bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural determinants underlying the adduct lifetime in the LOV proteins of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Arinkin Vladimir , Granzin Joachim , Krauss Ulrich , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Willbold Dieter , Batra‐Safferling Renu
Published: February 2021

The primary photochemistry is similar among the flavin‐bound sensory domains of light–oxygen–voltage (LOV) photoreceptors, where upon blue‐light illumination a covalent adduct is formed on the microseconds time scale between the flavin chromophore and a strictly conserved cysteine residue. In contrast, the adduct‐state decay kinetics vary from seconds to days or longer. The molecular basis for this variation among structurally conserved LOV domains is not fully understood. Here, we selected PpSB2‐LOV, a fast‐cycling (τrec 3.5 min, 20 °C) short LOV protein from Pseudomonas putida that shares 67% sequence identity with a slow‐cycling (τrec 2467 min, 20 °C) homologous protein PpSB1‐LOV. Based on the crystal structure of the PpSB2‐LOV in the dark state reported here, we used a comparative approach, in which we combined structure and sequence information with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to address the mechanistic basis for the vastly different adduct‐state lifetimes in the two homologous proteins. MD simulations pointed toward dynamically distinct structural region, which were subsequently targeted by site‐directed mutagenesis of PpSB2‐LOV, where we introduced single‐ and multisite substitutions exchanging them with the corresponding residues from PpSB1‐LOV. Collectively, the data presented identify key amino acids on the Aβ‐Bβ, Eα‐Fα loops, and the Fα helix, such as E27 and I66, that play a decisive role in determining the adduct lifetime. Our results additionally suggest a correlation between the solvent accessibility of the chromophore pocket and adduct‐state lifetime. The presented results add to our understanding of LOV signaling and will have important implications in tuning the signaling behavior (on/off kinetics) of LOV‐based optogenetic tools.
Minimum levels of atmospheric oxygen from fossil tree roots imply new plant−oxygen feedback
Authors: Sønderholm Fredrik , Bjerrum Christian J.
Published: February 2021

The appearance and subsequent evolution of land plants is among the most important events in the earth system. Plant resulted in a change of earth surface albedo and the hydrological cycle, as well as increased rock weatherability thereby causing a persistent change in atmospheric CO2 and O2. Land plants are, however, themselves dependent on O2 for respiration and long‐term survival, something not considered in current geochemical models. In this perspective, we highlight two aspects of land plants’ dependency on O2 relevant for the geobiological community: (a) fossil root systems can be used as a proxy for minimum levels of past atmospheric O2 consistent with a given fossil root depth; and (b) by identifying a positive feedback mechanism involving atmospheric O2, root intensity, terrestrial primary production and organic carbon burial. As an example, we consider archaeopterid fossil root systems, resembling those of modern mature conifers. Our soil–plant model suggest that atmospheric O2 with 1 SD probably reached pressures of 18.2 ± 1.9 kPa and 16.8 ± 2.1 kPa by the Middle and Late Devonian, respectively, that is 86 ± 9% and 79 ± 10% of the present‐day 21.2 kPa.
Is there a relationship between breastfeeding status and life style changes, eating behaviors, attitudes, and orthorexia nervosa tendencies of mothers? A web‐based study
Authors: Fenercioğlu Eken Tuba , Ayhan Başer Duygu , Kasım İsmail , Şencan İrfan , Özkara Adem
Published: February 2021

Aims

It was aimed to compare the breastfeeding status and healthy life style changes, eating behaviors, attitudes, and orthorectic tendencies of mothers.

Methods

All volunteered mothers who have a child between the ages of 0 and 2 were included in this cross‐sectional study. Five hundred fourteen individuals were included. Five parted questionnaire and “ORTO‐11" test and "Eating Attitude Test" were used.

Results

A statistically significant relationship was found between breastfeeding status and working status and professions of mothers. Mothers who did not breastfeed, skipped main meal more frequently, and smoking and occasional alcohol consumption was higher. The mean score of the participants on the ORTO‐11 scale was 25.09 ± 4.80, EAT‐40 scale mean score was 18.80 ± 10.42. High‐risk in eating attitudes was found in 12.0% of all participants. It was observed that mothers who did not breastfeed were mostly in high‐risk group in terms of eating attitude.

Conclusion

Mothers who did not breastfeed were mostly in high‐risk group in terms of eating attitude compared with breastfeeding mothers. It is of great importance that healthcare professionals organize trainings for increasing the general level of knowledge of mothers and provide healthy living and breastfeeding counseling.
Population structure, inbreeding and admixture in local cattle populations managed by community‐based breeding programs in Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouédraogo Dominique , Ouédraogo‐Koné Salifou , Yougbaré Bernadette , Soudré Albert , Zoma‐Traoré Bienvenue , Mészáros Gábor , Khayatzadeh Negar , Traoré Amadou , Sanou Moumouni , Mwai Okeyo Ally , Wurzinger Maria , Burger Pamela A. , Sölkner Johann
Published: February 2021

High‐throughput genomic markers provide an opportunity to assess important indicators of genetic diversity for populations managed in livestock breeding programs. While well‐structured breeding programs are common in developed countries, in developing country situations, especially in West Africa, on‐farm performance and pedigree recordings are rare, and thus, genomic markers provide insights to the levels of genetic diversity, inbreeding and introgression by other breeds. In this study, we analysed key population parameters such as population structure, admixture and levels of inbreeding in three neighbouring populations of African taurine and taurine × Zebu crosses managed by community‐based breeding programs in the South‐West of Burkina Faso. The three populations were pure Baoulé (called Lobi locally) in sedentary production systems, Baoulé x Zebu crossbreds in sedentary systems and Zebu × Baoulé crossbreds in transhumant production systems, respectively. The total sample analysed included 631 animals and 38,207 single nucleotide polymorphisms after quality control. Results of principal component and admixture analyses confirmed the genetic background of two distinct ancestral populations (taurine and zebuine) and levels of admixture in all three breeding populations, including the presumably pure Baoulé group of animals. Inbreeding levels were moderate, compared to European dairy and beef cattle populations and higher than those of Brazilian Nellore cattle. Very few animals with inbreeding levels indicating parent–offspring or full sib mating were observed, and inbreeding levels indicating half sib mating were also rare. For the management of breeding populations, farmers were advised to exchange best young bulls. The crossbreeding levels of presumably pure Baoulé animals are of concern to the breeding program due to the high level of endangerment of pure African taurine cattle populations across West Africa. Future rounds of bull selection in the community‐based breeding program will make use of genomic information about admixture levels.
Genomic data from the Brazilian sibilator frog reveal contrasting pleistocene dynamics and regionalism in two South American dry biomes
Authors: Thomé Maria Tereza C. , Carstens Bryan C. , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Alexandrino João , Haddad Célio F. B.
Published: February 2021

Aim

Knowledge about the Neotropical dry formations, particularly the Caatinga, remains rudimentary compared to other biotas in the region. Here we address several biogeographical hypotheses by combining intense geographical and genomic sampling obtained for the Brazilian sibilator frog. We specifically test predictions related to the putative roles of past climate shifts (Pleistocene and Holocene) and local geographical barriers (past and current courses of the São Francisco River, SFR) in causing population differentiation in this species.

Location

Caatinga and eastern Cerrado.

Taxon

Brazilian sibilator frogLeptodactylus troglodytes.

Methods

We sequenced up to ~15,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms for 159 samples from 61 locations. We inferred genetic structure using spatial clustering and examined population sizes through time. We estimated the relationship among populations using phylogenetic reconstruction, estimated historical distributions with ecological niche modelling and inferred demographic history under isolation‐with‐migration models.

Results

Genetic diversity inL. troglodytescorresponds to biome boundaries, with one population in the Cerrado and two populations in the Caatinga, separated by the SFR. Demographic model selection indicates the Caatinga populations expanded since the end of the Pleistocene while the Cerrado population declined. Within the Caatinga, population expansion began earlier and was more extreme in the north. A continuous stability area maintained the two Caatinga populations, which share a common origin and began diverging in the mid‐Pleistocene, first with symmetric gene flow and later under pronounced migration from the north.

Main conclusions

We could not reject a role of past climate change in causing diversification of relictual populations in the Cerrado, but we found no evidence of multiple refuges or long‐term isolation within the Caatinga. Instead, diversification in this biome appears to be caused by the SFR acting as a ‘soft barrier’ that constrains migration over an extended period of time.
Is the newest angiotensin‐receptor blocker azilsartan medoxomil more efficacious in lowering blood pressure than the older ones? A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Ji‐Guang , Zhang Miao , Feng Ying‐Qing , Ma Chang‐Sheng , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Zhu Zhi‐Ming , Kario Kazuomi
Published: February 2021

Angiotensin‐receptor blockers are often considered insufficiently efficacious in reducing blood pressure. However, newer angiotensin‐receptor blockers may be more effective than the older ones. A network meta‐analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of various angiotensin‐receptor blockers in reducing office and ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Relevant literature was searched from English and Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials involving angiotensin‐receptor blockers in hypertension. Efficacy variables included systolic and diastolic blood pressure either in the office or on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Absolute blood pressure reductions at 6‐12 weeks of treatment and their credible intervals were reported. A total of 34 publications provided adequate data for analysis (n = 14 859). In 28 studies on office systolic blood pressure (n = 12 731), against the common comparator valsartan 80 mg, the differences in systolic blood pressure were in favor of azilsartan medoxomil (20‐80 mg), irbesartan (300 mg), olmesartan (20‐40 mg), telmisartan (80 mg), and valsartan (160‐320 mg), but not candesartan (8‐16 mg), losartan (50‐100 mg), irbesartan (150 mg), olmesartan (10 mg), and telmisartan (40 mg). The ranking plot shows that azilsartan medoxomil 80 mg had a possibility of 99% being the best in the class. Similar results were observed for office diastolic blood pressure and from 13 studies for 24‐hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, angiotensin‐receptor blockers had different blood pressure lowering efficacy. The newest angiotensin‐receptor blocker azilsartan medoxomil at the dose of 80 mg seemed to be most efficacious in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the office and on ambulatory measurement.
Identification of rare variants causing urea cycle disorders: A clinical, genetic, and biophysical study
Authors: Liu Fang , Bao Li‐sha , Liang Ru‐jia , Zhao Xiao‐ying , Li Zhi , Du Zhi‐fang , Lv Shao‐guang
Published: February 2021

Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are a group of rare metabolic conditions characterized by hyperammonemia and a broad spectrum of phenotypic severity. They are caused by the congenital deficiency in the eight biomolecules involved in urea cycle. In the present study, five cases of UCD were recruited and submitted to a series of clinical, biochemical, and genetic analysis with a combination of high throughput techniques. Moreover, in silico analysis was conducted on the identified missense genetic variants. Various clinical and biochemical indications (including profiles of amino acids and urinary orotic acids) of UCD were manifested by the five probands. Sequence analysis revealed nine diagnostic variants, including three novel ones, which caused Argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA) in one case, Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1deficiency (CPS1D) in two cases, Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) in one case, and Citrin deficiency in 1case. Results of in silico biophysical analysis strongly suggested the pathogenicity of each the five missense variants and provided insight into their intramolecular impacts. In conclusion, this study expanded the genetic variation spectrum of UCD, gave solid evidence for counselling to the affected families, and should facilitate the functional study on the proteins in urea cycle.
Prostate adenocarcinoma and COVID‐19: The possible impacts of TMPRSS2 expressions in susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Cheng Jingliang , Zhou Ju , Fu Shangyi , Fu Jiewen , Zhou Baixu , Chen Hanchun , Fu Junjiang , Wei Chunli
Published: February 2021

TMPRSS2 (OMIM: 602060) is a cellular protease involved in many physiological and pathological processes, and it facilitates entry of viruses such as SARS‐CoV‐2 into host cells. It is important to predict the prostate's susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in cancer patients and the disease outcome by assessing TMPRSS2 expression in cancer tissues. In this study, we conducted the expression profiles of the TMPRSS2 gene for COVID‐19 in different normal tissues and PRAD (prostate adenocarcinoma) tumour tissues. TMPRSS2 is highly expressed in normal tissues including the small intestine, prostate, pancreas, salivary gland, colon, stomach, seminal vesicle and lung, and is increased in PRAD tissues, indicating that SARS‐CoV‐2 might attack not only the lungs and other normal organs, but also in PRAD cancer tissues. Hypomethylation of TMPRSS2 promoter may not be the mechanism for TMPRSS2 overexpression in PRAD tissues and PRAD pathogenesis. TMPRSS2 expresses eleven isoforms in PRAD tissues, with the TMPRSS2‐001 isoform expressed highest and followed by TMPRSS2‐201. Further isoform structures prediction showed that these two highly expressed isoforms have both SRCR_2 and Trypsin (Tryp_SPc) domains, which may be essential for TMPRSS2 functional roles for tumorigenesis and entry for SARS‐CoV‐2 in PRAD patients. Analyses of functional annotation and enrichment in TMPRSS2 showed that TMPRSS2 is mostly enriched in regulation of viral entry into host cells, protein processing and serine‐type peptidase activity. TMPRSS2 is also associated with prostate gland cancer cell expression, different complex(es) formation, human influenza and carcinoma, pathways in prostate cancer, influenza A, and transcriptional misregulation in cancer. Altogether, even though high expression of TMPRSS2 may not be favourable for PRAD patient's survival, increased expression in these patients should play roles in susceptibility of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and clinical severity for COVID‐19, highlighting the value of protective actions of PRAD cases by targeting or androgen‐mediated therapeutic strategies in the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Estimating cage‐level mortality distributions following different delousing treatments of Atlantic salmon (salmo salar) in Norway
Authors: Sviland Walde Cecilie , Bang Jensen Britt , Pettersen Jostein Mulder , Stormoen Marit
Published: February 2021

This retrospective descriptive study estimates cage‐level mortality distributions after six immediate delousing methods: thermal, mechanical, hydrogen peroxide, medicinal, freshwater and combination of medicinal treatments. We investigated mortality patterns associated with 4 644 delousing treatment of 1 837 cohorts of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stocked in sea along the Norwegian coast between 2014 and 2017. The mortality is expressed as mortality rates. We found distributions of delta mortality rate within 1, 7 and 14 days after all six delousing treatments, using mortality rate within 7 days before treatments as baseline. The results show that we can expect increased mortality rates after all six delousing methods. The median delta mortality rates after thermal and mechanical delousing are 5.4 and 6.3 times higher than medicinal treatment, respectively, for the 2017 year‐class. There is a reduction in the delta median mortality for thermal and freshwater delousing from 2015 to 2019. There is a wide variability in the mortality rates, in particular for thermal delousing. Our results suggest that the variability in delta mortality for thermal delousing has been reduced from the 2014 to 2017 year‐class, indicating an improvement of the technique. However, a significant increase in the number of thermal treatments from 14 in 2015 to 738 in 2018 probably contributes to the overall increased mortality in Norwegian salmon farming.
Comparison of nasopharyngeal samples for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection in a paediatric cohort
Authors: Rodrigues Jorge , Gouveia Catarina , Santos Madalena Almeida , Costa Olga , Côrte‐Real Rita , Brito Maria João
Published: February 2021

Aim

The diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) depends on accurate and rapid testing. Choosing an appropriate sample may impact diagnosis. Naso‐oropharyngeal swabs (NOS) are most frequently used, despite several limitations. Since studies suggest nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) as a superior alternative in children, we hypothesised collecting both nasopharyngeal swab and aspirate would improve our diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Observational, longitudinal, prospective study from 7 March to 7 May in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Lisbon. The objective was to compare the rate of detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 between NOS and NPA samples collected simultaneously.

Results

A total of 438 samples collected from 85 patients with confirmed COVID‐19. There were 47.7% overall positive specimens – 32% (70/219) positive NOS and 63.5% (139/219) positive NPA. The tests were 67.6% concordant (k = 0.45). 50.3% had positive NPA with negative NOS, while 1.3% had positive NOS with negative NPA. NPA proved to be more sensitive (98.6% with 95% confidence interval 91.2–99.9% vs. 49.6% with 95% confidence interval 41.1–58.2%, P < 0.001). Additionally, the difference between NPA and NOS positive samples was statistically significant across all population groups (age, health condition, clinical presentation, contact with COVID‐19 patients or need for hospitalisation), meaning NPA is more sensitive overall.

Conclusions

Nasopharyngeal aspirates had greater sensitivity than naso‐oropharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS‐CoV‐2. Our results suggest paediatric patients would benefit from collecting nasopharyngeal aspirates in hospital settings, whenever feasible, to improve diagnosis of COVID‐19.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of tildipirosin following intravenous and subcutaneous administration in horses
Authors: Abu‐Basha Ehab A. , Bani Ismail Zuhair , Ababneh Mohammed M. , Hamzeh Eyad , Gehring Ronette
Published: February 2021

This study was designed to investigate the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of tildipirosin in horses after intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of a single dose at 4 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.). A total of 12 healthy mixed breed horses were used in the study. Horses were monitored for systemic and local adverse effects, and whole blood samples were collected for hematology and plasma biochemistry analysis at time (0) and at 6, 24, and 72 h after drug administration. For PK analysis, blood samples were collected at pre‐determined times before and after tildipirosin administration. Plasma concentrations of tildipirosin were determined using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection method (UHPLC‐UV). All horses tolerated the i.v. injection of tildipirosin without showing any systemic adverse effects. However, a non‐painful, soft swelling appeared at the s.c. injection site in 5 horses (41.7%). On average, tildipirosin reached a maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 1257 ng/ml (geometric mean) between 0.5 and 1.5 h after s.c. administration (Tmax). The geometric mean values for total body clearance (Cl), the apparent volume of distribution based on the terminal phase (Vz), and the apparent volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vss) were 0.52 L/kg·h, 22 L/kg, and 10.0 L/kg, respectively. Data collected in this study suggests that tildipirosin can be used safely in horses with caution.
Fertilization modes drive the evolution of sperm traits in Baikal sculpins
Authors: Ito T. , Kinoshita I. , Tahara D. , Goto A. , Tojima S. , Sideleva V. G. , Kupchinsky A. B. , Awata S.
Published: February 2021

Baikal sculpins are a unique group of fishes, including both externally and internally fertilizing species. Sperm traits, such as morphology and motility, are predicted to undergo adaptive changes due to species fertilization modes. However, studies exploring such traits in Baikal sculpins are lacking. Here, we conducted a field study and investigated sperm traits of three sculpins with external fertilization (Cottocomephorus grewingkii, Leocottus kesslerii and Paracottus knerii) and one sculpin with internal fertilization (Comephorus dybowskii). Sperm head morphology was spherical in both types of fertilizing species; however, the head cross‐sectional area of the sperm of the internal fertilizer was smaller than that of external fertilizers. This result implies that sperm head morphology might be adapted to swim in a viscous ovarian fluid. The internal fertilizer, C. dybowskii, had longer and faster‐swimming sperms with longer motility duration than the external fertilizers, perhaps due to different sperm competition levels. Sperms of the internal fertilizer were only motile in isotonic solutions, whereas sperms of the external fertilizers were motile in lake waters, suggesting that sperm motilities are specialized according to their external/internal environments. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate sperm traits of Baikal sculpins, which may have evolved adaptively along with changing fertilization modes.
Do changes in skull size of South American sea lions reflect changes in population density?
Authors: Sosa Drouville Ailin , Paschetta Carolina , Crespo Enrique Alberto , Grandi María Florencia
Published: February 2021

Populations of the South American sea lion (SASL,Otaria byronia) have been intensely exploited for leather and oil in different parts of its distribution range throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, generating large changes in abundance. In Patagonia, the SASL population was reduced by more than 90% of its original abundance, and it began to recover after sealing ended. The aim of this work was to assess changes in size and shape of the skull related to changes in population abundance during the last 100 years. Using geometric morphometry techniques, we analyzed 145 individuals (68 males and 77 females) from Patagonia. Skulls were classified by sex, time period (harvest vs. postharvest), and decades of individual's birth. Results indicated that there were differences in skull size but not in shape discriminated by time period. Moreover, individuals of the postharvest period showed a decrease in the skull size during the last two decades, coinciding with the recovery in population abundance. Our results suggest the existence of a density‐dependence response in somatic growth of SASL population of Patagonia.
PeRsOnalised nutriTion for hEalthy livINg: The PROTEIN project
Authors: Wilson‐Barnes S. , Gymnopoulos L. P. , Dimitropoulos K. , Solachidis V. , Rouskas K. , Russell D. , Oikonomidis Y. , Hadjidimitriou S. , María Botana J. , Brkic B. , Mantovani E. , Gravina S. , Telo G. , Lalama E. , Buys R. , Hassapidou M. , Balula Dias S. , Batista A. , Perone L. , Bryant S. , Maas S. , Cobello S. , Bacelar P. , Lanham‐New S. A. , Hart K.
Published: February 2021

Personalised nutrition is a novel public health strategy aiming to promote positive diet and lifestyle changes. Tailored dietary and physical activity advice may be more appropriate than a generalised ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ approach as it is more biologically relevant to the individual. Information and computing technology, smartphones and mobile applications have become an integral part of modern life and thereby present the opportunity for novel methods to encourage individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle. This article introduces the European Union‐funded PROTEIN project (PeRsOnalised nutriTion for hEalthy livINg) consortium and introduces the associated work packages. The primary objective of the PROTEIN project is to produce a novel adaptable mobile application suite based on sound nutrition and physical activity advice from experts in their field, accessible to all population groups, with differing health outcomes, whose behaviour can be tracked with a variety of sensors and health hazard perception. The mobile application ‘ecosystem’ that will be developed by the consortium includes a platform, mobile suite, cloud services, artificial intelligence advisor, game suite, modelling of expert’s knowledge, users’ behaviour data collection, data analysis and a dashboard for healthcare professionals. It is proposed that users will find the provision of personalised nutrition advice and real‐time data capture through a smartphone application useful, and importantly, will be encouraged by this to make positive health behaviour changes.
A gentle nudge: Can choice architecture play a role in retailers’ efforts to promote healthier choices?
Authors: Trafford E. P. , de la Hunty A.
Published: February 2021

Food retailers in the UK have a responsibility to look after the health of their customers. In recognition of this, they have established a number of internal and external commitments to provide access to a wider range of healthier and more sustainable foods to support the health of their customers. However, they are also presented with specific voluntary targets from Public Health England and other organisations. Meeting these targets can present technical challenges and may be costly. Alongside more traditional approaches (such as reformulation), changing customer behaviour is being explored as an additional tool to help food retailers meet their commitments by altering customers choices towards more healthy foods. Choice architecture and ‘nudging’ are approaches that can be adopted by retailers to encourage behaviour change in customers. In this article, we explore the theoretical uses of nudge theory in a food retail environment and discuss its potential as a tool for retailers to mitigate some of the challenges presented by other approaches, but also to identify potential pitfalls in the use of nudges. There is some evidence to suggest that nudging can be a useful method to encourage behaviour change amongst consumers and that these approaches can be relatively cost‐effective and quick to implement, although they may be context‐specific. These approaches are best utilised in parallel with more established methods, such as reformulation and information campaigns, due to their relatively small effect sizes. Additionally, any nudges that are implemented should be carefully considered for both their potential efficacy and the ethical implications of their enforcement and should have adequate monitoring in place to track their effectiveness.
A protocol for tracking outcomes post intensive care
Authors: Flaws Dylan F. , Barnett Adrian , Fraser John , Latu Jiville , Ramanan Mahesh , Tabah Alexis , Tippett Vivienne , Tronstad Oystein , Patterson Sue
Published: February 2021

Background

Critically ill patients are more likely to survive intensive care than ever before due to advances in treatment. However, a proportion subsequently experiences post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS) incurring substantial personal, social, and economic costs. PICS is a debilitating set of physical, psychological, and cognitive sequelae but the size and characteristics of the affected population have been difficult to describe, impeding progress in intensive care rehabilitation.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this protocol is to describe recovery after admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and the predictors, correlates, and patient‐reported outcomes for those experiencing PICS. The study will support the development of screening, diagnostic, and outcome measures to improve post‐ICU recovery.

Design

A prospective, multi‐site observational study in three ICUs in Brisbane, Australia. Following consent, data will be collected from clinical records and using validated self‐report instruments from 300 patients, followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months post ICU discharge.

Methods

TOPIC is a prospective, multi‐site observational study using self‐report and clinical data on risk factors, including comorbidities, and outcomes. Data will be collected with consent from hospital records and participants 6 weeks and 6months post ICU discharge.

Results

The main outcome measures will be self‐reported physical, cognitive, and psychological function 6 weeks and 6 months post‐ICU discharge.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This protocol provides a methodological framework to measure recovery and understand PICS. Data analysis will describe characteristics associated with recovery and PICS. The subsequent prediction and screening tools developed then aim to improve the effectiveness of post‐ICU prevention and rehabilitation through more targeted screening and prediction and found a program of research developing a more tailored approach to PICS.
A Tale of Three Countries: What is the Relationship Between COVID‐19, Lockdown and Happiness?
Authors: Greyling Talita , Rossouw Stephanie , Adhikari Tamanna
Published: February 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic led many governments to implement lockdown regulations to curb the spread of the virus. Though lockdowns do minimise the physical damage caused by the virus, there may also be substantial damage to population well‐being. Using a pooled data set, we analyse the relationship between a mandatory lockdown and happiness in three diverse countries: South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. These countries differ amongst others in terms of lockdown regulations and duration. The primary aim is to determine, whether a lockdown is negatively associated with happiness, notwithstanding the characteristics of a country or the strictness of the lockdown regulations. Second, we compare the effect size of the lockdown on happiness between these countries. We use Difference‐in‐Difference estimations to determine the association between lockdown and happiness and a Least Squares Dummy Variable estimation to study the heterogeneity in the effect size of the lockdown by country. Our results show that a lockdown is associated with a decline in happiness, regardless of the characteristics of the country or the type and duration of its lockdown regulations. Furthermore, the effect size differs between countries in the sense that the more stringent the stay‐at‐home regulations are, the greater it seems to be.
Perceived barriers encountered by oral health professionals in the Australian public dental system providing dental treatment to individuals with special needs
Authors: Lim Mathew Albert Wei Ting , Liberali Sharon Andrea Corinne , Calache Hanny , Parashos Peter , Borromeo Gelsomina Lucia
Published: February 2021

Aims

To investigate barriers experienced by clinicians treating individuals with special needs in the Australian public dental system.

Methods and results

Oral health professionals working at primary care clinics in the public dental system were invited to participate in semi‐structured interviews or focus groups to discuss the challenges they faced in managing patients with special needs. Qualitative methods, employing inductive thematic analysis, revealed two primary barriers: 1. clinicians lacked confidence in their ability to treat patients with special needs because of insufficient training and experience, and difficulties obtaining information about their patients, and 2. barriers within the public dental system, including inadequate funding, equipment and facilities, and productivity pressures prevented clinicians from being able to provide the care patients required. The priority and understanding of the oral health for these individuals within the public dental system and wider disability sector was also raised.

Conclusion

A perceived lack of training and experience in managing individuals with special needs was a barrier to treating patients with special needs. Other significant barriers were under‐resourcing of the public dental system and a lack of priority and understanding regarding oral health among carers of individuals with special needs and other health professionals.
The future of continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: See Emily , Ronco Claudio , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: February 2021

Over the last 40 years, acute renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the intensive care units (ICUs) of high‐income countries has transitioned from the predominant use of intermittent hemodialysis (and the much less common use of peritoneal dialysis) to the almost exclusive use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Accordingly, CRRT has become the most common form of vital organ support delivered to critically ill patients. A series of clinical and technical advances has enabled the transformation of basic CRRT machines into highly sophisticated and customized devices. Recent work has focused on using evidence from clinical trials to enhance the application of CRRT with regard to timing of initiation, choice of modality, dose, and anticoagulation. However, many questions remain unanswered. Uncertainty surrounding volume control and the utility of strategies to minimize circulatory stress are key areas for future development. Advances in membrane technology, combination with other extracorporeal therapies, and personalization of CRRT delivery may provide additional benefit to certain subgroups. Development of quality metrics and use of data analytics to audit and benchmark could provide important insight into practice, while biofeedback and automated CRRT prescription could increase safety. In this review, we summarize the evolution of CRRT and highlight several future areas for development.
The Legacy of Robert K. Merton: On Theories of the Middle Range*
Authors: Lee Jennifer
Published: February 2021

This essay is part of a special section entitled “Legacies of Sociology’s Past.” My work addresses the contributions of Robert K. Merton.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*26:01:66 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Visentin Jonathan , Cargou Marine , Lemal Richard , Rouzaire Paul
Published: February 2021

HLA‐A*26:01:66 differs from HLA‐A*26:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide change in codon 41 in exon 2.
Balloon catheter occlusion of the maxillary, internal, and external carotid arteries in standing horses
Authors: Genton Martin , Farfan Maëlle , Tesson Camille , Laclaire Anne‐Louise , Rossignol Fabrice , Mespoulhes‐Rivière Céline
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess the feasibility of balloon catheter occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA), and maxillary artery (MA) in standing horses.

Study design

Experimental and clinical cases series.

Animals

Eight healthy horses (phase 1) and 11 clinical cases (phase 2).

Methods

Occlusions were performed on standing horses under sedation and local anesthesia. In phase 1, four horses underwent bilateral ICA balloon catheter occlusion, and four horses underwent balloon catheter occlusion of the ECA and MA. In phase 2, horses were treated by occlusion of ICA (n = 7), ECA (n = 2), or ECA and ICA (n = 2).

Results

Internal carotid artery occlusion was successful in seven of eight and seven of nine arteries in phases 1 and 2, respectively. The procedures lasted 53 and 50 minutes, respectively, and catheters were inserted over 13 ± 0.7 cm (mean ± SD). External carotid artery occlusion was successful in seven of seven and four of four arteries in phases 1 and 2, respectively, with mean durations of 31 and 26 minutes, respectively, and a mean distance of catheter insertion of 11.9 cm. Maxillary artery occlusion was successful in five of seven arteries (phase 1), with a mean surgical duration of 47 minutes and a mean distance of catheter insertion of 42.8 cm.

Conclusion

Balloon catheter occlusion of the ICA, ECA, and MA was achieved in most standing horses.

Clinical significance

Balloon catheter occlusion in standing horses provides an alternative to prevent or treat hemorrhage related to guttural pouch mycosis, particularly in horses in which general anesthesia might pose a risk.
Nonlinear Feedback Control of the Inductrack System Based on a Transient Model
Authors: Wang Ruiyang , Yang Bingen , Gao Hao
Published: February 2021

As a new strategy for magnetic levitation envisioned in the 1990s, the Inductrack system with Halbach arrays of permanent magnets has been intensively researched. The previous investigations discovered that an uncontrolled Inductrack system may be unstable even if the vehicle travels well below its operating speed and that instability can be persistent near and beyond the operating speed. It is therefore necessary to stabilize the system for safety and reliability. With strong nonlinearities and complicated electromagneto-mechanical coupling, however, the transient response of such a dynamic system is difficult to predict with fidelity. Because of this, model-based feedback control of Inductrack systems has not been well addressed. In this paper, by taking advantage of a recently available two degrees-of-freedom transient model, a new feedback control method for Inductrack systems is proposed. In the control system development, active Halbach arrays are used as an actuator, and a feedback control law, which combines a properly tuned proportional-integral-derivative controller and a nonlinear force-current mapping function, is created. The proposed control law is validated in numerical examples, where the transient motion of an Inductrack vehicle traveling at constant speeds is considered. As shown in the simulation, the control law efficiently stabilizes the Inductrack system in a wide range of operating speed, and in the meantime, it renders a smooth system output (real-time levitation gap) with fast convergence to any prescribed reference step input (desired levitation gap).
Intrinsic excitation-dependent room-temperature internal quantum efficiency of AlGaN nanowires with varying Al contents
Authors: Lu Jiaying , Zhong Yun , Zhao Songrui
Published: February 2021

Aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) nanowires have become an emerging approach for semiconductor deep ultraviolet light-emitting devices. To further improve the device performance, it is critical to understand the optical quality of AlGaN nanowires. However, today, the room-temperature internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of AlGaN nanowires is predominantly analyzed by the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) approach under one excitation power or taking the PL intensity ratio at the room temperature and low temperature with different excitation powers. In both cases, one needs to assume the low temperature IQE to be 100%, which is not always valid, in particular when the excitation power changes at the low temperature. In this work, we study the room-temperature IQE of AlGaN nanowires through the detailed excitation power-dependent PL experiments and theoretical analysis. This allows us to derive the intrinsic room-temperature IQE of AlGaN nanowires as a function of the excitation power. It is found that for an Al content in the range of 22%–54%, the IQE of all samples increases as the excitation increases, followed by an efficiency droop. Moreover, comparing different samples, the IQE at low excitations increases as the Al content increases, whereas the peak IQE reduces from 73% to 56% as the Al content increases. The underlying mechanisms are also discussed in this paper.
Plasmodesmata-localized proteins and ROS orchestrate light-induced rapid systemic signaling in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Fichman Yosef , Myers Ronald J. , Grant DeAna G. , Mittler Ron
Published: February 2021

Systemic propagation of ROS waves in response to local light stress in
Arabidopsis
requires plasmodesmata proteins.
Drug Susceptibility Distributions of Mycobacterium chimaera and Other Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Schulthess Bettina , Schäfle Daniel , Kälin Nicole , Widmer Tamara , Sander Peter
Published: February 2021

Recent outbreaks of cardiac surgery-associated
Mycobacterium chimaera
infections have highlighted the importance of species differentiation within the
Mycobacterium avium
complex and pointed to a lack of antibiotic susceptibility data for
M. chimaera
. Using the MGIT 960/EpiCenter TB eXiST platform, we have determined antibiotic susceptibility patterns of 48 clinical
M. chimaera
isolates and 139 other nontuberculous mycobacteria, including 119 members of the
M. avium
complex and 20
Mycobacterium kansasii
isolates toward clofazimine and other drugs used to treat infections with slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
Novel
ERG11
and
TAC1b
Mutations Associated with Azole Resistance in Candida auris
Authors: Li Jizhou , Coste Alix T. , Liechti Maroussia , Bachmann Daniel , Sanglard Dominique , Lamoth Frederic
Published: February 2021

Candida auris
is a novel
Candida
species that has spread in all continents, causing nosocomial outbreaks of invasive candidiasis.
C. auris
has the ability to develop resistance to all antifungal drug classes. Notably, many
C. auris
isolates are resistant to the azole drug fluconazole, a standard therapy for invasive candidiasis.
Impaired Intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligands Contribute to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Shi Zunji , Lei Hehua , Chen Gui , Yuan Peihong , Cao Zheng , Ser Hooi-Leng , Zhu Xuehang , Wu Fang , Liu Caixiang , Dong Manyuan , Song Yuchen , Guo Yangyang , Chen Chuan , Hu Kexin , Zhu Yifan , Zeng Xin-an , Zhou Jinlin , Lu Yujing , Patterson Andrew D. , Zhang Limin
Published: February 2021

Our findings indicate that the gut-liver signaling axis contributes to saccharin/sucralose consumption-induced NAFLD. Supplementation with metformin or fructo-oligosaccharide is a potential therapeutic strategy for NAFLD treatment. In addition, we also developed a new nutritional strategy by using a natural sweetener (neohesperidin dihydrochalcone [NHDC]) as a substitute for NAS and free sugars.
Solitary median maxillary central incisor with congenital strabismus and autoimmune thyroiditis in a young child
Authors: Alex Tom , Shenoy Rathika Damodara
Published: February 2021

Single median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) syndrome is rare. It is commonly associated with other midline defects. About 50% of children with SMMCI have short stature, associated with isolated growth hormone deficiency or panhypopituitarism.

A 6-year-old girl presented to us with worsening convergent squint, slowing linear growth and a suspected pituitary macroadenoma on neuroimaging. The key findings on examination included a disproportionate short stature, SMMCI, congenital abduction defect and pseudohypertrophy of calf muscles with myopathy. The evaluation showed autoimmune thyroiditis with pituitary hyperplasia. Bone age corresponded to 3 years.

Three months after initiation of thyroxine, her myopathy resolved, and the hormone profile and neuroimaging were normal. Autoimmune thyroiditis in association with SMMCI is not reported previously. This case study emphasises the importance of growth monitoring and the exclusion of common treatable conditions.
Casual blood glucose and subsequent cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among 159 731 participants in Cohort of Norway (CONOR)
Authors: Riise Hilde Kristin Refvik , Igland Jannicke , Sulo Gerhard , Graue Marit , Haltbakk Johannes , Tell Grethe Seppola , Iversen Marjolein Memelink
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Our aim was to assess the association between casual blood glucose level and subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality among community-dwelling adults without a diagnosis of diabetes.

Research design and methods

In this community-based cohort study, 159 731 individuals with a measurement of casual blood glucose were followed from their participation date in Cohort of Norway (CONOR) (1994–2003) until a CVD episode, death or 31 December 2009. All analyses were done using Cox proportional hazard regression, and the results are reported as multivariable-adjusted HRs with 95% CI.

Results

Compared with those with normal glucose levels (<7.8 mmol/L), participants categorized as having borderline (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) levels showed an increased risk of a stroke (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.49) and cardiovascular (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.48), and all-cause (HR 1.27; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.38) mortality, while participants with high glucose levels (>11.0 mmol/L) had an even more increased risk. One mmol/L increase in glucose level was associated with an increased risk of all four endpoints among participants with borderline as well as within normal glucose levels. In analyses stratified by sex and age group, the CVD risk estimates tended to be higher in women than in men and in those <65 years of age but no significant interactions were found.

Conclusion

An increase in casual blood glucose levels, even within the range of normal and borderline levels, was positively associated with increased risk of CVD and mortality among community-dwelling adults without a known diagnosis of diabetes.
Ferric maltol Real-world Effectiveness Study in Hospital practice (FRESH): clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving ferric maltol for iron-deficiency anaemia in the UK
Authors: Cummings JR Fraser , Fraser Aileen , Stansfield Catherine , Beales Ian , Sebastian Shaji , Hoque Sami
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess outcomes in patients with iron-deficient inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with ferric maltol in UK real-world practice.

Design/Method

This observational, multicentre, retrospective cohort study included adults with IBD and iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA; haemoglobin ≥95 to <120 g/L (women) or ≥95 to <130 g/L (men) plus serum ferritin <30 µg/L or transferrin saturation <20%) who received ferric maltol. Data were extracted from patient records. The primary analysis was the proportion of patients with normalised haemoglobin (≥120 g/L (women); ≥130 g/L (men)) over 12 weeks. Iron indices and safety were assessed.

Results

Thirty of 59 patients had data for the primary outcome, 19 of whom (63%) achieved haemoglobin normalisation at week 12. Mean±SD haemoglobin was 127±16 g/L at week 12 (increase of 14±17 g/L from baseline). Overall, 27 patients achieved haemoglobin normalisation by the end of the observation period; mean±SD time to normalisation was 49.5±25.6 days. Nine of 17 patients had normalised serum ferritin (30–300 µg/L) at week 12, and 16 patients had normalised ferritin at the end of the observation period; mean±SD time to normalisation was 71.3±27.6 days. Twenty-four adverse events occurred in 19 patients (32%); most frequent adverse events were abdominal pain or discomfort (n=9) and constipation (n=3).

Conclusion

Ferric maltol increases haemoglobin and iron indices and is generally well tolerated in patients with IBD and IDA treated in clinical practice. These real-world data support findings from randomised controlled trials.