bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness of a telehealth intervention for in‐home dementia care support: Findings from the FamTechCare clinical trial
Authors: Shaw Clarissa A. , Williams Kristine N. , Lee Robert H. , Coleman Carissa K.
Published: October 2020

Determining the cost‐effectiveness of technological interventions is a crucial aspect in assuring these interventions can be adopted. The FamTechCare intervention is an innovative telehealth support that links family caregivers of persons living with dementia to tailored feedback from dementia care experts based on caregiver‐initiated video recordings of challenging care situations. The FamTechCare intervention has demonstrated significant reductions in caregiver depression and increases in caregiver competence when compared to standard telephone support. The purpose of this article is to report on the cost‐effectiveness of the FamTechCare telehealth intervention. Process‐based costing and a cost‐effectiveness analysis using the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was completed with 68 caregiver and person living dementia with dyads. The cost of the 12‐week FamTechCare telehealth intervention was found to be greater ($48.43 per dyad per week) due to the telehealth equipment, recording application, and expert panel time compared with the telephone support intervention ($6.96 per dyad per week). The ICER was $18.51 for caregiver depression and $36.31 for caregiver competence indicating that it cost no more than $36.38 per dyad per week over 12 weeks to achieve significant improvement in depression and competence in the FamTechCare caregivers compared to the telephone support caregivers. The FamTechCare intervention appears to be cost‐effective when compared to the telephone support intervention and remains near the willingness‐to‐pay threshold for caregivers providing in‐home dementia care support.
Breast Cancer-Specific Mortality in Small-Sized Tumor with Stage IV Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Zheng Yi-Zi , Wang Xian-Ming , Fan Lei , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: October 2020

Background

Small-sized primary tumor does not always indicate a better prognosis. We hypothesized that very small primary breast tumors with extensive lymph node (LN) metastases represented an aggressive biologic behavior in stage IV disease.

Materials and Methods

Data between 2010 and 2015 were retrieved retrospectively from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database with inclusion criteria of female sex, unilateral, metastatic, and T1/2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Primary study variables included T stage, N stage, grade, metastatic sites, number of involved sites, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. Kaplan-Meier and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models with interaction terms were used. One-, 2- and 3-year breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM) was examined according to tumor size.

Results

We identified 5,340 eligible patients with breast cancer. In multivariate analysis, race, age, grade, molecular subtype, surgery, brain metastases, and liver metastases were found to be independently associated with BCSM. For T1 tumors, the N0, N1, and N2+ groups had the same BCSM. In tumors smaller than 50 mm, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year BCSM did not decline with the decrease of tumor size. For triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), the T1a/T1bN2+ group had significantly worse BCSM than any other group did.

Conclusion

Patients with stage IV cancer with small-sized tumors may have BCSM as high as those with larger tumors. In TNBCs, very small tumors with severe LN involvement are associated with the worst BCSM. Continued efforts are needed to further investigate Ta1/T1bN2 + M1 TNBCs and individualize the treatment for affected patients.

Implications for Practice

This study revealed that for stage IV breast cancer, smaller primary tumors were not always associated with better breast cancer-specific mortality. This study illustrated that very small triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) with extensive regional lymph node involvement may be a surrogate for biologically aggressive disease. Because of poor prognosis of T1a/T1bN2+ TNBCs, there might be an urgent need of more individualized treatment for affected patients. Future correlative studies ought to focus on the genetic and molecular differences in Ta1/T1bN2+ TNBCs that contribute to the biological behavior. Clarification of the regulation mechanism of very small-sized primary TNBCs with metastatic outgrowth in nodes and distant sites will play an integral role in developing targeted therapies.
Theoretical Design of Biodegradable Phthalic Acid Ester Derivatives in Marine and Freshwater Environments
Authors: Zhang Haigang , Zhao Chengji , Na Hui
Published: October 2020

The biodegradability of phtalic acid esters in marine and freshwater environments was characterized by their binding free energy with corresponding degrading enzymes. According to comprehensive biodegradation effects weights, the binding free energy values were converted into dimensionless efficacy coefficient using ratio normalization method. Then, considering comprehensive dual biodegradation effects value and the structural parameters of PAEs in both marine and freshwater environments, a 3D‐QSAR pharmacophore model was constructed, five PAE derivatives (DBP−COOH, DBP−CHO, DBP−OH, DINP−NH2, and DINP−NO2) were screened out based on their environmental friendliness, functionality and stability. The prediction of biodegradation effects on five PAE derivatives by biodegradation models in marine and freshwater environment increased by 15.90 %, 15.84 %, 27.21 %, 12.33 %, and 8.32 %, and 21.57 %, 15.21 %, 20.99 %, 15.10 %, and 9.74 %, respectively. By simulating the photodegradation path of the PAE derivative molecular, it was found that DBP−OH can generate .OH and provides free radicals for the photodegradation of microplastics in the environment.
Influence of process parameters on the characteristics of oxygen‐releasing poly (lactic acid) microparticles: A multioptimization strategy
Authors: Nejati Sara , Karimi‐Soflou Reza , Karkhaneh Akbar
Published: October 2020

Oxygen‐generating biomaterials have led to promising results in biomedical applications. Yet, the characteristics of these biomaterials need to meet the requirements of a specific application in order to be successful. In this study, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used as the oxygen‐generating substance, and poly (l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) microparticles loaded with polyvinylpyrrolidone/hydrogen peroxide (PVP/H2O2) mixture were prepared using water‐in‐oil‐in‐water double emulsion technique. The experiments were carried out based on full factorial design where the impacts of PLLA concentration, H2O2:PVP molar ratio, and H2O2:organic phase volume ratio on microparticles' properties, including size, encapsulation efficiency, loading content, and percentage of initial burst release were assessed. Individual and multioptimization of responses were performed on the experimental data gained in the current study to investigate the effect of process parameters on the responses and fit the suitable model corresponding to the main and interactive effects. Recording both the H2O2 and O2 release of microparticles revealed that these profiles are also influenced by process variables, PLLA concentration in particular. These results enable accurate selection of optimal process variables for the fabrication of oxygen‐releasing PLLA microparticles with desirable characteristics for a wide variety of applications.
Thermo‐responsive shape memory behavior of poly(styrene‐b‐isoprene‐b‐styrene)/ethylene‐1‐octene copolymer thermoplastic elastomer blends
Authors: Tekay Emre
Published: October 2020

Thermally‐triggered shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials, which are capable of changing their shapes when they are exposed a heat stimulant. Blending semi‐crystalline and elastomeric polymers is an easy and low‐cost way to obtain thermo‐responsive SMPs. In this work, novel poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐octene) (PEO) and poly(styrene‐b‐isoprene‐b‐styrene) (SIS) thermoplastic elastomer blends were prepared via melt blending method. The morphological, mechanical, rheological properties and shape memory behaviours of the blends were investigated in detail. In morphological analysis, co‐continuous morphology was found for 50 wt% PEO/50 wt% SIS and 60 wt% PEO/40 wt% SIS (60PEO/40SIS) blends. The shape memory analysis performing by dynamic mechanical analyzer showed that the 60PEO/40SIS blend also exhibited the optimum shape memory performance with 95.74% shape fixing and 98.98% shape recovery. Qualitatively shape memory analysis in hot‐water pointed out that the amount of semi‐crystalline PEO promotes shape fixing ability of the blends whereas SIS content enhances shape recovery capability. Although the SIS and PEO are immiscible polymers, the blends of them were exhibited good elastomeric properties with regard to tensile strength, toughness, and elongation at break.
Daily text message assessments of 6‐mercaptopurine adherence and its proximal contexts in adolescents and young adults with leukemia: A pilot study
Authors: Psihogios Alexandra M. , Li Yimei , Ahmed Annisa , Huang Jing , Kersun Leslie S. , Schwartz Lisa A. , Barakat Lamia P.
Published: October 2020

Background

This pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of implementing text‐based assessments of oral chemotherapy adherence in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with leukemia.

Methods

AYA prescribed maintenance 6‐mercaptopurine (6MP) received daily text message surveys and utilized an electronic pill bottle for 28 days. Text surveys assessed 6MP adherence and contextual associates (eg, mood). Feasibility was defined by recruitment/retention rates, survey completion rates, cost, and technical issues. After the 28‐day period, AYA completed an acceptability survey. Secondary analyses compared text survey and electronic pill bottle adherence rates, and explored the daily associations between contextual factors and 6MP nonadherence.

Results

Eighteen AYA enrolled (M age = 18, range 15‐22) and completed study procedures (100% recruitment and retention rates). Adherence survey completion rates were high (M = 88.9%), the technology cost was $204.00, and there were few technical issues. AYA reported high satisfaction with the surveys and perceived them as a helpful medication reminder. While not significantly correlated, survey and electronic pill bottle adherence data converged on the majority of days (>90%). Exploratory analyses showed that AYA were more likely to miss a dose of 6MP on weekends (OR = 2.33, P = .048) and on days when their adherence motivation (OR = 0.28, P = .047) and negative affect (OR = 3.92, P = .02) worsened from their own typical functioning.

Conclusions

For AYA with leukemia, daily text‐based surveys are a feasible and acceptable method for delivering medication adherence assessments, and may operate as a short‐term intervention. To develop personalized mobile health interventions, findings also highlighted the need to study time‐varying predictors of 6MP nonadherence.
Potential regulatory approaches on the environmental impacts of photovoltaics: Expected improvements and impacts on technological innovation
Authors: Polverini Davide , Dodd Nicholas , Espinosa Nieves
Published: October 2020

This work assesses the opportunities for technological development and innovation that may be imposed or created by environmental policy. Working within the legislative framework of European Union (EU) sustainable product policies, a study of the feasibility of four specific policy instruments (Ecodesign Directive, Energy Labelling, Green Public Procurement and the EU Ecolabel) to photovoltaic products (modules, inverters and systems) led to the identification of key performance metrics and design features. Starting from an analysis of the environmental hotspots of photovoltaic products throughout the whole life cycle (from raw material extraction to their end of life and disposal), a number of areas of attention for innovation are identified and a policy approach is proposed to tackle these aspects in regulatory terms by means, in particular, of requirements within the legal framework of the Ecodesign Directive.
Integrated series/parallel connection for photovoltaic laser power converters with optimized current matching
Authors: Wagner Lukas , Reichmuth Sebastian Kasimir , Philipps Simon P. , Oliva Eduard , Bett Andreas W. , Helmers Henning
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we present a stepped architecture optimized for current matching in high‐voltage laser power converter photovoltaic (PV) cells. The integrated series/parallel connection in stepped PV cells combines the advantages of well‐known multijunction and multisegment approaches with respect to current matching, whereas their specific drawbacks are circumvented. The superior misalignment tolerance of stepped PV cells in comparison with multisegment cells is shown by simulations of the maximum acceptable misalignment (MAM) for a range of devices with various output voltages. We present the first realization of stepped PV cells with two stacked GaAs‐based pn‐junctions. Thereby, the unique properties of the lateral current flow in the bottom cell and the assessment of the optical absorption in the subcells are discussed. Moreover, the effects of segmentation and number of stacked junctions on the I‐V characteristics are investigated. Finally, the behavior towards misalignment of a laser spot is studied for stepped and multisegment PV cells. An optimal current matching for misalignment‐prone power‐by‐light systems is found with a six‐segment stepped PV cell.
Poloxamer 188 Protects Isolated Adult Mouse Cardiomyocytes from Reoxygenation Injury
Authors: Salzman Michele M. , Bartos Jason A. , Yannopoulos Demetris , Riess Matthias L.
Published: October 2020

Reperfusion injury is a complex pathological event involving processes that can lead to further disruption of the cell membrane and function following an ischemic event. Return of blood flow allows for the needed reperfusion; however, for a period of time before remaining viable cells stabilize, reperfusion results in additional cellular injury. In cardiomyocytes, loss of membrane integrity allows abnormal influx of extracellular calcium, leading to hyper‐contracture and cell death. Methods to improve the membrane integrity of cardiomyocytes overwhelmed by pathological disruptions, such as reperfusion injury, are needed to prevent cell death, because of the myocardium's limited ability to regenerate. Research has shown administration of the copolymer P(oloxamer) 188 before ischemia/reperfusion can protect cardiomyocytes through membrane stabilization. This study sought to determine whether the administration of P188 at the beginning of the clinically more relevant time of reperfusion after ischemia will attenuate any additional damage to cardiomyocytes by stabilizing membrane integrity to allow the cells to maintain function. Using an in‐vitro cardiomyocyte model subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation to simulate ischemia/reperfusion injury, we show that reoxygenation significantly potentiates the injury caused by hypoxia itself. P188, with its unique combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic chemical properties, and only delivered at the beginning of reoxygenation, dose‐dependently protected cardiomyocytes from injury due to reoxygenation by repairing cell membranes, decreasing calcium influx, and maintaining cellular morphology. Our study also shows the hydrophobic portion of P188 is necessary for the stabilization of cell membrane integrity in providing protection to cardiomyocytes against reoxygenation injury.
NADPH‐cytochrome P450 reductase mediates the susceptibility of Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam
Authors: Yuan Chen‐Yang , Jing Tian‐Xing , Li Wei , Liu Xiao‐Qiang , Liu Tian‐Yuan , Liu Yi , Chen Meng‐Ling , Jiang Rui‐Xu , Yuan Guo‐Rui , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri has developed high levels of resistance to many insecticides, and understanding its resistance mechanism will aid in the chemical control of this species. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)‐cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is crucial in cytochrome P450 function, and in some insects CPR knockdown has increased their susceptibility to insecticides. However, the CPR from D. citri has not been characterized and its function is undescribed.

RESULTS

The CPR gene of D. citri (DcCPR) was cloned and sequenced. The expression level of DcCPR, determined by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analysis, was highest in the midgut and in nymphs. After feeding on double‐stranded RNA for 72 h, the DcCPR messenger RNA level in D. citri adults decreased by 68.4%, and the susceptibility of D. citri to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam significantly increased. Meanwhile, after DcCPR silencing, the specific activities of DcCPR protein and P450s were significantly reduced by 41.6% and 44.7%, respectively. The subsequent western blot analysis and quantification of band intensity also showed that DcCPR content significantly decreased, consistent with the results of the specific activity test. In a eukaryotic expression assay, the viability of cells expressing DcCPR was significantly higher than the viability of cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) when cells were exposed to imidacloprid or thiamethoxam.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that DcCPR contributes to D. citri susceptibility to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam.
Management of necrotizing pneumonia with bronchopleural fistula caused by multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Widysanto Allen , Liem Maranatha , Puspita Karina Dian , Pradhana Cindy Meidy Leony
Published: October 2020

We report the case of a 53‐year‐old male that presented to our hospital with a history of a brain tumour. He was hospitalized 10 days prior in another hospital. Before surgery, he complained of mild cough. Routine chest radiography demonstrated right upper lobe consolidation which was diagnosed as hospital‐acquired pneumonia. Broad‐spectrum empirical antimicrobial was initiated. After surgery, his clinical condition deteriorated and he felt breathlessness. Chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) scan without contrast revealed necrotizing and cavitating pneumonia complicated by bronchopleural fistula (BPF) and hydropneumothorax. Sputum culture revealed infection of multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB). Despite optimal antibiotic therapy, BPF and hydropneumothorax failed to resolve and surgical approach was performed to debride the necrotic area and seal the fistula. After a month in the hospital, he was discharged and the serial chest X‐ray showed good recovery of the lung.
Change in Piscivore Growth Potential after the Introduction of a Nonnative Prey Fish: a Bioenergetics Analysis
Authors: Bart Ryan J. , DeVries Dennis R. , Wright Russell A.
Published: October 2020

The introduction of additional forage fish species to enhance sport fisheries is a common management strategy in lakes and reservoirs. However, illegal introductions occur without consideration of all potential ecological consequences. Introduction of Blueback Herring Alosa aestivalis as a forage fish to enhance recreational fisheries has been controversial, with several illegal introductions documented in the southeastern United States. We quantified the caloric density of introduced Blueback Herring and native Threadfin Shad Dorosoma petenense in Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, to determine their potential values as prey to piscivorous fish. Caloric density estimates were then incorporated into bioenergetics simulations for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, Alabama Bass Micropterus henshalli, and Striped Bass Morone saxatilis to estimate their growth potential given different diet compositions. Piscivore diet composition from before the introduction of Blueback Herring was also incorporated into bioenergetics simulations for comparison with post‐introduction scenarios. Caloric density of Blueback Herring was higher than that of Threadfin Shad across all seasons, and consequently, bioenergetics simulations predicted increased growth potential for Largemouth Bass, Alabama Bass, and Striped Bass with increased proportions of Blueback Herring in their diets. The simulated growth effect of shifting consumption from Threadfin Shad to Blueback Herring was smaller for Largemouth Bass versus Striped Bass because Striped Bass were far more piscivorous than Largemouth Bass, with Alabama Bass intermediate. Simulated pre‐Blueback Herring piscivore diets resulted in less growth relative to what was observed for all post‐introduction simulations. Although Blueback Herring had higher caloric density values than Threadfin Shad, overall ecological impacts of their introduction are not yet fully understood and could likely also include negative impacts on these piscivores. As such, our findings represent one aspect of the overall, potentially complex effect of introduced Blueback Herring as an additional forage fish for piscivores.
Regionalization of hydrological modeling for predicting streamflow in ungauged catchments: A comprehensive review
Authors: Guo Yuhan , Zhang Yongqiang , Zhang Lu , Wang Zhonggen
Published: October 2020

Runoff prediction in ungauged and scarcely gauged catchments is a key research field in surface water hydrology. There have been numerous studies before and since the launch of the predictions in ungauged basins (PUB) initiative by the International Association of Hydrological Sciences in 2003. This study critically reviews and assesses the decadal progress in the regionalization of hydrological modeling, which is the major tool for PUB, from 2000 to 2019. This paper found that the journal publications have noticeably increased in terms of PUB in the past 7 years, and research countries have been expanded dramatically since 2013. The regionalization methods are grouped into three categories including similarity‐based, regression‐based, and hydrological signature‐based. There are more detailed researches focusing on the interdisciplinary and profound improvement of each regionalization method. Namely, tremendous efforts have been made and lots of improvements have been carried out in the parameterization domain for the post‐PUB period. However, there is still plenty of room to improve the prediction capability in data‐sparse regions (e.g., further verification and proof of multi‐modeling adaptation and uncertainties description). This paper also discusses possible research directions in the future, including PUB in a changing environment and better utilization of multi‐source remote‐sensing information.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Science of Water
Effect of initial pH and substrate concentration on the lactic acid production from cassava wastewater fermentation by an enriched culture of acidogenic microorganisms
Authors: da Silva Douglas B. , Fernandes Bruna S. , da Silva Ariovaldo J.
Published: October 2020

Recently, cassava processing wastewater has been considered an alternative substrate for lactic acid production due to its appreciable carbohydrate levels. The authors carried out different batch reactor trials aiming to favor the production of lactic acid through the fermentation of non‐sterilized cassava wastewater by an enriched culture of acidogenic microorganisms. To this end, the impact of different initial pHs (4.5, 5.0, 5.7, 6.5, and 7.0) and different initial substrate concentrations (10, 15.8, 30, 44.2, and 50 g/L) in terms of glucose on lactic acid production yield (Y) was evaluated by applying the design of experiment (DoE) known as central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The highest rate of lactic acid production (40 g/L) occurred with an initial pH of 6.5 and an initial substrate concentration of 50 g/L. The maximum yield was higher in trials T1, T2, T4, T5, and T8, reaching values of 0.80, 0.62, 0.60, 0.96, and 0.70 g/g, respectively. The maximum lactic acid productivity (P), of 0.60 and 0.73 g L−1 hr−1, was observed in trials T5 and T8, respectively. The enriched culture of acidogenic microorganisms was shown to favor the production of lactic acid, since the production of other acids, such as acetic and propionic acid, did not exceed 3.5 and 4.5 g/L, respectively. © 2020 Water Environment Federation

Practitioner points

Cassava wastewater presented potential to lactic acid production.

The CCRD showed that highest lactic acid concentrations (40 g/L).

The adoption of cassava wastewater or manipueira as a substrate resulted in important information on the tendency to obtain value‐added products such as lactic acid.
Intron retention and its impact on gene expression and protein diversity: A review and a practical guide
Authors: Grabski David F. , Broseus Lucile , Kumari Bandana , Rekosh David , Hammarskjold Marie‐Louise , Ritchie William
Published: October 2020

Intron retention (IR) occurs when a complete and unspliced intron remains in mature mRNA. An increasing body of literature has demonstrated a major role for IR in numerous biological functions, including several that impact human health and disease. Although experimental technologies used to study other forms of mRNA splicing can also be used to investigate IR, a specialized downstream computational analysis is optimal for IR discovery and analysis. Here we provide a review of IR and its biological implications, as well as a practical guide for how to detect and analyze it. Several methods, including long read third generation direct RNA sequencing, are described. We have developed an R package, FakIR, to facilitate the execution of the bioinformatic tasks recommended in this review and a tutorial on how to fit them to users aims. Additionally, we provide guidelines and experimental protocols to validate IR discovery and to evaluate the potential impact of IR on gene expression and protein output.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in vitro and In Silico
Erratum to: On critical exponents for self-similar collapse
Authors: Hatefi Ehsan , Antonelli Riccardo
Published: October 2020

The Authors order and affiliations order for author Ehsan Hatefi has been modified
Quasi-static and fatigue performance of bonded acetylated rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis, Müll. Arg.)
Authors: Olaniran Samuel Oluyinka , Clerc Gaspard , Cabane Etienne , Brunner Andreas J. , Rüggeberg Markus
Published: October 2020

Rubberwood is widely planted for latex production. At the cessation of latex yield it becomes a viable timber source in the wood industry. While good bonding performance of rubberwood has been reported, quantitative information to support this statement is missing. In this study, the tensile shear strength (TSS) and wood failure percentage (WFP) of unmodified and acetylated rubberwood in both wet and dry conditions were examined. Three frequently used adhesives were selected: one-component polyurethane (1C PUR), melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF), and phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF). Furthermore, fatigue behaviour was analysed for PRF-bonded samples by cyclic loading. Results showed that in dry state, the TSS and WFP of acetylated rubberwood is comparable to the unmodified samples for all adhesives. In wet condition, the performance of bonded rubberwood was improved by acetylation. Cyclic loading revealed comparable fatigue behaviour of bonded unmodified and acetylated rubberwood. This investigation provides first quantitative information on the performance of bonded rubberwood, which can be a valuable input for the production of laminated timber products for structural purposes.
Trehalose as an osmolyte in Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis
Authors: de Graaff Danny R. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Pronk Mario
Published: October 2020

Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis is an important microorganism for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). In a previous study, we found a remarkable flexibility regarding salinity, since this same microorganism could thrive in both freshwater- and seawater-based environments, but the mechanism for the tolerance to saline conditions remained unknown. Here, we identified and described the role of trehalose as an osmolyte in Ca. Accumulibacter phosphatis. A freshwater-adapted culture was exposed to a single batch cycle of hyperosmotic and hypo-osmotic shock, which led to the release of trehalose up to 5.34 mg trehalose/g volatile suspended solids (VSS). Long-term adaptation to 30% seawater-based medium in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) gave a stable operation with complete anaerobic uptake of acetate and propionate along with phosphate release of 0.73 Pmol/Cmol, and complete aerobic uptake of phosphate. Microbial analysis showed Ca. Accumulibacter phosphatis clade I as the dominant organism in both the freshwater- and seawater-adapted cultures (> 90% presence). Exposure of the seawater-adapted culture to a single batch cycle of hyperosmotic incubation and hypo-osmotic shock led to an increase in trehalose release upon hypo-osmotic shock when higher salinity is used for the hyperosmotic incubation. Maximum trehalose release upon hypo-osmotic shock was achieved after hyperosmotic incubation with 3× salinity increase relative to the salinity in the SBR adaptation reactor, resulting in the release of 11.9 mg trehalose/g VSS. Genome analysis shows the possibility of Ca. Accumulibacter phosphatis to convert glycogen into trehalose by the presence of treX, treY, and treZ genes. Addition of trehalose to the reactor led to its consumption, both during anaerobic and aerobic phases. These results indicate the flexibility of the metabolism of Ca. Accumulibacter phosphatis towards variations in salinity.

Key points

• Trehalose is identified as an osmolyte in Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis.

• Ca. Accumulibacter phosphatis can convert glycogen into trehalose.

• Ca. Accumulibacter phosphatis clade I is present and active in both seawater and freshwater.
Google search data as a novel adjunct to patient and public involvement in rheumatology research
Authors: Dey Mrinalini , Zhao Sizheng Steven
Published: October 2020

Patient and public involvement is essential in the design and implementation of research studies to ensure research remains relevant and in line with public priorities. Public views on a given area of research may be sought via platforms such as focus groups or surveys. Here, we present the use of an openly available Google search data query tool, which may be used alongside traditional forms of patient and public involvement in research to highlight public perceptions and priorities. We used an online search query tool (“AnswerThePublic.com”) to explore public Google searches relating to “arthritis,” and an exemplar rheumatic disease, “rheumatoid arthritis.” The most common searches relating to these diseases included quality of life, treatment, prognosis, as well as impacts on life, including work. However, they also reveal concerns that may be more difficult to elicit in face-to-face focus groups, such as questions on alcohol consumption in arthritis, and impacts on mental health. Using public search engine data in research, alongside the important traditional methods of patient and public involvement, is a cost-effective and time-efficient method of gauging public views and concerns on a given topic. It may facilitate broad scoping searches of public priorities and help to guide future research questions.
Platelet-rich plasma as a potential prophylactic measure against frozen shoulder in an in vivo shoulder contracture model
Authors: Feusi Oscar , Karol Agnieszka , Fleischmann Thea , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Bouaicha Samy , Werner Clément M. L. , Jentzsch Thorsten
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a common painful and functionally-limiting disease affecting around 2% of the population. So far, therapeutic options are limited and often unsatisfactory. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used as a treatment option in other orthopedic diseases since it contains growth factors that stimulate tissue repair. So far, the effect of PRP on frozen shoulder lacks evidence. We hypothesized that PRP may be valuable in the prophylaxis and treatment of secondary frozen shoulder due to capsular remodeling.

Materials and methods

An experimental study of an in vivo frozen shoulder model was conducted. Twenty Sprague–Dawley rats underwent surgery in which the body of the scapula was connected to the humerus with a high-strength suture. Two groups of 8 weeks survival time were allocated; a treatment group with one intraoperative injection of PRP into the glenohumeral joint (n = 10) and a control group without PRP (n = 10). The primary outcome was the structural change in the posterior synovial membrane of the posterior and inferior part of the glenohumeral joint using a semi-quantitative grading from 0 (lowest) to 3 (highest).

Results

The posterior synovial membrane structural changes were significantly lower in the PRP group (median = 1 [interquartile range (IQR) = 0–1]) compared to controls (median = 2 [IQR = 1–3]) (p = 0.028). There were no differences for the remaining synovial membrane changes and fibrous capsule responses between groups.

Conclusions

In this in vivo shoulder contracture model, PRP injections seem to reduce the histological severity grade of some parts (i.e., posterior synovial membrane changes) of the secondary frozen shoulder without causing any side effects. It may be considered to investigate this effect further in future studies as a potential prophylaxis of secondary frozen shoulder (e.g., in operated or immobilized shoulders) or as a treatment option for patients with frozen shoulder in the early stage.
Contrasting responses of above- and below-ground herbivore communities along elevation
Authors: Pitteloud Camille , Descombes Patrice , Sànchez-Moreno Sara , Kergunteuil Alan , Ibanez Sébastien , Rasmann Sergio , Pellissier Loïc
Published: October 2020

Above- and below-ground herbivory are key ecosystem processes that can be substantially altered by environmental changes. However, direct comparisons of the coupled variations of above- and below-ground herbivore communities along elevation gradients remain sparse. Here, we studied the variation in assemblages of two dominant groups of herbivores, namely, aboveground orthoptera and belowground nematodes, in grasslands along six elevation gradients in the Swiss Alps. By examining variations of community properties of herbivores and their food plants along montane clines, we sought to determine whether the structure and functional properties of these taxonomic groups change with elevation. We found that orthoptera decreased in both species richness and abundance with elevation. In contrast with aboveground herbivores, the taxonomic richness and the total abundance of nematode did not covary with elevation. We further found a stronger shift in above- than below-ground functional properties along elevation, where the mandibular strength of orthoptera matched a shift in leaf toughness. Nematodes showed a weaker pattern of declined sedentary behavior and increased mobility with elevation. In contrast to the direct exposal of aboveground organisms to the surface climate, conditions may be buffered belowground, which together with the influence of edaphic factors on the biodiversity of soil biota, may explain the differences between elevational patterns of above- and below-ground communities. Our study emphasizes the necessity to consider both the above- and below-ground compartments to understand the impact of current and future climatic variation on ecosystems, from a functional perspective of species interactions.
Rapid response flow cytometric assay for the detection of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lapuente Dennis , Maier Clara , Irrgang Pascal , Hübner Julian , Peter Antonia Sophia , Hoffmann Markus , Ensser Armin , Ziegler Katharina , Winkler Thomas H. , Birkholz Torsten , Kremer Andreas E. , Steininger Philipp , Korn Klaus , Neipel Frank , Überla Klaus , Tenbusch Matthias
Published: October 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a previously unknown zoonotic coronavirus that spread worldwide causing a serious pandemic. While reliable nucleic acid–based diagnostic assays were rapidly available, only a limited number of validated serological assays were available in the early phase of the pandemic. Here, we evaluated a novel flow cytometric approach to assess spike-specific antibody responses.HEK 293T cells expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in its natural confirmation on the surface were used to detect specific IgG and IgM antibody responses in patient sera by flow cytometry. A soluble angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE-2) variant was developed as external standard to quantify spike-specific antibody responses on different assay platforms. Analyses of 201 pre-COVID-19 sera proved a high assay specificity in comparison to commercially available CLIA and ELISA systems, while also revealing the highest sensitivity in specimens from PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. The external standard allowed robust quantification of antibody responses among different assay platforms. In conclusion, our newly established flow cytometric assay allows sensitive and quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, which can be easily adopted in different laboratories and does not rely on external supply of assay kits. The flow cytometric assay also provides a blueprint for rapid development of serological tests to other emerging viral infections
Seismic effectiveness and robustness of tuned mass dampers versus nonlinear energy sinks in a lifecycle cost perspective
Authors: Matta Emiliano
Published: October 2020

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) and nonlinear energy sinks (NESs) are two viable options for passively absorbing structural vibrations. In seismic applications, a trade-off exists in their performance, because TMDs’ effectiveness varies with the structural stiffness while NESs’ effectiveness varies with the earthquake intensity. To investigate this trade-off systematically, a lifecycle cost- (LCC-) oriented robust analysis and design method is here proposed, in which the effectiveness of a solution is measured by the reduction it entails in the expected cost of future seismic losses. In it, structural stiffness variability is modelled using a worst-case approach with lower and upper bounds, while seismic intensity variability is inherently captured by the incremental dynamic analyses underlying every LCC evaluation. The resulting worst-case lifetime cost provides a rational metric for discussing pros and cons of TMDs and NESs, and becomes the objective function for their robust optimization. The method is applied to the design of TMDs and NESs on a variety of single- and multi-story linear building models, located in a moderate-to-high seismic hazard region. Mass ratios from 1 to 10% and structural stiffness reductions up to 4 times are considered. Results show that TMDs are consistently more effective than NESs even in the presence of large stiffness reductions, provided that structural stiffness uncertainty is considered in design. They also show that a conventional robust H∞ design provides for TMDs a solution which is very close to that obtained by minimizing the proposed LCC metric.
Exploring Lived Experiences of Parents of Youth and Youth with a Foreign Background in Sweden
Authors: Ferrer-Wreder Laura , Bernhard-Oettel Claudia , Trost Kari , Hau Stephan , Lindfors Petra
Published: October 2020

Background

Sweden is in transition when it comes to the immigrant experience. More research is needed to document the life circumstances and adjustment of those with foreign background living in Sweden.

Objective

This study investigated the lived experiences of parents of youths and young people themselves who have an Iraqi or Syrian background and are living in Sweden.

Method

This cross-sectional qualitative interview study focused on a sample of parents of youth and youth (N = 26) with a foreign background. Participants were either born in Syria or Iraq or had one or both parents born in these countries and had migrated to Sweden. Participant interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

In relation to the study aim, the analysis indicated three main themes in participants’ responses which concerned life in Sweden, feeling at home, and coping.

Conclusions

Overall, these themes reflected how the perception of everyday experiences relates to adjustment within a multi-cultural urban Swedish context. This study showed how participants with a foreign background are rich in their own diversity of experiences and viewpoints. Results also pointed towards the promise of social policy and services aimed at benefiting those with a foreign background if such efforts are situated in the microsystems that provide life daily structure, as well as in contexts that offer socialization and networking opportunities (e.g., training, education, work, and school). Further, such action should consider the importance of the extended family as part of family-focused initiatives.
Autotrophic nitrogen removal for decentralized treatment of ammonia-rich industrial textile wastewater: process assessment, stabilization and modelling
Authors: Visigalli Simone , Turolla Andrea , Bellandi Giacomo , Bellucci Micol , Clagnan Elisa , Brusetti Lorenzo , Jia Mingsheng , Di Cosmo Roberto , Menin Glauco , Bargna Martina , Bergna Giovanni , Canziani Roberto
Published: October 2020

Digital textile printing (DTP) is a game-changer technology that is rapidly expanding worldwide. On the other hand, process wastewater is rich in ammoniacal and organic nitrogen, resulting in relevant issues for discharge into sewer system and treatment in centralized plants. The present research is focused on the assessment of the partial nitritation/anammox process in a single-stage granular sequencing batch reactor for on-site decentralized treatment. The technical feasibility of the process was assessed by treating wastewater from five DTP industries in a laboratory-scale reactor, in one case investigating long-term process stabilization. While experimental results indicated nitrogen removal efficiencies up to about 70%, complying with regulations on discharge in sewer system, these data were used as input for process modelling, whose successful parameter calibration was carried out. The model was applied to the simulation of two scenarios: (i) the current situation of a DTP company, in which wastewater is discharged into the sewer system and treated in a centralized plant, (ii) the modified situation in which on-site decentralized treatment for DTP wastewater is implemented. The second scenario resulted in significant improvements, including reduced energy consumption (− 15%), reduced greenhouse gases emission, elimination of external carbon source for completing denitrification at centralized WWTP and reduced sludge production (− 25%).
Current Opinion on Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Treatment: a Survey of the Indian Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ISPSM)
Authors: Martin David , Grass F. , Deo S. V. S. , Ashwin K. R. , Maheshwari A. , Hübner M. , Somashekhar S. P.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) are increasingly treated with multidisciplinary combined approaches. The study aim was to assess current practice and perceptions of treatment modalities of PC.

Methods

Indian Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ISPSM) members were invited to complete an online survey. Current practice and perceptions of treatment modalities were assessed through 19 closed questions. Scores were assessed using a Likert scale (0: not important, 5: very important). Treatment modality satisfaction was assessed using a semantic scale (frustrated: 0, perfectly happy: 10). Participants were sent 3 reminders at 4-week intervals.

Results

Fifty-seven out of 182 members completed the survey (31%). Forty percent of participants had an experience of at least 10 years, and 75% stated treating less than 20 PC patients per year. Main treatment goals for patients with PC were cure (5/5) and symptom relief (4/5). Participant’s satisfaction with treatment modalities for ovarian, colorectal, and gastric PC were 6/10, 5/10, and 2/10, respectively. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for ovarian (57%) and colorectal (44%) origins were considered to be useful. Clinical usefulness of chemotherapy for gastric PC was rated to be low (17%).

Conclusions

Current treatment modalities fall short to satisfy the needs (cure, symptom relief) of patients with PC. Alternative systemic and intraperitoneal treatment modalities should be assessed.
Production and Easy One-Step Purification of Bluetongue Recombinant VP7 from Infected Sf9 Supernatant for an Immunoenzymatic Assay (ELISA)
Authors: Ulisse S. , Iorio M. , Armillotta G. , Laguardia C. , Testa L. , Capista S. , Centorame P. , Traini S. , Serroni A. , Monaco F. , Caporale M. , Mercante M. T. , Di Ventura M.
Published: October 2020

Bluetongue (BT) is non-contagious, vector-borne viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants, transmitted by midges (Culicoides spp.) and is caused by Bluetongue virus (BTV). BTV is the type species of the Orbivirus genus within the Reoviridae family and possesses a genome consisting of 10 double-stranded RNA segments encoding 7 structural and 4 nonstructural proteins. Viral Protein 7 (VP7) is the major sera group-specific protein and is a good antigen candidate for immunoenzymatic assays for the BT diagnosis. In our work, BTV-2 recombinant VP7 (BTV-2 recVP7), expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells using a baculovirus system, was produced and purified by affinity chromatography from the supernatant of infected cell culture. The use of the supernatant allowed us to obtain a high quantity of recombinant protein with high purity level by an easy one-step procedure, rather than the multistep purification from the pellet. RecVP7-BTV2 was detected using a MAb anti-BTV in Western blot and it was used to develop an immunoenzymatic assay.
Exploring the Immediate Effects of COVID-19 Containment Policies on Crime: an Empirical Analysis of the Short-Term Aftermath in Los Angeles
Authors: Campedelli Gian Maria , Aziani Alberto , Favarin Serena
Published: October 2020

This work investigates whether and how COVID-19 containment policies had an immediate impact on crime trends in Los Angeles. The analysis is conducted using Bayesian structural time-series and focuses on nine crime categories and on the overall crime count, daily monitored from January 1st 2017 to March 28th 2020. We concentrate on two post-intervention time windows—from March 4th to March 16th and from March 4th to March 28th 2020—to dynamically assess the short-term effects of mild and strict policies. In Los Angeles, overall crime has significantly decreased, as well as robbery, shoplifting, theft, and battery. No significant effect has been detected for vehicle theft, burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, intimate partner assault, and homicide. Results suggest that, in the first weeks after the interventions are put in place, social distancing impacts more directly on instrumental and less serious crimes. Policy implications are also discussed.