bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Air Distribution in an Office Building Using Microperforated Textile Air Duct
Authors: Agafonova V V , Skibin A P , Volkov V Y
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to improving the efficiency and efficiency of ventilation systems through the use of new types of air distribution devices. These include textile air ducts made of polyester. This material allows you to cut micro-holes of a given diameter on the surface of the air duct with a laser. The advantage of micro-perforated air ducts is the possibility of supplying supply air with micro-jets with a small pulse, which eliminates the possibility of drafts in the workplace. The results of experimental and theoretical studies of air distribution using textile air ducts are analyzed. It is concluded that there are no data on the study of the distribution of supply air using textile air ducts with microperforation. The results of comparative numerical modeling of air distribution in an office space with two supply air supply schemes are presented: traditionally, through supply grilles and through a microperforated textile air duct. The fields of temperature and air velocity distribution over the room height are obtained. It is concluded that the use of a microperforated textile air distribution device increases the efficiency of assimilation of heat surpluses in comparison with traditional air supply sources (ventilation grilles).
Conscientiousness and Cardiometabolic Risk: A Test of the Health Behavior Model of Personality Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Thomas Mark C , Duggan Katherine A , Kamarck Thomas W , Wright Aidan G C , Muldoon Matthew F , Manuck Stephen B
Published: April 2021

Background

High trait conscientiousness is associated with lower cardiometabolic risk, and health behaviors are a putative but relatively untested pathway that may explain this association.

Purpose

To explore the role of key health behaviors (diet, physical activity, substance use, and sleep) as links between conscientiousness and cardiometabolic risk.

Methods

In a cross-sectional analysis of 494 healthy, middle-aged working adults (mean age = 42.7 years, 52.6% women, 81.0% White), participants provided self-reports of conscientiousness, physical activity, substance use, diet, and sleep, and wore monitors over a 7-day monitoring period to assess sleep (Actiwatch-16) and physical activity (SenseWear Pro3). Cardiometabolic risk was expressed as a second-order latent variable from a confirmatory factor analysis involving insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and blood pressure. Direct, indirect, and specific indirect effect pathways linking conscientiousness to health behaviors and cardiometabolic risk were examined. Unstandardized indirect effects for each health behavior class were computed separately using bootstrapped samples.

Results

After controlling for demographics (sex, age, race, and education), conscientiousness showed the predicted, inverse association with cardiometabolic risk. Among the examined health behaviors, objectively-assessed sleep midpoint variability (b = −0.003, p = .04), subjective sleep quality (b = −0.003, p = .025), and objectively-assessed physical activity (b = −0.11, p = .04) linked conscientiousness to cardiometabolic risk.

Conclusions

Physical activity and sleep partially accounted for the relationship between conscientiousness and cardiometabolic risk.
Stomatal development in the context of epidermal tissues
Authors: Torii Keiko U
Published: April 2021

Background

Stomata are adjustable pores on the surface of plant shoots for efficient gas exchange and water control. The presence of stomata is essential for plant growth and survival, and the evolution of stomata is considered as a key developmental innovation of the land plants, allowing colonization on land from aquatic environments some 450 million years ago. In the past two decades, molecular genetic studies using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana identified key genes and signalling modules that regulate stomatal development: master regulatory transcription factors that orchestrate cell state transitions and peptide–receptor signal transduction pathways, which, together, enforce proper patterning of stomata within the epidermis. Studies in diverse plant species, ranging from bryophytes to angiosperm grasses, have begun to unravel the conservation and uniqueness of the core modules in stomatal development.

Scope

Here, I review the mechanisms of stomatal development in the context of epidermal tissue patterning. First, I introduce the core regulatory mechanisms of stomatal patterning and differentiation in the model species A. thaliana. Subsequently, experimental evidence is presented supporting the idea that different cell types within the leaf epidermis, namely stomata, hydathodes pores, pavement cells and trichomes, either share developmental origins or mutually influence each other’s gene regulatory circuits during development. Emphasis is placed on extrinsic and intrinsic signals regulating the balance between stomata and pavement cells, specifically by controlling the fate of stomatal-lineage ground cells (SLGCs) to remain within the stomatal cell lineage or differentiate into pavement cells. Finally, I discuss the influence of intertissue layer communication between the epidermis and underlying mesophyll/vascular tissues on stomatal differentiation. Understanding the dynamic behaviours of stomatal precursor cells and their differentiation in the broader context of tissue and organ development may help design plants tailored for optimal growth and productivity in specific agricultural applications and a changing environment.
Aortic flow dynamics and stiffness in Loeys–Dietz syndrome patients: a comparison with healthy volunteers and Marfan syndrome patients
Authors: Ruiz-Muñoz Aroa , Guala Andrea , Rodriguez-Palomares Jose , Dux-Santoy Lydia , Servato Luz , Lopez-Sainz Angela , La Mura Lucia , Granato Chiara , Limeres Javier , Gonzalez-Alujas Teresa , Galián-Gay Laura , Gutiérrez Laura , Johnson Kevin , Wieben Oliver , Sao-Aviles Augusto , Ferreira-Gonzalez Ignacio , Evangelista Arturo , Teixido-Tura Gisela
Published: April 2021

Aims

To assess aortic flow and stiffness in patients with Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS) by 4D flow and cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and compare the results with those of healthy volunteers (HV) and Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients.

Methods and results

Twenty-one LDS and 44 MFS patients with no previous aortic dissection or surgery and 35 HV underwent non-contrast-enhanced 4D flow CMR. In-plane rotational flow (IRF), systolic flow reversal ratio (SFRR), and aortic diameters were obtained at 20 planes from the ascending (AAo) to the proximal descending aorta (DAo). IRF and SFRR were also quantified for aortic regions (proximal and distal AAo, arch and proximal DAo). Peak-systolic wall shear stress (WSS) maps were also estimated. Aortic stiffness was quantified using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and proximal AAo longitudinal strain. Compared to HV, LDS patients had lower rotational flow at the distal AAo (P = 0.002), arch (P = 0.002), and proximal DAo (P < 0.001) even after adjustment for age, stroke volume, and local diameter. LDS patients had higher SFRR in the proximal DAo compared to both HV (P = 0.024) and MFS patients (P = 0.015), even after adjustment for age and local diameter. Axial and circumferential WSS in LDS patients were lower than in HV. AAo circumferential WSS was lower in LDS compared to MFS patients. AAo and DAo PWV and proximal AAo longitudinal strain revealed stiffer aortas in LDS patients compared to HV (P = 0.007, 0.005, and 0.029, respectively) but no differences vs. MFS patients.

Conclusion

Greater aortic stiffness as well as impaired IRF and WSS were present in LDS patients compared to HV. Conversely, similar aortic stiffness and overlapping aortic flow features were found in Loeys–Dietz and Marfan patients.
Ethnic disparities in care and outcomes of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Moledina Saadiq M , Shoaib Ahmad , Weston Clive , Aktaa Suleman , Van Spall Harriette G C , Kassam Aliya , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Banerjee Shrilla , Rashid Muhammad , Gale Chris P , Mamas Mamas A
Published: April 2021

Aims

Little is known about ethnic disparities in care and clinical outcomes of patients admitted with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in national cohorts from universal healthcare systems derived from Europe.

Methods and results

We identified 280 588 admissions with NSTEMI in the UK Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project (MINAP), 2010–2017, including White patients (n = 258 364) and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) patients (n = 22 194). BAME patients were younger (66 years vs. 73 years, P < 0.001) and more frequently had hypertension (66% vs. 54%, P < 0.001), hypercholesterolaemia (49% vs. 34%, P < 0.001), and diabetes (48% vs. 24%, P < 0.001). BAME patients more frequently received invasive coronary angiography (80% vs. 68%, P < 0.001), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (52% vs. 43%, P < 0.001), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (9% vs. 7%, P < 0.001). Following propensity score matching, BAME compared with White patients had similar in-hospital all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.91, confidence interval (CI) 0.76–1.06; P = 0.23], major bleeding (OR 0.99, CI 0.75–1.25; P = 0.95), re-infarction (OR 1.15, CI 0.84–1.46; P = 0.34), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR 0.94, CI 0.80–1.07; P = 0.35).

Conclusion

BAME patients with NSTEMI had higher cardiometabolic risk profiles and were more likely to undergo invasive angiography and revascularization, with similar clinical outcomes as those of their White counterparts. Among the quality indicators assessed, there is no evidence of care disparities among BAME patients presenting with NSTEMI.
Experimental exchange of paralogous domains in the MLH family provides evidence of sub-functionalization after gene duplication
Authors: Furman Christopher M , Elbashir Ryan , Pannafino Gianno , Clark Nathan L , Alani Eric
Published: April 2021

Baker’s yeast contains a large number of duplicated genes; some function redundantly, whereas others have more specialized roles. We used the MLH family of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins as a model to better understand the steps that lead to gene specialization following a gene duplication event. We focused on two highly conserved yeast MLH proteins, Pms1 and Mlh3, with Pms1 having a major role in the repair of misincorporation events during DNA replication and Mlh3 acting to resolve recombination intermediates in meiosis to form crossovers. The baker’s yeast Mlh3 and Pms1 proteins are significantly diverged (19% overall identity), suggesting that an extensive number of evolutionary steps, some major, others involving subtle refinements, took place to diversify the MLH proteins. Using phylogenetic and molecular approaches, we provide evidence that all three domains (N-terminal ATP binding, linker, C-terminal endonuclease/MLH interaction) in the MLH protein family are critical for conferring pathway specificity. Importantly, mlh3 alleles in the ATP binding and endonuclease domains improved MMR functions in strains lacking the Pms1 protein and did not disrupt Mlh3 meiotic functions. This ability for mlh3 alleles to complement the loss of Pms1 suggests that an ancestral Pms1/Mlh3 protein was capable of performing both MMR and crossover functions. Our strategy for analyzing MLH pathway specificity provides an approach to understand how paralogs have evolved to support distinct cellular processes.
The Gossypium stocksii genome as a novel resource for cotton improvement
Authors: Grover Corrinne E , Yuan Daojun , Arick Mark A , Miller Emma R , Hu Guanjing , Peterson Daniel G , Wendel Jonathan F , Udall Joshua A
Published: April 2021

Cotton is an important textile crop whose gains in production over the last century have been challenged by various diseases. Because many modern cultivars are susceptible to several pests and pathogens, breeding efforts have included attempts to introgress wild, naturally resistant germplasm into elite lines. Gossypium stocksii is a wild cotton species native to Africa, which is part of a clade of vastly understudied species. Most of what is known about this species comes from pest resistance surveys and/or breeding efforts, which suggests that G. stocksii could be a valuable reservoir of natural pest resistance. Here, we present a high-quality de novo genome sequence for G. stocksii. We compare the G. stocksii genome with resequencing data from a closely related, understudied species (Gossypium somalense) to generate insight into the relatedness of these cotton species. Finally, we discuss the utility of the G. stocksii genome for understanding pest resistance in cotton, particularly resistance to cotton leaf curl virus.
Genetic basis of offspring number–body weight tradeoff in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Akhund-Zade Jamilla , Lall Shraddha , Gajda Erika , Yoon Denise , Ayroles Julien F , de Bivort Benjamin L
Published: April 2021

Drosophila melanogaster egg production, a proxy for fecundity, is an extensively studied life-history trait with a strong genetic basis. As eggs develop into larvae and adults, space and resource constraints can put pressure on the developing offspring, leading to a decrease in viability, body size, and lifespan. Our goal was to map the genetic basis of offspring number and weight under the restriction of a standard laboratory vial. We screened 143 lines from the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel for offspring numbers and weights to create an “offspring index” that captured the number vs weight tradeoff. We found 18 genes containing 30 variants associated with variation in the offspring index. Validation of hid, Sox21b, CG8312, and mub candidate genes using gene disruption mutants demonstrated a role in adult stage viability, while mutations in Ih and Rbp increased offspring number and increased weight, respectively. The polygenic basis of offspring number and weight, with many variants of small effect, as well as the involvement of genes with varied functional roles, support the notion of Fisher’s “infinitesimal model” for this life-history trait.
RIL-StEp: epistasis analysis of rice recombinant inbred lines reveals candidate interacting genes that control seed hull color and leaf chlorophyll content
Authors: Sakai Toshiyuki , Abe Akira , Shimizu Motoki , Terauchi Ryohei
Published: April 2021

Characterizing epistatic gene interactions is fundamental for understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits. However, due to the large number of potential gene combinations, detecting epistatic gene interactions is computationally demanding. A simple, easy-to-perform method for sensitive detection of epistasis is required. Due to their homozygous nature, use of recombinant inbred lines excludes the dominance effect of alleles and interactions involving heterozygous genotypes, thereby allowing detection of epistasis in a simple and interpretable model. Here, we present an approach called RIL-StEp (recombinant inbred lines stepwise epistasis detection) to detect epistasis using single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the genome. We applied the method to reveal epistasis affecting rice (Oryza sativa) seed hull color and leaf chlorophyll content and successfully identified pairs of genomic regions that presumably control these phenotypes. This method has the potential to improve our understanding of the genetic architecture of various traits of crops and other organisms.
Gene body methylation is under selection in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Muyle Aline , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey , Seymour Danelle K , Gaut Brandon S
Published: April 2021

In plants, mammals and insects, some genes are methylated in the CG dinucleotide context, a phenomenon called gene body methylation (gbM). It has been controversial whether this phenomenon has any functional role. Here, we took advantage of the availability of 876 leaf methylomes in Arabidopsis thaliana to characterize the population frequency of methylation at the gene level and to estimate the site-frequency spectrum of allelic states. Using a population genetics model specifically designed for epigenetic data, we found that genes with ancestral gbM are under significant selection to remain methylated. Conversely, ancestrally unmethylated genes were under selection to remain unmethylated. Repeating the analyses at the level of individual cytosines confirmed these results. Estimated selection coefficients were small, on the order of 4 Nes = 1.4, which is similar to the magnitude of selection acting on codon usage. We also estimated that A. thaliana is losing gbM threefold more rapidly than gaining it, which could be due to a recent reduction in the efficacy of selection after a switch to selfing. Finally, we investigated the potential function of gbM through its link with gene expression. Across genes with polymorphic methylation states, the expression of gene body methylated alleles was consistently and significantly higher than unmethylated alleles. Although it is difficult to disentangle genetic from epigenetic effects, our work suggests that gbM has a small but measurable effect on fitness, perhaps due to its association to a phenotype-like gene expression.
Resilience in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Socioecological Approach
Authors: Igarashi Heidi , Kurth Maria L , Lee Hye Soo , Choun Soyoung , Lee Dylan , Aldwin Carolyn M
Published: April 2021

Objectives

We examined sources of vulnerability and resilience among older adults early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

We surveyed 235 respondents, 51–95 years old (M = 71.35; SD = 7.39; 74% female), including 2 open-ended questions concerning COVID-19-related difficulties and positive experiences during the past week. Using inductive coding, we found 9 final codes for difficulties and 12 for positives and grouped them into socioecological levels: personal, interpersonal, and societal.

Results

Difficulties were reported by 94% of the sample, while 63% described positives. Difficulties and positive responses were made at all socioecological levels and illustrated a dialectic between personal-level constraints and opportunities, interpersonal-level social isolation and integration, and societal-level outrage, sorrow, and social optimism.

Discussion

Respondents described sources of vulnerabilities and resilience that supported a socioecological approach to understand resilience during this pandemic. A notable example was resilience derived from witnessing and contributing to the community and social solidarity, highlighting the potential of older adults as resources to their communities during the global pandemic.
Boundary Crossers: How Providers Facilitate Ethnic Minority Families’ Access to Dementia Services
Authors: Brijnath Bianca , Gilbert Andrew S , Antoniades Josefine , Croy Samantha , Kent Mike , Ellis Katie , Browning Colette , Goeman Dianne , Adams Jon
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Providers who work closely with ethnic minority people with dementia and their families are pivotal in helping them access services. However, few studies have examined how these providers actually do this work. Using the concept of “boundary crossers,” this article investigates the strategies applied by these providers to facilitate access to dementia services for ethnic minority people with dementia and their families.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2020, in-depth video-recorded interviews were conducted with 27 health, aged care, and community service providers working with ethnic minority people living with dementia across Australia. Interviews were conducted in one of seven languages and/or in English, then translated and transcribed verbatim into English. The data were analyzed thematically.

Results

Family and community stigma associated with dementia and extra-familial care were significant barriers to families engaging with services. To overcome these barriers, participants worked at the boundaries of culture and dementia, community and systems, strategically using English and other vernaculars, clinical and cultural terminology, building trust and rapport, and assisting with service navigation to improve access. Concurrently, they were cognizant of familial boundaries and were careful to provide services that were culturally appropriate without supplanting the families’ role.

Discussion

In negotiating cultural, social, and professional boundaries, providers undertake multidimensional and complex work that involves education, advocacy, negotiation, navigation, creativity, and emotional engagement. This work is largely undervalued but offers a model of care that facilitates social and community development as well as service integration across health, aged care, and social services.
High-throughput microscopy reveals the impact of multifactorial environmental perturbations on colorectal cancer cell growth
Authors: Chiang Chun-Te , Lau Roy , Ghaffarizadeh Ahmadreza , Brovold Matthew , Vyas Dipen , Juárez Edwin F , Atala Anthony , Agus David B , Soker Shay , Macklin Paul , Ruderman Daniel , Mumenthaler Shannon M
Published: April 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality is principally due to metastatic disease, with the most frequent organ of metastasis being the liver. Biochemical and mechanical factors residing in the tumor microenvironment are considered to play a pivotal role in metastatic growth and response to therapy. However, it is difficult to study the tumor microenvironment systematically owing to a lack of fully controlled model systems that can be investigated in rigorous detail.

Results

We present a quantitative imaging dataset of CRC cell growth dynamics influenced by in vivo–mimicking conditions. They consist of tumor cells grown in various biochemical and biomechanical microenvironmental contexts. These contexts include varying oxygen and drug concentrations, and growth on conventional stiff plastic, softer matrices, and bioengineered acellular liver extracellular matrix. Growth rate analyses under these conditions were performed via the cell phenotype digitizer (CellPD).

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the growth of highly aggressive HCT116 cells is affected by oxygen, substrate stiffness, and liver extracellular matrix. In addition, hypoxia has a protective effect against oxaliplatin-induced cytotoxicity on plastic and liver extracellular matrix. This expansive dataset of CRC cell growth measurements under in situ relevant environmental perturbations provides insights into critical tumor microenvironment features contributing to metastatic seeding and tumor growth. Such insights are essential to dynamical modeling and understanding the multicellular tumor-stroma dynamics that contribute to metastatic colonization. It also establishes a benchmark dataset for training and testing data-driven dynamical models of cancer cell lines and therapeutic response in a variety of microenvironmental conditions.
Identifying suitable time periods for infrasound measurement system response estimation using across-array coherence
Authors: Green David N , Nippress Alexandra , Bowers David , Selby Neil D
Published: April 2021

Microbarometers deployed to measure atmospheric infrasound are often connected to, or housed within, a wind noise reduction system (WNRS). At infrasound arrays of the International Monitoring System (IMS), being deployed as part of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty verification measures, the WNRS typically comprises an 18 m diameter pipe array. Over the past decade an in situ method has been developed to estimate the measurement system (sensor + WNRS) response characteristics, by comparing its recordings with those made on a colocated reference sensor with known response and no WNRS. The method relies upon the identification of time periods for which the reference sensor and measurement system are subject to the same input pressure field. It has proven difficult to reliably identify such time periods at frequencies $\lt 0.1\,$ Hz using recordings at a single location, resulting in a negative bias in estimated measurement system gain values (the ‘dip artefact’) in the 0.02–0.1 Hz passband. The IMS is deploying arrays of microbarometers, and we show that a measure of across-array coherence can be used to identify time periods associated with acoustic signal propagation. Amplitude response estimates, using 1 yr of data from four IMS arrays, indicate that the dip artefact can be removed by retaining for analysis only those time periods that exhibit high across-array coherence. Moreover, our analysis confirms the hypothesis that the dip artefact is associated with time periods during which wind-generated pressure fluctuations dominate, leading to partial suppression of noise with length scales less than the extent of the WNRS. At two arrays within continental forests accurate amplitude responses are estimated across the 0.02–4 Hz passband, as acoustic signals at all frequencies can be identified. At two oceanic island arrays, the low numbers of time windows with above-noise acoustic signal in the 0.02–0.1 Hz passband make reliable response estimation at these frequencies difficult or impossible. It is recommended that the methodology for estimating the response of an infrasound measurement system at an array should incorporate a multichannel coherence measure; data centres may already routinely compute such measures in their signal detection algorithms.
Shear wave splitting measurements in northeastern Uganda and southeastern Tanzania: corroborating evidence for sublithospheric mantle flow beneath East Africa
Authors: Andriampenomanana Fenitra , Nyblade Andrew , Durrheim Raymond , Tugume Fred , Nyago Joseph
Published: April 2021

Several interpretations of shear wave splitting measurements in East Africa have been proposed, but a comprehensive understanding of seismic anisotropy is lacking vis-à-vis geodynamic processes affecting the African Plate, in part because of geographically limited data coverage. Here, we report new shear wave splitting observations using PKS, SKS and SKKS phases recorded on 17 temporary AfricaArray seismic stations in northeastern Uganda and southeastern Tanzania that help fill key gaps in data coverage in non-volcanic regions of East Africa. The stations in northeastern Uganda straddle the Aswa shear zone, which separates the Neoproterozoic Saharan Metacraton (to the east) and the Palaeoproterozoic Northern Uganda Terrane (to the west). The stations in southeastern Tanzania are located mostly in Karoo basins formed within the Neoproterozoic Mozambique Belt. Our results show NNE fast polarization directions in northeastern Uganda, with splitting times between 1.0 and 1.5 s, and NE directions in southeastern Tanzania, with splitting times between 0.6 and 1.3 s. The NNE fast polarization directions in Uganda cannot be explained with oriented melt pocket (OMP) anisotropy in the lithosphere, as the stations are far from any volcanic fields, or fossil anisotropy resulting from the Neoproterozoic East African orogeny. They are, however, parallel to the flow direction of the African superplume and corroborate previous measurements from northern Uganda that were used to argue that the overall northerly orientation of fast polarization directions across East Africa can be attributed to sublithospheric mantle flow associated with the African superplume. The NE fast polarization directions in Tanzania cannot be explained with SE-oriented fossil anisotropy expected from the Mesozoic rifting of Madagascar from Africa or OMP anisotropy in the lithosphere. However, they are consistent with the overall northerly orientation of fast polarization directions in East Africa and can be attributed to either fossil anisotropy in the Mozambique Belt lithosphere resulting from the East African Orogeny or sublithospheric mantle flow associated with the African superplume.
ALS/FTD mutations in UBQLN2 are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction through loss-of-function in mitochondrial protein import
Authors: Lin Brian C , Phung Trong H , Higgins Nicole R , Greenslade Jessie E , Prado Miguel A , Finley Daniel , Karbowski Mariusz , Polster Brian M , Monteiro Mervyn J
Published: April 2021

UBQLN2 mutations cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but the pathogenic mechanisms by which they cause disease remain unclear. Proteomic profiling identified ‘mitochondrial proteins’ as comprising the largest category of protein changes in the spinal cord (SC) of the P497S UBQLN2 mouse model of ALS/FTD. Immunoblots confirmed P497S animals have global changes in proteins predictive of a severe decline in mitochondrial health, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondrial protein import and network dynamics. Functional studies confirmed mitochondria purified from the SC of P497S animals have age-dependent decline in nearly all steps of OXPHOS. Mitochondria cristae deformities were evident in spinal motor neurons of aged P497S animals. Knockout (KO) of UBQLN2 in HeLa cells resulted in changes in mitochondrial proteins and OXPHOS activity similar to those seen in the SC. KO of UBQLN2 also compromised targeting and processing of the mitochondrial import factor, TIMM44, resulting in accumulation in abnormal foci. The functional OXPHOS deficits and TIMM44-targeting defects were rescued by reexpression of WT UBQLN2 but not by ALS/FTD mutant UBQLN2 proteins. In vitro binding assays revealed ALS/FTD mutant UBQLN2 proteins bind weaker with TIMM44 than WT UBQLN2 protein, suggesting that the loss of UBQLN2 binding may underlie the import and/or delivery defect of TIMM44 to mitochondria. Our studies indicate a potential key pathogenic disturbance in mitochondrial health caused by UBQLN2 mutations.
Evaluation of treatment options for postoperative and spontaneous chylothorax in adults
Authors: Wiesner Sigrid , Loch Elena , Uller Wibke , Gößmann Holger , Neu Reiner , Hofmann Hans-Stefan , Ried Michael
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES

Both postoperative and spontaneous chylothorax remain therapeutic challenges without recommendations for a standardized treatment approach. Regardless of its aetiology, patients with chylothorax experience prolonged hospitalization and suffer from the associated complications or the invasive therapy administered.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, observational review of adult patients with chylothorax treated between January 2010 and September 2019. The primary end point was successful management with sustained cessation and/or controlled chylous output. Therapy duration, inpatient stay and the incidence of complications were evaluated as secondary end points.

RESULTS

Of the 36 patients included (22 men; median age 63 years), 24 patients (67%) suffered from a postoperative accumulation of chylous fluid in the pleural space; in the remaining 12 (33%) patients, chylothoraces occurred spontaneously. Initial conservative treatment was successful in 42% (n = 15); in the other 20 cases (56%) additional invasive therapeutic strategies were followed. A complicated course requiring more than 1 treatment was seen in 54% (n = 13) of the postoperative and in 58% (n = 7) of the spontaneous cases. The median length of hospitalization was significantly longer in the postoperative group (37.5 vs 15.5 days; P = 0.016). Serious complications were observed only in the postoperative group (P = 0.28). There were no in-hospital deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Basic treatment of both postoperative and spontaneous chylothorax should include dietary measures in all patients. Additional sclerosing radiotherapy and interventional or surgical therapy are often necessary. The choice of therapeutic approach should be indicated, depending on the aetiology and development of the chylothorax. Early, multimodal treatment is recommended.
An automatic approach for detecting building fences from high-resolution images: the case study of Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Imam Ayman , Faisal Kamil , Majrashi Abdulrahman , Hegazy Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

In the light of the constantly expanding technological advancements concerning high-resolution satellites and imaging techniques for investigative and information uses it is important to look at how these algorithms progress to acquire more reliable data in a much efficient manner. This study aims to (1) investigate the ability to use remote sensing and geographic information system techniques to extract the detecting building edges in the City of Makkah and (2) investigate new machine learning techniques to derive the illegal building fences in the study area. Two WorldView-3 images will be the first obtained for the City of Makkah in 2016 and 2018. Convolutional neural networks algorithm will be investigated to detect all the fences within the two images. These traits have been utilized to create automated object detection techniques, which are a core requirement of information extraction and large frame analysis of images covering large expanses of land. In high-resolution images, object detection identifies objects belonging to a class, locating them using a bounding box. Based on satellite images time series, the outputs will detect the changes that occurred during 2016 and 2018. A web map application will be designed as the primary tool to make it easier, illustrating the differences between the main changes. Evaluation of binary classifiers approach will be used to evaluate the outcomes of building fences based on several performances that measure data interpretation. Preliminary findings will illustrate the precision and accuracy of the used machine learning algorithm. The research findings can contribute to the federal/municipal authorities and act as a generic indicator for targeting building fences for urban areas and/or suburban areas.
Utilization and effects of mobile electronic clinical decision support on pediatric asthma care quality in the emergency department and inpatient setting
Authors: Kerns Ellen , McCulloh Russell , Fouquet Sarah , McDaniel Corrie , Ken Lynda , Liu Peony , Kaiser Sunitha
Published: April 2021

Objective

To determine utilization and impacts of a mobile electronic clinical decision support (mECDS) on pediatric asthma care quality in emergency department and inpatient settings.

Methods

We conducted an observational study of a mECDS tool that was deployed as part of a multi-dimensional, national quality improvement (QI) project focused on pediatric asthma. We quantified mECDS utilization using cumulative screen views over the study period in the city in which each participating site was located. We determined associations between mECDS utilization and pediatric asthma quality metrics using mixed-effect logistic regression models (adjusted for time, site characteristics, site-level QI project engagement, and patient characteristics).

Results

The tool was offered to clinicians at 75 sites and used on 286 devices; cumulative screen views were 4191. Children’s hospitals and sites with greater QI project engagement had higher cumulative mECDS utilization. Cumulative mECDS utilization was associated with significantly reduced odds of hospital admission (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.98) and higher odds of caregiver referral to smoking cessation resources (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16).

Discussion

We linked mECDS utilization to clinical outcomes using a national sample and controlling for important confounders (secular trends, patient case mix, and concomitant QI efforts). We found mECDS utilization was associated with improvements in multiple measures of pediatric asthma care quality.

Conclusion

mECDS has the potential to overcome barriers to dissemination and improve care on a broad scale. Important areas of future work include improving mECDS uptake/utilization, linking clinicians’ mECDS usage to clinical practice, and studying mECDS’s impacts on other common pediatric conditions.
Influence of amount and frequency of protein supplementation to ruminants consuming low-quality cool-season forages: efficiency of nitrogen utilization in lambs and performance of gestating beef cows
Authors: Cappellozza Bruno I , Bohnert David W , Reis Maria M , Van Emon Megan L , Schauer Christopher S , Falck Stephanie J , Cooke Reinaldo F
Published: April 2021

We evaluated the influence of amount and crude protein (CP) supplementation frequency (SF) on nitrogen (N) use by wethers and the performance of late-gestation beef cows. In exp. 1, seven Western whiteface wethers (31.8 ± 1.4 kg) were used in an incomplete 7 × 4 Latin square to evaluate intake and N use. Wethers received one of the seven treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial design containing two levels of supplemental soybean meal offered at a rate of 100% (F) or 50% (H; 50% of F) of the estimated CP requirement daily, once every 5, or once every 10 d, plus a non-supplemented control (CON). Low-quality cool-season forage (4.9 % CP; dry matter [DM] basis) was provided daily for ad libitum intake. Experimental periods lasted 30 d. In exp. 2, 84 Angus × Hereford cows (560 ± 35 kg) were stratified by age, body condition score (BCS), and expected calving date and allocated to 1 of the 21 feedlot pens (three pens per treatment). Pens were randomly assigned to receive the same treatments as in exp. 1 and cows had free access to low-quality cool-season forage (2.9% CP; DM basis). Cow body weight (BW) and BCS were measured every 14 d until calving and within 24 h after calving. In exp. 1, supplementation did not alter total DM and organic matter (OM) intake (P ≥ 0.26), but both parameters linearly decreased as SF decreased (P = 0.02). Supplementation increased DM, OM, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility (P ≤ 0.02). Additionally, F feeding linearly increased DM, OM, and NDF digestibility as SF decreased (P ≤ 0.04). Digestibility of N, N balance, and digested N retained were greater with supplementation (P < 0.01), and N digestibility linearly increased as SF decreased (P = 0.01). Mean plasma urea-N concentration was not only greater (P < 0.01) for supplemented vs. CON wethers but also greater (P = 0.03) for F vs. H. In exp. 2, pre-calving BCS change was greater (P = 0.03) for supplemented cows. A linear effect of SF × supplementation rate for pre-calving BCS change was noted (P = 0.05), as F-supplemented cows lost more BCS compared with H as SF decreased. When considering supplementation intervals greater than 5 d, reducing the quantity of supplement provided, compared with daily supplementation, may be a feasible management strategy to maintain acceptable nutrient use and animal performance while reducing supplement and labor costs.
Expanding the Curricula for Florida’s Youth: Outreach Efforts in Agricultural Literacy
Authors: Pinkerton Morgan , Frey Craig , Thompson Sage , Hodges Amanda
Published: April 2021

Agriculture is the second most important industry in Florida having a market value of over $7.35 billion. In the United States, only 1.3% of the population works in agriculture and the average age of a farmer is 57.5 yr old, which supports a need for youth to pursue careers in agricultural fields. Despite the importance of this industry, there is a growing disconnect between the public and agriculture as demonstrated by low agricultural literacy levels. An outreach program and pre- and postsurveys were used to gain a better understanding of the need for agricultural literacy educational programs in Florida. Outreach curricula were designed on four topics related to agricultural literacy; ‘Plant Biosecurity: Local and Global Perspectives’, ‘Invasive Species that Affect Plants’, ‘Introduction to Entomology’, and ‘Florida Agriculture: Current Issues and Potential Careers’. Over 2 yr, interactive outreach events were held in 80 classrooms around Florida reaching a total of 2,326 students. Based on survey results, the current agricultural literacy levels in Florida are low. The designed outreach program significantly improved student knowledge levels and increased student interest in agricultural careers/fields.
Single response assessment of transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma: a supplementary analysis of JCOG1105 (JCOG1105S1)
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiko , Maruyama Dai , Machida Ryunosuke , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Takayama Nobuyuki , Ohba Rie , Ohmachi Ken , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Tokunaga Masahito , Katsuya Hiroo , Yoshida Isao , Sunami Kazutaka , Kurosawa Mitsutoshi , Kubota Nobuko , Morimoto Hiroaki , Kobayashi Miki , Kato Harumi , Kameoka Yoshihiro , Kagami Yoshitoyo , Kizaki Masahiro , Takeuchi Kazuto , Munakata Wataru , Iida Shinsuke , Nagai Hirokazu
Published: April 2021

Background

The International Myeloma Working Group response criteria require two consecutive assessments of paraprotein levels. We conducted an exploratory analysis to evaluate whether a single response assessment could be a substitute for the International Myeloma Working Group criteria using data from JCOG1105, a randomized phase II study on melphalan, prednisolone and bortezomib.

Methods

Of 91 patients with transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, 79 patients were included. We calculated the kappa coefficient to evaluate the degree of agreement between the International Myeloma Working Group criteria and the single response assessment.

Results

Based on the International Myeloma Working Group criteria, 11 (13.9%), 20 (25.3%), 36 (45.6%) and 12 (15.2%) patients had stringent complete response/complete response, very good partial response, partial response and stable disease, respectively. Based on the single response assessment, 17 (21.5%), 19 (24.1%), 35 (44.3%) and 8 (10.1%) patients had stringent complete response/complete response, very good partial response, partial response and stable disease, respectively. The kappa coefficient was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.88), demonstrating good agreement. The single response assessment was not inferior to the International Myeloma Working Group criteria in the median progression-free survival (3.8 and 2.9 years) in stringent complete response/complete response patients, suggesting that the single response assessment was not an overestimation.

Conclusions

The single response assessment could be a substitute for the current International Myeloma Working Group criteria for transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Predictors of Chronic Opioid Use: A Population-Level Analysis of North Carolina Cancer Survivors Using Multi-Payer Claims
Authors: Check Devon K , Baggett Christopher D , Kim KyungSu , Roberts Andrew W , Roberts Megan C , Robinson Timothy , Oeffinger Kevin C , Dinan Michaela A
Published: April 2021

Background

No population-based studies have examined chronic opioid use among cancer survivors who are diverse with respect to diagnosis, age group, and insurance status.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using North Carolina cancer registry data linked with claims from public and private insurance (2006-2016). We included adults with nonmetastatic cancer who had no prior chronic opioid use (n = 38 366). We used modified Poisson regression to assess the adjusted relative risk of chronic opioid use in survivorship (>90-day continuous supply of opioids in the 13-24 months following diagnosis) associated with patient characteristics.

Results

Only 3.0% of cancer survivors in our cohort used opioids chronically in survivorship. Predictors included younger age (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 50-59 vs 60-69 = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05 to 1.43), baseline depression (aRR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.41) or substance use (aRR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.78) and Medicaid (aRR vs private = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.56 to 2.40). Survivors who used opioids intermittently (vs not at all) before diagnosis were twice as likely to use opioids chronically in survivorship (aRR = 2.62, 95% CI = 2.28 to 3.02). Those who used opioids chronically (vs intermittently or not at all) during active treatment had a nearly 17-fold increased likelihood of chronic use in survivorship (aRR = 16.65, 95% CI = 14.30 to 19.40).

Conclusions

Younger and low-income survivors, those with baseline depression or substance use, and those who require chronic opioid therapy during treatment are at increased risk for chronic opioid use in survivorship. Our findings point to opportunities to improve assessment of psychosocial histories and to engage patients in shared decision-making around long-term pain management, when chronic opioid therapy is required during treatment.
Risk awareness of black-and-gold howler monkeys living in an urban environment in south-west Paraguay
Authors: Wellian Jake , Smith Rebecca L
Published: April 2021

As urbanisation increases, wild primates are exposed to urban environments which come with a distinct and often novel set of risks. Urban habitats can form a matrix of forest fragments and anthropogenic structures, including buildings, electric cables and roads, which can limit movement and force species to live in hazardous areas. We studied five groups of urban black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) in Pilar, Paraguay, to investigate whether the monkeys are aware of anthropogenic risks based on their patterns of self-scratching behaviour, an indicator of stress, and how they used the space available to them. Using a Risk Index created for the study, we ranked the level of risk attributed to different zones of their home range, awarding each zone with a hazard score. Using Quantum GIS and kernel density estimation, we determined the relationship between habitat use and hazard score. Using a Spearman’s rank correlation, we found nonsignificant relationships between the hazard score and self-scratching behaviour for four groups, suggesting a lack of awareness. However, there was a significant negative relationship between the hazard score and home range use for four groups, indicating that they spent more time in areas with lower levels of anthropogenic risk.
Clinical Value of Pepsinogen in the Screening, Prevention, and Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Han Xiao-Lei , Yi Chang-Lin , Ma Jin-Dan , He Yanhong , Wu La-Mei , Wang Yun-Feng , Yang Hui-Jian , Liang Dong-Yu , Shi Jin-Fang
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To compare the levels of serum pepsinogen (PG) in patients with gastric cancer (GC), patients with atrophic gastritis (AG), and healthy donors. Also, we explored the clinical value of PG detection for the diagnosis and treatment of GC.

Methods

The PG level in peripheral blood from patients and heathy donors was determined using an Abbott automatic chemiluminescence instrument. The study included 117 patients with GC confirmed by gastroscopy and histopathology, of whom 13 patients had cancer at stage I, 47 at stage II, 41 at stage III, and 16 at stage IV. The AG group included 122 patients, and the control group had 120 healthy donors. The relationship between serum PG levels and the occurrence and development of GC, as well as the evaluation of the clinical value of diagnostic tests based on serum PG detection, were investigated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.

Results

Pepsinogen I (PGI) levels gradually decreased from the control group, the AG group, and the GC group.

PGI exhibited high diagnostic value for GC (area under the curve [AUC], 0.834; cutoff, 51.2 ng/mL, sensitivity, 81.7%; specificity, 68.4%), PGII (AUC, 0.587; cutoff value, 13.05 ng/mL; sensitivity, 65.8%; specificity, 53.8%), and PGR (AUC, 0.752; cutoff, 5.65; sensitivity, 54.2%; specificity, 87.2%). The occurrence of GC was negatively correlated with serum levels of PGI (B = −0.054; OR = 0.947; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.925–0.970; P <.001) and PGR (B = −0.420; OR = 0.657; 95% CI, 0.499–0.864; P = .003).

Conclusions

The combined detection of PGI, PGII, and PGR has important clinical value for the screening, prevention, and diagnosis of GC and could allow for earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment of GC.