bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Distribution Adaptation Based Transfer Network for Cross Domain Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Liao Yixiao , Huang Ruyi , Li Jipu , Chen Zhuyun , Li Weihua
Published: June 2021

In machinery fault diagnosis, labeled data are always difficult or even impossible to obtain. Transfer learning can leverage related fault diagnosis knowledge from fully labeled source domain to enhance the fault diagnosis performance in sparsely labeled or unlabeled target domain, which has been widely used for cross domain fault diagnosis. However, existing methods focus on either marginal distribution adaptation (MDA) or conditional distribution adaptation (CDA). In practice, marginal and conditional distributions discrepancies both have significant but different influences on the domain divergence. In this paper, a dynamic distribution adaptation based transfer network (DDATN) is proposed for cross domain bearing fault diagnosis. DDATN utilizes the proposed instance-weighted dynamic maximum mean discrepancy (IDMMD) for dynamic distribution adaptation (DDA), which can dynamically estimate the influences of marginal and conditional distribution and adapt target domain with source domain. The experimental evaluation on cross domain bearing fault diagnosis demonstrates that DDATN can outperformance the state-of-the-art cross domain fault diagnosis methods.
Transcriptome and proteome analysis of walnut (Juglans regia L.) fruit in response to infection by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Fang Hongcheng , Liu Xia , Dong Yuhui , Feng Shan , Zhou Rui , Wang Changxi , Ma Xinmei , Liu Jianning , Yang Ke Qiang
Published: June 2021

Background

Walnut anthracnose induced by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a disastrous disease affecting walnut production. The resistance of walnut fruit to C. gloeosporioides is a highly complicated and genetically programmed process. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated.

Results

To understand the molecular mechanism underlying the defense of walnut to C. gloeosporioides, we used RNA sequencing and label-free quantitation technologies to generate transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of tissues at various lifestyle transitions of C. gloeosporioides, including 0 hpi, pathological tissues at 24 hpi, 48 hpi, and 72 hpi, and distal uninoculated tissues at 120 hpi, in anthracnose-resistant F26 fruit bracts and anthracnose-susceptible F423 fruit bracts, which were defined through scanning electron microscopy. A total of 21,798 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1929 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in F26 vs. F423 at five time points, and the numbers of DEGs and DEPs were significantly higher in the early infection stage. Using pairwise comparisons and weighted gene co-expression network analysis of the transcriptome, we identified two modules significantly related to disease resistance and nine hub genes in the transcription expression gene networks. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of the DEGs and DEPs revealed that many genes were mainly related to immune response, plant hormone signal transduction, and secondary metabolites, and many DEPs were involved in carbon metabolism and photosynthesis. Correlation analysis between the transcriptome data and proteome data also showed that the consistency of the differential expression of the mRNA and corresponding proteins was relatively higher in the early stage of infection.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results help elucidate the molecular response of walnut fruit to C. gloeosporioides and provide a basis for the genetic improvement of walnut disease resistance.
Effect of surgical pleth index-guided analgesia versus conventional analgesia techniques on fentanyl consumption under multimodal analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective, randomized and controlled study
Authors: Guo Jian , Zhu Weigang , Shi Qinye , Bao Fangping , Xu Jianhong
Published: June 2021

Background

The Surgical Pleth Index (SPI) is an objective tool that can reflect nociception-antinociception balance and guide the use of intraoperative analgesics. Multimodal analgesia has been neglected in many previous studies. The aim of this study was to compare fentanyl consumption using SPI-guided analgesia versus conventional analgesia techniques under multimodal analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

A total of 80 patients aged 18–65 years with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I-II and a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 30 kg/m2 who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia from March 2020 to September 2020 were selected. Multimodal analgesia, including local infiltration of the surgical incision, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, was adopted perioperatively. Fentanyl boluses of 1.0 µg/kg were administered to maintain the SPI value between 20 and 50 in the SPI group. By contrast, fentanyl boluses of 1.0 µg/kg were administered whenever the heart rate (HR) or mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased to 20 % above baseline or when the HR was greater than 90 beats per minute (bpm) in the control group. Preoperative and postoperative blood glucose, plasma cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were evaluated. Intraoperative haemodynamic events and propofol and fentanyl doses were noted. The extubation time, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, use of remedial analgesics and opioid-related adverse reactions were recorded.

Results

In total, 18 of 80 patients withdrew for various reasons, and data from 62 patients were finally analysed. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the SPI group than in the control group (177.1 ± 65.9 vs. 213.5 ± 47.5, P = 0.016). The postoperative extubation time was shorter in the SPI group than in the control group (16.1 ± 5.2 vs. 22.1 ± 6.3, P < 0.001). Preoperative and postoperative blood glucose, plasma cortisol and IL-6 levels, intraoperative haemodynamic changes, postoperative VAS scores, remedial analgesic consumption and opioid-related adverse reactions were comparable in the two groups.

Conclusions

Lower doses of fentanyl are required intraoperatively with shorter extubation times when SPI is used to guide intraoperative analgesia compared to conventional analgesia techniques under multimodal analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Trial registration

Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000030145. Retrospectively Registered (Date of registration: February 24, 2020).
Clinical performance and exercise hemodynamics in patients with severe secondary tricuspid regurgitation and chronic atrial fibrillation
Authors: Jensen Jesper K. , Clemmensen Tor S. , Frederiksen Christian A. , Schofer Joachim , Andersen Mads J. , Poulsen Steen H.
Published: June 2021

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the functional capacity and hemodynamics at rest and during exercise in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and severe functional symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (AF-FTR).

Background

Symptoms and clinical performance of severe AF-FTR mimic the population of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Severe AF-FTR is known to be associated with an adverse prognosis whereas less is reported about the clinical performance including exercise capacity and hemodynamics in patients symptomatic AF-FTR.

Methods

Right heart catheterization (RHC) at rest and during exercise was conducted in a group of patients with stable chronic AF-TR and compared with a group of patients with HFpEF diagnosed with cardiac amyloid cardiomyopathy (CA). All patients had preserved ejection fraction and no significant left-sided disease.

Results

Patients with AF-FTR demonstrated a low exercise capacity that was comparable to CA patients (TR 4.9 ± 1.2 METS vs. CA 4. 7 ± 1.5 METS; P = 0.78) with an average peak maximal oxygen consumption of 15 mL/min/kg. Right atrium pressure increased significantly more in the AF-FTR patients as compared to CA patients at peak exercise (25 ± 8 vs 19 ± 9, p < 0.01) whereas PCWP increased significantly to a similar extent in both groups (31 ± 4 vs 31 ± 8 mmHg, p = 0.88). Cardiac output (CO) was significantly lower among AF-FTR at rest as compared to CA patients (3.6 ± 0.9 vs 4.4 ± 1.3 l/min; p < 0.05) whereas both groups demonstrated a poor but comparable CO reserve at peak exercise (7.3 ± 2.9 vs 7.9 ± 3.8 l/min, p = 0.59).

Conclusions

AF-FTR contributes to the development of advanced heart failure symptoms and poor exercise capacity reflected in increased atrial filling pressures, reduced cardiac output at rest and during exercise sharing common features seen in HFpEF patients with other etiologies.
Effect of herbal extracts on peripheral nerve regeneration after microsurgery of the sciatic nerve in rats
Authors: Kim Young Jun , Kim Kyu Jin , Lee Jae Hoon , Park Seong-Uk , Cho Seung-Yeon
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent experimental studies using herbal extracts have shown the possibility of peripheral nerve regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of herbal extracts on peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve injury model.

Methods

A total of 53 rats were randomly assigned to a control group or one of four experimental groups. In all rats, the sciatic nerve was completely severed and microscopic epineural end-to-end neurorrhaphy was performed. Normal saline (2 mL) was topically applied to the site of nerve repair in the control group, whereas four different herbal extracts – 2 mL each ofAstragalus mongholicusBunge,Coptis japonica(Thunb.) Makino,Aconitum carmichaeliiDebeaux,or Paeonia lactifloraPall. – were topically applied to the site of nerve repair in each experimental group. Nerve conduction studies were performed at an average of 11.9 weeks after the operation, and conduction velocity and proximal and distal amplitudes were measured. Biopsies were performed at an average of 13.2 weeks after the initial neurorrhaphy. The quality of nerve anastomosis and perineural adhesion to the surrounding soft tissues was macroscopically evaluated. The neuroma size at the site of the neurorrhaphy was microscopically measured, whereas the size of the scar tissue was evaluated relative to the diameter of the repaired nerve.

Results

The nerve conduction study results showed the highest nerve conduction velocity in the experimental group that used theCoptis japonica(Thunb.) Makino extract and the highest proximal and distal amplitudes in the experimental group that used theAconitum carmichaeliiDebeaux extract. Macroscopic evaluations after the second operation showed that grade 2 perineural adhesion was found in 70.8% of rats. The mean neuroma size in theCoptis japonica(Thunb.) Makino,Aconitum carmichaeliiDebeaux, andPaeonia lactifloraPall. groups showed statistically significant decreases relative to the control group. The mean scar tissue formation index in thePaeonia lactifloraPall. group showed a statistically significant decrease relative to the control group.

Conclusions

The peripheral nerve regeneration effect of the herbal extracts was confirmed through decreased neuroma and scar tissue formation.
The effect of lysophosphatidic acid-supplemented culture medium on human immature oocytes matured in vitro
Authors: Xie Qigui , Xing Yaxin , Zhou Jianhong , Wang Ling , Wu Jie , Chian Ri-Cheng
Published: June 2021

Background

Lysophosphatidic acid-supplemented culture medium significantly increases the oocyte maturation rate in vitro. However, potential targets and pathways involved remain unknown.

Methods

A total of 43 women, who underwent cesarean section and aged between 18 and 35 years with good health, were included in this study. Immature oocytes were obtained and cultured with 10 µM lysophosphatidic acid. After culture, oocyte maturation was assessed and oocytes and cumulus cells were collected for RNA sequencing. Hierarchical indexing for spliced alignment of transcripts 2 method was used to align clean reads to the human genome. The featureCounts and edgeR package were used to calculate gene expression and analyze differences between groups respectively. ClusterProfiler program was used to perform Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis.

Results

Oocyte maturation rate increased significantly following 48 h culture with lysophosphatidic acid. In cumulus cells, Gene Ontology analysis revealed the top 20 items enriched by upregulated genes and downregulated genes respectively; Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that upregulated genes in the treatment group were enriched in TNF signaling and insulin secretion pathways and downregulated genes were enriched in TNF signaling and cell adhesion molecules. In oocytes, Gene Ontology analysis revealed the top 20 items enriched by upregulated genes and downregulated genes respectively; Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that upregulated genes in the treatment group were enriched in MAPK signaling, gap junction, and cell cycle pathways and downregulated genes were enriched in MAPK signaling, estrogen signaling, RAP1 signaling, and gap junction pathways.

Conclusions

Lysophosphatidic acid in culture medium enhances human oocyte maturation in vitro and the identified some potential pathways may associate with oocyte maturation.
Correction to: HDACi mediate UNG2 depletion, dysregulated genomic uracil and altered expression of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors in B- and T-cell lines
Authors: Iveland Tobias S. , Hagen Lars , Sharma Animesh , Sousa Mirta M. L. , Sarno Antonio , Wollen Kristian Lied , Liabakk Nina Beate , Slupphaug Geir
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Targeting multiple genes containing long mononucleotide A-T repeats in lung cancer stem cells
Authors: Bhummaphan Narumol , Pin-on Piyapat , Phiboonchaiyanan Preeyaporn Plaimee , Siriluksana Jirattha , Aporntewan Chatchawit , Chanvorachote Pithi , Mutirangura Apiwat
Published: June 2021

Background

Intratumour heterogeneous gene expression among cancer and cancer stem cells (CSCs) can cause failure of current targeted therapies because each drug aims to target the function of a single gene. Long mononucleotide A-T repeats are cis-regulatory transcriptional elements that control many genes, increasing the expression of numerous genes in various cancers, including lung cancer. Therefore, targeting A-T repeats may dysregulate many genes driving cancer development. Here, we tested a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligo containing a long A-repeat sequence [A(15)] to disrupt the transcriptional control of the A-T repeat in lung cancer and CSCs.

Methods

First, we separated CSCs from parental lung cancer cell lines. Then, we evaluated the role of A-T repeat gene regulation by counting the number of repeats in differentially regulated genes between CSCs and the parental cells of the CSCs. After testing the dosage and effect of PNA-A15 on normal and cancer cell toxicity and CSC phenotypes, we analysed genome-wide expression to identify dysregulated genes in CSCs.

Results

The number of A-T repeats in genes differentially regulated between CSCs and parental cells differed. PNA-A15 was toxic to lung cancer cells and CSCs but not to noncancer cells. Finally, PNA-A15 dysregulated a number of genes in lung CSCs.

Conclusion

PNA-A15 is a promising novel targeted therapy agent that targets the transcriptional control activity of multiple genes in lung CSCs.
Depression and anxiety among pregnant mothers in the initial stage of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the southwest of Iran
Authors: Maharlouei Najmeh , Keshavarz Pedram , Salemi Niloufar , Lankarani Kamran B.
Published: June 2021

‌Background

Women are at a higher risk for depression progression, especially during pregnancy. The current study purposed to investigate depression, anxiety, and stress levels of pregnant mothers in the initial stage of the COVID-19 infection in the southwest of Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April, 2020, in Shiraz, Iran. Pregnant mothers registered in maternity clinics affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were included. An online self-administered checklist was used. It included socio-demographic, obstetric and medical histories, and the short form of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In total, 540 pregnant mothers answered the questionnaire. 83.5% had no comorbidity. Abnormal depression scores were significantly higher in those who had no insurance (OR = 2.5) and in those with poor self-rated health (SRH) (OR = 27.8). Pregnant mothers with lower SRH and two or more comorbidities had a higher chance of having an abnormal level of anxiety subscale (6.9, 3.7 times, retrospectively).

Conclusion

The results revealed that an abnormal level of depression was associated with SRH and medical insurance status. Moreover, the number of comorbidities and poor SRH significantly increased the chance of achieving abnormal anxiety levels in pregnant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deciphering the temporal heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations in breast cancer
Authors: Venning Freja Albjerg , Zornhagen Kamilla Westarp , Wullkopf Lena , Sjölund Jonas , Rodriguez-Cupello Carmen , Kjellman Pontus , Morsing Mikkel , Hajkarim Morteza Chalabi , Won Kyoung Jae , Erler Janine Terra , Madsen Chris Denis
Published: June 2021

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) comprise a heterogeneous population of stromal cells within the tumour microenvironment. CAFs exhibit both tumour-promoting and tumour-suppressing functions, making them exciting targets for improving cancer treatments. Careful isolation, identification, and characterisation of CAF heterogeneity is thus necessary for ex vivo validation and future implementation of CAF-targeted strategies in cancer.

Methods

Murine 4T1 (metastatic) and 4T07 (poorly/non-metastatic) orthotopic triple negative breast cancer tumours were collected after 7, 14, or 21 days. The tumours were analysed via flow cytometry for the simultaneous expression of six CAF markers: alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα), platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha and beta (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ), CD26/DPP4 and podoplanin (PDPN). All non-CAFs were excluded from the analysis using a lineage marker cocktail (CD24, CD31, CD45, CD49f, EpCAM, LYVE-1, and TER-119). In total 128 murine tumours and 12 healthy mammary fat pads were analysed.

Results

We have developed a multicolour flow cytometry strategy based on exclusion of non-CAFs and successfully employed this to explore the temporal heterogeneity of freshly isolated CAFs in the 4T1 and 4T07 mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer. Analysing 128 murine tumours, we identified 5–6 main CAF populations and numerous minor ones based on the analysis of αSMA, FAPα, PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, CD26, and PDPN. All markers showed temporal changes with a distinct switch from primarily PDGFRα+ fibroblasts in healthy mammary tissue to predominantly PDGFRβ+ CAFs in tumours. CD26+ CAFs emerged as a large novel subpopulation, only matched by FAPα+ CAFs in abundance.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that multiple subpopulations of CAFs co-exist in murine triple negative breast cancer, and that the abundance and dynamics for each marker differ depending on tumour type and time. Our results form the foundation needed to isolate and characterise specific CAF populations, and ultimately provide an opportunity to therapeutically target specific CAF subpopulations.
Regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in cancer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Dai Ziyu , Wu Wantao , Wang Zeyu , Zhang Nan , Zhang Liyang , Zeng Wen-Jing , Liu Zhixiong , Cheng Quan
Published: June 2021

The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4)/B7 and programmed death 1 (PD-1)/ programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are two most representative immune checkpoint pathways, which negatively regulate T cell immune function during different phases of T-cell activation. Inhibitors targeting CTLA-4/B7 and PD1/PD-L1 pathways have revolutionized immunotherapies for numerous cancer types. Although the combined anti-CTLA-4/B7 and anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy has demonstrated promising clinical efficacy, only a small percentage of patients receiving anti-CTLA-4/B7 or anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy experienced prolonged survival. Regulation of the expression of PD-L1 and CTLA-4 significantly impacts the treatment effect. Understanding the in-depth mechanisms and interplays of PD-L1 and CTLA-4 could help identify patients with better immunotherapy responses and promote their clinical care. In this review, regulation of PD-L1 and CTLA-4 is discussed at the levels of DNA, RNA, and proteins, as well as indirect regulation of biomarkers, localization within the cell, and drugs. Specifically, some potential drugs have been developed to regulate PD-L1 and CTLA-4 expressions with high efficiency.
Podiatrists' views and experiences of using real time clinical gait analysis in the assessment and treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
Authors: Harradine Paul , Gates Lucy , Metcalf Cheryl , Bowen Catherine
Published: June 2021

Background

Real time clinical gait analysis (RTCGA) is often incorporated as part of a general or lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) adult patient assessment. However, it is not known if RTCGA is clinically effective as a useful outcome measure or aids in decision making. Whether there is a clinical worth in conducting RTCGA in adult MSK consultations remains controversial. The aim of this study was to provide unique insights into MSK podiatrists use and opinions of RTCGA, using Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) as an exemplar adult condition.

Methods

A qualitative approach was employed to explore MSK podiatrists' views and experiences of RTCGA when assessing or treating patients with PTTD. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted via Skype video calls which were transcribed using an orthographic transcription method. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key meanings and report patterns within the data.

Results

Twenty nine MSK podiatrists who used RTCGA in the assessment and treatment of PTTD participated in the study. Five themes were identified as 1) RTCGA Method; 2) Working with RTCGA; 3) RTCGA uses; 4) What could aid RTCGA; 5) How RTCGA skills are acquired. This is the first known study to explore this topic of relevance to clinicians and researchers alike. Clinical observations were not only kinematic, but also included patient perceived experiences such as pain and orthotic comfort with normative kinematic reference values not perceived as important to that management goal. The most common barefoot RTCGA observations performed were the rearfoot to leg angle, medial bulge, forefoot abduction and arch integrity. However, a high amount of variation in many gait observations was noted between participants. Documentation methods also varied with a four‐point scale system to grade motion and position most often employed and RTCGA was most often learnt through experience. The main barriers to performing RTCGA were clinical time and space restrictions.

Conclusion

Findings from this study have provided a view of how podiatry MSK clinicians utilise RTCGA within their practice. MSK podiatrists use RTCGA as both an outcome measure and as an aid in decision making. This implies a perceived worth in conducting RTCGA, however further work is recommended that focusses on development of a national guideline to RTCGA to be adopted.
Sleep disorders reveal distress among children and adolescents during the Covid-19 first wave: results of a large web-based Italian survey
Authors: Dondi Arianna , Fetta Anna , Lenzi Jacopo , Morigi Francesca , Candela Egidio , Rocca Alessandro , Cordelli Duccio Maria , Lanari Marcello
Published: June 2021

Background

Measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic led to significant lifestyle changes for children and adolescents mainly related to the closure of schools and recreational activities, reduced social interaction, and increased family concerns.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of 78 questions investigating social determinants of health, mood changes, symptoms of anxiety, increase in sleep disorders and unusual repetitive movements was offered to parents living in Italy with children ≤18 years; including families of children with disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, chronic diseases, and specific learning disabilities. The survey was conducted on the Qualtrics platform 6 months after the beginning of the pandemic and distributed in hospitals and paediatricians’ waiting rooms as well as through social networks. The primary outcomes were the increase in sleep disorders among children and adolescents. Possible risk factors were investigated through multivariable regression.

Results

Six thousand two hundred ten volunteer parents responded to the questions concerning mood changes, sleep disorders and unusual repetitive movements, and were included in the present study. The majority were female (91.8%) and Italian (97.0%). 72.7% answered that their children had become more nervous, worried, or sad (80.2% in children with learning disabilities); 77.6% reported feelings of loneliness and 69.3% more difficulties in children falling asleep, 30.2% in staying asleep, and 18.7% an increase in nightmares and/or sleep terrors. Statistical analysis identified socioeconomic status, parent’s job loss, food insecurity, family attitude toward the pandemic, and children’s mood swing, feelings of loneliness, or missing outdoor activities, as major risk factors for sleep disorders.

Conclusion

The first Covid-19 lockdown impacted children’s and adolescents’ health through an increase in sleep disorders. In the following phases of the pandemic, this evidence may be useful to investigate and treat these disorders as well as make decisions about containment health policies concerning this age group.
Exploring intervention components in association with changes in preschool children’s vegetable intake: the BRA-study
Authors: Kristiansen Anne Lene , Himberg-Sundet Anne , Bjelland Mona , Lien Nanna , Holst René , Andersen Lene Frost
Published: June 2021

Objective

The present study aimed to explore kindergarten staffs’ perceived usefulness of intervention components in association with changes in children’s vegetable intake and vegetables served in the kindergarten. Assessment of the perceived usefulness of intervention components consisted of a paper-based questionnaire for the kindergarten staff assessing usefulness of posters, supplementary material and 1-day inspirational course. Children’s vegetable intake in the kindergarten was assessed by direct observation, while vegetables served was assessed by a 5-day weighted vegetable diary.

Results

Seventy-three kindergartens in two counties in Norway participated (response rate 15%) and parental consent was obtained for 633 children 3–5 years of age at baseline (response rate 39%). Mixed effect models indicated a tendency that posters were associated with increased child vegetable intake (P = 0.062). Surprisingly, a low degree of perceived usefulness of supplementary material was associated with the largest increase in child vegetable intake (P = 0.020). No significant associations between perceived usefulness of intervention components and vegetables served in the kindergarten were found. This study indicated a tendency that posters were associated with increased child vegetable intake; however, this may also be due to synergies between multiple intervention components.

Trial registration International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials ISRCTN51962956 (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN51962956). Registered 21 June 2016 (retrospectively registered).
Whole gene analysis of a genotype G29P[6] human rotavirus strain identified in Central African Republic
Authors: Banga-Mingo Virginie , Esona Mathew D. , Betrapally Naga S. , Gautam Rashi , Jaimes Jose , Katz Eric , Waku-Kouomou Diane , Bowen Michael D. , Gouandjika-Vasilache Ionela
Published: June 2021

Objective

Rotavirus A (RVA) remains the main causative agent of gastroenteritis in young children and the young of many mammalian and avian species. In this study we describe a RVA strain detected from a 6-month-old child from Central African Republic (CAR).

Results

We report the 11 open reading frame sequences of a G29-P[6]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 rotavirus strain, RVA/Human-wt/CAR/CAR91/2014/G29P[6]. Nine genes (VP1–VP3, VP6, NSP1–NSP5) shared 90–100% sequence similarities with genogroup 2 rotaviruses. Phylogenetically, backbone genes, except for VP3 and NSP4 genes, were linked with cognate gene sequences of human DS-1-like genogroup 2, hence their genetic origin. The VP3 and NSP4 genes, clustered genetically with both human and animal strains, an indication genetic reassortment human and animal RVA strains has taken place. The VP7 gene shared nucleotide (93–94%) and amino acid (95.5–96.7%) identities with Kenyan and Belgian human G29 strains, as well as to buffalo G29 strain from South Africa, while the VP4 gene most closely resembled P[6]-lineage I strains from Africa and Bangladesh (97%).
Germline nuclear-predominant Pten murine model exhibits impaired social and perseverative behavior, microglial activation, and increased oxytocinergic activity
Authors: Sarn Nick , Thacker Stetson , Lee Hyunpil , Eng Charis
Published: June 2021

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a strong genetic etiology. Germline mutation in the tumor suppressor gene PTEN is one of the best described monogenic risk cases for ASD. Animal modeling of cell-specific Pten loss or mutation has provided insight into how disruptions to the function of PTEN affect neurodevelopment, neurobiology, and social behavior. As such, there is a growing need to understand more about how various aspects of PTEN activity and cell-compartment-specific functions, contribute to certain neurological or behavior phenotypes.

Methods

To understand more about the relationship between Pten localization and downstream effects on neurophenotypes, we generated the nuclear-predominant PtenY68H/+ mouse, which is identical to the genotype of some PTEN-ASD individuals. We subjected the PtenY68H/+ mouse to morphological and behavioral phenotyping, including the three-chamber sociability, open field, rotarod, and marble burying tests. We subsequently performed in vivo and in vitro cellular phenotyping and concluded the work with a transcriptomic survey of the PtenY68H/+ cortex, which profiled gene expression.

Results

We observe a significant increase in P-Akt downstream of canonical Pten signaling, macrocephaly, decreased sociability, decreased preference for novel social stimuli, increased repetitive behavior, and increased thigmotaxis in PtenY68H/+ six-week-old (P40) mice. In addition, we found significant microglial activation with increased expression of complement and neuroinflammatory proteins in vivo and in vitro accompanied by enhanced phagocytosis. These observations were subsequently validated with RNA-seq and qRT-PCR, which revealed overexpression of many genes involved in neuroinflammation and neuronal function, including oxytocin. Oxytocin transcript was fivefold overexpressed (P = 0.0018), and oxytocin protein was strongly overexpressed in the PtenY68H/+ hypothalamus.

Conclusions

The nuclear-predominant PtenY68H/+ model has clarified that Pten dysfunction links to microglial pathology and this associates with increased Akt signaling. We also demonstrate that Pten dysfunction associates with changes in the oxytocin system, an important connection between a prominent ASD risk gene and a potent neuroendocrine regulator of social behavior. These cellular and molecular pathologies may related to the observed changes in social behavior. Ultimately, the findings from this work may reveal important biomarkers and/or novel therapeutic modalities that could be explored in individuals with germline mutations in PTEN with ASD.
Influence of the densities and nutritional components of bacterial colonies on the culture-enriched gut bacterial community structure
Authors: Gu Yanrong , Yan Dong , Wu Minna , Li Min , Li Puze , Wang Jingjing , Chang Yahan , Yang Fan , Di Shaojun , Ni Shijun , Yang Mengjie , Liu Jieyu
Published: June 2021

Isolating relevant microorganisms is still a substantial challenge that limits the use of bacteria in the maintenance of human health. To confirm which media and which bacterial colony densities can enrich certain kinds of bacteria, we selected eight common media and used them to enrich the gut microorganisms on agar plates. Then, we calculated the numbers of bacterial colonies and collected the bacterial culture mixtures from each kind of medium. Using the Illumina HiSeq platform, we analyzed the composition and diversity of the culture-enriched gut bacterial community. Our data suggested that medium supplemented with blood could increase the diversity of the bacterial community. In addition, beef powder and peptone could significantly change the culture-enriched bacterial community. A moderate density (100–150 colony-forming units per plate) was optimal for obtaining the highest diversity on the agar. Similarly, membrane transport was significantly enriched in the moderate-density group, which indicated a more active metabolism in this density range. Overall, these results reveal the optimal culture conditions, including the densities of colonies and nutritional components for various gut bacteria, that provide a novel strategy for isolating bacteria in a way that is targeted and avoids blinded and repetitive work.
Short-term health-related quality of life, physical function and psychological consequences of severe COVID-19
Authors: Carenzo Luca , Protti Alessandro , Dalla Corte Francesca , Aceto Romina , Iapichino Giacomo , Milani Angelo , Santini Alessandro , Chiurazzi Chiara , Ferrari Michele , Heffler Enrico , Angelini Claudio , Aghemo Alessio , Ciccarelli Michele , Chiti Arturo , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Herridge Margaret S. , Cecconi Maurizio ,   the Humanitas COVID-19 Task Force
Published: June 2021

Background

Survivors of severe COVID-19 are at risk of impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and persistent physical and psychological disability after ICU and hospital discharge. The subsequent social burden is a major concern. We aimed to assess the short-term HRQoL, physical function and prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms of invasively mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients treated in our ICU.

Methods

Prospective, observational cohort study in a follow-up clinic. Patients completed a 6-min walking test (6MWT) to assess their cardio-pulmonary function around 2 months (early follow-up) from hospital discharge, the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire for quality of life assessment around 2 months and at 6 months from hospital discharge and an anonymous web-based Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaire for Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms at 2 months.

Results

47 patients attended our follow-up program, mean age 59 ± 10 years, median pre-morbid Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) 2 [2–3]. The median distance walked in 6 min was 470 [406–516] m, 83 [67–99]% of the predicted value. Overall 1 out 3 patients and 4/18 (22%) among those with a good functional baseline prior to COVID-19 (CFS of 1 or 2) had lower (84%) than predicted 6MWT. EQ-5D-5L quality of life VAS was 80 [70–90] out of 100 at early follow-up with a slight improvement to 85 [77.5–90] at 6 months. Mobility, self-care and usual activities improved between the two timepoints, while pain/discomfort and depression/anxiety did not improve or got worse. The IES-R total score was greater than the threshold for concern of 1.6 in 27/41(66%) respondents.

Conclusions

Patients recovering from severe COVID-19 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation surviving hospital discharge present with early mild to moderate functional impairment, mildly reduced quality of life from hospital discharge with an overall improvement of mobility, self-care and the ability of performing usual activities, while a worsening of pain and depression/anxiety symptoms at 6 months and a large proportion of symptoms of post-traumatic distress soon after hospital discharge.
Tsunami evacuation times and routes to safe zones: a GIS-based approach to tsunami evacuation planning on the island of Stromboli, Italy
Authors: Bonilauri Emmie M. , Harris Andrew J. L. , Morin Julie , Ripepe Maurizio , Mangione Domenico , Lacanna Giorgio , Ciolli Stefano , Cusolito Maria , Deguy Pauline
Published: June 2021

While a landslide at the volcanic island of Stromboli (Aeolian Islands, Italy) in December 2002 created a tsunami with a run-up of 10.9 m, two paroxysmal eruptions in the summer of 2019 caused a tsunami with an amplitude of 40 to 20 cm. All three events required rapid, spontaneous emergency evacuations of the beach zone as the time between tsunami generation and impact is around 4 min. These conditions thus require a special consideration of the issue of evacuation capabilities on the island in the event of a volcanogenic tsunami. The purpose of this paper is thus to (i) determine pedestrian evacuation times from high-risk coastal areas to safe zones, (ii) to assess building evacuation ease, and (iii) determine emergency evacuation plans (for buildings and coastal zones). For this purpose, we created a GIS-based risk analysis/mapping tool that also allowed macroscopic evacuation modelling. In our case, the high-risk zone to be evacuated involves an area extending to 10 m a.s.l. and involving 123 individual buildings over an area of 0.18 km2. The results show that 33% of the buildings can be evacuated in 4 min, and that a 10-min warning time is required for a complete and well-distributed evacuation whereby the population is evenly distributed between all evacuation exits to avoid the potential for congestion. Initial interviews of residents in the at-risk zone reveal a high level of awareness and a desire for personalized evacuation scenarios.
Factors leading to effective social participation promotion interventions for people with intellectual disability: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Aparicio Andrés , Arango Paulina , Espinoza Rosario , Villate Vicente , Tenorio Marcela
Published: June 2021

Background

People with intellectual disabilities have been historically excluded from decision-making processes. Previous literature indicates that increasing social participation may be an effective way to address this exclusion, but no systematic review of interventions designed to increase social participation of people with intellectual disabilities have been conducted. This study aims to identify and organize the factors associated with interventions that increase the social participation of people with intellectual disabilities and to provide a set of best of practices for future interventions.

Methods/design

The databases Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, and PubMed will be searched for articles from January 2004 onwards; grey literature search will be identified through searching additional databases (such as Google Scholar and EBSCO databases). Randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials, and controlled pre–post studies will be included. Noncontrolled pre–post studies will also be included. Observational or qualitative studies will be excluded. The primary outcomes are measures of social participation. Secondary outcomes include measures of well-being, stigma, knowledge about rights, and advocacy processes. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, extract relevant data, and assess the quality of the studies. We will provide a meta-analysis of included studies if possible, or a quantitative narrative synthesis otherwise.

Discussion

This systematic review will add to our understanding of effective social participation interventions for people with intellectual disability. It will allow us to identify and organize which factors lead to an increase in social participation and help us define a set of best practices to be followed by future interventions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020189093
A semi-analytical coupled simulation approach for induction heating
Authors: Areitioaurtena Maialen , Segurajauregi Unai , Akujärvi Ville , Fisk Martin , Urresti Iker , Ukar Eneko
Published: June 2021

The numerical simulation of the induction heating process can be computationally expensive, especially if ferromagnetic materials are studied. There are several analytical models that describe the electromagnetic phenomena. However, these are very limited by the geometry of the coil and the workpiece. Thus, the usual method for computing more complex systems is to use the finite element method to solve the set of equations in the multiphysical system, but this easily becomes very time consuming. This paper deals with the problem of solving a coupled electromagnetic - thermal problem with higher computational efficiency. For this purpose, a semi-analytical modeling strategy is proposed, that is based on an initial finite element computation, followed by the use of analytical electromagnetic equations to solve the coupled electromagnetic-thermal problem. The usage of the simplified model is restricted to simple geometrical features such as flat or curved surfaces with great curvature to skin depth ratio. Numerical and experimental validation of the model show an average error between 0.9% and 4.1% in the prediction of the temperature evolution, reaching a greater accuracy than other analyzed commercial softwares. A 3D case of a double-row large size ball bearing is also presented, fully validating the proposed approach in terms of computational time and accuracy for complex industrial cases.
The impact of COVID-19 on adolescents with eating disorders: a cohort study
Authors: Spettigue Wendy , Obeid Nicole , Erbach Madison , Feder Stephen , Finner Natalie , Harrison Megan E. , Isserlin Leanna , Robinson Amy , Norris Mark L.
Published: June 2021

Background

There is a noticeable lack of evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown on young people with eating disorders. The goals of this study were 1) to examine characteristics of adolescents presenting for eating disorder (ED) assessment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) to compare adolescents presenting for ED assessment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to those that presented for assessment 1 year previously; 3) to examine implications of the pandemic on the system of care.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was completed on all patients assessed at a pediatric tertiary care ED program during the pandemic between April 1 and October 31, 2020, and on youth assessed during the same time frame 1 year previously. Data including body measurements and results of psychological measures was extracted from patients’ charts. Clinician reports were utilized for accounts of ED symptoms. Referrals to our program were also compared for the two time periods.

Results

Of the 48 youth assessed between April and October 2020, average age was 14.6 years and average percentage of treatment goal weight was 77.7%. 40% cited the pandemic as a trigger for their ED; of these youth, 78.9% were medically unstable compared to 55.2% of those whose ED was not triggered by the pandemic. When comparing the 2020 cohort to those assessed in 2019, youth who presented for assessment during the pandemic trended towards having lower percentage of goal weights and higher rates of self-reported impairment, and were significantly more likely to be medically unstable (p = 0.005) and to require hospitalization (p = 0.005). Higher rates of inpatient admissions, emergency room consultation requests and outpatient referrals deemed “urgent” were likewise associated with the pandemic period.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, youth assessed for an ED presented with high rates of medical instability and need for hospitalization. Caring for these youth may be more challenging during the pandemic, when access to services may be limited. Further research is required to better understand the impact of the pandemic on the clinical course and outcomes of EDs in adolescents.
A century of national forest inventories – informing past, present and future decisions
Authors: Breidenbach Johannes , McRoberts Ronald E. , Alberdi Iciar , Antón-Fernández Clara , Tomppo Erkki
Published: June 2021

In 2019, 100 years had elapsed since the first National Forest Inventory (NFI) was established in Norway. Motivated by a fear of over-exploitation of timber resources, NFIs today enable informed policy making by providing data vital to decision support at international, national, regional, and local scales. This Collection of articles celebrates the 100th anniversary of NFIs with a description of past, present, and future research aiming at improving the monitoring of forest and other terrestrial ecosystems.
Developing parametric design fashion products using 3D printing technology
Authors: Jeong Jiwoon , Park Hyein , Lee Yoojeong , Kang Jihye , Chun Jaehoon
Published: June 2021

This study created wearable fashion products with parametric design characteristics, using 3D printing technology. The goal of the study was to understand what parametric design features can be simulated with 3D modeling and printing technology, as well as to demonstrate what techniques can be used to produce fashion products using 3D printing technology. This study created two different parametric motifs using an FDM-type 3D printer with TPU and ABS as the printing materials. With those motifs, we produced three garments and two accessories. The limitations found during the process were modeling the exact measurement of the motifs that will merge with the apparel design seamlessly while maintaining the parametric features, as well as attaching the printed motifs to fabric without ruining the integrity of the textile. A significant implication of this study is that it recreates parametric designs on the human body and utilizes 3D printing technology for fashion products. This paper cast a light on a discussion about the technique can be applied on fashion design with full-sized body and encouraged designers to explore further with technological advancements in the future.