the requirements for a targeted call for experiments, it is finally shown that this co-created knowledge has been ‘actionable’ for the policy makers of Circular Flanders, and triggered dozens of partnerships to submit an experiment.
A brief review: effects of resonant magnetic perturbation on classical and neoclassical tearing modes in tokamaks
Authors: WANG Zhengxiong , TANG Weikang , WEI Lai
Published: December 2021

This paper reviews the effects of resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) on classical tearing modes (TMs) and neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) from the theory, experimental discovery and numerical results with a focus on four major aspects: (i) mode mitigation, where the TM/NTM is totally suppressed or partly mitigated by the use of RMP; (ii) mode penetration, which means a linearly stable TM/NTM triggered by the externally applied RMP; (iii) mode locking, namely an existing rotating magnetic island braked and finally stopped by the RMP; (iv) mode unlocking, as the name suggests, it is the reverse of the mode locking process. The key mechanism and physical picture of above phenomena are revealed and summarized.
Protein turnover models for LC–MS data of heavy water metabolic labeling
Authors: Sadygov Rovshan G
Published: December 2021

Protein turnover is vital for cellular functioning and is often associated with the pathophysiology of a variety of diseases. Metabolic labeling with heavy water followed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is a powerful tool to study in vivo protein turnover in high throughput and large scale. Heavy water is a cost-effective and easy to use labeling agent. It labels all nonessential amino acids. Due to its toxicity in high concentrations (20% or higher), small enrichments (8% or smaller) of heavy water are used with most organisms. The low concentration results in incomplete labeling of peptides/proteins. Therefore, the data processing is more challenging and requires accurate quantification of labeled and unlabeled forms of a peptide from overlapping mass isotopomer distributions. The work describes the bioinformatics aspects of the analysis of heavy water labeled mass spectral data, available software tools and current challenges and opportunities.
CharID: a two-step model for universal prediction of interactions between chromatin accessible regions
Authors: Shen Yin , Zhong Quan , Liu Tian , Wen Zi , Shen Wei , Li Li
Published: December 2021

Open chromatin regions (OCRs) allow direct interaction between cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors. Therefore, predicting all potential OCR-mediated loops is essential for deciphering the regulation mechanism of gene expression. However, existing loop prediction tools are restricted to specific anchor types. Here, we present CharID (Chromatin Accessible Region Interaction Detector), a two-step model that combines neural network and ensemble learning to predict OCR-mediated loops. In the first step, CharID-Anchor, an attention-based hybrid CNN-BiGRU network is constructed to discriminate between the anchor and nonanchor OCRs. In the second step, CharID-Loop uses gradient boosting decision tree with chromosome-split strategy to predict the interactions between anchor OCRs. The performance was assessed in three human cell lines, and CharID showed superior prediction performance compared with other algorithms. In contrast to the methods designed to predict a particular type of loops, CharID can detect varieties of chromatin loops not limited to enhancer–promoter loops or architectural protein-mediated loops. We constructed the OCR-mediated interaction network using the predicted loops and identified hub anchors, which are highlighted by their proximity to housekeeping genes. By analyzing loops containing SNPs associated with cardiovascular disease, we identified an SNP–gene loop indicating the regulation mechanism of the GFOD1. Taken together, CharID universally predicts diverse chromatin loops beyond other state-of-the-art methods, which are limited by anchor types, and experimental techniques, which are limited by sensitivities drastically decaying with the genomic distance of anchors. Finally, we hosted Peaksniffer, a user-friendly web server that provides online prediction, query and visualization of OCRs and associated loops.
Is the mode elicitable relative to unimodal distributions?
Authors: Heinrich-Mertsching Claudio , Fissler Tobias
Published: December 2021

A statistical functional is said to be elicitable if there exists a loss or scoring function under which the functional is the optimal point forecast in expectation. While the mean and quantiles are elicitable, it has been shown in Heinrich (2014) that the mode is not elicitable if the true distribution can follow any Lebesgue density. We strengthen the result of Heinrich (2014) substantially, showing that the mode is not elicitable if the true distribution can be any strongly unimodal distribution with continuous Lebesgue density, i.e., a continuous density with only one local maximum. Likewise, the mode fails to be identifiable relative to this class.
Determination of Potential Genotoxic Impurities (Orthophenylene Diamine Dihydrochloride), 4’-Bromomethyl-2-Cyanobiphenyl, 4’(Dibromomethyl)[1,1’-Biphenyl]-2-Carbonitrile in Telmisartan by ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Yarala Manikanth Reddy , Gummadi Sowjanya
Published: December 2021

A sensitive, simple, rapid and robust LC–MS/MS method was developed for the determination of potential genotoxic impurities OPDA HCl (orthophenylene diamine dihydrochloride), bromo OTBN (4’-bromomethyl-2-cyanobiphenyl), dibromo (4’(dibromomethyl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-carbonitrile) in Telmisartan by using ESI-MS/MS Technic; the study was performed with gradient elution (time/% mobile phase B: 0/10, 3/10, 30/80, 35/80, 36/10, 40/10). The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of formic acid, methanol and acetonitrile. The buffer was degassed before running at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was at 40°C. The 20 μL volume of sample was injected per run and peaks were detected using DAD detector. The LC-ESI/MS/MS studies were carried out on Ultivo Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS (Agilent, USA) G6470A mass spectrometer, ion source voltage 3500 V, de clustering potential 40 V, entrance potential 10 V, with the nebulizer gas as nitrogen at 45 psi. The LC part consisted of Agilent 1260 series HPLC system with binary gradient pump with a degasser and an auto sampler. Inert sustain AQ-C18, 250 × 4.6 mm, 5-μm particle size was used for chromatographic separation. Developed method is validated as per ICH guidelines and found to be linear, accurate, specific, selective, precise and robust. Test solution was found to be stable up to 48 h. This method can be successfully applied for the determination of genotoxic impurities in Telmisarta for routine analysis and stability assessment.
Qiviut cortisol is associated with metrics of health and other intrinsic and extrinsic factors in wild muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus)
Authors: Di Francesco Juliette , Kwong Grace P S , Deardon Rob , Checkley Sylvia L , Mastromonaco Gabriela F , Mavrot Fabien , Leclerc Lisa-Marie , Kutz Susan
Published: December 2021

Glucocorticoid (GC) levels are increasingly and widely used as biomarkers of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity to study the effects of environmental changes and other perturbations on wildlife individuals and populations. However, identifying the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence GC levels is a key step in endocrinology studies to ensure accurate interpretation of GC responses. In muskoxen, qiviut (fine woolly undercoat hair) cortisol concentration is an integrative biomarker of HPA axis activity over the course of the hair’s growth. We gathered data from 219 wild muskoxen harvested in the Canadian Arctic between October 2015 and May 2019. We examined the relationship between qiviut cortisol and various intrinsic (sex, age, body condition and incisor breakage) and extrinsic biotic factors (lungworm and gastrointestinal parasite infections and exposure to bacteria), as well as broader non-specific landscape and temporal features (geographical location, season and year). A Bayesian approach, which allows for the joint estimation of missing values in the data and model parameters estimates, was applied for the statistical analyses. The main findings include the following: (i) higher qiviut cortisol levels in males than in females; (ii) inter-annual variations; (iii) higher qiviut cortisol levels in a declining population compared to a stable population; (iv) a negative association between qiviut cortisol and marrow fat percentage; (v) a relationship between qiviut cortisol and the infection intensity of the lungworm Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis, which varied depending on the geographical location; and (vi) no association between qiviut cortisol and other pathogen exposure/infection intensity metrics. This study confirmed and further identified important sources of variability in qiviut cortisol levels, while providing important insights on the relationship between GC levels and pathogen exposure/infection intensity. Results support the use of qiviut cortisol as a tool to monitor temporal changes in HPA axis activity at a population level and to inform management and conservation actions.
SCANNER: a web platform for annotation, visualization and sharing of single cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Cai Guoshuai , Yu Xuanxuan , Youn Choonhan , Zhou Jun , Xiao Feifei
Published: December 2021

In recent years, efficient scRNA-seq methods have been developed, enabling the transcriptome profiling of single cells massively in parallel. Meanwhile, its high dimensionality and complexity bring challenges to the data analysis and require extensive collaborations between biologists and bioinformaticians and/or biostatisticians. The communication between these two units demands a platform for easy data sharing and exploration. Here we developed Single-Cell Transcriptomics Annotated Viewer (SCANNER), as a public web resource for the scientific community, for sharing and analyzing scRNA-seq data in a collaborative manner. It is easy-to-use without requiring special software or extensive coding skills. Moreover, it equipped a real-time database for secure data management and enables an efficient investigation of the activation of gene sets on a single-cell basis. Currently, SCANNER hosts a database of 19 types of cancers and COVID-19, as well as healthy samples from lungs of smokers and non-smokers, human brain cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The database will be frequently updated with datasets from new studies. Using SCANNER, we identified a larger proportion of cancer-associated fibroblasts cells and more active fibroblast growth-related genes in melanoma tissues in female patients compared to male patients. Moreover, we found ACE2 is mainly expressed in lung pneumocytes, secretory cells and ciliated cells and differentially expressed in lungs of smokers and never smokers.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in patients with normal natriuretic peptide levels is associated with increased morbidity and mortality
Authors: Verbrugge Frederik H , Omote Kazunori , Reddy Yogesh N V , Sorimachi Hidemi , Obokata Masaru , Borlaug Barry A
Published: December 2021

Background

A substantial proportion of patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) present with normal natriuretic peptide (NP) levels. The pathophysiology and natural history for this phenotype remain unclear.

Methods and results

Consecutive subjects undergoing invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing for unexplained dyspnoea at Mayo Clinic in 2006–18 were studied. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was defined as a pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) ≥15 mmHg (rest) or ≥25 mmHg (exercise). Patients with HFpEF and normal NP [N-terminal of the pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) < 125 ng/L] were compared with HFpEF with high NP (NT-proBNP ≥ 125 ng/L) and controls with normal haemodynamics. Patients with HFpEF and normal (n = 157) vs. high NP (n = 263) were younger, yet older than controls (n = 161), with an intermediate comorbidity profile. Normal NP HFpEF was associated with more left ventricular hypertrophy and worse diastolic function compared with controls, but better diastolic function, lower left atrial volumes, superior right ventricular function, and less mitral/tricuspid regurgitation compared with high NP HFpEF. Cardiac output (CO) reserve with exercise was preserved in normal NP HFpEF [101% predicted, interquartile range (IQR): 75–124%], but this was achieved only at the cost of higher left ventricular transmural pressure (LVTMP) (14 ± 6 mmHg vs. 7 ± 4 mmHg in controls, P < 0.001). In contrast, CO reserve was decreased in high NP HFpEF (85% predicted, IQR: 59–109%), with lower LVTMP (10 ± 8 mmHg) compared with normal NP HFpEF (P < 0.001), despite similar PAWP. Patients with high NP HFpEF displayed the highest event rates, but normal NP HFpEF still had 2.7-fold higher risk for mortality or HF readmissions compared with controls (hazard ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–7.32) after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index.

Conclusion

Patients with HFpEF and normal NP display mild diastolic dysfunction and preserved CO reserve during exercise, despite marked elevation in filling pressures. While clinical outcomes are not as poor compared with patients with high NP, patients with normal NP HFpEF exhibit increased risk of death or HF readmissions compared with patients without HF, emphasizing the importance of this phenotype.
The experience of patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Barisone Michela , Hayter Mark , Ghirotto Luca , Catania Gianluca , Zanini Milko , Dal Molin Alberto , Sasso Loredana , Bagnasco Annamaria
Published: December 2021

Background

The indication for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden death is now consolidated. However, there is no unanimous agreement on how patients experience certain aspects of their lives after an ICD implant. Various clinical studies have evaluated the impact of ICDs on patient mortality, survival, and their beneficial effects. Given the growing number of qualitative studies, a synthesis of qualitative evidence became desirable.

Aims

To explore and synthesize the results of qualitative studies addressing the experiences of patients with an ICD.

Methods

We employed a systematic review and meta-synthesis. PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies published between January 2005 and October 2020, which investigate the experience of patients living with an ICD. Selected studies were assessed for quality by two reviewers independently.

Results

A total of 24 papers were selected. Six themes emerged: fear and insecurity, the need for information, new impacts on life, living with ICD shocks, gender differences, and the role of the family. These results could help clinicians and researchers to develop new strategies and interventions to improve the quality of life in these patients.

Conclusion

This meta-synthesis underlines the difficulties experienced by patients with ICD implants. Despite the advanced therapeutic management programmes for this type of intervention, it is necessary to adopt and implement the current post-discharge care plans, where the family’s involvement is essential to help patients adapt to their new lifestyle.
Late-Onset Calorie Restriction Worsens Cognitive Performances and Increases Frailty Level in Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Prvulovic Milica R , Milanovic Desanka J , Vujovic Predrag Z , Jovic Milena S , Kanazir Selma D , Todorovic Smilja T , Mladenovic Aleksandra N
Published: December 2021

The current study aims to determine the potential benefits of calorie restriction (CR), one of the most promising paradigms for life span and healthspan extension, on cognitive performances in female Wistar rats during aging. As a measure of a healthspan, we evaluated the effects of different onset and duration of CR on frailty level. Female Wistar rats were exposed to either ad libitum (AL) or CR (60% of AL daily intake) food intake during aging. Two different CR protocols were used, life-long CR with an early-onset that started at the adult stage (6 months) and 3-month-long CR, started at the middle (15 months) and late-middle (21 months) age, thus defined as a late-onset CR. The effects of CR were evaluated using open-field, Y-maze, and novel object recognition tests. We broadened 2 tools for frailty assessment currently in use for experimental animals, and in alignment with our previous study, we created a physical–cognitive frailty tool that combines both physical and cognitive performances. Our results clearly showed that CR effects are highly dependent on CR duration and onset. While a life-long restriction with an early-onset has been proven as protective and beneficial, short-term restriction introduced at late age significantly worsens an animal’s behavior and frailty. These results complement our previous study conducted in males and contribute to the understanding of sex differences in a response to CR during aging.
Immunogenicity and Safety of a 3-Dose Regimen of a SARS-CoV-2 Inactivated Vaccine in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial
Authors: Liu Jiankai , Huang Baoying , Li Guifan , Chang Xianyun , Liu Yafei , Chu Kai , Hu Jialei , Deng Yao , Zhu Dandan , Wu Jingliang , Zhang Li , Wang Meng , Huang Weijin , Pan Hongxing , Tan Wenjie
Published: December 2021

Background

Control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic needs effective vaccines.

Methods

In a phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 500 adults aged 18–59 years or ≥60 years were randomized in 2:2:1 ratio to receive 3 doses of 5 μg or 10 μg of a SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine, or placebo separated by 28 days. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded through day 28 after each dosing. Live virus or pseudovirus neutralizing antibodies, and receptor binding domain immunoglobulin G (RBD-IgG) antibody were tested after the second and third doses.

Results

Two doses of the vaccine elicited geometric mean titers (GMTs) of 102–119, 170–176, and 1449–1617 for the 3 antibodies in younger adults. Pseudovirus neutralizing and RBD-IgG GMTs were similar between older and younger adults. The third dose slightly (<1.5 fold) increased GMTs. Seroconversion percentages were 94% or more after 2 doses, which were generally similar after 3 doses. The predominant AEs were injection-site pain. All the AEs were grade 1 or 2 in intensity. No serious AE was deemed related to study vaccination.

Conclusions

Two doses of this vaccine induced robust immune response and had good safety profile. A third dose given 28 days after the second dose elicited limited boosting antibody response.
Canadian Consensus Statements on the Transition of Adolescents and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease from Pediatric to Adult Care: A Collaborative Initiative Between the Canadian IBD Transition Network and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
Authors: Fu Nancy , Bollegala Natasha , Jacobson Kevan , Kroeker Karen I , Frost Karen , Afif Waqqas , El-Matary Wael , Fowler Sharyle A , Griffiths Anne M , Huynh Hien Q , Jantchou Prévost , Karimuddin Ahmer , Nguyen Geoffrey C , Otley Anthony R , Pears Christina , Seow Cynthia H , Toulany Alene , Tersigni Claudia , Tignanelli Joanne , Marshall John K , Boctor Monica , Hansen Tawnya , Pattni Chandni , Wong Andrew , Benchimol Eric I
Published: December 2021

Objectives

With the increased prevalence of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there is a greater need for a planned transition process for adolescents and young adults (AYA). The Canadian IBD Transition Network and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada joined in collaborative efforts to describe a set of care consensus statements to provide a framework for transitioning AYA from pediatric to adult care.

Methods

Consensus statements were drafted after focus group meetings and literature reviews. An expert panel consisting of 20 IBD physicians, nurses, surgeon, adolescent medicine physician, as well as patient and caregiver representatives met, discussed and systematically voted. The consensus was reached when greater than 75% of members voted in agreement. When greater than 75% of members rated strong support, the statement was rendered a strong recommendation, suggesting that a clinician should implement the statement for all or most of their clinical practice.

Results

The Canadian expert panel generated 15 consensus statements (9 strong and 6 weak recommendations). Areas of focus of the statements included: transition program implementation, key stakeholders, areas of potential need and gaps in the research.

Conclusions

These consensus statements provide a framework for the transition process. The quality of evidence for these statements was generally low, highlighting the need for further controlled studies to investigate and better define effective strategies for transition in pediatric to adult IBD care.
Frankliniella fusca(Thysanoptera: Thripidae), The Vector ofTomato Spotted Wilt OrthotospovirusInfecting Peanut in the Southeastern United States
Authors: LaTora A Gabrielle , Lai Pin-Chu , Chen Yi-Ju , Gautam Saurabh , Abney Mark R , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu
Published: December 2021

The tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca Hinds, is a phytophagous pest and vector of orthotospoviruses in many crops around the world. F. fusca causes direct feeding injury to peanut plants, resulting in leaf chlorosis and curling, and yield loss. Adults and larvae also transmit the economically important tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) in all peanut market types grown in the U.S. TSWV infection causes spotted wilt disease, a plant disease characterized by chlorosis, stunting, and death. From 1996 to 2006, spotted wilt disease resulted in an estimated U.S.$140 million in annual peanut production losses in the U.S. At present, a thorough documentation of F. fusca’s impacts on the U.S. peanut production system is not available. Here, we describe the morphology, life cycle, and biology of F. fusca and provide images of immature life stages. Feeding injury characteristics and TSWV transmission in peanuts are also discussed. Currently, F. fusca and TSWV are managed in peanut with a combination of tactics, including prophylactic insecticide applications and TSWV-resistant cultivars. However, standardized scouting protocols and economic thresholds for F. fusca are not yet available. Very few biological control agents have been evaluated for use against F. fusca, and few studies have quantified the contributions of native natural enemies. More research into natural enemies’ contributions to F. fusca management and the mechanisms underlying TSWV-resistance in peanut could help inform and diversify integrated pest management programs.
Emergence ofIxodes scapularis(Acari: Ixodidae) in a Small Mammal Population in a Coastal Oak-Pine Forest, Maine, USA
Authors: Elias Susan P , Witham Jack W , Schneider Elizabeth F , Rand Peter W , Hunter Malcolm L , Lubelczyk Charles , Smith Robert P
Published: December 2021

In the United States, surveillance has been key to tracking spatiotemporal emergence of blacklegged ticks [Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida:Ixodidae)] and their pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), the agent of Lyme disease. On the Holt Research Forest in midcoastal Maine, collection of feeding ticks from live-trapped small mammal hosts allowed us to track the emergence and establishment of I. scapularis, 1989–2019. From 1989–1995, we collected only I. angustus Neumann (Ixodida: Ixodidae)(vole tick), Dermacentor variabilis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae) (American dog tick), and I. marxi Banks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) (squirrel tick) from seven species of small mammals. The most abundant tick host was the white-footed mouse [Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque (Rodentia:Cricetidae)] followed by the red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi Vigors (Rodentia: Cricetidae)). Emergence of I. scapularis was signaled via the appearance of subadult I. scapularis in 1996. Emergence of B. burgdorferi was signaled through its appearance in I. scapularis feeding on mice in 2005. There was a substantial increase in I. scapularis prevalence (proportion of hosts parasitized) and burdens (ticks/host) on white-footed mice and red-backed voles in 2007. The ~11-yr time-to-establishment for I. scapularis was consistent with that seen in other studies. White-footed mice comprised 65.9% of all captures and hosted 94.1% of the total I. scapularis burden. The white-footed mouse population fluctuated interannually, but did not trend up as did I. scapularis prevalence and burdens. There were concurrent declines in I. angustus and D. variabilis. We discuss these results in the broader context of regional I. scapularis range expansion.