bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ultrasound‐assisted microwave hot air convective drying Chinese hickory—Drying kinetics and product's quality properties
Authors: Zhang Jigang , Li Maoye , Ding Zhien , Wang Chuyan , Cheng Jianghua
Published: September 2021

The fresh Chinese hickory nuts (Carya cathayensis sarg.) were exposed to airborne ultrasound‐assisted convective drying and microwave‐assisted convective drying, as well as their combination. We investigated the effect of different drying schemes on process kinetics and quality characteristics. The global model of drying kinetics based on coupled ordinary differential equations was used to describe the moisture and material temperature profiles during drying. Application of ultrasound and microwave in convective drying reduced drying time in the range of 14.0–56.6%, but the maximum savings was found for simultaneous exposure of convection, ultrasound, and microwave with the range of 73.6–84.2%. The globally mathematical model was successfully used to simulate the real drying kinetics processes. The quality properties about the content of heat‐sensitive bioactive substances such as phenolic, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, individual phenolic compounds, as well as antioxidant capacity in convective drying assisted with microwave (100 W) and ultrasound (200 W; CU2M1) are found to be significantly higher than the other groups. The results allow stating ultrasound increase drying efficiency, as expected by reducing the drying time there is less damage to the product.

Practical Application

In this work, we designed an experimental scale hybrid dryer that equipped with hot‐air convective drying, ultrasound generator and microwave drying system to dehydrate Chinese hickory nut and the effect of different drying schemes on the drying kinetics and product characteristics were investigated. This is an innovative technology of microwave and ultrasound hybrid drying to produce dried hickory products. Application of ultrasound and microwave in convective drying reduced drying time in the range of 14–56.6%, but the shortest drying time was observed for simultaneous action of convection, ultrasound, and microwave. The results of qualitative analysis showed a product improvement due to ultrasound as compared to convective drying and microwave‐convective drying.
Transient expansion of the expression region of Hsd11b1, encoding 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, in the developing mouse neocortex
Authors: Doi Miyuki , Oka Yuichiro , Taniguchi Manabu , Sato Makoto
Published: September 2021

Corticosteroids are stress‐related hormones that maintain homeostasis. The most effective corticosteroids are corticosterone (CORT) in rodents and cortisol in primates. 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1; EC 1.1.1.146), encoded by Hsd11b1, is a key regulator of the local concentration of CORT/cortisol. Hsd11b1 expression in layer 5 of the primary somatosensory cortex has been shown in adult mice. However, its localization in the entire neocortex, especially during development, has not been fully addressed. Here, we established robust and dynamic expression profiles of Hsd11b1 in the developing mouse neocortex. Hsd11b1 was found mostly in pyramidal neurons. By retrograde tracing, we observed that some Hsd11b1‐positive cells were projection neurons, indicating that at least some were excitatory. At postnatal day 0 (P0), Hsd11b1 was expressed in the deep layer of the somatosensory cortex. Then, from P3 to P8, the expression area expanded broadly; it was observed in layers 4 and 5, spanning the whole neocortex, including the primary motor cortex (M1) and the primary visual cortex (V1). The positive region gradually narrowed from P14 onwards and was ultimately limited to layer 5 of the somatosensory cortex at P26 and later. Furthermore, we administered CORT to nursing dams to increase the systemic CORT level of their pups. Here, we observed a reduced number of Hsd11b1‐positive cells in the neocortex of these pups. Our observation suggests that Hsd11b1 expression in the developing neocortex is affected by systemic CORT levels. It is possible that stress on mothers influences the neocortical development of their children.

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ENETS standardized (synoptic) reporting for molecular imaging studies in neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Hicks Rodney J. , Dromain Clarisse , de Herder Wouter W. , Costa Frederico P. , Deroose Christophe M. , Frilling Andrea , Koumarianou Anna , Krenning Eric P. , Raymond Eric , Bodei Lisa , Sorbye Halfdan , Welin Staffan , Wiedenmann Bertram , Wild Damian , Howe James R. , Yao James , O’Toole Dermot , Sundin Anders , Prasad Vikas
Published: September 2021

The European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) promotes practices and procedures that aim to improve the standard of care delivered to patients diagnosed with or suspected of having neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN). At its annual Scientific Advisory Board Meeting in 2018, experts in imaging, pathology and clinical care of patients with NEN drafted guidance for the standardised reporting of diagnostic studies critical to the diagnosis, grading, staging and treatment of NEN. These included pathology, radiology, endoscopy and molecular imaging procedures. In an iterative process, a synoptic reporting template for molecular imaging procedures was developed to guide personalised therapies. Following pilot implementation and refinement within the ENETS Center of Excellence network, harmonisation with specialist imaging societies including the Society of Nuclear Medicine, European Association of Nuclear Medicine and the International Cancer Imaging Society will be pursued.
Tongue pressure waveform analysis for ascertaining the influence of tongue muscle composition on articulation
Authors: Nakao Yuta , Uchiyama Yuki , Honda Kosuke , Hasegawa Yoko , Nanto Tomoki , Jomoto Wataru , Domen Kazuhisa
Published: September 2021

Background

Rate force development is associated with performance and muscle composition in whole‐body muscle. Although rate force development on tongue muscle can be examined using tongue pressure waveform, there have been only few investigations on this topic.

Objectives

This study's main purpose was to investigate the reliability of tongue pressure waveform analysis and its relationship with articulation and tongue muscle composition. In addition, we also investigated the association between tongue muscle composition and articulation.

Methods

Forty‐five community‐dwelling individuals aged >20 years participated. We analysed tongue pressure waveform, including maximum tongue pressure (MTP), time to peak, mean rate of tongue force development and peak rate of tongue force development (PRTFD). We also assessed oral diadochokinesis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the tongue provided data on tongue muscle composition, including tongue volume, fat mass, lean muscle mass and fat percentage. We evaluated the reliability of tongue pressure waveform analysis. Moreover, we examined the coefficients between tongue pressure waveform analysis, oral diadochokinesis and tongue composition.

Results

We detected a high reliability of MTP and PRTFD. MTP and PRTFD were significantly correlated with tongue muscle composition. MTP was not significantly correlated with oral diadochokinesis. PRTFD was significantly positively correlated with oral diadochokinesis. Tongue fat mass and fat percentage were negatively correlated with oral diadochokinesis of /ta/ and /ka/.

Conclusions

Peak rate of tongue force development is a highly reliable method for tongue pressure analysis and is useful for elucidating the functional importance of tongue muscle function on articulation. We speculated that fatty infiltration of the tongue adversely affects articulation.
When change is all around: How dynamic network capability and generative NPD learning shape a firm’s capacity for major innovation
Authors: Chen Yongjian (Ken) , Coviello Nicole , Ranaweera Chatura
Published: September 2021

How can firms shape their capacity to engage in major innovation when change is all around? Drawing on dynamic capability theory, we argue that a firm needs to be able to sense, seize, and transform network relationships for new product development (NPD). Referred to here as a “dynamic network capability,” this facilitates generative NPD learning, whereby the firm both (1) unlearns and (2) engages in exploratory new learning. In turn, we argue that generative NPD learning is strongly associated with a firm's capacity for major innovation. Our theorizing is supported by a study of 184 small‐ and medium‐sized, U.S. manufacturing firms. A moderated mediation analysis suggests that when external dynamism is high, generative NPD learning mediates the relationship between dynamic network capability and major innovation capacity. This indicates that the firm's ability to “relearn” is critical. This mediating effect is further strengthened when internal dynamism is also high. Our results provide empirical evidence that the higher‐order concept of a dynamic capability influences the reconfiguration of resources such as NPD knowledge. The findings also signal the combined influence of external (environmental) and internal (organizational) dynamism on this relationship.
From Euphoria to Dysphoria –Why do Cricketers Suffer from High Rates of Depression?
Authors: Tindale Alexander
Published: September 2021

Cricketers suffer from higher rates of depression than both the general public and other sportsmen, as evidenced by the high suicide rates amongst retired test cricketers compared with age‐matched controls. This is likely due to a complex array of psychosocial factors including the nature of sportsmen that play cricket, the unique nature of the sport, the duration of matches and hence the time away from support networks and the social situation of cricketers in the pre‐professional era.
The cell wall polysaccharides of a photosynthetic relative of apicomplexans, Chromera velia
Authors: Tortorelli Giada , Pettolino Filomena , Lai De‐Hua , Tomčala Aleš , Bacic Antony , Oborník Miroslav , Lukeš Julius , McFadden Geoffrey I.
Published: September 2021

Chromerids are a group of alveolates, found in corals, that show peculiar morphological and genomic features. These organisms are evolutionary placed in‐between symbiotic dinoflagellates and parasitic apicomplexans. There are two known species of chromerids: Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis. Here, the biochemical composition of the C. velia cell wall was analyzed. Several polysaccharides adorn this structure, with glucose being the most abundant monosaccharide (approx. 80%) and predominantly 4‐linked (approx. 60%), suggesting that the chromerids cell wall is mostly cellulosic. The presence of cellulose was cytochemically confirmed with calcofluor white staining of the algal cell. The remaining wall polysaccharides, assuming structures are similar to those of higher plants, are indicative of a mixture of galactans, xyloglucans, heteroxylans, and heteromannans. The present work provides, for the first time, insights into the outermost layers of the photosynthetic alveolate C. velia.
Thinking about social power and hierarchy in medical education
Authors: Vanstone Meredith , Grierson Lawrence
Published: September 2021

Context

Social power has been diversely conceptualised in many academic areas. Operating on both the micro (interactional) and macro (structural) levels, we understand power to shape behaviour and knowledge through both repression and production. Hierarchies are one organising form of power, stratifying individuals or groups based on the possession of valued social resources.

Discussion

Medicine is a highly organised social context where work and learning are contingent on interaction and thereby influenced greatly by social power and hierarchy. Despite the relevance of power to education research, there are many unrealized opportunities to use this construct to expand our understanding of how physicians work and learn. Hierarchy, when considered in our field, is typically gestured to as an omnipresent feature of the clinical environment that harms low‐status individuals by repressing their ability to communicate openly and exercise their agency. This may be true in many circumstances, but this conceptualization of hierarchy neglects consideration of other aspects of hierarchy that may be generative for understanding the experiences of medical learners. For example, medical learners may experience the superimposition of multiple hierarchies, some of which are fluid and some of which are calcified, some of which are productive and helpful and some of which are oppressive and harmful. Power may work ‘up’ and ‘across’ hierarchical ranks, rather than just from higher status to lower status individuals.

Conclusion

The conceptualizations of how social power shapes human behaviour are diverse. Often paired with hierarchy, or social arrangement, these social scientific ideas have much to offer our collective study of the ways that health professionals learn and practice. Accordingly, we posit that a consideration of the ways social power works through hierarchies to nurture or harm the growth of learners should be granted explicit consideration in the framing and conduct of medical education research.
When I say … Likert item
Authors: Krupat Edward
Published: September 2021

Krupat weighs in on the longstanding debate about the best ways to write items for surveys by exploring what is meant by "Likert item".
Curricula that promote primary care: Time for action
Authors: Phillips Julie , Nguyen Bich‐May
Published: September 2021

Phillips nd Nguyen argue that the time has come for medical schools to be held accountable for developing the primary care workforce to meet the needs of the public.
Effects of rhythmic eye movements during a virtual reality exposure paradigm for spider‐phobic patients
Authors: Reitmaier Jessica , Schiller Anika , Mühlberger Andreas , Pfaller Michael , Meyer Marie , Shiban Youssef
Published: September 2021

Rhythmic eye movements performed during eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy have been shown to evoke a physiological de‐arousal pattern.

Objectives

Here, we examined whether the efficacy of a virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) paradigm for phobic patients could be improved by adding rhythmic eye movements.

Design

Spider‐phobic patients (N = 53) were randomly assigned to either a group performing rhythmic eye movements or a control group undergoing exposure without such eye movements.

Methods

During the VRET session, heart rate, electrodermal activity, eye movements, and subjective fear ratings were recorded. Participants underwent behavioural avoidance tests before and after treatment as well as a follow‐up 10–14 days later. Questionnaire data were assessed before exposure and at follow‐up.

Results

There were clear treatment effects in both groups with almost no group differences (i.e., the subjective fear ratings and the skin conductance response).

Conclusions

Contrary to our expectation, the implementation of rhythmic eye movements during virtual exposure did not enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. However, the eye movement group did show a significantly lower heart rate during exposure compared with the control group which might indicate a less stressful treatment.

Practitioner points

One‐session Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy reduced fear of spiders effectively.

Performing rhythmic eye movements during exposure did not enhance therapy effects.

Rhythmic eye movements during exposure resulted in lower heart rate than standard exposure.
Role of ethylene in effective establishment of the peanut–bradyrhizobia symbiotic interaction
Authors: Muñoz V. L. , Figueredo M. S. , Reinoso H. , Fabra A.
Published: September 2021

Ethylene has been implicated in nitrogen fixing symbioses in legumes, where rhizobial invasion occurs via infection threads (IT). In the symbiosis between peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and bradyrhizobia, the bacteria penetrate the root cortex intercellularly and IT are not formed. Little attention has been paid to the function of ethylene in the establishment of this symbiosis. The aim of this article is to evaluate whether ethylene plays a role in the development of this symbiotic interaction and the participation of Nod Factors (NF) in the regulation of ethylene signalling.

Manipulation of ethylene in peanut was accomplished by application of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC), which mimics applied ethylene, or AgNO3, which blocks ethylene responses. To elucidate the participation of NF in the regulation of ethylene signalling, we inoculated plants with a mutant isogenic rhizobial strain unable to produce NF and evaluated the effect of AgNO3 on gene expression of NF and ethylene responsive signalling pathways.

Data revealed that ethylene perception is required for the formation of nitrogen‐fixing nodules, while addition of ACC does not affect peanut symbiotic performance. This phenotypic evidence is in agreement with transcriptomic data from genes involved in symbiotic and ethylene signalling pathways. NF seem to modulate the expression of ethylene signalling genes.

Unlike legumes infected through IT formation, ACC addition to peanut does not adversely affect nodulation, but ethylene perception is required for establishment of this symbiosis. Evidence for the contribution of NF to the modulation of ethylene‐inducible defence gene expression is provided.
What is giving vitality to continue at work? A qualitative study of older health professionals’ vitality sources
Authors: Söderbacka Tina , Nyholm Linda , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: September 2021

Background and aim

Vitality is described as ‘life energy’, ‘inner strength’ and ‘inner health resource’ and is the essence of health. Especially during the ageing process, it is of fundamental importance that an individual's health resources are strengthened to support work ability. The need for health services increases as the population ages and meanwhile the workforce in health care is also ageing. The aim of the study was to explore what is giving vitality to older workers in health care to continue at work until retirement age and maybe even an extended working life.

Informants, methodology and methods

A qualitative interview study was conducted. A total of 15 people aged 59–65 participated in the study, all of them working in the health care sector. Five participants were administrative personnel and ten were nurses. One man and fourteen women took part in the study. Qualitative content analyses were used.

Findings

The results show that meaningful work, possibilities to use one's knowledge, relationships and work community are promoting vitality. Vitality is affected by work conditions, benefits, personal values and own health.

Conclusion

Plans about continuing at work seem to depend on both external and internal reasons. Knowledge of what influences older employees’ vitality resources makes it possible to improve their work situation so that vitality and work ability can be maintained by occupational health and employers despite the ageing process.
Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of cephalic arch stenosis in hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Xing Xue , Wang Zhixiang , Yang Yi , Li Jin , Xu Gang , He Fan
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Cephalic arch stenosis (CAS) is a common cause that leads to the failure of hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). Patients with CAS are primarily treated with fluoroscopy‐guided angioplasty. Here, seven patients with de novo cephalic arch stenosis who underwent office‐based UG‐PTA were.

Methods

Retrospectively analyzed the total of 321 patients with AVF dysfunction in the nephrology departmnet between July 2017 and October 2018. Among them, seven patients with de novo CAS were included in this study and followed up every 2 months for more than a year.

Results

No significant complications were seen from the operations, and the primary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were found to be 100% and 42.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

The office‐based UG‐PTA is probably safe, effective, and feasible in the management of CAS and can be used as a substitute for fluoroscopy‐guided PTA.
The mafic volcanic climax of the Paraná‐Etendeka Large Igneous Province as the trigger of the Weissert Event
Authors: Bacha Rafael R. B. , Waichel Breno L. , Ernst Richard E.
Published: September 2021

The association between Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) and mass extinctions and anoxic events is attributed to the radical climatic changes in Earth. Even though the Early Cretaceous Paraná–Etendeka Igneous Province has a comparable erupted volume (>1 Mkm3) to other LIPs (e.g., Deccan, Emeishan and Siberian Traps), it remains controversial why this LIP did not contribute to a mass extinction and whether it is associated with the Weissert Event. This work presents new 40Ar/39Ar dating over a 425‐m vertical stratigraphic profile (out of 1,000 m) that spans three formations of the PE‐LIP in southern Brazil (low‐Ti Vale do Sol, high‐Ti Urubici, and high‐Ti Palmas). Our data demonstrate that this mafic lava pile was emplaced in c. 2.0 m.y., from c. 135.5 Ma to c. 133.5 Ma, and endorse the hypothesis that the basaltic and andesitic flows of the Vale do Sol Formation (peak of mafic magmatism) contributed to the Weissert Event.
TaNAC100 acts as an integrator of seed protein and starch synthesis exerting pleiotropic effects on agronomic traits in wheat
Authors: Li Jihu , Xie Lina , Tian Xiuling , Liu Siyang , Xu Dengan , Jin Hui , Song Jie , Dong Yan , Zhao Dehui , Li Genying , Li Yulian , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yong , Xia Xianchun , He Zhonghu , Cao Shuanghe
Published: September 2021

High‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) are major components of seed storage proteins (SSPs) and largely determine the processing properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum) flour. HMW‐GS are encoded by the GLU‐1 loci and regulated at the transcriptional level by interaction between cis‐elements and transcription factors (TFs). We recently validated the function of conserved cis‐regulatory modules (CCRMs) in GLU‐1 promoters, but their interacting TFs remained uncharacterized. Here we identified a CCRM‐binding NAM‐ATAF‐CUC (NAC) protein, TaNAC100, through yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H) library screening. Transactivation assays demonstrated that TaNAC100 could bind to the GLU‐1 promoters and repress their transcription activity in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana). Overexpression of TaNAC100 in wheat significantly reduced the contents of HMW‐GS and other SSPs as well as total seed protein. This was confirmed by transcriptome analyses. Conversely, enhanced expression of TaNAC100 increased seed starch contents and expression of key starch synthesis‐related genes, such as TaGBSS1 and TaSUS2. Y1H assays also indicated TaNAC100 binding with the promoters of TaGBSS1 and TaSUS2. These results suggest that TaNAC100 functions as a hub controlling seed protein and starch synthesis. Phenotypic analyses showed that TaNAC100 overexpression repressed plant height, increased heading date, and promoted seed size and thousand kernel weight. We also investigated sequence variations in a panel of cultivars, but did not identify significant association of TaNAC100 haplotypes with agronomic traits. The findings not only uncover a useful gene for wheat breeding but also provide an entry point to reveal the mechanism underlying metabolic balance of seed storage products.
Tribological Behavior of Microalloyed Cu50Zr50 Alloy
Authors: Younes A. , De la Flor S. , Clark S. J. , Nutter J. , Birkett M. , Watson J. O. , Unthank M. , Gonzalez Sergio
Published: September 2021

Promoting the martensitic transformation through optimum microalloying with Fe and/or Mn was observed to be an effective method to enhance the wear resistance of the Cu50Zr50 at% shape memory alloy (SMA). Among all the potential microelements and concentrations, partial replacement of Cu by up to 1 at% Fe and Mn is of interest since from density functional-based calculations, large minimization of the stacking fault energy (SFE) of the B2 CuZr phase is predicted. For this reason, an effective martensitic transformation is expected. The largest decrease of the SFE from 0.36 J/m2 to 0.26 J/m2 is achieved with partial replacement of Cu by 0.5 at% Fe. This results in the highest martensitic transformation upon wear testing, especially at highest load (15 N) for which the mass loss is 0.0123 g compared to 0.0177 g for Cu50Zr50 and a specific wear-rate of 5.9 mm3/Nm, compared to 8.5 for mm3/Nm for Cu50Zr50. This agrees with the low coefficient of friction of 0.48 ± 0.05 and low roughness of 0.200 ± 0.013 µm of the Fe-containing alloy compared to that for Cu50Zr50, 0.55 and 0.415 ± 0.026 µm, respectively. All the worn surfaces show the formation of abrasive grooves, being shallowest for the more wear resistant 0.5 at% Fe alloy. The second more wear resistant alloy contains 0.5 at% Mn. Wear mechanisms of abrasion, adhesion, and delamination have been identified.
Polymethylmethacrylate wettability change spatially correlates with self-organized streamer microdischarge patterns in dielectric barrier discharge plasmas
Authors: Polonskyi Oleksandr , Hartig Torge , Uzarski Joshua R. , Gordon Michael J.
Published: September 2021

Multifunctional polymer surfaces exhibiting both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionality were created using self-organized plasma “streamer” microdischarges occurring in atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) operating with argon and air. Surface chemistry and wettability change of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were found to spatially correlate with self-organized streamer patterns. Gas atmosphere was found to play a significant role on streamer density, pattern stability, and lateral contrast of plasma-induced physicochemical property changes across the surface. Stable streamer patterns, with each streamer surrounded by a glowlike discharge, were obtained in argon; discharges in air had more transient and chaotic streamers that were surrounded by dark “plasma free”-like zones. Air plasma streamer treatment of PMMA resulted in hybrid hydrophilic/phobic surfaces with water contact angles (WCA) ranging from 30° to 100° (PMMA WCA = 75°), depending on processing conditions and location. WCA and XPS mapping after treatment revealed that surface chemistry is preferentially modified near streamers, and moreover, that streamer exposure in air locally renders the surface more hydrophilic, surrounded by regions that are more hydrophobic. Overall, this work demonstrates that self-organized streamers in DBD plasmas could be used for scalable and localized modification of surfaces.
The effects of lexical content, acoustic and linguistic variability, and vocoding on voice cue perception
Authors: Koelewijn Thomas , Gaudrain Etienne , Tamati Terrin , Başkent Deniz
Published: September 2021

Perceptual differences in voice cues, such as fundamental frequency (F0) and vocal tract length (VTL), can facilitate speech understanding in challenging conditions. Yet, we hypothesized that in the presence of spectrotemporal signal degradations, as imposed by cochlear implants (CIs) and vocoders, acoustic cues that overlap for voice perception and phonemic categorization could be mistaken for one another, leading to a strong interaction between linguistic and indexical (talker-specific) content. Fifteen normal-hearing participants performed an odd-one-out adaptive task measuring just-noticeable differences (JNDs) in F0 and VTL. Items used were words (lexical content) or time-reversed words (no lexical content). The use of lexical content was either promoted (by using variable items across comparison intervals) or not (fixed item). Finally, stimuli were presented without or with vocoding. Results showed that JNDs for both F0 and VTL were significantly smaller (better) for non-vocoded compared with vocoded speech and for fixed compared with variable items. Lexical content (forward vs reversed) affected VTL JNDs in the variable item condition, but F0 JNDs only in the non-vocoded, fixed condition. In conclusion, lexical content had a positive top–down effect on VTL perception when acoustic and linguistic variability was present but not on F0 perception. Lexical advantage persisted in the most degraded conditions and vocoding even enhanced the effect of item variability, suggesting that linguistic content could support compensation for poor voice perception in CI users.
A New Small-Molecule Compound, Q308, Silences Latent HIV-1 Provirus by Suppressing Tat- and FACT-Mediated Transcription
Authors: Zhou Chen-liang , Huang Yi-fan , Li Yi-bin , Liang Tai-zhen , Zheng Teng-yi , Chen Pei , Wu Zi-yao , Lai Fang-yuan , Liu Shu-wen , Xi Bao-min , Li Lin
Published: September 2021

Eliminating the latent HIV reservoir remains a difficult problem for creating an HIV functional cure or achieving remission. The “block-and-lock” strategy aims to steadily suppress transcription of the viral reservoir and lock the HIV promoter in deep latency using latency-promoting agents (LPAs).
Antibiotic Use and Bacterial Infection among Inpatients in the First Wave of COVID-19: a Retrospective Cohort Study of 64,691 Patients
Authors: Baghdadi Jonathan D. , Coffey K. C. , Adediran Timileyin , Goodman Katherine E. , Pineles Lisa , Magder Larry S. , O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Pineles Beth L. , Nadimpalli Gita , Morgan Daniel J. , Harris Anthony D.
Published: September 2021

Hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) often receive antibiotics for suspected bacterial coinfection. We estimated the incidence of bacterial coinfection and secondary infection in COVID-19 using clinical diagnoses to determine how frequently antibiotics are administered when bacterial infection is absent.
Loss of Neutrophil Homing to the Periodontal Tissues Modulates the Composition and Disease Potential of the Oral Microbiota
Authors: Hashim A. , Alsam A. , Payne M. A. , Aduse-Opoku J. , Curtis M. A. , Joseph S.
Published: September 2021

Periodontal disease is considered to arise from an imbalance in the interplay between the host and its commensal microbiota, characterized by inflammation, destructive periodontal bone loss, and a dysbiotic oral microbial community. The neutrophil is a key component of defense of the periodontium: defects in their number or efficacy of function predisposes individuals to development of periodontal disease.
RISC in Entamoeba histolytica: Identification of a Protein-Protein Interaction Network for the RNA Interference Pathway in a Deep-Branching Eukaryote
Authors: Zhang Hanbang , Veira Juliana , Bauer Sarah Twitty , Yip Christopher , Singh Upinder
Published: September 2021

Entamoeba histolytica
is a leading parasitic cause of death in developing countries, and our efforts are focused on defining the molecular basis of RNA interference (RNAi) gene regulation in this parasite. The
Entamoeba
RNAi pathway effectively silences a subset of endogenous genes and has also been harnessed as a gene silencing tool to study gene function in this organism.
The Emergence and Zoonotic Transmission of H10Nx Avian Influenza Virus Infections
Authors: Everest Holly , Billington Elizabeth , Daines Rebecca , Burman Alice , Iqbal Munir
Published: September 2021

Avian influenza viruses pose a continuous threat to both poultry and human health, with significant economic impact. The ability of viruses to reassort and jump the species barrier into mammalian hosts generates a constant pandemic threat.
Independent Promoter Recognition by TcpP Precedes Cooperative Promoter Activation by TcpP and ToxR
Authors: Calkins A. L. , Demey L. M. , Karslake J. D. , Donarski E. D. , Biteen J. S. , DiRita V. J.
Published: September 2021

Vibrio cholerae
continues to be a public health threat throughout much of the world. Its ability to cause disease is governed by an unusual complex of regulatory proteins in the membrane of the cell, including ToxR and TcpP.
Abundance and Compositions of B-Vitamin-Producing Microbes in the Mammalian Gut Vary Based on Feeding Strategies
Authors: Alrubaye Hisham S. , Kohl Kevin D.
Published: September 2021

Microbial communities offer numerous physiological services to their hosts, but we still have a poor understanding of how these functions are structured across mammalian species. Specifically, our understanding of processes of vitamin synthesis across animals is severely limited.
Bacteria and Archaea Synergistically Convert Glycine Betaine to Biogenic Methane in the Formosa Cold Seep of the South China Sea
Authors: Li Lingyan , Zhang Wenting , Zhang Shengjie , Song Lei , Sun Qinglei , Zhang Huan , Xiang Hua , Dong Xiuzhu
Published: September 2021

Numerous cold seeps have been found in global continental margins where methane is enriched in pore waters that are forced upward from sediments. Therefore, high concerns have been focused on the methane-producing organisms and the metabolic pathways in these environments because methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
A probable case of collapse due to hyoscine patch
Authors: Ale Pramol , Munaf Asif , Kemp Timothy
Published: September 2021

This case report highlights the potentially serious side effects of hyoscine and how a seemingly innocuous patch may confound patients and doctors alike. It demonstrates how easy it is to miss an obvious diagnosis when in fact a thorough medical history including an exhaustive drug history can easily point us in the direction of the diagnosis fairly quickly. Finally, hyoscine may cause potentially serious side effects and patients who are taking it, either orally or transdermally, should be made aware of these.
Intraoperative postinfarct ventricular septal rupture during coronary bypass grafting
Authors: Kok Cornelis L , Balzereit Anja , Stooker Wim , Plonek Tomasz P
Published: September 2021

We report a case of a ventricular septal rupture (VSR) which occurred during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation. The procedure took place 5 days after ST-elevation myocardial infarction of the inferior wall. The VSR repair was not performed at the time of the CABG operation. The intention was to wait until scar formation occurs to facilitate the repair. The patient was supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and additional intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) on intensive care unit. Ten days after CABG the patient underwent a successful VSR repair and 5 days later was weaned from VA-ECMO. He was discharged from hospital 6 weeks after the initial CABG. This case report underlines the importance of VA-ECMO and a multidisciplinary approach with frequent examination of haemodynamic state in the treatment of patients with mechanical complications of myocardial infarction who are not suitable for immediate repair.
Inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction secondary to coronary artery spasm in a patient on maintenance sirolimus postrenal transplantation
Authors: Kalsi Mandeep Singh , Dayawansa Nalin , Octavia Yanti , ul Haq M Asrar
Published: September 2021

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. While transplantation improves the quality of life and reduces the mortality risk for most patients when compared with maintenance dialysis, it introduces significant morbidity associated with induction and maintenance immune suppression. Sirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, is frequently used as a second-line maintenance immunosuppressive agent in solid organ transplant recipients. Sirolimus may, however, have adverse vascular effects and has previously been shown to induce endothelial cell dysfunction and impaired nitric oxide production in vitro. Sirolimus-eluting coronary artery stents have been associated with rare reports of severe coronary artery vasospasm; however, systemic sirolimus therapy has not previously been associated with vasospastic complications.
Methaemoglobinaemia in the perioperative period with regional block
Authors: Cook Arianna , Grant Stuart , Kapeluk Sharon , Steele Patrick
Published: September 2021

Methaemoglobin is a form of haemoglobin with oxidised ferric (+3) iron rather than ferrous (+2) iron, which causes a leftward shift in the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve and prevents oxygen delivery. Anaesthesiologists need to be familiar with this differential diagnosis for hypoxia given the use of drugs in the perioperative setting known to induce methaemoglobinaemia, including benzocaine and lidocaine, antibiotics such as dapsone and anaesthetic gases, including nitric oxide. This case report details an interesting case of symptomatic methaemoglobinaemia in the perioperative period in the setting of dapsone use and an erector spinae block performed with ropivacaine.
Using a community-based participatory research approach to meaningfully engage those with lived experience of diabetes and homelessness
Authors: Campbell David J T , Campbell Rachel B , DiGiandomenico Anna , Larsen Matthew , Davidson Marleane A , McBrien Kerry , Booth Gillian L , Hwang Stephen W
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Participatory research is a study method that engages patients in research programs, ideally from study design through to dissemination. It is not commonly used in diabetes health services research. Our objectives were to describe the process and challenges of conducting a participatory research project and to highlight the experiences of both patient co-researchers and academic researchers.

Research design and methods

We recruited people with lived experience of homelessness (PWLEH) and diabetes in Toronto, Canada to become patient co-researchers. They were asked to commit to attending biweekly meetings. We undertook two major research projects: concept mapping to choose a research focus; and photovoice to explore accessing healthy food while homeless. We used a convergent mixed-methods design to evaluate their experience.

Results

A diverse group of eight PWLEH had an average attendance of 82% over 21 meetings—despite this success, we encountered a number of challenges of conducting this research: funding, ethics approval and recruitment were particularly difficult. Group members reported that participation improved their ability to self-advocate in their diabetes care and provided them with tangible skills and social benefits. Group members stated that they valued being involved in all aspects of the research, in particular knowledge translation activities, including advocating for nutritious food at shelters; presenting to stakeholders; and meeting with policymakers.

Conclusions

The use of participatory research methods enables academic researchers to support community members in pursuing research that is pertinent to them and which has a positive impact. In our study, co-researchers contributed in meaningful ways and also valued the experience.
Reactions of non-abused children aged 3–9 years to the Sexual Knowledge Picture Instrument: an interview-based study
Authors: van Ham Kirsten , van Delft Sanne , Brilleslijper-Kater Sonja N , van Rijn Rick R , van Goudoever Johannes B , van der Lee Johanna H , Teeuw Arianne H
Published: September 2021

Background

The Sexual Knowledge Picture Instrument (SKPI) is a child-friendly picture book that was developed as a diagnostic tool for sexual abuse in young children and is currently being validated. The aim of the current study was to explore the verbal and non-verbal reactions of non-abused Dutch children, aged 3–9 years, to the SKPI and to assess differences in reactions between genders and age groups.

Methods and analysis

Subject recruitment took place at preschools and primary schools. All children underwent a recorded video semi-structured interview with the SKPI. Interview recordings were scored by an independent rater who used scoring lists for verbal and non-verbal reactions. Non-parametric tests were used in statistical analyses.

Results

Of the 90 children (median age 5 years) participating in the study, most correctly named the genitals and their non-sexual functions. Only 34 showed an understanding of the picture depicting adult sexuality, with just one child describing a sexual function. Girls (n=45) gave more correct answers (median 87%) than boys (n=45, median 78%; p=0.006). Giggling was the most frequently observed non-verbal reaction, with a total of 186 instances in 54 children.

Conclusion

Non-abused children up to 9 years of age showed only limited knowledge of the sexual function of the genitals and hardly any insight into adult sexuality.
Circulating tumour cells and circulating cell-free DNA in patients with lung cancer: a comparison between thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Katopodis Periklis , Anikin Vladimir , Kishore Uday , Carter Thomas , Hall Marcia , Asadi Nizar , Polychronis Andreas , Karteris Emmanouil
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The type of lung cancer surgery impacts on tumour manipulation during surgery and may drive dissemination of cancer cells into the vasculature, thus facilitating metastatic spread. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of surgically induced trauma using peripheral blood from preoperative and postoperative patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection.

Methods

Imaging flow cytometry was used to measure circulating cancer-associated cells (CCs). Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) isolation was performed using Promega dsDNA HS Assay Kit. DNA integrity measurements were calculated by the ALU247 to ALU115 ratio and cytokine levels measured using the Luminex screening assay.

Results

CCs were increased in postoperative blood samples in 54 patients with NSCLC. Patients who underwent thoracotomy instead of VATS had higher numbers of EpCAM (p=0.004) and PanCK-labelled (p=0.03) CCs postoperatively. ccfDNA and DNA integrity index were also significantly increased in postoperative samples (p=0.0009 and p=0.04), with concomitant increase in interleukin 6 and interleukin 10 levels in the same cohorts (p=0.0004 and p=0.034, respectively).

Conclusions

In this study we have shown the potential clinical utility of several biomarkers from liquid biopsies to guide perioperative management, as well as provide a snapshot of the type of surgical resection in terms of circulating tumour cell release. Obtaining reliable readouts from blood can provide crucial information for disease progression, as well as being of prognostic value monitoring patients’ response to treatment.
Discontinuation of nucleot(s)ide analogue therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hall Samuel Anthony Lachlan , Vogrin Sara , Wawryk Olivia , Burns Gareth S , Visvanathan Kumar , Sundararajan Vijaya , Thompson Alexander
Published: September 2021

Background and aims

Sustained virological suppression and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss have been described after nucleot(s)ide analogue (NA) discontinuation for patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We performed a meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes after NA discontinuation for HBeAg-negative CHB.

Methods

Studies involving NA cessation in HBeAg-negative CHB individuals with a median follow-up of ≥12 months were included. Participants were HBeAg-negative at the time of NA initiation. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for the following clinical outcomes: (1) virological relapse (VR) at 6 and 12 months; (2) clinical relapse (CR) at 6 and 12 months and (3) HBsAg loss. Effect of other variables was estimated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Studies including patients stopping entecavir (ETV) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) were considered separately to studies including patients stopping older generation NA.

Results

N=37 studies met inclusion criteria. Cumulative incidence of VR and CR after stopping ETV/TDF was 44% and 17% at 6 months and 63% and 35% at 12 months. Similar relapse rates were observed after stopping older NAs. Among patients stopping ETV/TDF, TDF cessation was associated with increased CR rates at 6 months versus ETV. There was an association between follow-up ≥4 years and HBsAg loss rates when stopping older NAs. Hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma were rare but occurred more frequently in studies including cirrhotic individuals.

Conclusion

VR is common after NA discontinuation, however, CR was only seen in one-third of patients at 12 months. Stopping NA therapy can be followed by HBsAg clearance, and rates are higher with longer follow-up.
Association between annual household income and adverse outcomes in patients who had ischaemic stroke
Authors: Zang Yuhan , Zhu Zhengbao , Shi Mengyao , Wang Aili , Xie Xuewei , Xu Tan , Peng Yanbo , Yang Pinni , Li Qunwei , Ju Zhong , Geng Deqin , Chen Jing , Liu Liping , Zhang Yonghong , He Jiang
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

The association between annual household income and prognosis of ischaemic stroke remains debatable. We aimed to prospectively investigate the relationship between annual household income and prognosis at 3 months after ischaemic stroke.

Methods

We included 3975 participants from the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke. All participants were categorised into three groups according to annual household income per capita: <¥10 000 (Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)), ¥10 000–19 999 and ≥¥20 000. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of death and major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3) at 3 months after stroke onset, and secondary outcomes included major disability, death, and vascular events. A meta-analysis was conducted to incorporate the results of the current study and previous studies on the association of income level with outcomes after stroke.

Results

Within 3 months after ischaemic stroke, 1002 participants (25.20%) experienced primary outcome (880 major disabilities and 122 deaths). After multivariate adjustment, low annual household income level was associated with increased risk of the primary outcome (OR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.31; Ptrend=0.034) when two extreme groups were compared. The meta-analysis confirmed the significant association between income level and death or major disability after stroke (pooled relative risk for lowest vs highest income level, 1.31 (95% CI: 1.18 to 1.45)).

Conclusions

Low annual household income per capita was significantly associated with increased risks of adverse clinical outcomes at 3 months after ischaemic stroke, independently of established risk factors. Further studies from other samples are needed to replicate our findings due to a reason for excluding some patients who had a severe stroke in this study.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov (http://wwwclinicaltrialsgov) Registry (NCT01840072).
Association between Blood Carboxyhemoglobin Level and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Extremely Low Birthweight Infants
Authors: Tagliaferro Thea , Cayabyab Rowena , Ramanathan Rangasamy
Published: September 2021

Carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) can be endogenously formed in the presence of oxidative stress and may be elevated in inflammatory lung disease. There is lack of evidence of its relationship with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants. The objective of the study is to evaluate the relationship between blood CO-Hb levels in the first 14 days of life (DOL) in ELBW infants and the development of BPD at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). This is a retrospective cohort study of 58 ELBW infants born at LAC-USC Medical Center between June 2015 and and June 2019 who survived to 36 weeks PMA. CO-Hb values were collected daily from DOL 1 to DOL 14. BPD definition using the recent 2019 NICHD criteria was used. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the association between blood CO-Hb levels and BPD. Receiver operator curve was used to evaluate the ability of the median fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) level used at DOL 11–14 in discriminating absent to mild BPD versus moderate to severe BPD. 58 ELBW infants were included in the study. 24 (41%) were diagnosed with moderate to severe BPD, while 34 (59%) were diagnosed with no to mild BPD. Severity of BPD was fairly discriminated by FiO2 at DOL 11–14, but not with CO-Hb levels at any point within the first 14 DOL. The role and mechanism of CO-Hb production in this population need to be further studied.