bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological response to the weaning in two pig lines divergently selected for residual feed intake
Authors: Montagne Lucile , Gilbert Hélène , Muller Nelly , Le Floc’h Nathalie
Published: August 2021

Breeding efficient pigs is a way to reduce dietary costs and environmental waste. However, optimization of feed efficiency must not be linked to a decrease of the ability of animals to cope with stress, such as the weaning. This study characterizes the response after weaning of pigs from two lines divergently selected for residual feed intake (RFI) during growth. Animals of the low (L) RFI line are more efficient than animals from the high (H) RFI line. Thirty‐six piglets from each line weaned at 28 days of age were individually housed and fed a conventional dietary sequence. Their performance, behaviour, health and oxidative status, immune and nutritional parameters were followed during three weeks. Daily feed intake and growth rate of pigs from the LRFI line were 35% and 40% lower compared with HRFI (p < 0.001). Pigs from the LRFI‐line had lower total tract apparent digestibility (−6% for OM) and suffered more from undernutrition with a 167 and 55% higher plasmatic concentration of NEFA and urea compared with HRFI (p < 0.01). In the first week after the weaning, they had more diarrhoea and had a higher inflammatory status with concentration of haptoglobin 52% higher (p < 0.001). These piglets then seemed to adapt to the weaning conditions and to recover during the second and third weeks. Both lines had similar zootechnical performance and physiological characteristics at the end of the post‐weaning period. To conclude, the physiological responses to the weaning differed between lines. Pigs from the LRFI line, selected for greater feed efficiency, were more sensitive to the weaning stress. They were also more resilient as they finally adapted to the new condition and recovered to show similar performance results as pigs of the HRFI line.
Effect of a long‐term high‐energy diet on cardiovascular parameters in Shetland pony mares
Authors: D' Fonseca Nicky M. M. , Beukers Martjin , Wijnberg Inge D. , Navas de Solis Cristobal , de Ruijter‐Villani Marta , van Doorn David A. , Stout Tom A. E. , Roelfsema Ellen
Published: August 2021

Background

Changes in cardiovascular parameters, including blood pressure (BP) and cardiac anatomical dimensions, are an inconsistent feature of the equine metabolic syndrome. The order in which these changes arise is unknown.

Objectives

Determine the order in which EMS‐associated changes in cardiovascular parameters arise.

Animals

Twenty Shetland pony mares.

Methods

High‐energy (HE) diet mares were fed 200% of net energy requirements for 1 (n = 3) or 2 (n = 7) consecutive diet‐years, with 17 weeks of hay‐only between years. Noninvasive BP measurements and echocardiograms were performed during both years. Resting 24‐hour ECGs and measurements of autonomic tone (splenic volume and packed cell volume [PCV]) were performed at the end of diet‐year 1. Results were compared to control mares receiving a maintenance diet for 1 (n = 7) or 2 (n = 3) consecutive years.

Results

In year 1, HE mares had significantly higher values than control mares for mean relative left ventricular wall thickness (P = .001). After 2 diet‐years, mean systolic (P = .003), diastolic (P < .001) and mean arterial BP (P = .001), heart rate (HR; P < .001), and mean left ventricular wall thickness (P = .001) also were significantly increased in HE compared to control mares. No pathological arrhythmias or differences in splenic volume or PCV were detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ingesting a HE diet first induced minor changes in BP, and progressed to left‐sided cardiac hypertrophy in Shetland pony mares. These findings are of interest given the increasing incidence of obesity in horses.
Gastric microbiome in horses with and without equine glandular gastric disease
Authors: Paul Linda J. , Ericsson Aaron C. , Andrews Frank M. , Keowen Michael L. , Morales Yniguez Francisco , Garza Frank , Banse Heidi E.
Published: August 2021

Background

The role of the gastric microbiome in development or persistence of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) remains to be investigated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The objective was to characterize the glandular mucosal and gastric fluid microbiomes of horses with and without EGGD. It was hypothesized that differences in the mucosal microbiome are associated with EGGD.

Animals

Twenty‐four horses were enrolled.

Methods

Gastroscopy was performed and EGGD scores recorded (score 0, n = 6; score 1, n = 8; score ≥2, n = 10). Gastric fluid and pinch biopsies of healthy glandular mucosa and EGGD lesions were collected via gastroscope. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the gastric fluid and glandular mucosal biopsies was performed. Relationships between gastric fluid and mucosal microbial community composition were evaluated among EGGD score groups (EGGD 0‐BX, EGGD 1‐BX, EGGD ≥2‐BX) and among endoscopic appearances: controls from horses without EGGD and normal areas, hyperemic areas, and lesions from horses with EGGD.

Results

Microbial community structure of mucosal biopsies differed among EGGD score groups (Jaccard similarity index;P = .009). Principal coordinate analysis showed separate clusters for EGGD 0‐BX and EGGD ≥2‐BX.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A modest difference was detected in the community structure of the gastric glandular mucosal microbiome in association with EGGD score.
Against all odds: Harbor porpoises intensively use an anthropogenically modified estuary
Authors: Taupp Thomas
Published: August 2021

Harbor porpoises (Cetacea) are present in the North Sea throughout the year but periodically enter adjacent estuaries, which due to human activities are among the planet's most threatened aquatic systems. However, the occurrence of harbor porpoises in estuaries has rarely been studied. In this work, harbor porpoise occurrence at two stations in the anthropogenically modified Ems Estuary (Germany, Netherlands) was modeled using a machine learning approach (Random Forest) that drew on 8 years of acoustic monitoring data with C‐PODs together with environmental data. Harbor porpoises were present year‐round at both stations. According to the models, their detection was mainly explained by season, tide, and noise level, with the highest detection probabilities in spring, at high tide, and at low noise levels. The seasonal and tide‐dependent occurrence of harbor porpoises coincided with prey availability. Presumed feeding activity was detected in 47% of all harbor‐porpoise‐positive 10 min blocks and indicated the importance of the estuary as a regular feeding area. The elevated noise levels detected at one station were attributed to tidal‐induced currents and sediment movements. The results of this study can help to improve estuarine management through measures that include conducting dredging and disposal activities when harbor porpoise occurrence is less likely.
Does rapid maxillary expansion enlarge the nasal cavity and pharyngeal airway? A three‐dimensional assessment based on validated analyses
Authors: Niu Xiaowen , Motro Melih , Will Leslie A. , Cornelis Marie A. , Cattaneo Paolo M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the three‐dimensional changes following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) of the nasal cavity (NC) and pharyngeal airway (PA) in growing patients, using innovative and validated evaluation methods and to investigate whether a correlation between skeletal expansion and increase in airway volume exists.

Settings and sample population

Records of patients who had cone beam computed tomography taken before and after orthodontic treatment with or without RME were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups: (a) RME, 39 patients (mean age 10.40 ± 1.74 years); and (b) control, 29 patients, matched for age (mean age 11.07 ± 1.45 years) and follow‐up period.

Material and methods

Total and partial volumes of the NC and the PA were calculated. The PA centerline was determined to assess the minimal cross‐sectional area and hydraulic diameter. Paired and unpaired t test were applied to compare the difference between time points and between groups. One‐way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's tests were used to compare subgroups with respect to changes in palatal width and lacrimal ducts distance.

Results

All of the NC, PA and skeletal parameters were significantly enlarged after RME. The NC volume and inter‐molar distance in the RME were significantly larger compared to the control group. The initially lower mean values of minimal cross‐sectional area and hydraulic diameter in the RME group when compared to the control group normalized after RME treatment.

Conclusions

Based on validated analyses, the NC volume increase was evident after RME in the long term after controlling for growth.
The Influence of Femoral Proximal Medullary Morphology on Subtrochanteric Osteotomy in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Unilateral High Dislocated Hips
Authors: Du Yin‐qiao , Guo Ling‐fei , Sun Jing‐yang , Shen Jun‐min , Zhang Bo‐han , Jin Zhi‐gang , Zhou Yong‐gang
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the predictive values of femoral proximal medullary morphology for the use of subtrochanteric osteotomy (STO) in unilateral Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods

Ninety four patients with unilateral Crowe type IV DDH (59 hips in STO group and 35 hips in the non‐STO group) between April 2008 and June 2019 were enrolled. All patients underwent THA using the Pinnacle acetabular shell, ceramic liner and femoral head, the S‐ROM stem with proximal sleeve. Three parameters on the standard anteroposterior hip radiographs were measured: the widths of medullary canals at 20 mm above the center of lesser trochanter (CLT)，20 mm below the CLT and the isthmus. Canal flare index (CFI), metaphyseal canal flare index (MCFI), diaphyseal canal flare index (DCFI) were calculated. A S‐ROM femoral stem was used in all patients during total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Results

The CFI and DCFI in the STO group were lower than those in the non‐STO group. However, there was no statistical difference in MCFI between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves shown that DCFI had the highest area under the curve (AUC), at 0.885. This was followed by the CFI, which had an AUC of 0.847. The AUC of MCFI was 0.579. The optimal threshold for DCFI was 1.44, which lead to a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.771, 0.898, 0.869, and 0.818, respectively. For CFI, the optimal threshold was 3.28, resulting in a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 0.829, 0.729, 0.878, and 0.644, respectively.

Conclusions

The DCFI and CFI may be potent indicators in predicting the use of STO in unilateral Crowe IV DDH. The optimal threshold for CFI and DCFI were 3.28 and 1.44 and had good sensitivity and specificity for predicting the use of STO during THA.
Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of risk communication for maps depicting the hazard of COVID‐19
Authors: Fang Hao , Xin Shiwei , Pang Huishan , Xu Fan , Gui Yuhui , Sun Yan , Yang Nai
Published: August 2021

COVID‐19 maps convey hazard and risk information to the public, which play an important role in the risk communication for individual protection. The aim of this study is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of communicating the specific risk of COVID‐19 maps. By testing 71 subjects from Wuhan, China, this study explored how color schemes (cool, warm, and mixed colors) and data presentation forms (choropleth maps, graduated symbol maps) influence visual cognition patterns, risk perception, comprehension, and subjective satisfaction. The results indicated that the warm scheme (yellow/red) has significant strengths in visual cognition and understanding, and the choropleth map (vs. the graduated symbol map) has significant strengths in risk expression. On subjective satisfaction, the combination of the mixed scheme (blue/yellow/red) and the choropleth map scored highest mean value. These results have implications for enhancing the focused functions of COVID‐19 maps that fit different terms: in the early and medium terms of disease transmission, choropleth maps with warm or cool colors should be considered as a priority design for their better risk perception. When the epidemic conditions are on the upturn, a better reading experience combination of choropleth maps with mixed colors can be considered.
Mechanics of Magnetic Robots Akin to Soft Beams Supported at Unanchored Contacts
Authors: de Oliveira Barros Amanda , Bhattacharya Sukalyan , Yang James
Published: August 2021

This article presents a novel algorithm to predict the shape and the support configurations of a magnetic robot acting like a supple beam, which deforms due to an imposed magnetic field. The soft magnet loosely rests on a flat horizontal surface, which provides the pivoting supports to the robot to attain its deformed shape. The key difficulty in analysis of the mechanics is the lack of any prior knowledge about the location of the contacts where the distorted beam finds support from the ground. This article outlines an algorithm in which different possibilities referred to as modes are checked systematically to locate the placement and the nature of such supports. Consequently, the 2D shape of the soft beam can be determined without any heuristic assumption about where the magnetic robot is touching the solid surface. This study focuses on single contact sections although the algorithm idea is valid for multiple contacts as well. The mathematical theory and the numerical scheme are validated by comparing the simulated results with existing experimentally obtained configurations. Also, the parametric space of system-defining nondimensional parameters is explored to determine when a transition happens from one mode to another and which magnetization methods are desirable for higher stability. Through theoretical simulation, the results show that a thin rectangular cross section provides higher deformation when compared to the other two tested shapes (circular and equilateral triangle cross section).
Large-Deflection Nonlinear Mechanics of Curved Cantilevers Under Contact Point Loading
Authors: Garcia Geoffrey A. , Wakumoto Kody M. , Brown Joseph J.
Published: August 2021

Presented here is a comprehensive model for hook bending behavior under contact loading conditions, motivated by the relevance of this problem to reusable hook attachment systems in nature and engineering. In this work, a large-deflection model that can describe the bending of hooks, taken as precurved cantilevers with uniform initial curvature, was derived and compared with physical testing. Physical testing was performed with stainless-steel and aluminum hooks shaped as semicircular arcs. The force versus displacement behavior exhibited a linear portion for small displacements but at large displacements there was an asymptotic relation where the force approached some limit and remained flat as further displacement occurred. Comparison with testing showed that the model developed in this paper gave good agreement with the physical testing. Surprisingly, in dimensionless form, all parameters to define the hook transform to approximately linear functions of displacement. Using these linear relations, several equations are presented that allow for rapid calculation of the dimensional force versus displacement for a hook.
Different Passive Viscoelastic Properties Between the Left and Right Ventricles in Healthy Adult Ovine
Authors: Liu Wenqiang , Nguyen-Truong Michael , Ahern Matt , Labus Kevin M. , Puttlitz Christian M. , Wang Zhijie
Published: August 2021

Ventricle dysfunction is the most common cause of heart failure, which leads to high mortality and morbidity. The mechanical behavior of the ventricle is critical to its physiological function. It is known that the ventricle is anisotropic and viscoelastic. However, the understanding of ventricular viscoelasticity is much less than that of its elasticity. Moreover, the left and right ventricles (LV&RV) are different in embryologic origin, anatomy, and function, but whether they distinguish in viscoelastic properties is unclear. We hypothesized that passive viscoelasticity is different between healthy LVs and RVs. Ex vivo cyclic biaxial tensile mechanical tests (1, 0.1, 0.01 Hz) and stress relaxation (strain of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15%) were performed for ventricles from healthy adult sheep. Outflow track direction was defined as the longitudinal direction. Hysteresis stress–strain loops and stress relaxation curves were obtained to quantify the viscoelastic properties. We found that the RV had more pronounced frequency-dependent viscoelastic changes than the LV. Under the physiological frequency (1 Hz), the LV was more anisotropic in the elasticity and stiffer than the RV in both directions, whereas the RV was more anisotropic in the viscosity and more viscous than the LV in the longitudinal direction. The LV was quasi-linear viscoelastic in the longitudinal but not circumferential direction, and the RV was nonlinear viscoelastic in both directions. This study is the first to investigate passive viscoelastic differences in healthy LVs and RVs, and the findings will deepen the understanding of biomechanical mechanisms of ventricular function.
Evidence-Theory-Based Kinematic Uncertainty Analysis of a Dual Crane System With Epistemic Uncertainty
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zi Bin , Zeng Yishan , Zhu Weidong
Published: August 2021

An evidence-theory-based interval perturbation method (ETIPM) and an evidence-theory-based subinterval perturbation method (ETSPM) are presented for the kinematic uncertainty analysis of a dual cranes system (DCS) with epistemic uncertainty. A multiple evidence variable (MEV) model that consists of evidence variables with focal elements (FEs) and basic probability assignments (BPAs) is constructed. Based on the evidence theory, an evidence-based kinematic equilibrium equation with the MEV model is equivalently transformed to several interval equations. In the ETIPM, the bounds of the luffing angular vector (LAV) with respect to every joint FE are calculated by integrating the first-order Taylor series expansion and interval algorithm. The bounds of the expectation and variance of the LAV and corresponding BPAs are calculated by using the evidence-based uncertainty quantification (UQ) method. In the ETSPM, the subinterval perturbation method (SIPM) is introduced to decompose original FE into several small subintervals. By comparing results yielded by the ETIPM and ETSPM with those by the evidence theory-based Monte Carlo method (ETMCM), numerical examples show that the accuracy and computational time of the ETSPM are higher than those of the ETIPM, and the accuracy of the ETIPM and ETSPM can be significantly improved with the increase of the number of FEs and subintervals.
Kinematics of a Cable-Driven Robotic Platform for Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chesser Phillip C. , Wang Peter L. , Vaughan Joshua E. , Lind Randall F. , Post Brian K.
Published: August 2021

Concrete additive manufacturing (AM) is a growing field of research. However, on-site, large-scale concrete additive manufacturing requires motion platforms that are difficult to implement with conventional rigid-link robotic systems. This article presents a new kinematic arrangement for a deployable cable-driven robot intended for on-site AM. The kinematics of this robot are examined to determine if they meet the requirements for this application, the wrench feasible workspace (WFW) is examined, and the physical implementation of a prototype is also presented. Data collected from the physical implementation of the proposed system are analyzed, and the results support its suitability for the intended application. The success of this system demonstrates that this kinematic arrangement is promising for future deployable AM systems.
Improving the Film Cooling Performance of a Turbine Endwall With Multi-Fidelity Modeling Considering Conjugate Heat Transfer
Authors: Bu Hongyan , Yang Yufeng , Song Liming , Li Jun
Published: August 2021

The gas turbine endwall is bearing extreme thermal loads with the rapid increase of turbine inlet temperature. Therefore, the effective cooling of turbine endwalls is of vital importance for the safe operation of turbines. In the design of endwall cooling layouts, numerical simulations based on conjugate heat transfer (CHT) are drawing more attention as the component temperature can be predicted directly. However, the computation cost of high-fidelity (HF) CHT analysis can be high and even prohibitive especially when there are many cases to evaluate such as in the design optimization of cooling layout. In this study, we established a multi-fidelity (MF) framework in which the data of low-fidelity (LF) CHT analysis were incorporated to help the building of a model that predicts the result of HF simulation. Based upon this framework, MF design optimization of a validated numerical turbine endwall model was carried out. The high- and LF data were obtained from the computation of fine mesh and coarse mesh, respectively. In the optimization, the positions of the film cooling holes were parameterized and controlled by a shape function. With the help of MF modeling and sequentially evaluated designs, the cooling performance of the model endwall was improved efficiently.
Experimental Investigation on Nonlinear Response of a Low-Swirl Flame to Acoustic Excitation With Large Amplitude
Authors: Liu Weijie , Zhang Liang , Xue Ranran , Yang Qian , Wang Huiru
Published: August 2021

Thermoacoustic instability is a major issue in developing high-efficiency low emission gas turbine combustors. In order to predict the amplitude of limit cycle oscillation, an understanding of the amplitude-dependent response of the flame, i.e., the nonlinear response, to large acoustic excitation is needed. In the present study, the nonlinear response of a low-swirl CH4/air premixed flame to acoustic excitation is experimentally studied. Amplitude dependences of flame dynamic at 75 Hz and 195 Hz are discussed in detail over a wide range of excitation levels. Experimental results show the gain of flame describing function of the low-swirl flame has a peak value at 65 Hz and a local minimum at 105 Hz which is caused by the destructive (out of phase) and constructive (in-phase) of the axial and azimuthal velocity fluctuation. At low perturbation level, flame heat release fluctuation is in linear relationship with the normalized velocity driving level. Heat release fluctuation begins to saturate at a certain level which depends on the driving frequency. The low-swirl flame oscillates mainly in the axial direction at 75 Hz while it is in the radial direction at 195 Hz. The nonlinear flame heat release response is a result of combination effect of flame rollup process and harmonic responses.
Chinese students fight back against visa rejections
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: August 2021

A Trump-era proclamation may block thousands from study or research in the United States
De novo assembly, annotation, and comparative analysis of 26 diverse maize genomes
Authors: Hufford Matthew B. , Seetharam Arun S. , Woodhouse Margaret R. , Chougule Kapeel M. , Ou Shujun , Liu Jianing , Ricci William A. , Guo Tingting , Olson Andrew , Qiu Yinjie , Della Coletta Rafael , Tittes Silas , Hudson Asher I. , Marand Alexandre P. , Wei Sharon , Lu Zhenyuan , Wang Bo , Tello-Ruiz Marcela K. , Piri Rebecca D. , Wang Na , Kim Dong won , Zeng Yibing , O’Connor Christine H. , Li Xianran , Gilbert Amanda M. , Baggs Erin , Krasileva Ksenia V. , Portwood John L. , Cannon Ethalinda K. S. , Andorf Carson M. , Manchanda Nancy , Snodgrass Samantha J. , Hufnagel David E. , Jiang Qiuhan , Pedersen Sarah , Syring Michael L. , Kudrna David A. , Llaca Victor , Fengler Kevin , Schmitz Robert J. , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey , Yu Jianming , Gent Jonathan I. , Hirsch Candice N. , Ware Doreen , Dawe R. Kelly
Published: August 2021

An a-maize-ing set of genomes

Maize is an important crop cultivated worldwide. As maize spread across the world, selection for local environments resulted in variation, but the impact on differences between the genome has not been quantified. By producing high-quality genomic sequences of the 26 lines used in the maize nested association mapping panel, Hufford
et al
. map important traits and demonstrate the diversity of maize. Examining RNA and methylation of genes across accessions, the authors identified a core set of maize genes. Beyond this core set, comparative analysis across lines identified high levels of variation in the total set of genes, the maize pan-genome. The value of this resource was further exemplified by mapping quantitative traits of interest, including those related to pathogen resistance. —LMZ
Phenotyping Alzheimer's disease with blood tests
Authors: Blennow Kaj
Published: August 2021

Affordable and accessible tools could be used for screening and therapy monitoring
Effect of natural mutations of SARS-CoV-2 on spike structure, conformation, and antigenicity
Authors: Gobeil Sophie M.-C. , Janowska Katarzyna , McDowell Shana , Mansouri Katayoun , Parks Robert , Stalls Victoria , Kopp Megan F. , Manne Kartik , Li Dapeng , Wiehe Kevin , Saunders Kevin O. , Edwards Robert J. , Korber Bette , Haynes Barton F. , Henderson Rory , Acharya Priyamvada
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 from alpha to epsilon

As battles to contain the COVID-19 pandemic continue, attention is focused on emerging variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus that have been deemed variants of concern because they are resistant to antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination or they increase transmissibility or disease severity. Three papers used functional and structural studies to explore how mutations in the viral spike protein affect its ability to infect host cells and to evade host immunity. Gobeil
et al
. looked at a variant spike protein involved in transmission between minks and humans, as well as the B1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.351 (beta), and P1 (gamma) spike variants; Cai
et al
. focused on the alpha and beta variants; and McCallum
et al
. discuss the properties of the spike protein from the B1.1.427/B.1.429 (epsilon) variant. Together, these papers show a balance among mutations that enhance stability, those that increase binding to the human receptor ACE2, and those that confer resistance to neutralizing antibodies. —VV
Complete Genome Sequence of
Caballeronia
sp. Strain NK8 (MAFF311271), a Chlorobenzoate-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Yamamoto-Tamura Kimiko , Moriuchi Ryota , Ogawa Naoto
Published: August 2021

Caballeronia
sp. strain NK8 grows on 3-chlorobenzoate and shows chemotaxis toward 3-chlorobenzoate and its degradation products, such as chlorocatechols. Complete genome sequencing revealed a 9.2-Mb genome consisting of three chromosomes and four plasmids. The genes for degradation of chlorobenzoate and chlorocatechols were located on plasmids pNK81 and pNK84, respectively.
Reconstruction of Metagenome-Assembled Genomes from Aquaria
Authors: Ettinger Cassandra L. , Bryan Jordan , Tokajian Sima , Jospin Guillaume , Coil David , Eisen Jonathan A.
Published: August 2021

Here, we report 11 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) reconstructed from freshwater and saltwater aquaria, including representatives of
Polynucleobacter
,
Anaerolinea
,
Roseobacter
,
Flavobacteriia
,
Octadecabacter
,
Mycobacterium
, and Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) members. These MAGs can serve as a resource for aquatic research and elucidating the role of CPR taxa in the built environment.
Divergent Enteroviruses from Macaques with Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Mihindukulasuriya Kathie A. , Droit Lindsay , Gilbert Margaret H. , Didier Peter J. , Paredes Anne , Handley Scott A. , Bohm Rudolf P. , Wang David
Published: August 2021

We report the draft genome sequences of five novel members of the family
Picornaviridae
that were isolated from the stool of rhesus macaques (
Macaca mulatta
) with chronic diarrhea. The strains were named NOLA-1 through NOLA-5 because the macaques were residents of the Tulane National Primate Research Center.
Supplemental Material: Clay templates in Ediacaran vendotaeniaceans: Implications for the taphonomy of carbonaceous fossils
Authors: Becker-Kerber Bruno , al. et
Published: August 2021

Suplementary figures including field images, additional XRD patterns, MIR spectra, EDS and XRF elemental maps.
Terminal decline in objective and self-reported measures of motor function before death: 10 year follow-up of Whitehall II cohort study
Authors: Landré Benjamin , Fayosse Aurore , Ben Hassen Céline , Machado-Fragua Marcos D , Dumurgier Julien , Kivimaki Mika , Sabia Séverine , Singh-Manoux Archana
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To examine multiple objective and self-reported measures of motor function for their associations with mortality.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

UK based Whitehall II cohort study, which recruited participants aged 35-55 years in 1985-88; motor function component was added at the 2007-09 wave.

Participants

6194 participants with motor function measures in 2007-09 (mean age 65.6, SD 5.9), 2012-13, and 2015-16.

Main outcome measures

All cause mortality between 2007 and 2019 in relation to objective measures (walking speed, grip strength, and timed chair rises) and self-reported measures (physical component summary score of the SF-36 and limitations in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL)) of motor function.

Results

One sex specific standard deviation poorer motor function in 2007-09 (cases/total, 610/5645) was associated with an increased mortality risk of 22% (95% confidence interval 12% to 33%) for walking speed, 15% (6% to 25%) for grip strength, 14% (7% to 23%) for timed chair rises, and 17% (8% to 26%) for physical component summary score over a mean 10.6 year follow-up. Having basic/instrumental ADL limitations was associated with a 30% (7% to 58%) increased mortality risk. These associations were progressively stronger when measures were drawn from 2012-13 (mean follow-up 6.8 years) and 2015-16 (mean follow-up 3.7 years). Analysis of trajectories showed poorer motor function in decedents (n=484) than survivors (n=6194) up to 10 years before death for timed chair rises (standardised difference 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.59; equivalent to a 1.2 (men) and 1.3 (women) second difference), nine years for walking speed (0.21, 0.05 to 0.36; 5.5 (men) and 5.3 (women) cm/s difference), six years for grip strength (0.10, 0.01 to 0.20; 0.9 (men) and 0.6 (women) kg difference), seven years for physical component summary score (0.15, 0.05 to 0.25; 1.2 (men) and 1.6 (women) score difference), and four years for basic/instrumental ADL limitations (prevalence difference 2%, 0% to 4%). These differences increased in the period leading to death for timed chair rises, physical component summary score, and ADL limitations.

Conclusion

Motor function in early old age has a robust association with mortality, with evidence of terminal decline emerging early in measures of overall motor function (timed chair rises and physical component summary score) and late in basic/instrumental ADL limitations.
Intersectional role of paternal gender-equitable attitudes and maternal empowerment in child undernutrition: a cross-sectional national study from India
Authors: Sharma Anupam Joya , Subramanyam Malavika Ambale
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate the role of the intersection of maternal empowerment, paternal gender-equitable attitudes, and household wealth in stunting and severe stunting among underfives in India.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Community-based setting, nationally representative household survey from India.

Participants

We used a sample of 22 867 mother–father–child triads from the fourth round of India’s National Family Health Survey (2015–2016). Our inclusion criterion was children below the age of 5 years. The exclusion criterion was a lack of information on paternal gender-equitable attitudes and maternal empowerment. Observations with missing data on any of the covariates were also excluded.

Primary outcome

Stunting and severe stunting among underfives in India.

Results

Our survey-adjusted logistic regression models revealed that even among children from poorer households, those with either an empowered mother or a father with gender-equitable attitudes versus those with none such parents, had a lower odds of stunting (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.02) and severe stunting (AOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.98), independent of all covariates. We also found substantially lower odds of severe stunting in groups with parental concordance in a woman-friendly outlook, whether non-affluent (AOR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.94) or affluent (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.67).

Conclusion

We argue that while women’s autonomy could reduce the risk of child undernutrition, focusing on men’s attitudes towards gender equity also holds promise for reducing undernutrition. Our findings not only underscore how patriarchy is embodied in undernourished children, but also suggest programmatic interventions to address this deep-rooted scourge in India.
Qualitative evaluation of a mandatory health insurance ‘wait period’ in a publicly funded health system: understanding health inequities for newcomer im/migrant women
Authors: Hamel-Smith Grassby Maggie , Wiedmeyer Mei-ling , Lavergne M Ruth , Goldenberg Shira M
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate impacts of a residency-based waiting period for health insurance coverage on lived experiences of health and settlement for im/migrant women in British Columbia, Canada.

Design

The IRIS study is a mixed-methods, community-based, qualitative evaluation of recently arrived im/migrant women’s access to sexual and reproductive care. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted by trained multilingual and multicultural interviewers with lived migration experience in the participant’s preferred language.

Setting

Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from July 2018 to January 2020.

Participants

Data collected from community focus groups (four groups, n=29) of both service providers and im/migrant women was used. Following this, qualitative interviews with service providers (n=10) and im/migrant women (n=47) were conducted. Eligible participants self-identified as women; were aged 18–49 and had arrived in Canada from another country. Eligible providers were employed in the health, social or legal sectors working with im/migrant women.

Results

The wait period resulted in mistrust and internalised stigma for racialised im/migrant women, for whom the policy resulted in feeling ‘undeserving’ of care. Resulting administrative burden produced delays and unmet need for care, particularly related to sexual and reproductive healthcare and children’s health. Unexpected costs meant difficult choices between survival and care. Negative health outcomes included the inability to family plan, difficulties during pregnancy, as well as hardships related not being able to seek help for sick children. Community-based organisations provided support in many areas but could not fill all gaps produced by this policy.

Conclusions

Findings highlight severe, yet commonly overlooked, health inequities produced by a mandatory health coverage wait period within a purportedly ‘universal’ healthcare system. Health system policies such as mandatory ‘waiting periods’ produce discriminatory and inequitable outcomes for im/migrant women. Policy reforms towards full ‘healthcare for all’ are urgently needed to affirm the health and human rights of all im/migrants.
Instruments for assessing health professionals’ skills in breaking bad news: protocol for a systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Gutierrez-Sanchez Daniel , García-Gámez Marina , Leiva-Santos Juan Pablo , Lopez-Leiva Inmaculada
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Health professionals are often involved in the process of breaking bad news (BBN), which remains a difficult challenge, as it requires not only theoretical knowledge, but also the development of humanistic, emotional and communication skills. Therefore, optimal BBN assessment is essential. In this regard, sound measurement instruments are needed to evaluate BBN properly in research, teaching and clinical settings. Several instruments have been designed and validated to assess BBN. In this context, choosing the most appropriate instrument for assessing health professionals’ skills in BBN is essential. The aims of this systematic review are to: (1) identify all the instruments used for assessing health professionals’ skills in BBN; and (2) critically appraise their measurement properties.

Methods

A systematic review will be undertaken according to the most up-to-date COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments’ (COSMIN) methodology. The protocol of this systematic review was developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search strategy will be performed following the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies. The search strategy will be conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, SciELO and Open Grey. Two review authors will independently appraise the full-text articles according to the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Quality ratings and evidence synthesis will be performed using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not necessary for systematic review protocols. The results will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant conference.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020207586.
Host blood transcriptomic biomarkers of tuberculosis disease in people living with HIV: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mendelsohn Simon C , Mulenga Humphrey , Mbandi Stanley Kimbung , Darboe Fatoumatta , Shelton Mary , Scriba Thomas J , Hatherill Mark
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Current tuberculosis triage and predictive tools offer poor accuracy and are ineffective for detecting asymptomatic disease in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Host tuberculosis transcriptomic biomarkers hold promise for diagnosing prevalent and predicting progression to incident tuberculosis and guiding further investigation, preventive therapy and follow-up. We aim to conduct a systematic review of performance of transcriptomic signatures of tuberculosis in PLHIV.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE (PubMed), WOS Core Collection, Biological Abstracts, and SciELO Citation Index (Web of Science), Africa-Wide Information and General Science Abstracts (EBSCOhost), Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for articles published in English between 1990 and 2020. Case–control, cross-sectional, cohort and randomised controlled studies evaluating performance of diagnostic and prognostic host-response transcriptomic signatures in PLHIV of all ages and settings will be included. Eligible studies will include PLHIV in signature test or validation cohorts, and use microbiological, clinical, or composite reference standards for pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. Study quality will be evaluated using the ‘Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2’ tool and cumulative review evidence assessed using the ‘Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation’ approach. Study selection, quality appraisal and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Study, cohort and signature characteristics of included studies will be tabulated, and a narrative synthesis of findings presented. Primary outcomes of interest, biomarker sensitivity and specificity with estimate precision, will be summarised in forest plots. Expected heterogeneity in signature characteristics, study settings, and study designs precludes meta-analysis and pooling of results. Review reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethics approval is not required as primary human participant data will not be collected. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021224155.
Comparison of the validity, perceived usefulness and usability of I-MeDeSA and TEMAS, two tools to evaluate alert system usability: a study protocol
Authors: Marcilly Romaric , Zheng Wu Yi , Beuscart Regis , Baysari Melissa T
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Research has shown that improvements to the usability of medication alert systems are needed. For designers and decisions-makers to assess usability of their alert systems, two paper-based tools are currently available: the instrument for evaluating human-factors principles in medication-related decision support alerts (I-MeDeSA) and the tool for evaluating medication alerting systems (TEMAS). This study aims to compare the validity, usability and usefulness of both tools to identify their strengths and limitations and assist designers and decision-makers in making an informed decision about which tool is most suitable for assessing their current or prospective system.

Methods and analysis

First, TEMAS and I-MeDeSA will be translated into French. This translation will be validated by three experts in human factors. Then, in 12 French hospitals with a medication alert system in place, staff with expertise in the system will evaluate their alert system using the two tools successively. After the use of each tool, participants will be asked to fill in the System Usability Scale (SUS) and complete a survey on the understandability and perceived usefulness of each tool. Following the completion of both assessments, participants will be asked to nominate their preferred tool and relay their opinions on the tools. The design philosophy of TEMAS and I-MeDeSA differs on the calculation of a score, impacting the way the comparison between the tools can be performed. Convergent validity will be evaluated by matching the items of the two tools with respect to the usability dimensions they assess. SUS scores and answers to the survey will be statistically compared for I-MeDeSA and TEMAS to identify differences. Free-text responses in surveys will be analysed using an inductive approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required in France for a study of this nature. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Dignity therapy, psycho-spiritual well-being and quality of life in the terminally ill: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Ruishuang , Guo Qiaohong , Chen Zhiqian , Zeng Yingchun
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Dignity therapy (DT) is a brief, individualised psychotherapy that aims to alleviate psychosocial and spiritual distress in the final stages of life. It is unknown yet whether DT can enhance sense of dignity and improve psychological and spiritual well-being as well as quality of life of terminally ill patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL plus, ProQuest Health & Medical Complete, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library, as well as Chinese databases including Weipu Data, Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to 30 April 2021, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of DT on dignity, psycho-spiritual well-being and quality of life of terminally ill patients receiving palliative care.

Results

We identified 507 unique records, and included 9 RCTs (871 participants). Comparator was standard palliative care. DT did not improve terminally ill patients’ sense of dignity (p=0.90), hope (p=0.15), spiritual well-being (p=0.99) and quality of life (p=0.23). However, DT reduced anxiety and depression after intervention (standardised mean difference, SMD=−1.13, 95% CI (−2.21 to –0.04), p=0.04; SMD=−1.22, 95% CI (−2.25 to –0.18), p=0.02, respectively) and at 4 weeks post-intervention (SMD=−0.89, 95% CI (−1.71 to –0.07), p=0.03; SMD=−1.26, 95% CI (−2.38 to –0.14), p=0.03, respectively).

Conclusion

DT can be offered as a psychological intervention for terminally ill patients to reduce their anxiety and depression. More studies are needed to further evaluate the effects of DT on terminally ill patients’ dignity, spiritual well-being and quality of life.
Proteomic characterisations of ulcerative colitis endoscopic biopsies associate with clinically relevant histological measurements of disease severity
Authors: Gruver Aaron M , Westfall Matt D , Ackermann Bradley L , Hill Salisha , Morrison Ryan D , Bodo Juraj , Lai Keith K , Gemperline David C , Hsi Eric D , Liebler Daniel C , Schmitz Jochen , Benschop Robert J
Published: August 2021

Aims and methods

Accurate protein measurements using formalin-fixed biopsies are needed to improve disease characterisation. This feasibility study used targeted and global mass spectrometry (MS) to interrogate a spectrum of disease severities using 19 ulcerative colitis (UC) biopsies.

Results

Targeted assays for CD8, CD19, CD132 (interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma/common cytokine receptor gamma chain), FOXP3 (forkhead box P3) and IL17RA (interleukin 17 receptor A) were successful; however, assays for IL17A (interleukin 17A), IL23 (p19) (interleukin 23, alpha subunit p19) and IL23R (interleukin 23 receptor) did not permit target detection. Global proteome analysis (4200 total proteins) was performed to identify pathways associated with UC progression. Positive correlation was observed between histological scores indicating active colitis and neutrophil-related measurements (R2=0.42–0.72); inverse relationships were detected with cell junction targets (R2=0.49–0.71) and β-catenin (R2=0.51–0.55) attributed to crypt disruption. An exploratory accuracy assessment with Geboes Score and Robarts Histopathology Index cut-offs produced sensitivities/specificities of 72.7%/75.0% and 100.0%/81.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

Pathologist-guided MS assessments provide a complementary approach to histological scoring systems. Additional studies are indicated to verify the utility of this novel approach.
On the Construction of Multiply Constant-Weight Codes
Authors: Wen Jiejing , Fu Fang-Wei
Published: August 2021

Multiply constant-weight codes (MCWCs) were introduced recently to improve the reliability of certain physically unclonable function response. In this paper, two methods of constructing MCWCs are presented following the concatenation methodology. In other words, MCWCs are constructed by concatenating approximate outer codes and inner codes. Besides, several classes of optimal MCWCs are derived from these methods. In the first method, the outer codes are [Formula: see text]-ary codes and the inner codes are constant-weight codes over [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, if the outer code achieves the Plotkin bound and the inner code achieves Johnson bound, then the resulting MCWC is optimal. In the second method, the outer codes are [Formula: see text]-ary codes and the inner codes are MCWCs. Furthermore, if the outer code achieves the Plotkin bound and the inner code achieves the Johnson bound, then the resulting MCWC is optimal.