bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copula based analysis of meteorological, hydrological and agricultural drought characteristics across Indian river basins
Authors: Poonia Vikas , Jha Srinidhi , Goyal Manish Kumar
Published: March 2021

Duration and severity are the two most important parameters used for drought characterization. In this study, we used a bivariate copula‐based approach to understand the joint dependence of drought duration and severity of three different drought types. Three types of bivariate copulas (Gumbel, Frank and Plackett) are estimated for modelling and the best fit copula is selected over 1,162 grid points (at a resolution of 0.5° × 0.5°) of India. Further, the joint dependence of drought duration and severity are analysed to infer important properties in terms of exceedance probability and return periods. Finally, conditional probability and conditional return periods of drought characteristics are also derived, which could be useful for proper planning and management of the water resource system. From the investigation, it is observed that drought events in the Western and Central India are longer and more severe whereas the ones in the south Indian river basins are more frequent but less severe. Moreover, similar results were also obtained for the conditional probability and conditional return periods. This study provides information regarding the severe and longer drought event hotspots all over the study area and thus helpful for the policymakers in developing effective drought prevention and mitigation strategies comprehensively at a national scale.
Vertical ground reaction force 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction predicts 10‐year patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Erhart‐Hledik Jennifer C. , Chu Constance R. , Asay Jessica L. , B. Mahtani Gordhan , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: March 2021

Disruptions in knee biomechanics during walking following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury have been suggested to lead to the development of premature knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to be potential markers of OA risk and targets for intervention. This study investigated if side‐to‐side differences in early stance peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) during walking 2 years after ACL reconstruction are associated with longer‐term (10 years post‐reconstruction) changes in patient‐reported outcomes. Twenty‐eight participants (mean age: 28.7 ± 6.4 years) with primary unilateral ACL reconstruction underwent gait analysis for assessment of peak vGRF and completed Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) surveys at 2 years post‐surgery (2.2 ± 0.3 years) and completed surveys at follow‐up 10 years post‐surgery (10.5 ± 0.9 years). Associations between changes (10–2 years) in patient‐reported outcomes and between limb‐differences in vGRF were assessed with Pearson or Spearman's ρ correlation coefficients and exploratory backwards elimination multiple linear regression analyses. Differences in vGRF between symptomatic progressors and non‐progressors were also assessed. The side‐to‐side difference in vGRF was related to the variability in longer‐term changes in patient‐reported outcome metrics and distinguished symptomatic progressors from non‐progressors. Participants with higher vGRF in the reconstructed (ACLR) limb versus the contralateral limb had worsening of IKDC (R = −0.391, p = 0.040), KOOS pain (ρ = −0.396, p = 0.037), KOOS symptoms (ρ = −0.572, p = 0.001), and KOOS quality of life (R = −0.458, p = 0.014) scores at follow‐up. Symptomatic progressors had greater vGRF in the ACLR limb as compared to the contralateral limb at baseline than non‐progressors (p = 0.023). These data highlight associations between a simple‐to‐measure gait metric and the development of long‐term clinical symptoms after an ACL injury.
Staphylococcus aureus genotype variation among and within periprosthetic joint infections
Authors: Ma Dongzhu , Brothers Kimberly M. , Maher Patrick L. , Phillips Nathan J. , Simonetti Deborah , William Pasculle Anthony , Richardson Anthony R. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Urish Kenneth L.
Published: March 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is a common organism in orthopedic infections, but little is known about the genetic diversity of strains during an infectious process. Using periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) as a model, a prospective study was designed to quantify genetic variation among S. aureus strains both among and within patients. Whole genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing was performed to genotype these two populations at high resolution. In nasal cultures, 78% of strains were of clonal complexes CC5, CC8, and CC30. In PJI cultures, only 63% could be classified in these common clonal complexes. The PJI cultures had a larger proportion of atypical strains, and these atypical strains were associated with poor host status and compromised immune conditions. Mutations in genes involved in fibronectin binding (ebh, fnbA, clfA, and clfB) systematically distinguished later PJI isolates from the first PJI isolate from each patient. Repeated mutations in S. aureus genes associated with extracellular matrix binding were identified, suggesting adaptive, parallel evolution of S. aureus during the development of PJI.
A new decomposition ensemble approach for tourism demand forecasting: Evidence from major source countries in Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Zhang Chengyuan , Jiang Fuxin , Wang Shouyang , Sun Shaolong
Published: March 2021

Previous studies have shown that different market factors influence tourism demand at different timescales. Accordingly, we propose the decomposition ensemble learning approach to analyze impact of different market factors on tourism demand, and explore the potential advantages of the proposed method on forecasting tourism demand in Asia‐Pacific region. By decomposing tourist arrivals with noise‐assisted multivariate empirical mode decomposition, this study further explores the multiscale relationship between tourist destinations and major source countries. The empirical results show that decomposition ensemble approach performs significantly better than benchmarks in terms of the level forecasting accuracy and directional forecasting accuracy.
Integration of Well‐Being Therapy and Positive Psychotherapy: A Response to Fava and Guidi's (2021) Commentary on Radstaak et al. (2020)
Authors: Radstaak Mirjam , Hüning Laura , Bohlmeijer Ernst T
Published: March 2021

The results of our study on the effects of well‐being therapy (WBT) compared with a treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) control condition among individuals with residual symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were recently published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress (Radstaak et al., 2020). In a subsequent commentary, Fava and Guidi (2020) raised several conceptual and methodological issues that they asserted potentially limited the interpretation of the results. In this response, we aim to clarify these issues, thus contributing to the optimal interpretation of the findings.
Ultrasound‐Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Trapezius Muscle Injection for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Authors: Yürük Damla , Akkaya Ömer Taylan , Polat Özgür Emre , Alptekin Hüseyin Alp
Published: March 2021

Objective

There were two goals to this study: the first goal was to research the analgesic effectiveness of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) added to the treatment after trapezius muscle injection (TMI) and the second was to investigate whether repeated TMI increases the analgesic effect in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

Methods

Sixty patients with a diagnosis of MPS were randomized into two groups. The TMI group (n = 30) received ultrasound‐guided (USG) TMI with 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine two times, with a 1‐week interval in between. The ESPB group (n = 30) received USG TMI with 5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine in the first week and USG ESPB with 20 mL of 0.125% bupivacaine in the second week. The pain severity of the patients was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). The data obtained before (week 0) and after (weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4) the injections were statistically compared between the groups.

Results

In both groups, the mean VAS score decreased in the first week compared to the mean pretreatment score (p < .001). When the VAS scores were compared between the first and second weeks, a decrease was observed in both groups (p < .001), but it was more evident in the ESPB group. Compared to previous weeks, there was no significant difference in VAS scores at the third and fourth weeks.

Conclusions

The analgesic effect of repeated TMI for MPS was superior to a single injection, but ESPB combined with TMI provided more effective analgesia than repeated TMI.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: A 2020 perspective
Authors: Benedict Jacob J. , Derkay Craig S.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Despite recent advancement recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) remains a rare but challenging benign airway neoplasm. In recent years there has been significant shifts in incidence of this disease due to changes in vaccination and prevention for human papilloma virus (HPV) and its related pathology. This review will highlight the epidemiology, prevention and treatment of RRP.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched using relevant MeSH terms including “recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.” The titles and abstracts were reviewed to assess relevance and unrelated articles were excluded. A full‐text review for select articles was performed, the data and discussions were interpreted and synthesized to create a concise update on the management of RRP.

Results

With the increasing utilization of the 9‐valent and quadrivalent HPV vaccine in Australia, we have seen a significant decrease in the incidence of RRP. Preliminary data in the US shows a similar trend of decreased incidence after implementation of vaccination. Single dose Gardasil in developing countries has shown sustained immunization for at least 7 years. Preliminary clinical trials and retrospective studies have shown the HPV vaccine may have benefit as a treatment method in addition to prevention for HPV related diseases. Bevacizumab (Avastin), a VEGF monoclonal antibody, has shown promise as a systemic treatment for RRP. The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected perioperative management of RRP.

Conclusion

RRP continues to decline in incidence since the implementation of HPV vaccination. Advancement in the medical management including Bevacizumab show promise as an additional option for the management of RRP.
Physiologic Reserve Assessment and Application in Clinical and Research Settings in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Bhanji Rahima A. , Watt Kymberly D.
Published: March 2021

Physiologic reserve is an important prognostic indicator. Because of its complexity, no single test can measure an individual’s physiologic reserve. Frailty is the phenotypic expression of decreased reserve and portends poor prognosis. Both subjective and objective tools have been used to measure one or more components of physiologic reserve. Most of these tools appear to predict pretransplant mortality, but only some predict posttransplant survival. Incorporation of these measures of physiologic reserve in the clinical and research settings including prediction models are reviewed, and the applicability to patient‐related outcomes are discussed. Commonly used tools, in patients with cirrhosis, that have been associated with clinical outcomes were reviewed. The strength of subjective tools lies in low‐cost, wide availability, and quick assessments at the bedside. A disadvantage of these tools is the manipulative capacity, restricting their value in allocation processes. The strength of objective tests lies in objective measurements and the ability to measure change. The disadvantages include complexity, increased cost, and limited accessibility. Heterogeneity in the definitions and tools used has prevented further advancement or a clear role in transplant assessment. Consistent use of objective tools, including the 6‐minute walk test, gait speed, Liver Frailty Index, or Short Physical Performance Battery, are recommended in clinical and research settings.
Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)‐Hydrogel Microparticles with Soft Barrier Shell for the Encapsulation of Micrococcus luteus
Authors: Mafi Mahsa , Kushmaro Ariel , Greenblatt Charles , Agarwal Seema , Greiner Andreas
Published: March 2021

The encapsulation of bacteria in polymers results in hybrid materials that are essential for the long‐term biological activity of bacteria and formulations in practical applications. Here, the problem of bacterial escape and the exchange of metabolism products from hydrogel microparticles within an aqueous environment are addressed. Bacteria are encapsulated in chemically cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel‐microparticles followed by their encapsulation in a pH‐responsive and soft antibacterial shell of poly(N,N‐diethylamino ethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA). This polymer shell acts selectively with regards to the mass transport in and out of the microparticle core and is affected by environmental parameters, such as pH and antibacterial effect. The pH‐responsive PDEAEMA shell forms an open porous structure that accelerates nutrient transfer into the PVA core containing living Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus). Results show that the antibacterial effect of PDEAEMA retards the escape of bacteria up to 35 days when the shell is open. Additionally, the permeation of a small molecule into the gel, for example, methylene blue dye through the core/open‐shell structure, certifies a flexible barrier for mass transport, which is required in the long term for the biological activity of encapsulated M. luteus.
Providers struggle to remain open amid rising service demand
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2021

A year into the pandemic and while anticipating funding support from last week's passage of the COVID‐19 relief bill, many mental health and substance use treatment providers raised concerns that they may not be able to keep their operation running without that additional federal funding support, according to data released last month by the National Council for Behavioral Health.
Lipidomic Profiling of Human Milk Derived Exosomes and Their Emerging Roles in the Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Chen Wenjuan , Chen Xiaohui , Qian Yun , Wang Xingyun , Zhou Yahui , Yan Xiangyun , Yu Boshi , Yao Shuwen , Yu Zhangbin , Zhu Jingai , Han Shuping
Published: March 2021

Scope

Human milk can prevent the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Human milk is rich in cargo‐carrying exosomes that participate in intercellular communication. This study investigated the effects of term and preterm human milk‐derived exosomes, and elucidated their lipid expression profiles.

Methods and Results

Milk from healthy mothers is collected who have delivered full‐term or preterm infants, and exosomes are isolated and quantified. Administration of term and preterm milk exosomes significantly enhances epithelial proliferation and migration in vitro, and ameliorates the severity of NEC in vivo. A total of 395 lipids are identified in term and preterm human milk‐derived exosomes. Bioinformatics analysis and western blotting reveal that top 50 lipids regulate intestinal epithelial cell function via the Extracellular‐Signal‐Regulated Kinase/Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway.

Conclusion

This study reveals for the first time the lipidomic complexities in exosomes derived from preterm and term milk. The results provide novel mechanistic insight on how human milk prevents the development of NEC.
Estuary-Level Genomic Variation Confirms Demographic and Life History Differences among Black Drum Populations in Texas
Authors: Anderson Joel , Williford Damon , Olsen Zachary
Published: March 2021

The Black Drum Pogonias cromis is a year-round resident in estuarine and nearshore habitats throughout the Gulf of Mexico and is common in Texas. Multiple studies have highlighted life history and demographic variation in this species among estuaries, and tagging studies conducted in Texas suggest limited migration between adjacent estuaries. While these findings raise the potential for genetic heterogeneity among estuaries via accumulation of genetic drift, such an effect has never been tested. We used 5,340 genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms from a reduced-representation genomic library to assess the magnitude and geographic pattern of genetic heterogeneity in Black Drum sampled from multiple estuaries in Texas. We found significant genetic heterogeneity that could be partitioned into three regional groupings: northern (Sabine Lake to San Antonio Bay), central (upper Laguna Madre and its secondary bays) and southern (lower Laguna Madre). These regional groupings roughly coincide with significant differences in life history strategies noted in previous studies and suggest a regional stock structure that is anchored by two independently collected lines of evidence. There was also evidence for weak but significant genetic structure among adjacent secondary estuaries within the Baffin Bay complex. Finally, outliers from the genomic data set correlated weakly (but significantly) with differences in residual growth among individuals. These findings imply genetic heterogeneity of Black Drum among and within estuaries, correlation of growth phenotypes with a small partition of outlier loci, and correlation between genomic patterns and complex regional differences in life history phenotypes described previously. Stock assessments for this species should carefully consider regional stock definitions and model parameters because such inputs may vary significantly above and below the scale of estuaries.
Studying the flip side of migrant remittances: A panel cointegration analysis of 18 selected Asian countries
Authors: Dutta Ujjal Protim
Published: March 2021

This study is an attempt to gauge the effect of remittances on Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) with the help of a panel of 18 selected Asian countries. The period considered for this study is from 1998 to 2016. To achieve the objective of the study, along with Pedroni panel cointegration technique, ‘Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square’ and ‘Dynamic Ordinary Least Square’ methods were applied. The results of the study suggest that remittances exert upward pressure on REER. In case of both the estimators (FMOLS and DOLS), the coefficient of remittances is negative and statistically significant at 1% level. Impulse response functions (IRFs) derived from the Panel Vector Auto Regressive model (PVAR) exhibits similar kind of results. The results obtained from this study raise the concerns similar to the ones raised by the Dutch disease or discoveries of natural resources leading to the appreciation of REER.
Synthesis and characterization of porous copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate
Authors: Maciejewska Małgorzata , Rogulska Magdalena , Józwicki Mateusz , Głodowska Natalia
Published: March 2021

The present study describes the synthesis and characterization of porous copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) cross‐linked ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). They were synthesized in the regular microspheric shape via suspension–emulsion polymerization using toluene as a porogen. Different molar ratios of monomers (1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1) were applied in the syntheses. It was interesting to check if any of the above mentioned ratios can provide materials with an advantageous proportion of hydroxyl groups to the value of specific surface area. Additionally, we aimed into polymers with a good thermal stability. The obtained materials were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy, hydroxyl value (HV), low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption method, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that by tuning the molar ratio of functional monomer to the cross‐linker, it is possible to obtain copolymers with developed internal structure and a high HV. The optimal results were achieved for HEMA‐co‐EGDMA_1:2 (specific surface area: 111 m2/g, HV: 117 mg KOH/g). Furthermore, all the synthesized copolymers show a good thermal stability both in helium and air atmospheres. Their temperatures of 5% mass losses are over 230°C. The presented data indicate that the synthesized microspheres can be potentially use in various adsorption techniques including high temperature processes.
Effects of oil palm and montmorillonite nanofillers on stiffness and interfacial adhesion of kenaf/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Hammami Helmi , Jawaid Mohammad , Kallel Ali
Published: March 2021

The dielectric properties of bio‐hybrid composites based on natural Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB), montmorillonite (MMT) and organomodified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay reinforced kenaf (KF)/epoxy are reported in this study. The molecular mobility, interfacial adhesion between KF fibers and epoxy resin matrix, and fragility near the glass transition temperature were evaluated using Broadband dielectric spectroscopy over a wide temperature range from 20 to 180°C and a frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz. Obtained results indicated different relaxations: the α glass‐rubbery transition and the interfacial polarization between KF/epoxy called Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillars polarization “MWS(KF/epoxy)” whose amplitude, position and dielectric strength ∆εMWS(kenaf/epoxy) depends on the type of the added nanofillers. ∆εMWS(kenaf/epoxy) decrease for all the measured temperatures while the activation energy Ea of the α‐process and rigidity increase when the nanocharges are introduced. It has been found that the OPEFB, MMT, and OMMT are uniformly distributed in the matrix and act as a link between the KF fibers and the epoxy resin via the formation of new CO and SiOSi bonds.
Quantitative assessment of COVID‐19 pneumonia in neonates using lung ultrasound score
Authors: Li Wei , Fu Manli , Qian Chao , Liu Xin , Zeng Lingkong , Peng Xuehua , Hong Yue , Zhou Huan , Yuan Li
Published: March 2021

Background

Lung ultrasound (LUS) and lung ultrasound score (LUSS) have been successfully used to diagnose neonatal pneumonia, assess the lesion distribution, and quantify the aeration loss. The present study design determines the diagnostic value of LUSS in the semi‐quantitative assessment of pneumonia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) neonates.

Methods

Eleven COVID‐19 neonates born to mothers with COVID‐19 infection and 11 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were retrospectively studied. LUSS was acquired by assessing the lesions and aeration loss in 12 lung regions per subject.

Results

Most of the COVID‐19 newborns presented with mild and atypical symptoms, mainly involving respiratory and digestive systems. In the COVID‐19 group, a total of 132 regions of the lung were examined, 83 regions (62.8%) of which were detected abnormalities by LUS. Compared with controls, COVID‐19 neonates showed sparse or confluent B‐lines (83 regions), disappearing A‐lines (83 regions), abnormal pleural lines (29 regions), and subpleural consolidations (2 regions). The LUSS was significantly higher in the COVID‐19 group. In total, 49 regions (37%) were normal, 73 regions (55%) scored 1, and 10 regions (8%) scored 2 by LUSS. All the lesions were bilateral, with multiple regions involved. The majority of the lesions were located in the bilateral inferior and posterior regions. LUS detected abnormalities in three COVID‐19 neonates with normal radiological performance. The intra‐observer and inter‐observer reproducibility of LUSS was excellent.

Conclusions

LUS is a noninvasive, convenient, and sensitive method to assess neonatal COVID‐19 pneumonia, and can be used as an alternative to the use of diagnostic radiography. LUSS provides valuable semi‐quantitative information on the lesion distribution and severity.
Insights into mineralocorticoid receptor homodimerization from a combined molecular modeling and bioinformatics study
Authors: Bianchetti Laurent , Sinar Deniz , Depenveiller Camille , Dejaegere Annick
Published: March 2021

In vertebrates, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a steroid‐activated nuclear receptor (NR) that plays essential roles in water‐electrolyte balance and blood pressure homeostasis. It belongs to the group of oxo‐steroidian NRs, together with the glucocorticoid (GR), progesterone (PR), and androgen (AR) receptors. Classically, these oxo‐steroidian NRs homodimerize and bind to specific genomic sequences to activate gene expression. NRs are multi‐domain proteins, and dimerization is mediated by both the DNA (DBD) and ligand binding domains (LBDs), with the latter thought to provide the largest dimerization interface. However, at the structural level, the dimerization of oxo‐steroidian receptors LBDs has remained largely a matter of debate and, despite their sequence homology, there is currently no consensus on a common homodimer assembly across the four receptors, that is, GR, PR, AR, and MR. Here, we examined all available MR LBD crystals using different computational methods (protein common interface database, proteins, interfaces, structures and assemblies, protein‐protein interaction prediction by structural matching, and evolutionary protein‐protein interface classifier, and the molecular mechanics Poisson‐Boltzmann surface area method). A consensus is reached by all methods and singles out an interface mediated by helices H9, H10 and the C‐terminal F domain as having characteristics of a biologically relevant assembly. Interestingly, a similar assembly was previously identified for GRα, MR closest homolog. Alternative architectures that were proposed for GRα were not observed for MR. These data call for further experimental investigations of oxo‐steroid dimer architectures.
Structure of MeuNaTxα‐1 toxin from scorpion venom highlights the importance of the nest motif
Authors: Mineev Konstantin S. , Kuzmenkov Alexey I. , Arseniev Alexander S. , Vassilevski Alexander A.
Published: March 2021

Old world scorpions produce an abundance of toxins called α‐NaTx, which interfere with the fast inactivation of voltage‐gated sodium channels. Their selectivity to channels of mammals or insects depends on a part of toxin named the specificity module. We report here the spatial structure of a major and broadly active toxin MeuNaTxα‐1 from the venom of Mesobuthus eupeus. Notably, its specificity module is markedly different from other α‐NaTx with known 3D structure. Close inspection shows that its conformation is a result of an interplay between protein motifs such as the nest and niche, which eventually shape α‐NaTx structural diversity.
Improved Dielectric and Energy Storage Properties of Ba0.8Ca0.2TiO3 Ceramics by Doping Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3
Authors: Zhang Yucong , Wu Chen , Fang Yu , Liu Changyi , Ge Wenwei , Zhao Hongwei , Yuan Hongming
Published: March 2021

Lead‐free Ba0.8Ca0.2TiO3–xmol%Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (abbreviated as BCT20–xBMN, x = 0–8) ceramics are fabricated by a conventional solid‐state reaction method. All BCT20–xBMN ceramics have pure perovskite phases which gradually change from tetragonal phase to cubic phase. The average grain size decreases significantly from ≈23 to ≈1.2 μm with the increase in BMN content. The Tm corresponding to the dielectric maximum of BCT20–xBMN decreases with the increase in x, and the room temperature dielectric constant increases significantly. The recoverable energy storage density Wrec and efficiency η% are enhanced to 0.17 J cm−3 and 81.3% for BCT20–6BMN due to the reduced remanent polarization by BMN doping. The Wrec increases with increasing temperature and shows peak values near the Tm. The η% of BCT20–6BMN and BCT20–7BMN has good temperature stability due to enhanced relaxor behavior.
Plasmon's Fizeau‐dragging effect at the interface of atomic and nano‐composites media
Authors: Khan Gohar Zeb , Ashraf Imrana , Ullah Arif , Bacha Bakht Amin
Published: March 2021

The velocity uncertainty by Fizeaus plasmon dragging‐effect is investigated at the interface of four level atomic medium and Silver Silica (AgSiO2) nano‐composites material by using surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs) waves. We measured the real part of the dispersion relation Re(Ksp) = 1.5K0 with probe and control field detunings and Re(Ksp) = 1.36K0 with control field Rabi frequencies ∣Ω1,2 ∣ /γ. Furthermore, Re(Ksp/K0) = 1.8 with damping rate γ42/γ and volume frictional change fm. A large kink in the real part of dispersion relation of SPPs was measured in the large interaction region. The group index is in the range of ±20. The maximum dragging coefficient is ±20. The relative phase difference due to dragging is enhance by factor of −1.5 × 10−8rad. The propagation time is measured to be 0.8 ns with both control field Rabi frequencies. The volume fractional change of nano particles, probe/control field detuning and Rabi frequency of control field significantly influence the dragging coefficient, relative phase difference and velocity uncertainty. Including Fizeau‐Dragging effect in the given configuration the velocity uncertainty is measured to be 15 μm/s which is much larger than the velocity width of Kuan et al, used Δva = (8kBTln2/m)1/2 = 176 mm/s. The velocity uncertainty could be improved to 0.1 μm/s by taking large ensemble of atomic coherence and large delay/advance in time due to SPPs.
Secondary lymphoma development after chemotherapy in three dogs
Authors: Kim Jeong Mi , Yi Hong Jae , Song Kun Ho , Seo Kyoung Won
Published: March 2021

Lymphoma is widely recognized in veterinary medicine. However, studies focused on secondary lymphoma after chemotherapy do not exist in veterinary medicine. An 11‐year‐old, spayed female Shih‐Tzu dog was diagnosed with mammary gland carcinoma. Twenty‐five months after carboplatin treatment, the dog developed generalized lymphadenopathy (GL), diagnosed as high‐grade T‐cell lymphoma by immunohistochemistry. Another spayed female Shih‐Tzu dog who was 15‐year‐old had biopsy‐induced gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Three months after being treated with Toceranib, the dog developed GL that was diagnosed by PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement as T‐cell lymphoma. An eight‐year‐old, castrated male Mongrel dog was diagnosed with mast cell tumour. The dog was treated with vinblastine, but 14 months later, GL was revealed. Fine‐needle aspiration indicated lymphoma. The owner declined to investigate the cell lineage. All three dogs developed GL after chemotherapy. We suggest that secondary lymphoma can develop in dogs after chemotherapy for a primary cancer, and thus long‐term follow‐up is necessary.
Comparison Principle for Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman Equations via a Bootstrapping Procedure
Authors: Kraaij Richard C. , Schlottke Mikola C.
Published: March 2021

We study the well-posedness of Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations on subsets of $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

in a context without boundary conditions. The Hamiltonian is given as the supremum over two parts: an internal Hamiltonian depending on an external control variable and a cost functional penalizing the control. The key feature in this paper is that the control function can be unbounded and discontinuous. This way we can treat functionals that appear e.g. in the Donsker–Varadhan theory of large deviations for occupation-time measures. To allow for this flexibility, we assume that the internal Hamiltonian and cost functional have controlled growth, and that they satisfy an equi-continuity estimate uniformly over compact sets in the space of controls. In addition to establishing the comparison principle for the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, we also prove existence, the viscosity solution being the value function with exponentially discounted running costs. As an application, we verify the conditions on the internal Hamiltonian and cost functional in two examples.
How family background shapes the relationship between human capital and fertility
Authors: Kramarz Francis , Rosenqvist Olof , Skans Oskar Nordström
Published: March 2021

Many previous studies have shown that skilled and educated women have fewer children. By comparing twins and close siblings in Swedish register data, we show that the negative association between human capital and fertility mostly reflects family background factors. For males, human capital measures are unrelated to fertility in the overall population, but this again masks the influence of family background factors as high-skilled males tend to have more children than their less-skilled twins or siblings. Hence, family background factors have a strong negative impact on the overall association between human capital measures and fertility for both women and men. Non-cognitive abilities deviate from these patterns—these abilities remain strongly complementary to fertility both within and across families. Our results can be reconciled with a stylized model where family-specific preferences for fertility are shared across generations and shape investments in skills and traits when children are young.
RTEF-1 Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification through Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cong Jingjing , Cheng Bei , Liu Jinyu , He Ping
Published: March 2021

Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevailing in cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease and, when present, is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. The osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is regarded as the foundation for mediating VC. Related transcriptional enhancer factor (RTEF-1), also named as transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) 4 or transcriptional enhancer factor-3 (TEF-3), is a nuclear transcriptional factor with a potent effect on cardiovascular diseases, apart from its oncogenic role in the canonical Hippo pathway. However, the role and mechanism of RTEF-1 in VC, particularly in calcification of VSMCs, are poorly understood. Our results showed that RTEF-1 was reduced in calcified VSMCs. RTEF-1 significantly ameliorated β-glycerophosphate (β-GP)-induced VSMCs calcification, as detected by alizarin red staining and calcium content assay. Also, RTEF-1 reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and decreased expressions of osteoblast markers such as Osteocalcin and Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), but increased expression of contractile protein, including SM α-actin (α-SMA). Additionally, RTEF-1 inhibited β-GP-activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway which plays a critical role in calcification and osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs. Specifically, RTEF-1 reduced the levels of Wnt3a, p-β-catenin (Ser675), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and p-GSK-3β (Ser9), but increased the levels of p-β-catenin (Ser33/37). Also, RTEF-1 increased the ratio of p-β-catenin (Ser33/37) to β-catenin proteins and decreased the ratio of p-GSK-3β (Ser9) to GSK-3β protein. LiCl, a Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator, was observed to reverse the protective effect of RTEF-1 overexpression on VSMCs calcification induced by β-GP. Accordingly, Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1), a Wnt antagonist, attenuated the role of RTEF-1 deficiency in β-GP-induced VSMCs calcification. Taken together, we concluded that RTEF-1 ameliorated β-GP-induced calcification and osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Near-occlusion is difficult to diagnose with common carotid ultrasound methods
Authors: Johansson Elias , Vanoli Davide , Bråten-Johansson Isa , Law Lucy , Aviv Richard I , Fox Allan J
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To assess the sensitivity and specificity of common carotid ultrasound method for carotid near-occlusion diagnosis.

Methods

Five hundred forty-eight patients examined with both ultrasound and CTA within 30 days of each other were analyzed. CTA graded by near-occlusion experts was used as reference standard. Low flow velocity, unusual findings, and commonly used flow velocity parameters were analyzed.

Results

One hundred three near-occlusions, 272 conventional ≥50% stenosis, 162 <50% stenosis, and 11 occlusions were included. Carotid ultrasound was 22% (95%CI 14–30%; 23/103) sensitive and 99% (95%CI 99–100%; 442/445) specific for near-occlusion diagnosis. Near-occlusions overlooked on ultrasound were found misdiagnosed as occlusions (n = 13, 13%), conventional ≥50% stenosis (n = 65, 63%) and < 50% stenosis (n = 2, 2%). No velocity parameter or combination of parameters could identify the 65 near-occlusions mistaken for conventional ≥50% stenoses with >75% sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

Near-occlusion is difficult to diagnose with commonly used carotid ultrasound methods. Improved carotid ultrasound methods are needed if ultrasound is to retain its position as sole preoperative modality.
Screening of radiotracer for diagnosis of colorectal cancer liver metastasis based on MACC1-SPON2
Authors: Jiang Hao , Guo Wei , Huang Kuan , Jiang Huijie , Zhang Rongjun , Hu Hongbo , Lin Xue , Wang Song
Published: March 2021

Background

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and Spondin2 (SPON2) are newly discovered oncogenes, but little is known about their role in colorectal cancer(CRC) liver metastases. PET has become an important molecular imaging technology due to its high sensitivity and quantifiability. In particular, its targeted, specific molecular probes can detect biological behaviors. This study was designed to evaluate the different biological properties of 18F-FDG, 18F-FLT, and 18F-FMISO PET. The value of the CRC liver metastasis model explores the correlation and potential mechanisms of three tracers uptakes with tumor-related biological characteristics.

Methods

Human CRC cell lines(LoVo and HCT8), were cultured for in vitro radionuclide uptake experiments to compare the molecular imaging features of colorectal cancer cells with different metastatic potentials. Two kinds of cells were injected into the spleen of nude mice to establish a liver metastasis model. After the tumor formation, three kinds of tracer PET images were performed to evaluate the characteristics of live PET imaging of high and low liver metastasis colorectal cancer models. The expression levels of MACC1 and SPON2 in tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Correlation between tracer uptake and expression of MACC1 and SPON2 in liver metastases was assessed by linear regression analysis.

Results

The uptake rate of in vitro three tracers uptake experiments was LoVo > HCT8. Micro-PET scan showed no significant difference between the 18F-FDG SUV values of the two cells (P > 0.05); there was significant difference between the 18F-FLT and 18F-FMISO SUV values (P < 0.05). All in vivo FLT and FMISO SUV values were significantly higher in LoVo tumors than in HCT8 tumors. The results of Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of MACC1 and SPON2 in LoVo liver metastasis were higher than those in HCT8 (P < 0.05). The 18F-FLT SUVmax ratio was significantly correlated with the expression of MACC1 and SPON2 in hepatic metastases (r = 0.737, P = 0.0026; r = 0.842, P = 0.0002). The 18F-FMISO SUVmax ratio was only significantly correlated with the expression of MACC1 in hepatic metastasis (r = 0.770, P = 0.0013).

Conclusions

Early screening with 18F-FLT and 18F-FMISO tracers has important clinical value for the efficient diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases.
The Association Between Burn Unit Census and Operative Intervention in a Resource‐Limited Setting
Authors: Gallaher Jared , Purcell Laura N. , Banda Wone , Reid Trista , Charles Anthony
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The relationship between hospital volume and outcomes remains unclear in the delivery of burn care in resource‐limited settings, where demand often exceeds capacity. We sought to characterize the association between burn patient volume and the use of operative intervention at a tertiary burn unit in Malawi.

Methods

This study examined patients admitted to Kamuzu Central Hospital located in Lilongwe, Malawi, over years 2011–2019. We described the association between the census at the time of admission and the use of operative intervention, as well as the time to operation. Patient census was defined as low (≤ 15 patients), medium (16–29 patients), and high (≥ 30 patients).

Results

A total of 2484 patients were included. The mean daily burn unit census was 22.5 patients (SD 6.6) and varied significantly by season. For the medium and high census, the adjusted risk ratio of undergoing surgery was 0.79 (95% CI 0.64, 0.97) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.49, 0.85), respectively, adjusted for flame burn, age, %TBSA, and delayed presentation. At a low admission census, the adjusted mean time to operation was 17.2 days (95% CI 14.4, 20.1) compared to 28.3 days (95% CI 25.4, 31.2) at a high census.

Conclusions

In a resource‐limited setting, an increasing mean daily census significantly reduced the use of operative intervention and increased time to operation, potentially increasing burn‐associated morbidity. In order to improve the quality of burn care in similar environments, improved resource allocation during busier seasons and targeted burn prevention efforts are imperative.
Correction to: Budding yeast Rad51: a paradigm for how phosphorylation and intrinsic structural disorder regulate homologous recombination and protein homeostasis
Authors: Woo Tai-Ting , Chuang Chi-Ning , Wang Ting-Fang
Published: March 2021

The article: Budding yeast Rad51: a paradigm for how phosphorylation and intrinsic structural disorder regulate homologous recombination and protein homeostasis.
Association of patients’ sex with treatment outcomes after intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin immunotherapy for T1G3/HG bladder cancer
Authors: D’Andrea David , Soria Francesco , Grotenhuis Anne J. , Cha Eugene K. , Malats Nuria , Di Stasi Savino , Joniau Steven , Cai Tommaso , van Rhijn Bas W. G. , Irani Jaques , Karnes Jeffrey , Varkarakis John , Baniel Jack , Palou Joan , Babjuk Marek , Spahn Martin , Ardelt Peter , Colombo Renzo , Serretta Vincenzo , Dalbagni Guido , Gontero Paolo , Bartoletti Riccardo , Larré Stephane , Malmstrom Per-Uno , Sylvester Richard , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To investigate the association of patients’ sex with recurrence and disease progression in patients treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) for T1G3/HG urinary bladder cancer (UBC).

Materials and methods

We analyzed the data of 2635 patients treated with adjuvant intravesical BCG for T1 UBC between 1984 and 2019. We accounted for missing data using multiple imputations and adjusted for covariate imbalance between males and females using inverse probability weighting (IPW). Crude and IPW-adjusted Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of patients’ sex with HG-recurrence and disease progression.

Results

A total of 2170 (82%) males and 465 (18%) females were available for analysis. Overall, 1090 (50%) males and 244 (52%) females experienced recurrence, and 391 (18%) males and 104 (22%) females experienced disease progression. On IPW-adjusted Cox regression analyses, female sex was associated with disease progression (HR 1.25, 95%CI 1.01–1.56, p = 0.04) but not with recurrence (HR 1.06, 95%CI 0.92–1.22, p = 0.41). A total of 1056 patients were treated with adequate BCG. In these patients, on IPW-adjusted Cox regression analyses, patients’ sex was not associated with recurrence (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.80–1.24, p = 0.96), HG-recurrence (HR 1.00, 95%CI 0.78–1.29, p = 0.99) or disease progression (HR 1.12, 95%CI 0.78–1.60, p = 0.55).

Conclusion

Our analysis generates the hypothesis of a differential response to BCG between males and females if not adequately treated. Further studies should focus on sex-based differences in innate and adaptive immune system and their association with BCG response.
Prediction skill of Sahelian heatwaves out to subseasonal lead times and importance of atmospheric tropical modes of variability
Authors: Guigma Kiswendsida H. , MacLeod David , Todd Martin , Wang Yi
Published: March 2021

Global warming has increased the frequency of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, over recent decades. Heat early warning systems are being set up in many regions as a tool to mitigate their effects. Such systems are not yet implemented in the West African Sahel, partly because of insufficient knowledge on the skill of models to predict them. The present study addresses this gap by examining the skill of the ECMWF ENS extended-range forecasting system (ENS-ext) to predict Sahelian heatwaves out to subseasonal lead-times. It also assesses the importance of tropical modes of variability, which were previously identified as important large-scale drivers of heatwave occurrence in the Sahel. The results show that ENS-ext is able to predict Sahelian heatwaves with significant skill out to lead-week 2–3. With increasing lead-time, heatwaves are more predictable at nighttime than at daytime. Likewise, the pre-monsoon season heatwaves have a longer predictability than those occurring in late winter. The model is also able to relatively well simulate the observed relationship between heatwave occurrence and tropical mode activity. Furthermore, the prediction skill is better during the active phases of the modes, suggesting that they are good sources of heatwave predictability. Therefore, improving the representation of tropical modes in models will positively impact heatwave prediction at the subseasonal scale in the Sahel, and gain more time and precision for anticipatory actions.
Colchicine in ischemic heart disease: the good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: D’Amario Domenico , Cappetta Donato , Cappannoli Luigi , Princi Giuseppe , Migliaro Stefano , Diana Giovanni , Chouchane Karim , Borovac Josip A. , Restivo Attilio , Arcudi Alessandra , De Angelis Antonella , Vergallo Rocco , Montone Rocco A. , Galli Mattia , Liuzzo Giovanna , Crea Filippo
Published: March 2021

Inflammation is the main pathophysiological process involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation, progression, instability, and healing during the evolution of coronary artery disease (CAD). The use of colchicine, a drug used for decades in non-ischemic cardiovascular (CV) diseases and/or systemic inflammatory conditions, stimulated new perspectives on its potential application in patients with CAD. Previous mechanistic and preclinical studies revealed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of colchicine exerted through its principal mechanism of microtubule polymerization inhibition, however, other pleiotropic effects beneficial to the CV system were observed such as inhibition of platelet aggregation and suppression of endothelial proliferation. In randomized double-blinded clinical trials informing our clinical practice, low doses of colchicine were associated with the significant reduction of cardiovascular events in patients with stable CAD and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) while in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), early initiation of colchicine treatment significantly reduced major adverse CV events (MACE). On the other hand, the safety profile of colchicine and its potential causal relationship to the observed increase in non-CV deaths warrants further investigation. For these reasons, postulates of precision medicine and patient-tailored approach with regards to benefits and harms of colchicine treatment should be employed at all times due to potential toxicity of colchicine as well as the currently unresolved signal of harm concerning non-CV mortality. The main goal of this review is to provide a balanced, critical, and comprehensive evaluation of currently available evidence with respect to colchicine use in the setting of CAD.