bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the ammonium transporter gene family in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Wang Yu , Xuan Yi‐Min , Wang Shu‐Mao , Fan Dong‐Mei , Wang Xiao‐Chang , Zheng Xin‐Qiang
Published: February 2022

As a preferred nitrogen form, ammonium (NH4+) transport via specific transporters is particularly important for the growth and development of tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.). However, our understanding of the functions of the AMT family in tea plants is limited. We identified and named 16 putative AMT genes according to phylogenetic analysis. All CsAMT genes were divided into three groups, distributed on 12 chromosomes with only one segmental duplication repetition. The CsAMT genes showed different expression levels in different organs, and most of them were expressed mainly in the apical buds and roots. Complementation analysis of yeast mutants showed that CsAMTs restored the uptake of NH4+. This study provides insights into the genome‐wide distribution and spatial expression of AMT genes in tea plants.
The Effects of COVID‐19 lockdown on neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Soysal Pinar , Smith Lee , Trott Mike , Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Barbagallo Mario , Tan Semen Gokce , Koyanagi Ai , Shenkin Susan , Veronese Nicola ,   European Society of Geriatric Medicine Special Interest Group in Dementia and Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses
Published: February 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic may have a disproportionate impact on people with dementia/mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to isolation and loss of services. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of the COVID‐19 lockdown on neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in people living with dementia/MCI. Two authors searched major electronic databases from inception to June 2021 for observational studies investigating COVID‐19 and NPS in people with dementia/MCI. Summary estimates of mean differences in NPS scores pre‐ versus post‐COVID‐19 were calculated using a random‐effects model, weighting cases using inverse variance. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. From 2730 citations, 21 studies including 7139 patients (60.0% female, mean age 75.6 ± 7.9 years, 4.0% MCI) with dementia were evaluated in the review. Five studies found no changes in NPS, but in all other studies, an increase in at least one NPS or the pre‐pandemic Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score was found. The most common aggravated NPS were depression, anxiety, agitation, irritability, and apathy during lockdown, but 66.7% of the studies had a high bias. Seven studies including 420 patients (22.1% MCI) yielded enough data to be included in the meta‐analysis. The mean follow‐up time was 5.9 ± 1.5 weeks. The pooled increase in NPI score before compared to during COVID‐19 was 3.85 (95% CI:0.43 to 7.27; P = 0.03; I2 = 82.4%). All studies had high risk of bias. These results were characterized by high heterogeneity, but there was no presence of publication bias. There is an increase in the worsening of NPS in people living with dementia/MCI during lockdown in the COVID pandemic. Future comparative studies are needed to elucidate whether a similar deterioration might occur in people without dementia/MCI.
EEGpower spectral measures of cognitive workload: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chikhi Samy , Matton Nadine , Blanchet Sophie
Published: February 2022

Cognitive workload (CWL) is a fundamental concept in the assessment and monitoring of human performance during cognitive tasks. Numerous studies have attempted to objectively and continuously measure the CWL using neuroimaging techniques. Although the electroencephalogram (EEG) is a widely used technique, the impact of CWL on the spectral power of brain frequencies has shown inconsistent results. The present review aimed to synthesize the results of the literature and quantitatively assess which brain frequency is the most sensitive to CWL. A systematic literature search following PRISMA recommendations highlighted three main frequency bands used to measure CWL: theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), and beta (12–30 Hz). Three meta‐analyses were conducted to quantitatively examine the effect of CWL on these frequencies. A total of 45 effect sizes from 24 studies involving 723 participants were computed. CWL was associated with significant effects on theta (g= 0.68, CI [0.41, 0.95]), alpha (g= −0.25, CI [−0.45, 0.04]), and beta (g= 0.50, CI [0.21, 0.79]) power. Our results suggests that theta, especially the frontal theta, is the best index of CWL. Alpha and beta power were also significantly impacted by CWL; however, their association seemed less straightforward. These results are critically analyzed considering the literature on cerebral oscillations. We conclude by emphasizing the need to investigate the interaction between CWL and other factors that may influence spectral power (e.g., emotional load), and to combine this measure with other methods of analysis of the central and peripheral nervous system (e.g., functional connectivity, heart rate).
Late Miocene magmatic‐hydrothermal system and related Cu mineralization of the Arakawa area, Akita, Japan
Authors: Satori Shota , Watanabe Yasushi , Ogata Takeyuki , Hayasaka Yasutaka
Published: February 2022

The Northeast Japan arc hosts a number of hydrothermal vein‐type copper deposits associated with Neogene felsic intrusions. The Arakawa area is underlain by Cretaceous granites and Tertiary sedimentary rocks, which were intruded by the Miocene Ushizawamata dacite. Zircon grains from the dacite intrusion yield a 206Pb/238U intercept age (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) of 8.10 ± 0.30 Ma, consistent with a previously reported K‐Ar illite age (8.1 ± 0.4 Ma) of the Ushizawamata lead and zinc prospect in the Arakawa area. The dacite intrusion and the surrounding Miocene sedimentary rocks were altered by hydrothermal activity on the surface, classified into four alteration zones: (1) biotite‐chlorite, (2) illite, (3) chlorite and (4) smectite, centered on the intrusion. About 20 major vertical sub‐parallel copper‐bearing quartz veins occur in the chlorite alteration zone on the west side of the dacite. The first vein stage is composed of chalcopyrite and chamosite with a minor amount of quartz in brecciated wall rocks, and the second‐stage is characterized by the presence of hematite in addition to the first‐stage mineral assemblage. The third‐stage consists of comb‐shaped quartz veins with a minor amount of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena and pyrite, and the fourth‐stage of barite and apatite present in druse in the third‐stage veins. Primary fluid inclusions in quartz of the first‐ and third‐stages are all liquid‐rich and two‐phase. Homogenization temperature and salinity of first‐stage quartz are 263–277°C and 5.7–7.5 wt% NaCl equivalent (eq.); in quartz of the third‐stage, 251–270°C and 2.7–4.2 wt% in the inner zone and 207–250°C and 2.7–3.7 wt% in comb‐shaped quartz on the vein margin. The fluid inclusions in quartz phenocrysts of the Ushizawamata dacite show two distinct assemblages, halite‐bearing polyphase inclusions that coexist with vapor‐phase inclusions and/or vapor‐rich two‐phase inclusions, and liquid‐rich two‐phase inclusions. Homogenization temperature and salinity of the polyphase inclusions are higher than 401°C and 46.7 wt%, respectively, and those of the vapor‐rich two‐phase inclusions report 393–419°C and 2.6–3.7 wt% NaCl, whereas the liquid‐rich two‐phase inclusions returned 344–403°C and 8.0–9.3 wt%, respectively. These results indicate that the ore forming fluid was slightly cooler and lower in salinity than the late‐stage hydrothermal fluid in the Ushizawamata intrusion. The spatial and temporal proximity between the Ushizawamata dacite and the hydrothermal veins indicates that the dacitic magma was genetically related to the vein copper mineralization in the Arakawa area.
Prosocial behaviour between siblings exposed to intimate partner violence
Authors: Piotrowski Caroline C. , Wiebe Rachel , Cameranesi Margherita
Published: February 2022

Children's prosocial behaviour is a core feature of their social development as well as their resilience, but it has not yet been examined in siblings exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). The goals of the present study were: (1) To describe prosocial behaviour between siblings exposed to IPV by exploring linkages with exposure to violence, sibling spacing, child age, and self‐esteem; (2) To investigate if prosocial behaviour varied as a function of sibling relationship quality; and (3) To assess if child adjustment problems were related to sibling prosocial behaviour. Forty‐seven families with two school‐aged siblings aged eight and eleven years on average were recruited from the community. Observations of unstructured sibling interaction were coded for prosocial behaviour as well as declined prosocial offers and requests. Children reported on their self‐esteem and on the quality of their sibling relationships. Mothers reported on internalizing and externalizing problems for each child. Results showed that prosocial behaviour was positively associated with greater sibling warmth and sibling spacing, but not related to exposure to IPV or child self‐esteem. Declined prosocial behaviours were positively associated with maternal reports of physical IPV and negatively associated with child age. Prosocial behaviour differed significantly across relationship typologies; it was more frequent in intense relationships, and when sibling spacing was larger. By examining sibling prosociality, this exploratory study shed new light on resilience in children exposed to IPV. Results were discussed within a resilience framework.
Vaccination of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors increases binding and neutralizing antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants
Authors: Di Germanio Clara , Simmons Graham , Thorbrogger Chloe , Martinelli Rachel , Stone Mars , Gniadek Thomas , Busch Michael P.
Published: February 2022

Background

COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) was widely used as passive immunotherapy during the first waves of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the US. However, based on observational studies and randomized controlled trials, the beneficial effects of CCP were limited, and its use was virtually discontinued early in 2021, in concurrence with increased vaccination rates and availability of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics. Yet, as new variants of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spread, interest in CCP derived from vaccine‐boosted CCP donors is resurging. The effect of vaccination of previously infected CCP donors on antibodies against rapidly spreading variants is still under investigation.

Study design/methods

In this study, paired‐samples from 11 CCP donors collected before and after vaccination was tested to measure binding antibody levels and neutralization activity against the ancestral Wuhan‐Hu‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 variants (Wuhan‐Hu‐1 with D614G, alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon) on the Ortho Vitros Spike Total Ig and IgG assays, the MSD V‐PLEX SARS‐CoV‐2 arrays for IgG binding and ACE2 inhibition, and variant‐specific Spike Reporter Viral Particle Neutralization (RVPN) assays.

Results/findings

Binding and neutralizing antibodies were significantly boosted by vaccination, with several logs higher neutralization for all the variants tested post‐vaccination compared to the pre‐vaccination samples, with no difference found among the individual variants.

Discussion

Vaccination of previously infected individuals boosts antibodies including neutralizing activity against all SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Successful management and recovery of a dog with immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia following vincristine overdose
Authors: Poirier Maude , Blong April E. , Walton Rebecca A. L.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To describe the management and outcome of a dog following a 10‐fold dosing error of vincristine.

Case Summary

A 2‐year‐old neutered female Toy Fox Terrier presenting for immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia was administered an accidental overdose of vincristine (0.2 mg/kg [2.71 mg/m2]). The dog was managed for severe gastrointestinal signs, neutropenia, and neurological consequences secondary to the overdose. Neurological signs included diffuse muscle tremors, limb hyperextension, and myalgia during the dog's hospitalization. Medical management consisted of aggressive supportive care in addition to novel strategies, including folinic acid, glutamic acid, and Tbo‐filgrastim. The dog was discharged from the hospital after 12 days of hospitalization and recovered completely within a month of the overdose with no lasting consequences.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first report of the successful management of severe vincristine overdose in a dog. Therapy included the use of Tbo‐filgrastim, folinic acid, and glutamic acid along with aggressive supportive care.
Urban landscape and infection risk in free‐roaming cats
Authors: Candela Mónica G. , Fanelli Angela , Carvalho João , Serrano Emmanuel , Domenech Guillermo , Alonso Francisco , Martínez‐Carrasco Carlos
Published: February 2022

Despite public concern on the role of free‐roaming cats as reservoirs of zoonotic agents, little is known about the influence of urban and peri‐urban landscapes on the exposure risk. We evaluated the seroprevalence of three zoonotic agents (Chlamydia felis, Coxiella burnetiiandToxoplasma gondii) in domestic cats (Felis catus). Two hundred and ninety‐one free‐roaming cats were trapped in Murcia municipality (Southeast Spain), and their sera were tested for specific antibodies againstT. gondiiusing a modified agglutination test (MAT), and forC. felis,C. burnetiiand feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies with ELISA technique. Pathogen seroprevalence at 95% CI was calculated for each sex and age category (up to and over 12 months) and compared with a chi‐squared test. The role of human population density and urban landscape characteristics on the risk of pathogen exposure in the cat population was explored using generalized linear models. Seropositivity against a single pathogen was found in 60% of the cats, while 19% was seropositive for two or three pathogens. Seroprevalence ofC. feliswas 8% (CI95%: 5–11), 37% (CI95%: 31–42) forC. burnetiiand 42% (CI95%: 36–47) forT. gondii. In addition to these three pathogens, FIV seropositivity was low (1%, CI95%: −0.1 to 2) and adult cats were more likely to be seropositive toC. burnetiithan young individuals (OR: 2.3, CI95%: 1.2–4.2). No sex or age class differences in seroprevalence were observed for the rest of the pathogens. Seropositivity was correlated with water surface areas forC. felis,and not with crop areas.Coxiella burnetiiseropositivity was correlated with the percentage of urban areas (continuous with only buildings and discontinuous, that include buildings, parks, and pedestrian and urban green areas), human population size and peri‐urban areas with shrubs, and not correlated with other agricultural landscapes (orchards and crop areas). However, the seroprevalence ofT. gondiiwas only associated with agricultural landscapes such as orchards. The detection of hotspot areas of high pathogen exposure risk is the basis for municipal services to implement surveillance and risk factor control campaigns in specific‐risk areas, including (a) efficient health management of urban cat colonies by geographical location, population census and health status monitoring of the components of each cat colony, (b) improvement of hygiene and sanitary conditions at the feeding points of the cat colony and (c) free‐roaming cat trapping for health monitoring and, in the long term, to know the evolution of the health status of their populations.
Development and characterisation of a rat model that exhibits both metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration seen in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Southam Katherine , de Sousa Chantal , Daniel Abraham , Taylor Bruce V. , Foa Lisa , Premilovac Dino
Published: February 2022

Accurate modelling type 2 diabetes and diabetic complications in rodents has proven a challenge, largely as a result of the long‐time course of disease development in humans. In the present study, we aimed to develop and comprehensively characterise a new rodent model of type 2 diabetes. To do this, we fed Sprague–Dawley rats a high fat/high sugar diet (HFD) to induce obesity and dyslipidaemia. After 3 weeks, we s.c. implanted osmotic mini pumps to enable a 14 day, slow infusion of streptozotocin (STZ; lower dose = 100 mg kg−1; higher dose = 120 mg kg−1) to dose‐dependently reduce pancreatic beta cell mass. After removing the mini pumps, we monitored animals for 4 months using a battery of tests to assess both metabolic and neurodegenerative changes across time. Our data demonstrate the combination of the HFD and lower dose STZ leads to induction of early‐stage type 2 diabetes defined by moderate hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and impaired glucose tolerance, at the same time as the retention of an obese phenotype. By contrast, combining the HFD and higher dose STZ leads to induction of later‐stage type 2 diabetes defined by frank hyperglycaemia, hypoinsulinaemia (but not insulin depletion) and severely impaired glucose tolerance, at the same time as retaining an obese phenotype. Regardless of dose of STZ (and level of hyperglycaemia), all diabetic rats exhibited signs of peripheral neurodegeneration in the skin and muscle. Thus, this model recapitulates many of the complex metabolic disturbances seen in type 2 diabetes and provides an excellent platform for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to diabetic complications such as peripheral neuropathy.

Key points

Type 2 diabetes is a major health concern and markedly increases risk cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Accurate modelling of type 2 diabetes is a major challenge and has impeded our ability to understand the mechanisms that contribute to complications of type 2 diabetes.

We have developed a method of inducing different stages of type 2 diabetes using a high fat/high sugar diet and 14 day infusion of streptozotocin to dose‐dependently destroy pancreatic beta cell mass.

Over 4 months, we comprehensively characterised these animals and confirmed that they develop sustained metabolic dysfunction and progressive peripheral neurodegeneration as seen in type 2 diabetes.

This new model will improve our ability to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms that link type 2 diabetes with complications such as neurodegeneration.
Improved Particle Swarm Algorithm Using Rubik’s Cube Topology for Bilevel Building Energy Transaction
Authors: Feng Xiaochun , Chen Yang , Zhang Jian , Cho Heejin , Shi Xin
Published: February 2022

Following the rapid growth of distributed energy resources (e.g., renewables, battery), localized peer-to-peer energy transactions are receiving more attention for multiple benefits, such as reducing power loss and stabilizing the main power grid. To promote distributed renewables locally, the local trading price is usually set to be within the external energy purchasing and selling price range. Consequently, building prosumers are motivated to trade energy through a local transaction center. This local energy transaction is modeled in bilevel optimization game. A selfish upper level agent is assumed with the privilege to set the internal energy transaction price with an objective of maximizing its arbitrage profit. Meanwhile, the building prosumers at the lower level will response to this transaction price and make decisions on electricity transaction amount. Therefore, this non-cooperative leader-follower trading game is seeking for equilibrium solutions on the energy transaction amount and prices. In addition, a uniform local transaction price structure (purchase price equals selling price) is considered here. Aiming at reducing the computational burden from classical Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) transformation and protecting the private information of each stakeholder (e.g., building), swarm intelligence-based solution approach is employed for upper level agent to generate trading price and coordinate the transactive operations. On one hand, to decrease the chance of premature convergence in global-best topology, Rubik’s Cube topology is proposed in this study based on further improvement of a two-dimensional square lattice model (i.e., one local-best topology-Von Neumann topology). Rotating operation of the cube is introduced to dynamically changing the neighborhood and enhancing information flow at the later searching state. Several groups of experiments are designed to evaluate the performance of proposed Rubik’s Cube topology-based particle swarm algorithm. The results have validated the effectiveness of proposed topology and operators comparing with global-best version PSO and Von Neumann topology-based PSO and its scalability on larger scale applications.
Active Fluid-Film Bearing With Deep Q-Network Agent-Based Control System
Authors: Kazakov Yuri N. , Kornaev Alexey V. , Shutin Denis V. , Li Shengbo , Savin Leonid A.
Published: February 2022

Despite the fact that the hydrodynamic lubrication is a self-controlled process, we designed control systems based on proportional integral (PI) controller, adaptive PI controller, and Deep Q network (DQN)-agent to minimize the friction torque in a conical fluid-film bearing. The bearing construction allows the shaft axial displacement and, as the result, the regulation of the bearing average clearance due to the controlled supply pressure. The main challenge is that the friction torque minimization may lead to the loss of load-carrying capacity and the contact in the shaft-bearing tribocouple. The other challenge is that random events may have an influence on the hydrodynamic lubrication parameters, therefore, changing the load-carrying capacity and the friction torque. So, the proposed control systems were designed and tested under the conditions of limited lateral shaft displacements and the action of a random external force. The tests were performed using simulation models of a controlled rotating machine in matlab software. The rotating machine simulation model includes modules of the rigid shaft, the coupling with linear axial reaction, and the conical bearing. The bearing module is based on the numerical solution of the generalized Reynolds equation and its nonlinear approximation with fully connected neural networks. The obtained results demonstrated that the application of an adaptive PI controller or a DQN agent allows decreasing friction torque in a bearing under the conditions of a random external force. The goal of a DQN agent is self-learning in contrast to an adaptive PI controller that needs to be tuned.
Synthesis of ZnO/TiO2-Based Hydrophobic Antimicrobial Coatings for Steel and Their Roughness, Wetting, and Tribological Characterization
Authors: Hasan Md Syam , Zemajtis Filip , Nosonovsky Michael , Sobolev Konstantin
Published: February 2022

We synthesized novel TiO2/ZnO-phosphate (TP/ZP) and polymethyl hydrogen siloxane (PMHS)-based two-layer hydrophobic coatings with potential antimicrobial properties tuned for application on steel substrates. The mathematical method of topological data analysis was applied to surface roughness data. Wetting characterizations showed stable hydrophobic behavior of the two-layer coated samples. Through tribological characterization, we compared the friction behavior of uncoated steel samples and steel samples coated with different coating materials. The coefficient of friction of uncoated base materials (ranging from 0.221 to 0.269) and the two-layer hydrophobic coatings (ranging from 0.234 to 0.273) indicated that the coatings confer hydrophobic properties to the substrates without a notable change in the friction behavior. We observed the correlations between the wetting and friction behaviors and the average roughness of the coated samples. Analysis of the micrographs of the scratched surfaces revealed preliminary information about the durability and abrasion resistance of the coatings.
It is all about pitch: An introductory design project in acoustics for 1st year undergraduate engineering students
Authors: Bedard Alfred J.
Published: February 2022

This acoustics project evolved responding to a challenge to increase the role of analysis in design for 1st year students early in their engineering careers. Student teams must design three musical instruments each producing a single note meeting frequency and sound level specifications using different physical sound generation processes. They are given background material, example analyses, references, and resources. A key requirement is that they create a spreadsheet with equations guiding the design of each instrument before proceeding with construction. Students experience the entire design process: brainstorm, analyze, create, build, test, iterate, present, demonstrate, and report. This introduces the range of resources available to them. An emphasis is on comparing theory and experiment and explaining reasons for any disagreements. As implemented, this project concentrated over about a two week period, provided an introduction to a major design project continuing for a full semester.
How Do the Effects of an 8-Week Intervention Influence Subsequent Performance Development in Cross-Country Skiers?
Authors: Talsnes Rune K. , Engdahl Lars Jonatan , Sandbakk Øyvind
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate how the effects of increased low- versus high-intensity endurance training in an 8-week intervention influenced the subsequent development of performance and physiological indices in cross-country skiers. Methods: Forty-four (32 men and 12 women) junior cross-country skiers were randomly assigned into a low-intensity training group (LITG, n = 20) or high-intensity training group (HITG, n = 24) for an 8-week intervention followed by 5 weeks of standardized training with similar intensity distribution, and thereafter 14 weeks of self-chosen training. Performance and physiological indices in running and in roller-ski skating were determined preintervention, after the intervention, and after the standardized training period. Roller-ski skating was also tested after the period of self-chosen training. Results: No between-groups changes from preintervention to after the standardized training period were found in peak speed when incremental running and roller-ski skating (P = .83 and .51), although performance in both modes was improved in the LITG (2.4% [4.6%] and 3.3% [3.3%], P < .05) and in roller-ski skating for HITG (2.6% [3.1%], P < .01). While improvements in maximal oxygen consumption running and peak oxygen uptake roller-ski skating were greater in HITG than in LITG from preintervention to after the intervention, no between-groups differences were found from preintervention to after the standardized training period (P = .50 and .46), although peak oxygen uptake in roller-ski skating significantly improved in HITG (5.7% [7.0%], P < .01). No changes either within or between groups were found after the period of self-chosen training. Conclusions: Differences in adaptations elicited by a short-term intervention focusing on low- versus high-intensity endurance training had little or no effect on the subsequent development of performance or physiological indices following a period of standardized training in cross-country skiers.
The Science of Handcycling: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nevin Jonpaul , Kouwijzer Ingrid , Stone Ben , Quittmann Oliver J. , Hettinga Florence , Abel Thomas , Smith Paul M.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this narrative review is to provide insight as to the history, biomechanics, and physiological characteristics of competitive handcycling. Furthermore, based upon the limited evidence available, this paper aims to provide practical training suggestions by which to develop competitive handcycling performance. Handbike configuration, individual physiological characteristics, and training history all play a significant role in determining competitive handcycling performance. Optimal handcycling technique is highly dependent upon handbike configuration. As such, seat positioning, crank height, crank fore-aft position, crank length, and handgrip position must all be individually configured. In regard to physiological determinants, power output at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1, relative oxygen consumption, peak aerobic power output, relative upper body strength, and maximal anaerobic power output have all been demonstrated to impact upon handcycling performance capabilities. Therefore, it is suggested that that an emphasis be placed upon the development and frequent monitoring of these parameters. Finally, linked to handcycling training, it is suggested that handcyclists should consider adopting a concurrent strength and endurance training approach, based upon a block periodization model that employs a mixture of endurance, threshold, interval, and strength training sessions. Despite our findings, it is clear that several gaps in our scientific knowledge of handcycling remain and that further research is necessary in order to improve our understanding of factors that determine optimal performance of competitive handcyclists. Finally, further longitudinal research is required across all classifications to study the effects of different training programs upon handcycling performance.
Influence of 8-Week Horseback Riding Activity on Balance and Pelvic Movements in an Older Adult Population
Authors: Severyn Anne M.H. , Luzum Nathan R. , Vernon Kristine L. , Van Puymbroeck Marieke , DesJardins John D.
Published: February 2022

The biomechanical relationship between horse and rider in equine-assisted activities and therapies has been largely unexplored. The three-dimensional stimulation of the horse’s gait has potential to improve rider musculature and coordination, especially in an older adult population. This study utilized dual-axis goniometers and video motion capture tracking to simultaneously track horse and rider hip flexion and extension. Ten older adult riders participated in 8 weeks of horseback riding lessons, where pelvis kinematics and balance assessments were compared between Weeks 1 and 8. Pelvic roll of the rider and horses’ hip flexion and extension were successfully tracked and summed improvements in balance assessments were also evident after 8 weeks of horseback riding lessons. Future research will assess deeper kinematic relationships between a horse’s gait and rider biomechanical responses.
Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Acceptability of Oral and Long-Acting Cabotegravir in HIV-Negative Chinese Men
Authors: Han Kelong , Wannamaker Paul , Lu Hongzhou , Zhu Biao , Wang Meixia , Paff Melanie , Spreen William R. , Ford Susan L.
Published: February 2022

Long-acting (LA) cabotegravir demonstrated superior efficacy versus daily oral standard-of-care for HIV-1 preexposure prophylaxis. This phase 1 study assessed safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and acceptability of cabotegravir in 47 HIV-negative adult Chinese men at low risk of acquiring HIV-1.
Lymphocyte Inhibition by the Salamander-Killing Chytrid Fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
Authors: Rollins-Smith Louise A. , Reinert Laura K. , Le Sage Mitchell , Linney Kaitlyn N. , Gillard Bria M. , Umile Thomas P. , Minbiole Kevin P. C.
Published: February 2022

Amphibian populations have been declining around the world for more than 5 decades, and the losses continue. Although causes are complex, major contributors to these declines are two chytrid fungi,
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
and
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
, which both cause the disease termed chytridiomycosis.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Exoenzyme Effector ExoU Induces Mitochondrial Damage in a Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophage Infection Model
Authors: Hardy Kierra S. , Tuckey Amanda N. , Housley Nicole A. , Andrews Joel , Patel Mita , Al-Mehdi Abu-Bakr , Barrington Robert A. , Cassel Suzanne L. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Audia Jonathon P.
Published: February 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bacteremia. A hallmark of
P. aeruginosa
pathogenesis is disruption of host cell function by the type III secretion system (T3SS) and its cognate exoenzyme effectors.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps as an Exacerbating Factor in Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Sanders Nathan L. , Martin Ian M. C. , Sharma Arjun , Jones Matthew R. , Quinton Lee J. , Bosmann Markus , Mizgerd Joseph P.
Published: February 2022

Neutrophils are capable of extruding neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a network of granule proteins and chromatin material, upon activation. NETs provide defense against extracellular microbes, but histones in NETs can also induce cytotoxicity and activate inflammatory responses.
The Anti-Apoptotic Role of COX-2 during
In Vitro
Infection of Human Intestinal Cell Line by Giardia duodenalis and the Potential Regulators
Authors: Yang Yongwu , Zhao Yudan , Liu Lin , Zhu Weining , Jia Shuo , Li Xiaoyun , Li Wei
Published: February 2022

The protozoan parasite
Giardia duodenalis
inhabits the upper small intestine of mammals, including humans, and causes a disease known as giardiasis, which can lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating.
G. duodenalis
was known as a causative factor of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been identified as an influencing factor of pathogen infection by participating in immune response, while its role in host defense against
Giardia
infection is not clear.
Supplemental Material: Kinematic evolution of the central Andean retroarc thrust belt in northwestern Argentina and implications for coupling between shortening and crustal thickening
Authors: Henriquez Susana , al. et
Published: February 2022

Figure S1: Radial plots for AFT samples in the Sierra Alta (Coraya and Yacoraite Valleys). Figure S2: Radial plots for AFT samples from the Tilcara Range, Cianzo area and east side of the Eastern Cordillera.
Paediatric thoracic wall lipoblastoma in a 7-year old: a rare tumour of childhood
Authors: Prasad Gaurav , Mukherjee Sampreeti , Yadav Devendra Kumar , Bajpai Minu
Published: February 2022

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumour derived from embryonic white fat tissue. Lipoblastoma generally occurs in children less than 3 years of age, and fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the English literature. There are hardly a dozen reports describing intrathoracic and thoracic involvement. We report a case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with a slowly growing right thoracic wall mass for a duration of 1 year. Radiological investigations (ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT of the chest showed the presence of a fat-containing, low density extrapulmonary soft tissue mass) could not confirm the diagnosis, and repeat biopsies also were not conclusive. The mass was excised and histopathology confirmed it as lipoblastoma. A review of literature pertaining to the clinical presentation, radiological features and histopathology of this rare condition has been discussed.
Intramuscular lipoma of the temporalis muscle extending to the infratemporal fossa: surgical pitfalls and short literature review
Authors: Gennaro Paolo , Benedetti Simone , Cascino Flavia , Gabriele Guido
Published: February 2022

Lipomas are benign tumours of mesenchymal origin, representing one of the most common tumours of the body. They are often observed between the fourth and the sixth decade of life and in 13% of the cases they occur in the head and neck region. In case of symptoms, surgical removal is the treatment of choice; when the formation involves the temporal region, the surgical approach is often challenging due to the presence of the neurovascular structures, such as the temporalis branch of the facial nerve and their potential extension to the nearby structures under the zygomatic arch to either the infratemporal fossa or the buccal region. Recurrence can occur frequently only if there is incomplete removal of lipoma. In this paper, the authors discuss surgical pitfalls of a very rare case of a large-sized symptomatic lipoma extended to the infratemporal and pterygomaxillary fossa, surgically removed via trans-zygomatic hemicoronal approach.
Abdominal heterotopic pregnancy post-IVF double embryo transfer
Authors: Ku Chee Wai , Ong Isabella , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Ee Tat Xin
Published: February 2022

Uterosacral ligament (USL) is an uncommon site of implantation for abdominal ectopic pregnancies. This is the first case of USL heterotopic pregnancy post invitro fertilisation (IVF). The patient presented 6 weeks after a double embryo transfer with acute onset abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a suspected live tubal ectopic pregnancy with a viable intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound. A diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an ectopic pregnancy implanted on the left USL which was resected and confirmed on histology. The patient was discharged well on postoperative day 2 with a viable intrauterine pregnancy. This case highlights the importance of considering non-tubal heterotopic pregnancies in the context of risk factors including IVF with double embryo transfer presenting with abdominal pain.
Refractory familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis leading to cardiovascular compromise
Authors: Awuah Dominic O , Hussain Murtaza S , Ponnapalli Anoosha , Deliwala Smit Sunil , Seedahmed Elfateh M , Bachuwa Ghassan
Published: February 2022

Familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis (FHPP) is a rare neuromuscular disorder that is classified under periodic paralysis (PP), which is characterised by episodes of muscle weakness. Common triggers include intense exercise, fasting or consumption of carbohydrate-rich meals. Hypokalaemic PP has an incidence of 1 in 100 000; despite the temporal association, cardiac manifestations are exceedingly rare. We present a case of FHPP, a channelopathy presenting with severe refractory hypokalaemia. The challenges with our patient were maintaining potassium levels within normal ranges and initiating a close follow-up plan. Due to the lack of clinical guidance in our case, many aspects of care, including surveillance, medications and genetic testing, remain unaddressed. Medical management includes aggressive correction with supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Severe cases of dysrhythmias, especially ventricular fibrillation, require electrophysiology evaluation and possible implantation of a defibrillator to prevent sudden cardiac death.
CNS cryptococcosis presenting with cerebellar stroke and spinal arachnoiditis
Authors: Priyadarshi Megha , Tirlangi Praveen , Kadnur Harshit , Jadon Ranveer
Published: February 2022

A 67-year-old man presented with a low-grade fever for 2 months, weakness of all four limbs for five days and altered sensorium for two days. He was recently diagnosed with AIDS and was treatment-naive. Investigations revealed a CD4 count of 27cells/mm3. MRI brain and spine exhibited bilateral cerebellar lesions with diffusion restriction, and severe arachnoiditis at the level of the lumbar spine. High suspicion of central nervous system tuberculosis in an endemic country like ours, led us to start antitubercular therapy and steroids. Repeated lumbar punctures resulted in a dry tap leading to a delay in diagnosis. Serum cryptococcal antigen detection came positive, following which antifungal treatment was initiated. Later a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid sample was obtained which confirmed the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. However, the patient worsened and succumbed to the illness. This case highlighted the rare presentation of cryptococcal cerebellar stroke and spinal arachnoiditis.
Unique case of IgG4-related disease of the renal pelvis involving the inferior vena cava masquerading as locally advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Al-Zubaidi Mohammed , McCombie Steve , Swarbrick Nicole , Hayne Dickon
Published: February 2022

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic disease which can affect any organ or tissue in the body but most commonly affects the pancreas, biliary ducts, salivary glands, ocular system and lymph nodes; renal involvement is relatively uncommon and there are no previous reported cases of inferior vena cava involvement. Herein, a 48-year-old Asian man with an unremarkable medical history was found to have an obstructing right renal pelvis mass extending to and involving the inferior vena cava, highly suspicious for upper tract urothelial carcinoma that could not be ruled out based on ureteroscopy and urine cytology. Open radical nephroureterectomy with enbloc resection of a segment of the inferior vena cava and left renal vein ostium was performed, with reconstruction of the inferior vena cava and left renal vein with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Final histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease. This case demonstrates that IgG4-related disease can mimic upper tract urothelial cancer and should be considered as a diagnosis in atypical presentations of tumours of the upper urinary tract.
Custom-made footwear designed for indoor use increases short-term and long-term adherence in people with diabetes at high ulcer risk
Authors: Keukenkamp Renske , van Netten Jaap J , Busch-Westbroek Tessa E , Bus Sicco A
Published: February 2022

Introduction

To explore changes in footwear adherence following provision of custom-made indoor footwear in people with diabetes at high risk for plantar foot ulceration and in possession of regular custom-made footwear.

Research design and methods

Adherence indoors and outdoors was assessed objectively as percentage of steps custom-made footwear was worn, at baseline (in regular custom-made footwear), and at 1 and 12 months after providing custom-made indoor footwear (in both indoor and regular footwear). Primary group: participants with low (<80%) baseline indoor adherence; secondary group: participants with high (≥80%) baseline indoor adherence. Peak plantar pressures of the indoor footwear were compared with the regular custom-made footwear. Footwear usability was evaluated at 3 months via a questionnaire. At 12 months, ulcer recurrence was assessed through participant/prescriber reporting.

Results

Of 31 participants, 23 had low baseline indoor adherence (<80%). Overall adherence in this group increased statistically significant from median 65% (IQR: 56%–72%) at baseline to 77% (60%–89%) at 1 month (p=0.002) and 87% (60%–93%) at 12 months (p<0.001). This was due to a significant increase in adherence indoors: baseline: 48% (21%–63%); 1 month: 71% (50%–83%) (p=0.001); and 12 months: 77% (40%–91%) (p<0.001). Mean peak plantar pressures were comparable between the indoor and regular custom-made footwear. Participants were positive about usability. One-year ulcer recurrence rate was 26%.

Conclusions

Footwear adherence increased in the short-term and long-term after provision of custom-made indoor footwear in people at high risk of diabetic foot ulceration with low baseline adherence, because they actively wore their newly provided indoor footwear inside their house. Footwear adherence may be helped by using both regular and indoor custom-made footwear in clinical practice; the effect on ulcer recurrence should be investigated in future trials.
Food insecurity and men’s perpetration of partner violence in a longitudinal cohort in South Africa
Authors: Hatcher Abigail M , Neilands Torsten B , Rebombo Dumisani , Weiser Sheri D , Christofides Nicola J
Published: February 2022

Background

Although food insecurity has been associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), few studies examine it longitudinally or among male perpetrators.

Methods

We used secondary data from a trial that followed 2479 men in a peri-urban settlement in South Africa (February 2016–August 2018). Men self-completed questionnaires at baseline (T0), 12 months (T1) and 24 months (T2) on food security, household type, relationship status, childhood abuse exposure, alcohol use, and perpetration of physical and/or sexual IPV. Cross-lagged dynamic panel modelling examines the strength and direction of associations over time.

Results

At baseline, rates of IPV perpetration (52.0%) and food insecurity (65.5%) were high. Food insecure men had significantly higher odds of IPV perpetration at T0, T1 and T2 (ORs of 1.9, 1.4 and 1.4, respectively). In longitudinal models, food insecurity predicted men’s IPV perpetration 1 year later. The model had excellent fit after controlling for housing, relationship status, age, childhood abuse and potential effect of IPV on later food insecurity (standardised coefficient=0.09, p=0.031. root mean squared error of approximation=0.016, comparative fit index=0.994). IPV perpetration did not predict later food security (p=0.276).

Conclusion

Food insecurity had an independent, longitudinal association with men’s IPV perpetration in a peri-urban South African settlement. These findings suggest food security could be a modifiable risk factor of partner violence.

Trial registration number

NCT02823288.
The Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) longitudinal study: cohort profile and key findings from the first three years
Authors: Letourneau Nicole , Aghajafari Fariba , Bell Rhonda C , Deane Andrea J , Dewey Deborah , Field Catherine , Giesbrecht Gerald , Kaplan Bonnie , Leung Brenda , Ntanda Henry
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The objectives of the ongoing Canadian longitudinal cohort called the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study are to: (1) determine the relationship between maternal nutrient intake and status before, during, after pregnancy, and (a) maternal mental health, (b) pregnancy and birth outcomes, and (c) infant/child neurodevelopment and behavior; (2) identify maternal mental health and nutrient predictors of child behaviour; and (3) establish a DNA biobank to explore genomic predictors of children’s neurodevelopment and behavior. The purpose of this paper is to describe the participants, measures, and key findings on maternal and paternal mental health, maternal nutrition, and child outcomes to when children are 3 years of age.

Participants

Participants included mothers and their children (n=2189) and mothers’ partners (usually fathers; n=1325) from whom data were collected during the period from pregnancy to when children were 3 years of age, in Alberta, Canada. More than 88% of families have been retained to take part in completed data collection at 8 years of age.

Findings to date

Data comprise: questionnaires completed by pregnant women/mothers and their partners on mothers’, fathers’ and children’s health; dietary interviews; clinical assessments; linkage to hospital obstetrical records; and biological samples such as DNA. Key findings on mental health, nutrition and child outcomes are presented. APrON women who consumed more selenium and omega-3 were less likely to develop symptoms of perinatal depression. Higher prenatal consumption of choline rich foods such as eggs and milk were recommended as was vitamin D supplementation for both mothers and children to meet guidelines. Couples in which both mothers and fathers were affected by perinatal depression reported lower incomes and higher maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and lower support from fathers postnatally and their children presented with the most behavioural problems. Maternal experiences of early adversity predicted increased likelihood of perinatal depression and anxiety and children’s behavioural problems.

Future plans

The APrON cohort offers a unique opportunity to advance understanding of the developmental origins of health and disease. There is a planned follow-up to collect data at 12 years of age.