bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Law and the construction of Jewish difference
Authors: RIEDEL MAREIKE
Published: May 2021

Despite the significance of the figure of ‘the Jew’ as Other in the Western imagination and the persistence of prejudice against Jews, there have been few studies of contemporary Jews as subjects of prejudice in liberal secular law and legal discourse. This article draws attention to continuing Jewish vulnerability and argues that a focus on colonial encounters and phenotype in understanding processes of legal exclusion based on religion and race cannot fully account for the persistence of anti‐Jewish prejudice and its resonance in law and legal discourse. Through an analysis of contemporary case law from three different countries, I show how narratives of Christian superiority, veiled behind commitments to secular neutrality, and racializing discourse resonate in legal encounters with Jewishness. I highlight parallels with other minority groups, in particular Muslims, and consider the usefulness of antisemitism as an analytical lens to capture the ambivalent dynamics of Jewish inclusion and exclusion.
Vision screening in New Zealand pre‐school children: Is it equitable?
Authors: Findlay Rebecca , Hamm Lisa , Anstice Nicola , Chelimo Carol , Grant Cameron C , Bowden Nicholas , Kokaua Jesse , Black Joanna
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the variability by ethnicity, socio‐economic status and location in coverage and testability of the universal B4 School Check vision screening in children aged 4–5 years in New Zealand.

Methods

Aggregated data from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2015 were sourced from the Statistics New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure. Sourced data were attendance at vision screening and record of visual acuity measurement stratified by ethnicity, socio‐economic status and region. Children who attended screening were compared with the eligible population (n = 252 279) to calculate coverage. Testability was determined by comparing the children with a recorded visual acuity measurement in each eye with those who attended screening.

Results

Overall vision screening coverage was 89.5% and testability was 97.8%. Ethnic differences were evident for coverage (85.7% in Pacific children, 92.5% in European children) and testability (96.4% in Māori children, 98.4% in European children). Socio‐economic differences were also observed for coverage (86.4% in most deprived areas, 92.4% in least deprived), testability (most deprived 96.3%, least deprived 98.7%) and by region (coverage range of 80.4–96.4% and testability range of 93.2–99.3%).

Conclusions

Significant disparities exist in vision screening coverage and testability for New Zealand pre‐school children. Equity‐focused initiatives are required to improve outcomes for children from Māori and Pacific families, and those from households in lower socio‐economic areas. Understanding region‐specific challenges and successes could support more equitable access to vision screening between regions. Further research is required to determine sources of inequities and to investigate interactions between ethnicity, socio‐economic status and location.
Melatonin and the health of menopausal women: A systematic review
Authors: Treister‐Goltzman Yulia , Peleg Roni
Published: May 2021

Melatonin is involved in multiple changes that characterize the aging and can potentially be a safe and effective treatment for menopausal women. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the medical literature on the health benefits of oral melatonin administration on menopausal women. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched systematically on interventional studies that evaluated the association between oral melatonin administration and the health of menopausal women. Risk for bias was assessed for randomized, controlled studies by the RoB v.2 tool and for non‐randomized trials by the ROBINS‐I tool. Twenty‐four studies on melatonin treatment in various aspects of women's health were included in the final systematic review. The studies included 1,173 participants. No evidence was found for an independent effect of melatonin on hemodynamic measures or markers of glucose metabolism. There is some evidence that very low‐density lipoprotein and triglycerides levels increase during melatonin administration. There is a fair amount of evidence that melatonin treatment has a favorable effect on bone density and BMI. Melatonin treatment improves EEG patterns and subjective sleep quality in postmenopausal women with preexisting sleep impairment. In a dose of 3 mg and above, melatonin improves climacteric symptoms in one or more domains. The vast majority of the studies had a low risk for bias. In light of multiple health benefits and an excellent safety profile, melatonin administration should be considered in menopausal women.
In an era of economic integration, the implications of the border wall on Mexico's economy
Authors: Gonzalez‐Gorman Sylvia
Published: May 2021

In an era when countries have become politically, technologically, and economically interdependent, global integration has continued to grow. Whereas technology and monetary funds move relatively seamlessly across national borders, the movement of people continues to be problematic. Ethnic and nativist tensions continue to grow, complicating the idea of global and economic integration. As globalization continues to spread, barriers that once fell are now being extended or constructed. One such example is the flourishing economic integration between the United States and Mexico, even as on the US side of the border demands have also grown for extending the border wall. Given that economic integration is a key economic and political agenda for both the United States and Mexico, this study examines the implications of the border wall on economic integration. Specifically, does the border wall undermine the goal of economic integration for Mexico?
Intergenerational transmission of fertility outcomes in Spain
Authors: Morales Marina
Published: May 2021

The aim of this paper is to analyze whether parents' fertility behavior may be an important determinant of the future fertility outcomes of their children in Spain. To address this issue, we use data from the Survey of Living Conditions. Our results confirm the intergenerational transmission of fertility behavior in Spain. The higher the parents’ number of children, the higher the number of children that individuals have. We find that individuals from regions where parents have few children may have 0.02 fewer children, because of differences in parental fertility, than those individuals living in regions whose parents have a large number of children, which represents 7% of the difference in fertility across regions.
Sex differences in the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease: focus on cognitively intact elderly individuals
Authors: Hu Yu‐Ting , Boonstra Jackson , McGurran Hugo , Stormmesand Jochem , Sluiter Arja , Balesar Rawien , Verwer Ronald , Swaab Dick , Bao Ai‐Min
Published: May 2021

Aims

Women are more vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease (AD) than men. We investigated (i) whether and at what age the AD hallmarks, that is, β‐amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated Tau (p‐Tau) show sex differences; and (ii) whether such sex differences may occur in cognitively intact elderly individuals.

Methods

We first analysed the entire post‐mortem brain collection of all non‐demented ‘controls’ and AD donors from our Brain Bank (245 men and 403 women), for the presence of sex differences in AD hallmarks. Second, we quantitatively studied possible sex differences in Aβ, Aβ42 and p‐Tau in the entorhinal cortex of well‐matched female (n = 31) and male (n = 21) clinically cognitively intact elderly individuals.

Results

Women had significantly higher Braak stages for tangles and amyloid scores than men, after 80 years. In the cognitively intact elderly, women showed higher levels of p‐Tau, but not Aβ or Aβ42, in the entorhinal cortex than men, and a significant interaction of sex with age was found only for p‐Tau but not Aβ or Aβ42.

Conclusions

Enhanced p‐Tau in the entorhinal cortex may play a major role in the vulnerability to AD in women.
Temporal recovery and delayed decline of cognitive functions in patients with hypoxic encephalopathy after cardiac arrest
Authors: Uno Yuki , Iseki Chifumi , Suzuki Kyoko
Published: May 2021

Background

Neuropsychological recovery is important for survivors’ quality of life after cardiac arrest. However, most studies on cognitive symptoms after cardiac arrest examined cognitive functions within one year after onset.

Aim

To investigate long‐term changes in cognitive functions in individuals with hypoxic encephalopathy after cardiac arrest.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited survivors of cardiac arrest who demonstrated cognitive dysfunction at the chronic stage. The inclusion criteria were follow‐up period of more than 3 years with multiple neuropsychological examinations and brain MRI/CT within 1 year after onset.

Results

Five patients showed various cognitive dysfunctions 1 year after onset, and the follow‐up periods were 3 to 13 years. Four patients showed temporal recovery of cognitive functions over a period of a few years followed by gradual deterioration afterward. The youngest patient, 48 years of age at the final assessment, demonstrated gradual improvement without clear evidence of deterioration for 4 years. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hyperintense areas at the acute stage in 2 patients, and mild cortical atrophy and cerebral hypoperfusion were observed in 3 patients. Delayed cognitive decline in our cases differs in length of the course from that in previously reported “delayed” postanoxic encephalopathy, which appears several days to weeks after onset.

Conclusions

Cognitive functions in survivors of cardiac arrest recovered for a few years and then gradually deteriorated, which suggests hypoxic changes induce long‐term impact on cerebral functions.
Peroxiredoxin 5 is involved in cancer cell invasion and tumor growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Min Kyeong , Zhang Xianglan , Kim Hyung Jun , Hwang Young Sun
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are antioxidant enzymes that can coordinate cell signal transduction via reactive species scavenging or by acting as redox sensors. The mechanism by which Prxs promote cancer invasion and progression is not yet fully understood. This study aims to elucidate the precise mechanism through which Prx type 5 (Prx5) promotes cancer invasion and tumor growth.

Materials and methods

We analyzed the Prx5 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by using microarray analysis for gene expression profiling. To identify Prx5 function in cancer, lentiviral short hairpin RNA was used for Prx5 depletion, and invasion assay and mouse xenograft were performed.

Results

In microarray data obtained from OSCC patients, Prx5 showed higher expression at the tumor margin (TM) compared to the tumor center (TC) of the collective invasion. The depletion of Prx5 in OSCC cells (Prx5dep) led to decreased invasion activity. In orthotopic xenograft models, Prx5dep cells harbored delimited tumorigenicity compared to wild‐type cells as well as the suppression of lymph node metastasis. Prx5dep cells showed growth retardation and increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The growth retardation of Prx5dep cells resulted in G1 phase arrest.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that Prx5 removes excess ROS, especially in the TM, contributing to cancer invasion and tumor progression.
Association between integrated backscatter and arrhythmia in patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Karaayvaz Ekrem Bilal , Engin Berat , Yalin Kivanc , Ozer Pelin Karaca , Baykiz Derya , Bilge Ahmet Kaya
Published: May 2021

Background

Ventricular scars due to myocardial infarction provide a substrate for ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the golden standard for the quantification of scar tissue magnitude. CMR has still limitations with patients with ICD despite ICD's becoming MR‐compatible. We investigated the association between calibrated integrated backscatter (cIBS) and arrhythmia frequency in patients with ICD.

Methods

Thirty‐two ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients with VVI‐ICD (mean age 66.56 ± 9.05, 28 male, and four female) were divided into three groups according to their arrhythmia frequency (ventricular arrhythmia—[VA ‐], VA + [VA +], and arrhythmia storm [AS]). Then with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), all patients’ cIBS values were calculated and these values were compared with the patients’ arrhythmia frequency.

Results

cIBS values of patients with VA + and AS were significantly higher in the apical‐septal (0.66 ± 0.11 vs. 0.50 ± 0.16, p = .008) and apical‐lateral (0.62 ± 0.19 vs. 0.46 ± 0.18, p = .041) segments compared to those of patients with VA ‐. The cIBS values of apical‐septal (0.50 ± 0.16 vs. 0.65 ± 0.08 vs. 0.66 ± 0.13 respectively, p = .032) and apical‐anterior (0.53 ± 0.22 vs. 0.48 ± 0.17 vs. 0.79 ± 0.23 respectively, p = .03) segments were significantly different between the groups. Furthermore, in the post hoc analysis, the difference was significantly higher in VA + than VA ‐ in the apical‐septal segment and higher in AS than VA + in apical‐anterior segments.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest an association between the cIBS values and arrhythmia frequency in the study group.
A novel quantitative trait loci governs prolificacy in ‘Sikkim Primitive’ – A unique maize (Zea mays) landrace of North‐Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Prakash Nitish R. , Zunjare Rajkumar U. , Muthusamy Vignesh , Rai Mayank , Kumar Amit , Guleria Satish K. , Bhatt Vinay , Choudhary Jeetram , Chand Gulab , Jaiswal Sunil K. , Bhat Jayant S. , Hossain Firoz
Published: May 2021

‘Sikkim Primitive’ is a prolific maize landrace with five to nine ears per plant. Though the landrace was discovered in 1960s, loci governing the prolificacy was not identified. Here, a prolific inbred ‘MGUSP101’ developed from ‘Sikkim Primitive’ was crossed with two nonprolific inbreds, namely, HKI1128 and UMI1200. Two F2:3 populations (MGUSP101 × HKI1128 and MGUSP101 × UMI1200) were evaluated at three locations. Across locations, number of ears per plant varied from 1.35 to 5.38 in MGUSP101 × HKI1128 population. Bulked‐segregant analysis coupled with targeted QTL mapping identified a major QTL (bin: 8.05) explaining 31.7% phenotypic variation amongst 145 F2:3 individuals. The QTL was further validated in 138 F2:3 individuals of MGUSP101 × UMI1200 (range: 1.10–4.88). The identified QTL explained 29.2% of phenotypic variance at the same interval. We designated this novel QTL as ‘qProl‐SP‐8.05’ which has not been reported earlier. Six candidate genes responsible for prolificacy were also identified. This novel QTL can be introgressed through marker‐assisted selection for induction of prolificacy in elite maize. This is the first report of identification of locus governing prolificacy in ‘Sikkim Primitive’.
Fine‐tuning, weird sorts of atheism and evidential favouring
Authors: Tokhadze Tamaz
Published: May 2021

This paper defends a novel sceptical response to the fine‐tuning argument for the existence of God (FTA). According to this response, even if FTA can establish, what I call, theconfirmation proposition: ‘fine‐tuningconfirmsthe God hypothesis’, there is no reason to think that a strengthening of FTA can establish theevidence‐favouring proposition: ‘fine‐tuningfavoursthe God hypothesis over its competitors’. My argument is that, any criteria for the explanation of fine‐tuning that permit us to take the God hypothesis seriously ought to make us sceptical that fine‐tuning favours the God hypothesis over its competitors. As taking the God hypothesis seriously requires us to give a fair hearing to all sorts of non‐theistic explanations, including the so‐called weird sorts of atheism.
Relationship between financial well‐being, life satisfaction, and cognitive function among low‐income community‐dwelling older adults: the moderating role of sex
Authors: Foong Hui Foh , Haron Sharifah Azizah , Koris Roshanim , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Ibrahim Rahimah
Published: May 2021

Background

Low financial well‐being is a common predicament among older adults living in poverty. The existing literature suggests a correlation between financial well‐being and mental health in old age. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the relationships among financial well‐being, life satisfaction, and cognitive function among low‐income older adults and to examine the moderating effect of sex on these relationships.

Methods

This study involved 2004 nationally representative community‐dwelling older Malaysians from the bottom 40% household income group. Financial well‐being was assessed by the four‐item financial satisfaction scale, while life satisfaction was measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Cognitive function was measured by using the Malay version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Hierarchical multiple regression was used as the prime method for statistical analysis.

Results

Financial well‐being was positively associated with life satisfaction and cognitive function. Sex moderated the relationship between financial well‐being and life satisfaction but not between financial well‐being and cognitive function.

Conclusions

Financial well‐being and life satisfaction were strongly correlated among older women, although no gender difference was found for the relationship between financial well‐being and cognitive function. It appears financial well‐being strongly predicts mental health. As such, poverty eradication initiatives targeting low‐income older adults should be implemented to sustain life satisfaction and cognitive function.
Congress and the Political Economy of the National Endowment for the Arts
Authors: Gray Thomas R. , Jenkins Jeffery A.
Published: May 2021

Objective

We examine the relationship between the Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), from the agency's inception in the mid‐1960s to the present. The NEA has seen its fortunes rise and fall over time, as congressional appropriations and scrutiny have fluctuated with ideological and partisan change in the House and Senate.

Methods

We use Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and logistic regression models to examine the politics of the NEA systematically.

Results

We find that while the NEA has enjoyed some bipartisan support throughout its tenure, assistance for the agency has been more likely to come from more liberal members and Democrats, respectively. We also uncover some evidence that particular states and districts benefit more of less from NEA grants.

Conclusion

Overall, states and districts represented by Democrats do better in terms of both grants and grant dollars than states and districts represented by Republicans, with the most liberal Democratic House members doing especially well.
Parcel‐level evaluation of urban land use efficiency based on multisource spatiotemporal data: A case study of Ningbo City, China
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Yan , Liu Juqing , Zhang Chengye , Sang Xiao , Zhong Qianqian
Published: May 2021

Parcel‐level evaluation of urban land use efficiency is necessary for city administrations to understand land use status and problems, and to further optimize land use pattern and policy. However, existing research on urban land use efficiency is mainly carried out at city level or block level, and it is difficult to meet the demand for rapid access to fine‐grained land use efficiency across the entire city. In view of this problem, this article proposes a parcel‐level evaluation method of urban land use efficiency based on multisource spatiotemporal data, including an evaluation index system for parcel‐level land use efficiency, quantitative representation of evaluation indexes based on multisource spatiotemporal data, and a land use efficiency calculation model. The proposed method is then applied to China's Ningbo City, and the evaluation accuracy is 78% compared with the officially reported data and on‐site investigation. Experimental results also show that urban land use efficiency is strongly spatially autocorrelated in Ningbo City, and reveal the impact patterns of factors such as planning policy, facilities, traffic conditions and environmental conditions on the utilization efficiency of different types of land. This research has proved able to accurately evaluate the utilization efficiency of all land parcels across a city in a rapid manner, and to obtain their distribution characteristics and correlation factors. It can further provide data and technical support for formulating targeted urban planning policies and implementing scientific land development.
Pediatric resident knowledge of transfusion medicine: Results from the BEST‐TEST3 international education needs assessment
Authors: Wheeler Allison P. , Delaney Meghan , Fung Mark , Gorlin Jed , Kutner Jose Mauro , Lam Joyce Ching Mei , Robitaille Nancy , Saxon Ben , Stanworth Simon J. , Van De Watering Leo , Yokoyama Ana P. H. , Haspel Richard L. ,   for the BEST‐TEST3 Investigators
Published: May 2021

Background

Transfusions are a common intervention within pediatrics and require unique considerations to optimize patient care. Poor knowledge of evidence‐based transfusion practice can lead to misuse of transfusion therapy and harm. While there have been assessments of transfusion medicine knowledge of physicians caring for adult patients, there is little data regarding pediatricians.

Study Design and Methods

Using a published transfusion medicine knowledge exam for internal medicine physicians as a backbone, pediatric transfusion medicine experts, using an iterative process, developed a pediatric‐specific examination. Pilot testing and Rasch analysis, a method used in high‐stakes testing, was used to validate the exam. The exam and a previously validated survey on transfusion medicine training, attitudes, and perceived ability were administered to pediatric residents. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics as well as comparisons of exam scores based on survey responses.

Results

330 pediatric residents from 19 sites in 6 countries participated in the study. The vast majority (91%) of residents had obtained blood product consent. The mean exam score was 37.1% (range 9.5%–71.4%) with no statistical differences based on amount or perceived quality of transfusion medicine education or perceived ability.

Discussion

A rigorously validated exam has now been developed that can be used to assess pediatric transfusion medicine knowledge. A large international group of pediatric residents performed poorly on the exam demonstrating a pressing need for improved transfusion medicine education to ensure safe and appropriate administration of blood components to infants and children.
Strategies and interventions that foster clinical leadership among registered nurses: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Isler Chantille , Maddigan Joy , Small Sandra , Jarvis Kimberly , Swab Michelle
Published: May 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and describe strategies and interventions aimed at fostering registered nurses’ clinical leadership in any clinical setting, identify the theories and/or frameworks that guide registered nurses’ clinical leadership development, and describe the types of research conducted on this topic.

Introduction:

Registered nurse clinical leaders may be defined as staff nurses in clinical settings who influence and coordinate patients, families, and health care team members for the purpose of integrating care for positive patient outcomes. They have been described as expert clinicians, effective decision-makers, and relationship-focused professionals who build trust among patients, families, and health care colleagues to ensure the best possible patient care. Clinical nursing is the cornerstone of the nursing profession. Registered nurses’ clinical leadership is considered critical to the health of patients and to the advancement of nursing practice. Hence, it is important to understand strategies and interventions for fostering this leadership.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will include any quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies that have registered nurse participants practicing in any clinical setting globally and that examined strategies and interventions to foster registered nurses’ clinical leadership. Besides primary research studies, we will also include reviews.

Methods:

This scoping review will be conducted using JBI methodology. Academic databases and sources of gray literature will be searched for published and unpublished studies. Screening and full-text review of accessed records will be conducted to determine alignment with the inclusion criteria. For records that meet the inclusion criteria, data will be extracted, mapped, and presented in a table. A narrative summary will describe how the tabulated results addressed the review questions.

Scoping review registration:

Open Science Framework Registration: https://osf.io/hjfkd
A Novel Running Wheel Mouse Model for Botulism and Its Use for the Evaluation of Postsymptom Antitoxin Efficacy
Authors: Schwartz Arieh , Ben David Alon , Hotoveli Mordechai , Dor Eyal , Diamant Eran , Vivyorka Arik , Rosen Osnat , Torgeman Amram , Zichel Ran
Published: May 2021

Antitoxin is currently the only approved therapy for botulinum intoxications. The efficacy of antitoxin preparations is evaluated in animals. However, while in practice antitoxin is administered to patients only after symptom onset, in most animal studies, it is tested in relation to time postintoxication.
Tryptophan Operon Diversity Reveals Evolutionary Trends among Geographically Disparate Chlamydia trachomatis Ocular and Urogenital Strains Affecting Tryptophan Repressor and Synthase Function
Authors: Bommana Sankhya , Somboonna Naraporn , Richards Gracie , Tarazkar Maryam , Dean Deborah
Published: May 2021

Chlamydia trachomatis
(
Ct
) is a major global public health concern causing sexually transmitted and ocular infections affecting over 130 million and 260 million people, respectively. Sequelae include infertility, preterm birth, ectopic pregnancy, and blindness.
Ct
relies on available host tryptophan pools and/or substrates to synthesize tryptophan to survive.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Binds to Host Lactate Dehydrogenase via PspA and PspC To Enhance Virulence
Authors: Park Sang-Sang , Gonzalez-Juarbe Norberto , Martínez Eriel , Hale Joanetha Yvette , Lin Yi-Han , Huffines Joshua T. , Kruckow Katherine L. , Briles David E. , Orihuela Carlos J.
Published: May 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae
(
Spn
) is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. PspA and PspC are among its most important virulence factors, and these surface proteins carry the proline-rich domain (PRD), whose role was unknown until now.
Endothelial Exosome Plays a Functional Role during Rickettsial Infection
Authors: Liu Yakun , Zhou Changcheng , Su Zhengchen , Chang Qing , Qiu Yuan , Bei Jiani , Gaitas Angelo , Xiao Jie , Drelich Alexandra , Khanipov Kamil , Jin Yang , Golovko Georgiy , Saito Tais B. , Gong Bin
Published: May 2021

Spotted fever group rickettsioses are devastating human infections. Vascular endothelial cells are the primary targets of infection.
Manure Microbial Communities and Resistance Profiles Reconfigure after Transition to Manure Pits and Differ from Those in Fertilized Field Soil
Authors: Sukhum Kimberley V. , Vargas Rhiannon C. , Boolchandani Manish , D’Souza Alaric W. , Patel Sanket , Kesaraju Akhil , Walljasper Gretchen , Hegde Harshad , Ye Zhan , Valenzuela Robert K. , Gunderson Paul , Bendixsen Casper , Dantas Gautam , Shukla Sanjay K.
Published: May 2021

The addition of dairy cow manure—stored in manure pits—to field soil has the potential to introduce not only organic nutrients but also mammalian microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) to soil communities. Using shotgun sequencing paired with functional metagenomics, we showed that microbial community composition changed between fresh manure and manure pit samples with a decrease in gut-associated pathobionts, while ARG abundance and diversity remained high.
DpaA Detaches Braun’s Lipoprotein from Peptidoglycan
Authors: Winkle Matthias , Hernández-Rocamora Víctor M. , Pullela Karthik , Goodall Emily C. A. , Martorana Alessandra M. , Gray Joe , Henderson Ian R. , Polissi Alessandra , Vollmer Waldemar
Published: May 2021

Gram-negative bacteria have a complex cell envelope with two membranes and a periplasm containing the peptidoglycan layer. The outer membrane is firmly connected to the peptidoglycan by highly abundant proteins.
The SARS-CoV-2 Transcriptome and the Dynamics of the S Gene Furin Cleavage Site in Primary Human Airway Epithelia
Authors: Zou Wei , Xiong Min , Hao Siyuan , Zhang Elizabeth Yan , Baumlin Nathalie , Kim Michael D. , Salathe Matthias , Yan Ziying , Qiu Jianming
Published: May 2021

Polarized human airway epithelia at an air-liquid interface (HAE-ALI) are an
in vitro
model that supports efficient infection of SARS-CoV-2. The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 contains a furin cleavage site (FCS) at the boundary of the S1 and S2 domains which distinguishes it from SARS-CoV.
Novel Role for ESCRT-III Component CHMP4C in the Integrity of the Endocytic Network Utilized for Herpes Simplex Virus Envelopment
Authors: Russell Tiffany , Samolej Jerzy , Hollinshead Michael , Smith Geoffrey L. , Kite Joanne , Elliott Gillian
Published: May 2021

Cellular transport pathways play a fundamental role in secretion and membrane biogenesis. Enveloped viruses exploit these pathways to direct their membrane proteins to sites of envelopment and, as such, are powerful tools for unraveling subtle activities of trafficking factors, potentially pinpointing therapeutic targets.
Dissecting Cellular Function and Distribution of β-Glucosidases in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Pang Ai-Ping , Wang Haiyan , Luo Yongsheng , Yang Zihuayuan , Liu Zhiyu , Wang Zhao , Li Bingzhi , Yang Song , Zhou Zhihua , Lu Xiaolin , Wu Fu-Gen , Lu Zuhong , Lin Fengming
Published: May 2021

Although β-glucosidases play an important role in fungal cellulase induction and production, our current understanding does not provide a global perspective on β-glucosidase function. This work comprehensively studies all the β-glucosidases regarding their effect on cellulase production and their cellular distribution and secretion.
Metagenomic Analysis of Common Intestinal Diseases Reveals Relationships among Microbial Signatures and Powers Multidisease Diagnostic Models
Authors: Jiang Puzi , Wu Sicheng , Luo Qibin , Zhao Xing-ming , Chen Wei-Hua
Published: May 2021

Gut microbes have been identified as potential markers in distinguishing patients from controls in colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease individually, whereas there lacks a systematic analysis to investigate the exclusive microbial shifts of these enteropathies with similar clinical symptoms. Our meta-analysis and cross-disease comparisons identified consistent microbial alterations in each enteropathy, revealed microbial ecosystems among marker bacteria in distinct states, and demonstrated the necessity and feasibility of metagenome-based multidisease classifications.
Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals under Investigation for COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Lordan Ronan , Rando Halie M. ,   COVID-19 Review Consortium Vikas Bansal , John P. Barton , Simina M. Boca , Christian Brueffer , James Brian Byrd , Stephen Capone , Shikta Das , Anna Ada Dattoli , John J. Dziak , Jeffrey M. Field , Soumita Ghosh , Anthony Gitter , Rishi Raj Goel , Casey S. Greene , Marouen Ben Guebila , Fengling Hu , Nafisa M. Jadavji , Sergey Knyazev , Likhitha Kolla , Alexandra J. Lee , Ronan Lordan , Tiago Lubiana , Temitayo Lukan , Adam L. MacLean , David Mai , Serghei Mangul , David Manheim , Lucy D'Agostino McGowan, Greene Casey S.
Published: May 2021

Sales of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have increased during the pandemic due to their perceived “immune-boosting” effects. However, little is known about the efficacy of these dietary supplements and nutraceuticals against the novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) or the disease that it causes, CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Predicted Metabolic Function of the Gut Microbiota of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ankrah Nana Y. D. , Barker Brandon E. , Song Joan , Wu Cindy , McMullen John G. , Douglas Angela E.
Published: May 2021

Drosophila
is an important model for microbiome research partly because of the low complexity of its mostly culturable gut microbiota. Our current understanding of how
Drosophila
interacts with its gut microbes and how these interactions influence host traits derives almost entirely from empirical studies that focus on individual microbial taxa or classes of metabolites.
Case of cerebellar ataxia successfully treated by virtual reality-guided rehabilitation
Authors: Takimoto Kazuhiro , Omon Kyohei , Murakawa Yuichiro , Ishikawa Hideo
Published: May 2021

A male patient in his 40s was transferred to our hospital for rehabilitation of ataxia after right cerebellar and brainstem infarction. After 3 weeks of conventional physical therapy, his activities of daily life successfully improved with an increase in the functional impedance measure from 101 to 124. However, he still fell short of gaining a higher level of balance function, which was necessary for his job as a standup forklift driver. We introduced virtual reality-guided balance training. The training was performed for approximately 40 min on weekdays for 2 weeks. As a result, the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score decreased from 5 to 1, Functional Balance Scale score improved from 48 to 56, and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test score increased from 20 to 28. The trunk sway disappeared clinically. He regained confidence and returned to work after an additional 2 weeks of physical therapy.
Effectiveness and safety of glibenclamide for stroke: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Lihong , Huang Bin , Tu Rong , Wan Kunzhen , Zhang Hong , Zhang Xiaoyun
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Despite the continuous improvement in modern medical treatment, stroke is still a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. How to effectively improve the survival rate and reduce disability in patients who had a stroke has become the focus of many investigations. Recent findings concerning the benefits of glibenclamide as a neuroprotective drug have initiated a new area for prospective studies on the effects of sulfonylureas. Given the high mortality and disability associated with stroke, it is essential to weigh the benefits of neuroprotective drugs against their safety. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic review using meta-analysis to assess the benefits and safety of glibenclamide as a neuroprotective drug.

Methods and analysis

This study will analyse randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies published up to 31 December 2020 and include direct or indirect evidence. Studies will be retrieved by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang Databases. The outcomes of this study will be mortality, scores from the Modified Rankin Scale and the occurrence of hypoglycaemic events. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment instrument for RCTs. A random-effect/fixed-effect model will be used to summarise the estimates of the mean difference/risk ratio using a 95% CI.

Ethics and dissemination

This meta-analysis is a secondary research project, which is based on previously published data. Therefore, ethical approval and informed consent were not required for this meta-analysis. The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020144674.
Opioid maintenance treatment in the Czech Republic, Norway and Denmark: a study protocol of a comparative registry linkage study
Authors: Gabrhelík Roman , Handal Marte , Mravčík Viktor , Nechanská Blanka , Tjagvad Christian , Thylstrup Birgitte , Hesse Morten , Minařík Jakub , Jarkovský Jiří , Bukten Anne , Clausen Thomas , Skurtveit Svetlana
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) varies across settings and between countries. We plan to use data from several nationwide health and population registers to further improve the knowledge base established from earlier studies. Our aim is to study OMT adherence trajectories and to identify factors associated with improved outcomes for OMT patients across the Czech Republic, Norway and Denmark, in order to further improve OMT and our understanding of the key elements of treatment success.

Methods and analysis

The registry-based cohort approach across the three countries allows us to link data from a range of registers on the individual level, by using personal identifiers in nationwide cohorts of OMT and non-OMT patients and the general non-using populations. A total of ~21 500 OMT patients over the last two decades in all three countries will be included in the study. The following outcome variables (based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes) will be obtained from relevant registers: treatment adherence to OMT, comorbidity (somatic and mental health), and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Outcomes of the country-specific analyses will be pooled.

Ethics and dissemination

The national OMT cohorts have been approved by the ethics committees in the respective countries. Data will be stored according to national and local guidelines and treated confidentially, and all data will be analysed separately for each country and compared across countries. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals, national and international conferences, and in briefings to inform clinical decision-making.
Relative selenium insufficiency is a risk factor for developing severe Graves’ orbitopathy: a case–control study
Authors: Lumyongsatien Mingkwan , Bhaktikamala Unnkade , Thongtong Pennung , Sintuwong Sunisa , Nimitwongsakul Ornvenus , Kanokkantapong Jugchawin , Pongpirul Krit
Published: May 2021

Background/aims

Selenium (Se), an antioxidant agent, is effective in preventing mild Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) deterioration. However, the significant risk of low serum Se concentration for GO progression has not been identified. Here, we aimed to investigate the risk of relative Se insufficiency and to identify its optimal cut-off value in the development of disease severity in patients with GO.

Methods

Serum Se levels were prospectively measured in 100 consecutive patients with GO. The patients were classified into groups with mild and severe GO (logistic regression analysis outcome). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the minimum p value corresponding to χ2statistics were analysed to select the optimal cut-off Se level for the diagnosis of severe orbitopathy.

Results

Thirty-two patients (32%) had mild GO and 68 (68%) had severe GO. The ROC revealed a cut-off Se level of 93 µg/L. Se levels ≤93 µg/L were observed in 48.5% and 12.5% of the patients in the severe and mild (p<0.001) groups, respectively. The risk estimate (OR) for an Se level ≤93 µg/L was 8.14 (95% CI 2.39 to 27.75). It remained a significant risk factor after adjusting for age, sex, thyroid status, smoking status, thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine.

Conclusion

Relative Se insufficiency (≤93 µg/L) is a potential risk factor for severe GO development. An evaluation of Se status is recommended in patients with GO for predicting disease progression and guiding supplementation therapy.
Comparing Patient Characteristics and Outcomes in Type 1 versus Type 2 Diabetes with Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Review and a Propensity-Matched Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Shaka Hafeez , Wani Farah , El-Amir Zain , Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Singh Jagmeet , Edigin Ehizogie , Eseaton Precious , Kichloo Asim
Published: May 2021

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a known complication of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but less common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients admitted to the hospital with DKA in T1DM versus T2DM. This was a population-based, retrospective, cohort study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. The group of patients hospitalized for DKA was divided based on a secondary diagnosis of either T1DM or T2DM. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, and the secondary outcomes were rate of complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) and total hospital charge (THC). The inpatient mortality for DKA was 0.27% (650 patients). In T2DM, the adjusted OR (aOR) for mortality was 2.13 (95% CI 1.38 to 3.28, p=0.001) with adjusted increase in mean THC of $6035 (95% CI 4420 to 7652, p<0.001) and mean LOS of 0.5 day (95% CI 0.3 to 0.6, p<0.001) compared with T1DM. Patients with T2DM had significantly higher odds of having septic shock (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.160 to 3.524, p=0.013) compared with T1DM. T2DM was associated with higher inpatient mortality, septic shock and increase in healthcare utilization costs compared with T1DM.
Allocation of COVID-19 vaccination: when public prioritisation preferences differ from official regulations
Authors: Sprengholz Philipp , Korn Lars , Eitze Sarah , Betsch Cornelia
Published: May 2021

As vaccines against COVID-19 are scarce, many countries have developed vaccination prioritisation strategies focusing on ethical and epidemiological considerations. However, public acceptance of such strategies should be monitored to ensure successful implementation. In an experiment withN=1379 German participants, we investigated whether the public’s vaccination allocation preferences matched the prioritisation strategy approved by the German government. Results revealed different allocations. While the government had top-prioritised vulnerable people (being of high age or accommodated in nursing homes for the elderly), participants preferred exclusive allocation of the first available vaccines to medical staff and personnel caring for the elderly. Interestingly, allocation preferences did not change when participants were told how many individuals were included in each group. As differences between allocation policies and public preferences can affect trust in the government and threaten the social contract between generations, we discuss possible strategies to align vaccination prioritisations.
Environmental exposure to asbestos and the risk of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kwak Kyeongmin , Kang Dongmug , Paek Domyung
Published: May 2021

Asbestos is a carcinogen associated with lung cancer, but few studies have examined the increased risk of lung cancer due to environmental asbestos exposure. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between environmental asbestos exposure and lung cancer. We searched for articles on non-occupational or environmental asbestos exposure and lung cancer in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science databases. Our review included 15 studies, and except studies on ingestion exposure we performed a meta-analysis for 13 studies with respect to the type of exposure (neighbourhood and domestic/household exposure). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were also performed. A significant increase in the risk of lung cancer was found for neighbourhood exposure (1.48, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.86), while the risk was not significantly increased for domestic/household exposure (1.04, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.27). With regard to neighbourhood exposure, naturally occurring asbestos and women were both associated with a higher risk of lung cancer; however, such an increase was not significantly greater compared with that associated with other sources of asbestos exposure and men. Although cautious interpretation is needed due to the large degree of heterogeneity and the small number of included studies, our findings imply that living near the source of asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer.
High physical work demands have worse consequences for older workers: prospective study of long-term sickness absence among 69 117 employees
Authors: Andersen Lars Louis , Pedersen Jacob , Sundstrup Emil , Thorsen Sannie Vester , Rugulies Reiner
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study investigates the role of age for the prospective association between physical work demands and long-term sickness absence (LTSA).

Methods

We followed 69 117 employees of the general working population (Work Environment and Health in Denmark study 2012–2018), without LTSA during the past 52 weeks preceding initial interview, for up to 2 years in the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalisation. Self-reported physical work demands were based on a combined ergonomic index including seven different types of exposure during the working day. Using weighted Cox regression analyses controlling for years of age, gender, survey year, education, lifestyle, depressive symptoms and psychosocial work factors, we determined the interaction of age with physical work demands for the risk of LTSA.

Results

During follow-up, 8.4% of the participants developed LTSA. Age and physical work demands interacted (p<0.01). In the fully adjusted model, very high physical work demands were associated with LTSA with HRs of 1.18 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.50), 1.57 (95% CI 1.41 to 1.75) and 2.09 (95% CI 1.81 to 2.41) for 20, 40 and 60 years old (point estimates), respectively. Results remained robust in subgroup analyses including only skilled and unskilled workers and stratified for gender.

Conclusion

The health consequences of high physical work demands increase with age. Workplaces should consider adapting physical work demands to the capacity of workers in different age groups.
A system to determine advisory speed limits for horizontal curves based on mental workload and available sight distance
Authors: Habib Karim , Tawfeek Mostafa H. , El-Basyouny Karim
Published: May 2021

This study proposes a framework that accounts for mental workload and available sight distances to estimate advisory speed limits on horizontal curves. To achieve this goal, automated scripts were used to extract data on horizontal curve elements (i.e., the degree of curvature and the deflection angle), to detect crest vertical curves, and to compute the available sight distance from remote sensing data collected on highways in Alberta, Canada. Mental workload ratings were then assigned to each horizontal curve to calculate the perception–reaction time needed by drivers to maintain control of their vehicles while negotiating these curves. Finally, a curve advisory speed was calculated based on the available sight distance and the mental workload perception–reaction time needed to ensure a safe driving environment. This study presents a unique approach that incorporates human factors, including the responses of drivers based on their perception of the driving environment, in the development of speed advisory systems.
Introducing RGBeta: a Mathematica package for the evaluation of renormalization group $$ \beta $$-functions
Authors: Thomsen Anders Eller
Published: May 2021

In completely generic four-dimensional gauge-Yukawa theories, the renormalization group $$ \beta $$
β
-functions are known to the 3–2–2 loop order in gauge, Yukawa, and quartic couplings, respectively. It does, however, remain difficult to apply these results to realistic models without the use of dedicated computer tools. We describe a procedure for extracting $$ \beta $$
β
-functions using the general results and introduce , a dedicated Mathematica package for extracting the $$ \overline{\text {MS}} $$

MS
¯

$$ \beta $$
β
-functions in broad classes of models. The package and example notebooks are available from the GitHub repository.