bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between quality and duration of sleep and subjective cognitive decline: a cross-sectional study in South Korea
Authors: Joo Hye Jin , Joo Jae Hong , Kwon Junhyun , Jang Bich Na , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: August 2021

Sleep is being emphasized as a factor that improves mental health and quality of life. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between the quality and duration of sleep and subjective cognitive decline in the Korean population. We used the 2018 Korean Community Health Survey data that are nationwide representative data collected by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sleep quality was measured using the Korean version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The study population comprised 206,719 individuals aged 19 years and over. We used multiple logistic regression for the analysis. Individuals of both sexes with poor sleep quality were more likely to experience subjective cognitive decline compared with the reference group (good sleep quality) (men, odds ratio (OR) = 1.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.86–2.09]; women, OR = 1.75 [95% CI 1.67–1.84]). U-shape associations were found between sleep duration and subjective cognitive decline. Additionally, the presence of depressive symptom or stress and health-related behaviors, including smoking, drinking, and not walking, were high-risk factors for subjective cognitive decline. Our results indicate that poor sleep quality might contribute to subjective cognitive decline in the Korean population. We suggest the implementation of intervention measures for poor sleep behaviors to prevent cognitive decline.
A rGO–DNAzyme assisted fluorescence method for sensitive RNase A activity assay and natural compound screening
Authors: Qin Yan , Long Ying , Zhou Ting , Luo Ruxin , Tong Chunyi , Xie Qian , Wang Wei , Liu Bin
Published: August 2021

As a key regulator of human physiology and metabolic processes, ribonuclease (RNase) A can be used as an important biomarker for predicting human disease occurrence.
Hypoglycemic and lipid lowering effects of theaflavins in high-fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Cai Xiaqiang , Liu Zenghui , Dong Xu , Wang Ying , Zhu Luwei , Li Mengli , Xu Yan
Published: August 2021

TFs, TF1, TF2a and TF3 administered to HFD mice not only decreased the level of blood glucose and HOMA-IR but also activated the SIRT6/AMPK/SREBP-1/FASN pathway to inhibite synthesis and accumulation of the lipids in the liver to ameliorate obesity.
Anion exchanged Cl doping achieving band sharpening and low lattice thermal conductivity for improving thermoelectric performance in SnTe
Authors: Yang Quanxin , Lyu Tu , Dong Yuan , Nan Bohang , Tie Jian , Zhou Xiaojing , Zhang Bin , Xu Guiying
Published: August 2021

Cl doping achieves band sharpening as a potential strategy for improving the power factor in SnTe thermoelectrics.
Novel noncentrosymmetric polar coordination compounds derived from chiral histidine ligands
Authors: Seo Wooyoung , Ok Kang Min
Published: August 2021

Noncentrosymmetric chiral Zn- and Cd-coordination compounds have been synthesized by a slow evaporation method using histidine under acidic conditions.
Transient directing group controlled regiodivergent C(sp3)–H and C(sp2)–H polyfluoroalkoxylation of aromatic aldehydes
Authors: Zhou Jiayu , Liu Dan , Bai Chaolumen , Bao Agula , Muschin Tegshi , Baiyin Menghe , Bao Yong-Sheng
Published: August 2021

A novel method for achieving regiodivergent C(sp3)–H and C(sp2)–H polyfluoroalkoxylation in the o-methyl benzaldehyde framework by altering the transient directing group is disclosed.
A helically twisted ribbon-shaped nanographene constructed around a fenestrindane core
Authors: Sun Xiao-Qing , Wong Wai-Shing , Li Yuke , Kuck Dietmar , Chow Hak-Fun
Published: August 2021

Ten C–C bonds and four cycloheptatriene rings were formed in one single operation, producing a helically twisted ribbon-shaped nanographene in 11% yield.
Bifunctional acidic ionic liquid-catalyzed decarboxylative cascade synthesis of quinoxalines in water under ambient conditions
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Zhang Pingjun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhou Xianying , Liang Jiahui , Nan Jiang , Ma Yangmin
Published: August 2021

An acid-functionalized ionic liquid (IL)-catalyzed cascade decarboxylative cyclization of 2-arylanilines with α-oxocarboxylic acids was developed.
Nickel-catalyzed highly regioselective hydrocyanation of aliphatic allenes
Authors: Ding Ying , Long Jinguo , Fang Xianjie
Published: August 2021

A nickel-catalyzed hydrocyanation of aliphatic allenes with excellent regioselectivity is developed. This protocol enables a catalytic pathway to access various allylic nitriles containing quaternary carbon centers in good yields.
Copper-catalyzed,N-auxiliary group-controlled switchable transannulation/nitration initiated by nitro radicals: selective synthesis of pyridoquinazolones and 3-nitroindoles
Authors: Shoberu Adedamola , Li Cheng-Kun , Qian Hai-Feng , Zou Jian-Ping
Published: August 2021

Within the scope of nitration reactions, the efficiency of sensitive heteroaromatics such as indoles is often eroded by various competitive oxidative decomposition pathways.
β-Trioxopyrrocorphins: pyrrocorphins of graded aromaticity
Authors: Chaudhri Nivedita , Guberman-Pfeffer Matthew J. , Li Ruoshi , Zeller Matthias , Brückner Christian
Published: August 2021

The four possible pyrrocorphin isomers were prepared. Remarkably, they show regiochemically dependent aromaticity attributed to the presence of a 16-membered, 18 π-electron aromatic ring-current.
Suppressing Ge-vacancies to achieve high single-leg efficiency in GeTe with an ultra-high room temperature power factor
Authors: Jia Ning , Cao Jing , Tan Xian Yi , Zheng Jie , Chien Sheau Wei , Yang Le , Chen Kewei , Ng Hong Kuan , Faye Duran Solco Samantha , Liu Hongfei , Ivan Tan Chee Kiang , Li Zibiao , Xu Jianwei , Wu Jing , Yan Qingyu , Suwardi Ady
Published: August 2021

Adding Cu2Te, In, and Bi into GeTe results in an ultra-high power factor and averagezT. A power conversion efficiency of 11.8% can be achieved in lead-free, single-leg GeTe between 323 and 745 K.
Remyelination: what are the prospects for regenerative therapies in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Moore Jonathan D.
Published: August 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves the immune system attacking the myelin sheaths surrounding axons and is a major cause of disability in working-age adults. Various approved therapies now provide reasonably good control over MS neuroinflammation, but none have a pronounced impact on the neurodegeneration associated with the disease. One prominent approach to fulfilling the unmet need for neuroprotective therapies, is the search for agents that promote ‘remyelination', namely the generation of new oligodendrocytes that can form replacement myelin sheaths around denuded axons. In this article, I discuss some emerging targets for remyelinating therapies, mainly being pursued by recently formed small companies translating academic findings.
3D complex envelope leapfrog ADI‐FDTD algorithm
Authors: Dong Yunyang , Zhou Jianyi
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a 3D complex envelope leapfrog alternating‐direction‐implicit finite‐difference time‐domain method. Compared with the previous work, the proposed method costs less computation runtime and memory while maintaining similar accuracy. The stability, accuracy and efficiency of the method are demonstrated by the numerical examples.
Comportement au revenu
d'un acier du type Z80CDSV8.2.1.1
pour cylindres de laminoirs à chaud
Authors: Djebaïli H.
Published: August 2021

Transformations in Cr-Mo-Si steels with a specific addition of Vanadium have been characterized
precisely as well as their effect on the hardness of the materials. A preliminary treatment in
the austenitic field leads to a limited enrichment of the matrix as well as temperature is less
than 1050°C : only M3C and M23C6 carbides may then be dissolved. On the contrary, the dissolution
of M7C3 and MC carbides is observed over 1100°C but is only partial even after treatment
at 1150°C. After quenching from three distinct temperatures (1050-1100 and 1150°C), the
microstructure consists of martensite, residual austenite and primary carbides (mainly M7C3
and MC type) ; different tempering treatments have been performed (isochronal, isothermal or
on continuous heating) using various physical methods (dilatometry, DTA and magnetic measurements,
TEM observations and hot hardness testing). According to the maximum θR temperature
reached, the following structural evolutions were observed :

•

ε carbide precipitates at θR < 250° C in the a’ matrix, then M3C carbide forms between 250 and 350°C which transforms in M7C3 carbide from 450 to 500°C. At the same time (300-
500°C) a secondary hardening occurs linked to the formation of very fine V4C3 carbides : a
progressive increase in hot hardness is observed while holding isothermally at 300-450°C.

•

From 450 to 600°C, the residual austenite is destabilized owing to the precipitation of small
carbides in α'/γ interfaces and may be transformed on cooling either in bainite or secondary
martensite. On the other hand that impoverished austenite may be transformed in (α + carbides)
between 600-700°C. Besides in the same temperature range, M6C and M23C6 may be
formed at the expense of fine M7C3 carbides previously formed.
L'essai de dureté vickers:
Authors: Iost A. , Bigot R.
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses some of the main models proposed in the literature for determining the hardness of films that are too thin to be directly measured from Vickers microhardness indentations. Two type of models were examined : the “area low - of - mixtures” from Jönsson and Hogmark and the volume low - of - mixture initially suggested by Sargent and developped by Burnett and Rickerby. Results obtainend by this models are discussed and critically examined. Some modifications were proposed to improve the validity of these models.
Excessive Treadmill Training Produces different Cardiac-related MicroRNA Profiles in the Left and Right Ventricles in Mice
Authors: Yang Jing , Xu Lin , Yin Xin , Zheng Yi Li , Zhang Hai Peng , Xu Sheng Jia , Wang Wei , Wang Sen , Zhang Chen Yu , Ma Ji Zheng
Published: August 2021

High-volume training followed by inadequate recovery may cause overtraining. This process may undermine the protective effect of regular exercise on the cardiovascular system and may increase the risk of pathological cardiac remodelling. We evaluated whether chronic overtraining changes cardiac-related microRNA profiles in the left and right ventricles. C57BL/6 mice were divided into the control, normal training, and overtrained by running without inclination, uphill running or downhill running groups. After an 8-week treadmill training protocol, the incremental load test and training volume results showed that the model had been successfully established. The qRT-PCR results showed increased cardiac miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-206, miR-208b and miR-499 levels in the left ventricle of the downhill running group compared with the left ventricle of the control group. Similarly, compared with the control group, the downhill running induced increased expression of miR-21, miR-17–3p, and miR-29b in the left ventricle. Unlike the changes in the left ventricle, no difference in the expression of the tested miRNAs was observed in the right ventricle. Briefly, our results indicated that overtraining generally affects key miRNAs in the left ventricle (rather than the right ventricle) and that changes in individual miRNAs may cause either adaptive or maladaptive remodelling with overtraining.
Psychiatrisch Erscheinendes muss nicht immer psychiatrisch sein. Schwerhörigkeit als Ursache einer psychopathologischen Verdachtsdiagnose
Authors: Tränkner Anja , Steinberg Holger
Published: August 2021

In der Geschichte von Psychiatrie und Otologie gibt es Belege, dass psychische und Hörerkrankungen voneinander abhängen können. So wiesen z. B. Emil Kraepelin 1915 und eine 1962 publizierte Leipziger Reihenuntersuchung darauf hin, dass hörerkrankte Menschen häufiger psychisch auffällig werden oder psychisch erkranken als hörgesunde.

Wir skizzieren den Fall einer Patientin, die vor und nach der Geburt einer Tochter psychopathologische Auffälligkeiten v. a. in der Aufmerksamkeit, kognitiven Umstellungsfähigkeit und sozialen Kompetenz aufwies. Nach der Diagnose einer beidseitigen mittelgradigen Schallempfindungsschwerhörigkeit und der Versorgung mit Hörgeräten war der psychopathologische Befund unauffällig. Der Fall kann eine Erinnerung dafür sein, dass nach wie vor Hörgeschädigte aufgrund ihrer fehlenden oder eingeschränkten Kommunikationsfähigkeit in der Versorgung durch fachspezifische Grenzen fallen.
The Effect of Lipoteichoic Acid from Lactobacillus plantarum on Dental Pulp Inflammation
Authors: Pribadi Nirawati , Rahayu Retno Pudji , Ismiyatin Kun , Putri Cindy Ramadhan , Surboyo Meircurius Dwi Condro
Published: August 2021

Objective Lactobacillus plantarum, a bacterium located in deep caries, has a virulence factor in the form of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), which is found in the bacterial cell wall. LTA is able to trigger a neutrophils response in the dental pulp inflammation process within the first 6 to 24 hours. The quantity of bacteria is one factor influencing the increase in number of neutrophils in addition to the quality of the bacteria. This study seeks to analyze the effect of lipoteichoic acid of Lactobacillus plantarum (LTA-Lp) in the dental pulp inflammation by observing the number of neutrophil cells in a histopathological view.

Materials and Methods The LTA was isolated from L. plantarum. The left upper molar of Rattus novergicus was mechanically perforated under anesthesia to induce dental pulp inflammation. The perforated tooth was then induced by 10 and 15 µg/mL of LTA-Lp and then restored by a temporary filling. The perforated tooth in the control group was only restored by a temporary filling. After 24, 48, and 72 hours, the tooth was extracted and then stained with hematoxylins and eosin to observe the neutrophils in the dental pulp via a light microscope.

Result The number of neutrophils in the dental pulp after induction by 15 µg/mL of LTA-Lp is higher than 10 µg/mL of LTA-Lp and both controls. There were significant differences in the number of neutrophils in the dental pulp, in each group on 24, 48, and 72 hours after LTA-Lp inducing (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The LTA-Lp dose of of 10 and 15 µg/mL affected the dental pulp inflammation by affecting the number of neutrophils.
Capillary fluctuations and energy dynamics for flow in porous media
Authors: McClure James E. , Berg Steffen , Armstrong Ryan T.
Published: August 2021

Capillary energy barriers have important consequences for immiscible fluid flow in porous media. We derive a time-and-space averaging theory to account for the non-equilibrium behavior and understand the role of athermal capillary fluctuations in the context of their relationship to larger scale phenomenological equations. The formulation resolves several key challenges associated with two-fluid flow in porous media: (1) geometric and thermodynamic quantities are constructed as smooth functions of time based on time-and-space averages; (2) averaged thermodynamics are developed for films; (3) multi-scale fluctuation terms are identified, which account for transient behaviors of interfaces and films that occur due to pore-scale events; (4) geometric constraints are derived and imposed on the averaged thermodynamics; (5) a new constitutive model is proposed for capillary pressure dynamics that includes contributions from films; and (6) a time-and-space criterion for representative elementary volume is established based on capillary fluctuations. Capillary fluctuations are assessed quantitatively based on pore-scale simulations and experimental core-flooding data.
Spectral analysis of gaseous cavitation in water through multiphase mathematical and acoustic methods
Authors: Jablonská J. , Kozubková M. , Mahdal M. , Marcalík P. , Tůma J. , Bojko M. , Hružík L.
Published: August 2021

Mathematical modeling is applied as an effective tool for prediction of cavitation in hydraulic components and systems. A multiphase mathematical model based on the change in phase between water and vapor is typically used to investigate the cavitation flow. However, dissolved air can significantly affect the cavitation. This study proposes a new approach based on a multiphase turbulent mathematical model by adding the air into the mixture to solve the dynamics of cavitation. To clearly assess the significance of air in the multiphase model, four variants of the mixture are investigated (water; water and vapor; water and air; and water, vapor, and air together). The software of the computational fluid dynamics ANSYS Fluent was applied to numerically solve the proposed mathematical models. The influence of gaseous components is analyzed through evaluation of hydraulic parameters and spectral characteristics of the cavitation bubble. To verify the proposed mathematical models, a hydraulic water circuit was built to generate cavitation in a transparent Venturi nozzle. Cavitation in the experiment was identified by measuring the flow rate, static pressure, and noise and visualized with a camera. The numerical results of the extended multiphase flow confirmed very good agreement with experimentally obtained basic hydraulic parameters and frequency-related characteristics. Knowledge obtained from the multiphase mathematical model of cavitation can be applied to cavitation in the oil flow (pump suction and flow through the valve) in future research, where the effect of the air on cavitation is more important than the effect of vapor.
Semen and oocyte collection, sperm cryopreservation and IVF with the threatened North American giant salamander
Authors: McGinnity Dale , Reinsch Sherri D. , Schwartz Heather , Trudeau Vance , Browne Robert K.
Published: August 2021

Semen of high to moderate quality was collected following the hormonal induction of North American giant salamanders Cryptobranchus alleganiensis. Oocytes from one female yielded the first C. alleganiensis produced while maintained in aquaria under human care and the first externally fertilising salamander produced with cryopreserved spermatozoa and IVF. Further research is needed with North American giant salamanders to establish reliable techniques to produce large numbers of viable offspring, along with the application of cryopreserved spermatozoa.
A dynamic electrically driven soft valve for control of soft hydraulic actuators
Authors: Xu Siyi , Chen Yufeng , Hyun Nak-seung P. , Becker Kaitlyn P. , Wood Robert J.
Published: August 2021

Significance

Soft actuators have advantages over traditional rigid robots in various applications due to their robustness, low mechanical stiffness, and low weight. Thus far, conventional rigid valves are the most common approach to control hydraulic soft actuators. Although soft valves have been designed in various forms, they have not achieved the pressure or flow rate conditions as required by many existing hydraulic actuators. In this paper, we introduce an electrically driven soft valve using dynamic dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). These soft valves have a fast response time and are able to control fluidic pressure and flow rates that match the needs of hydraulic actuators with mesoscale channels. The DEA valves enable possibilities for soft onboard controls for future fluidic soft robots.
Corrigendum: Development of Marine Ecotourism in Indonesia: Case of Maligi Nature Reserve, Province of West Sumatra (2021 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 695 012029)
Authors: Zamzami L. , Azwar  , Ermayanti  , Hendrawati
Published: August 2021

Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Mechanical behavior of open-cell aluminium foams filled with tin-bronze foams
Authors: Feng Qiang , Liao Changzhong , Wu Xueyan , Zhang Qian , Yu Li
Published: August 2021

The interior pore of open-cell aluminium foams filled with bronze foams is a new method of preparing aluminium foams composite. The voids of bronze foams were fabricated byin situthermal decomposition of space-holder in a powder metallurgical sintering process. Cu3Sn phase content is observed to increase through phase transformation at the expense of Cu6Sn5and aluminium-matrix during isothermal aging. The effect of bronze foams porosity on the interface microstructure between aluminium-matrix and the filler has been investigated. The ‘bulge’ shape appears in the compressive stress-strain curve of aluminium foams composite, which is sharply different from single-component metal foams. According to the characteristic of the stress distribution, the stress-strain curves can be divided into 4 stages: quasi-linear region, stress decrease region, plateau stress region and densification region. The effect of bronze foams filler relative density on the first maximum stress and absorbed energy density of aluminium foams composite was also studied. The results suggest incorporating bronze foams in the aluminium foams pores is an effective method to improve the mechanical properties of open-cell aluminium foams.
Mechanical properties and drug loading rate of a polycaprolactone 5-fluorouracil controlled drug delivery system
Authors: Gao Yang , Li Jiapu , Xu Chao , Hou Zhenzhong , Yang Laixia
Published: August 2021

In the context of precision medicine, controlled drug delivery systems (CDDSs) have become a research focus. The structural integrity of CDDSs is critical for ensuring an acceptable drug release rule; hence, a CDDS must possess appropriate mechanical properties. In this study, a polycaprolactone/5-fluorouracil (PCL/5-Fu) CDDS was fabricated via solvent evaporation, and the effects of the PCL molecular weight and 5-Fu loading rate on the mechanical properties of the CDDS were evaluated. The results of tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy, and substance analysis indicated that when the content of 5-Fu was less than 9.09% in the developed CDDS, 5-Fu was completely compatible with PCL, and no crystal aggregation was induced. In addition, the maximum 5-Fu loading rate required to retain acceptable mechanical properties was 23.08%, and the corresponding tensile strength of the sample was 12.9 MPa. This strength is sufficient to prevent structural failure and instantaneous drug release due to strength reduction during application of the drug delivery system. In-vitro experimental results demonstrated that the PCL/5-Fu CDDS can achieve controlled drug release over 1000 h. These findings provide a basis for establishing a drug release model for the proposed CDDS.
Evaluation of detatchable board-to-board interconnects on screen printed electronic structures
Authors: Schirmer Julian , Hümmer Michael , Klauß Matthias , Neermann Simone , Reichenberger Marcus , Franke Jörg
Published: August 2021

Hybrid printed electronics (HPE) combines advantages of conventional electronics manufacturing technologies such as surface mount technology with those of printed electronics in order to realize more complex electronic systems. To realize the final product, such HPE subassemblies have to be connected to higher-level assemblies. So far interconnection techniques for the so-called level 3 interconnection between printed subsystems and standard electronics have not yet been considered adequately in scientific research. In this paper, alternative detachable level 3 interconnection technologies, i.e. spring loaded contact pins, zero insertion force (ZIF) as well as Non-ZIF connectors are investigated systematically regarding their electrical behaviour against the background of printed electronics. Screen-printed silver filled polymer thick film paste is used to realize printed conductor patterns on flexible polymer substrates, which are connected later on with the alternatives mentioned above. Transition resistance is measured using the four wire method as produced, after repeated mating cycles as well as after accelerated aging tests. The various electrical contacts are subjected to thermal stress in temperature cycling testing and during aging at a constant high temperature. As a result it can be stated, that the sping-loaded contact pins used in this investigation show superior behavior compared with the selected connectors in terms of resistance increase after mating cycles. Concerning long-term behavior after thermal cyling and high temperature storage, all investigated alternaives reveal convincing results.
Evaluation of 30-Minute Office Blood Pressure in a Diverse Urban Population
Authors: Philbrick Ann M , Mahoney Mélanie T , Harris Ila M , Carlin Caroline S , Fallert Christopher
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown benefits of 30-minute office blood pressure (OBP-30) but did not report on race and gender. The purpose of this study was to determine if similar effects are seen in a diverse urban population.

METHODS

Patients with diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease (age 18–89) were invited to participate. Blood pressure was measured using standard procedure (SOBP). Patients were left alone in an exam room connected to an automated office blood pressure monitor which obtained BP readings every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. The last 5 measurements were averaged for the OBP-30 measurement. Primary outcomes were BPs measured using SOBP and OBP-30. Multivariate logit methods were used to estimate the average probability of having a BP measured <140/90 mm Hg (BPM <140/90) for the 2 measurement methods. Differences were computed across methods, in total and by sex and race, all other factors held constant.

RESULTS

The adjusted probability of having a BPM <140/90 was 47.1% using SOBP and 66.7% using OBP-30 (P < 0.01). Using SOBP, females had a 26.2 PP lower probability of having a BPM <140/90 (P < 0.001) than males. Relative to white patients, Black patients had a 43.9 PP lower (P < 0.001) and other races a 38.5 PP lower (P < 0.001) probability of having a BPM <140/90 using SOBP. Using OBP-30, these differences narrowed and became statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

OBP-30 may increase the probability of BPM meeting goals, especially in females and patients who are Black, indigenous, or persons of color.
Reduced cortico-muscular beta coupling in Parkinson’s disease predicts motor impairment
Authors: Zokaei Nahid , Quinn Andrew J , Hu Michele T , Husain Masud , van Ede Freek , Nobre Anna Christina
Published: August 2021

Long-range communication through the motor system is thought to be facilitated by phase coupling between neural activity in the 15–30 Hz beta range. During periods of sustained muscle contraction (grip), such coupling is manifest between motor cortex and the contralateral forearm muscles—measured as the cortico-muscular coherence. We examined alterations in cortico-muscular coherence in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, while equating grip strength between individuals with Parkinson’s disease (off their medication) and healthy control participants. We show a marked reduction in beta cortico-muscular coherence in the Parkinson’s disease group, even though the grip strength was comparable between the two groups. Moreover, the reduced cortico-muscular coherence was related to motor symptoms, so that individuals with lower cortico-muscular coherence also displayed worse motor symptoms. These findings highlight the cortico-muscular coherence as a simple, effective and clinically relevant neural marker of Parkinson’s disease pathology, with the potential to aid monitoring of disease progression and the efficacy of novel treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
Centre–Periphery in the EU-20: a classification based on factor analysis and cluster analysis
Authors: Del Río-Casasola Alfredo
Published: August 2021

One of the main targets of the European Union (EU) is the achievement of economic convergence among its member states. However, economic and social differences have not been diminishing. Over the past decade, asymmetries have become more obvious and use of the expression ‘European periphery’ has increased significantly. The ambiguity around this term has led to the development of a classification based on the Latin American Structuralist School and Dependency Theory, adapting these approaches to the European economies at present. Through factor analysis, we obtain a rigorous and consistent classification of a representative group of European countries, the EU-20, which allows us to identify the most relevant asymmetries between two clusters: the centre and the periphery. Moreover, analysis over time, examining data from 1995 to 2014, enables us to detect important changes in these classifications as well as the composition of the two clusters.
Can you picture it? Photo elicitation in qualitative cardiovascular health research
Authors: Lauck Sandra B. , Oliffe John L. , Stephenson Anna , Adhami Nassim
Published: August 2021

Photo elicitation offers novel opportunities to augment the qualitative research toolbox. The use of photographs can enrich connections with participants, and empower them to be creative and engaged to communicate their insights, priorities, and perspectives. There is growing evidence of the effective use of photo elicitation in health research, with emerging interest in the cardiovascular community. Careful study planning, including attention to equipment, participant training, photograph selection, data collection, and ethical consideration, is essential. Detailed reporting of the study design and rationale for use of photographs, conceptual thinking underpinnings, elicitation process, and analytical plan contribute to strengthening the methodological approach.
Rapid high-resolution detection of colistin resistance in Gram-negative bacteria using flow cytometry: a comparison with broth microdilution, a commercial screening test and WGS
Authors: Ekelund Oskar , Klokkhammer Hetland Marit Andrea , Høyland Löhr Iren , Schön Thomas , Somajo Sofia
Published: August 2021

Background

Even though both EUCAST and CLSI consider broth microdilution (BMD) as the reference method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of colistin, the method exhibits potential flaws related to properties of the colistin molecule.

Objectives

To develop a flow cytometry method (FCM) for colistin AST and to validate it against BMD, a commercial screening test and WGS.

Methods

Colistin-mediated loss of membrane integrity in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. was detected with the fluorescent probe YoPro-1 by FCM. An international collection of 65 resistant and 109 susceptible isolates were analysed and the colistin concentration required to reach the EC50 was compared with the BMD MIC and the presence of genotypic resistance markers.

Results

The overall FCM sensitivity and specificity for colistin resistance was 89% and 94%, with E. coli > K. pneumoniae > P. aeruginosa, whereas the performance for Acinetobacter spp. was poor. All tested E. coli were correctly categorized. Three K. pneumoniae isolates with genotypic findings consistent with colistin resistance were detected by FCM but not BMD. Compared with BMD, FCM delivered AST results with a 75% reduction of time.

Conclusions

Here, we present a rapid FCM-based AST assay for qualitative and quantitative testing of colistin resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The assay revealed probable chromosomal colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae that was not detected by BMD. If confirmed, these results question the reliability of BMD for colistin testing.
Navigating sociocultural disparities in relation to infection and antibiotic resistance—the need for an intersectional approach
Authors: Charani Esmita , Mendelson Marc , Ashiru-Oredope Diane , Hutchinson Eleanor , Kaur Manmeet , McKee Martin , Mpundu Mirfin , Price James R , Shafiq Nusrat , Holmes Alison
Published: August 2021

One of the key drivers of antibiotic resistance (ABR) and drug-resistant bacterial infections is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human populations. Infection management and antibiotic decision-making are multifactorial, complex processes influenced by context and involving many actors. Social constructs including race, ethnicity, gender identity and cultural and religious practices as well as migration status and geography influence health. Infection and ABR are also affected by these external drivers in individuals and populations leading to stratified health outcomes. These drivers compromise the capacity and resources of healthcare services already over-burdened with drug-resistant infections. In this review we consider the current evidence and call for a need to broaden the study of culture and power dynamics in healthcare through investigation of relative power, hierarchies and sociocultural constructs including structures, race, caste, social class and gender identity as predictors of health-providing and health-seeking behaviours. This approach will facilitate a more sustainable means of addressing the threat of ABR and identify vulnerable groups ensuring greater inclusivity in decision-making. At an individual level, investigating how social constructs and gender hierarchies impact clinical team interactions, communication and decision-making in infection management and the role of the patient and carers will support better engagement to optimize behaviours. How people of different race, class and gender identity seek, experience and provide healthcare for bacterial infections and use antibiotics needs to be better understood in order to facilitate inclusivity of marginalized groups in decision-making and policy.
Seascape Genetics of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis) Based on Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: do Amaral Karina Bohrer , Barragán-Barrera Dalia C , Mesa-Gutiérrez Roosevelt A , Farías-Curtidor Nohelia , Caballero Gaitán Susana Josefina , Méndez-Fernandez Paula , Santos Marcos C Oliveira , Rinaldi Caroline , Rinaldi Renato , Siciliano Salvatore , Martín Vidal , Carrillo Manuel , de Meirelles Ana Carolina O , Franco-Trecu Valentina , Fagundes Nelson J R , Moreno Ignacio Benites , Lacey Knowles L , Amaral Ana Rita
Published: August 2021

The Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) is endemic to tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout its distribution, both geographic distance and environmental variation may contribute to population structure of the species. In this study, we follow a seascape genetics approach to investigate population differentiation of Atlantic spotted dolphins based on a large worldwide dataset and the relationship with marine environmental variables. The results revealed that the Atlantic spotted dolphin exhibits population genetic structure across its distribution based on mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA-CR) data. Analyses based on the contemporary landscape suggested, at both the individual and population level, that the population genetic structure is consistent with the isolation-by-distance model. However, because geography and environmental matrices were correlated, and because in some, but not all analyses, we found a significant effect for the environment, we cannot rule out the addition contribution of environmental factors in structuring genetic variation. Future analyses based on nuclear data are needed to evaluate whether local processes, such as social structure and some level of philopatry within populations, may be contributing to the associations among genetic structure, geographic, and environmental distance.
Projecting the COVID-19 epidemic risk in France for the summer 2021
Authors: Mazzoli Mattia , Valdano Eugenio , Colizza Vittoria
Published: August 2021

The next weeks will be critical in determining the conditions and timing of the 4th wave of COVID-19 in France. We assessed epidemic risk to assist spatially targeted surveillance and control. Southwest is estimated to be at highest risk, due to summer crowding, low acquired immunity and Delta variant hotspots.
Differential expression of microRNAs in human endometrium after implantation of an intrauterine contraceptive device containing copper
Authors: Fan Xiaorong , Huang Jin , Xu Chengcheng , Bao Meng , Xia Wei , Zhu Changhong
Published: August 2021

Intrauterine devices containing copper placement will release a large amount of Cu2+ into the uterine fluid, leading to local endometrial damage and inflammation, which is considered to be one of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. Studies have shown that the metabolism and function of metal ions are related to the regulation of microRNA. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in endometrial microRNA levels after implantation of an intrauterine device containing copper and to preliminarily explore the signalling pathways involved in abnormal uterine bleeding. The subjects were fertile women, aged 25–35, without major obstetrics and gynaecology diseases. Human endometrial tissues were collected before implantation or removal of the intrauterine device containing copper. High-throughput microRNA sequencing was performed on human endometrial tissues, and real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of relevant genes. MicroRNA sequencing results showed that 72 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the endometrial tissue after the insertion of the intrauterine device containing copper. Implantation of an intrauterine device containing copper implantation can up-regulate the expression of miR-144-3p in endometrial tissue, and therefore, decreases the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to endometrial injury and tissue repair, including the MT/NF-κB/MMP damage pathway and the THBS-1/TGF-β/SMAD3 repair pathway. In this study, the molecular mechanisms of abnormal uterine bleeding due to an intrauterine device containing copper were preliminarily investigated. The information will be beneficial for the clinical treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding caused by intrauterine device.
Effect of Intravenous Thrombolysis on Clot Survival during Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes
Authors: Shehabeldin Mohamed , Eby Brendan , Wallace Adam N , Salter Amber , Chatterjee Arindam R , Osbun Joshua W , Moran Christopher J , Cross DeWitte T , Kansagra Akash P
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

The benefit of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) before mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke is uncertain. Conventional metrics of final modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia (mTICI) score and 90-d modified Rankin Scale may be insensitive to IVT effects on procedural complexity and duration.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of IVT prior to MT on clot survival.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of 257 acute stroke patients with LVO undergoing MT and analyzed the effect of IVT prior to MT using a novel, pass-by-pass clot survival methodology.

RESULTS

The use of IVT was associated with a significantly lower number of passes to attain mTICI 2B or greater (P = .002) or mTICI 3 (P = .039) reperfusion. The number of patients who achieved mTICI 2B or greater after the first pass was significantly higher in the IVT group (P = .003). This increased rate of reperfusion persisted into subsequent passes.

CONCLUSION

IVT prior to MT reduces the number of thrombectomy passes required to achieve mTICI 2B or mTICI 3 reperfusion. This information should be considered as the merits of IVT prior to MT are debated.
Safety of Valganciclovir 450 mg 3 Times Weekly for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Requiring Hemodialysis
Authors: Ecabert Danielle , Pham Christine , Pierce Brett J , Musick William L , Nguyen Duc T , Graviss Edward A
Published: August 2021

Background

Valganciclovir is the most commonly used antiviral for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients. However, there are limited clinical outcomes-supported data available to guide valganciclovir dosing in patients on hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to assess the safety of our institution’s current dosing strategy of valganciclovir 450 mg 3 times weekly post-HD.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective review of all adult nonkidney transplant recipients between May 2016 and June 2018. Patients with end-stage renal disease requiring HD for >28 days posttransplant receiving valganciclovir 450 mg 3 times weekly post-HD were matched with non-HD patients receiving valganciclovir prophylaxis dosed per renal function. The primary endpoints were incidence of leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia while on valganciclovir prophylaxis.

Results

A total of 465 nonkidney transplants were performed during the study period, with 37 patients included in the HD group who were matched to 111 control patients in the non-HD group. Liver transplant recipients comprised 84% and 72% of each group, with none being CMV D+/R−. The rates of leukopenia (51.4% vs 51.4%, P = 1.00), severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <500 cells/µL, 15.8% vs 14.0%, P = .85), and thrombocytopenia (24.3% vs 20.7%, P = .64) were similar in both HD and non-HD groups. There were no cases of CMV infection while on valganciclovir prophylaxis in either group.

Conclusions

Valganciclovir 450 mg 3 times weekly was found to have similar rates of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and CMV infection in comparison to valganciclovir dosed per renal function in non-HD transplant recipients.
He Knew He Was Right
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

Widely regarded as one of Trollope’s most successful later novels,He Knew He Was Right is a study of marriage and of sexual relationships cast against a background of agitation for women’s rights.
Colonel Osborne
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

It has been already said that Colonel Osborne was a bachelor, a man of fortune, a member of Parliament, and one who carried his half century of years lightly on his shoulders. It will only be necessary to say further of him that he...
Hugh Stanbury
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

IT has been already stated that Nora Rowley was not quite so well disposed as perhaps she ought to have been, to fall in love with the Honourable Charles Glascock, there having come upon her the habit of comparing him with another gentleman whenever this...
Shewing How Reconciliation was Made
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

‘LOOK at that,’ said Mrs. Trevelyan, when her sister came into her room about an hour before dinnertime. Nora read the letter, and then asked her sister what she meant to do. ‘I have written to Mrs. Peacock. I don’t know what else I can...
Dartmoor
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THE well-weighed decision of Miss Stanbury respecting the Stanbury-Trevelyan arrangement at Nuncombe Putney had been communicated to Dorothy as the two walked home at night across the Close from Mrs. MacHugh’s house, and it was accepted by Dorothy as being wise and proper. It amounted...
A Gentleman Comes to Nuncombe Putney
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

IT soon became known to them all as they remained clustered in the hall that Mr. Glascock was in the house. Mrs. Stanbury came out to them and informed them that he had been at Nuncombe Putney for the last five hours, and that he...
Shewing how Miss Stanbury Behaved to Her Two Nieces
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THE triumph of Miss Stanbury when she received her niece’s letter was certainly very great,—so great that in its first flush she could not restrain herself from exhibiting it to Dorothy. ‘Well,—well,—what do you think, Dolly?’

‘About what, aunt? I don’t know who the letter...
Colonel Osborne and Mr. Bozzle Return to London
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

HUGH STANBURY went down on the Saturday, by the early express to Exeter, on his road to Lessboro’. He took his ticket through to Lessboro’, not purposing to stay at Exeter; but, from the exigencies of the various trains, it was necessary that he should...
Niddon Park
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

AS Hugh Stanbury went over to Lessboro’, and from thence to Nuncombe Putney, he thought more of himself and Nora Rowley than he did of Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan. As to Mrs. Trevelyan and Colonel Osborne, he felt that he knew everything that it was...
A Third Party is so Objectionable
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

HUGH STANBURY went in search of Trevelyan immediately on his return to London, and found his friend at his rooms in Lincoln’s Inn.

‘I have executed my commission,’ said Hugh, endeavouring to speak of what he had done in a cheery voice.

‘I am much...
Mr. and Mrs. Outhouse
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

BOTH Mr. Outhouse and his wife were especially timid in taking upon themselves the cares of other people. Not on that account is it to be supposed that they were bad or selfish. They were both given much to charity, and bestowed both in time...
Mr. Brooke Burgess
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THE hour at which Mr. Brooke Burgess was to arrive had come round, and Miss Stanbury was in a twitter, partly of expectation, and partly, it must be confessed, of fear. Why there should be any fear she did not herself know, as she had...
Miss Stanbury’s Wrath
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

PUNCTUALLY at eleven o’clock on the Friday morn-ing Mr. Gibson knocked at the door of the house in the Close. The reader must not imagine that he had ever wavered in his intention with regard to Dorothy Stanbury, because he had been driven into a...
Mont Cenis
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THE night had been fine and warm, and it was now noon on a fine September day when the train from Paris reached St. Michael, on the route to Italy by Mont Cenis,—as all the world knows St. Michael is, or was a year or...
Verdict of the Jury—‘Mad, My Lord’
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

TREVELYAN was left alone at Turin when Mr. Glascock went on to Florence with his fair American friends. It was imperatively necessary that he should remain at Turin, though he had no business there of any kind whatever, and did not know a single person...
Miss Nora Rowley is Maltreated
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

HUGH STANBURY, when he reached the parsonage, found no difficulty in making his way into the joint presence of Mrs. Outhouse, Mrs. Trevelyan, and Nora. He was recognised by the St. Diddulph’s party as one who had come over to their side, as a friend...
‘C. G.’
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

THE Miss Spaldings were met at the station at Florence by their uncle, the American Minister* by their cousin, the American Secretary of Legation, and by three or four other dear friends and relations, who were there to welcome the newcorners to sunny...
Camilla Triumphant
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

IT was now New Year’s day, and there was some grief and perhaps more excitement in Exeter,—for it was rumoured that Miss Stanbury lay very ill at her house in the Close. But in order that our somewhat uneven story may run as smoothly as...
Dorothy’s Fate
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

TOWARDS the end of February Sir Peter Mancrudy declared Miss Stanbury to be out of danger, and Mr. Martin began to be sprightly on the subject, taking to himself no inconsiderable share of the praise accruing to the medical faculty in Exeter generally for the...
Mr. Bozzle at Home
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

IT had now come to pass that Trevelyan had not a friend in the world to whom he could apply in the matter of his wife and family. In the last communication which he had received from Lady Milborough she had scolded him, in terms...
Parker’s Hotel, Mowbray Street
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

WITHIN a week of the occurrence which is related in the last chapter, there came a telegram from Southampton to the parsonage at St. Diddulph’s, saying that Sir Marmaduke and Lady Rowley had reached England. On the evening of that day they were to lodge...
Lady Rowley Makes An Attempt
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: August 2021

NOTHING could be more uncomfortable than the state of Sir Marmaduke Rowley’s family for the first ten days after the arrival in London of the Governor of the Mandarin Islands. Lady Rowley had brought with her two of her girls,—the third and fourth,—and, as we...