bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight changes, metabolic syndrome and all‐cause mortality among Asian adults living with HIV
Authors: Han Win Min , Law Matthew G. , Choi Jun Yong , Ditangco Rossana , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Chaiwarith Romanee , Ly Penh Sun , Khusuwan Suwimon , Merati Tuti Parwati , Do Cuong Duy , Yunihastuti Evy , Azwa Iskandar , Lee Man‐Po , Pham Thach Ngoc , Chan Yu‐Jiun , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Ng Oon Tek , Tanuma Junko , Pujari Sanjay , Zhang Fujie , Gani Yasmin , Mave Vidya , Ross Jeremy , Avihingsanon Anchalee ,   the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database of IeDEA Asia‐Pacific
Published: November 2021

Objectives

We investigated weight changes following antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with all‐cause mortality among Asian adults living with HIV.

Methods

Participants enrolled in a regional Asian HIV‐infected cohort with weight and height measurements at ART initiation were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Factors associated with weight changes and incident MetS (according to the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) definition) were analysed using linear mixed models and Cox regression, respectively. Competing‐risk regression models were used to investigate the association of MetS with all‐cause mortality.

Results

Among 4931 people living with HIV (PLWH), 66% were male. At ART initiation, the median age was 34 [interquartile range (IQR) 29–41] years, and the median (IQR) weight and body mass index (BMI) were 55 (48–63) kg and 20.5 (18.4–22.9) kg/m2, respectively. At 1, 2 and 3 years of ART, overall mean (± standard deviation) weight gain was 2.2 (±5.3), 3.0 (±6.2) and 3.7 (±6.5) kg, respectively. Participants with baseline CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/µL [weight difference (diff) = 2.2 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9–2.5 kg] and baseline HIV RNA ≥ 100 000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL (diff = 0.6 kg; 95% CI 0.2–1.0 kg), and those starting with integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)‐based ART (diff = 2.1 kg; 95% CI 0.7–3.5 kg vs. nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) had greater weight gain. After exclusion of those with abnormal baseline levels of MetS components, 295/3503 had incident MetS [1.18 (95% CI 1.05–1.32)/100 person‐years (PY)]. The mortality rate was 0.7 (95% CI 0.6–0.8)/100 PY. MetS was not significantly associated with all‐cause mortality in the adjusted model (P = 0.236).

Conclusions

Weight gain after ART initiation was significantly higher among those initiating ART with lower CD4 count, higher HIV RNA and an INSTI‐based regimen after controlling for baseline BMI. Greater efforts to identify and manage MetS among PLWH are needed.
Sensitive skin: Active ingredients on the spotlight
Authors: Ferreira Marta S. , Sousa Lobo José M. , Almeida Isabel F.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Sensitive skin is characterized by self‐reported sensory perceptions in response to stimuli that should not provoke unpleasant sensations. Cosmetic products for sensitive skin are designed to minimize these symptoms. This study aimed to unveil the most used active ingredients for sensitive skin in facial care products from the pharmacy and parapharmacy channel.

Methods

A pool of products from the pharmacy and parapharmacy channel whose label included the expressions ‘sensitive skin’, ‘reactive skin’ or ‘intolerant skin’ were analysed. The active ingredients were identified from product compositions and ranked in descending order of occurrence. The scientific evidence regarding the mechanism of action and efficacy of each ingredient was also compiled.

Results

Eighty‐eight products from 19 multinational brands were included. Niacinamide leads the top, followed by Avena sativa, allantoin, glycyrrhetinic acid and derivatives and Laminaria ochroleuca. Ingredients that can reduce skin inflammation and act on the skin barrier were used in more than half of the products analysed. The clinical studies regarding the active ingredients used in these products remain sparse and lack methodological quality. Among the top ingredients, niacinamide, panthenol and acetyl dipeptide‐1 cetyl ester were the only ones studied on volunteers having sensitive skin, while acetyl dipeptide‐1 cetyl ester and palmitoyl tripeptide‐8 were designed to act on the molecular targets involved in this condition.

Conclusion

This study reveals the most used active ingredients in cosmetic products for sensitive skin, as well as the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy and the mechanisms of action. This insight is meaningful for dermatologists and other health professionals to provide customized advice based on the symptomatology of individuals with sensitive skin, and for the formulation of cosmetic products and design of new active ingredients.
Barth’s Reception of Nineteenth‐Century Exegesis and Theology in The Resurrection of the Dead
Authors: Harris Steven Edward
Published: November 2021

In the early 1920s Karl Barth was searching for historical resources in his own magisterial Protestant tradition that would enable constructive theological work outside the confines of nineteenth‐century neo‐Protestantism and its contemporary heirs. This article takes up his 1924 commentary on 1 Corinthians, centred on the fifteenth chapter, The Resurrection of the Dead, to examine the impact of such searching. It demonstrates that Barth, first, is sharply opposed to the framework for modern critical interpretation of the letter influentially established by F.C. Baur; second, finds an alternative to a mythological reading of 1 Corinthians 15 in the heilsgeschichtlich exegesis of J.C.K. von Hofmann; and, third, remains latently marked by the eschatology of Friedrich Schleiermacher. This shows another way in which Barth was creatively appropriating elements of the historical Protestant tradition at the same time as visibly breaking with others.
Imaging reveals novel innate immune responses in lung, liver, and beyond*
Authors: Neupane Arpan Sharma , Kubes Paul
Published: November 2021

Highly dynamic immune responses are generated toward pathogens or injuries, in vivo. Multiple immune cell types participate in various facets of the response which leads to a concerted effort in the removal and clearance of pathogens or injured tissue and a return to homeostasis. Intravital microscopy (IVM) has been extensively utilized to unravel the dynamics of immune responses, visualizing immune cell behavior in intact living tissues, within a living organism. For instance, the phenomenon of leukocyte recruitment cascade. Importantly, IVM has led to a deep appreciation that immune cell behavior and responses in individual organs are distinct, but also can influence one another. In this review, we discuss how IVM as a tool has been used to study the innate immune responses in various tissues during homeostasis, injury, and infection.
Biogeography of root‐associated fungi in foundation grasses of North American plains
Authors: Rudgers Jennifer A. , Fox Sam , Porras‐Alfaro Andrea , Herrera Jose , Reazin Chris , Kent Dylan R. , Souza Lara , Chung YanYi Anny , Jumpponen Ari
Published: November 2021

Aim

Roots and rhizospheres host diverse microbial communities that can influence the fitness, phenotypes, and environmental tolerances of plants. Documenting the biogeography of these microbiomes can detect the potential for a changing environment to disrupt host‐microbe interactions, particularly in cases where microbes buffer hosts against abiotic stressors. We evaluated whether root‐associated fungi had poleward declines in diversity, tested whether fungal communities in roots shifted near host plant range edges, and determined the relative importance of environmental and host predictors of root fungal community structure.

Location

North American plains grasslands.

Taxon

Foundation grasses –Andropogon gerardii, Bouteloua dactyloides, B. eriopoda, B. gracilis,andSchizachyrium scopariumand root fungi.

Methods

At each of 24 sites representing three replicate 17°–latitudinal gradients, we collected roots from 12 individuals per species along five transects spaced 10 m apart (40 m × 40 m grid). We used next‐generation sequencing of ITS2, direct fungal culturing from roots, and microscopy to survey fungi associated with grass roots.

Results

Root‐associated fungi did not follow the poleward declines in diversity documented for many animals and plants. Instead, host plant identity had the largest influence on fungal community structure. Edaphic factors outranked climate or host plant traits as correlates of fungal community structure; however, the relative importance of environmental predictors differed among plant species. As sampling approached host species range edges, fungal composition converged in similarity among individual plants of each grass species.

Main conclusions

Environmental predictors of root‐associated fungi depended strongly on host plant species identity. Biogeographic patterns in fungal composition suggested a homogenizing influence of stressors at host plant range limits. Results predict that communities of non‐mycorrhizal, root‐associated fungi in the North American plains will be more sensitive to future changes in host plant ranges and edaphic factors than to the direct effects of climate.
Color formation and Maillard reactions during the spray drying process of skim milk and model systems
Authors: Zhou Zelin , Langrish Timothy
Published: November 2021

The thermal degradation of fresh skim milk, reconstituted skim milk and two model systems with different lactose/WPI ratios in a new design of spray dryer has been investigated. The extent of thermal degradation has been measured by the formation of Advanced Maillard reaction products, as assessed by a fluorometric method. Significant changes have been found when the inlet temperature increased from 180°C to 190°C, suggesting that temperature may play an important role in the kinetics of milk degradation in spray dryers. The non‐uniform distribution of particle residence time in the pilot‐scale dryer suggested that the design and operation of the spray dryer used for drying may also affect the extent of thermally induced reactions during the spray‐drying process. Results from the spray drying of model systems with different lactose/WPI ratios suggested that WPI concentration may be the rate‐limiting factor. Colourimetric analysis of the samples suggested a strong correlation between the formation of advanced Maillard reaction products and the color intensities of the spray‐dried products.

Practical Applications

A correlation exists between the color intensity of the spray‐dried products and formation of advanced Maillard reaction products, which can be potentially further developed as a rapid, cost‐effective quality evaluation method for spray‐dried products. The discussion of the effect of spray drying conditions on the wall‐deposition and re‐entrainment process and thus the particle residence time distribution may also assist in improving the spray‐drying process for thermally sensitive products.
Histomorphometry of mast cells in the convexity of human intracranial dura mater
Authors: Rosas Emanuela P. , Paz Silvania T. , Costa Raisa F. , da Silva Amanda A. , da Silva Romildo L. , da Silva Ana P. F. , da Silva Sabrina R. S. , de Medeiros Paloma L. , de Freitas Manuela F. L. , Valença Marcelo M.
Published: November 2021

Mast cells, known as pro‐inflammatory effector cells, are immunocytes present in the meninges and may be involved in the pathophysiology of migraine. This study aims to evaluate the histomorphometric parameters of mast cells located in the convexity of the human intracranial dura mater. For this, samples of intracranial dura mater from eight human fresh cadavers were collected between 8‐ and 24‐h post‐mortem. The whole samples were fixed and, subsequently, two fragments of 1.5 cm² each were cut from four different areas of the dura mater convexity, containing a segment of the middle meningeal artery, totaling 64 fragments. After histological processing, the fragments were submitted to microtomy (5 and 10 µm), stained with toluidine blue (0.1%), or immunohistochemically labeled for tryptase, and analyzed using optical microscopy. The following histomorphometric parameters were evaluated: distance from mast cells to vessels, the density of mast cells, and percentage of mast cells with degranulation. Histomorphometric analyzes showed a higher density of mast cells in the vicinity of blood vessels (arterial and venous), with distances around 0–150 µm. A greater number of mast cells was detected near venous vessels in the periosteal layer (17.0 ± 10.1 cells/mm²) than in the meningeal layer (14.1 ± 7.0 cells/mm²) (p < 0.05). Mast cells from the region close to the superior sagittal sinus were found in greater quantity close to the venous vessels (16.7 ± 10.1 cells/mm²) than to the arterial vessels (11.2 ± 7.5 cells/mm²) (p < 0.05). In short, in the convexity of the human intracranial dura mater, mast cells are located close to blood vessels, with a greater number of cells next to the venous vessels of the periosteal layer and in the proximal region of the superior sagittal sinus.
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the first trimester of pregnancy: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Cosma Stefano , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Cusato Jessica , Borella Fulvio , Bertero Luca , Bovetti Marialuisa , Bevilacqua Federica , Mengozzi Giulio , Mazzone Raffaela , Ghisetti Valeria , Di Perri Giovanni , Benedetto Chiara
Published: November 2021

Objective(s)

This prospective observational cohort study aimed to evaluate whether women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection during the first trimester of pregnancy are at higher risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes compared to negative patients.

Study Design

Seromolecular testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 was performed at 12, 16, 21 weeks, and at delivery; the cohort was then subdivided into a first‐trimester SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive (case) group and a SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative (control) group. The primary outcome was a composite adverse obstetric outcome, defined as the presence of either abortion, preterm delivery, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth; and a composite measure of adverse neonatal events, including either 1‐ and 5‐min Apgar score ≤ 7, neonatal intensive care unit admission and congenital birth defects. Maternal symptoms and antibody titer were secondarily assessed.

Results

A total of 17 of 164 women tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 (10.3%) in the first trimester. One SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patient who gave birth at another hospital was excluded. Composite adverse obstetric outcome was observed in 6.2% (1/16) SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive and 10.5% (11/105) SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative women; composite adverse neonatal outcome in 12.5% (2/16) and 7.6% (8/105), respectively. In the newborns of women who had developed IgG antibodies, the same antibodies were detected in arterial cord blood and the nasopharyngeal swab tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2.

No maternal pneumonia or hospital admission due to coronavirus disease‐19 were recorded.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic women during the first trimester of pregnancy did not experience significantly more adverse events than SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative women.
Big competition for small spots? Conspecific density drives home range size in male and female leopards
Authors: le Roex N. , Mann G. K. H. , Hunter L. T. B. , Balme G. A.
Published: November 2021

Variation in home range size exists among and within wildlife populations. Home range size variation may be driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including sex, food and reproductive resources, density and competition. In this study, we investigated the sex‐specific impacts of prey and reproductive resources, conspecific density and competition on leopard Panthera pardus home range size at two spatio‐temporal scales in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa. Male leopard home ranges were more than twice the size of those of females, in line with expectations for a solitary, polygamous species. Both male and female leopard space‐use were primarily driven by short‐term changes in intra‐sexual conspecific density. Females were influenced by both short and long‐term drivers, with long‐term prey availability (home range and core) and refugia (core) further impacting size. Males were almost exclusively influenced by short‐term drivers; home range size was further impacted by short‐term changes in female leopard and prey density, and age. Long‐term prey availability contributed to male leopard core size. The difference in impact of short‐ and long‐term drivers between the sexes likely relates to tenure expectations; males may be forced out of their territories at any time and should therefore optimize their space‐use based on present conditions. Female leopards, however, must secure a home range that maximizes their reproductive success in the short‐ and long‐term in order to raise cubs to independence. Our findings challenge expectations that space‐use is primarily resource‐driven and demonstrate the critical role of social factors in saturated populations of solitary species. Furthermore, we illustrate the importance of considering temporally variable factors across different timescales to fully understand their impact on mammalian spatial organization.
Introduction, spread, and impacts of invasive alien mammal species in Europe
Authors: Tedeschi Lisa , Biancolini Dino , Capinha César , Rondinini Carlo , Essl Franz
Published: November 2021

Biological invasions have emerged as one of the main drivers of biodiversity change and decline, and numbers of species classed as alien in parts of their ranges are rapidly rising. The European Union established a dedicated regulation to limit the impacts of invasive alien species (IAS), which is focused on the species on a Union List of IAS of particular concern. However, no previous study has specifically addressed the ecology of invasive alien mammals included on the Union List.

We performed a systematic review of published literature on these species. We retrieved 262 publications dealing with 16 species, and we complemented these with the most up‐to‐date information extracted from global databases on IAS.

We show that most of the study species reached Europe as pets and then escaped from captivity or were intentionally released. On average each year in the period 1981–2020, 1.2 species were recorded for the first time as aliens in European countries, and most species are still expanding their alien ranges by colonising neighbouring territories. France is the most invaded nation, followed by Germany, Italy, and the Russian Federation, and the muskrat Ondatra zibethicus, the American mink Neovison vison, and the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides are the most widespread species, having invaded at least 27 countries each. Invasive mammals of European Union concern are threatening native biodiversity and human well‐being: worryingly, 81% of the 16 study species are implicated in the epidemiological cycle of zoonotic pathogens.

Containing secondary spread to further countries is of paramount importance to avoid the establishment of new populations of invasive mammals and the related impacts on native communities, ecosystem services, and human health.

We present a compendium on the ecology and impacts of invasive mammals of European Union concern. It can be used to assist environmental policies, identify and subsequently fill knowledge gaps, and inform stakeholders.
Clinicopathological heterogeneity of Alzheimer's disease with pure Alzheimer's disease pathology: Cases associated with dementia with Lewy bodies, very early‐onset dementia, and primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Kawakatsu Shinobu , Kobayashi Ryota , Hayashi Hiroshi , Morioka Daichi , Utsunomiya Aya , Kabasawa Takanobu , Ohe Rintaro , Otani Koichi
Published: November 2021

We report four cases depicting the heterogeneity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated with pure AD pathology. Case 1 was a 77‐year‐old man with a false positive diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies with reduced dopamine transporter uptake activity of the striatum but no Lewy body pathology. There were tau deposits in the large neurons in the putamen, which may be related to the development of parkinsonism. Case 2 was an AD patient in his early 30s who presented with a psychotic episode and a cognitive decline, and later developed myoclonus and seizures. He demonstrated considerable amyloid‐beta deposits in the cerebral cortex, including cotton wool plaques, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Tau deposits were also abundant in the cerebral neocortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and brain stem. Case 3 was a 60‐year‐old woman who exhibited typical symptoms characteristic of the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA). Case 4 was a 68‐year‐old man who exhibited the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) plus repetition impairment, a rare case associated with AD pathology. In addition to tau pathology, astrocytic pathology was prominent in the white matter and cortical layers of the left temporoparietal cortices. While the main AD lesion in case 4 was evaluated by tau accumulation and astrogliosis in the left temporal lobe, that in case 3 in was evaluated by the same points in the left parietal lobe. Within the spectrum of lvPPA, case 4 may be regarded as a temporal variant of lvPPA presenting svPPA. The pathology of PPA associated with AD may have broader clinical manifestations than that in previously described cases. Case 4 also showed pathological features characteristic of cerebral amyloid angiopathy throughout the cerebral cortex. The distribution of tau and astrocytic pathologies in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, brain stem, and cerebellum may explain the various symptoms of atypical pure AD patients.
COVID‐19 stigma in New Zealand: Are we really a ‘team’ of five million?
Authors: Ergler Christina , Huish Robert , Georgeou Nichole , Simons Jeremy , Eyles Olivia , Li Yi , Deng Tianran , Tame Lilian
Published: November 2021

The New Zealand government has used public health ordinances to impose restrictions on immigration, movement and social gatherings for managing the pandemic. Yet, this response led to unintended consequences, in particular the stigmatisation of some communities and professions as being ‘diseased’. Such discourse ran contrary to the government's own, and very public assertions, that New Zealand was a ‘team of five million’ who should ‘be kind’ to each other. Here, we position stigma as a form of slow violence, which during the pandemic has exploited existing cracks in social cohesion. We then employ an ethics of care approach to suggest some practical responses to healing the rifts created by COVID‐19.
Perspectives and challenges of epigenetic determinants of childhood obesity: A systematic review
Authors: Alfano Rossella , Robinson Oliver , Handakas Evangelos , Nawrot Tim S. , Vineis Paolo , Plusquin Michelle
Published: November 2021

The tremendous increase in childhood obesity prevalence over the last few decades cannot merely be explained by genetics and evolutionary changes in the genome, implying that gene–environment interactions, such as epigenetic modifications, likely play a major role. This systematic review aims to summarize the evidence of the association between epigenetics and childhood obesity. A literature search was performed via PubMed and Scopus engines using a combination of terms related to epigenetics and pediatric obesity. Articles studying the association between epigenetic mechanisms (including DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, non‐coding RNAs, and chromatin and histones modification) and obesity and/or overweight (or any related anthropometric parameters) in children (0–18 years) were included. The risk of bias was assessed with a modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale for non‐randomized studies. One hundred twenty‐one studies explored epigenetic changes related to childhood obesity. DNA methylation was the most widely investigated mechanism (N = 101 studies), followed by non‐coding RNAs (N = 19 studies) with evidence suggestive of an association with childhood obesity for DNA methylation of specific genes and microRNAs (miRNAs). One study, focusing on histones modification, was identified. Heterogeneity of findings may have hindered more insights into the epigenetic changes related to childhood obesity. Gaps and challenges that future research should face are herein described.
Sterols of the ‘dinotom’ Durinskia baltica (Dinophyceae) are of dinoflagellate origin
Authors: Leblond Jeffrey D. , Vandergrift Stephanie L.
Published: November 2021

‘Dinotoms’ are a relatively small group of dinoflagellates with aberrant tertiary plastids of diatom origin, thus differing from the majority of photosynthetic dinoflagellates which possess the carotenoid pigment peridinin and have secondary plastids of red algal origin. As part of our laboratory's continuing efforts to examine such unusual dinoflagellates in the search for clues to the evolution of their lipid compositions, we have examined the sterol composition of the dinotom Durinskia baltica. As such, we here compared its sterols to those of the previously examined dinotom, Kryptoperidinium foliaceum, more broadly to other photosynthetic, peridinin‐containing dinoflagellates, and to the diatom genus Nitzschia, which is the presumed ancestor of the D. baltica dinotom plastid. Sterols are ringed lipids, common to eukaryotes, thought to reinforce phospholipid bilayers. Many peridinin‐containing dinoflagellates have sterol compositions which are enriched by the presence of cholesterol (cholest‐5‐en‐3β‐ol) and 4α‐methyl‐substituted sterols such as dinosterol (4α,23,24‐trimethyl‐5α‐cholest‐22E‐en‐3β‐ol); this has also been found to be true for K. foliaceum despite its aberrant plastid ancestry. Our objective was to determine if this is also true for D. baltica as only the second dinotom to have its sterols characterized in detail, and to determine if there is any indication of prominent sterols which are uncommon to dinoflagellates, possibly originating from the diatom endosymbiont, as has been demonstrated previously with K. foliaceum and D. baltica chloroplast‐associated galactolipids of clear diatom origin. Our results demonstrate that like K. foliaceum, the major sterols of D. baltica are cholesterol, dinosterol, and other 4α‐methyl‐substituted sterols common to dinoflagellates. Although there were a number of minor sterols, none were found with obvious origin from the diatom endosymbiont, indicating that most originated with the dinoflagellate host itself, most likely before acquisition of the diatom tertiary plastid.
Discretely innovating: The effect of limited market contestability on innovation and growth
Authors: Bond‐Smith Steven
Published: November 2021

I consider the impact of market contestability on innovation and growth. To examine this, I use discrete entry (i.e. an integer number of firms) as a tool to vary contestability in each sector of a disaggregated multi‐sector endogenous growth model. Contestability affects entry, extending results beyond competition. As a result, sectors with lower contestability have lower innovation and sectors characterized by Cournot oligopoly have lower innovation than sectors characterized by Bertrand. The effect of contestability is in addition to the effects of competition. Entry requirements become a consideration for innovation and growth policy, particularly in small or isolated economies.
Education and ignorance in the UK 80 years after Beveridge: The role of government and equality of opportunity
Authors: West Anne
Published: November 2021

In the founding document of the British welfare state, the Beveridge Report, ‘ignorance’ was identified as one of the ‘five giants on the road of reconstruction’. Dealing with ignorance meant developing education and greater equality of education to all children, with local authorities having a vital role to play. This paper focuses on the development of education policy in the UK by analysing legislative provision related to the role played by central and local government, and equality of opportunity. It argues that there have been notable changes across all phases of education. In England, central government plays a greater role than previously, and has created enduring state‐controlled markets in which education institutions operate; local authorities have a reduced role. This contrasts with Scotland and Wales. Ideas about equality of opportunity have also shifted over time and vary not only between different phases of education, but also between the countries of the UK. Whilst equality of access has increased, equality of educational outcome remains elusive.
Complement‐mediated hemolysis persists year round in patients with cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Röth Alexander , Fryzek Jon , Jiang Xiaohui , Reichert Heidi , Patel Parija , Su Jun , Morales Arias Jaime , Broome Catherine M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia mediated by immunoglobulin M autoantibodies that bind to the “I” antigen on erythrocytes. IgM binding results in either agglutination at ≤37°C, activation of the classical complement pathway, or both. Patients with CAD can have transient agglutination‐mediated circulatory symptoms triggered by exposure to cold conditions. Separately, patients with CAD can experience complement‐mediated symptoms such as anemia, hemolysis, and fatigue, but the effect of the season on these complement‐mediated manifestations of CAD and clinical outcomes is not well understood.

Methods

Using data from the Optum® de‐identified Electronic Health Record dataset, we compared hemoglobin, markers of hemolysis (bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) between seasons for 594 patients (62% female; 66% aged ≥65 years) with CAD (defined as having CAD‐related terms in their clinical notes on ≥3 separate occasions between December 2008 and May 2016). Laboratory parameters and HRU were compared between seasons using multivariate regression models.

Results

Estimated median hemoglobin (9.87 g/dL in summer and 9.86 g/dL in winter; P = 0.944) and bilirubin (1.04 mg/dL in summer and 1.09 mg/dL in winter; P = 0.257) were similar in winter versus summer. While LDH was statistically significantly higher in winter compared with summer (P < 0.001), the estimated median value was above normal for both seasons (309 U/L in summer and 367 U/L in winter). HRU measures and transfusion and thromboembolism rates were similar across seasons.

Conclusions

Patients with CAD had evidence of persistent chronic hemolysis, HRU, and thromboembolism risk year round.
A Decomposition Solution of Variable Thickness Absorber Plate Solar Collectors With Power Law Dependent Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Roy Pranab Kanti
Published: November 2021

We present a mathematical model of flat-plate solar collector whose thermal conductivity is a power law function of temperature, and nondimensional length is governed by a profile index. The rectangular, convex, and triangular shape absorber plates are obtained by changing the value of an index of nondimensional length 0, ½, and 1, respectively. The energy equation governing the temperature of rectangular absorber plate is a nonsingular-type equation, and convex and triangular cross-sectional absorber plates are two different singular-type equations. One nonsingular and two different singular value equations are solved separately by different operators, as explained separately in classical and modified Adomian decomposition method (ADM), respectively. The results obtained for the case of the rectangular, convex, and triangular cross-sectional plates are validated by comparison with the exact analytical solution for special case as available in literature. The effects of various thermophysical parameters such as power law thermal conductivity parameter, Biot number, aspect ratio, absorbed solar heat flux, and overall heat transfer coefficient on the temperature distribution are analyzed.
Tribological Behavior of Alumina Ceramics With Nano-TiO2 as a Sintering Aid in Non-Conformal Contact
Authors: Haldar Partha , Bhattacharya Tapas Kumar , Modak Nipu
Published: November 2021

The study emphasized the sintering behavior and tribo-mechanical properties of alumina ceramics by nano-TiO2 addition as a sintering aid. With increase in sintering temperature, the bulk density of alumina has increased gradually and optimized at 1600 °C. The optimizing effect of densification at 1600 °C is 98.25% by the addition of 1 wt% nano-TiO2. The maximum solid solubility of titania in alumina grains was at 1600 °C and causes optimization of densification by addition of 1 wt%. The excess addition of TiO2 formed low dense Al2TiO5, appearing as a secondary phase at grain boundaries and does not significantly improve densification. Fracture toughness increases and coefficient of friction decreases with the addition of nano-TiO2 in alumina matrix. The addition of 1 wt% nano-TiO2 improved hardness to 8.82% and reduces specific wear-rate to 45.56%. The addition of 1 wt% nano-TiO2 greatly influenced the microstructure of sintered Al2O3. The morphology was sharply changed from hexagonal columnar shape to order sub round orientation which also directly impact the tribo-mechanical properties of sintered alumina. The addition of 1 wt% substantially decreases wear track depth as observed by a 3D surface profilometer. Microscopic observation of the worn-out surface showed that wearing is majorly caused by plastic deformation and abrasion.
Two new species of the genus Flagellozetes Balogh, 1970 (Acari: Oribatida: Galumnidae) from Vietnam
Authors: Kolesnikov Vasiliy B. , Leonov Vladislav D.
Published: November 2021

Oribatid mite fauna of Vietnam is most studied among countries of Continental Southeast Asia but due to the brief history of detailed research, discoveries of new species are expected. Descriptions of two new species of oribatid mites (Oribatida) of the family Galumnidae—Flagellozetes (Cosmogalumna) sacculus sp. nov. and F. (C.) lineatus sp. nov.—are presented based on specimens collected from rainforest soil of Bi Dup—Nui Ba National Park (southern Vietnam). F. (C.) sacculus sp. nov. differs from other species by the presence of saccules and rare diamond-shaped granules on pteromorphs. F. (C.) lineatus sp. nov. differs from F. (C.) ekaterinae (Ermilov & Friedrich, 2016) and F. (C.) dongnaiensis (Ermilov & Anichkin, 2013) by the presence of striate pteromorph, genital and anal plates, median pore, and centrodorsal part of notogaster ornamentation represented by neural ridges band.
Preliminary evaluation of the control effect of two predatory mite species on Eotetranychus sexmaculatus in rubber trees in Hainan Province, China
Authors: Hao Huihua , Li Peizheng , Xu Tianwei , Wu Qiqi , Zhang Fangping , Peng Zhengqiang
Published: November 2021

In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of predatory mites on controlling the rubber tree pest mite Eotetranychus sexmaculatus (Riley) and explored basic application of the biocontrol technology “using predatory mites to control pest mites” to rubber trees. We selected two commercial species with high predation capacity from five species of predatory mites for further field-release tests. The results showed that among the five predatory mite species, Phytoseiulus persimilis (Athias‐Henriot) and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) showed the highest and lowest daily average predation amounts on E. sexmaculatus, respectively, and that the commercial predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) and Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) were demonstrated relatively high predation capacities on E. sexmaculatus and represent the ideal species for field release. Additionally, we found that field release by a hanging release sachet was suitable for a low field-population density of pest mites, and that predatory mites could be released at a dose of one sachet per tree and/or every other row or every other tree according to the actual situation of the pest mites. If the field population of E. sexmaculatus is at the peak egg-laying period, the release of A. swirskii should be top priority, which will lead to high control efficiency within 2 to 3 weeks. In case of low field-population density of E. sexmaculatus or a rainy season, top priority should be given to the release of N. barkeri, which might lead to high control efficiency within 3 to 4 weeks. The results showed that the release of A. swirskii had a more fast-acting effect with a higher control efficiency than N. barkeri at the early stage of release, whereas N. barkeri exhibited a better release effect with greater persistence than A. swirskii at the late stage of release.
Predicting master transcription factors from pan-cancer expression data
Authors: Reddy Jessica , Fonseca Marcos A. S. , Corona Rosario I. , Nameki Robbin , Segato Dezem Felipe , Klein Isaac A. , Chang Heidi , Chaves-Moreira Daniele , Afeyan Lena K. , Malta Tathiane M. , Lin Xianzhi , Abbasi Forough , Font-Tello Alba , Sabedot Thais , Cejas Paloma , Rodríguez-Malavé Norma , Seo Ji-Heui , Lin De-Chen , Matulonis Ursula , Karlan Beth Y. , Gayther Simon A. , Pasaniuc Bogdan , Gusev Alexander , Noushmehr Houtan , Long Henry , Freedman Matthew L. , Drapkin Ronny , Young Richard A. , Abraham Brian J. , Lawrenson Kate
Published: November 2021

The CaCTS algorithm nominates cancer cell master transcription factors and guides a model of ovarian cancer regulatory circuitry.
The 40
S
-LARP1 complex reprograms the cellular translatome upon mTOR inhibition to preserve the protein synthetic capacity
Authors: Fuentes Pedro , Pelletier Joffrey , Martinez-Herráez Carolina , Diez-Obrero Virginia , Iannizzotto Flavia , Rubio Teresa , Garcia-Cajide Marta , Menoyo Sandra , Moreno Victor , Salazar Ramón , Tauler Albert , Gentilella Antonio
Published: November 2021

The mTOR-LARP1-5′TOP axis acts at the translational level as a primary guardian of the anabolic capacity of the cell.
A stretchable and strain-unperturbed pressure sensor for motion interference–free tactile monitoring on skins
Authors: Su Qi , Zou Qiang , Li Yang , Chen Yuzhen , Teng Shan-Yuan , Kelleher Jane T. , Nith Romain , Cheng Ping , Li Nan , Liu Wei , Dai Shilei , Liu Youdi , Mazursky Alex , Xu Jie , Jin Lihua , Lopes Pedro , Wang Sihong
Published: November 2021

A stretchable pressure sensor can provide highly sensitive and strain-unperturbed measurement to pressures on deformed skins.
Evolutionary epigenomic analyses in mammalian early embryos reveal species-specific innovations and conserved principles of imprinting
Authors: Lu Xukun , Zhang Yu , Wang Lijuan , Wang Leyun , Wang Huili , Xu Qianhua , Xiang Yunlong , Chen Chaolei , Kong Feng , Xia Weikun , Lin Zili , Ma Sinan , Liu Ling , Wang Xiangguo , Ni Hemin , Li Wei , Guo Yong , Xie Wei
Published: November 2021

Evolutionary analyses reveal conservation and divergence of epigenetic transition during early development across mammals.
Giant negative thermopower of ionic hydrogel by synergistic coordination and hydration interactions
Authors: Chen Bin , Chen Qianling , Xiao Songhua , Feng Jiansong , Zhang Xu , Wang Taihong
Published: November 2021

Differentiated regulation of the interactions between ions, water and polymer is an effective way to get high-quality thermopower.
Orally deliverable strategy based on microalgal biomass for intestinal disease treatment
Authors: Zhong Danni , Zhang Dongxiao , Chen Wei , He Jian , Ren Chaojie , Zhang Xingcai , Kong Na , Tao Wei , Zhou Min
Published: November 2021

Microalgae-based drug delivery system exhibits efficient therapeutic effects on intestinal diseases.
Implantable aptamer–field-effect transistor neuroprobes for in vivo neurotransmitter monitoring
Authors: Zhao Chuanzhen , Cheung Kevin M. , Huang I-Wen , Yang Hongyan , Nakatsuka Nako , Liu Wenfei , Cao Yan , Man Tianxing , Weiss Paul S. , Monbouquette Harold G. , Andrews Anne M.
Published: November 2021

Implantable aptamer transistor probes for in vivo neurotransmitter monitoring advance brain activity recording.
Sequential immunization of macaques elicits heterologous neutralizing antibodies targeting the V3-glycan patch of HIV-1 Env
Authors: Escolano Amelia , Gristick Harry B. , Gautam Rajeev , DeLaitsch Andrew T. , Abernathy Morgan E. , Yang Zhi , Wang Haoqing , Hoffmann Magnus A.G. , Nishimura Yoshiaki , Wang Zijun , Koranda Nicholas , Kakutani Leesa M. , Gao Han , Gnanapragasam Priyanthi N. P. , Raina Henna , Gazumyan Ana , Cipolla Melissa , Oliveira Thiago Y. , Ramos Victor , Irvine Darrell J. , Silva Murillo , West Anthony P. , Keeffe Jennifer R. , Barnes Christopher O. , Seaman Michael S. , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Martin Malcolm A. , Bjorkman Pamela J.
Published: November 2021

Sequential immunization elicits antibodies against the V3-glycan patch of HIV-1 Env in rhesus macaques and also induces off-target antibody responses.
Hippocampal cAMP regulates HCN channel function on two time scales with differential effects on animal behavior
Authors: Lyman Kyle A. , Han Ye , Zhou Chengwen , Renteria Isabelle , Besing Gai-Linn , Kurz Jonathan E. , Chetkovich Dane M.
Published: November 2021

cAMP-mediated effect on HCN channel surface trafficking and mouse behavior depends on activation time scale.
Genotyping and Multivariate Regression Trees Reveal Ecological Diversification within the Microcystis aeruginosa Complex along a Wide Environmental Gradient
Authors: Martínez de la Escalera Gabriela , Segura Angel M. , Kruk Carla , Ghattas Badih , Cohan Frederick M. , Iriarte Andrés , Piccini Claudia
Published: November 2021

Organisms of theMicrocystis aeruginosacomplex form harmful algal blooms (HABs) in nutrient-rich water bodies worldwide. MAC HABs are difficult to manage owing to the production of potent toxins (microcystins) that resist water treatment.
Autophagy Regulates Whitefly-Symbiont Metabolic Interactions
Authors: Wang Yan-Bin , Li Ce , Yan Jin-Yang , Wang Tian-Yu , Yao Ya-Lin , Ren Fei-Rong , Luan Jun-Bo
Published: November 2021

Nutritional symbionts, which are restricted to specialized host cells called bacteriocytes, can provide essential nutrients for many hosts. However, the cellular mechanisms of regulation of animal-symbiont metabolic associations have been largely unexplored.
Evaluation of Urethrotropic-Clade Meningococcal Infection by Urine Metagenomic Shotgun Sequencing
Authors: Retchless Adam C. , Itsko Mark , Bazan Jose A. , Turner Abigail Norris , Hu Fang , Joseph Sandeep J. , Carter Alexandria , Brown Morgan , Snyder Brandon , Wang Xin
Published: November 2021

Urethral infections caused by an emerging nongroupable (NG) urethrotropic clade of
Neisseria meningitidis
were first reported in the United States in 2015 (the “U.S.
Novel Humanized Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Mouse Model with Delayed Onset of Graft-versus-Host Disease for Preclinical HIV Research
Authors: Holguin Leo , Echavarria Liliana , Burnett John C.
Published: November 2021

Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for HIV infection; thus, continued research is needed to end the HIV pandemic. While many animal models are used in HIV research, none is used more than the humanized mouse model.
Highly Neutralizing COVID-19 Convalescent Plasmas Potently Block SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Pneumonia in Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Takamatsu Yuki , Imai Masaki , Maeda Kenji , Nakajima Noriko , Higashi-Kuwata Nobuyo , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Ito Mutsumi , Kiso Maki , Maemura Tadashi , Takeda Yuichiro , Omata Kazumi , Suzuki Tadaki , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: November 2021

Convalescent plasmas obtained from patients who recovered from a specific infection have been used as agents to treat other patients infected with the very pathogen. To treat using convalescent plasmas, despite that more than 10 randomized controlled clinical trials have been conducted and more than 100 studies are currently ongoing, the effects of convalescent plasma against COVID-19 remained uncertain.
Analysis of Glycosylation and Disulfide Bonding of Wild-Type SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein
Authors: Zhang Shijian , Go Eden P. , Ding Haitao , Anang Saumya , Kappes John C. , Desaire Heather , Sodroski Joseph G.
Published: November 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, uses its spike glycoprotein to enter host cells. The viral spike glycoprotein is the main target of host neutralizing antibodies that help to control SARS-CoV-2 infection and are important for the protection provided by vaccines.
Exacerbated AIDS Progression by PD-1 Blockade during Therapeutic Vaccination in Chronically Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques after Interruption of Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Wu Chunxiu , He Yizi , Zhao Jin , Luo Kun , Wen Ziyu , Zhang Yudi , Li Minchao , Cui Yilan , Liu Zijian , Wang Congcong , Han Zirong , Li Guangye , Feng Fengling , Li Pingchao , Chen Ling , Sun Caijun
Published: November 2021

Because one of the most challenging public health problems, there are no clinically effective cure strategies against HIV-1 infection. We demonstrated that prophylactic vaccination combined with PD-1 blockade generated distinct immune response profiles and conferred better control of highly pathogenic SIV
mac239
infection in rhesus macaques.
Feedback Loop Regulation between Pim Kinases and Tax Keeps Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Viral Replication in Check
Authors: Bellon Marcia , Nicot Christophe
Published: November 2021

The Pim family of protein kinases have established pro-oncogenic functions. They are often upregulated in cancer; especially leukemias and lymphomas.
Genome Sequences of Mycobacterium smegmatis Phages Fefferhead and ShamWow
Authors: Dao Valerie L. , Xia Lily , Bancroft Christa T.
Published: November 2021

Fefferhead and ShamWow are temperate mycobacteriophages in the K6 and E clusters, respectively. The length of the Fefferhead genome is 61,366 bp, with 98 predicted genes. The ShamWow genome has a length of 75,933 bp, with 143 predicted genes, 3 of which are duplicates.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of a SARS-CoV-2 Variant Obtained from Raw Sewage at the University of Tennessee—Knoxville Campus
Authors: Ash K. T. , Alamilla I. , Li Y. , Joyner D. C. , Williams D. E. , McKay P. J. , Green B. M. , Iler C. , DeBlander S. E. , Kara-Murdoch F. , Swift C. M. , Hazen T. C.
Published: November 2021

Reported here is a coding-complete genome sequence of a SARS CoV-2 variant obtained from raw wastewater samples at the University of Tennessee—Knoxville campus. This sequence provides insight into SARS CoV-2 variants that circulate on large college campuses but remain mostly undetected.
Stepwise Evolution of a Klebsiella pneumoniae Clone within a Host Leading to Increased Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Yoshino Mai , Aihara Masamune , Gotoh Yasuhiro , Akimoto Masaru , Tatsuhara Wakana , Kiyosuke Makiko , Matsushima Yuichi , Uchiumi Takeshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Kang Dongchon
Published: November 2021

Within-host evolution is a survival strategy that can occur in many pathogens and is often associated with the emergence of novel antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. To analyze this process, suitable sets of clinical isolates are required.
Usefulness of ELISA Using Total Antibody against Plant-Expressed Recombinant Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Tariq Misbah , Hur Jian , Seo Jun-Won , Kim Da Young , Yun Na Ra , Lee You Mi , Bang Mi-Seon , Hwang Seong Yeon , Kim Choon-Mee , Lee Ju-Hyung , Song Kyoung-Ho , Lee Hyunju , Jung Jongtak , Park Ji Young , Kim Hong Bin , Kim Eu Suk , Lee Sangmin , Kim Dong-Min
Published: November 2021

At present, the principal diagnostic methods for COVID-19 comprise the identification of viral nucleic acid by genetic approaches, including PCR-based techniques or next-generation sequencing. However, there is an urgent need for validated serological assays which are crucial for the understanding of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2.
Comparison of the Performance of the PanBio COVID-19 Antigen Test in SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 (Alpha) Variants versus non-B.1.1.7 Variants
Authors: van Ogtrop M. L. , van de Laar T. J. W. , Eggink D. , Vanhommerig J. W. , van der Reijden W. A.
Published: November 2021

Antigen tests for COVID-19 are widely used for rapid identification of COVID-19 cases, for example, for access to schools, festivals, and travel. There are several FDA- and CE-cleared tests on the market.