bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of thickening agents on rheological properties and sensory attributes of dysphagic diet
Authors: de O. S. Schmidt Helena , Komeroski Marina Rocha , Steemburgo Thaís , de Oliveira Viviani Ruffo
Published: March 2021

Dysphagia is the difficulty during the progression of the bolus from the mouth to the stomach. Modifying the texture of the food is a fundamental factor for safe swallowing in patients with dysphagia since inadequate consistency can result in complications. To personalize and develop diets for dysphagia, understanding, and controlling the rheological and sensory properties of thickeners is useful. This review examines the different types of thickeners used to modify the texture of foods, as well as their influence on rheological properties and sensory attributes to efficiently manage the diet in dysphagia. The study discusses characteristics such as: hardness, viscosity, viscoelasticity, as well as sensory attributes related to rheology. The thickeners xanthan gum, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, linseed, and chia, carboxymethylated curdlan, and konjac glucomannan were reviewed in this work. Sensory evaluations of different foods have already been carried out on some products such as: meats, carrots, soups, pates, and timbales with their modified textures. The sensory attributes measured among hydrocolloids are strongly correlated with rheological parameters. Dysphagic diets should have less hardness and adherence, but with adequate cohesiveness to facilitate chewing, swallowing to protect from aspiration and reduction of residues in the oropharynx. The use of a single type of thickener may not be ideal, their mixtures and synergistic effect can improve the viscous and elastic characteristics of foods, to obtain safe food to swallow and to improve the sensory interest of dysphagic patients. Personalized recommendations with follow‐up on swallowing approaches, respecting patient's individuality, explaining thickening agents' differences would be pertinent.
Bolus rheology of texture‐modified food: Effect of degree of modification
Authors: Stading Mats
Published: March 2021

Swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, require an intake of texture‐modified foods progressively softer, smoother, and moister depending on the severity of the disorder. Bolus rheology was determined for five healthy subjects for a set of such solid foods regularly given to dysphagia patients. The softest class was gel food, then a smooth timbale which both were compared to the corresponding regular, un‐modified food. The foods investigated were bread, cheese, tomato, and the combination as a sandwich, all for the respective texture class: gel, timbale, and regular food. The subjects chewed until ready to swallow and the expectorated bolus was immediately measured for complex shear modulus and viscosity, and moisture and saliva content were determined. Rheology show that texture‐modification influenced bolus rheology with decreased viscosity and modulus for increased degree of modification. Also saliva content as well as chews‐to‐swallow decreased with degree of modification. Overall, the bolus saliva content was lower for the combination (sandwich) than for the individual components. Saliva content was fairly constant irrespective of food moisture content. The phase angle for all boluses was also relatively constant, indicating a similar bolus structure. All boluses of the texture‐modified foods showed high extensional viscosity, which is important for bolus cohesiveness. Bolus rheology rather than food texture determines if a food is safe to swallow and the results show that the intended texture‐modification is reflected in the flow properties of the respective boluses.
The cost‐effectiveness of case‐finding strategies for achieving hepatitis C elimination among men who have sex with men in the UK
Authors: Macgregor Louis , Ward Zoe , Martin Natasha K , Nicholls Jane , Desai Monica , Hickson Ford , Weatherburn Peter , Hickman Matthew , Vickerman Peter
Published: March 2021

Modelling suggests hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is possible among men who have sex with men (MSM), with key screening groups including HIV‐diagnosed MSM and MSM using pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Mathematical modelling was used to determine the cost‐effectiveness of HCV case‐finding strategies among MSM from the provider perspective, and to determine which interventions could achieve a 90% reduction in HCV incidence over 2015–2030. At baseline, we assumed symptomatic screening in HIV‐negative MSM (including PrEP users) and 12‐monthly screening among HIV‐diagnosed MSM. Improved case‐finding strategies included screening alongside HIV testing in HIV‐negative MSM not using PrEP (PrEP non‐users); 12/6/3‐monthly screening in PrEP users; and 6‐monthly screening in HIV‐diagnosed MSM, with the cost‐effectiveness being compared incrementally. Costs (GBP) and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were assessed to estimate the mean incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) with a time horizon to 2050, compared to a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of £20,000/QALY. From the baseline, the most incrementally cost‐effective strategy is to firstly undertake: (1) 12‐monthly HCV screening of PrEP users (gaining 6715 QALYs with ICER £1760/QALY), followed by (2) HCV screening among PrEP non‐users alongside HIV testing (gaining 7048 QALYs with ICER £4972/QALY). Compared to the baseline, this combined strategy would cost £46.9 (95%CrI £25.3–£66.9) million and achieve the HCV elimination target in 100% of model runs. Additional screening incurs ICERs >£20,000/QALY compared to this combined strategy. In conclusion, HCV elimination can be achieved cost‐effectively among UK MSM. Policymakers should consider scaling‐up HCV screening in HIV‐negative MSM, especially PrEP users, for achieving this target.
Comparison of IDEXX SediVue Dx® urine sediment analyzer to manual microscopy for detection of casts in canine urine
Authors: Vasilatis Demitria M. , Cowgill Larry D. , Farace Giosi , Peterson Sarah , Yerramilli Murthy , Owens Sean D.
Published: March 2021

Background

Detection of urinary casts is difficult due to their intermittent presence and deterioration in urine samples.

Objective

To compare the performance of the IDEXX SediVue Dx® Urine Sediment Analyzer (SediVue) with manual microscopy for the detection of urinary casts. We hypothesized that the SediVue analyzer would perform similarly to manual microscopy in cast detection.

Animals

Four hundred forty‐three samples from 420 dogs from a hospital population.

Methods

This is a prospective, cross‐sectional study. For SediVue analysis (software version [SW] 1.0.1.3), uncentrifuged urine was pipetted into a disposable cartridge. Seventy images were captured and processed by an onboard algorithm. For manual microscopy, urine was centrifuged to obtain sediment. Any cast identified by either method was considered a positive result (>0/low‐power field [LPF]). SediVue images were evaluated if casts were detected by either methodology. A revised sensitivity and specificity were calculated after image review and when using a threshold of >1 cast/LPF.

Results

The sensitivity of the SediVue analysis for the detection of urinary casts was 53.7% (43.85%‐63.35%), and specificity was 86.0% (81.78%‐89.51%). After image review, the revised sensitivity/specificity was 52.0% (42.89%‐61.02%) and 90.6% (86.81%‐93.54%), respectively. When using a more clinically relevant threshold of >1/LPF, the sensitivity was 52.6% (35.82%‐69.02%) and specificity was 99.3% (97.85%‐99.85%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The SediVue provides moderate agreement to manual methodology for detection of casts in urine.
Successive use of shared space by badgers and cattle: implications for Mycobacterium bovis transmission
Authors: Woodroffe R. , Donnelly C. A. , Chapman K. , Ham C. , Moyes K. , Stratton N. G. , Cartwright S. J.
Published: March 2021

Managing infectious disease demands understanding pathogen transmission. In Britain, transmission of Mycobacterium bovis from badgers (Meles meles) to cattle hinders the control of bovine tuberculosis (TB), but the mechanism of such transmission is uncertain. As badgers and cattle seldom interact directly, transmission might occur in their shared environment through contact with contamination such as faeces, urine and saliva. We used concurrent GPS collar tracking of badgers and cattle at four sites in Cornwall, southwest Britain, to test whether each species used locations previously occupied by the other species, within the survival time of M. bovis bacteria. Although analyses of the same data set showed that badgers avoided cattle, we found no evidence that this avoidance persisted over time: neither GPS‐collared badgers nor cattle avoided space which had been occupied by the other species in the preceding 36 h. Defining a contact event as an animal being located <5 m from space occupied by the other species within the previous 36 h, we estimated that a herd of 176 cattle (mean herd size in our study areas) would contact badgers at least 6.0 times during an average 24‐h period. Similarly, we estimated that a social group of 3.5 badgers (mean group size in our study areas) would contact cattle at least 0.76 times during an average night. Such frequent successive use of the same shared space, within the survival time of M. bovis bacteria, could potentially facilitate M. bovis transmission via the environment.
Limitations of acoustic monitoring at wind turbines to evaluate fatality risk of bats
Authors: Voigt Christian C. , Russo Danilo , Runkel Volker , Goerlitz Holger R.
Published: March 2021

Wind turbines (WTs) frequently kill bats worldwide. During environmental impact assessments, consultant ecologists often use automated ultrasonic detectors (AUDs) to estimate the activity and identity of bats in the zone of highest mortality risk at WTs in order to formulate mitigation schemes, such as increased curtailment speeds to prevent casualties. While acknowledging the potential of acoustic monitoring, we evaluate the limitations of AUDs for monitoring bats at WTs and highlight directions for future research. We show that geometric attenuation and atmospheric attenuation of ultrasonic echolocation calls, in conjunction with limited sensitivity of ultrasonic microphones, severely constrain detection distances of bats at WTs. Taking into account the acoustic shadow produced by the nacelle, AUDs cover only approximately 23% of the risk zone for a bat calling at 20 kHz and 4% for a bat calling at 40 kHz, assuming a 60 m blade length. This percentage will further decrease with increasing blade lengths in modern WTs. Additionally, the directionality of echolocation calls and the dynamic flight behaviour of bats constrain the detectability of bats. If a call can be detected, the low interspecific and high intraspecific variation of echolocation call characteristics may impair species identification, limiting the power to predict population‐level effects of fatalities. We conclude that technical, physical, and biological factors severely constrain acoustic monitoring in its current form. We suggest the use of several AUDs, installed at complementary sites at WTs, and the testing of other techniques, such as radar, cameras, and thermal imaging, to inform stakeholders on the mortality risk of bats at WTs.
Autonomous detection of damage to multiple steel surfaces from 360° panoramas using deep neural networks
Authors: Luo Cai , Yu Leijian , Yan Jiaxing , Li Zhongwei , Ren Peng , Bai Xiao , Yang Erfu , Liu Yonghong
Published: March 2021

Structural health assessments are essential for infrastructure. By using an autonomous panorama vision‐based inspection system, the limitations of the human cost and safety factors of previously time‐consuming tasks have been overcome. The main damage detection challenges to panorama images are (1) the lack of annotated panorama defect image data, (2) detection in high‐resolution images, and (3) the inherent distortion disturbance for panorama images. In this paper, a new PAnoramic surface damage DEtection Network (PADENet) is presented to solve the challenges by (a) using an unmanned aerial vehicle to capture panoramic images and a distorted panoramic augmentation method to expand the panoramic dataset, (b) employing the proposed multiple projection methods to process high‐resolution images, and (c) modifying the faster region‐based convolutional neural network and training via transfer learning on VGG‐16, which improves the precision for detecting multiple types of damage in distortion. The results show that the proposed method is optimal for surface damage detection.
Intra‐ and inter‐laboratory comparison of mDixon and FastFung broths for Malassezia antifungal susceptibility testing
Authors: Abdillah Abdourahim , Packeu Ann , Khelaifia Saber , Ranque Stéphane
Published: March 2021

Background

Malassezia spp. antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) capacities are limited by the lack of efficient and standardised AFST procedure, mainly because of the fastidious cultivation of these yeast.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the FastFung broth (FFB) to modified Dixon broth (mDIXB) for the in vitro AFST of Malassezia spp. Fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole and terbinafine MICs against a 19 Malassezia strains, including 6 M furfur, 4 M pachydermatis, 5 M sympodialis and 4 M slooffiae.

Methods

The essential agreement (EA) between the two assays, and the intra‐ and inter‐laboratory agreement of each assay were assessed.

Results

The MIC data obtained in our study were comparable to those reported in the literature. FFB showed to enhance Malassezia growth and displayed 100% (±2‐fold dilution) EAs demonstrating similar performances to mDIXB. In addition, the MIC data obtained by using the FFB were reproducible between laboratories with EAs ranging from 94.7% to 100%.

Conclusions

Therefore, FFB is a suitable alternative to mDXB for Malassezia spp. AFST.
Evaluation of DermaGenius® resistance real‐time polymerase chain reaction for rapid detection of terbinafine‐resistant Trichophyton species
Authors: Singh Ashutosh , Singh Prerna , Dingemans Gijs , Meis Jacques F. , Chowdhary Anuradha
Published: March 2021

Background

Treatment‐resistant dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale complex has emerged as a global public health threat, particularly in endemic countries like India and has spread to many other countries. This veritable spread is alarming due to increase in resistance to terbinafine, which targets the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway by inhibiting the enzyme squalene epoxidase (SQLE). About two third of studies worldwide have reported amino acid substitutions Phe397Leu and Leu393Phe in the SQLE protein to be responsible for high terbinafine MICs.

Objectives

We evaluated the efficacy of the newly developed DermaGenius® Resistance real‐time PCR assay to rapidly identify Trichophyton isolates harbouring most common SQLE mutant (Phe397Leu and Leu393Phe) conferring high terbinafine resistance from wild‐type susceptible isolates.

Methods

A total of 97 Trichophyton isolates confirmed by ITS sequencing as T. mentagrophytes/interdigitale (recently named T. indotineae n = 90), T. rubrum/T. soudanense (n = 3), T mentagrophytes (n = 2) and T tonsurans (n = 2) were analysed to evaluate DermaGenius® Resistance real‐time PCR assay. All 40 T. indotineae isolates exhibiting amino acid substitutions Phe397Leu or Leu393Phe identified by SQLE gene sequencing were evaluated for detection of non‐wild‐type strains by real‐time PCR. Antifungal susceptibility testing for terbinafine was done by CLSI microbroth dilution method.

Results

All terbinafine‐resistant isolates harbouring amino acid substitutions Phe397Leu or Leu393Phe in SQLE gene were correctly recorded as SQLE mutants by the DermaGenius® Resistance real‐time PCR assay.

Conclusions

The DermaGenius® Resistance real‐time PCR assay effectively identified Trichophyton species and distinguished wild‐type from SQLE mutant genotype that harbour Phe397Leu and Leu393Phe amino acid substitutions.
Assessing the stability of fiscal attitudes: Evidence from a survey experiment
Authors: Tuxhorn Kim‐Lee , D'Attoma John , Steinmo Sven
Published: March 2021

The literature on attitudes toward government budgets has been dominated by two distinct approaches, jointly studying both sides of the ledger (holistic approaches) and studying attitudes over spending and revenue separately (singular approaches). Despite both approaches being widely adopted, scholars have given limited attention to testing empirically how methodological differences in the approaches may affect measures of fiscal attitudes and the inferences we draw from those measures. In this paper, we ask, “Do the different approaches to studying the budget alter mass attitudes toward spending and taxes, and if so, how?” Using data from an Amazon MTurk survey experiment, we find that spending choices differ significantly (attitude instability) across the two approaches. On the revenue side, our results show that choices over taxation tend to remain consistent and stable, regardless of whether the choices include only taxes or the combination of taxes and spending.
Cardio‐metabolic risk factors during childhood in relation to lung function and asthma
Authors: Mensink‐Bout Sara M. , Santos Susana , de Jongste Johan C. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: March 2021

Background

Cardio‐metabolic risk factors might have an adverse effect on respiratory outcomes, but associations in children are unknown. We aimed to study the longitudinal associations of cardio‐metabolic risk factors with lung function and asthma at school age. We also examined whether any association was explained by child's body mass index (BMI).

Methods

In a population‐based cohort study among 4988 children, cardio‐metabolic risk factors were measured at 6 and 10 years and included blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. At age 10 years, lung function was measured by spirometry and current physician‐diagnosed asthma was assessed by questionnaire.

Results

After adjustment for confounders, child's BMI, and multiple testing, we observed that a higher diastolic blood pressure at the age of 6 years was associated with a higher forced vital capacity (FVC) at the age of 10 years (Z‐score difference (95% CI): 0.05 (0.01, 0.08), per SDS increase in diastolic blood pressure). Also, child's CRP concentrations above the 75th percentile at both ages 6 and 10 years were related to a lower FVC as compared to CRP concentrations below the 75th percentile at both ages (Z‐score difference (95% CI) −0.21 (−0.36, −0.06)). No consistent associations of other cardio‐metabolic risk factors with respiratory outcomes were observed.

Conclusion

Blood pressure and CRP, but not lipids and insulin, were associated with lower lung function but not with asthma. The underlying mechanisms and long‐term effects of these associations require further investigation.
Photosynthetic plasticity of a tropical tree species, Tabebuia rosea, in response to elevated temperature and [CO2]
Authors: Slot Martijn , Rifai Sami W. , Winter Klaus
Published: March 2021

Atmospheric and climate change will expose tropical forests to conditions they have not experienced in millions of years. To better understand the consequences of this change, we studied photosynthetic acclimation of the neotropical tree species Tabebuia rosea to combined 4°C warming and twice‐ambient (800 ppm) CO2. We measured temperature responses of the maximum rates of ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylation (VCMax), photosynthetic electron transport (JMax), net photosynthesis (PNet), and stomatal conductance (gs), and fitted the data using a probabilistic Bayesian approach. To evaluate short‐term acclimation plants were then switched between treatment and control conditions and re‐measured after 1–2 weeks. Consistent with acclimation, the optimum temperatures (TOpt) for VCMax, JMax and PNet were 1–5°C higher in treatment than in control plants, while photosynthetic capacity (VCMax, JMax, and PNet at TOpt) was 8–25% lower. Likewise, moving control plants to treatment conditions moderately increased temperature optima and decreased photosynthetic capacity. Stomatal density and sensitivity to leaf‐to‐air vapour pressure deficit were not affected by growth conditions, and treatment plants did not exhibit stronger stomatal limitations. Collectively, these results illustrate the strong photosynthetic plasticity of this tropical tree species as even fully developed leaves of saplings transferred to extreme conditions partially acclimated.
Assessments of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions with tissue Doppler imaging and myocardial performance index in children with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kizilca Ozgur , Ozmen Derya , Bahaettin Öncü Seyyit , Zihni Cuneyt , Kir Mustafa , Soylu Alper , Unal Nurettin , Kavukcu Salih
Published: March 2021

Background

This study aimed to document early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in chronic kidney disease (CKD) using methods such as tissue Doppler imaging and the myocardial performance index (MPI).

Methods

A total of 40 patients diagnosed with CKD (mean age, 10.1 ± 4.1 years) and 40 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls (mean age, 9.6 ± 4.3 years) were examined. In the patient group, 20 patients had early stage (Stage 2–3) CKD and 20 patients had late‐stage (stage 4–5) CKD, and 18 patients had hypertension.

Results

The pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPs) and LV mass index (LVMI) were significantly higher in the patient group (P < 0.05). The LV septal and lateral margins of the mitral annulus E'/A' ratio, E/E' ratio and MPI results were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.05). The MPI scores were higher in late‐stage CKD than in early stage CKD (P < 0.05). The E'/A' ratio was lower and the MPI was higher in the hypertensive CKD group compared with the normotensive CKD group (P < 0.05). The E/E' ratio was correlated positively with the LVMI, and the PAPs, and negatively with glomerular filtration rate, S' value, E'/A' ratio. The MPI was correlated positively with blood pressure, LVMI, PAPs, and the S value, and negatively with the E'/A' ratio.

Conclusions

The E'/A' ratio, the E/E' ratio, and the isovolumetric relaxation time measured by tissue Doppler imaging is highly accurate and easily applicable for detecting diastolic LV function, and the MPI is suitable for detecting both systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction. Their routine use may be useful in evaluating LV functions in children with CKD.
Factors and glucocorticoid usage affecting the prognosis of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Paç Kısaarslan Ayşenur , Özdemir Çiçek Sümeyra , Şahin Nihal , Başol Merve , Doğantan Şeyda , Taşkın Sema Nur , Poyrazoğlu Muammer Hakan
Published: March 2021

Background

The rate of glucocorticoid (GC) use is significantly higher in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) than other juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes. There is no consensus on the duration and dosage of GC treatment. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for a polyphasic / persistent disease course and the effect of dose and duration of GC treatment on SJIA prognosis.

Methods

Forty‐two patients who were diagnosed with SJIA, and for whom the duration of disease was longer than 2 years, were included. Patients were divided into monophasic and others (polyphasic / persistent disease course). Risk factors for polyphasic / persistent disease course, which were clinical and laboratory findings regarding the patients, treatment options, dose, and duration of GCs, were evaluated for the first active disease periods and for all flares in the entire disease course.

Results

Of the 42 SJIA patients, 21 had monophasic, and 21 had polyphasic / persistent disease. Cumulative dosages and durations of glucocorticoid treatment were similar in the two groups at the first flare (odds ratio (OR): 1.032P: 0.671; OR:1,113P: 0.115). Durations of the first active disease period were longer in the polyphasic / persistent group (OR:1.275,P: 0.01). Active disease duration cut‐off values of 1.5 months with sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 52.4% were observed on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The presence of hepatosplenomegaly at first flare was detected as an independent risk factor of polyphasic/persistent disease by multivariate analysis included both dosage and duration of a steroid (hazard ratio (HR): 4.129,P: 0.034), (HR: 3.992,P: 0.038). Multivariate recurrent events survival analysis determined ALT levels as a risk factor affecting polyphasic / persistent disease (HR: 0.986,P: 0.037).

Conclusions

Glucocorticoid dose and duration did not affect the active disease periods and disease course in SJIA. An active disease period longer than 1.5 months, presentation of hepatosplenomegaly at the initial disease course, and high ALT levels at the recurrences should warn physicians of polyphasic / persistent disease.
Semen analysis of boars under intertropical conditions reveals the relevance of proximal and distal cytoplasm droplets for sperm functional integrity
Authors: Valencia Julian , Alzate Edgar Andrés , Gómez Germán , Yeste Marc , Henao Francisco Javier
Published: March 2021

This work aimed to establish whether the temperature humidity index (THI) under different intertropical zones affects the retention of cytoplasmic droplets (CDs), sperm function and DNA integrity in boars. With this purpose, two separate studies were devised. In the first one, 49 boars from six farms were collected every 45 days (230 ejaculates). THI were measured daily, and sperm parameters were evaluated. Boars were classified into three groups based on the incidence of ejaculates having more than 25% spermatozoa with CDs: persistent (at least three consecutive ejaculates), moderate (less than three ejaculates) and absent (no ejaculate having ≥25% spermatozoa with CDs). Farms were classified based on THI through cluster analysis into two groups. In the second study, 32 liquid‐stored semen samples were classified based on three cluster analysis: low and high incidence of proximal (PCDs), distal (DCDs) CDs and a combination of PCD and DCDs. high THI farms presented significantly (p < .05) higher proportions of boars with moderate and persistent incidence of CD than those with low THI. In study 2, the presence of PCDs was negatively correlated with sperm DNA integrity (r = −0.691; p < .01). However, differences between groups were more apparent when ejaculates were classified based on both PCDs and DCDs than when PCDs or DCDs were considered separately. In conclusion, classification of boars according to the severity and persistence of CDs in boars allows understanding more clearly the dynamics of CD retention and the effects of ambient temperature and relative humidity. Additionally, the joint analysis of both PCDs and DCDs is necessary in routine sperm quality analyses.
Successful denosumab treatment for central giant cell granuloma in a 9‐year‐old child
Authors: Mariz Bruno Augusto Linhares Almeida , Migliorati César Augusto , Alves Fabio de Abreu , Penteado Fabiana de Moraes , Carvalho Neviçolino Pereira , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Rocha André Caroli
Published: March 2021

Background

Denosumab is a nonsurgical treatment option for central giant cell granulomas (CGCG), especially in aggressive lesions.

Case report

We describe a 9‐year‐old girl with an aggressive maxillary CGCG successfully treated with denosumab, avoiding a mutilating surgery after intralesional corticosteroid injections failed, and the lesion continued to rapidly grow. During denosumab treatment, she developed a self‐limiting area of osteonecrosis in the maxillary alveolar bone, which rapidly resolved after antibiotic therapy. Six months after denosumab discontinuation, a maxillary surgical recontour was performed. Two weeks after surgery, the patient presented vomiting, pallor, dehydration, but no fever. Blood tests revealed severe hypercalcemia and acute renal dysfunction. After discarding thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal alterations, a diagnosis of severe rebound hypercalcemia after denosumab treatment was made. Treatment consisted of hyperhydration, calcium pamidronate, and methylprednisolone, restoring calcium levels to normal.

Conclusion

After 2 years of follow‐up, she remains on orthodontic treatment, with no recurrences or other episodes of hypercalcemia.
Jasmonate induces biosynthesis of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin in apple by mediating the JAZ1–TRB1–MYB9 complex
Authors: An Jian‐Ping , Xu Rui‐Rui , Liu Xin , Zhang Jiu‐Cheng , Wang Xiao‐Fei , You Chun‐Xiang , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: March 2021

Jasmonate (JA) induces the biosynthesis of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin. MdMYB9 is essential for modulating the accumulation of both anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin in apple, but the molecular mechanism for induction of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis by JA is unclear. In this study, we discovered an apple telomere‐binding protein (MdTRB1) to be the interacting protein of MdMYB9. A series of biological assays showed that MdTRB1 acted as a positive modulator of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin accumulation, and is dependent on MdMYB9. MdTRB1 interacted with MdMYB9 and enhanced the activation activity of MdMYB9 to its downstream genes. In addition, we found that the JA signaling repressor MdJAZ1 interacted with MdTRB1 and interfered with the interaction between MdTRB1 and MdMYB9, therefore negatively modulating MdTRB1‐promoted biosynthesis of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin. These results show that the JAZ1–TRB1–MYB9 module dynamically modulates JA‐mediated accumulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin. Taken together, our data further expand the functional study of TRB1 and provide insights for further studies of the modulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis by JA.
Chemoreceptor mechanisms regulating CO2‐induced arousal from sleep
Authors: Abbott Stephen B. G. , Souza George M. P. R.
Published: March 2021

Arousal from sleep in response to CO2 is a life‐preserving reflex that enhances ventilatory drive and facilitates behavioural adaptations to restore eupnoeic breathing. Recurrent activation of the CO2‐arousal reflex is associated with sleep disruption in obstructive sleep apnoea. In this review we examine the role of chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies, the retrotrapezoid nucleus and serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe in the CO2‐arousal reflex. We also provide an overview of the supra‐medullary structures that mediate CO2‐induced arousal. We propose a framework for the CO2‐arousal reflex in which the activity of the chemoreceptors converges in the parabrachial nucleus to trigger cortical arousal.

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Designing a Bioinspired Surface for Improved Wear Resistance and Friction Reduction
Authors: Hoskins Julia K. , Zou Min
Published: March 2021

This study used 2-photon three-dimensional lithographic printing and replica molding to fabricate a micro-texture based on the Ocellated Skink. The fabricated surface texture was studied for friction and wear behavior using linear reciprocating tribological tests with a chrome steel ball counterface under various loading conditions and compared with samples fabricated with the same methods without a surface texture. The texture was found to decrease friction at low loads and provide steady friction under all loading conditions. The textured samples also decreased the average wear track width up to 61%. Wear was reduced on surfaces by the texture through the controlled formation of microcracking, which both reduced the amount of debris built up on samples and effectively reduced the worn area.
Computation of the noise radiated by a hot supersonic jet deflected in a flame trench
Authors: Langenais A. , Vuillot F. , Troyes J. , Lambaré H.
Published: March 2021

This study aims to numerically investigate the noise radiated by a reduced-scale rocket engine jet at lift-off conditions including a flame trench. An over-expanded Mach 3.1 hot jet entering a flame duct where it impinges on a deflector before being guided in a horizontal duct is considered. The computation is performed with a two-way coupled approach on unstructured grids. This methodology relies on a large-eddy simulation of the jet and the acoustic near field, associated with a full Euler simulation of the acoustic far field. The aerodynamic and acoustic results are compared to a previous computation involving the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings approach and show a better agreement with the measurements conducted at the MARTEL facility. A more careful analysis of the pressure field suggests that the noise is strongly influenced by the flame trench geometry. Nonlinear propagation effects, natively taken into account by the full Euler solver, are finally highlighted and discussed. Based on appropriate metrics, a good agreement with the experiment is obtained.
Coagulopathy-independent, bioinspired hemostatic materials: A full research story from preclinical models to a human clinical trial
Authors: Kim Keumyeon , Ryu Ji Hyun , Koh Mi-Young , Yun Sung Pil , Kim Soomi , Park Joseph P. , Jung Chul-Woo , Lee Moon Sue , Seo Hyung-Il , Kim Jae Hun , Lee Haeshin
Published: March 2021

Mussel-inspired adhesion chemistry provides a useful alternative to the use of fibrin glues.
De novo ATP1A3 variants cause polymicrogyria
Authors: Miyatake Satoko , Kato Mitsuhiro , Kumamoto Takuma , Hirose Tomonori , Koshimizu Eriko , Matsui Takaaki , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Doi Hiroshi , Hamada Keisuke , Nakashima Mitsuko , Sasaki Kazunori , Yamashita Akio , Takata Atsushi , Hamanaka Kohei , Satoh Mai , Miyama Takabumi , Sonoda Yuri , Sasazuki Momoko , Torisu Hiroyuki , Hara Toshiro , Sakai Yasunari , Noguchi Yushi , Miura Mazumi , Nishimura Yoko , Nakamura Kazuyuki , Asai Hideyuki , Hinokuma Nodoka , Miya Fuyuki , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Togawa Masami , Ikeda Yukihiro , Kimura Nobusuke , Amemiya Kaoru , Horino Asako , Fukuoka Masataka , Ikeda Hiroko , Merhav Goni , Ekhilevitch Nina , Miura Masaki , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Miyake Noriko , Suzuki Atsushi , Ohga Shouichi , Saitsu Hirotomo , Takahashi Hidehisa , Tanaka Fumiaki , Ogata Kazuhiro , Ohtaka-Maruyama Chiaki , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: March 2021

ATP1A3
, a mutated gene for AHC, RDP, and CAPOS, is also associated with polymicrogyria by different functional variants.
Adipose tissue parasite sequestration drives leptin production in mice and correlates with human cerebral malaria
Authors: Mejia Pedro , Treviño-Villarreal J. Humberto , De Niz Mariana , Meibalan Elamaran , Longchamp Alban , Reynolds Justin S. , Turnbull Lindsey B. , Opoka Robert O. , Roussilhon Christian , Spielmann Tobias , Ozaki C. Keith , Heussler Volker T. , Seydel Karl B. , Taylor Terrie E. , John Chandy C. , Milner Danny A. , Marti Matthias , Mitchell James R.
Published: March 2021

Adipose parasite sequestration increases mTORC1-dependent leptin production and is linked to cerebral malaria in mice and humans.
Interface-engineered electron and hole tunneling
Authors: Guo Rui , Tao Lingling , Li Ming , Liu Zhongran , Lin Weinan , Zhou Guowei , Chen Xiaoxin , Liu Liang , Yan Xiaobing , Tian He , Tsymbal Evgeny Y. , Chen Jingsheng
Published: March 2021

Interface-engineered electron or hole tunneling controls tunneling electroresistance in ferroelectric tunnel junctions.
Dual-responsive biohybrid neutrobots for active target delivery
Authors: Zhang Hongyue , Li Zesheng , Gao Changyong , Fan Xinjian , Pang Yuxin , Li Tianlong , Wu Zhiguang , Xie Hui , He Qiang
Published: March 2021

A neutrophil-hybrid microrobot is capable of active accumulation close to the brain and penetration across the blood-brain barrier.
Repurposed drugs block toxin-driven platelet clearance by the hepatic Ashwell-Morell receptor to clear
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia
Authors: Sun Josh , Uchiyama Satoshi , Olson Joshua , Morodomi Yosuke , Cornax Ingrid , Ando Nao , Kohno Yohei , Kyaw May M. T. , Aguilar Bernice , Haste Nina M. , Kanaji Sachiko , Kanaji Taisuke , Rose Warren E. , Sakoulas George , Marth Jamey D. , Nizet Victor
Published: March 2021

The clinically approved drugs ticagrelor and oseltamivir fortify a pathway of platelet-mediated immunity to clear staphylococcal bacteremia in mice.
Antibiotic-Dispensing Practice in Community Pharmacies: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in Italy
Authors: Bianco Aida , Licata Francesca , Trovato Alessandro , Napolitano Francesco , Pavia Maria
Published: March 2021

Inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance (ABR), one of the most concerning issues in modern medicine. The objectives of the study were to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding ABR and dispensing antibiotics without prescription (DAwP) and to assess the extent of the practice of DAwP among Italian community pharmacists (CPs). A nationwide cross-sectional study using an anonymous, structured, validated, and pilot-tested questionnaire was conducted.
Engineering Cooperation in an Anaerobic Coculture
Authors: Kane Aunica L. , Szabo Rachel E. , Gralnick Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2021

Microbes seldom live alone in the environment, yet this scenario is approximated in the vast majority of pure-culture laboratory experiments. Here, we develop an anaerobic coculture system to begin understanding microbial physiology in a more complex setting but also to determine how anaerobic microbial communities can form.
A Persistent Giant Algal Virus, with a Unique Morphology, Encodes an Unprecedented Number of Genes Involved in Energy Metabolism
Authors: Blanc-Mathieu Romain , Dahle Håkon , Hofgaard Antje , Brandt David , Ban Hiroki , Kalinowski Jörn , Ogata Hiroyuki , Sandaa Ruth-Anne
Published: March 2021

Viruses on Earth are tremendously diverse in terms of morphology, functionality, and genomic composition. Over the last decade, the conceptual gap separating viruses and cellular life has tightened because of the detection of metabolic genes in viral genomes that express complex virus phenotypes upon infection.
Draft Genome Sequences of the Clinical Isolates Kp 23 and KPM 20
Authors: Maclean Alyssa K. W. , Hanson Nancy D.
Published: March 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains are capable of becoming resistant through multiple mechanisms. Here, we announce draft sequences for Kp 23, a clinical isolate with no plasmid-encoded β-lactamases, and KPM 20, a clinical isolate with no plasmid-encoded β-lactamases and no detectable OmpK35, OmpK36, or PhoE in the outer membrane.
Complete Genome Sequences of African Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Clinical Isolates Associated with Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Perez-Sepulveda Blanca M. , Predeus Alexander V. , Fong Wai Yee , Parry Christopher M. , Cheesbrough John , Wigley Paul , Feasey Nicholas A. , Hinton Jay C. D.
Published: March 2021

We report the complete genome sequencing and annotation of four
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis isolates, two that are representative of the Central/Eastern African clade (CP255 and D7795) and two from the Global Epidemic clade (A1636 and P125109).
Dissecting Individual Interactions between Pathogenic and Commensal Bacteria within a Multispecies Gut Microbial Community
Authors: Hassall Jack , Cheng Jeffrey K. J. , Unnikrishnan Meera
Published: March 2021

Studying interactions between bacterial species that reside in the human gut is crucial for gaining a better insight into how they provide protection from pathogen colonization.
In vitro
models of multispecies bacterial communities wherein behaviors of single species can be accurately tracked are key to such studies. Here, we have developed a synthetic, trackable, gut microbiota community which reduces growth of the human gut pathogen
Clostridioides difficile
.
Successful management of subglottic stenosis in pregnancy
Authors: Fang Shenghao , Pai B H Poonam
Published: March 2021

Evaluation and management of subglottic stenosis in pregnancy is challenging. It often is not only a multidisciplinary approach between obstetricians, otolaryngologists (ENT surgeons) and anesthesiologists, but also requires a thorough understanding of possible foreseen complications by the patient as well. Hence, whenever we are presented with a challenging case requiring multidisciplinary approach involving team of physicians from different specialties, it is routine practice to huddle regarding the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management and care. We present a case of a 37-year-old woman with a known history of idiopathic subglottic stenosis, 16 weeks’ pregnant, G4P1, with a surgical history significant for two previous subglottic dilations in the past and who now presented with an audible stridor and shortness of breath on activity. We highlighted the unique challenges encountered and the corresponding management adopted. This is a case of successful management of symptomatic worsening of subglottic stenosis managed during pregnancy.
Late survival in Ellis-van Creveld syndrome with common single atrium
Authors: Prajapati Kesar , Pathak Jaya , Sailor Vikranti , Adrejiya Parth
Published: March 2021

Ellis-van Creveld (EVC) syndrome is a relatively rare chondroectodermal dysplasia considered mainly as a generalised disorder of the maturation of endochondral ossification. Congenital heart disease occurs in approximately half of the patients with EVC syndrome, 60% of which is a common atrium. Common atrium is a rare variety of interatrial communication characterised by absence or virtual absence of the atrial septum. Patients with this syndrome rarely survive to an old age. We report a case of EVC who presented for the first time at 60 years of age, as survival to an advanced age is exceptional in case of EVC.
Massive biliary ascariasis: an unusual cause of acute cholangitis
Authors: Rujeerapaiboon Natthapat , Kaewdech Apichat
Published: March 2021

Acute cholangitis is a condition of bacterial infection following hepatobiliary tract obstruction, which signifies poor prognosis unless adequately drained. The most common cause of bile duct obstruction is choledocholithiasis, in contrast to parasitic infestation, a rare entity causing acute cholangitis nowadays. Therefore, we reported the case of a 68-year-old Thai man who presented with acute fever, intense right upper quadrant abdominal pain and jaundice for 2 days. His medical history was normal except for the history of intermittent biliary colic for a year. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed and demonstrated multiple, creamy-coloured roundworms coming out from the ampulla of Vater as well as a tubular filling defect in dilated common bile duct from cholangiography. He was diagnosed with acute cholangitis by biliary ascariasis and underwent endoscopic parasitic removal, which subsequently improved symptoms.
Isolated third cranial nerve palsy as the first presentation of multiple myeloma
Authors: Vaid Tejasvini , Dhawan Rishi , Aggarwal Mukul , Tyagi Seema
Published: March 2021

A 50-year-old woman presented with a right-sided isolated third cranial nerve palsy. MRI brain showed a mass lesion arising from the right clivus with extension into the cavernous sinus. Blood investigations and bone marrow biopsy were suggestive of multiple myeloma with hypercalcaemia and renal dysfunction. It was unclear at first if the intracranial lesion was due to myelomatous involvement or a separate disease entirely. The patient declined consent for a biopsy and cerebrospinal fluid analysis was inconclusive. She was treated with bortezomib based chemotherapy and the palsy resolved by day 6, which helped clinch the rare diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) involvement by multiple myeloma. Most patients with CNS myeloma have a dismal survival of under 6 months but she is on therapy for relapse 26 months after diagnosis. While placed under the umbrella of CNS myeloma, patients with osteodural myeloma have better outcomes, perhaps due to their distinct aetiopathogenesis.
Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis caused byEnterococcus avium
Authors: Calça Rita , Gomes da Silva Francisca , Martins Ana Rita , Branco Patrícia Quadros
Published: March 2021

Peritonitis remains a common and serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis caused by gram-positive organisms includes coagulase-negative staphylococci,Streptococcusspp andEnterococcusspp. We present a rare case of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis, where persisting abdominal pain and worsening laboratory findings despite antibiotic therapy led to the identification ofEnterococcus avium, requiring Tenckoff catheter removal and temporary transfer to haemodialysis. The available literature reports only few cases where peritonitis is caused by this agent, underlining the need to consider atypical microbial agents when heterogeneous clinical course is presented.
Vascular calcifications and calciphylaxis in a patient on concurrent haemodialysis and Coumadin therapy
Authors: Schnur Jack , Sinawe Hadeer , Yoham Athina Lidia , Casadesus Damian
Published: March 2021

Calciphylaxis is a rare life-threatening condition, with calcification of small and medium-sized vessels leading to skin necrosis. It has a high morbidity and mortality, and most of the patients die from wound superinfection and sepsis. A 48-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis and Coumadin therapy for venous thromboembolism presented with pulmonary oedema after missing two haemodialysis treatment. At examination, he had bilateral lower extremity dark brown, possibly necrotic, painful ulcers. He was diagnosed with calciphylaxis and treated with sevelamer hydrochloride, low calcium dialysate and sodium thiosulfate with haemodialysis. He received daily wound care with topical collagenase. After daily wound care treatment for 4 months, the patient’s ulcers completely healed. The patient had been followed for 8 months, which included 29 additional readmissions, 3 admissions related to bacteraemia and 26 admissions with the diagnosis of pulmonary oedema and hyperkalaemia requiring haemodialysis.
Delineation of an unknown significance FANCA genetic variant in a recurrent breast cancer patient
Authors: Kastora Stavroula , Triantafyllidou Olga , Kounidas Georgios , Vlahos Nikolaos
Published: March 2021

Fanconi anaemia is a heterogeneous condition associated with mutations in the Fanconi anaemia complementation group (FANC). The FANC group has also been extensively associated with tumourigenesis due to its intricate association with the cellular repair mechanism. In this case report, we are drawing initial associations between a previously unreported FANC-A gene point mutation (P1222L) and familial breast cancer, by examining the presentation and management of a 65-year-old female patient with history of bilateral breast cancer of two different histological categories (ductal and in situ lobular). Here, we present a further genetic analysis beyond the common clinical practice to understand the patient’s genetic predisposition and improve their long-term management.
Stolen from the coronaries: Left-to-Left shunts presenting as chest pain syndrome!
Authors: Shah Love , Kundapur Deeksha , Nosib Shravan
Published: March 2021

We present the case of a 61-year-old woman with chest pain syndrome. Cardiac catheterisation did not reveal atherosclerotic coronary disease. However, a haemodynamically significant fistula connecting the left coronary artery to the left atrial appendage was found to be the culprit through a left-to-left shunting mechanism. In this report, we review the pathophysiology of coronary artery fistulas and the mechanism by which these fistulas may lead to ‘coronary steal syndrome’. Indications for interventional and surgical management are outlined. Ultimately, we suggest the consideration of coronary artery fistulas in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with chest pain.