bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal decision making for emissions reduction measures for Italian container terminals
Authors: Ballini Fabio , Vakili Seyedvahid , Schönborn Alessandro , Olcer Aykut , Canepa Monica , Sciutto Davide
Published: June 2021

The importance of sea ports in the global logistics maritime supply chain and it connectivity is increasing, as is the focus on optimizing daily operational activities and minimizing the negative impact on society. One of the most significant negative externalities for sea ports is air pollution that remain one the main concern and environmental priority for Port Authorities and Government and their strategic policies. The growth of containerization in the shipping industry stimulates the demand for infrastructure development and increased energy use. This paper strives to propose the best alternative sources of energy to transit from traditional fuel to the greener ones for two important container terminals in Italy. The analyses focus on energy consumption of the most important container terminals Voltri and La Spezia in Italy and analysed using alternative sources of energy. Based on the priorities chosen by twelve experts, the cost, societal and environmental criteria are assigned the highest weight respectively. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) techniques are used, to identify the best alternative sources of energy.
Hot-pressing design of tubular polyester nonwoven lining material for pipeline rehabilitation
Authors: Fu Lisong , Zhang Shujie , Wang Rui , Cao Guoquan , Jing Mengke , Zhang Yating , Zhang Ziwei
Published: June 2021

In view of the strength loss and dimension shrinkage of polyester nonwoven used for the sewage pipeline in the hot-pressing process, the response surface methodology was proposed to optimize the technological parameters of lining material. Select the temperature, time and pressure to enhance the hot-pressing process of lining material with the response value of the rate of dimensional change and tensile strength. The results showed that the temperature was 180°C, time was 3s, and pressure was 2.8MPa. Under this process, the rate of dimensional change was 4.23%, transverse tensile strength was 7.95MPa, and longitudinal tensile strength was 5.26MPa. It showed that the response surface methodology had practical application value, and provided a theoretical basis for the hot-pressing parameters of lining material with maximum tensile strength and minimum dimensional shrinkage. The paper also tested the adhesive strength, air permeability and water permeability of lining material under the optimal process, founding that the prepared material had excellent adhesive strength, air permeability, water permeability, and could meet the construction requirements of pipeline rehabilitation and the use requirements of conveying medium.
Metacognitive Strategy Training Is Feasible for People With Aphasia
Authors: Kersey Jessica , Evans William S. , Mullen Katie , Askren Annette , Cavanaugh Robert , Wallace Sarah E. , Hula William D. , Walsh Dickey Michael , Terhorst Lauren , Skidmore Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

Metacognitive strategy training shows promise for reducing disability following stroke, but previous trials have excluded people with aphasia. Considering the high incidence of poststroke aphasia, it is important to determine whether people with aphasia can benefit from strategy training. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of an adapted strategy training protocol for people with aphasia. We recruited 16 adults with mild-moderate aphasia from inpatient stroke rehabilitation. We examined recruitment and retention, intervention delivery and fidelity, participant engagement and communication, participant strategy mastery, and change in disability. Therapists demonstrated good fidelity to intervention elements. Participants demonstrated good engagement and fair communication. The sample achieved a mean Functional Independence Measure change of 21.8 ( SD = 16.2, Cohen’s d = .95), similar to matched controls without aphasia from previous trials. An adapted strategy training protocol appears feasible for people with aphasia in inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Future studies should examine the efficacy of this approach in larger samples.
Optimal sensor placements using modified Fisher information matrix and effective information algorithm
Authors: Lee Eun-Taik , Eun Hee-Chang
Published: June 2021

This article presents an optimal sensor placement algorithm for modifying the Fisher information matrix and effective information. The modified Fisher information matrix and effective information are expressed using a dynamic equation constrained by the condensed relationship of the incomplete mode shape matrix. The mode shape matrix row corresponding to the master degree of freedom of the lowest-contribution Fisher information matrix and effective information indices is moved to the slave degree of freedom during each iteration to obtain an updated shape matrix, which is then used in subsequent calculations. The iteration is repeated until the target sensors attain the targeted number of modes. The numerical simulations are then applied to compare the optimal sensor placement results obtained using the number of installed sensors, and the contribution matrices using the Fisher information matrix and effective information approaches are compared based on the proposed parameter matrix. The mode-shape-based optimal sensor placement approach selects the optimal sensor layout at the positions to uniformly allocate the entire degree of freedom. The numerical results reveal that the proposed F-based and effective information–based approaches lead to slightly different results, depending on the number of parameter matrix modes; however, the resulting final optimal sensor placement is included in a group of common candidate sensor locations. However, the resulting final optimal sensor placement is included in a group of common candidate sensor locations.
Olfaction and Aging: A Review of the Current State of Research and Future Directions
Authors: Olofsson Jonas K. , Ekström Ingrid , Larsson Maria , Nordin Steven
Published: June 2021

Olfaction, the sense of smell, is characterized by a notable age-dependency such that aging individuals are more likely to have poor olfactory abilities. These impairments are considered to be mostly irreversible and as having potentially profound effects on quality of life and food behavior, as well as constituting warning signs of mortality, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. Here, we review the current state of research on aging and olfaction, focusing on five topics which we regard to be of particular relevance for the field: nutrition and health, cognition and dementia, mortality, environment and genetics, and training-based enhancement. Under each of these headlines, we provide a state-of-the-art overview and discuss gaps in our knowledge which might be filled by further research. Understanding how olfactory abilities are diminished in aging, and how they may be alleviated or recovered, involves a set of challenging tasks for researchers in the years to come.
A practical guide to data analysis in general literature reviews
Authors: Popenoe Rebecca , Langius-Eklöf Ann , Stenwall Ewa , Jervaeus Anna
Published: June 2021

Academic theses at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, public health and related fields often take the form of general reviews of published research on a relevant clinical issue. While there are many guides to doing literature searches and evaluating article quality, there are to our knowledge no published detailed guides of how to do the actual data analysis in such general literature reviews, particularly that are applicable to students. This article seeks to describe a systematic method of data analysis appropriate for undergraduate research theses, where the data consists of the results from available published research. We present a step-by-step guide with authentic examples and practical tips.
Poverty Relief Programs in Postcommunist Countries: A Case Study on the Albanian and Chinese Programs
Authors: Qejvanaj Gentian
Published: June 2021

Social assistance is a cash transfer program targeting the poorest households. China has created the Dibao (DB), meaning minimum livelihood guarantee, the most extensive unconditional cash transfer program globally with over 70 million people covered, whereas in Albania, the Ndhime Ekonomike (NE) meaning financial help covers around 15% of the total working-age population. Both programs are means-tested, have strict requirements for eligibility, and have been enlarged and modified in time to improve targeting and tackling leakage. In this article, we will look at similarities and common issues first, and then calculate the cost of enlarging both programs to all working-age population with no means-testing. We argue that a UBI (universal basic income) can increase private expenditure in health and education while costing less than 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) in both countries’ rural areas. We will conclude by looking at how the COVID-19 outbreak is pushing developing countries toward a UBI by first adopting a temporary basic income (TBI).
Self-Reported Attention Control Skills Moderate the Effect of Self-Focused Attention on Depression
Authors: Ishikawa Haruyuki , Koshikawa Fusako
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to examine whether attention control skills (selective, switching, and divided attention) moderate the influence of self-preoccupation (the tendency to maintain self-focused attention) on depression. We conducted a cross-sectional survey at a Japanese university. A total of 283 undergraduate and graduate students answered Preoccupation Scale (measuring self-preoccupation), Voluntary Attention Control Scale (measuring self-reported attention control skills), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (the standardized measurement of depression), and we analyzed 267 questionnaires (101 men and 166 women). No cut-off points were set for screening individuals depression score. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis were as follows: Higher skills of switching attention were associated with higher depression scores when combined with greater self-preoccupation tendencies. In contrast, higher levels of divided attention skill were associated with lower depression levels when combined with greater self-preoccupation. This study is the first to provide an overview of the protective role of divided attention skill against depression among individuals with high self-preoccupation. We conclude this article by showing that the interventions aiming to increase the divided attention skill rather than switching skill are expected to be effective in decreasing depressive symptoms and discussing the study’s limitations.
Forest Income and Rural Livelihoods in West Bengal, India
Authors: Ray Biswajit , Mukherjee Promita
Published: June 2021

To what extent forests contribute to rural livelihoods in developing countries? To find a plausible answer for this, this article explores whether inclusion of forest income to rural households’ total income accounts reduces poverty and income inequality, and also enables rural households to cope with shocks. To this end, we conducted household surveys in eight forest-dependent villages in the Indian state of West Bengal between August 2016 and August 2017. Using data from 407 sample households, we measured forest income of a household as the aggregate monetary value of resources extracted solely from forest ecosystem and compared this with other economic activities of the households. We calculated poverty indices and Gini coefficient with and without forest income, and we employed regression and Gini decomposition techniques to assess the safety net role and relative contribution of forest income to reducing rural poverty and inequality when compared to other sources of income. We found that the addition of forest income to household accounts significantly reduces measured poverty and inequality. Besides, the sample households, especially the poor, extract more from forests to cope with severe covariate shocks due to greater income certainty and thus adopt forest-dominated coping strategy in time of shocks and crises. The implication is that forest income needs to sustainably flow to the poor along with the development of better safety nets in forested rural areas in order to improve the forest-based rural livelihoods in developing countries like India.

JEL Codes: Q23, Q56, Q57
Ultimatum Game Bargaining Behaviour: A Classroom Experiment
Authors: Tetik Metin , Tetik Gamzegül
Published: June 2021

This study aims to investigate the types of bargaining behaviour students have and the variables that affect these bargaining behaviours by designing an ultimatum bargaining game in the classroom environment (during the real exam). The experimental group consists of 202 students who took the spring term economics final exam. The strategic interaction between students was formulated as a two-person bargaining problem. A cooperative solution was based on the Nash solution also obtained for bargaining problem among students. The findings of this study show that the highest bargaining equilibrium in this game is the equilibrium status based on the Nash solution. Moreover, we concluded that the success of the economy course and the grade-level affect the students’ behaviour according to the equilibrium strategy based on the Nash solution.

JEL Classifications: C90, C70, C78, C57
Successful Repair of Bronchoesophageal Fistula Through Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Authors: Kang Do Kyun , Kang Min Kyun , Heo Woon , Hwang Youn-Ho
Published: June 2021

This report describes a case of successful repair of bronchoesophageal fistula through uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. A 79-year-old female patient presented with persistent cough and aspiration pneumonia. Chest computed tomography and esophagography showed a bronchoesophageal fistula at right side wall of mid to lower esophagus. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy confirmed a fistula in the esophageal diverticulum. Surgical treatment was planned. The operation was performed through uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The patient was discharged 6 days postoperatively without any complication. No recurrence has been observed during 3 months follow-up in the outpatient clinic to date.
Concurrent Bilateral Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Secondary to Sickle Cell Crisis
Authors: Renganathan Gowri , Natarajan Piruthiviraj , Ruck Lela , Prieto Roberto , Prakash Bharat Ved , Thangarasu Sudhagar
Published: June 2021

Vascular occlusive crisis with a concurrent vision loss on both eyes is one of the most devastating disability for sickle cell disease patients. Reportedly occlusive crisis in the eyes is usually temporary whereas if not appropriately managed can result in permanent vision loss. A carefully managed sickle cell crisis could prevent multiple disabilities including blindness and stroke. We report a case of a 24-year-old female with a history of sickle cell disease who had acute bilateral vision loss during a sickle crisis and recovered significantly with a timely emergent erythrocytapheresis.
How Do Teachers From Alternative Pathways Contribute to the Teaching Workforce in Urban Areas? Evidence From Kansas City
Authors: An Yang , Koedel Cory
Published: June 2021

We examine how teachers from two alternative preparation programs—Teach for America (TFA) and Kansas City Teacher Residency (KCTR)—contribute to the teacher labor market in and around Kansas City, Missouri. TFA and KCTR teachers are more likely than other teachers to work in charter schools and, more broadly, in schools with more low-income, low-performing, and underrepresented minority (Black and Hispanic) students. Teachers from both programs are more racially/ethnically diverse than the larger local-area teaching workforce, but only KCTR teachers are more diverse than other teachers in the same districts where they work. We estimate value added to achievement for teachers in both programs compared with nonprogram teachers, with the caveat that our KCTR sample for this analysis is small. In math, we find large positive impacts of TFA and KCTR teachers on test score growth; in English language arts also, we estimate positive impacts, but they are smaller.
The Functions of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): An Assessment of Existing Policy and Practice in Odisha
Authors: Mohapatra Jagatabandhu , Dehury Ranjit Kumar , Dehury Parthsaratathi , Pattnaik Ranjan
Published: June 2021

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme is the world’s biggest and unique programme for nutrition and childcare, launched way back on 2 October 1975 by the Government of India. It is a centrally subsidised scheme implemented by states across the country for the benefit of children, especially for vulnerable groups. The scheme’s main objective is to improve the health and nutritional condition of children below six years of age, along with pregnant women and lactating mothers. The objective of the study is to critically analyse functions of the ICDS Scheme in the state of Odisha about implementation and monitoring. The analysis was done with the help of secondary literature and available data from government documents. The opinion and experience of various stakeholders like Anganwadi workers, supervisors and other government staff have been analysed for this purpose. This article describes existing policies and procedures of food procurement, storing, supply, cooking, production and serving cycle under ICDS Scheme in Odisha. The recommendations of the study may help for future improvement of various thrust areas of the ICDS Scheme. The article brings out critical factors accountable for the efficient implementation of the ICDS programme. Further, the study evaluates the ICDS Scheme based on existing government guidelines to reach out to the masses in Odisha.
A comparison study of human examples vs. non-human examples in an evolution lesson leads to differential impacts on student learning experiences in an introductory biology course
Authors: Grunspan Daniel Z. , Dunk Ryan D. P. , Barnes M. Elizabeth , Wiles Jason R. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: June 2021

Background

Instructors can teach evolution using any number of species contexts. However, not all species contexts are equal, and taxa choice can alter both cognitive and affective elements of learning. This is particularly true when teaching evolution using human examples, a promising method for evolution instruction that nevertheless comes with unique challenges. In this study, we tested how an evolution lesson focused on a human example may impact students’ engagement, perceived content relevance, learning gains, and level of discomfort, when compared to the same lesson using a non-human mammal example. We use this isomorphic lesson and a pre-post study design administered in a split-section introductory biology classroom to isolate the importance of the species context.

Results

For two of the four measurements of interest, the effect of using human examples could not be understood without accounting for student background. For learning gains, students with greater pre-class content knowledge benefited more from the human examples, while those with low levels of knowledge benefited from the non-human example. For perceived relevance, students who were more accepting of human evolution indicated greater content relevance from the human example. Regardless of condition, students with lower evolution acceptance reported greater levels of discomfort with the lesson.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate the complexities of using human examples to teach evolution. While these examples were beneficial for many students, they resulted in worse outcomes for students that were less accepting of evolution and those who entered the course with less content knowledge. These findings demonstrate the need to consider diverse student backgrounds when establishing best practices for using human examples to teach evolution.
Scalable robust graph and feature extraction for arbitrary vessel networks in large volumetric datasets
Authors: Drees Dominik , Scherzinger Aaron , Hägerling René , Kiefer Friedemann , Jiang Xiaoyi
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent advances in 3D imaging technologies provide novel insights to researchers and reveal finer and more detail of examined specimen, especially in the biomedical domain, but also impose huge challenges regarding scalability for automated analysis algorithms due to rapidly increasing dataset sizes. In particular, existing research towards automated vessel network analysis does not always consider memory requirements of proposed algorithms and often generates a large number of spurious branches for structures consisting of many voxels. Additionally, very often these algorithms have further restrictions such as the limitation to tree topologies or relying on the properties of specific image modalities.

Results

We propose a scalable iterative pipeline (in terms of computational cost, required main memory and robustness) that extracts an annotated abstract graph representation from the foreground segmentation of vessel networks of arbitrary topology and vessel shape. The novel iterative refinement process is controlled by a single, dimensionless, a-priori determinable parameter.

Conclusions

We are able to, for the first time, analyze the topology of volumes of roughly 1 TB on commodity hardware, using the proposed pipeline. We demonstrate improved robustness in terms of surface noise, vessel shape deviation and anisotropic resolution compared to the state of the art. An implementation of the presented pipeline is publicly available in version 5.1 of the volume rendering and processing engine Voreen.
A novel nonlinear dimension reduction approach to infer population structure for low-coverage sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Miao , Liu Yiwen , Zhou Hua , Watkins Joseph , Zhou Jin
Published: June 2021

Background

Low-depth sequencing allows researchers to increase sample size at the expense of lower accuracy. To incorporate uncertainties while maintaining statistical power, we introduce to analyze population structure of low-depth sequencing data.

Results

The method optimizes the choice of nonlinear transformations of dosages to maximize the Ky Fan norm of the covariance matrix. The transformation incorporates the uncertainty in calling between heterozygotes and the common homozygotes for loci having a rare allele and is more linear when both variants are common.

Conclusions

We apply to samples from two indigenous Siberian populations and reveal hidden population structure accurately using only a single chromosome. The package is available onhttps://github.com/yiwenstat/MCPCA_PopGen.
Effects of temperature on proliferation of myoblasts from donor piglets with different thermoregulatory maturities
Authors: Metzger Katharina , Dannenberger Dirk , Tuchscherer Armin , Ponsuksili Siriluck , Kalbe Claudia
Published: June 2021

Background

Climate change and the associated risk for the occurrence of extreme temperature events or permanent changes in ambient temperature are important in the husbandry of farm animals. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of permanent cultivation temperatures below (35 °C) and above (39 °C, 41 °C) the standard cultivation temperature (37 °C) on porcine muscle development. Therefore, we used our porcine primary muscle cell culture derived from satellite cells as an in vitro model. Neonatal piglets have limited thermoregulatory stability, and several days after birth are required to maintain their body temperature. To consider this developmental step, we used myoblasts originating from thermolabile (five days of age) and thermostable piglets (twenty days of age).

Results

The efficiency of myoblast proliferation using real-time monitoring via electrical impedance was comparable at all temperatures with no difference in the cell index, slope or doubling time. Both temperatures of 37 °C and 39 °C led to similar biochemical growth properties and cell viability. Only differences in the mRNA expression of myogenesis-associated genes were found at 39 °C compared to 37 °C with less MYF5, MYOD and MSTN and more MYH3 mRNA. Myoblasts grown at 35 °C are smaller, exhibit higher DNA synthesis and express higher amounts of the satellite cell marker PAX7, muscle growth inhibitor MSTN and metabolic coactivator PPARGC1A. Only permanent cultivation at 41 °C resulted in higher HSP expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Interactions between the temperature and donor age showed that MYOD, MYOG, MYH3 and SMPX mRNAs were temperature-dependently expressed in myoblasts of thermolabile but not thermostable piglets.

Conclusions

We conclude that 37 °C to 39 °C is the best physiological temperature range for adequate porcine myoblast development. Corresponding to the body temperatures of piglets, it is therefore possible to culture primary muscle cells at 39 °C. Only the highest temperature of 41 °C acts as a thermal stressor for myoblasts with increased HSP expression, but it also accelerates myogenic development. Cultivation at 35 °C, however, leads to less differentiated myoblasts with distinct thermogenetic activity. The adaptive behavior of derived primary muscle cells to different cultivation temperatures seems to be determined by the thermoregulatory stability of the donor piglets.
LABRAT reveals association of alternative polyadenylation with transcript localization, RNA binding protein expression, transcription speed, and cancer survival
Authors: Goering Raeann , Engel Krysta L. , Gillen Austin E. , Fong Nova , Bentley David L. , Taliaferro J. Matthew
Published: June 2021

Background

The sequence content of the 3′ UTRs of many mRNA transcripts is regulated through alternative polyadenylation (APA). The study of this process using RNAseq data, though, has been historically challenging.

Results

To combat this problem, we developed LABRAT, an APA isoform quantification method. LABRAT takes advantage of newly developed transcriptome quantification techniques to accurately determine relative APA site usage and how it varies across conditions. Using LABRAT, we found consistent relationships between gene-distal APA and subcellular RNA localization in multiple cell types. We also observed connections between transcription speed and APA site choice as well as tumor-specific transcriptome-wide shifts in APA isoform abundance in hundreds of patient-derived tumor samples that were associated with patient prognosis. We investigated the effects of APA on transcript expression and found a weak overall relationship, although many individual genes showed strong correlations between relative APA isoform abundance and overall gene expression. We interrogated the roles of 191 RNA-binding proteins in the regulation of APA isoforms, finding that dozens promote broad, directional shifts in relative APA isoform abundance both in vitro and in patient-derived samples. Finally, we find that APA site shifts in the two classes of APA, tandem UTRs and alternative last exons, are strongly correlated across many contexts, suggesting that they are coregulated.

Conclusions

We conclude that LABRAT has the ability to accurately quantify APA isoform ratios from RNAseq data across a variety of sample types. Further, LABRAT is able to derive biologically meaningful insights that connect APA isoform regulation to cellular and molecular phenotypes.
Exome-based investigation of the genetic basis of human pigmentary glaucoma
Authors: van der Heide Carly , Goar Wes , Meyer Kacie J. , Alward Wallace L. M. , Boese Erin A. , Sears Nathan C. , Roos Ben R. , Kwon Young H. , DeLuca Adam P. , Siggs Owen M. , Gonzaga-Jauregui Claudia , Sheffield Val C. , Wang Kai , Stone Edwin M. , Mullins Robert F. , Anderson Michael G. , Fan Bao Jian , Ritch Robert , Craig Jamie E. , Wiggs Janey L. , Scheetz Todd E. , Fingert John H.
Published: June 2021

Background

Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual disability and blindness. Release of iris pigment within the eye, pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS), can lead to one type of glaucoma known as pigmentary glaucoma. PDS has a genetic component, however, the genes involved with this condition are largely unknown. We sought to discover genes that cause PDS by testing cohorts of patients and controls for mutations using a tiered analysis of exome data.

Results

Our primary analysis evaluated melanosome-related genes that cause dispersion of iris pigment in mice (TYRP1, GPNMB, LYST, DCT, and MITF). We identified rare mutations, but they were not statistically enriched in PDS patients. Our secondary analyses examined PMEL (previously linked with PDS), MRAP, and 19 other genes. Four MRAP mutations were identified in PDS cases but not in controls (p = 0.016). Immunohistochemical analysis of human donor eyes revealed abundant MRAP protein in the iris, the source of pigment in PDS. However, analysis of MRAP in additional cohorts (415 cases and 1645 controls) did not support an association with PDS. We also did not confirm a link between PMEL and PDS in our cohorts due to lack of reported mutations and similar frequency of the variants in PDS patients as in control subjects.

Conclusions

We did not detect a statistical enrichment of mutations in melanosome-related genes in human PDS patients and we found conflicting data about the likely pathogenicity of MRAP mutations. PDS may have a complex genetic basis that is not easily unraveled with exome analyses.
High resolution mapping and candidate gene identification of downy mildew race 16 resistance in spinach
Authors: Bhattarai Gehendra , Yang Wei , Shi Ainong , Feng Chunda , Dhillon Braham , Correll James C. , Mou Beiquan
Published: June 2021

Background

Downy mildew, the most devastating disease of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), is caused by the oomycete Peronospora effusa [=P. farinosa f. sp. spinaciae]. The P. effusa shows race specificities to the resistant host and comprises 19 reported races and many novel isolates. Sixteen new P. effusa races were identified during the past three decades, and the new pathogen races are continually overcoming the genetic resistances used in commercial cultivars. A spinach breeding population derived from the cross between cultivars Whale and Lazio was inoculated with P. effusa race 16 in an environment-controlled facility; disease response was recorded and genotyped using genotyping by sequencing (GBS). The main objective of this study was to identify resistance-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from the cultivar Whale against the P. effusa race 16.

Results

Association analysis conducted using GBS markers identified six significant SNPs (S3_658,306, S3_692697, S3_1050601, S3_1227787, S3_1227802, S3_1231197). The downy mildew resistance locus from cultivar Whale was mapped to a 0.57 Mb region on chromosome 3, including four disease resistance candidate genes (Spo12736, Spo12784, Spo12908, and Spo12821) within 2.69–11.28 Kb of the peak SNP.

Conclusions

Genomewide association analysis approach was used to map the P. effusa race 16 resistance loci and identify associated SNP markers and the candidate genes. The results from this study could be valuable in understanding the genetic basis of downy mildew resistance, and the SNP marker will be useful in spinach breeding to select resistant lines.
A newly identified linear epitope on non-RBD region of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein improves the serological detection rate of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zhang Yunwen , Yang Zhengrong , Tian Sicheng , Li Baisheng , Feng Tiejian , He Jianfan , Jiang Min , Tang Xiujuan , Mei Shujiang , Li Hao , Zhong Yifan , Li Guilian , Tang Mingyuan , Liu Sijing , Tang Tian , Wang Chuan , Wang Xiaohui
Published: June 2021

Background

Serological test is helpful in confirming and tracking infectious diseases in large population with the advantage of fast and convenience. Using the specific epitope peptides identified from the whole antigen as the detection antigen is sensitive and relatively economical. The development of epitope peptide-based detection kits for COVID-19 patients requires comprehensive information about epitope peptides. But the data on B cell epitope of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is still limited. More importantly, there is a lack of serological data on the peptides in the population. In this study, we aimed to identify the B cell epitope peptides of spike protein and detect the reactivity in serum samples, for further providing data support for their subsequent serological applications.

Results

Two B cell linear epitopes, P104 and P82, located in non-RBD region of SARS-CoV-2 S protein were identified by indirect ELISA screening of an overlapping peptide library of the S protein with COVID-19 patients’ convalescent serum. And the peptides were verified by testing with 165 serum samples. P104 has not been reported previously; P82 is contained in peptide S21P2 reported before. The positive reaction rates of epitope peptides S14P5 and S21P2, the two non-RBD region epitopes identified by Poh et al., and P82 and P104 were 77.0%, 73.9%, 61.2% and 30.3%, respectively, for 165 convalescent sera, including 30 asymptomatic patients. Although P104 had the lowest positive rate for total patients (30.3%), it exhibited slight advantage for detection of asymptomatic infections (36.7%). Combination of epitopes significantly improved the positive reaction rate. Among all combination patterns, (S14P5 + S21P2 + P104) pattern exhibited the highest positive reaction rate for all patients (92.7%), as well as for asymptomatic infections (86.7%), confirming the feasibility of P104 as supplementary antigen for serological detection. In addition, we analyzed the correlation between epitopes with neutralizing antibody, but only S14P5 had a medium positive correlation with neutralizing antibody titre (rs = 0.510, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our research proved that epitopes on non-RBD region are of value in serological detection especially when combination more than one epitope, thus providing serological reaction information about the four epitopes, which has valuable references for their usage.
Long-term results after mitral valve surgery using minimally invasive versus sternotomy approach: a propensity matched comparison of a large single-center series
Authors: Cetinkaya Ayse , Geier Anna , Bramlage Karin , Hein Stefan , Bramlage Peter , Schönburg Markus , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Richter Manfred
Published: June 2021

Background

Mitral valve (MV) surgery has traditionally been performed by conventional sternotomy (CS), but more recently minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become another treatment option. The aim of this study is to compare short- and long-term results of MV surgery after CS and MIS.

Methods

This study was a retrospective propensity-matched analysis of MV operations between January 2005 and December 2015.

Results

Among 1357 patients, 496 underwent CS and 861 MIS. Matching resulted in 422 patients per group. The procedure time was longer with MIS than CS (192 vs. 185 min; p = 0.002) as was cardiopulmonary bypass time (133 vs. 101 min; p < 0.001) and X-clamp time (80 vs. 71 min; p < 0.001). ‘Short-term’ successful valve repair was higher with MIS (96.0% vs. 76.0%, p < 0.001). Length of hospital stay was shorter in MIS than CS patients (10 vs. 11 days; p = 0.001). There was no difference in the overall 30-day mortality rate. Cardiovascular death was lower after MIS (1.2%) compared with CS (3.8%; OR 0.30; 95%CI 0.11–0.84). The difference did not remain significant after adjustment for procedural differences (aOR 0.40; 95%CI 0.13–1.25). Pacemaker was required less often after MIS (3.3%) than CS (11.2%; aOR 0.31; 95%CI 0.16–0.61), and acute renal failure was less common (2.1% vs. 11.9%; aOR 0.22; 95%CI 0.10–0.48). There were no significant differences with respect to rates of stroke, myocardial infarction or repeat MV surgery. The 7-year survival rate was significantly better after MIS (88.5%) than CS (74.8%; aHR 0.44, 95%CI 0.31–0.64).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that good results for MV surgery can be obtained with MIS, achieving a high MV repair rate, low peri-procedural morbidity and mortality, and improved long-term survival.
Association between protoporphyrin IX and sarcopenia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Kao Chia-Chun , Yang Zhe-Yu , Chen Wei-Liang
Published: June 2021

Background

According to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), the diagnosis of sarcopenia primarily focused on low muscle strength with the detection of low muscle quality and quantity as confirming index. Many studies had identified mitochondrial dysfunction as one of the multifactorial etiologies of sarcopenia. Yet, no study had investigated the role of biosynthetic pathway intermediate, which was found in mitochondria, in the development of sarcopenia. This study aimed to examine the association between protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and components of sarcopenia.

Method

The present study enrolled 1172 participants without anemia between 1999 to 2002 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. We employed the multivariable-logistic regression model to examine the relationship between PPIX and sarcopenia. Covariate adjustments were designated to each of the three models for further analysis of the relationship.

Results

In the unadjusted model, PPIX was significantly associated with sarcopenia (OR = 3.910, 95% CI = 2.375, 6.439,Pvalue < 0.001). The significance persisted after covariate adjustments as observed in the fully adjusted model (OR = 2.537, 95% CI = 1.419, 4.537,Pvalue = 0.002).

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggested statistically significant association between PPIX and sarcopenia. Our study disclosed the potential of PPIX as a valuable indicator of sarcopenia.
Decline in independence after three years and its association with dietary patterns and IADL-related factors in community-dwelling older people: an analysis by age stage and sex
Authors: Kodama Sayuri , Hoshi Tanji , Kurimori Sugako
Published: June 2021

Background

Few studies have shown age stage and sex differences in the association among dietary patterns and various health factors related to disability in older people. This study aimed to reveal the differences of characteristics, including several dietary patterns, associated with a decline in independence over 3 years in community-dwelling independent older people. Specifically, we examined data by age stage, for people between 65 and 75 years (earlier-stage) and people aged 75 years or above (later-stage), and sex.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide longitudinal study of 25 Japanese prefectures from 2013 to 2016; 2250 participants’ complete data (1294 men and 956 women) were analyzed. Independence was evaluated based on instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores (maximum = 12). Dietary patterns were derived from a principal component analysis of the seven food groups. Baseline IADL-related factors linked to independence 3 years later were selected. Multiple logistic regression analysis for having low independence—without a full score of IADL 3 years after baseline—was conducted, adjusted for baseline IADL scores. Finally, to compare differences among age stage and sex groups, we used Multiple-Group Path Analysis.

Results

Participants with a full IADL score 3 years later were classified as high independence (69.6%), and those without the full score were classified as low independence (30.4%). Only the later-stage older peoples’ proportion of low independence 3 years later was significantly higher than those at baseline. A high meat frequency pattern was associated with a significantly higher risk of decline in independence 3 years later in later-stage older women. The earlier-stage older people showed that 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 was associated with a lower risk, referring to BMI < 18.5. In the later-stage, exercising three or more times a week with enjoyment and fulfillment was associated with a significantly lower risk.

Conclusions

The IADL disability in older people aged 75 and over showed a rapid change. The different characteristics associated with the risk of decline in independence among age stage and sex were revealed. Targeting age stage and sex separately for community-based comprehensive supportive strategies would be necessary for a long life globally.
Ageing and dementia: age-period-cohort effects of policy intervention in England, 2006–2016
Authors: Kolpashnikova Kamila
Published: June 2021

Background

Dementia is one of the most critical challenges of our time. According to the Dementia Statistics Hub, only about 66 % of all UK residents with dementia were diagnosed in 2017–2018. Yet, there are reservations about the early diagnosis of dementia-related diseases. As a result, the UK National Screening Committee does not recommend systematic population screening of dementia, although case-finding strategies are still applied for high-risk groups.

Methods

This study added additional evidence of the effectiveness of the National Dementia Strategy and increased numbers of diagnosis of dementia on the younger cohorts of the older people, using the intrinsic estimator age-period-cohort (APC) models and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing data.

Results

Age effects show that diagnosis increases in volume only among those aged 75 and above, suggesting that many of those aged below 75 might not be diagnosed in time. Period effects show that although there was an initial increase due to the new policy implementation, the trend stalled in later years, indicating that the increase might not have been even across the period when controlled for age and cohort. The study also shows that cohort effects indicate lower prevalence in younger cohorts controlled for age and period effects.

Conclusions

Although more research in diverse contexts is warranted, this study cautions against the abandonment of timely diagnosis, increased screening and case-finding, and shows some effectiveness of prevention strategies on the national level.
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex in a tertiary Hospital in Northeast China, 2010–2019
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Tian Sufei , Nian Hua , Wang Ruixuan , Li Fushun , Jiang Ning , Chu Yunzhuo
Published: June 2021

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex (CREC) is a new emerging threat to global public health. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular epidemiology of CREC infections in the medical center of northeast China.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients were infected/colonized with CREC during a ten-year period (2010–2019) by WHONET analysis. Antibiotic susceptibilities were tested with VITEK 2 and micro broth dilution method (for polymyxin B and tigecycline). Carbapenemase encoding genes, β-lactamase genes, and seven housekeeping genes for MLST were amplified and sequenced for 18 cryopreserved CREC isolates. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was built with the concentrated sequences to show the relatedness between the 18 isolates.

Results

There was a rapid increase in CREC detection rate during the ten-year period, reaching 8.11% in 2018 and 6.48% in 2019. The resistance rate of CREC isolates to imipenem and meropenem were 100.0 and 77.8%, however, they showed high sensitivity to tigecycline, polymyxin B and amikacin. The 30-day crude mortality of CREC infection was 17.4%, indicating that it may be a low-virulence bacterium. Furthermore, molecular epidemiology revealed that ST93 was the predominant sequence type followed by ST171 and ST145, with NDM-1 and NDM-5 as the main carbapenemase-encoding genes. Moreover, E. hormaechei subsp. steigerwaltii and E. hormaechei subsp. oharae were the main species, which showed different resistance patterns.

Conclusion

Rising detection rate of CREC was observed in a tertiary hospital, which showed heterogeneity in drug resistance patterns, resistance genes, and MLST types. Effective infection prevention and control measures should be taken to reduce the spread of CREC.
Values and preferences for hepatitis C self-testing among people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z. , Nikitin Danil S. , Bessonova Alla , Fajardo Emmanuel , Bessonov Sergei , Shilton Sonjelle
Published: June 2021

Background

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) continues to be a major public-health burden in this highly stigmatised population. To halt transmission of HCV, rapid HCV self-testing kits represent an innovative approach that could enable PWID to know their HCV status and seek treatment. As no HCV test has yet been licenced for self-administration, it is crucial to obtain knowledge around the factors that may deter or foster delivery of HCV self-testing among PWID in resource-constrained countries.

Methods

A qualitative study to assess values and preferences relating to HCV self-testing was conducted in mid-2020 among PWID in the Bishkek and Chui regions of Kyrgyzstan. Forty-seven PWID participated in 15 individual interviews, two group interviews (n = 12) and one participatory action-research session (n = 20). Responses were analysed using a thematic analysis approach with 4 predefined themes: awareness of HCV and current HCV testing experiences, and acceptability and service delivery preferences for HCV self-testing. Informants’ insights were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. This research received local ethics approval.

Results

Awareness of HCV is low and currently PWID prefer community-based HCV testing due to stigma encountered in other healthcare settings. HCV self-testing would be accepted and appreciated by PWID. Acceptability may increase if HCV self-testing: was delivered in pharmacies or by harm reduction associations; was free of charge; was oral rather than blood-based; included instructions with images and clear information on the test’s accuracy; and was distributed alongside pre- and post-testing counselling with linkage to confirmatory testing support.

Conclusions

HCV self-testing could increase awareness of and more frequent testing for HCV infection among PWID in Kyrgyzstan. It is recommended that peer-driven associations are involved in the delivery of any HCV self-testing. Furthermore, efforts should be maximised to end discrimination against PWID at the healthcare institutions responsible for confirmatory HCV testing and treatment provision.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with hypoglossal nerve involvement and inverted Beevor’s sign: case report
Authors: Zhao Huajian , Zheng Yiming , Meng Lingchao , Yu Meng , Zhang Wei , Lv He , Wang Zhaoxia , Hao Hongjun , Yuan Yun
Published: June 2021

Background

Cranial nerve involvement is not commonly encountered in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP); this is especially true for involvement of the hypoglossal nerve. Neither Beevor's sign nor its inverted form has previously been described in CIDP.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old man presented with distal-predominant limb weakness and numbness at the age of 18. A diagnosis of CIDP was made, which was confirmed by electrodiagnostic evidence of demyelination. He responded well to intravenous immunoglobulin and glucocorticoid treatment and achieved remission for 5 years. However, the same symptoms relapsed at the age of 28 and lasted for 10 months. On examination, in addition to limb sensory impairment and muscle weakness, mild bilateral facial paresis, tongue atrophy and fasciculations, and inverted Beevor's sign were also observed. A brief literature review of cranial nerve involvements in CIDP and Beevor's sign or its inverted form were also performed.

Conclusions

Cranial nerves may be affected in patients with CIDP. Facial palsy is most frequently present, while hypoglossal nerve involvement is rare. Inverted Beevor's sign can appear in CIDP patients.