bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between morbidity among term newborns and low‐risk caesarean delivery rates
Authors: Clapp MA , Daw JR , James KE , Little SE , Robinson JN , Bates SV , Kaimal AJ
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine the association between county‐level caesarean delivery (CD) rates among women at low risk and morbidity among term newborns.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Population‐based study of US county‐level birth data from 2015 to 2017.

Population

Nulliparous women with term, singleton, vertex‐presenting infants (NTSV) at low risk for morbidity.

Methods

The primary exposure was county‐level CD rates.

Main outcome measures

The outcome was morbidity among the low‐risk NTSV cohort, categorised as severe (5‐minute Apgar score of ≤3, assisted ventilation for ≥6 hours, severe neurologic injury or seizure, transfer or death) or moderate (5‐minute Apgar score of <7 but >3, administration of antibiotics or assisted ventilation at delivery). We used linear regression models to determine the association between county NTSV CD and neonatal morbidity rates with cluster robust standard errors.

Results

The analysis included data from 2 753 522 births in 952 counties from all 48 states. The mean NTSV CD rate was 23.6% (standard deviation 4.8%). The median severe and moderate neonatal morbidity rates were 15.2 (interquartile range, IQR 9.4–23.6) and 52.5 (IQR 33.4–75.7) per 1000 births, respectively. In the unadjusted analysis using the risk‐adjusted exposure and outcome, every percentage point increase in the CD rate of a county was associated with 0.6 (95% CI −0.9, −0.3) and 2.3 fewer (95% CI −3.4, −1.1) cases of severe and moderate neonatal morbidity per 1000 live births. After adjustment for other county factors, the relationships remained significant. These findings were tested in multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Lower county‐level NTSV CD rates were associated with a small increase in morbidity among term newborns in the USA.

Tweetable abstract

Lower county‐level caesarean delivery rates were associated with an increase in morbidity among term newborns in the USA.
Uterine transplantation: legal and regulatory implications in England
Authors: Vali S , Jones BP , Saso S , Fertleman M , Testa G , Johanesson L , Alghrani A , Smith JR
Published: September 2021

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is fast evolving from an experimental to a clinical procedure, combining solid organ transplantation with assisted reproductive technology. The commencement of the first human uterus transplant trial in the United Kingdom leads us to examine and reflect upon the legal and regulatory aspects closely intertwined with UTx from the process of donation to potential implications for fertility treatment and the birth of the resultant child. As the world's first ephemeral transplant, the possibility of organ restitution requires consideration and is discussed herein.

Tweetable abstract

Uterine transplantation warrants a closer look at the legal frameworks on fertility treatment and transplantation in England.
Induction of labour at 41 weeks of gestation versus expectant management and induction of labour at 42 weeks of gestation: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Alkmark Mårten , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Saltvedt Sissel , Bergh Christina , Carlsson Ylva , Elden Helen , Fadl Helena , Jonsson Maria , Ladfors Lars , Sengpiel Verena , Wesström Jan , Hagberg Henrik , Svensson Mikael
Published: September 2021

Objective

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of induction of labour (IOL) at 41 weeks of gestation compared with expectant management until 42 weeks of gestation.

Design

A cost‐effectiveness analysis alongside the Swedish Post‐term Induction Study (SWEPIS), a multicentre, randomised controlled superiority trial.

Setting

Fourteen Swedish hospitals during 2016–2018.

Population

Women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy with a fetus in cephalic position were randomised at 41 weeks of gestation to IOL or to expectant management and induction at 42 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Health benefits were measured in life years and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) for mother and child. Total cost per birth was calculated, including healthcare costs from randomisation to discharge after delivery, for mother and child. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated by dividing the difference in mean cost between the trial arms by the difference in life years and QALYs, respectively. Sampling uncertainty was evaluated using non‐parametric bootstrapping.

Main Outcome Measures

The cost per gained life year and per gained QALY.

Results

The differences in life years and QALYs gained were driven by the difference in perinatal mortality alone. The absolute risk reduction in mortality was 0.004 (from 6/1373 to 0/1373). Based on Swedish life tables, this gives a mean gain in discounted life years and QALYs of 0.14 and 0.12 per birth, respectively. The mean cost per birth was €4108 in the IOL group (n = 1373) and €4037 in the expectant management group (n = 1373), with a mean difference of €71 (95% CI −€232 to €379). The ICER for IOL compared with expectant management was €545 per life year gained and €623 per QALY gained. Confidence intervals were relatively wide and included the possibility that IOL had both lower costs and better health outcomes.

Conclusions

Induction of labour at 41 weeks of gestation results in a better health outcome and no significant difference in costs. IOL is cost‐effective compared with expectant management until 42 weeks of gestation using standard threshold values for acceptable cost per life year/QALY.

Tweetable Abstract

Induction of labour at 41 weeks of gestation is cost‐effective compared with expectant management until 42 weeks of gestation.
Evaluation of demographic and clinical risk factors for high interdialytic weight gain
Authors: Günen Yılmaz Sevcihan , Yılmaz Fatih
Published: September 2021

Xerostomia and hyposalivation are highly prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients and this is effective in increased fluid intake. The aim of this study is to determine the demographic and clinical risk factors associated with high interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) in nondiabetic HD patients. In total, 52 eligible HD patients were recruited in this cross‐sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups according to % IDWG: Group 1: High IDWG (≥3%) and Group 2: normal IDWG (<3%). Plasma osmolarity (POsm), unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR), xerostomia inventory (XI), and dialysis thirst inventory (DTI) were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 53.7 ± 15.7 years. The prevalence of xerostomia was 53.8%, and hyposalivation was in 40.3% in the patients. High IDWG was positively correlated with XI and DTI while it was negatively correlated with POsm and USFR. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristics curve for POsm for high IDWG was 0.661, with sensitivity of 63.8% and specificity of 72.7% for a cut‐off point of 297.4 mOsm/L. Logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age odds ratio (OR: 1.215, p = 0.019), pill burden (OR: 1.162, p = 0.031), C‐reactive protein (CRP; OR: 1.308, p = 0.042), and low POsm (OR: 0.768, p = 0.046) were independently related to high IDWG. The prevalence of xerostomia and thirst was higher in HD patients with high IDWG compared to the normal IDWG group. Age, CRP, low POsm, and pill burden were independently associated with high IDWG.
Preparation and properties of chitosan‐based bacteriostatic agents and their application in strawberry bacteriostatic preservation
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhu Li , Zhang Shaoqi , Ma Yongliang , Wang Li , Wang Hongsu , Niu Xiaodi
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop a green and safe chitosan‐based preservative which can be applied in strawberry preservation. Chitosan (CS) was treated by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine oxygen radical/laccase oxidation system (TEMPO/laccase oxidation system), which was mainly used to prepare TEMPO/laccase chitosan (TLCS). Furthermore, on this basis, the structure and performance of TLCS were also studied. The results showed that compared with CS, the solubility of TLCS improved, and the kinetic viscosity reduced significantly. Next, a cinnamaldehyde‐TEMPO/laccase chitosan (CIN‐TLCS) antibacterial agent was prepared by covalently combining the aldehyde group in cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and the amino group in CS. It was found that CIN combined with TLCS through covalent bonds, which changed the structure and crystallinity of TLCS. In addition, the total antioxidant capacity of CIN‐TLCS also improved, which was necessary for the application of CIN‐TLCS in extending shelf life. Cytotoxicity experiments showed that CIN‐TLCS had no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, strawberries were used to explore the actual bacteriostatic and fresh‐keeping effects of CIN‐TLCS. The experiment found that CIN‐TLCS could maintain the freshness of strawberries at room temperature (23 ± 1°C) for 5 days and had positive effects on strawberry color, loss‐weight rate, hardness and pH. These results showed that CIN‐TLCS could be used as a potential preserving agent for fruit storage.

Practical Application

To obtain a green, safe and effective food preservative, chitosan (CS) was modified by a 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine oxygen radical/laccase oxidation system (TEMPO/laccase oxidation system) to get TEMPO/laccase chitosan (TLCS) and cinnamic aldehyde‐TEMPO/laccase chitosan (CIN‐TLCS). At the same time, the structure and antibacterial properties of TLCS and CIN‐TLCS were analyzed, and their possibility as a new green and safe strawberry preservative was studied. Compared with oxazolidine, imidazole and triazole commercial drugs, CIN‐TLCS has the advantages of low price, no pollution, no cytotoxicity and no drug resistance.
Cardiopulmonary bypass does not consequentially contribute to postoperative distant metastasis of giant refractory thoracic tumors: A retrospective study with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhu Xuejuan , Zhu Rongying , Jin Xing , Tan Liping , Chen Yongbing
Published: September 2021

Background

Few clinical research studies with long‐term follow‐up have revealed whether cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) increases the risk of postoperative distant metastasis in patients with giant refractory thoracic tumors. The present study evaluated the risk of distant metastasis after surgery utilizing CPB with long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

Clinical data for patients with giant refractory thoracic tumors who underwent resection with the use of CPB in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University during the past 11 years were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of the 14 patients with giant refractory thoracic tumors who had undergone surgery under CPB, 10 patients (71.4%) were completely resected. Twelve patients were followed up for 13–127 months with 10 patients were completely resected and two patients could not be completely resected due to severe tissue invasion. Three patients (25%) suffered from distant metastasis, and four patients (33.3%) experienced local recurrence. Only one patient (1/10) with complete resection suffered from distant metastasis, while two patients (2/10) experienced local recurrence. Two patients (2/2) with major resection suffered from both distant metastasis and local recurrence. Median overall survival for patients who have been regularly followed up was 50 months with 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival of 100%, 75%, and 66.7%. No difference was found between the distant metastasis survival and the local recurrence survival. (p = 0.99).

Conclusions

CPB is an effective strategy for complete resection of the giant refractory thoracic tumors with an acceptable risk of postoperative distant metastasis for some patients.
geomorph v4.0 and gmShiny: Enhanced analytics and a new graphical interface for a comprehensive morphometric experience
Authors: Baken Erica K. , Collyer Michael L. , Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni , Adams Dean C.
Published: September 2021

Geometric morphometric (GM) tools are essential for meaningfully quantifying and understanding patterns of variation in complex traits like shape. In this field, the breadth of answerable questions has grown dramatically in recent years through the development of new analyses and increased computational efficiency.

In this note, we describe the ways in which geomorph, a widely used R package for quantifying and analysing GM data, has grown with the field.

We present geomorph v4.0 and describe the ways in which this version has dramatically improved upon previous versions. We also present a new graphical user interface for easy implementation, gmShiny.

These contributions position geomorph to be the primary tool for GM analyses, particularly those employing a phylogenetic comparative approach.
Racial and ethnic disparities in emergency department restraint use: A multicenter retrospective analysis
Authors: Carreras Tartak Jossie A. , Brisbon Nicholas , Wilkie Sarah , Sequist Thomas D. , Aisiku Imoigele P. , Raja Ali , Macias‐Konstantopoulos Wendy L.
Published: September 2021

Background

Research regarding disparities in physical restraint use in the emergency department (ED) is limited. We evaluated the role of race, ethnicity, and preferred language on the application of physical restraint among ED patients held under a Massachusetts section 12(a) order for mandatory psychiatric evaluation.

Methods

We identified all ED patient encounters with a section 12(a) order across a large integrated 11‐hospital health system from January 2018 through December 2019. Information on age, race, ethnicity, preferred language, insurance, mental illness, substance use, history of homelessness, and in‐network primary care provider was obtained from the electronic health record. We evaluated for differences in physical restraint use between subgroups via a mixed‐effect logistic regression with random‐intercept model.

Results

We identified 32,054 encounters involving a section 12(a) order. Physical restraints were used in 2,458 (7.7%) encounters. Factors associated with physical restraint included male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28 to 1.63), Black/African American race (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.48), Hispanic ethnicity (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.22 to 1.73), Medicaid insurance (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.39), and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.31 to 1.74). Across all age groups, patients who were 25 to 34 years of age were at highest risk of restraint (aOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.69 to 2.39). Patients with a primary care provider within our network (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.72 to 0.92) were at lower risk of restraint. No associations were found between restraint use and language, history of alcohol or substance use, or homelessness.

Conclusion

Black/African American and Hispanic patients under an involuntary mandatory emergency psychiatric evaluation hold order experience higher rates of physical restraint in the ED. Factors contributing to racial disparities in the use of physical restraint, including the potential role of structural racism and other forms of bias, merits further investigation.
A Smoke Evacuator Equipped With a Filter Contributes Enough to Safe Gas Exhaustion From the Abdominal Cavity
Authors: Hirota Masashi , Takahashi Hidekazu , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Yamasaki Makoto , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro , Nakajima Kiyokazu
Published: September 2021

Surgical plume (SP) carries biological risks such as virus transmission. An evacuation system can remove SP from the surgical field, but is it safe to release evacuated gas into the operating room (OR) atmosphere? We examined this using a commercially available evacuator equipped with a filter under a laparoscopic porcine surgery model. SP was generated by activating an electrocautery or ultrasonic scalpel on the surface of the liver, and we evaluated whether DNA fragments derived from porcine tissue were present in the exhausted gas from the evacuation system into the atmosphere. DNA fragments were detected in the inlet gas of the evacuation system, while it was not detected in the outlet gas. As far as pathogen transmission via SP in the abdominal cavity is concerned, if the smoke evacuator ensures filter adsorption, it seems that there is little risk in releasing the suction gas into the atmosphere in the OR.
Does reproductive effort influence the metabolic rate of Tomodon dorsatus snakes?
Authors: Lima‐Santos Jade , Almeida‐Santos Selma Maria , de Carvalho José Eduardo , Brasileiro Cinthia A.
Published: September 2021

In Squamate reptiles, vitellogenesis in females is marked by an increase in the number and size of follicles, leading to an increase in aerobic metabolism to support the rising energy demand during reproductive activity. Male gametes are smaller than female gametes, and spermiogenesis requires less energy than vitellogenesis. This investigation compares the relationship between aerobic metabolism and reproductive effort in male and female viviparous Tomodon dorsatus snakes. We evaluated the influence of the males' and females' reproductive stages, along with the masses of follicles and testicles, on their aerobic metabolic rate. Our findings show that females have higher maintenance cost of pregnancy than metabolic costs of vitellogenesis. In males, we found no evidence of the reproductive effort influencing aerobic metabolic rates. In T. dorsatus, females have a long period of development and high fecundity. Therefore, the metabolic costs of vitellogenesis represent a critical component in the reproductive effort. On the other hand, males of T. dorsatus maintain a similar mass of gonads throughout the year with constant energy demand. These results reflect the difference in reproductive efforts between females and males of T. dorsatus.
Vaginal birth after cesarean in women with no prior vaginal delivery carrying a large for gestational age baby
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Rosenbloom Joshua I. , Shai Daniel , Yagel Simcha , Yinon Yoav , Meyer Raanan
Published: September 2021

Background

To study the factors associated with successful labor after cesarean (LAC) among women with no prior vaginal delivery, delivering a large for gestational age (LGA) baby.

Methods

A retrospective case‐control study at two tertiary medical centers in Israel, including all women undergoing LAC with no prior vaginal delivery during 2010‐2020, delivering a singleton LGA newborn. Factors associated with successful vaginal delivery were examined by a multivariable analysis.

Results

Overall, 323/505 (64.0%) had a successful LAC. Arrest of labor as the indication for previous CD was less common in the LAC success group [39 (12.1%) vs. 58 (31.9%), P < .001]. The rate of epidural analgesia was higher in the LAC success group [249 (77.1%) vs. 122 (67.0%), P = .014]. The rate of weight centile ≥97th was lower in the LAC success group [64 (19.8%) vs. 51 (28.0%), P = .035], as well as the rate of higher LAC birthweight than previous cesarean birthweight [264 (81.7%) vs. 162 (89.0%), P = .030].

In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, maternal height (aOR [95% CI]:1.09 (1.01, 1.17), P = .014) and epidural anesthesia (aOR [95% CI]:3.68 (1.31, 10.32), P = .013) were the only independent factors associated with LAC success.

Conclusions

Among primiparous women undergoing LAC carrying LGA newborns, the vaginal delivery rate is acceptable; however, uterine rupture risk is increased. Epidural administration is a modifiable factor and should be taken into consideration during LAC management.
Objectification limits authenticity: Exploring the relations between objectification, perceived authenticity, and subjective well‐being
Authors: Cheng Lei , Li Zifei , Hao Mingyang , Zhu Xueli , Wang Fang
Published: September 2021

Five studies (total valid N = 834) examined whether objectification (i.e., being treated as a tool or an object to achieve others’ goals) reduces people’s perceived authenticity and subjective well‐being. Participants who experienced more objectification (Studies 1a and 1b), imagined being objectified (Study 2), or recalled a past objectification experience (Study 3) felt less authentic and reported lower levels of subjective well‐being than their counterparts. Moreover, perceived authenticity mediated the link between objectification and subjective well‐being (Studies 1a–3). In addition, offering objectified participants an opportunity to restore authenticity could enhance their well‐being (Study 4). Taken together, our findings highlight the crucial role of authenticity in understanding when and why objectification decreases subjective well‐being and how to ameliorate this relationship. Our findings also imply the effect of authenticity in understanding various psychological outcomes following objectification.
Mannose and phosphomannose isomerase regulate energy metabolism under glucose starvation in leukemia
Authors: Saito Yusuke , Kinoshita Mariko , Yamada Ai , Kawano Sayaka , Liu Hong‐Shan , Kamimura Sachiyo , Nakagawa Midori , Nagasawa Syun , Taguchi Tadao , Yamada Shuhei , Moritake Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Diverse metabolic changes are induced by various driver oncogenes during the onset and progression of leukemia. By upregulating glycolysis, cancer cells acquire a proliferative advantage over normal hematopoietic cells; in addition, these changes in energy metabolism contribute to anticancer drug resistance. Because leukemia cells proliferate by consuming glucose as an energy source, an alternative nutrient source is essential when glucose levels in bone marrow are insufficient. We profiled sugar metabolism in leukemia cells and found that mannose is an energy source for glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Leukemia cells express high levels of phosphomannose isomerase (PMI), which mobilizes mannose to glycolysis; consequently, even mannose in the blood can be used as an energy source for glycolysis. Conversely, suppression of PMI expression or a mannose load exceeding the processing capacity of PMI inhibited transcription of genes related to mitochondrial metabolism and the TCA cycle, therefore suppressing the growth of leukemia cells. High PMI expression was also a poor prognostic factor for acute myeloid leukemia. Our findings reveal a new mechanism for glucose starvation resistance in leukemia. Furthermore, the combination of PMI suppression and mannose loading has potential as a novel treatment for driver oncogene‐independent leukemia.
Gut‐liver axis‐mediated mechanism of liver cancer: A special focus on the role of gut microbiota
Authors: Ohtani Naoko , Hara Eiji
Published: September 2021

Gut microbiota and the mammalian host share a symbiotic relationship, in which the host provides a suitable ecosystem for the gut bacteria to digest indigestible nutrients and produce useful metabolites. Although gut microbiota primarily reside in and influence the intestine, they also regulate liver function via absorption and subsequent transfer of microbial components and metabolites through the portal vein to the liver. Due to this transfer, the liver may be continuously exposed to gut‐derived metabolites and components. For example, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by gut microbiota, through the fermentation of dietary fiber, can suppress inflammation via regulatory T cell induction through SCFA‐induced epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, secondary bile acids (BA), such as deoxycholic acid, produced by gut bacteria through the 7α‐dehydroxylation of primary BAs, are thought to induce DNA damage and contribute to the remodeling of tumor microenvironments. Other substances that are also thought to influence liver function include lipopolysaccharides (components of the outer membrane of gram‐negative bacteria) and lipoteichoic acid (cell wall component of Gram‐positive bacteria), which are ligands of innate immune receptors, Toll‐like receptor‐4, and Toll‐like receptor‐2, respectively, through which inflammatory signaling is elicited. In this review, we focus on the role of gut microbiota in the liver microenvironment, describing the anatomy of the gut‐liver axis, the role of gut microbial metabolites, and the relationships that exist between gut microbiota and liver diseases, including liver cancer.
Mitochondria: Endosymbiont bacteria DNA sequence as a target against cancer
Authors: Nagase Hiroki , Watanabe Takayoshi , Koshikawa Nobuko , Yamamoto Seigi , Takenaga Keizo , Lin Jason
Published: September 2021

As the energy factory for the cell, the mitochondrion, through its role of adenosine triphosphate production by oxidative phosphorylation, can be regarded as the guardian of well regulated cellular metabolism; the integrity of mitochondrial functions, however, is particularly vulnerable in cancer due to the lack of superstructures such as histone and lamina folds to protect the mitochondrial genome from unintended exposure, which consequently elevates risks of mutation. In cancer, mechanisms responsible for enforcing quality control surveillance for identifying and eliminating defective mitochondria are often poorly regulated, and certain uneliminated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and polymorphisms can be advantageous for the proliferation, progression, and metastasis of tumor cells. Such pathogenic mtDNA aberrations are likely to increase and occasionally be homoplasmic in cancer cells and, intriguingly, in normal cells in the proximity of tumor microenvironments as well. Distinct characteristics of these abnormalities in mtDNA may provide a new path for cancer therapy. Here we discuss a promising novel therapeutic strategy, using the sequence‐specific properties of pyrrole‐imidazole polyamide‐triphenylphosphonium conjugates, against cancer for clearing abnormal mtDNA by reactivating mitochondrial quality control surveillance.
Gamification and family leisure to alleviate the psychological impact of confinement due to COVID‐19
Authors: Manzano‐León Ana , Rodríguez‐Ferrer José Miguel , Aguilar‐Parra José Manuel , Herranz‐Hernández Rafael
Published: September 2021

This study presents a quasi‐experimental longitudinal mixed‐methods research about the participation in leisure activities, physical activity, and games, as part of the family leisure programme (“Lunae Magic School”) for Spanish families with children under 12 years old during COVID‐19 lockdown. The impact on parents and their perception of the psychological well‐being of their children is evaluated. The results show that leisure activities reduce the parent's anxiety levels measured with STAI scale (p = .0001) and their perception of the physical and emotional discomfort of their children, measured with PSC scale (p < .0001). It is qualitatively argued that despite the confinement situation, the gamification, the variety of activities and the fact of being able to enjoy quality time with the family have allowed the creation of spaces of fun and flow. Therefore, although the findings on the importance of family leisure were encouraging, more research is needed on the implementation of similar programmes.
Mechanistic invasive species management models and their application in conservation
Authors: Thompson Brielle K. , Olden Julian D. , Converse Sarah J.
Published: September 2021

Management strategies to address the challenges associated with invasive species are critical for effective conservation. An increasing variety of mathematical models offer insight into invasive populations, and can help managers identify cost effective prevention, control, and eradication actions. Despite this, as model complexity grows, so does the inaccessibility of these tools to conservation practitioners making decisions about management. Here, we seek to narrow the science‐practice gap by reviewing invasive species management models (ISMMs). We define ISMMs as mechanistic models used to explore invasive species management strategies, and include reaction‐advection–diffusion models, integrodifference equations, gravity models, particle transport models, nonspatial and spatial discrete‐time population growth models, cellular automata, and individual‐based models. For each approach, we describe the model framework and its implementation, discuss strengths and weaknesses, and give examples of conservation applications. We conclude by discussing how ISMMs can be used in concert with adaptive management to address scientific uncertainties impeding action and with multiple objective decision processes to evaluate tradeoffs among management objectives. We undertook this review to support more effective decision‐making involving invasive species by providing conservation practitioners with the information they need to identify tools most useful for their applications.
Validation of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List questionnaire and caregiver priorities for individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Boyer Elizabeth R , Palmer Madeline , Walt Kathryn , Georgiadis Andrew G , Stout Jean L
Published: September 2021

Aim

To expand upon previous validation of the Gait Outcomes Assessment List (GOAL) questionnaire in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), to rank items by importance, and to summarize written‐in (free text) goals.

Method

For this cross‐sectional study, the parent‐version 5.0 of the GOAL was completed by 310 consecutive caregivers of 310 individuals aged 3 to 25 years with CP (189 males, 121 females; mean [SD] age: 10y [4y 2mo]; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I–IV) concurrent with a gait analysis. Distribution properties and validity were quantified using questionnaires, kinematics, and oxygen consumption. Items classified as at least ‘difficult’ to perform and ‘very important’ to improve were considered caregiver priorities and rank ordered. Free text goals were categorized. Results were summarized for everyone and by GMFCS level.

Results

Most scores were normally distributed. Validity was acceptable, with concurrent greater than construct validity. Among all 310 caregivers, fatigue was the highest priority, followed by gait pattern and appearance items. The rank of priorities varied by GMFCS level. Common free text goals included toileting independently as well as improved fine motor and ball sport skills.

Interpretation

The GOAL is a valid tool that can help prioritize goals across GMFCS levels I to IV. Identifying the top goals may improve shared decision‐making and prioritize research for this sample.
The ongoing evolution of basal insulin therapy over 100 years and its promise for the future
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Zinman Bernard
Published: September 2021

The evolution of basal insulin therapy over the past 100 years since the discovery of insulin is a testimony to the biomedical bench‐to‐bedside process, wherein incremental advances in the basic sciences are progressively translated over time into a series of enhancements in clinical care, each building upon the success of its predecessors. The emergence of recombinant DNA technology and the resultant biosynthesis of human insulin in the 1980s provided the critical capacity to bioengineer designer insulin analogues with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that can better mimic, although not fully replicate, the effects of endogenous insulin secretion. Through these efforts, basal insulin therapy has progressed over this time from first‐generation analogues (glargine U‐100, detemir) to second‐generation analogues (glargine U‐300, degludec) to ultra‐long‐acting formulations that are suitable for administration once weekly (icodec). Each iteration in this progression has represented a step closer towards the goal of replicating the continuous secretion of insulin that normally comprises the basal output of the pancreatic beta‐cells between meals, during episodes of fasting and overnight. However, it may be that we may have reached the achievable limit in the context of an “open‐loop” approach, such that only with the addition of closed loop control will we be able to achieve physiologic basal insulin replacement. In this review, we will examine the evolution of basal insulin therapy over the past 100 years and its implications for patient care and outcomes in current practice and the future.
Pityriasis rosea‐like cutaneous eruption as a possible dermatological manifestation after Oxford‐AstraZeneca vaccine: Case report and brief literature review
Authors: Pedrazini Maria Cristina , da Silva Mariliza Henrique
Published: September 2021

Pityriasis rosea (PR) has been manifested in patients suffering from COVID‐19 as well as after vaccine protocols against SARS‐CoV‐2. It has a possible association with the HHV‐6B virus (roseola infantum) and can be controlled by antivirals such as acyclovir as well as by the amino acid l‐Lysine that showed a positive result in reducing the number of lesions and healing time. The aim of this study was to report a case of PR after a second dose of Oxford‐AstraZeneca, the adopted therapy and a brief literature review. A 53‐year‐old woman, phototype II, presented an erythematous lesion in the posterior right thigh 15 days after the second dose of Oxford‐AstraZeneca vaccine. Eight days after the initial injury, new injuries appeared in the calf, buttocks and thighs. The diagnosis was PR with a 5‐week eruption cycle. The treatment consisted of the use of l‐Lysine, 3 grams loading dose and 500 mg for 30 days and moisturizing/healing lotion, starting 14 days after the herald patch. After the 5th week of the disease cycle, there were no new eruptions and the repair cycle continued for up to 8 weeks leaving some residual skin spots. It is concluded that the patient may be a carrier a latent virus, HHV‐6, and the vaccine administration with immune system stimulation, would have activated the possible virus causing PR. l‐Lysine helped to control the manifestation by limiting the number of lesions and their location, which were restricted to the legs, thighs and buttocks.
Discounting and the market valuation of defined benefit pensions
Authors: Breedon Francis , Larcher Luca
Published: September 2021

We investigate how defined benefit pension (DB) schemes of the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) firms are valued by the equity market, focusing on how future liabilities are discounted (because UK data allows us to estimate the duration of pension liabilities fairly accurately). Our primary sample of FTSE 100 constituents includes mostly large DB sponsors with mature schemes, primarily closed to new entrants but still active for current employees. We find that equity market valuation of pension liabilities is consistent with discounting without allowing for credit risk, thus incorporating a valuation closer to their settlement value. This differs from the approach used in published accounts for which IAS 19 (and SFAS no. 158, its US equivalent) allows for discounting with a corporate bond yield. The difference is significant, as credit‐risk‐free discounting would decrease the reported value of FTSE 100 firms by about 7%.
A novel geographical research agenda on Silk Road urbanisation
Authors: Apostolopoulou Elia
Published: September 2021

The New Silk Road, also called China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is the largest single infrastructure project since the Marshall Plan and an exemplar of infrastructure‐led development of a scope and scale with no precedent in modern history. The project is estimated to cost up to US$8 trillion, involve 130 countries and impact more than 65% of the world's population. Through novel combinations of infrastructure and industrial projects with investments in the urban built environment, the BRI is transforming urban space across the global South and North altering the social and urban geographies of cities at a historically unparalleled scale. Nonetheless, its role in driving global urban transformation remains fundamentally underexplored. Relevant geographical research is scarce and comparative approaches focusing on cities are in their infancy, leading researchers to talk about an ‘anti‐urban’ bias in contemporary BRI scholarship that prevents an in‐depth understanding of the initiative's true scope. This paper introduces the novel concept of Silk Road urbanisation and puts forward the need for a new research agenda that has the potential to transform geographical and urban research on infrastructure‐led development, urban transformation and inequality.
A survey of medical researchers indicates poor awareness of research data management processes and a role for data librarians
Authors: Milewska Agnieszka , Wiśniewska Natalia , Cimoszko Paulina , Rusakow Jakub
Published: September 2021

Background

The European Parliament's directive on open data indicates the direction to follow for all public institutions in Europe. The portal Polish Platform of Medical Research (PPM) required more information about researcher attitudes and training requirements for strategic planning.

Objectives

The aim was to assess (1) the status of knowledge about research data management among medical researchers in Poland, and (2) their attitudes towards data sharing. This knowledge may help to inform a training program and adapt PPM to the requirements of researchers.

Methods

The authors circulated an online survey and received responses from 603 researchers representing medical sciences and related disciplines. The survey was conducted in 2019 at seven Polish medical universities and at the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine. Analysis used descriptive statistics.

Results

Data sharing was not widespread (55.7% only shared with their research team, 9.8% had shared data on an open access basis). Many cited possible benefits of research data sharing but were concerned about drawbacks (e.g. fraud, plagiarism).

Discussion

Polish medical scientists, like many researchers, are not aware of the processes required for safe data preparation for sharing. Academic libraries should develop roles for data librarians to help train researchers.

Conclusion

Fears about the dangers of data sharing need to be overcome before researchers are willing to share their own research data.
Microstructure performance enhancement of Si3N4 reinforced laser clad KF110 base composite coatings
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Li Jianing , Sun Xigui , Ma Fukun , Zhang Zhuanzhuan , Shi Chuanwei , Li Yajiang , Li Chuanjie , Zhao Bo , Liu Zhangyan , Jiang Xinyi , Liu Qingwei , Han Shunxi , Jing Cainian
Published: September 2021

The KF110–Si3N4–La2O3–Cu composite coatings were fabricated on TA2 by a laser cladding (LC). Microstructure, elemental distribution, high temperature oxidation, and wear resistance were investigated. Research results showed that the nanocrystalline phases (NPs) and the amorphous phases (APs) were formed due to the existence of the short atomic radius elements/fast cooling rate during an LC process; the uniform distributed NPs with the high interface energy were produced due to an addition of Cu, enhancing wear resistance of an LC coating. Lattice distortions were produced due to high temperature of a laser‐induced pool (LIP). Addition of the alloy elements enhanced high temperature oxidation resistance of this coating. Excessive addition of Si3N4 caused defects to be produced, enhancing the brittleness of this coating.
Mechanical properties of mulberry fruit under compression and nuclear magnetic resonance tests
Authors: Hou Junming , Hu Weixue , Zhang Liang , Ren Zhaotan , Sun Qijie , Wang Wei
Published: September 2021

During the mechanized production and processing of mulberry, the fresh fruit can experience serious mechanical damage. In this study, compression tests were conducted to investigate the effect of different parameters on the compression damage to mulberry. The results showed that the extent of compression damage was mainly influenced by the loading displacement rate applied during compression; the damage was increased with increasing loading displacement. At an initial moisture content of 86.76%, the indentation area ratio was increased from 0.0725 to 0.2756 when the loading displacement increased from 3.0 to 6.0 mm. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to observe the changes in the internal moisture content of mulberry before and after compression under different loading rates. When the loading displacement increased from 3.0 to 6.0 mm, the loss of free and bound water in mulberry also increased. Further, with the increase in extrusion, the damage to the mulberry fruit increases significantly. It is proved that the method of image recognition and NMR is feasible to verify the damage to the mulberry fruit.

Practical Applications

Because mulberry has a soft texture, it can be easily damaged by extrusion during mechanized production and processing. In this study, a relationship between various factors of compression process and mulberry extrusion damage was established using compression test results. This can be used as a reference for reducing mulberry extrusion damage in the process of mechanized production and processing. Because the extent of damage to mulberry is difficult to identify, this study provides a feasible method to identify the crushing damage to mulberry.
Pharmacological preconditioning by TERT inhibitor BIBR1532 confers neuronal ischemic tolerance through TERT‐mediated transcriptional reprogramming
Authors: Xie Xuemin , Li Mingxi , Zhou Mengyao , Chow Shing Fung , Tsang Chi Kwan
Published: September 2021

After a sublethal ischemic preconditioning (IPC) stimulus, the brain has a remarkable capability of acquiring tolerance to subsequent ischemic insult by establishing precautionary self‐protective mechanism. Understanding this endogenous mechanism would reveal novel and effective neuroprotective targets for ischemic brain injury. Our previous study has implied that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is associated with IPC‐induced tolerance. Here, we investigated the mechanism of TERT‐mediated ischemic tolerance. Preconditioning was modeled by oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) and by TERT inhibitor BIBR1532 in primary neurons. We found that ischemic tolerance was conferred by BIBR1532 preconditioning. We used the Cleavage‐Under‐Targets‐And‐Tagmentation approach, a recently developed method with superior signal‐to‐noise ratio, to comprehensively map the genomic binding sites of TERT in primary neurons, and showed that more than 50% of TERT‐binding sites were located at the promoter regions. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that under normal conditions TERT physically bound to many previously unknown genomic loci in neurons, whereas BIBR1532 preconditioning significantly altered TERT–chromatin‐binding profile. Intriguingly, we found that BIBR1532‐preconditioned neurons showed significant up‐regulation of promoter binding of TERT to the mitochondrial anti‐oxidant genes, which were correlated with their elevated expression. Functional analysis further indicated that BIBR1532‐preconditioning significantly reduced ROS levels and enhanced tolerance to severe ischemia‐induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in neurons in a TERT‐dependent manner. Together, these results demonstrate that BIBR1532 confers neuronal ischemic tolerance through TERT‐mediated transcriptional reprogramming for up‐regulation of mitochondrial anti‐oxidation gene expression, suggesting the translational potential of BIBR1532 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of cerebral ischemic injury and oxidative stress‐induced neurological disorders.

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High levels of autoantibodies against apoB100 p210 are associated with lower incidence of atrial fibrillation in women
Authors: Sveen Kari Anne , Smith Gustav , Björkbacka Harry , Orho‐Melander Marju , Engström Gunnar , Gonçalves Isabel , Melander Olle , Nilsson Jan , Bengtsson Eva
Published: September 2021

Background and objectives

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with inflammation, both systemically and in the atrial tissue. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) is increased in patients with AF and is suggested to be one of the molecules that drives inflammation. Autoantibodies against oxidized LDL and apolipoprotein B100, the protein component of LDL, are linked to atherosclerotic disease. However, whether these autoantibodies are associated with occurrence of AF is not known. We investigated autoantibodies against oxidized apolipoprotein B100 peptides and incidence of AF in a large population‐based cohort.

Methods

IgM and IgG against native and aldehyde‐modified apoB100 peptides 210 (p210) and 45 were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 5169 individuals from the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort.

Results

Seven hundred sixty‐nine incident AF cases were recorded during a follow‐up of 21.3 years. Individuals with high levels of IgM against native p210 at baseline had a lower risk of developing AF; however, the association did not remain after adjustment for age and sex. Women had higher levels of IgM against native p210 than men (0.70 ± 0.22 AU vs. 0.63 ± 0.21 AU, p < 0.001). The association of IgM against native p210 and AF was significantly different between sexes (p for interaction = 0.024), where females with high IgM against p210 had a lower risk for incidence of AF (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 4th versus 1st quartile: 0.67 [0.49–0.91]; p = 0.01) after adjusting for risk factors and comorbidities.

Conclusion

These findings support an association of humoral autoimmunity with AF.
Melatonin modulates metabolic remodeling in HNSCC by suppressing MTHFD1L‐formate axis
Authors: Cui Li , Zhao Xinyuan , Jin Zhenning , Wang Hailin , Yang Shun‐Fa , Hu Shen
Published: September 2021

Metabolic remodeling is now widely recognized as a hallmark of cancer, yet its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains largely unknown. In this study, metabolomic analysis of melatonin‐treated HNSCC cell lines revealed that exogenous melatonin inhibited many important metabolic pathways including folate cycle in HNSCC cells. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 like (MTHFD1L), a metabolic enzyme of the folate cycle regulating the production of formate, was identified as a downstream target of melatonin. MTHFD1L was found to be markedly upregulated in HNSCC, and MTHFD1L overexpression was significantly associated with unfavorable clinical outcome of HNSCC patients. In addition, MTHFD1L promoted HNSCC progression in vitro and in vivo and reversed the oncostatic effects of exogenous melatonin. More importantly, the malignant phenotypes suppressed by knockdown of MTHFD1L or exogenous melatonin could be partially rescued by formate. Furthermore, we found that melatonin inhibited the expression of MTHFD1L in HNSCC cells through the downregulation of cyclic AMP‐responsive element‐binding protein 1 (CREB1) phosphorylation. Lastly, this novel regulatory axis of melatonin‐p‐CREB1‐MTHFD1L‐formate was also verified in HNSCC tissues. Collectively, our findings have demonstrated that MTHFD1L‐formate axis promotes HNSCC progression and melatonin inhibits HNSCC progression through CREB1‐mediated downregulation of MTHFD1L and formate. These findings have revealed new metabolic mechanisms in HNSCC and may provide novel insights on the therapeutic intervention of HNSCC.