bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic Treatment of Labral Tears in Patients with Borderline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Retrospective Study with Mean 5.8 Years Follow‐Up
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Song Guanyang , Zhang Jin
Published: October 2021

Objective

To retrospectively assess the mid‐term clinical and radiological results of hip arthroscopic treatment of labral tears in patients with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH).

Methods

From January 2010 and December 2019, data were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery of the hip for the treatment of intra‐articular abnormalities. Only the Patients who had borderline developmental dysplasia (BDDH) were included. All operations were performed by two senior surgeons, the arthroscopic treatment including labral repair, labral debridement, minimal acetabuloplasty, femoroplasty and capsular closure. The evaluation consisted of pain evaluation (visual analog scale [VAS]), the modified Harris hip score (MHHS), range of motion, the radiological evaluation of plain film and MRI analysis of the hip joint. The plain film evaluation included anteroposterior views of the pelvis to assess lateral center‐edge angle (LCEA) and acetabular inclination (AI), frog‐leg lateral views of the hip to assess α angle.

Results

There were 34 patients (36 hips) ultimately enrolled in this study. The follow‐up duration of the patients were minimal 2 years (average, 69.2 months) postoperatively. The patient group included seven men and 27 women, the mean age at the time of surgery was 30.9 years. The mean BMI was 22.3 kg/m2. From the pre‐operative status to the final follow‐up visit, mean mHHS score increased from 64.5 to 92.7, mean VAS score decreased from 6.8 to 1.3. All scores exhibited statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). The mean LCEA decreased from 22.9° to 22.7°, the mean AI decreased from 7.7° to 7.6°. Which all showed no significant differences compared with the final follow‐up to the pre‐operative status (P > 0.05). However, the mean α angle was significantly decreased from 48.3° to 40.1° (P < 0.001). We encountered no significant complications such as infection, deep venous thrombosis, fluid extravasation, or permanent nerve injury. One patient (2.94%) underwent revision periacetabular osteotomies (PAO) because of subluxation of the hip joint with permanent pain after 6 months failed conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic treatment of labral tears in patients with BDDH may provide safe and durable favorable results at midterm follow‐up. The best outcome could be expected in patients with labral repair and closure of the capsule with strict patient selection criteria.
Acceleration of mobile health for monitoring post‐transplant in the COVID‐19 era: Applications for pediatric settings
Authors: Campagna Bianca R. , Tutino Rebecca , Stevanovic Kristina , Flood Julia , Halevi Gali , Shemesh Eyal , Annunziato Rachel A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic and consequent lockdowns, the use of telehealth interventions has rapidly increased both in the general population and among transplant recipients. Among pediatric transplant recipients, this most frequently takes the form of interventions on mobile devices, or mHealth, such as remote visits via video chat or phone, phone‐based monitoring, and mobile apps. Telehealth interventions may offer the opportunity to provide care that minimizes many of the barriers of in‐person care.

Methods

The present review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Sources up until October 2020 were initially identified through searches of PsycInfo® and PubMed®.

Results

We identified ten papers that reported findings from adult interventions and five studies based in pediatrics. Eight of the adult publications stemmed from the same two trials; within the pediatric subset, this was the case for two papers. Studies that have looked at mHealth interventions have found high acceptability rates over the short run, but there is a general lack of data on long‐term use.

Conclusions

The literature surrounding pediatric trials specifically is sparse with all findings referencing interventions that are in early stages of development, ranging from field tests to small feasibility trials. The lack of research highlights the need for a multi‐center RCT that utilizes robust measures of medication adherence and other outcome variables, with longer‐term follow‐up before telehealth interventions should be fully embraced.
Services trade and labor market outcomes: Evidence from Italian firms
Authors: Bamieh Omar , Bripi Francesco , Fiorini Matteo
Published: October 2021

This paper empirically investigates the effects of services imports and exports on firm employment. We use microdata on Italian firms for the period 2009–2017. Applying a shift‐share instrumental variable approach, we show that services imports and exports have a positive impact on total employment. This finding holds for managers, white‐collar workers, and blue‐collar workers. We also show that services exports are particularly effective in increasing employment of “servitized” manufacturing firms as well as of companies that are deeply integrated into international services markets. Overall, this paper suggests that firm employment might largely benefit from the services trade dimension of globalization.
Socioeconomic Index for Income and Poverty Prediction: A Sufficient Dimension Reduction Approach
Authors: Duarte Sabrina , Forzani Liliana , Llop Pamela , García Arancibia Rodrigo , Tomassi Diego
Published: October 2021

The present paper introduces a novel method for the construction of Socioeconomic Status (SES) indices that are specific to a target variable of interest. It is based on the Sufficient Dimension Reduction (SDR) paradigm and uses a factorized model‐based approach to simultaneously deal with predictor variables of mixed nature (i.e. quantitative, binary, and ordinal), which are usual in microeconomic data. These SES indices also identify relevant predictor variables using a two‐step regularized matrix factorization approach. Using data from household surveys for Argentina (Encuesta Permanente de Hogares‐EPH), the proposed method is compared with other existing dimension reduction algorithms such as standard Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and its version for mixed variables, regression on the full set of variables and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression (LASSO).
Surrogate test performance for SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) for convalescent plasma (CCP): How useful could they be?
Authors: Wendel Silvano , Fachini Roberta , Fontão‐Wendel Rita C. L. , Mello Ralyria , Velasquez Carlos Vinícius , Machado Rafael Rahal Guaragna , Brito Mayra Altobelli , Amaral Marcelo , Soares Camila Pereira , Achkar Ruth , Scuracchio Patrícia , Miyaji Sandra Cristina , Erdens Melina Santos , Durigon Edison Luiz
Published: October 2021

Background

COVID‐19 high‐titer CCP selection is a concern, because neutralizing antibody (nAb) testing requires sophisticated labs and methods. Surrogate tests are an alternative for measuring nAb levels in plasma bags, including those that are pathogen‐reduced.

Study design/methods

We studied a panel consisting of 191 samples from convalescent donors tested by nAb (CPE‐VNT), obtained from 180 CCP donations (collection: March 20–January 21) and 11 negative controls, with a total of 80 and 111 serum and plasma samples (71 amotosalen/UV treated), with nAb titers ranging from negative to 10,240. Samples were blindly tested for several surrogates: one anti‐RBD, two anti‐spike, and four anti‐nucleocapsid tests, either isolated or combined to improve their positive predictive values as predictors of the presence of high‐titer nAbs, defined as those with titers ≥160.

Results

Except for combined and anti‐IgA/M tests, all isolated surrogate tests showed excellent performance for nAb detection: sensitivity (98.3%–100%), specificity (85.7%–100%), PPV (98.9%–100%), NPV (81.3%–100%), and AUC (0.93–0.96), with a variable decrease in sensitivity and considerably lower specificity when using FDA authorization and concomitant nAb titers ≥160. All surrogates had AUCs that were statistically different from CPE‐VNT if nAb≥160, including when using combined, orthogonal approaches.

Conclusions

Surrogate tests (isolated or in combination) have an indirect good performance in detecting the presence of nAb, with lower sensitivity and specificity when high nAb titer samples are used, possibly accepting a considerable number of donors whose nAb titers are actually low, which should be evaluated by each laboratory responsible for CCP collection.
1D Shape Matching of a Lithium-Ion Battery Actuator
Authors: Gonzalez Cody , Shan Shuhua , Frecker Mary , Rahn Christopher
Published: October 2021

Silicon anodes have been demonstrated to provide significant actuation in addition to energy storage in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This work studies the optimization of 1D unimorph and bimorph actuators to achieve a target shape upon actuation. A 1D shape matching with design optimization is used to estimate the varied charge distribution along the length for a LIB actuator and thereby the effect of distance between electrodes in charging.

A genetic algorithm (GA) is used with actuation strain distribution as the design variable. The objective of the optimization is to shape-match by minimizing the shape error between a target shape and actuated shape, both defined by several points along the length.

The approach is experimentally validated by shape matching a notched unimorph target shape. A shape error of 1.5% is obtained. An optimized unimorph converges to an objective function of less than 0.029% of the length at full state of charge (SOC) for a 5-segment beam.

A second shape matching case study using a bimorph is investigated to showcase the tailorability of LIB actuators. The optimal bimorph achieves an objective function of less than 0.23% of the length for a design variable set of top and bottom actuation strain of an 8-segment beam. The actuated shape nearly matches the target shape by simultaneously activating top and bottom active layers to achieve the same differential actuation strain (the difference between top and bottom active layer actuation strain).

The results show that a bimorph actuator can achieve a given shape while also storing significantly more charge than is necessary to maintain a given complex shape. This demonstrates a strength of energy storage based actuators: excess energy can be stored within the actuator and can be expended without affecting the work done or the shape maintained by the actuator.
Feasibility Study on Piezoelectric Actuated Automotive Morphing Wing
Authors: Messana Alessandro , Sisca Lorenzo , De Carvalho Pinheiro Henrique , Berti Polato Davide , Ferraris Alessandro , Airale Andrea Giancarlo , Carello Massimiliana
Published: October 2021

Active aerodynamics is a promising technology to improve vehicle performance and efficiency, but so far in the automotive field the actuation methods suffer with several drawbacks that jeopardize its functioning and broad implementation. Morphing wings represent a technology already studied for aerospace applications that could help overcoming some of those issues. This paper proposes a piezoelectric transducer actuation for a composite material automotive wing and seeks to validate it through virtual models and physical tests. Experimental validation with a 3D-printed simplified wing profile confirms the feasibility of the technology and helps determining the best position for the piezo actuator. Furthermore, a FEM model is presented, where the piezo effect is simulated through a thermal analogy. An optimization of the composite stacking sequence is performed to maximize the trailing edge displacements, and its results are compared with the deflection caused by aerodynamic loads observed in the wing. The displacement of the trailing edge is in the order of tenths of a millimeter, even though further investigations are necessary to improve overall impact of the solution the preliminary results are promising.
Shape Memory Modeling of a Nonlinear and Superelastic Compliant Mechanism
Authors: Hargrove Brianne , Nastevska Angela , Jovanova Jovana , Frecker Mary
Published: October 2021

With the shift from traditionally manufactured rigid-body mechanisms to lightweight compliant mechanisms (CMs) in additive manufacturing, researchers have become interested in modeling the behavior of CMs with high flexibility. Due to the large deformations that can be achieved, the use of CMs has expanded into applications such as energy absorption, and in the case of cellular contact-aided compliant mechanisms (C3Ms), stress-relief through self-contact. Although CMs provide greater design freedom in terms of geometry, size, and functionality than their rigid-link mechanism counterparts, there are notable challenges in modeling their complexity. This complexity arises not only from the nonuniform geometry of CMs, but also from variable material properties such as effective modulus. Current research in this area has been primarily limited to the study of linear elastic materials. Thus, there is a need to develop a model that describes CMs with nonlinear material behavior.

The focus of this work is on a low-fidelity model using nonlinear, superelastic materials. In order to account for both geometric nonlinearity and superelasticity, the use of a new pseudo-rigid body model is proposed. The model incorporates the mechanics of shape memory alloy (SMA) behavior in a folding C3M design. The combined application of pseudo-rigid body modeling and SMAs allows for the prediction of large recoverable deformations through superelasticity. In previous work, a segmented pseudo-rigid body model was used to account for the nonlinear behavior of a folding C3M. A mathematical model of the superelastic SMA material is derived based on 2D beam flexure equations. The development of these equations allows for an analysis of the deflection under an applied force. As a part of this study, the results of the SMA model will be compared to high-fidelity finite element simulations as a judge of the accuracy of the analytical model.
Development of Torque Sensors Using Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Soto Narciso , Garcia Jose , Newell Brittany
Published: October 2021

Most actuation systems in a variety of industries rely on rotary actuators to generate mechanical work. In this context, it becomes particularly useful to be able to measure torque, for diagnostic purposes as well as closed-loop control. However, current torque-measuring solutions are significantly more expensive than their linear force-measuring counterparts. Moreover, torque sensors are usually difficult to couple or embed into existing systems since they are often attached to rotary shafts. For these reasons, torque sensors are not widely used in automotive, construction, or agricultural industries. As additive manufacturing technologies make their way into conventional manufacturing processes, an opportunity arises to design torque-measurement devices that take advantage of these new manufacturing processes by being fully integrated into other components. In this work, resistance and capacitance-based torque sensors were designed and tested. The sensors rely on the combination of two or more printed materials with dissimilar electrical properties, which are able to electrically respond to external physical stimuli. Conductive Thermoplastic Polyurethane (e-TPU) is used to create flexible conductive structures, while ultra-flexible dielectric material (X60) is used to create capacitors of variable geometry. These sensors can easily be embedded into other soft and flexible parts, such as automotive motor mounts, providing a higher degree of control and reliability in an otherwise stagnant design.
Association Between Relative Quadriceps Strength and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Older Adults: The Yangpyeong Cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study
Authors: Song Bong Kil , Kim Geon Hui , Kim Jung Woon , Lefferts Elizabeth C. , Brellenthin Angelique G. , Lee Duck-Chul , Kim Yu-Mi , Kim Mi Kyung , Choi Bo Youl , Kim Yeon Soo
Published: October 2021

Background: To examine the independent and combined association between relative quadriceps strength and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults. Methods: Among 1441 Korean older adults aged ≥65 years (71 [4.7] y) recruited between 2007 and 2016, 1055 older adults with no history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer were included in the analysis. Cases of T2DM were identified by self-reported physician diagnosis, use antihyperglycemic medication or insulin, or fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of T2DM by quartiles of relative quadriceps strength. Results: There were 162 T2DM cases (15%). Compared with the lowest quartile (weakest), the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of T2DM were 0.56 (0.34–0.90), 0.60 (0.37–0.96), and 0.47 (0.28–0.80) in the second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively, after adjusting for possible confounders, including body mass index. In the joint analysis, compared with the “weak and overweight/obese” group, the odds (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]) of T2DM was only lower in the “strong and normal weight” group (0.36 [0.22–0.60]) after adjusting for possible confounders. Conclusions: Greater relative quadriceps strength is associated with reduced odds of T2DM in older adults after adjusting for potential confounders including body mass index.
Reduced false positives in autism screening via digital biomarkers inferred from deep comorbidity patterns
Authors: Onishchenko Dmytro , Huang Yi , van Horne James , Smith Peter J. , Msall Michael E. , Chattopadhyay Ishanu
Published: October 2021

We demonstrate universal questionnaire-free screening for autism with significant reduction in false positives.
Chromosome-level genome assembly reveals homologous chromosomes and recombination in asexual rotifer
Adineta vaga
Authors: Simion Paul , Narayan Jitendra , Houtain Antoine , Derzelle Alessandro , Baudry Lyam , Nicolas Emilien , Arora Rohan , Cariou Marie , Cruaud Corinne , Gaudray Florence Rodriguez , Gilbert Clément , Guiglielmoni Nadège , Hespeels Boris , Kozlowski Djampa K. L. , Labadie Karine , Limasset Antoine , Llirós Marc , Marbouty Martial , Terwagne Matthieu , Virgo Julie , Cordaux Richard , Danchin Etienne G. J. , Hallet Bernard , Koszul Romain , Lenormand Thomas , Flot Jean-Francois , Van Doninck Karine
Published: October 2021

High-quality genome assembly of ancient asexual rotifer reveals homologous chromosomes that frequently recombine.
Microglia become hypofunctional and release metalloproteases and tau seeds when phagocytosing live neurons with P301S tau aggregates
Authors: Brelstaff Jack H. , Mason Matthew , Katsinelos Taxiarchis , McEwan William A. , Ghetti Bernardino , Tolkovsky Aviva M. , Spillantini Maria Grazia
Published: October 2021

Microglia change their behavior when eating live neurons containing tau protein aggregates, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Fibrin gel enhances the antitumor effects of chimeric antigen receptor T cells in glioblastoma
Authors: Ogunnaike Edikan A. , Valdivia Alain , Yazdimamaghani Mostafa , Leon Ernesto , Nandi Seema , Hudson Hannah , Du Hongwei , Khagi Simon , Gu Zhen , Savoldo Barbara , Ligler Frances S. , Hingtgen Shawn , Dotti Gianpietro
Published: October 2021

In situ fibrin gel promotes the survival and the biodistribution of CAR-T cells, eliminating residual GBM cells after surgery.
Fatty acid oxidation is a druggable gateway regulating cellular plasticity for driving metastasis in breast cancer
Authors: Loo Ser Yue , Toh Li Ping , Xie William Haowei , Pathak Elina , Tan Wilson , Ma Siming , Lee May Yin , Shatishwaran S. , Yeo Joanna Zhen Zhen , Yuan Ju , Ho Yin Ying , Peh Esther Kai Lay , Muniandy Magendran , Torta Federico , Chan Jack , Tan Tira J. , Sim Yirong , Tan Veronique , Tan Benita , Madhukumar Preetha , Yong Wei Sean , Ong Kong Wee , Wong Chow Yin , Tan Puay Hoon , Yap Yoon Sim , Deng Lih-Wen , Dent Rebecca , Foo Roger , Wenk Markus R. , Lee Soo Chin , Ho Ying Swan , Lim Elaine Hsuen , Tam Wai Leong
Published: October 2021

Fatty acid oxidation is a metabolic gateway that regulates cellular plasticity and supports metastasis in breast cancer.
Near-wall rheotaxis of the ciliate
Tetrahymena
induced by the kinesthetic sensing of cilia
Authors: Ohmura Takuya , Nishigami Yukinori , Taniguchi Atsushi , Nonaka Shigenori , Ishikawa Takuji , Ichikawa Masatoshi
Published: October 2021

Kinesthetic sensing of cilia results in upstream motility for
Tetrahymena pyriformis
, a typical freshwater microorganism.
Foxq2 determines blue cone identity in zebrafish
Authors: Ogawa Yohey , Shiraki Tomoya , Fukada Yoshitaka , Kojima Daisuke
Published: October 2021

A transcriptional regulator Foxq2 controls blue-type cone opsin gene in vertebrate species having tetrachromatic visual system.
Plant cell adhesion and growth on artificial fibrous scaffolds as an in vitro model for plant development
Authors: Calcutt Ryan , Vincent Richard , Dean Derrick , Arinzeh Treena Livingston , Dixit Ram
Published: October 2021

Artificial fibrous matrices that mimic the plant cell wall enable the adhesion and culture of plant cells in vitro.
Nanocrystallization During Nanoindentation of a Bulk Amorphous Metal Alloy at Room Temperature
Authors: Kim J.-J. , Choi Y. , Suresh S. , Argon A. S.
Published: October 2021

It is known that nanocrystallites can form in shear bands produced during severe bending or high-energy ball milling of thin ribbons of a metallic glass. We present direct experimental evidence that highly confined and controlled local contact at the ultrafine scale in the form of quasi-static nanoindentation of a bulk glassy metal alloy at room temperature can also cause nanocrystallization. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy show that nanocrystallites nucleate in and around shear bands produced near indents and that they are the same as crystallites formed during annealing without deformation at 783 kelvin. Analogous to results from recent experiments with glassy polymers, our results are reasoned to be a consequence of flow dilatation inside the bands and of the attendant, radically enhanced, atomic diffusional mobility inside actively deforming shear bands.
Waning immunity
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2021

Vaccine protection can fade in months or last a lifetime.Understanding why could lead to more durable immune responses.
Probing entanglement in a many-body–localized system
Authors: Lukin Alexander , Rispoli Matthew , Schittko Robert , Tai M. Eric , Kaufman Adam M. , Choi Soonwon , Khemani Vedika , Léonard Julian , Greiner Markus
Published: October 2021

A logarithmic signature

Some one-dimensional disordered interacting quantum systems have been theoretically predicted to display a property termed many-body localization (MBL), where the system retains the memory of its initial state and fails to thermalize. However, proving experimentally that something does not occur is tricky. Instead, physicists have proposed monitoring the entanglement entropy of the system, which should grow logarithmically with evolution time in an MBL system. Lukin
et al.
observed this characteristic logarithmic trend in a disordered chain of interacting atoms of rubidium-87. This method should be generalizable to other experimental platforms and higher dimensions.

Science
, this issue p.
256
Glycosidase and glycan polymorphism control hydrolytic release of immunogenic flagellin peptides
Authors: Buscaill Pierre , Chandrasekar Balakumaran , Sanguankiattichai Nattapong , Kourelis Jiorgos , Kaschani Farnusch , Thomas Emma L. , Morimoto Kyoko , Kaiser Markus , Preston Gail M. , Ichinose Yuki , van der Hoorn Renier A. L.
Published: October 2021

Glycosylation goes back and forth

Plants produce receptors that recognize fragments of microbial flagellin, thus monitoring for infection by bacteria. Buscaill
et al.
studied how a flagellin fragment is made accessible for recognition by host glycosidases, which degrade the glycosylations shielding the peptide that triggers the immune response. The pathogen, in turn, evades detection by altering flagellin glycosylation and inhibiting the host glycosidase. This aspect of plant defense against infection plays out in the apoplast, the extracellular space within plant tissues.

Science
, this issue p.
eaav0748
Hazards of human spaceflight
Authors: Löbrich Markus , Jeggo Penny A.
Published: October 2021

A 1-year mission in space has many biological consequences
Sensitive intervention points in the post-carbon transition
Authors: Farmer J. D. , Hepburn C. , Ives M. C. , Hale T. , Wetzer T. , Mealy P. , Rafaty R. , Srivastav S. , Way R.
Published: October 2021

We must exploit socioeconomic tipping points and amplifiers
Age and composition of young basalts on the Moon, measured from samples returned by Chang’e-5
Authors: Che Xiaochao , Nemchin Alexander , Liu Dunyi , Long Tao , Wang Chen , Norman Marc D. , Joy Katherine H. , Tartese Romain , Head James , Jolliff Bradley , Snape Joshua F. , Neal Clive R. , Whitehouse Martin J. , Crow Carolyn , Benedix Gretchen , Jourdan Fred , Yang Zhiqing , Yang Chun , Liu Jianhui , Xie Shiwen , Bao Zemin , Fan Runlong , Li Dapeng , Li Zengsheng , Webb Stuart G.
Published: October 2021

Sample return shows late lunar volcanism

Measuring physical samples of Solar System bodies in the laboratory provides more information than is possible from remote sensing alone. In December 2020, the Chang’e-5 mission landed on the Moon, collected samples, and returned them to Earth. Che
et al
. analyze two fragments of volcanic lunar basalt collected by Chang’e-5. Radiometric dating using lead isotopes indicated that the rocks formed from magma that erupted about 2 billion years ago, later than other volcanic lunar samples. The abundance of extinct radioactive elements in the rock is too low for radioactive heating to have produced the magma. Another, thus far unknown, source must be responsible for the late lunar volcanism. —KTS
Targeting epigenetically maladapted vascular niche alleviates liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Zhang Hua , Ma Yongyuan , Cheng Xinying , Wu Dongbo , Huang Xingming , Chen Bin , Ren Yafeng , Jiang Wei , Tang Xiaoqiang , Bai Ting , Chen Yutian , Zhao Yilin , Zhang Chunxue , Xiao Xia , Liu Jing , Deng Yue , Ye Tinghong , Chen Lu , Liu Han-Min , Friedman Scott L. , Chen Liping , Ding Bi-Sen , Cao Zhongwei
Published: October 2021

Epigenetic targeting of the maladaptive vascular niche in fibrotic liver blocks fibrosis by alleviating fibrogenic angiocrine IGFBP7 and ADAMTS1.
Peptide-based urinary monitoring of fibrotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by mass-barcoded activity-based sensors
Authors: Cazanave Sophie C. , Warren Andrew D. , Pacula Maciej , Touti Fayçal , Zagorska Anna , Gural Nil , Huang Eric K. , Sherman Sarah , Cheema Mehar , Ibarra Sabrina , Bates Jamie , Billin Andrew N. , Liles John T. , Budas Grant R. , Breckenridge David G. , Tiniakos Dina , Ratziu Vlad , Daly Ann K. , Govaere Olivier , Anstee Quentin M. , Gelrud Louis , Luther Jay , Chung Raymond T. , Corey Kathleen E. , Winckler Wendy , Bhatia Sangeeta , Kwong Gabriel A.
Published: October 2021

A urinary test for liver protease activity detects NASH fibrosis and indicates early therapeutic treatment response.
Genome Analysis of the Probiotic Strain Enterococcus faecium Ef79OSAU
Authors: Sycheva M. V. , Popova E. V. , Khlopko Y. A. , Pashkova T. M. , Kartashova O. L. , Kataev V. Y. , Gerasimenko V. V. , Vasilchenko A. V.
Published: October 2021

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Enterococcus faecium
strain Ef79OSAU, which was isolated from swine feces. The characteristics of strain Ef79OSAU reveal the absence of pathogenicity factors, a wide range of antimicrobial activity
in vitro
, and antilisteriosis activity
in vivo
.
Draft Genome Sequence of the White-Rot Fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624
Authors: Mori Toshio , Dohra Hideo , Suzuki Tomohiro , Kawagishi Hirokazu , Hirai Hirofumi
Published: October 2021

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the white-rot basidiomycete fungus
Phanerochaete sordida
YK-624 (ATCC 90872), which was isolated in Yakushima, Kagoshima, Japan. The genome of this strain was found to be 41.2 Mbp, with a G+C content of 58.7%, and to comprise 17,108 predicted protein-coding sequences.
Upper Respiratory Tract Microbiome of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in Ear and Nose Health and Disease
Authors: Coleman Andrea , Zaugg Julian , Wood Amanda , Cottrell Kyra , Håkansson Eva Grahn , Adams Jasmyn , Brown Matthew , Cervin Anders , Bialasiewicz Seweryn
Published: October 2021

Recurring and chronic infections of the ear (OM) are disproportionately prevalent in disadvantaged communities across the globe and, in particular, within Indigenous communities. Despite numerous intervention strategies, OM persists as a major health issue and is the leading cause of preventable hearing loss.
Repurposing of the Tamoxifen Metabolites to Treat Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Infections
Authors: Miró-Canturri Andrea , Vila-Domínguez Andrea , Caretero-Ledesma Marta , Ayerbe-Algaba Rafael , Pachón Jerónimo , Jiménez-Mejías Manuel Enrique , Smani Younes
Published: October 2021

The development of new antimicrobial therapeutic strategies requires immediate attention to avoid the tens of millions of deaths predicted to occur by 2050 as a result of MDR bacterial infections. In this study, we assessed the antibacterial activity of three major tamoxifen metabolites,
N
-desmethyltamoxifen (DTAM), 4-hydroxytamoxifen (HTAM), and endoxifen (ENDX), against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(MRSE) and
Enterococcus
spp. (
E. faecalis
and
E. faecium
).
Targeting Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Enhances Type I Interferon-Independent Resistance to Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: Chen Jincheng , Liang Juan , Xu Hui , Liu Wenqi , Liu Shuyan , Duan Lian , Li Fang , Wang Zhaoqin , Liu Yingxia , McSharry Brian , Feng Carl G. , Zhang Guoliang
Published: October 2021

This study describes how a virus might utilize host aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling to promote its replication, even in the presence of type I interferons.
Patient-reported outcome measures following revision knee replacement: a review of PROM instrument utilisation and measurement properties using the COSMIN checklist
Authors: Sabah Shiraz A , Hedge Elizabeth A , Abram Simon G F , Alvand Abtin , Price Andrew J , Hopewell Sally
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To identify: (1) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to evaluate symptoms, health status or quality of life following discretionary revision (or re-revision) knee joint replacement, and (2) validated joint-specific PROMs, their measurement properties and quality of evidence.

Design

(1) Scoping review; (2) systematic review following the COnsensus-based Standards for selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, AMED and PsycINFO were searched from inception to 1 July 2020 using the Oxford PROM filter unlimited by publication date or language.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies reporting on the development, validation or outcome of a joint-specific PROM for revision knee joint replacement were included.

Results

51 studies reported PROM outcomes using eight joint-specific PROMs. 27 out of 51 studies (52.9%) were published within the last 5 years. PROM development was rated ‘inadequate’ for each of the eight PROMs studied. Validation studies were available for only three joint-specific PROMs: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). 25 out of 27 (92.6%) measurement properties were rated insufficient, indeterminate or not assessed. The quality of supporting evidence was mostly low or very low. Each of the validated PROMs was rated ‘B’ (potential for recommendation but require further evaluation).

Conclusion

Joint-specific PROMs are increasingly used to report outcomes following revision knee joint replacement, but these instruments have insufficient evidence for their validity. Future research should be directed toward understanding the measurement properties of these instruments in order to inform clinical trials and observational studies evaluating the outcomes from joint-specific PROMs.
Association between healthy lifestyle score changes and quality of life and health-related quality of life: a longitudinal analysis of South Korean panel data
Authors: Nari Fatima , Jeong Wonjeong , Jang Bich Na , Lee Hyeon Ji , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: October 2021

Objectives

We aimed to determine the influence of changes in the aggregate score of healthy lifestyle factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and overall quality of life (QOL) in the Korean older adult population.

Design

This study used a longitudinal design.

Setting and participants

Data on 9474 participants aged 45 years or older were extracted from the Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging for the period 2006–2016. A composite score of four lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, physical activity and body mass index) was calculated, and biennial changes in aggregate score were computed.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were HRQOL and QOL.

Results

Generalised estimating equation analysis results showed that those with healthy lifestyle score changes from ‘Low–High’ (β =−0.987, p=0.002;β =−1.288, p<0.0001), ‘High–Low’ (β =−1.281, p<0.0001;β =−1.952, p<0.0001) and ‘Low–Low’ (β =−1.552, p<0.0001;β =−2.398, p<0.0001) groups were more likely to be have lower HRQOL and QOL estimates than those in ‘High–High’ group. Female gender, older age and depression had a more negative impact on HRQOL, while male gender and younger age had a more negative impact on QOL, especially in the Low–Low group. The relationship between changes in scores and HRQOL and QOL varied across different elements of healthy lifestyle scores. Changes in physical activity, drinking and smoking status were significantly associated with lower HRQOL and QOL.

Conclusion

The findings suggest an association between a low healthy lifestyle score and poor quality of life, in both general and health-related aspects. Strategies targeting the Korean ageing demographic to promote a healthier lifestyle should be encouraged.
TRANSCOV cohort protocol: an epidemiological study assessing the impact of critically ill COVID-19 patients long distance transfers between intensive care units
Authors: Grimaud Olivier , Bayat Sahar , Renault Anne , Maury Eric , Pottecher Julien , Dolz Manuel , Braun François , Fermanian Christophe , Ricard-Hibon Agnès , Prieto Nathalie , Philippe Jean-Marc , Leray Emmanuelle
Published: October 2021

Introduction

During spring 2020, four regions of France faced a surge of severe COVID-19 patients which threatened to overflow local intensive care units (ICU) capacities. As an emergency response, between 13 March 2020 and 10 April 2020, an estimated 661 patients were transferred from overcrowded ICUs to eight other French regions and four neighbouring countries. The intensity, geographical spread and the diversity of vectors used are unprecedented. The study aims at assessing the impact of these inter-ICU transfers on the short-term and medium-term physical and psychological outcomes in this population of severe COVID-19 patients.

Methods and analysis

The TRANSCOV cohort is a multicentre observational retrospective study. All transferred patients between ICUs outside the origin region will be invited to take part. For each transfer, up to four control patients will be selected among those admitted in the same ICU during the same period (±4 days of transfer date). Clinical data will be extracted from medical records and will include haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, as well as clinical severity scores before, during and after transfer. Data linkage with medicoadministrative data will enrich the clinical database and allow follow-up up to 1 year after initial admission.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the French Ethics and Scientific Committee on the 16 July 2020 (file no. 2046524). The results will be disseminated via publication of scientific articles and communications in national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

20 CO 015 CZ.
Exploring concepts of compassion in care home settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Evans Jay , Grant Elizabeth , Pessi Anne Birgitta , Evans Laura , Voolma Silja
Published: October 2021

Introduction

There is widespread agreement that medical care without compassion cannot be patient-centred, but patients still routinely cite that they feel a lack of compassion in the care environment. There is a dearth of research on how compassion is experienced in a non-hospital setting such as a care home, not just by residents but by staff and other key stakeholders. This scoping review aims to determine the body of existing, published research that explicitly refers to compassion or empathy in the context of care homes.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow the methodology described by Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMAextension for scoping reviews guideline to adhere to an established methodological framework. Relevant publications will be searched on the EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EBM Reviews and PsycInfo databases. Peer-reviewed literature focusing on experiences of compassion or empathy in care home settings from the perspective of either staff, residents (or clients), family members or their combined perspectives will be included. We will focus on literature published from 2000 up to 1 November 2021, in English, Spanish, Portuguese Finnish and Estonian. The review process will consist of three stages: a title review to identify articles of interest, this will be followed by an abstract review and finally, a full-text review. These three stages will be conducted by two reviewers. Data will be extracted, collated and charted and a narrative synthesis of the results will be presented.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. This study supports the first part of a larger programme to understand the importance of technologies in care homes. The scoping review will examine data from publicly available documentation, reports and published papers. Dissemination will be achieved through engagement with stakeholder communities, and publishing results. Our team will include representatives from the different communities involved.
Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome – A Pathological View
Authors: Addis B. J.
Published: October 2021

Progressive respiratory insufficiency may be a complication of shock, trauma or sepsis. The pathology of this syndrome is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms by which the various factors involved cause diffuse alveolar damage. Other related factors, particularly oxygen toxicity, are discussed and the contributions that they make, both to the clinical syndrome and to the morphological changes in the lungs, are assessed.
Lean Long Distance Swimmers
Authors: Golden F. St C. , Hampton I. F. G. , Smith D.
Published: October 2021

The tolerance of long distance swimmers to cold water has, in the past, been attributed to the increased insulation afforded by subcutaneous fat. In this paper evidence is presented to show that modern competitive distance swimmers are relatively lean. Habituation changes were shown in two of three swimmers who were monitored during static immersion and on swimming.
Histopathological analysis of in vivo specimens of recurrent aneurysms after coil embolization
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Mengxing , Chen Huiyuan , Yang Xinjian , Zhang Ying , Zhang Dong
Published: October 2021

Background

Aneurysm recurrence after coil embolization remains a challenging problem.

Objective

To determine the histopathological features of recurrent aneurysm specimens and explore the mechanism of aneurysm recurrence.

Methods

Nine aneurysm specimens were collected from eight patients who underwent clipping for aneurysm recurrence within 2 years after embolization. All specimens were sectioned and embedded in resin, stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson stain, and immunohistochemical staining for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and CD68+ antibodies, and were examined under light microscopy.

Results

Five aneurysms were surgically clipped owing to post-embolic subarachnoid hemorrhage, while the other four aneurysms had dangerous recanalization detected on follow-up imaging. Five aneurysms had self-growth and four aneurysms had coil compactions. Gross observation showed that each recurrent aneurysm was wrapped by a thrombus and the aneurysm wall; some coils protruded from the pseudocapsule in some ruptured aneurysms. Microscopically, H&E staining showed that three types of thrombi (fresh thrombus, granulation tissue, and scar tissue) coexisted in one section. In addition, characteristic unstable and unorganized thrombi with empty spaces were found in the neck cavity. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the SMA stain was discontinued and incomplete, and CD68+ antibody and H&E staining revealed inflammatory infiltrate in the aneurysm wall.

Conclusion

The coexistence of three types of thrombi is the main characteristic of recurrent aneurysms. The formation of stable thrombus may be one of the key points of aneurysm recurrence. Smooth muscle cell damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the aneurysm wall probably contribute to the recanalization.
Networks and Bifurcations of Eccentric Orbits in Exoplanetary Systems
Authors: Papadakis Konstantinos E. , Saeed Tareq , Zotos Euaggelos E.
Published: October 2021

A systematic study of families of planar symmetric periodic orbits of the elliptic restricted three-body problem is presented, in exoplanetary systems. We find families of periodic orbits that surround only one of the primaries (Satellite-Type), that are moving around both primaries (Planet-Type), and also moving about the collinear Lagrange points. The linear stability of every periodic orbit is calculated, and the families are interpreted through stability diagrams. We focus on quasi-satellite motions of test particles that are associated with the known family [Formula: see text] that consists of 1:1 resonant retrograde Satellite-Type orbits. Over the last years, quasi-satellite orbits are of special interest due to the many applications in the design of spacecraft missions around moons and asteroids. We find the critical simple (1:1 resonant) periodic orbits of the basic families of the circular problem from which we calculate new families of the elliptic problem. Additionally, families of the elliptic problem which bifurcate from the main family [Formula: see text], for various resonances, are also presented and discussed. Hundreds of critical orbits (bifurcation points), from which families of the elliptic problem of higher multiplicity emerge, are found and the corresponding resonances are identified.
ARRHYTHMIA CLASSIFICATION USING DEEP RESIDUAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: SHI ZHENGHAO , YIN ZHIYAN , REN XIAOYONG , LIU HAIQIN , CHEN JINGGUO , HEI XINHONG , LUO JING , YOU ZHENZHEN , ZHAO MINGHUA
Published: October 2021

Arrhythmia classification with electrocardiogram (ECG) is of great importance for the identification of arrhythmia diseases. However, since the variance of ECG signal in wave appears frequently, it is still a very challenging task to obtain a very good classification result. In this paper, an arrhythmia classification with ECG based on deep residual networks is proposed, of which two improved residual blocks are used to combine soft and hard subsampling. With such blocks, the network can well hold spatial information and improve the classification performance with a simple model structure. Experiments on the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database show that the proposed method obtained an average classification accuracy of 99.59% and an average classification specificity 99.63%, which are 0.26% and 0.57% higher than that of the most state-of-art method based on deep learning.
FEATURES ANALYSIS AND SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION OF MECHANOMYOGRAPHY AND ELECTROMYOGRAPHY UNDER TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION
Authors: ZHANG HANYANG , ZHONG YANBIAO , ZHANG YUE , YANG KE , XIA CHUNMING , SHAN CHUNLEI
Published: October 2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an electrophysiological technique that uses alternating magnetic fields to deliver electric current and stimulate the cerebral cortex. When TMS is used for the evaluation of brain diseases, it is necessary to detect the contraction of the corresponding muscles in the cerebral cortex stimulated by TMS, and the muscle activity referred to as motor evoked potential (MEP). This study simultaneously recorded the mechanomyography (MMG) and electromyography (EMG) from the right abductor pollicis brevis muscle during TMS with different intensities in order to observe whether the MEP parameters from MMG signals showed similar trait of EMG recordings. Moreover, the subspace method (N4SID) and transfer function were used to identify the TMS–MMG system. In this system, the input was a pulse signal of TMS, and the output was the MMG signal detected from the target muscle. The TMS–MMG system was identified as a fourth-order model. This study also analyzed the internal features of the system and demonstrated that the poles of healthy subjects were distributed in a range, and the gain increased with the increase of the TMS intensity. It was found that MMG signals can be used as diagnostic indicators of TMS, and the TMS–MMG model can be used to further explore the details of how TMS generates responses measured with MMG.
Study of historical groundwater level changes in two Belgian chalk aquifers in the context of climate change impacts
Authors: Goderniaux Pascal , Orban Philippe , Rorive Alain , Brouyère Serge , Dassargues Alain
Published: October 2021

In southern Belgium, 23% of abstracted groundwater volumes are from chalk aquifers, representing strategic resources for the region. Due to their specific nature, these chalk aquifers often exhibit singular behaviour and require specific analysis. The quantitative evolution of these groundwater resources is analysed for the Mons Basin and Hesbaye chalk aquifers as a function of past evolution, in the short and long term. Groundwater level time series exhibit decreases when analysed over different periods. This is particularly visible for the Hesbaye chalk aquifer when comparing the 1960–90 and 1990–2020 periods. Such decreases are associated with observed temperature increases and precipitation decreases, inducing a decrease of aquifer recharge, and a probable increase of groundwater abstraction in the adjacent catchment. Past evolution is also discussed considering recent winter and summer drought events. The aquifers exhibit long delays in response to recharge events, particularly where the thickness of the partially saturated zone plays a crucial role in observed delays. Regarding future evolution, simulations of the impact of climate changes using medium–high emission scenarios indicate a probable decrease of the groundwater levels over the Hesbaye chalk aquifer.