bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benralizumab improves symptoms of patients with severe, eosinophilic asthma with a diagnosis of nasal polyposis
Authors: Canonica Giorgio Walter , Harrison Tim W. , Chanez Pascal , Menzella Francesco , Louis Renaud , Cosio Borja G. , Lugogo Njira L. , Mohan Arjun , Burden Annie , Garcia Gil Esther
Published: May 2021

Background

Clinically meaningful improvement in the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) was observed in patients with severe, eosinophilic asthma, and nasal polyposis (NP) treated with benralizumab in the ANDHI trial. A post hoc assessment of the effects of benralizumab on SNOT‐22 response and asthma efficacy measures in these patients was conducted for further characterization of the efficacy and safety of benralizumab for patients with severe asthma and NP.

Methods

Adults with severe, eosinophilic asthma who had experienced ≥2 prior‐year exacerbations despite high‐dosage inhaled corticosteroid plus additional controller[s] were randomized to 24 weeks of benralizumab or placebo. Patients with physician‐diagnosed chronic rhinosinusitis with NP of any severity ongoing at baseline who consented to participate were included in the current ANDHI NP substudy population. Effect on NP symptoms was assessed by the SNOT‐22, with an improvement of at least 8.9 defined as clinically significant (responder). Effects on chronic asthma outcomes were assessed by means of annualized asthma exacerbation rate (AER), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and Asthma Control Questionnaire‐6 (ACQ‐6). All p‐values were nominal.

Results

Of the ANDHI population (n = 656), 23% (n = 153) participated in the NP substudy (n = 96 benralizumab; n = 57 placebo). Patients were 50% female, with mean age of 53 years, had prior‐year AER = 3.3; mean pre‐bronchodilator FEV1 = 55% predicted; and median blood eosinophil count ​= 510 cells/µl. For patients with high baseline SNOT‐22 scores (>30), benralizumab treatment improved symptoms of NP as measured by SNOT‐22 from baseline to Week 24 compared with placebo (Week 24: −10.44 [p = .0176]). Percentage of responders to SNOT‐22 was greater for benralizumab vs. placebo (71.3% vs. 45.5%; p = .0036), and effect was enhanced for patients with high baseline SNOT‐22 scores (>30). A 69% reduction vs. placebo in annualized AER (0.77 vs. 2.47; p < .0001) and greater clinically meaningful improvements from baseline in SGRQ total score (−16.7), FEV1 (+0.32 L), and ACQ‐6 (–0.88) were observed (p < .0001). Benralizumab was well‐tolerated. Frequency of adverse events (AEs) was similar for benralizumab (76.0%) and placebo (73.7%) groups. Most common AEs (frequency ≥5%) reported at a greater frequency in benralizumab vs. placebo included headache, sinusitis, pyrexia, and influenza.

Conclusions

These substudy data from ANDHI demonstrated the efficacy profile of benralizumab for patients with severe, eosinophilic asthma and NP, with improvement in SNOT‐22 and asthma outcomes.
How workers mobilize in financializing firms: A theory of discursive opportunism
Authors: Rothstein Sidney A.
Published: May 2021

Firms’ increasing focus on financial markets has undermined employment conditions, as well as workers’ ability to mobilize. Taking a discursive approach to employment relations under financialization, this article develops a theory of discursive opportunism (DO) to explain how organizers can adopt management's discursive techniques for control and transform them into resources for collective action. The article makes two contributions. First, it illustrates that management's turn to market discourse under financialization varies across individual workplaces, even within a single firm. Second, it offers a theory of DO to explain how organizers can mobilize workers in financializing firms when they develop tactics appropriate to a workplace's distinctive discursive context. A comparative case study of tech workers responding to mass layoffs provides empirical support for this theory, showing that organizers’ tactics are critical to shaping the path of financialization at the workplace level.
Is the Incredible Years parenting programme predictive of case closure in child protection services for neglect? A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Leclair Mallette Isabelle‐Ann , Letarte Marie‐Josée , Hélie Sonia , Sicotte Roxanne , Temcheff Caroline E.
Published: May 2021

This study, conducted in a real‐world setting, evaluated the effect of a parenting programme offered to families receiving child protection services (CPS) for child neglect. With a retrospective quasi‐experimental design, the study used administrative data to examine the association between participation in the Incredible Years® (IY) parenting programme and the likelihood that the family's CPS case file would be closed. The intervention group included all children involved with CPS for neglect who had at least one parent who participated in the IY between 2007 and 2015 (n = 299) whereas the comparison group consisted of 299 children with substantiated neglect but who received care as usual in CPS, during the same time period. The children were matched by a propensity score calculated using several variables. A Cox regression comparing intervention and comparison groups revealed that the participation in the programme increased the probability of case closure by 43%. Thus, participation in the programme can contribute to restoring the family's ability to care for the child, thus reducing the time spent in CPS.
Skin manifestations as potential symptoms of diffuse vascular injury in criticalCOVID‐19 patients
Authors: Sadeghzadeh‐Bazargan Afsaneh , Rezai Mahdi , Najar Nobari Niloufar , Mozafarpoor Samaneh , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: May 2021

As a respiratory viral infection caused by a novel coronavirus, COVID‐19 became rapidly pandemic within a few months. Despite the wide range of manifestations and organ involvement in COVID‐19 patients, the exact pathogenesis of severe and fatal types of COVID‐19 and causes involved with the individual base of the disease is not yet understood. Several studies have reported clinical, laboratory, and histopathological data in favor of vascular injury in multiple organs of critically ill patients with COVID‐19 as a result of hyperactive immune response, inflammation, and cytokine storm. Also, both clinical and histopathological evidence points to such vascular involvements in the skin. Given the ease of clinical examinations and skin biopsy and the lower risks of transmission of COVID‐19 to healthcare workers, the present review article was conducted to investigate the vascular skin manifestations of COVID‐19 patients clinically and/or histopathologically as helpful clues for better understanding the pathogenesis and predicting the prognosis of the disease, especially in severe cases.
Tattoos – mehr als nur kolorierte Haut? Auf der Suche nach Tattoo‐Allergenen
Authors: Weiß Katharina T. , Schreiver Ines , Siewert Katherina , Luch Andreas , Haslböck Birgit , Berneburg Mark , Bäumler Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Beim Tätowieren wird eine erhebliche Menge an Tinte in die Haut eingestochen. Tätowiertinten enthalten zahlreiche Inhaltsstoffe, dazu zählen Farbpigmente, Verunreinigungen, Lösungsmittel, Emulgatoren und Konservierungsmittel. Schwarze amorphe Kohlenstoffpartikel (Carbon Black), weißes Titandioxid, Azo‐ oder polyzyklische Pigmente lassen alle möglichen Farbnuancen im sichtbaren Spektrum entstehen. Einige Inhaltsstoffe von Tätowiertinten können gefährliche und allergieauslösende Chemikalien mit unbekanntem Gefahrenpotenzial sein. In Deutschland sind etwa 20 % der Bevölkerung tätowiert und es wird zunehmend über die damit einhergehenden unerwünschten Wirkungen berichtet. Da Tätowiernadeln unweigerlich die Haut verletzen, können Mikroorganismen in die Wunde eindringen und Infektionen verursachen. Während oder nach der Wundheilung kann es sowohl zu nichtallergischen Entzündungsreaktionen (zum Beispiel kutanen Granulomen und Pseudolymphomen) als auch zu allergischen Reaktionen kommen. Besonders bei den Allergien, die nach Wochen, Monaten oder sogar Jahren auftreten können, bleibt es schwierig, den oder die auslösenden Substanzen zu identifizieren.

Diese Übersichtsarbeit fasst mögliche unerwünschte Wirkungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Tätowieren zusammen, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf der Allergieentstehung liegt. Bislang wurden relevante Allergene nur selten identifiziert. Im Folgenden stellen wir etablierte Methoden vor und diskutieren aktuelle experimentelle Ansätze zur Identifizierung von Allergenen in Tätowiertinten – über Tests am Patienten und in vitro.
Characterizing the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps in neutrophilic dermatoses
Authors: Eid Edward , Safi Rémi , El Hasbani Georges , Aftimos Valérie , Abbas Ossama , Kibbi Abdul‐Ghani , Nassar Dany
Published: May 2021

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory dermatoses. However, characterization of NETs in neutrophilic dermatoses was performed on very limited number of patients; this limitation precluded definitive conclusions. In this case series of 57 patients, we compared the amounts of neutrophils producing NETs in cutaneous lesions of different entities of neutrophilic dermatoses (17 with pyoderma gangrenosum, 37 with Sweet's syndrome and three with subcorneal pustular dermatosis). NETs were identified by double immunofluorescence on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skin biopsies using antibodies against elastase and citrullinated histone 3. Percentages of neutrophils showing NETs were high across all three entities (62.9% in PG, 48.5% in SS and 37.8% in subcorneal pustular dermatosis). The differences in mean percentages were significant between entities, with PG showing significantly superior percentage of NETs compared with SS. In our series, 15.8% of neutrophilic dermatoses were associated with malignancies, 10.5% with autoimmune diseases and 73.7% were idiopathic. Percentages of NETs were not statistically different between aetiologies. These findings suggest that NETs are abundantly produced in the various entities and different aetiologies of neutrophilic dermatoses. In comparison with SS, the superior percentage of NETs in PG is clinically mirrored in its greater ulceronecrotic nature.
Cannabinoid control of hippocampal functions: the where matters
Authors: Robledo‐Menendez Almudena , Vella Maria , Grandes Pedro , Soria‐Gomez Edgar
Published: May 2021

In the brain, hippocampal circuits are crucial for cognitive performance (e.g., memory) and deeply affected in pathological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, Alzheimer). Specialized molecular mechanisms regulate different cell types underlying hippocampal circuitries functions. Among them, cannabinoid receptors exhibit various roles depending on the cell type (e.g., neuron, glial cell) or subcellular organelle (e.g., mitochondria). Determining the site of action and precise mechanisms triggered by cannabinoid receptor activation at a local cellular and subcellular level helps us understand hippocampal pathophysiological states. In doing so, past and current research have advanced our knowledge of cannabinoid functions and proposed novel routes for potential therapeutics. By outlining these data in this work, we aim to showcase current findings and highlight the pathophysiological impact of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) localization/activation in hippocampal circuits.
Teaching intercultural citizenship through intercultural service learning in world language education
Authors: Barili Amelia , Byram Michael
Published: May 2021

Globalization and internationalization have created a need for dialog among people of different persuasions in our own societies and beyond. Language teachers can meet this challenge through the concepts of intercultural citizenship and intercultural service learning, renewing emphasis on educational and humanistic aims as well as instrumental. Students in an advanced Spanish course volunteered in a school and a legal center, interacting one‐on‐one with unaccompanied minors and immigrants fleeing Central America. The evaluation focused on the impact on learners’ understanding of the society in which they live, and perceptions of their own language learning during their work as active citizens. Data from students' academic blogs and diaries were analyzed thematically. They show a heightened awareness of language competence, as students use their knowledge of Spanish in their voluntary work, and increased intercultural competence in students' reports on their critical evaluation of perspectives and practices in their own culture and those of others.
Oxytocin receptor activation does not mediate associative fear deficits in a Williams Syndrome model
Authors: Nygaard Kayla R. , Swift Raylynn G. , Glick Rebecca M. , Wagner Rachael E. , Maloney Susan E. , Gould Georgianna G. , Dougherty Joseph D.
Published: May 2021

Williams Syndrome results in distinct behavioral phenotypes, which include learning deficits, anxiety, increased phobias and hypersociability. While the underlying mechanisms driving this subset of phenotypes is unknown, oxytocin (OT) dysregulation is hypothesized to be involved as some studies have shown elevated blood OT and altered OT receptor expression in patients. A “Complete Deletion” (CD) mouse, modeling the hemizygous deletion in Williams Syndrome, recapitulates many of the phenotypes present in humans. These CD mice also exhibit impaired fear responses in the conditioned fear task. Here, we address whether OT dysregulation is responsible for this impaired associative fear memory response. We show direct delivery of an OT receptor antagonist to the central nervous system did not rescue the attenuated contextual or cued fear memory responses in CD mice. Thus, increased OT signaling is not acutely responsible for this phenotype. We also evaluated OT receptor and serotonin transporter availability in regions related to fear learning, memory and sociability using autoradiography in wild type and CD mice. While no differences withstood correction, we identified regions that may warrant further investigation. There was a nonsignificant decrease in OT receptor expression in the lateral septal nucleus and nonsignificant lowered serotonin transporter availability in the striatum and orbitofrontal cortex. Together, these data suggest the fear conditioning anomalies in the Williams Syndrome mouse model are independent of any alterations in the oxytocinergic system caused by deletion of the Williams locus.
Gerodontology in the dental school curriculum: A scoping review
Authors: Nilsson Angie , Young Louise , Glass Beverley , Lee Andrew
Published: May 2021

Objective

To explore the current status of gerodontology in the undergraduate dental curriculum.

Background

Internationally, there is recognition for the need to include gerodontology in dental education due to accelerating numbers of older dentate people. There is wide variation in the content and method of delivery of gerodontology in undergraduate curricula of dental schools.

Methods

A scoping review framework was chosen to identify existing gaps and key concepts in the research on current undergraduate gerodontology education. Arksey and O’Malley's framework was used with the qualitative data analysis software NVivo to identify comparable information on geriatric dental education.

Results

Five themes were highlighted in the studies including (1) gerodontology curriculum content, (2) attitudes, skills and knowledge of undergraduate dental students, (3) didactic teaching, (4) elective and compulsory teaching, and (5) extra‐mural learning. The review found large variations in methodologies, presentation of data and findings. All studies emphasised a need for greater inclusion of gerodontology content in the undergraduate dental curriculum.

Conclusion

The review found limited research reporting on the educational outcomes of gerodontology in dental curricula with a lack of comprehensive information to inform gerodontology content in dental schools. This review has highlighted the need for national and international guidelines to ensure mandatory inclusion of sufficient and specific gerodontology training to prepare graduates for a growing dentate frail and care‐dependent population.
Broaching overweight and obesity at maternity and child health clinics
Authors: Mäenpää Tiina , Vuori Anne
Published: May 2021

Aims

The aim was to describe the experiences of nurses in broaching the issue of overweight and obesity at maternity and child health clinics.

Background

The mother's obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy and rapid weight gain in early childhood increase the risk of obesity of the newborn baby both in childhood and throughout life. Attention must be paid to the prevention of weight gain in families already during pregnancy and before school age.

Methods

Informants were nurses working at maternity and child health clinics (N = 28). The qualitative data were collected by a focus group interview in spring 2016 and analysed using inductive content analysis.

Findings

The nurses interviewed considered it their duty to broach the issue and felt that they have sufficient courage to bring up overweight. They sometimes found it frustrating to talk about overweight and obesity, because families do not commit themselves to making lifestyle changes, and changes happen slowly. Nurses found the lasting relationship with families helpful for bringing up overweight.

Conclusion

Nurses need more broaching skills, more training, supervising and tools for bringing up overweight and obesity with client families. The continuity of care in primary health care supports bringing up overweight.
Commentary: Response to commentary by Davis and Kramer (2021)
Authors: Bilgin Ayten , Wolke Dieter
Published: May 2021

Davis and Kramer (2021) in their commentary on our study (Bilgin & Wolke, 2020) state that we ‘argue that leaving an infant to “cry it out”, rather than responding to the child’s cries, had no adverse effects on mother‐infant attachment at 18 months’ (Davis & Kramer, 2021, p. 1). Instead, we wrote that ‘contemporary practice by some parents to occasionally or often “leaving infant to cry it out” during the first 6 months was not associated with adverse behavioural development and attachment at 18 months’ (p. 8). Based on the empirical findings of our observation study, we suggested that ‘increased use of “leaving to cry it out” with age may indicate differential responding by mothers to aid the development of infant self‐regulation’ (p. 8). Indeed, in an editorial of our study, the joint editor of this journal concluded that ‘Bilgin and Wolke responsibly conclude that there is little reason to make definitive pronouncements to parents of young infants about how much to let them cry it out, given that both the attachment theory (responding promptly early promotes security) and learning theory (ignoring crying prevents dependency) formulations were unsupported by their findings’ (Zeanah, 2020, p. 1172).
Prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease linked to prognosis in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients: a multi‐centre cohort study
Authors: Tinggaard A. B. , Hjuler K. F. , Andersen I. T. , Winther S. , Iversen L. , Bøttcher M.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

(i) To estimate the prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease and (ii) to assess the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in a large‐scale cohort of patients referred to coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study with follow‐up of 46,022 patients based on data from a Danish national CTA registry. Exposure was defined as psoriasis or PsA. A group of patients without psoriasis, PsA or any other inflammatory disease was used as reference. Cross‐sectional primary outcomes were a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) >0 and CACS ≥400, and secondary outcome was obstructive CAD. At follow‐up, the primary outcome was a composite endpoint of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality. All outcomes were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

We identified 1356 psoriasis and 370 PsA patients. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for psoriasis patients for CACS >0, CACS ≥400 and obstructive CAD was 1.26 (1.10–1.46), 1.25 (1.04–1.50) and 1.14 (0.98–1.33), respectively. For PsA patients, OR for CACS >0 was 1.28 (1.00–1.64). We found a crude hazard ratio (HR) of 1.49 (1.21–1.85) and adjusted HR of 1.14 (0.92–1.41) for the primary outcome in psoriasis patients.

Conclusions

In this population, both psoriasis and PsA were associated with an increased prevalence of coronary calcification. Psoriasis patients also showed an increased prevalence of severe calcification. Psoriasis patients were at increased risk for cardiovascular events and death, however not after adjusting for the effect of other predictors.
Effects of raising the bar on medical student study progress: An intersectional approach
Authors: Broks Vera M.A. , Stegers‐Jager Karen M. , van den Broek Walter W. , Woltman Andrea M.
Published: May 2021

Context

Medical schools seek for measures to improve their students’ study progress and are responsible for a diverse student population.

Objectives

The effect of a stricter academic dismissal (AD) policy in medical school on short‐term and long‐term study progress was investigated in a longitudinal cohort study. In addition, differential effects for subgroups were assessed by intersecting gender, ethnicity and prior education (intersectional framework).

Methods

Participants were first‐year Bachelor students enrolled in 2011 to 2016 in a Dutch medical school. For cohorts 2011‐2013, the AD policy consisted of a minimum of 67% of Year‐1 credits required to remain enrolled (67%‐policy, n = 1189), and for cohorts 2014‐2016, this bar was raised to 100% of Year‐1 credits (100%‐policy, n = 1233). Outcome measures on study progress were Year‐1 completion and dropout (short term) and Bachelor completion in three and four years (long term).

Results

Overall, Year‐1 completion rates increased under the 100%‐policy compared to the 67%‐policy (OR = 2.50, 95%‐CI:2.06‐3.03, P < .001). Yet, this increase was not present for students with non‐standard prior education – except for males with a migration background (OR = 7.19, 95%‐CI:2.33‐25.73, P < .01). The dropout rate doubled under the 100%‐policy (OR = 2.41, 95%‐CI:1.68‐3.53, P < .001). Mainly students with standard prior education dropped out more often (OR = 3.68, 95%‐CI:2.37‐5.89, P < .001), except for males with a migration background. Bachelor completion rates after three and four years were not positively affected by the 100%‐policy. Notably, females without a migration background and with non‐standard prior education suffered from the 100%‐policy regarding Bachelor completion after three years (OR = 0.29, 95%‐CI:0.11‐0.76, P < .05).

Conclusions

Despite increased dropout rates, the stricter AD policy improved Year‐1 completion rates – especially for under‐represented subgroups, thereby improving study progress without harming student diversity on the short term. However, these positive effects did not hold regarding Bachelor completion rates indicating that long‐term effects require higher performance standards throughout the Bachelor, which in turn may harm other subgroups and thereby student diversity.
Old age genetically confirmed frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP‐43 has limbic predominant TDP‐43 deposition
Authors: Buciuc Marina , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Baker Matthew C. , Rademakers Rosa , Dickson Dennis W. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: May 2021

Aims

To assess the burden of transactive response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) inclusions in a unique cohort of old‐age patients with genetic frontotemporal lobar degeneration (gFTLD‐TDP) and compare these patients with sporadic old‐age individuals with TDP‐43, either in the presence of Alzheimer's disease (AD‐TDP) or in isolation (pure‐TDP).

Methods

The brain bank at Mayo Clinic‐Jacksonville was searched for cases ≥75 years old at death with TDP‐43 extending into middle frontal cortex. Cases were split into the following groups: (1) gFTLD‐TDP (n = 15) with progranulin (GRN)/C9ORF72 mutations; (2) AD‐TDP (n = 10)—cases with median Braak neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) stage VI, Thal phase V; (3) pure‐TDP (n = 10)—cases with median Braak NFT stage I, Thal phase I. Clinical data were abstracted; TDP‐43 burden was calculated using digital pathology.

Results

Amnestic Alzheimer's dementia was the clinical diagnosis in ≥50% patients in each group. The distribution of TDP‐43 burden in gFTLD‐TDP and AD‐TDP, but not pure‐TDP, was limbic‐predominant targeting CA1 and subiculum. Patients with gFTLD‐TDP had higher burden in entorhinal cortex compared to AD‐TDP. TDP‐43 burden in middle frontal cortex did not differ between the three groups.

Conclusions

In old age it is challenging to clinically and pathologically differentiate gFTLD‐TDP from AD‐TDP and pure‐TDP‐43 based on burden. Like AD‐TDP, old age gFTLD‐TDP have a limbic predominant TDP‐43 distribution. The finding that amnestic Alzheimer's dementia was the most common clinical diagnosis regardless of group suggests that TDP‐43 directly and indirectly targets limbic regions.
Thinking about the idea of consent in data science genomics: How ‘informed’ is it?
Authors: Greenwood Jennifer , Crowden Andrew
Published: May 2021

In this paper we argue that ‘informed’ consent in Big Data genomic biobanking is frequently less than optimally informative. This is due to the particular features of genomic biobanking research which render it ethically problematic. We discuss these features together with details of consent models aimed to address them. Using insights from consent theory, we provide a detailed analysis of the essential components of informed consent which includes recommendations to improve consent performance. In addition, and using insights from philosophy of mind and language and psycholinguistics we support our analyses by identifying the nature and function of concepts (ideas) operational in human cognition and language together with an implicit coding/decoding model of human communication. We identify this model as the source of patients/participants poor understanding. We suggest an alternative, explicit model of human communication, namely, that of relevance‐theoretic inference which obviates the limitations of the code model. We suggest practical strategies to assist health service professionals to ensure that the specific information they provide concerning the proposed treatment or research is used to inform participants’ decision to consent. We do not prescribe a standard, formal approach to decision‐making where boxes are ticked; rather, we aim to focus attention towards the sorts of considerations and questions that might usefully be borne in mind in any consent situation. We hope that our theorising will be of real practical benefit to nurses and midwives working on the clinical and research front‐line of genomic science.
DNA methylation is involved in acclimation to iron‐deficiency in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Sun Shuo , Zhu Jiamei , Guo Runze , Whelan James , Shou Huixia
Published: May 2021

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient in plants, and Fe limitation significantly affects plant growth, yield and food quality. While many studies have reported the transcriptomic profile and pursue molecular mechanism in response to Fe limitation, little is known if epigenetic factors play a role in response to Fe‐deficiency. In this study, whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing analysis, high‐throughput RNA‐Seq of mRNA, small RNA and transposable element (TE) expression with root and shoot organs of rice seedlings under Fe‐sufficient and Fe‐deficient conditions were performed. The results showed that widespread hypermethylation, especially for the CHH context, occurred after Fe‐deficiency. Integrative analysis of methylation and transcriptome revealed that the transcript abundance of Fe‐deficiency‐induced genes was negatively correlated with nearby TEs and positively with the 24‐nucleotide siRNAs. The ability of methylation to affect the physiology and molecular response to Fe‐deficiency was tested using an exogenous DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5‐azacytidine), and genetically using a mutant for domains rearranged methyltransferase 2 (DRM2), that lacks CHH methylation. Both approaches resulted in decreased growth and Fe content in rice plants. Thus, alterations in specific methylation patterns, directed by siRNAs, play an important role in acclimation of rice to Fe‐deficient conditions. Furthermore, comparison with other reports suggests this may be a universal mechanism to acclimate to limited nutrient availability.
Hydrothermally Reduced Graphene Oxide–Coated Carbon Cloth for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Rajaputra Subhakaran Singh , Nagalakshmi P. , Yerramilli Anjaneyulu , Naga Mahesh K.
Published: May 2021

Hydrothermally synthesized graphene (HRG) was tested for its supercapacitive behavior using nickel (Ni) and hydrothermally treated carbon cloth as current collectors, respectively. Performance evaluation studies were carried out in an in-house fabricated SS cell. Commercially obtained untreated carbon cloth (CCUn) was exfoliated via oxidation (CCOx) followed by hydrothermal treatment to obtain a reduced carbon cloth (CCHy). The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of carbon cloth by oxidative exfoliation and hydrothermal treatment have been studied using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, Contact angle measurements, cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and EIS. HRG coated on the CCHy (HRG-CCHy) had shown superior performance and endurance compared to HRG coated on Ni strip (HRG-Ni), with distinguishable specific capacitances (Cs) of 170 and 134 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 current density, respectively. At a higher 10 A g−1 current density, HRG-CCHy, and HRG-Ni have displayed distinctive specific capacitances of 120 and 80 F g−1, respectively, indicating a comparative decline in the performance of HRG-Ni with respect to HRG-CCHy. Endurance study performed for 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1, resulted in HRG-CCHy and HRG-Ni, retaining 88% and 81% of their initial-specific capacitances. At 1 kW kg−1 of power density, HRG-CCHy displayed a 5.5 Wh kg−1 of energy density. The electrochemical performance of HRG-CCHy may be attributed to exceptional properties like high wettability, low impedance, high pore volume, and specific surface area.
Mitigation Options to Reduce Peak Air Temperature and Air-Conditioning Demand in the Context of a Warming Climate for a Tropical Coastal City
Authors: Pokhrel Rabindra , González-Cruz Jorge E.
Published: May 2021

Air conditioning (AC) demand has recently grown to about 10% of total electricity globally, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the cooling requirement for buildings globally increases by three-fold by 2050 without additional policy interventions. The impacts of these increases for energy demand for human comfort are more pronounced in tropical coastal areas due to the high temperatures and humidity and their limited energy resources. One of those regions is the Caribbean, where building energy demands often exceed 50% of the total electricity, and this demand is projected to increase due to a warming climate. The interconnection between the built environment and the local environment introduces the challenge to find new approaches to explore future energy demand changes and the role of mitigation measures to curb the increasing demands for vulnerable tropical coastal cities due to climate change. This study presents mid-of-century and end-of-century cooling demand projections along with demand alleviation measures for the San Juan Metropolitan Area in the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico using a high-resolution configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with Building Energy Model (BEM) forced by bias-corrected Community Earth Systems Model (CESM1) global simulations. The World Urban Database Access Portal Tool (WUDAPT) Land Class Zones (LCZs) bridge the gap required by BEM for their morphology and urban parameters. MODIS land covers land use is depicted for all-natural classes. The baseline historical period of 2008–2012 is compared with climate and energy projections in addition to energy mitigation options. Energy mitigation options explored include the integration of solar power in buildings, the use of white roofs, and high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The impact of climate change is simulated to increase minimum temperatures at the same rate as maximum temperatures. However, the maximum temperatures are projected to rise by 1–1.5 °C and 2 °C for mid- and end-of-century, respectively, increasing peak AC demand by 12.5% and 25%, correspondingly. However, the explored mitigation options surpass both increases in temperature and AC demand. The AC demand reduction potential with energy mitigation options for 2050 and 2100 decreases the need by 13% and 1.5% with the historical periods. Overall, the demand reduction potential varies with LCZs showing a high reduction potential for sparsely built (32%), and low for compact low rise (21%) for the mid-of-century period compared with the same period without mitigation options.
An oral antisense oligonucleotide for PCSK9 inhibition
Authors: Gennemark Peter , Walter Katrin , Clemmensen Niclas , Rekić Dinko , Nilsson Catarina A.M. , Knöchel Jane , Hölttä Mikko , Wernevik Linda , Rosengren Birgitta , Kakol-Palm Dorota , Wang Yanfeng , Yu Rosie Z. , Geary Richard S. , Riney Stan J. , Monia Brett P. , Isaksson Rikard , Jansson-Löfmark Rasmus , Rocha Cristina S. J. , Lindén Daniel , Hurt-Camejo Eva , Crooke Rosanne , Tillman Lloyd , Rydén-Bergsten Tina , Carlsson Björn , Andersson Ulf , Elebring Marie , Tivesten Anna , Davies Nigel
Published: May 2021

A highly potent, chemically modified PCSK9 antisense oligonucleotide formulated with a permeation enhancer was developed for oral administration.
Analysis of the Evolution of Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) Virus Neuraminidase Reveals Entanglement of Different Phenotypic Characteristics
Authors: Dai Meiling , Du Wenjuan , Martínez-Romero Carles , Leenders Tim , Wennekes Tom , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Garcia-Sastre Adolfo , de Vries Erik , de Haan Cornelis A. M.
Published: May 2021

Since its emergence in 2009, the pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus (IAV) has caused significant disease and mortality in humans. IAVs contain two envelope glycoproteins, the receptor-binding hemagglutinin (HA) and the receptor-destroying neuraminidase (NA).
Controls on Interspecies Electron Transport and Size Limitation of Anaerobically Methane-Oxidizing Microbial Consortia
Authors: He Xiaojia , Chadwick Grayson L. , Kempes Christopher P. , Orphan Victoria J. , Meile Christof
Published: May 2021

Anaerobic oxidation of methane is a globally important, microbially mediated process reducing the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Carriage of Capsular Serotype K1 Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 23 Strains in Healthy Microbiology Laboratory Staff in Russia
Authors: Kuzina Ekaterina S. , Novikova Tatiana S. , Solomentsev Viktor I. , Sizova Angelika A. , Astashkin Eugeny I. , Kolupaeva Nadezhda V. , Potapov Vasiliy D. , Fursova Nadezhda K.
Published: May 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae
causes both nosocomial and community-associated infections. Among the hypervirulent
K. pneumoniae
(hvKP) isolates, K1 is the most common capsular serotype. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 3 K1-type (sequence type 23)
K. pneumoniae
strains isolated from healthy microbiology laboratory staff in Russia.
A bibliometric analysis of COVID-19 research in Africa
Authors: Guleid Fatuma Hassan , Oyando Robinson , Kabia Evelyn , Mumbi Audrey , Akech Samuel , Barasa Edwine
Published: May 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented global research effort to build a body of knowledge that can inform mitigation strategies. We carried out a bibliometric analysis to describe the COVID-19 research output in Africa in terms of setting, study design, research themes and author affiliation.

Methods

We searched for articles published between 1 December 2019 and 3 January 2021 from various databases including PubMed, African Journals Online, medRxiv, Collabovid, the WHO global research database and Google. All article types and study design were included.

Results

A total of 1296 articles were retrieved. 46.6% were primary research articles, 48.6% were editorial-type articles while 4.6% were secondary research articles. 20.3% articles used the entire continent of Africa as their study setting while South Africa (15.4%) was the most common country-focused setting. The most common research topics include ‘country preparedness and response’ (24.9%) and ‘the direct and indirect health impacts of the pandemic’ (21.6%). However, only 1.0% of articles focus on therapeutics and vaccines. 90.3% of the articles had at least one African researcher as author, 78.5% had an African researcher as first author, while 63.5% had an African researcher as last author. The University of Cape Town leads with the greatest number of first and last authors. 13% of the articles were published in medRxiv and of the studies that declared funding, the Wellcome Trust was the top funding body.

Conclusions

This study highlights Africa’s COVID-19 research and the continent’s existing capacity to carry out research that addresses local problems. However, more studies focused on vaccines and therapeutics are needed to inform local development. In addition, the uneven distribution of research productivity among African countries emphasises the need for increased investment where needed.
Long-term improvements following a residential combined physical and psychological programme for chronic low back pain
Authors: Wellburn Shaun , Ryan Cormac G , Coxon Andrew , Dickson Alastair J , Dickson D John , Fatoye Francis , Ferguson Diarmaid , Green Paul W , Greenhough Charles , Hamilton Sharon , Jess Mary-Anne , Jones Andrea , Peat Glynis , Martin Denis J
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Evaluate the outcomes and explore experiences of patients undergoing a residential combined physical and psychological programme (CPPP) for chronic low back pain.

Design

A longitudinal observational cohort design, with a parallel qualitative design using semistructured interviews.

Setting

Residential, multimodal rehabilitation.

Participants

136 adults (62 male/74 female) referred to the CPPP, 100 (44 male/56 female) of whom completed the programme, during the term of the study. Ten (2 male/8 female) participated in the qualitative evaluation.

Intervention

A 3-week residential CPPP.

Outcome measures

Primary outcome measures were the STarT Back screening tool score; pain intensity—11-point Numerical Rating Scale; function—Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); health status/quality of life—EQ-5D-5L EuroQol five-Dimension-five level; anxiety—Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7; depression—Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Secondary outcome measures were the Global Subjective Outcome Scale; National Health Service Friends and Family Test;.

Results

At discharge, 6 and 12 months follow ups, there were improvements from baseline that were greater than minimum clinically important differences in each of the outcomes (with the sole exception of ODI at discharge). At 12 months, the majority of people considered themselves a lot better (57%) and were extremely likely (86%) to recommend the programme to a friend. The qualitative data showed praise for the residential nature of the intervention and the opportunities for interaction with peers and peer support. There were testimonies of improvements in understanding of pain and how to manage it better. Some participants said they had reduced, or stopped, medication they had been taking to manage their pain.

Conclusions

Participants improved, and maintained long term, beyond minimum clinically important differences on a wide range of outcomes. Participants reported an enhanced ability to self-manage their back pain and support for the residential setting.
Averaging generalized scalar field cosmologies I: locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi III and open Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker models
Authors: Leon Genly , González Esteban , Lepe Samuel , Michea Claudio , Millano Alfredo D.
Published: May 2021

Scalar field cosmologies with a generalized harmonic potential and a matter fluid with a barotropic Equation of State (EoS) with barotropic index $$\gamma $$
γ
for locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi III metric and open Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric are investigated. Methods from the theory of averaging of nonlinear dynamical systems are used to prove that time-dependent systems and their corresponding time-averaged versions have the same late-time dynamics. Therefore, simple time-averaged systems determine the future asymptotic behavior. Depending on values of barotropic index $$\gamma $$
γ
late-time attractors of physical interests for LRS Bianchi III metric are Bianchi III flat spacetime, matter dominated FLRW universe (mimicking de Sitter, quintessence or zero acceleration solutions) and matter-curvature scaling solution. For open FLRW metric late-time attractors are a matter dominated FLRW universe and Milne solution. With this approach, oscillations entering nonlinear system through Klein–Gordon (KG) equation can be controlled and smoothed out as the Hubble factor H – acting as a time-dependent perturbation parameter – tends monotonically to zero. Numerical simulations are presented as evidence of such behaviour.
Unsettling Play
Authors: Angeli Daniela De , Finnegan Daniel J. , Scott Lee , O’neill Eamonn
Published: May 2021

In this article, we propose Agonistic Games (AGs) as a serious games subcategory that can stimulate critical reflection on topics of dark heritage through multiperspectivity and unsettling play. We first discuss the emerging topic of agonism in memory studies, and then how games can be used to support its objectives. We then discuss the development of two original AGs: Endless Blitz and Umschlagplatz ’43. We explore whether these two AGs were perceived as capable of stimulating critical reflection by collecting data from visitors to the exhibition “Krieg. Macht. Sinn” at the Ruhr Museum in Germany where the games were installed, and from participants in an online course describing the games. From analysing data collected, we outline four factors inhibiting the capacity of AGs to stimulate critical reflection (topic, context, design, and assumptions about games) and propose strategies for overcoming these inhibitors. Our findings are valuable to scholars, game researchers, and designers, strengthening the foundations for the design and development of future AGs.
Dynamics of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids in healthy humans
Authors: Stellaard Frans , Lütjohann Dieter
Published: May 2021

Regulation of bile acid metabolism is normally discussed as the regulation of bile acid synthesis, which serves to compensate for intestinal loss in order to maintain a constant pool size. After a meal, bile acids start cycling in the enterohepatic circulation. Farnesoid X receptor-dependent ileal and hepatic processes lead to negative feedback inhibition of bile acid synthesis. When the intestinal bile acid flux decreases, the inhibition of synthesis is released. The degree of inhibition of synthesis and the mechanism and degree of activation are still unknown. Moreover, in humans, a biphasic diurnal expression pattern of bile acid synthesis has been documented, indicating maximal synthesis around 3 PM and 9 PM. Quantitative data on the hourly synthesis schedule as compensation for intestinal loss are lacking. In this review, we describe the classical view on bile acid metabolism and present alternative concepts that are based on the overlooked feature that bile acids transit through the enterohepatic circulation very rapidly. A daily profile of the cycling and total bile acid pool sizes and potential controlled and uncontrolled mechanisms for synthesis are predicted. It remains to be elucidated by which mechanism clock genes interact with the Farnesoid X receptor-controlled regulation of bile acid synthesis. This mechanism could become an attractive target to enhance bile acid synthesis at night, when cholesterol synthesis is high, thus lowering serum LDL-cholesterol.
Glutamatergic control of a pattern-generating central nucleus in a gymnotiform fish
Authors: Comas Virginia , Borde Michel
Published: May 2021

Underpinnings of neuromodulation of central pattern-generating networks (CPG) have been well characterized in many species. The effects of fast neurotransmitter systems remain, however, poorly understood. This research uses in vitro electrophysiological and pharmacological techniques to show that the neurotransmitter control of a vertebrate CPG in gymnotiform fish involves the convergence of only-NMDA and AMPA-NMDA glutamatergic synapses onto neurons that pace the rhythm. These inputs may organize different behavioral outputs according to their distinct functional properties.
The Use of Salvia macrosiphon and Lepidium sativum Linn. Seed Gums in Nanoencapsulation Processes: Improving Antioxidant Activity of Potato Skin Extract
Authors: Tavakoli Javad , Abbasi Habib , Zarei Jelyani Aniseh , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: May 2021

In the present study, the effect of Salvia macrosiphon Seed Gum (SMSG) and Lepidium sativum Linn. Seed Gum (LSSG) as a coating agent on the properties of nanoencapsulated potato skin extract was studied. Moreover, the antioxidant effect of nanoencapsulated extract at a concentration of 1000 ppm incorporated into soybean oil was evaluated. The Z-average size of the emulsions stabilized by SMSG; LSSG; and a complex (1 : 1) of SMSG and LSSG (CSL) was estimated as 160.2, 144.3, and 115.2 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of phenolic extracts in the powders formed by SMSG, LSSG, and CSL was 82.39, 81.67, and 93.6% which declined to 45.28, 48.22, and 62.67% after storage for 40 days at 30°C. The results indicated that the use of coating agents for encapsulation enhanced their antioxidant effect and compared with TBHQ and free extract that nanoencapsulated extract by CSL had the highest antioxidant activity followed by LSSG nanoencapsulated extract and SMSG nanoencapsulated extract.
The Use of Mathematical Analysis in the Nursing Bed Design Evaluation
Authors: Zhou Zhi-yong , Qi Jian-ming , Yang Yang
Published: May 2021

In view of the lack of objective data support for product evaluation methods in the industry, a triangular verification method was proposed; it considered nursing beds as the study object and combined subjective evaluation with eye movement and electroencephalogram. Because the triangular validation method is based on the numerical value between the indicators and the frequency of ranking, this method is worth investigating for analyzing experimental data more scientifically. This paper focuses on the further analysis of the experimental data, especially the use of interval estimation method. After analysis, we obtain that proposal 2 is the optimal solution. This method is more suitable for product evaluation which will collect large amount of experimental data to obtain more accurate results. For industrial product designers, the evaluation of products by users is very important. In the design stage, how to grasp the user’s evaluation of the product more accurately is a difficult problem. This paper takes nursing bed as the research object and studies the user participation design in order to make the product more acceptable to most people after it is launched.