bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The allure of an ordered Universe
Ten Patterns That Explain the Universe
Brian Clegg
MIT Press, 2021. 224 pp.
Authors: Ali Saleem H.
Published: September 2021

A science writer’s ode to patterns packs a visual punch
Build back wiser
Authors: Mauter Meagan S.
Published: September 2021

The US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which is winding its way through Congress, makes progress toward President Biden’s campaign promise to “build back better” by investing $0.55 trillion to repair the nation’s transportation, water, and energy systems. But this allocation is only a fraction of the American Society of Civil Engineers estimated $2.5 trillion infrastructure investment deficit. To bridge this value gap, the nation must build back “wiser” by investing IIJA dollars in digitized, versatile, distributed, and inclusive infrastructure systems.
In Science Journals
Authors: Aldenderfer Mark , Funk Michael A. , Maroso Mattia , Sugden Andrew M. , Osborne Ian S. , Hines Pamela J. , Lavine Marc S. , Szuromi Phil , Alderton Gemma , Zahn Laura M. , Stajic Jelena , Purnell Beverly A. , VanHook Annalisa M. , Isles Hannah M. , Ash Caroline
Published: September 2021

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Hot pursuit
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: September 2021

Daniel Kastner’s genetic sleuthing has helped explain—and treat—unusual disorders marked by fever and inflammation
Costs balloon for huge new U.S. physics project
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2021

Department of Energy says it has no plan to downsize $3 billion neutrino experiment
Scientists have high hopes for Peru’s leftist new president
Authors: Meza Daniel
Published: September 2021

Pedro Castillo, a former teacher, has promised to support research and bolster the country’s fight against COVID-19
Footprints support claim of early arrival in the Americas
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: September 2021

If dates hold, tracks would put people in New Mexico at the peak of the ice age, thousands of years earlier than thought
Threat of drug-resistant malaria looms in Africa
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: September 2021

Analyses of patient blood samples suggest artemisinin effectiveness is slipping
Israel’s high case plateau may offer worrisome portent
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: September 2021

Opposing forces keep outsize case count steady: school openings, holidays work against boosters
Draft Genome Sequencing of Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis Strain kknpp56, a Potent Biofilm-Forming Bacterium Isolated from Early-Stage Marine Biofilm
Authors: Rajeev Meora , Sushmitha T. J. , Toleti Subba Rao , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha
Published: September 2021

Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis
strain kknpp56 is an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing marine bacterium that forms potent biofilm. To determine the biosynthesis pathways involved in the EPS production of this bacterium, whole-genome sequencing was performed. The complete genome comes from one chromosome containing 3.72 Mbp of DNA with a G+C content of 41%.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain PAM3C, a Prospective Probiotic Agent Isolated from the Gut of the Bay Scallop, Argopecten purpuratus (Lamarck, 1819)
Authors: Serrano Wilbert , Olaechea Raul M. , Tarazona Ulrike I.
Published: September 2021

Several bacterial genera with antagonistic activity against pathogenic organisms have been isolated in pure culture from the gut of the Peruvian scallop,
Argopecten purpuratus
. One strain shows a broad inhibitory activity against aquaculture pathogenic bacterial strains. In this communication, we announce the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain PAM3C.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Halophilic Strain Citrobacter braakii AN-PRR1, Isolated from Rhizospheric Soil of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) from Pakistan
Authors: Nawaz Aniqa , Mubeen Fathia , Qamar Zia Ul , Marghoob Muhammad Usama , Aziz Saefuddin , Gross Harald
Published: September 2021

Citrobacter braakii
AN-PRR1 is a potential salt-tolerant, plant growth-promoting rice rhizobacterium isolated from Pakistani soil. The 4.9-Mb draft genome sequence contributes to its taxonomic classification and will reveal the genes putatively responsible for its osmoprotectant and plant growth-promoting activity.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Amycolatopsis
sp. CA-230715, Encoding a 35-Module Type I Polyketide Synthase
Authors: Jørgensen Tue S. , Gren Tetiana , Oves-Costales Daniel , Ortiz-López Francisco Javier , Carretero-Molina Daniel , González Ignacio , Blin Kai , Genilloud Olga , Weber Tilmann
Published: September 2021

We report the sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the genome of
Amycolatopsis
sp. strain CA-230715, a potentially interesting producer of natural products. The genome of CA-230715 was sequenced using PacBio, Illumina, and Nanopore technologies. It consists of a circular 10,363,158-nucleotide (nt) chromosome and a circular 12,080-nt plasmid.
Illustrating the unknowable: Women paleoartists who drew ancient vertebrates
Authors: Turner* Susan , Berta Annalisa
Published: September 2021

Women have contributed to “paleoart” working in collaboration with scientists, using vertebrate fossils to reconstruct vanished worlds, and directly shaping the way humans imagine the distant past. “Backboned” animals of former times have been portrayed singly or in groups and were often set in landscape scenes. Women paleoartists in America and Europe began working in the nineteenth century often through family association, such as pioneers Orra White Hitchcock, Graceanna Lewis, and Mary Morland Buckland. Mainly using traditional two-dimensional styles, they portrayed ancient vertebrate fossils in graphite and ink drawings. Paleoartist Alice Bolingbroke Woodward introduced vibrant pen and watercolor reconstructions. Although female paleoartists were initially largely unrecognized, in the twentieth century they gained notice by illustrating important books on prehistoric vertebrate life. Paid employment and college and university training increased by the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, with larger institutions providing stable jobs. The “Dinosaur Renaissance” of the late 1960s gave a boost to new paleo-artistry. Women paleoartists became more prominent in the later twentieth to twenty-first centuries with the development of new art techniques, computer-based art, and use of the internet. Increasingly, there is encouragement and support for women paleoartists through the Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) movement.
Supplemental Material: South Tarim tied to north India on the periphery of Rodinia and Gondwana and implications for the evolution of two supercontinents
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhao Guochun , al. et
Published: September 2021

Detailed maps and compiled samples.
Asymptotics of the Far Fields of Internal Gravity Waves Excited by a Source of Radial Symmetry
Authors: Bulatov V. V. , Vladimirov Yu. V.
Published: September 2021

Abstract—

The problem of the far field of internal gravity waves generated by a perturbation source of radial symmetry aroused at an initial instant of time is solved. The constant model distribution of the buoyancy frequency is considered and, using the Fourier–Hankel transform, an analytical solution to the problem is obtained in the form of the sum of wave modes. Asymptotics of the solutions that describe the spatial-temporal characteristics of elevation of the isopycnic lines and the vertical and horizontal velocity components far from the perturbation source are obtained. The asymptotics of the components of the wave field are expressed in terms of the square of the Airy function and its derivatives in the neighborhood of the wave fronts of an individual wave mode. The exact and asymptotic results are compared and it is shown that the asymptotic method makes it possible to calculate effectively the far wave fields at times of the order of ten and more of the Brunt–Väisälä periods.
Exploring the challenges of accessing medication for patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Herbert Sophie , Rowbotham Nicola Jane , Smith Sherie , Wilson Patrick , Elliott Zoe C , Leighton Paul A , Duff Alistair , Smyth Alan Robert
Published: September 2021

Reducing treatment burden in cystic fibrosis (CF) is the top research priority for patients and clinicians. Difficulty accessing medication is one aspect of treatment burden. We investigated this with an online survey available globally for patients with CF and healthcare professionals. Almost three quarters of patients with CF in our survey report difficulty getting repeat prescriptions on time, and most community pharmacists experience interrupted supplies of CF-specific medications. These barriers affect emotional and physical health of people with CF. Two-thirds of people with CF would like to get all their CF medication from one place, their CF centre.
Multiyear defoliations in southern New England increases oak mortality
Authors: Ward Jeffrey S. , Jones Chad C. , Barsky Joseph P.
Published: September 2021

After decades of multiyear defoliation episodes in southern New England, Lymantria dispar dispar (previously gypsy moth) populations diminished with the appearance of the L. dispar fungus in 1989. Multiyear defoliations did not occur again until 2015–2018. To assess the impact of the return of multiyear defoliations, we examined 3095 oaks on 29 permanent study areas in Connecticut and Rhode Island that were established at least 11 years before the latest outbreaks. Pre-defoliation stand-level oak mortality averaged 2% (3-year basis). Post-defoliation mortality did not differ between managed and unmanaged stands but was much higher in severely defoliated stands (36%) than in stands with moderate (7%) or low to no defoliation (1%). Pre-defoliation mortality of individual trees differed among species, was lower for larger diameter trees and on unmanaged than managed stands. Post-defoliation mortality on plots with no to moderate defoliation was similar to pre-defoliation mortality levels. Following multiyear defoliations, white oak (Quercus alba L.) mortality was higher than for northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black oak (Q. velutina Lam.). There was weak evidence that mortality was elevated on stands with higher basal area following severe defoliation. Natural resource managers should not assume that oaks that survived earlier multiyear defoliations episodes will survive future multiyear outbreaks, possibly because trees are older.
Agility: an essential element of leadership for an evolving educational landscape
Authors: Buffone Pino
Published: September 2021

Defined as the ability to think and move quickly and easily, the importance of agility as an essential element in the move forward for leaders of schools and systems postpandemic, as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on children, is examined. The smartness of a leader’s continuous interactions with the multi-faceted features of their environment, the very nature of the ever-evolving educational landscape of today, is of tremendous value for the leadership of tomorrow. Through the prioritization of strategic objectives in balanced measure, connectivity through relationships and partnership building, proactivity for effective change management, ingenuity in the optimization of resources over time, and the cultivation of systemness throughout the organization—as aspects of agility—educational leaders have the bona fide chance of a lifetime to transform school systems in the pursuit of achievement, equity, and well-being for the benefit of all students, staff, and school communities. Additional considerations, including barriers to agility, are also addressed as are recommendations for leaders of schools and systems as they navigate the shifts in organizational terrain caused by the disruption.
Generating Empirical Core Size Distributions of Hedonic Games Using a Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Collins Andrew J. , Etemadidavan Sheida , Khallouli Wael
Published: September 2021

Hedonic games have gained popularity over the last two decades, leading to several research articles that have used analytical methods to understand their properties better. In this paper, a Monte Carlo method, a numerical approach, is used instead. Our method includes a technique for representing, and generating, random hedonic games. We were able to create and solve, using core stability, millions of hedonic games with up to 16 players. Empirical distributions of the hedonic games’ core sizes were generated, using our results, and analyzed for games of up to 13 players. Results from games of 14–16 players were used to validate our research findings. Our results indicate that core partition size might follow the gamma distribution for games with a large number of players.
Comparison of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Models: Analyzing the Steps in the Domain of Websites’ Evaluation
Authors: Kabassi Katerina
Published: September 2021

Websites of environmental content constitute an important tool for promoting environmental information, affect environmental attitudes and promote protected areas as touristic destinations. However, these websites have to be evaluated to ensure that they reach their final goal. The use of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models in website evaluation is relatively new and not many models have been tested for this purpose. Comparisons of such models have been implemented in various domains but not for the purposes of environmental website evaluation. The main objective of this paper is on presenting the procedure of comparison of MCDM models spherical by providing in detail the steps that have to be followed. This process was implemented for website evaluation and investigated the comparative performance of the TOPSIS and VIKOR models. This comparison process involves reliability analysis of the questionnaire and the sample of decision makers, pairwise comparisons of the models by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient and estimation of the Cohen’s Kappa for testing the inter-rater comparability, using the models as raters. Furthermore, a sensitivity and robustness analysis of those models is implemented, which also has not been implemented before in the application of those models in website evaluation. The tests implemented and presented in this paper reveal that the reasonable disagreement that was often observed among the methods did not affect their reliability. As a result, MCDM models proved very effective for evaluating websites of environmental content.
Ant Colony Approach for Optimizing a Multi-stage Closed-Loop Supply Chain with a Fixed Transportation Charge
Authors: Ashour Mostafa , Elshaer Raafat , Nawara Gamal
Published: September 2021

Reverse logistics (RL) network can be adequately planned and implemented to gain additional benefits such as maximizing customer satisfaction and a positive image of the business organization, even though most distribution networks are not equipped with reverse channels to deal with the return of merchandise. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to develop a new mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) mathematical model with a single-objective, single-product, multi-stage closed-loop supply chain network design (CLSC ND), considering the fixed transportation charge in the distribution network that has been neglected in the recently published papers in the field of CLSC ND. Since such network design challenges belong to the class of NP-hard problems, an algorithm based on ant colony optimization (ACO) is proposed to design a multi-stage RL network with fixed transportation cost and variable cost for the routes. Four network characteristics of different sizes were designed, and 30 instances were randomly generated for each network characteristic to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The computational analysis of the results shows the high-quality effectiveness of the proposed ACO algorithm compared with the exact results.
On the existence and uniqueness of a nonlinear q-difference boundary value problem of fractional order
Authors: Bekri Zouaoui , Erturk Vedat Suat , Kumar Pushpendra
Published: September 2021

In this research collection, we estimate the existence of the unique solution for the boundary value problem of nonlinear fractional [Formula: see text]-difference equation having the given form [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] represents the Caputo-type nonclassical [Formula: see text]-derivative of order [Formula: see text]. We use well-known principal of Banach contraction, and Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative to vindicate the unique solution existence of the given problem. Regarding the applications, some examples are solved to justify our outcomes.
Compounding Risks Caused by Heat Exposure and COVID-19 in New York City: A Review of Policies, Tools, and Pilot Survey Results
Authors: Bock Jennifer , Srivastava Palak , Jessel Sonal , Klopp Jacqueline M. , Parks Robbie M.
Published: September 2021

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic changed many social, economic, environmental, and healthcare determinants of health in New York City (NYC) and worldwide. COVID-19 potentially heightened the risk of heat-related health impacts in NYC, particularly on the most vulnerable communities, who often lack equitable access to adequate cooling mechanisms such as air conditioning (AC) and good quality green space. Here, we review some of the policies and tools which have been developed to reduce vulnerability to heat in NYC. We then present results from an online pilot survey of members of the environmental justice organization WE ACT for Environmental Justice (WE ACT) between July 11 and August 8, 2020, which asked questions to evaluate how those in Northern Manhattan coped with elevated summer heat in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also make some policy recommendations based on our initial findings. Results of our pilot survey suggest that people stayed indoors more due to COVID-19 and relied more on AC units to stay cool. Survey responses also indicated that some avoided visiting green spaces due to concerns around overcrowding and did not regularly frequent them due to the distance from their homes. The responses also demonstrate a potential racial disparity in AC access; AC ownership and access was highest amongst white and lowest amongst Latino/a/x and Black respondents. The impacts of COVID-19 have highlighted the need to accelerate efforts to improve preparedness for extreme heat like the City of New York’s AC and cooling center programs, heat ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) retrofitting, equitable green space expansion, and stronger environmental justice community networks and feedback mechanisms to hear from affected residents. Conducting a survey of this kind annually may provide an additional effective component of evaluating cooling initiatives in NYC.
Analyzing the Aging Behavior of Lithium-Ion Cells Connected in Parallel Considering Varying Charging Profiles and Initial Cell-to-Cell Variations
Authors: Schindler Markus , Jocher Philipp , Durdel Axel , Jossen Andreas
Published: September 2021

Aging behavior and long-term cell-to-cell variations have been much more frequently investigated in single-cells than cells connected in parallel. In particular, the literature lacks a study investigating the aging behavior of cells in parallel that is based on defined cell-to-cell variations and on the results of a previous single-cell aging study. Moreover, present studies are unable to exclude the impacts of measurement systems on their final results. To counter this deficiency, a novel 4-wire measurement technique is used which does not influence the current distribution but allows both single and parallel measurements to be recorded without changing the measurement configuration. Cells in parallel generally displayed improved aging behaviors in comparison to those seen in the single-cell aging study and the positive influence of extended CV-charging was evident, as long as the CV-charging phase was limited in length. It was also observed that the exclusion of critical voltage ranges exerted the most significant influence on the aging rate and dominates the influence of initial cell-to-cell variations in the long-term. As a result, it is recommended that module manufacturers reduce the effort spent on initial cell matching strategies for cells in parallel in favor of developing cell-specific charging profiles.
On the Upper Bounds of Test Statistics for a Single Outlier Test in Linear Regression Models
Authors: Ugah Tobias Ejiofor , Mba Emmanuel Ikechukwu , Eze Micheal Chinonso , Arum Kingsley Chinedu , Mba Ifeoma Christy , Oranye Henrietta Ebele
Published: September 2021

A bewildering large number of test statistics have been found for testing the presence of an outlier in multiple linear regression models. Exact critical values of these test statistics are not available, and approximate ones are usually obtained by the first-order Bonferroni upper bound or large-scale simulations. In this paper, we show that the upper bound values of two of these test statistics are algebraically the same. An application to real data for multiple linear regression is used to demonstrate the procedure.
Evaluation of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 among Hospitalized Children in Northwest of Iran
Authors: Ramezannia Zahra , Sadeghi Javid , Abdoli Oskouie Shahram , Ahangarzadeh Rezaee Mohammad , Bannazadeh Baghi Hossein , Azadi Arezou , Ahangar Oskouee Mahin
Published: September 2021

Background. Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are the leading cause of illnesses in children. Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are among the most common etiologic agents associated with viral respiratory tract infections in children worldwide. Nevertheless, limited information is available on the spread of infections of these two viruses in northwest Iran. Objective. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the frequency of RSV and HPIV-3 and clinical features among Iranian children with confirmed respiratory infections between April 2019 and March 2020. Methods. 100 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from hospitalized patients (under 5 years old) with ARTI from Tabriz Children’s Hospital. Detection of respiratory viruses was performed using the nested RT-PCR method. Results. Respiratory syncytial virus and HPIV-3 were recognized in 18% (18/100) and 2% (2/100) of children, respectively. Ten (55.6%) of the RSV-positive samples were male, while 8 (44.4%) were female. HPIV‐3 was found only among 2 male patients (100%). Most patients (61.1%) with RSV infection were less than 12 months old. Additionally, samples that were positive for HPIV-3 were less than 12 months old. RSV infections had occurred mainly during the winter season. Conclusions. This study confirms that RSV can be one of the important respiratory pathogens in children in northwestern Iran. However, according to this study, HPIV-3 has a lower prevalence among children in this area than RSV. Therefore, implementing a routine diagnosis for respiratory pathogens can improve the management of respiratory infections in children.
Human Resources Balanced Allocation Method Based on Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Shi Weiwei , Li Qiuzuo
Published: September 2021

At present, the economics and social developments show the characteristics of diversification, and the focus of social enterprise management is driven by the allocation of human resources. Human resource allocation is a way of appropriate allocation and reasonable placement of human resources. It means that, under the guidance of science, human resources can maintain the best combination with other resources at any time. Nevertheless, the irregularities in management teams and the balanced differences of talent quality have a great effect on the balanced development of an enterprise. Based on this, this paper studies the establishment of a recurrent neural network (RNN) model to realize the allocation of human resources and the balanced development of enterprise management. Firstly, a deep learning model, based on the recurrent neural network, is established. Then, the human resources data is analyzed to calculate the matching degree between the human resources and posts. Finally, personnel scheduling is carried out according to the matching degree score between the human resources and posts, to obtain the optimal balanced allocation result of the human resources. Experimental results show that our method can bring significant improvements to personnel position matching and effectively enhance the efficiency of human resource allocation based on the cloud environment.
Some Applications of New Complex Function Space Constructed by Different Weights and Exponents
Authors: Bakery Awad A. , Mohamed Elsayed A. E.
Published: September 2021

In this article, we develop and study a new complex function space formed by varying the weights and exponents under a definite function. We investigate the geometric and topological characteristics of mapping ideals created using

s

-numbers and this complex function space. Also, the action of shift mappings on this complex function space has been discussed. Finally, we introduced an extension of Caristi’s fixed point theorem on it.
Incunabula in Communities of Canonesses Regular and Tertiaries Related to the Devotio Moderna
Authors: Dlabačová Anna , Stoop Patricia
Published: September 2021

This contribution discusses the hitherto overlooked ownership of the earliest printed books (incunabula) by Netherlandish female religious communities of tertiaries and canonesses regular connected to the religious reform movement of the Devotio moderna. Studies of book ownership and book collections in these communities have tended to focus on manuscripts. From the last decades of the fifteenth century onwards, however, these religious women increasingly came in contact with printed books, even though the involvement of the Devotio moderna with the printing press was limited. The discussion focuses on the channels via which tertiaries and canonesses acquired books produced by commercially operating printers, the ways in which incunabula affected what these (semi-)religious women read, as well as the ratio between printed books in Latin and the vernacular, and their function(s) within these communities. Thus the essay intends to sketch a preliminary image of the role of incunabula in female convents, and advocates a more inclusive approach of female religious book ownership.
Psychology Exceptionalism and the Multiple Discovery of the Replication Crisis
Authors: Nelson Nicole C. , Chung Julie , Ichikawa Kelsey , Malik Momin M.
Published: September 2021

This article outlines what we call the “narrative of psychology exceptionalism” in commentaries on the replication crisis: many thoughtful commentaries link the current crisis to the specificity of psychology’s history, methods, and subject matter, but explorations of the similarities between psychology and other fields are comparatively thin. Historical analyses of the replication crisis in psychology further contribute to this exceptionalism by creating a genealogy of events and personalities that shares little in common with other fields. We aim to rebalance this narrative by examining the emergence and evolution of replication discussions in psychology alongside their emergence and evolution in biomedicine. Through a mixed-methods analysis of commentaries on replication in psychology and the biomedical sciences, we find that these conversations have, from the early years of the crisis, shared a common core that centers on concerns about the effectiveness of traditional peer review, the need for greater transparency in methods and data, and the perverse incentive structure of academia. Drawing on Robert Merton’s framework for analyzing multiple discovery in science, we argue that the nearly simultaneous emergence of this narrative across fields suggests that there are shared historical, cultural, or institutional factors driving disillusionment with established scientific practices.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of idiopathic and hereditary pulmonary hypertension patients with ACVRL1 gene mutations
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Chen , Li Qiangqiang , Piao Chunmei , Zhang Hongsheng , Gu Hong
Published: September 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a kind of heart and lung vascular disease with low incidence and poor prognosis. Genetic variants are the important factors of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The mutations of activin receptor‐like kinase‐1 (ACVRL1) could cause pulmonary arteriole obstruction and occlusion in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. The ACVRL1 gene mutation and clinical characteristics of Chinese idiopathic or hereditary pulmonary hypertension (IPAH/HPAH) patients are still unclear. This study aimed to retrospectively study the mutation characteristics of ACVRL1 gene in Chinese IPAH/HPAH patients and its effect on clinical prognosis. We analyzed the clinical, functional, hemodynamic and mutation characteristics of 12 IPAH/HPAH patients with ACVRL1 mutations and compared with 94 IPAH/HPAH patients (27 patients carried bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) mutations and 67 without mutations). All ACVRL1 mutations of 12 patients were single nucleotide missense mutations. The ratio of male to female in 12 patients was 1:1. The diagnosis age of ACVRL1 mutation patients was younger than that of BMPR2 mutation patients (13.6 ± 11.3 years vs. 16.0 ± 12.9 years) but higher than that of patients without mutations (13.6 ± 11.3 years vs. 8.8 ± 8.5 years, p = 0.006). IPAH/HPAH patients with ACVRL1 mutation have rapid disease progresses, high overall mortality rate (approximately 50%) and no response to the acute pulmonary vasodilation test. In conclusion, this is the first study to analyze the ACVRL1 gene mutation and clinical characteristics of Chinese IPAH/HPAH patients. It is beneficial to screen ACVRL1 gene mutation for IPAH/HPAH patients to facilitate genetic counseling and early prevention and treatment.
Resveratrol improves the iron deficiency adaptation of Malus baccata seedlings by regulating iron absorption
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Chen Huifang , Su Qiufang , Wang Caihong , Sha Guangli , Ma Changqing , Sun Zhijuan , Yang Xueqing , Li Xiangyang , Tian Yike
Published: September 2021

Background

Resveratrol (Res), a phytoalexin, has been widely reported to participate in plant resistance to fungal infections. However, little information is available on its role in abiotic stress, especially in iron deficiency stress. Malus baccata is widely used as apple rootstock in China, but it is sensitive to iron deficiency.

Results

In this study, we investigated the role of exogenous Res in M. baccata seedings under iron deficiency stress. Results showed that applying 100 μM exogenous Res could alleviate iron deficiency stress. The seedlings treated with Res had a lower etiolation rate and higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate compared with the apple seedlings without Res treatment. Exogenous Res increased the iron content in the roots and leaves by inducing the expression of MbAHA genes and improving the H+-ATPase activity. As a result, the rhizosphere pH decreased, iron solubility increased, the expression of MbFRO2 and MbIRT1 was induced, and the ferric-chelated reductase activity was enhanced to absorb large amounts of Fe2+ into the root cells under iron deficiency conditions. Moreover, exogenous Res application increased the contents of IAA, ABA, and GA3 and decreased the contents of DHZR and BL for responding to iron deficiency stress indirectly. In addition, Res functioned as an antioxidant that strengthened the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thus eliminated reactive oxygen species production induced by iron deficiency stress.

Conclusion

Resveratrol improves the iron deficiency adaptation of M. baccata seedlings mainly by regulating iron absorption.
Severe spruelike enteropathy and collagenous colitis caused by olmesartan
Authors: Kaneko Shiho , Matsuda Kana , Mizuta Yasuko , Shiratori Shoya , Kishi Kazuma , Nakamura Akihisa , Yagisawa Masataka , Ehira Nobuyuki , Uebayashi Minoru , Kobayashi Hiroya
Published: September 2021

Background

Olmesartan, which is an angiotensin II receptor blocker, reportedly causes spruelike enteropathy, with intestinal villous atrophy as its typical histopathological finding. Interestingly, collagenous and/or lymphocytic gastritis and colitis occur in some patients. We report the case of a 73-year-old Japanese man with a 2-month clinical history of severe diarrhea and weight loss. There were few reports in which spruelike enteropathy and collagenous colitis were both observed and could be followed up.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 73-year-old man with a 2-month clinical history of severe diarrhea and weight loss. He had taken olmesartan for hypertension treatment for 5 years. Endoscopic examination with biopsies revealed intestinal villous atrophy and collagenous colitis. Suspecting enteropathy caused by olmesartan, which was discontinued on admission because of hypotension, we continued to stop the drug. Within 3 weeks after olmesartan discontinuation, his clinical symptoms improved. After 3 months, follow-up endoscopy showed improvement of villous atrophy but not of the thickened collagen band of the colon. However, the mucosa normalized after 6 months, histologically confirming that the preexistent pathology was finally resolved.

Conclusions

This report presents a case in which spruelike enteropathy and collagenous colitis were both observed and could be followed up. In unexplained cases of diarrhea, medication history should be reconfirmed and this disease should be considered a differential diagnosis.
The host immune response of a discharged COVID-19 patient with twice reemergence of SARS-CoV-2: a case report
Authors: Zao Xiaobin , Zhou Yang , Liang Yijun , Cao Xu , Chen Hening , Li Xiaoke , Ye Yong’an
Published: September 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic. There have been reports that long-term SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding and re-infection of COVID-19 patients existed. However, the specific mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 are still unclarified.

Case presentation

In this case, we reported a 64-year-old patient who had a long-term course of COVID-19 for 174 days with two retests of SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive after discharging from the hospital. The patient’s serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) of SARS-CoV-2 tested positive after the initial infection. And during treatment, the CD4 + T cell count and ratio to peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) were in dynamic change.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that the host immune system responded with IgG production after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but was not protective enough for the patient. The reemergence of SARS-CoV-2 could be related to the cell count and proportion of CD4 + T cells in PBMC. And the increase of CD4 + T cells after treatment may help to clear the virus.
Meningitis retention syndrome caused by varicella zoster virus in a patient without a rash: a case report
Authors: Kenzaka Tsuneaki , Goda Ken , Kumabe Ayako
Published: September 2021

Background

Meningitis retention syndrome (MRS) is a rare condition that presents with acute urinary retention as a complication of aseptic meningitis. Cases of MRS due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection without a rash are rare. We report the case of a patient who had no signs of meningitis or VZV infection, including a rash.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old man presented with dysesthesia of the lower limbs and acute urinary retention. He had fever but no rash and no signs of meningitis. He was diagnosed to have VZV infection based on the detection of VZV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid. He responded satisfactorily to a course of intravenous acyclovir and experienced no sequelae during a 2-year follow-up period.

Conclusion

MRS due to aseptic meningitis of viral origin should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute urinary retention even in the absence of specific signs and symptoms of meningitis or a suggestive rash.
LDLR gene polymorphism (rs688) affects susceptibility to cardiovascular disease in end-stage kidney disease patients
Authors: Buraczynska Monika , Jacob Jerry , Gwiazda-Tyndel Karolina , Ksiazek Andrzej
Published: September 2021

Background

The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) plays a significant role in maintaining the cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Mutations in the LDLR gene can lead to a significant rise in plasma LDL levels that may result in an increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential association of the LDLR rs688 polymorphism with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

In this case-control study the polymorphism was genotyped by the allele specific PCR method in 800 patients with ESKD and 500 healthy controls. The genotype and allele distribution was compared in subgroups of patients with CVD (552) versus those without CVD (248).

Results

A significant difference was observed in genotype distribution among ESKD patients and healthy controls. The frequencies of the T allele and TT genotype in ESKD group were significantly higher, with OR (95% CI) 2.2 (1.87–2.6), p <  0.0001 and 5.84 (3.94–8.65), p <  0.0001, respectively. In the he ESKD cohort the distribution of the rs688 was compared between CVD+ and CVD- subgroups. A strong association of the polymorphism with the CVD risk was observed in this analysis. The frequencies of the T allele and TT genotype were significantly higher in CVD+ subgroup, with OR (95% CI) 3.4 (2.71–4.26), p <  0.0001 and 13.2 (7.87–22.09), p <  0.0001, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between rs688 T variant and risk of CVD. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, hypertension and diabetes, both CT and TT genotypes were associated with an increased risk of developing CVD in the dominant, recessive and codominant models of inheritance. No significant differences in serum LDL cholesterol levels were found when compared between genotypes.

Conclusions

The present study is the first to demonstrate the association of the LDLR gene polymorphism with increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease in ESKD patients. This finding needs further investigation to confirm that LDLR rs688 might be a novel genetic risk factor with some prognostic capacity for CVD in ESKD patients.
eCross-cultural adaptation of the spine oncology-specific SOSGOQ2.0 questionnaire to German language and the assessment of its validity and reliability in the clinical setting
Authors: Datzmann T. , Kisel W. , Kramer J. , Dreimann M. , Müller-Broich J. D. , Netzer C. , Schaser K. D. , Schmitt J. , Disch A. C. ,   the Tumor Study Group, Spine Section of the German Society of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeons (DGOU), Schaser K. D. , Disch A. C. , Dreimann M. , Müller-Broich J. D. , Netzer C. , Sauer D. , Heyde C. , Schmidt R. , Kreinest M. , Arand M. , Liljenqvist U.
Published: September 2021

Background

The recently developed Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQ2.0) was proven a valid and reliable instrument measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients with spinal malignancies. A German version was not available.

Objective

A cross-cultural adaptation of the SOSGOQ2.0 to the German language and its multicenter evaluation.

Methods

In a multistep process, a cross-cultural adaptation of the SOSGOQ2.0 was conducted. Subsequently, a multicenter, prospective observational cohort study was initiated to assess the reliability and validity of the German adaptation. To assess external construct validity of the cross-cultural adapted questionnaire, a comparison to the established questionnaire QLQ-C30 from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer was conducted. Mean-difference plots were used to measure the agreement between the questionnaires in total score and by domain (deviation from mean up to 10% allowed). Further reliability and validity tests were carried out. Change to baseline was analysed 3–16 weeks later after different interventions occurred. Clinically relevant thresholds in comparison to the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire were evaluated by ROC curve analysis.

Results

We could enroll 113 patients from four different university hospitals (58 females, 55 males). Mean age was 64.11 years (sd 11.9). 80 patients had an ECOG performance status of 2 or higher at baseline. External construct validity in comparison to the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire in total score and by domain was confirmed (range of deviation 4.4 to 9.0%). Good responsiveness for the domains Physical Functioning (P < .001) and Pain (P < .001) could be shown. The group mean values also displayed a difference in the domains of Social Functioning (P = .331) and Mental Health (P = .130), but not significant. The minimum clinically relevant threshold values for the questionnaire ranged from 4.0 to 7.5 points.

Conclusions

According to our results, the cross-cultural adapted questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to measure HRQOL in German speaking patients with spinal malignancies. Especially the domains Physical Functioning and Pain showed overall good psychometric characteristics. In this way, a generic questionnaire, such as the EORTC QLQ-C30, can be usefully supplemented by spine-specific questions to increase the overall accuracy measuring HRQOL in patients with spinal malignancies.
Ten-year epidemiological study of ocular and orbital tumors in Chiba University Hospital
Authors: Shimizu Norihiro , Oshitari Toshiyuki , Yotsukura Jiro , Yokouchi Hirotaka , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: September 2021

Background

The purpose of this study is to determine the epidemiology of tumors of the ocular adnexa and orbit in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on the histopathological reports in the medical records of the Chiba University Hospital from April 2009 to March 2019. Three hundred and seventy two records were examined. In addition, we examined the annual changes in the major types of tumors including malignant lymphomas and IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RDs).

Results

There were 270 conjunctival or eyelid tumors with 166 benign and 104 malignant. There were 102 orbital tumors with 55 benign, 47 malignant tumors, and 21 cases of IgG4-RDs. Ten cases of adenoma (2.7%), another benign tumor, was also diagnosed. The major malignant tumors were malignant lymphoma in 74 cases, sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) in 28 cases, basal cell carcinoma in 15 cases, and squamous cell carcinoma in 8 cases. The SGCs were the most common malignant eyelid tumor at 54%. Among the malignant lymphomas, extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type, MALT lymphomas, was the most common at 51 cases and the second most common was the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma at 11 cases. The ratio of MALT lymphomas to that of all malignant lymphomas increased significantly with years. The serum IgG4 values were measured more often in the last 5 years (70%) than in the former 5 years (33%).

Conclusions

We conclude that malignant lymphoma is a major malignant tumor in Japan and pathological biopsies should be done proactively to prevent missing IgG4-positive MALT lymphomas.
Association of cesarean birth with prevalence of functional constipation in toddlers at 3 years of age: results from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)
Authors: Nakamura Mari , Matsumura Kenta , Ohnuma Yoshiko , Yoshida Taketoshi , Tsuchida Akiko , Hamazaki Kei , Inadera Hidekuni ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: September 2021

Background

The association between delivery mode and subsequent development of diseases is a growing area of research. Cesarean delivery affects the diversity of the microbiota in the infant gut, which may be associated with gastrointestinal disorders, including functional constipation, in infants. In this study, we investigated the association between delivery mode and prevalence of functional constipation in 3-year-old Japanese toddlers.

Methods

This study used data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, an ongoing nationwide birth cohort study. We analyzed 71,878 toddler–mother pairs. The presence of functional constipation was determined according to the Rome III diagnostic criteria. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of functional constipation in 3-year-old Japanese toddlers was estimated to be 12.3%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of functional constipation was higher in toddlers born by cesarean delivery (13.1%) compared with those born by vaginal delivery (12.1%), independent of 22 confounders (adjusted odds ratios = 1.064, 95% confidence interval = 1.004–1.128).

Conclusions

We determined the prevalence of functional constipation in 3-year-old Japanese toddlers and found that delivery mode was associated with the prevalence of functional constipation in Japanese toddlers.
Obesity determinants among Malaysian 12-year old school adolescents: findings from the HAT study
Authors: Ahmad Aryati , Zulaily Nurzaime , Shahril Mohd Razif , Wafa Sharifah Wajihah , Mohd Amin Rahmah , Piernas Carmen , Ahmed Amran
Published: September 2021

Background

Childhood obesity has been associated with increased odds of adult obesity and co-morbidities in later life. Finding the key determinants may help in designing the most appropriate and effective interventions to prevent obesity. This study aimed to identify the determinants of obesity among school adolescents in a sub-urban state of Malaysia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 1,404 school adolescents aged 12 years (46% boys and 54% girls). Socio-demographic, dietary and physical activity data were collected using questionnaires whilst body weight and height were measured and body mass index was classified based on WHO BMI-for-age Z-scores cut-off.

Results

A multivariable linear regression model showed that BMI z-score was positively associated with parents’ BMI (P<0.001), birth weight (P=0.003), and serving size of milk and dairy products (P=0.036) whilst inversely associated with household size (P=0.022). Overall, 13.1% of the variances in BMI Z-scores were explained by parents’ BMI, birth weight, servings of milk and dairy products and household size.

Conclusion

This study found important determinants of body weight status among adolescents mainly associated with family and home environmental factor. This evidence could help to form the effective and tailored strategies at the earliest stage to prevent obesity in this population.