bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water desalination and wastewater reuse using integrated reverse osmosis and forward osmosis system
Authors: Patel Dhaval , Mudgal Anurag , Patel Vivek , Patel Jatin
Published: May 2021

Rapid industrial growth and urbanization will be the major causes of environmental pollution, wastewater, and water quality deterioration. However, the technological advancement in water purification and the water treatment area will be the breakthrough. In recent ten years, membrane-based technology evolved for wastewater treatment, water desalination and power generation. Integration of technology like reverse osmosis(RO) and forward osmosis(FO) provides ambitious benefits like efficient recovery of osmotic energy from brine, improvement in the tendency of fouling and scaling and less quantity of chemical required for pre-treatment. This study reviews various technology that helps towards the wastewater treatment and water desalination with different integration and configuration. Majorly RO and FO integration gives promising outcome in both the situation and it could be price competitive with reverse osmosis systems when its recovery rate of the system is very high, the membrane flux and the membrane cost of the forward osmosis are like those of the reverse osmosis, and the electricity cost is expensive. The most important thing in commercializing the FO process is enhancing performance by improving flux and increasing recovery. An industrial-scale RO-FO hybrid system will be lucrative with membrane that provides greater flux, high selectivity, batter mechanical stability and robustness.
Microstructural and topographical characterization of the pack cemented aluminide coating applied on Inconel-600
Authors: Mahini Sina , Asl Shahin Khameneh , Rabizadeh Taher , Aghajani Hossein
Published: May 2021

In this research, the pack cementation method was employed to apply a uniform aluminide coating on a substrate of nickel-based superalloy. The obtained intermetallic coating was synthesized using a pack containing 18Al–80Al2O3–2NH4Cl (wt.%) as the main deposition source, an inert filler, and an activator, respectively. The surface morphology and topography, cross-sectional microstructure, the elemental and phase composition, microhardness of the synthesized aluminide coating were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Vickers microhardness indenter as the characterization techniques. According to the 3D topography results, the average surface roughness of the Inconel-600 substrate was about 2.446 ± 0.239 nm compared to 43.558 ± 3.876 nm measured for the produced aluminide coating. Additionally, the synthesized coating consisted of NiAl and Ni2Al3 as major phases considering the XRD spectrum. It is also observed that the deposited aluminide coating had a three-layer structure including an outer layer, an inner layer, and a diffusion zone. The Vickers microhardness measurements indicated a significant increase in the microhardness of the substrate (from 185.6 ± 15.8 Hv to 1130.4 ± 42.5 Hv) after applying the aluminide coating. Moreover, the microstructural variations across the deposited aluminide coating led to different microhardness values obtained for each layer. The highest microhardness was observed in the coating diffusion zone, whereas the lowest value belonged to the outer layer.
Global existence of a unique solution and a bimodal travelling wave solution for the 1D particle-reaction-diffusion system
Authors: Okamoto Mamoru , Gotoda Takeshi , Nagayama Masaharu
Published: May 2021

In recent years, a mathematical model for collective motions of a self-propelled material have been introduced on the basis of the experiments and numerical analysis for the model have made progress in theoretical understanding of the mechanism of collective motions. On the other hand, there are few mathematically rigorous studies for the mathematical model. In this study, to provide mathematical justification for the mathematical model and its numerical analysis, we show the global existence of a unique solution of the mathematical model for a self-propelled motion on

R

. Moreover, we give sufficient conditions for the existence of a non-trivial travelling solution on

R

, which we call a bimodal travelling wave solution.
Machine learning inference of molecular dipole moment in liquid water
Authors: Knijff Lisanne , Zhang Chao
Published: May 2021

Molecular dipole moment in liquid water is an intriguing property, partly due to the fact that there is no unique way to partition the total electron density into individual molecular contributions. The prevailing method to circumvent this problem is to use maximally localized Wannier functions, which perform a unitary transformation of the occupied molecular orbitals by minimizing the spread function of Boys. Here we revisit this problem using a data-driven approach satisfying two physical constraints, namely: (a) The displacement of the atomic charges is proportional to the Berry phase polarization; (b) Each water molecule has a formal charge of zero. It turns out that the distribution of molecular dipole moments in liquid water inferred from latent variables is surprisingly similar to that obtained from maximally localized Wannier functions. Apart from putting a maximum-likelihood footnote to the established method, this work highlights the capability of graph convolution based charge models and the importance of physical constraints on improving the model interpretability.
Magnetic domains orientation in (Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles coated by Gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd3+-DTPA)
Authors: Eguía-Eguía Sandra I , Gildo-Ortiz Lorenzo , Pérez-González Mario , Tomas Sergio A , Arenas-Alatorre Jesús A , Santoyo-Salazar Jaime
Published: May 2021

In this work, the magnetic domains (MDs) orientation was evaluated from magnetite/maghemite nanoparticles (Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3) NPs coated with Gadolinium (Gd3+) chelated with diethylenetriamine pentaacetate acid (Gd–DTPA). The (Fe3O4/γ–Fe2O3) superparamagnetic cores were configured by adding a DTPA organic layer and paramagnetic Gd as (Fe3O4/γ–Fe2O3)@Gd–DTPA NPs. The cores were obtained by coprecipitation and coated with additional modifications to the synthesis with Gd–DTPA. Analysis of properties showed that particles 9–12 nm, with Gd–DTPA layer thickness ∼10 nm increased their magnetisation from 62.72 to 75.82 emu/g. The result showed that the structure, particle size, composition, thickness and interface defects, as well as the anisotropy, play an important role in MDs orientation of (Fe3O4/γ–Fe2O3)@Gd–DTPA NPs. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) analysis showed an MDs uniaxial orientation of 90° at magnetisation and disorder at zero conditions and demagnetisation. The MDs interactions showed uniaxial anisotropy defined in the direction of the magnetic field. These addressable and rotational features could be considered for potential applications to induce hydrogen proton alignment in water by longitudinal spin-lattice relaxation T
1 and transversal spin-spin relaxation T
2 as a dual contrast agent and as a theranostic trigger.
The meaning of confidence from the perspective of older people living with frailty: a conceptual void within intermediate care services
Authors: Underwood Frazer , Latour Jos M , Kent Bridie
Published: May 2021

Background

Confidence is a cornerstone concept within health and social care’s intermediate care policy in the UK for a population of older people living with frailty. However, these intermediate care services delivering the policy, tasked to promote and build confidence, do so within an evidence vacuum.

Objectives

To explore the meaning of confidence as seen through the lens of older people living with frailty and to re-evaluate current literature-based conceptual understanding.

Design

A phenomenological study was undertaken to bring real world lived-experience meaning to the concept of confidence.

Methods

Seventeen individual face-to-face interviews with older people living with frailty were undertaken and the data analysed using van Manen's approach to phenomenology.

Results

Four themes are identified, informing a new conceptual model of confidence. This concept consists of four unique but interdependent dimensions. The four dimensions are: social connections, fear, independence and control. Each is ever-present in the confidence experience of the older person living with frailty. For each dimension, identifiable confidence eroding and enabling factors were recognised and are presented to promote aging well and personal resilience opportunities, giving chance to reduce the impact of vulnerability and frailty.

Conclusions

This new and unique understanding of confidence provides a much needed evidence-base for services commissioned to promote and build confidence. It provides greater understanding and clarity to deliver these ambitions to an older population, progressing along the heath-frailty continuum. Empirical referents are required to quantify the concept’s impact in future interventional studies.
Implementing post-diagnostic support for people living with dementia in England: a qualitative study of barriers and strategies used to address these in practice
Authors: Wheatley Alison , Bamford Claire , Brunskill Greta , Booi Laura , Dening Karen Harrison , Robinson Louise
Published: May 2021

Background

inequalities and gaps in post-diagnostic support (PDS) for people with dementia persist despite a policy focus on dementia in England and Wales. Understanding and overcoming the factors contributing to these inequalities is vital to improve care for people living with dementia (PLWD) and their families.

Objective

to explore common barriers to the delivery of PDS in England and Wales and describe successful strategies to address them, drawing on examples from current practice.

Design

qualitative semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observation.

Settings

Phase 1: interviewees were drawn from multiple sectors across England and Wales, including NHS clinical commissioning groups and social care. Phase 2: six case study sites based in different sectors (primary care, secondary mental health and third sector) in England.

Participants

Phase 1: 61 professionals, including commissioners and service managers. Phase 2: 68 professionals, including frontline staff and those working in related services; 17 PLWD; 31 carers.

Results

barriers to implementing PDS in dementia were an unsupportive infrastructure, limited proactive review and limited capacity and capability particularly in primary care. Strategies used successfully in practice to address these challenges included creating opportunities for service development, improving joint working, supporting non-specialists and developing ongoing, holistic review and care planning.

Conclusion

a range of practical strategies have been identified to address many of the common barriers to PDS in dementia. To achieve policy goals of a task-shifted and task-shared approach to PDS, widespread use of these strategies is recommended.
Improved development of mouse somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos by chlamydocin analogues, class I and IIa histone deacetylase inhibitors†
Authors: Kamimura Satoshi , Inoue Kimiko , Mizutani Eiji , Kim Jin-Moon , Inoue Hiroki , Ogonuki Narumi , Miyamoto Kei , Ihashi Shunya , Itami Nobuhiko , Wakayama Teruhiko , Ito Akihiro , Nishino Norikazu , Yoshida Minoru , Ogura Atsuo
Published: May 2021

In mammalian cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), the treatment of reconstructed embryos with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors improves efficiency. So far, most of those used for SCNT are hydroxamic acid derivatives—such as trichostatin A—characterized by their broad inhibitory spectrum. Here, we examined whether mouse SCNT efficiency could be improved using chlamydocin analogues, a family of newly designed agents that specifically inhibit class I and IIa HDACs. Development of SCNT-derived embryos in vitro and in vivo revealed that four out of five chlamydocin analogues tested could promote the development of cloned embryos. The highest pup rates (7.1–7.2%) were obtained with Ky-9, similar to those achieved with trichostatin A (7.2–7.3%). Thus, inhibition of class I and/or IIa HDACs in SCNT-derived embryos is enough for significant improvements in full-term development. In mouse SCNT, the exposure of reconstructed oocytes to HDAC inhibitors is limited to 8–10 h because longer inhibition with class I inhibitors causes a two-cell developmental block. Therefore, we used Ky-29, with higher selectivity for class IIa than class I HDACs for longer treatment of SCNT-derived embryos. As expected, 24-h treatment with Ky-29 up to the two-cell stage did not induce a developmental block, but the pup rate was not improved. This suggests that the one-cell stage is a critical period for improving SCNT cloning using HDAC inhibitors. Thus, chlamydocin analogues appear promising for understanding and improving the epigenetic status of mammalian SCNT-derived embryos through their specific inhibitory effects on HDACs.
Prodromal neuroinvasion of pathological α-synuclein in brainstem reticular nuclei and white matter lesions in a model of α-synucleinopathy
Authors: Ferreira Nelson , Richner Mette , van der Laan Amelia , Bergholdt Jul Christiansen Ida , Vægter Christian B , Nyengaard Jens R , Halliday Glenda M , Weis Joachim , Giasson Benoit I , Mackenzie Ian R , Jensen Poul H , Jan Asad
Published: May 2021

Neuropathological observations in neurodegenerative synucleinopathies, including Parkinson disease, implicate a pathological role of α-synuclein accumulation in extranigral sites during the prodromal phase of the disease. In a transgenic mouse model of peripheral-to-central neuroinvasion and propagation of α-synuclein pathology (via hindlimb intramuscular inoculation with exogenous fibrillar α-synuclein: the M83 line, expressing the mutant human Ala53Thr α-synuclein), we studied the development and early-stage progression of α-synuclein pathology in the CNS of non-symptomatic (i.e. freely mobile) mice. By immunohistochemical analyses of phosphroylated α-synuclein on serine residue 129 (p-S129), our data indicate that the incipient stage of pathological α-synuclein propagation could be categorized in distinct phases: (i) initiation phase, whereby α-synuclein fibrillar inoculum induced pathological lesions in pools of premotor and motor neurons of the lumbar spinal cord, as early as 14 days post-inoculation; (ii) early central phase, whereby incipient α-synuclein pathology was predominantly detected in the reticular nuclei of the brainstem; and (iii) late central phase, characterized by additional sites of lesions in the brain including vestibular nuclei, deep cerebellar nuclei and primary motor cortex, with coincidental emergence of a sensorimotor deficit (mild degree of hindlimb clasping). Intriguingly, we also detected progressive α-synuclein pathology in premotor and motor neurons in the thoracic spinal cord, which does not directly innervate the hindlimb, as well as in the oligodendroglia within the white matter tracts of the CNS during this prodromal phase. Collectively, our data provide crucial insights into the spatiotemporal propagation of α-synuclein pathology in the nervous system of this rodent model of α-synucleinopathy following origin in periphery, and present a neuropathological context for the progression from pre-symptomatic stage to an early deficit in sensorimotor coordination. These findings also hint towards a therapeutic window for targeting the early stages of α-synuclein pathology progression in this model, and potentially facilitate the discovery of mechanisms relevant to α-synuclein proteinopathies. In a rodent model of synucleinopathy, Ferreira et al., delineate the spatiotemporal progression of incipient α-synuclein pathology (of peripheral origin) in the CNS. The authors show early affection of brainstem reticular nuclei in non-paralyzed mice, and pathological white matter lesions in relation to the neuronal pathology.
Linking complexity economics and systems thinking, with illustrative discussions of urban sustainability
Authors: Scrieciu S Şerban , Zimmermann Nici , Chalabi Zaid , Davies Mike
Published: May 2021

The expanding research of complexity economics has been signalling its preference for a formal quantitative investigation of diverse interactions between heterogeneous agents at the lower, micro-level resulting in emergent, realistic socioeconomic dynamics at the higher, macro-level. However, there is scarcity in research that explicitly links complexity perspectives in economics with the systems thinking literature, despite these being highly compatible, with strong connections and common historical traces. We aim to address this gap by exploring commonalities and differences between the two bodies of knowledge, seen particularly through an economics lens. We argue for a hybrid approach, in that agent-based complexity perspectives in economics could more closely connect to two main systems thinking attributes: a macroscopic approach to analytically capturing the complex dynamics of systems, and an inter-subjective interpretivist dimension, when investigating complex social-economic order. Illustrative discussions of city sustainability are provided, with an emphasis on decarbonisation and residential energy demand aspects.
Diminished warming tolerance and plasticity in low-latitude populations of a marine gastropod
Authors: Villeneuve Andrew R , Komoroske Lisa M , Cheng Brian S
Published: May 2021

Models of species response to climate change often assume that physiological traits are invariant across populations. Neglecting potential intraspecific variation may overlook the possibility that some populations are more resilient or susceptible than others, creating inaccurate predictions of climate impacts. In addition, phenotypic plasticity can contribute to trait variation and may mediate sensitivity to climate. Quantifying such forms of intraspecific variation can improve our understanding of how climate can affect ecologically important species, such as invasive predators. Here, we quantified thermal performance (tolerance, acclimation capacity, developmental traits) across seven populations of the predatory marine snail (Urosalpinx cinerea) from native Atlantic and non-native Pacific coast populations in the USA. Using common garden experiments, we assessed the effects of source population and developmental acclimation on thermal tolerance and developmental traits of F1 snails. We then estimated climate sensitivity by calculating warming tolerance (thermal tolerance − habitat temperature), using field environmental data. We report that low-latitude populations had greater thermal tolerance than their high latitude counterparts. However, these same low-latitude populations exhibited decreased thermal tolerance when exposed to environmentally realistic higher acclimation temperatures. Low-latitude native populations had the greatest climate sensitivity (habitat temperatures near thermal limits). In contrast, invasive Pacific snails had the lowest climate sensitivity, suggesting that these populations are likely to persist and drive negative impacts on native biodiversity. Developmental rate significantly increased in embryos sourced from populations with greater habitat temperature but had variable effects on clutch size and hatching success. Thus, warming can produce widely divergent responses within the same species, resulting in enhanced impacts in the non-native range and extirpation in the native range. Broadly, our results highlight how intraspecific variation can alter management decisions, as this may clarify whether management efforts should be focused on many or only a few populations.
Coil embolization for ruptured coronary pseudoaneurysm causing haemopericardium: a case report
Authors: Nakagawa Takashi , Hara Hisao , Wakiya Momoko , Hiroi Yukio
Published: May 2021

Background

Coronary artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare disease that can rupture and cause haemopericardium. It can occur principally as a complication after coronary artery instrumentation, but it can also result from trauma.

Case summary

A 15-year-old male patient with a history of spontaneous pneumothoraces treated twice with video-assisted thoracoscopic thoracic surgery presented with pericarditis and increasing haemopericardium. During the hospitalization, he had developed cardiogenic shock and he underwent emergent pericardiocentesis. Coronary angiography revealed a small right coronary artery pseudoaneurysm. We successfully coil embolized the pseudoaneurysm.

Discussion

This is a rare case of a ruptured coronary artery pseudoaneurysm associated with prior tube thoracostomy. The treatments for a coronary pseudoaneurysm should be tailored based on the pathologic and anatomical characteristics.
Effective cholesterol lowering after myocardial infarction in patients with nephrotic syndrome may require a multi-pharmacological approach: a case report
Authors: Sjuls Simon , Jensen Ulf , Littmann Karin , Bruchfeld Annette , Brinck Jonas
Published: May 2021

Background

Nephrotic syndrome causes severe hypercholesterolaemia due to increased production and altered clearance of lipoproteins from the liver. It is challenging for patients with nephrotic syndrome and coronary heart disease to meet LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals for secondary prevention with conventional lipid-lowering therapy.

Case summary

We present a man with nephrotic syndrome caused by focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) and hypercholesterolaemia. He presented at the emergency room (ER) with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction at the age of 26. On follow-up, the patient had persistent hypercholesterolaemia [LDL-C 3.9 mmol/L and lipoprotein(a) 308 nmol/L] despite a combination of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin 80 mg/day and ezetimibe 10 mg/day. Addition of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitory antibody evolocumab 140 mg bi-monthly did not improve cholesterol levels. However, after addition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin 10 mg/day on top of other anti-proteinuric treatments, the patient’s proteinuria was reduced and a dramatic drop in LDL-C level by 3.2–0.6 mmol/L (−81%) was observed when evolocumab was re-introduced.

Discussion

We show that target LDL-C levels were obtained in this patient with therapy-resistant FSGS and hypercholesterolaemia following multi-pharmacological treatment with SGLT2 and PCSK9 inhibitors on top of conventional lipid-lowering therapy. The SGLT2-inhibitor reduced proteinuria and, speculatively, also reduced urinary loss of PCSK9-antibody. Therefore, in patients with nephrotic syndrome and cardiovascular disease novel therapeutic options to manage proteinuria could be considered to improve the efficacy of the lipid-lowering therapy, especially when the protein-based PCSK9 inhibitors are used.
Natural variation in fecundity is correlated with species-wide levels of divergence in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhang Gaotian , Mostad Jake D , Andersen Erik C
Published: May 2021

Life history traits underlie the fitness of organisms and are under strong natural selection. A new mutation that positively impacts a life history trait will likely increase in frequency and become fixed in a population (e.g., a selective sweep). The identification of the beneficial alleles that underlie selective sweeps provides insights into the mechanisms that occurred during the evolution of a species. In the global population of Caenorhabditis elegans, we previously identified selective sweeps that have drastically reduced chromosomal-scale genetic diversity in the species. Here, we measured the fecundity of 121 wild C. elegans strains, including many recently isolated divergent strains from the Hawaiian islands and found that strains with larger swept genomic regions have significantly higher fecundity than strains without evidence of the recent selective sweeps. We used genome-wide association (GWA) mapping to identify three quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying the fecundity variation. In addition, we mapped previous fecundity data from wild C. elegans strains and C. elegans recombinant inbred advanced intercross lines that were grown in various conditions and detected eight QTL using GWA and linkage mappings. These QTL show the genetic complexity of fecundity across this species. Moreover, the haplotype structure in each GWA QTL region revealed correlations with recent selective sweeps in the C. elegans population. North American and European strains had significantly higher fecundity than most strains from Hawaii, a hypothesized origin of the C. elegans species, suggesting that beneficial alleles that caused increased fecundity could underlie the selective sweeps during the worldwide expansion of C. elegans.
The Presence of Ancient Core Genes Reveals Endogenization from Diverse Viral Ancestors in Parasitoid Wasps
Authors: Burke Gaelen R , Hines Heather M , Sharanowski Barbara J
Published: May 2021

The Ichneumonoidea (Ichneumonidae and Braconidae) is an incredibly diverse superfamily of parasitoid wasps that includes species that produce virus-like entities in their reproductive tracts to promote successful parasitism of host insects. Research on these entities has traditionally focused upon two viral genera Bracovirus (in Braconidae) and Ichnovirus (in Ichneumonidae). These viruses are produced using genes known collectively as endogenous viral elements (EVEs) that represent historical, now heritable viral integration events in wasp genomes. Here, new genome sequence assemblies for 11 species and 6 publicly available genomes from the Ichneumonoidea were screened with the goal of identifying novel EVEs and characterizing the breadth of species in lineages with known EVEs. Exhaustive similarity searches combined with the identification of ancient core genes revealed sequences from both known and novel EVEs. One species harbored a novel, independently derived EVE related to a divergent large double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus that manipulates behavior in other hymenopteran species. Although bracovirus or ichnovirus EVEs were identified as expected in three species, the absence of ichnoviruses in several species suggests that they are independently derived and present in two younger, less widespread lineages than previously thought. Overall, this study presents a novel bioinformatic approach for EVE discovery in genomes and shows that three divergent virus families (nudiviruses, the ancestors of ichnoviruses, and Leptopilina boulardi Filamentous Virus-like viruses) are recurrently acquired as EVEs in parasitoid wasps. Virus acquisition in the parasitoid wasps is a common process that has occurred in many more than two lineages from a diverse range of arthropod-infecting dsDNA viruses.
Transcription, mRNA Export, and Immune Evasion Shape the Codon Usage of Viruses
Authors: Mordstein Christine , Cano Laura , Morales Atahualpa Castillo , Young Bethan , Ho Alexander T , Rice Alan M , Liss Michael , Hurst Laurence D , Kudla Grzegorz
Published: May 2021

The nucleotide composition, dinucleotide composition, and codon usage of many viruses differ from their hosts. These differences arise because viruses are subject to unique mutation and selection pressures that do not apply to host genomes; however, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these evolutionary forces are unclear. Here, we analyzed the patterns of codon usage in 1,520 vertebrate-infecting viruses, focusing on parameters known to be under selection and associated with gene regulation. We find that GC content, dinucleotide content, and splicing and m6A modification-related sequence motifs are associated with the type of genetic material (DNA or RNA), strandedness, and replication compartment of viruses. In an experimental follow-up, we find that the effects of GC content on gene expression depend on whether the genetic material is delivered to the cell as DNA or mRNA, whether it is transcribed by endogenous or exogenous RNA polymerase, and whether transcription takes place in the nucleus or cytoplasm. Our results suggest that viral codon usage cannot be explained by a simple adaptation to the codon usage of the host—instead, it reflects the combination of multiple selective and mutational pressures, including the need for efficient transcription, export, and immune evasion.
Accelerated Evolution of Tissue-Specific Genes Mediates Divergence Amidst Gene Flow in European Green Lizards
Authors: Kolora Sree Rohit Raj , Gysi Deisy Morselli , Schaffer Stefan , Grimm-Seyfarth Annegret , Szabolcs Márton , Faria Rui , Henle Klaus , Stadler Peter F , Schlegel Martin , Nowick Katja
Published: May 2021

The European green lizards of the Lacerta viridis complex consist of two closely related species, L. viridis and Lacerta bilineata that split less than 7 million years ago in the presence of gene flow. Recently, a third lineage, referred to as the “Adriatic” was described within the L. viridis complex distributed from Slovenia to Greece. However, whether gene flow between the Adriatic lineage and L. viridis or L. bilineata has occurred and the evolutionary processes involved in their diversification are currently unknown. We hypothesized that divergence occurred in the presence of gene flow between multiple lineages and involved tissue-specific gene evolution. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome of an individual of the Adriatic lineage and tested for the presence of gene flow amongst L. viridis, L. bilineata, and Adriatic. Additionally, we sequenced transcriptomes from multiple tissues to understand tissue-specific effects. The species tree supports that the Adriatic lineage is a sister taxon to L. bilineata. We detected gene flow between the Adriatic lineage and L. viridis suggesting that the evolutionary history of the L. viridis complex is likely shaped by gene flow. Interestingly, we observed topological differences between the autosomal and Z-chromosome phylogenies with a few fast evolving genes on the Z-chromosome. Genes highly expressed in the ovaries and strongly co-expressed in the brain experienced accelerated evolution presumably contributing to establishing reproductive isolation in the L. viridis complex.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Skin Color in Anole Lizards
Authors: de Mello Pietro Longo Hollanda , Hime Paul M , Glor Richard E
Published: May 2021

Color and color pattern are critical for animal camouflage, reproduction, and defense. Few studies, however, have attempted to identify candidate genes for color and color pattern in squamate reptiles, a colorful group with over 10,000 species. We used comparative transcriptomic analyses between white, orange, and yellow skin in a color-polymorphic species of anole lizard to 1) identify candidate color and color-pattern genes in squamates and 2) assess if squamates share an underlying genetic basis for color and color pattern variation with other vertebrates. Squamates have three types of chromatophores that determine color pattern: guanine-filled iridophores, carotenoid- or pteridine-filled xanthophores/erythrophores, and melanin-filled melanophores. We identified 13 best candidate squamate color and color-pattern genes shared with other vertebrates: six genes linked to pigment synthesis pathways, and seven genes linked to chromatophore development and maintenance. In comparisons of expression profiles between pigment-rich and white skin, pigment-rich skin upregulated the pteridine pathway as well as xanthophore/erythrophore development and maintenance genes; in comparisons between orange and yellow skin, orange skin upregulated the pteridine and carotenoid pathways as well as melanophore maintenance genes. Our results corroborate the predictions that squamates can produce similar colors using distinct color-reflecting molecules, and that both color and color-pattern genes are likely conserved across vertebrates. Furthermore, this study provides a concise list of candidate genes for future functional verification, representing a first step in determining the genetic basis of color and color pattern in anoles.
Resilience and Social Support-Giving Scales: Conceptual and Empirical Validation
Authors: Hawkley Louise , Wroblewski Kristin , Cagney Kathleen A , Waite Linda J
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This report introduces National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) data users to 2 new measures—one that assesses older adults’ resilience, defined as personal attributes that indicate an adaptive reserve that can be drawn on during adversity, and a second that expands on existing measures of social support received from others to also assess social support given to close others.

Method

Data from 4,604 NSHAP respondents born 1920–1965 were used to conduct psychometric analyses and validation of our measures of resilience and social support-giving.

Results

Scale reliabilities were acceptable for the 4-item resilience scale, and the 2-item scales for family support-giving and friend support-giving. The 2 spousal support-giving items did not cohere well as a single scale. The resilience scale exhibited significant correlations with criterion validation variables, even after adjusting for correlated personality traits. The support-giving scales, and the spousal support-giving items, also exhibited significant correlations with criteria, and with the resilience scale, even after adjusting for social support receipt. Scale means exhibited demographic differences.

Discussion

The resilience and social support-giving measures have acceptable psychometric characteristics (with the exception of spousal support-giving), convergent validity, and predictive utility net of related variables. NSHAP data users are offered several suggestions (key points) in the use of these measures in future research.
Conversion of 7-Carboxy-Cannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD) to 11-Nor-9-Carboxy-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) during Sample Preparation for GC–MS Analysis
Authors: Hart E Dale , Vikingsson Svante , Mitchell John M , Winecker Ruth E , Flegel Ronald , Hayes Eugene D
Published: May 2021

The growing use of cannabidiol (CBD) products by the general public is expected to result in an increase in the prevalence of CBD and the CBD metabolites in drug testing laboratories. CBD converts into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) under acid conditions which could produce false-positive results, but little is known about how the presence of the urinary metabolite of CBD, 7-carboxy-cannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD), would affect urine drug testing for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH). As the operators of the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP), we prepared a set of performance testing samples containing 7-COOH-CBD for cannabinoid testing at the laboratories accredited by the NLCP to investigate if 7-COOH-CBD can produce false-positive results for THC-COOH during immunological screening analysis and if 7-COOH-CBD can be converted to THC-COOH. At concentrations up to 2,500 ng/mL, 7-COOH-CBD was not reactive by immunoassay in any of the four different immunoassay kits used. Additionally, we did not observe any significant conversion of 7-COOH-CBD to THC-COOH in assays used by NLCP-certified laboratories. However, we did see conversion when we requested that selected laboratories retest their samples using derivatization with perfluorinated anhydrides in combination with perfluorinated alcohols or when samples containing 7-COOH-CBD were exposed to acid for an extended time.
Growth and reproduction by young urban and rural black bears
Authors: Gould Nicholas P , Powell Roger , Olfenbuttel Colleen , DePerno Christopher S
Published: May 2021

Human-dominated landscapes contain fragmented natural land cover interspersed throughout an urban matrix. Animals that occupy human-dominated landscapes often grow and reproduce differently than conspecifics. Female American black bears (Ursus americanus) produce litters for the first time usually at age 4 years; 2-year-olds rarely give birth. We visited winter bear dens and trapped bears in spring and summer to compare the reproductive output and weight of female black bears within the city limits of Asheville, North Carolina, and three forested rural sites in North Carolina and Virginia representative of the undeveloped habitat of Asheville. Urban yearling females weighed nearly double (45.0 kg ± 8.1 [± SD]; n = 36) that of yearling females from the three rural study sites (23.2 ± 8.5 [Pisgah], 23.6 ± 8.3 [Virginia SW], and 23.9 ± 9.7 [Virginia NW]; n = 95). Across all sites, hard mast production during the autumn, when females were cubs, did not affect their weights as yearlings. Seven of 12 (58%) 2-year-old urban bears produced 11 cubs (mean litter size = 1.6 ± 0.8), but no 2-year-old rural females produced cubs. Production of hard mast in the autumn, when females were yearlings, did not influence cub production by 2-year-old female bears at the urban site. We hypothesize that reproduction by 2-year-old bears is linked to the availability of anthropogenic food sources associated with urban environments. To inform population level management decisions, managers and researchers should quantify urban food sources and the effects on black bear life history. If high fecundity allows urban populations to sustain relatively high mortality rates, then urban bear populations may be source populations for surrounding, rural areas. Alternately, if reproduction in urban populations cannot match high time-specific or age-specific urban mortality rates, then urban populations may be sinks for the surrounding areas.
Evaluating the utilisation and expenditure patterns of erythropoietin stimulating agents and immunosuppressants in Australian chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Stanley Isabelle Kitty , Schultz Kadin L , Gardiner Kyle M , Staatz Christine E
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to characterise utilisation and expenditure patterns associated with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) (darbepoetin alfa, epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, epoetin lambda and methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) and immunosuppressants (mycophenolate, tacrolimus, ciclosporine, sirolimus and everolimus) in the Australian chronic kidney disease (CKD) population from 2010–2018.

Methods

Utilisation and expenditure data for each drug were obtained from the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme and Highly Specialised Drugs program. Utilisation data were provided a number of dispensing per year, which was then converted to the daily defined dose per 1000 population per day for each year. Temporal trends were then analysed.

Key findings

Over the study period, utilisation of methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta and epoetin lambda rose by 13.7 and 81.4-fold, respectively. Contrastingly, the utilisation of darbepoetin alfa, epoetin alfa and epoetin beta declined by 6%, 42% and 70%, respectively. In 2018, tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus and mycophenolate utilisation was up 126%, 16.9%, 125% and 182% respectively; conversely, ciclosporine utilisation dropped 19%. Total Australian expenditure on all ESAs examined remained stable at around AUD 128 million over the study period, while total Australian expenditure across all immunosuppressants increased 1.1-fold reaching just over AUD 98 million.

Conclusions

It appears that immunosuppressant utilisation and expenditure are rising as transplantation rates in Australia continue to increase. Conversely, ESA utilisation and expenditure remained relatively unchanged over the study period. This may be due to increasing concerns around the safety of ESAs offsetting the increasing number of people with CKD.
Coexistence of salivary duct, myoepithelial and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas in the parotid gland: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yanagawa Naoki , Suzuki Masamichi , Saito Daisuke , Sugimoto Ryo , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Uesugi Noriyuki , Shiga Kiyoto , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: May 2021

Few reports have described two or more histologically-distinct carcinoma types within the same salivary gland. A 62-year-old man presented to our hospital after detecting a mass in the right parotid gland. Computed tomography revealed a tumor (5.1 × 5.0 cm) within the right parotid gland. Tumor resection with lymph node dissection was performed. The proliferation of three morphologically-different tumor cells was demonstrated on histopathologic examination (salivary duct carcinoma [SDC], myoepithelial carcinoma and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma [EMC]). The shape of the inner layer of cells in the EMC was similar to the SDC. Specifically, it appeared that the cells were a mixture of the two tumors with reciprocal transfer in the same area. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the SDC cells and the EMC inner cells were positive for AR, HER2 and p53. Thus, we suggest that our case represented a high-grade transformation.
Histiocytosis and the nervous system: from diagnosis to targeted therapies
Authors: Cohen Aubart Fleur , Idbaih Ahmed , Emile Jean-François , Amoura Zahir , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Durham Benjamin H , Haroche Julien , Diamond Eli L
Published: May 2021

Histiocytoses are heterogeneous hematopoietic diseases characterized by the accumulation of CD68(+) cells with various admixed inflammatory infiltrates. The identification of the pivotal role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has opened new avenues of research and therapeutic approaches. We review the neurologic manifestations of 3 histiocytic disorders with frequent involvement of the brain and spine: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), and Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes disease (RDD). Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations occur in 10%-25% of LCH cases, with both tumorous or neurodegenerative forms. These subtypes differ by clinical and radiological presentation, pathogenesis, and prognosis. Tumorous or degenerative neurologic involvement occurs in 30%-40% of ECD patients and affects the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, meninges, and brain parenchyma. RDD lesions are typically tumorous with meningeal or parenchymal masses with strong contrast enhancement. Unlike LCH and ECD, neurodegenerative lesions or syndromes have not been described with RDD. Familiarity with principles of evaluation and treatment both shared among and distinct to each of these 3 diseases is critical for effective management. Refractory or disabling neurohistiocytic involvement should prompt the consideration for use of targeted kinase inhibitor therapies.
Evaluating Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Tests in Adult Human Immunodeficiency Virus Diagnostic Strategies: A Côte d’Ivoire Modeling Analysis
Authors: Neilan Anne M , Cohn Jennifer , Sacks Emma , Gandhi Aditya R , Fassinou Patricia , Walensky Rochelle P , Kouadio Marc N , Freedberg Kenneth A , Ciaranello Andrea L
Published: May 2021

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnostic strategy requires 6 rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Point-of-care nucleic acid tests (POC NATs) are costlier, less sensitive, but more specific than RDTs.

Methods

We simulated a 1-time screening process in Côte d’Ivoire (CI; undiagnosed prevalence: 1.8%), comparing WHO- and CI-recommended RDT-based strategies (RDT-WHO, RDT-CI) and an alternative: POC NAT to resolve RDT discordancy (NAT-Resolve). Costs included assays (RDT: $1.47; POC NAT: $27.92), antiretroviral therapy ($6–$22/month), and HIV care ($27–$38/month). We modeled 2 sensitivity/specificity scenarios: high-performing (RDT: 99.9%/99.1%; POC NAT: 95.0%/100.0%) and low-performing (RDT: 91.1%/82.9%; POC NAT: 93.3%/99.5%). Outcomes included true-positive (TP), false-positive (FP), true-negative (TN), or false-negative (FN) results; life expectancy; costs; and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs: $/year of life saved [YLS]; threshold ≤$1720/YLS [per-capita gross domestic product]).

Results

Model-projected impacts of misdiagnoses were 4.4 years lost (FN vs TP; range, 3.0–13.0 years) and a $5800 lifetime cost increase (FP vs TN; range, $590–$14 680). In the high-performing scenario, misdiagnoses/10 000 000 tested were lowest for NAT-Resolve vs RDT-based strategies (FN: 409 vs 413–429; FP: 14 vs 21–28). Strategies had similar life expectancy (228 months) and lifetime costs ($220/person) among all tested; ICERs were $3450/YLS (RDT-CI vs RDT-WHO) and $120 910/YLS (NAT-Resolve vs RDT-CI). In the low-performing scenario, misdiagnoses were higher (FN: 22 845–30 357; FP: 83 724–112 702) and NAT-Resolve was cost-saving.

Conclusions

We projected substantial clinical and economic impacts of misdiagnoses. Using POC NAT to resolve RDT discordancy generated the fewest misdiagnoses and was not cost-effective in high-performing scenarios, but may be an important adjunct to existing RDT-based strategies in low-performing scenarios.
Clinical Practice Guideline for Physical Therapist Management of People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Peter Wilfred F , Swart Nynke M , Meerhoff Guus A , Vliet Vlieland Thea P M
Published: May 2021

Objective

This guideline revises the 2008 Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy guideline for physical therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method

This revised guideline was developed according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation tool and the Guidelines International Network standards. A multidisciplinary guideline panel formulated clinical questions based on perceived barriers in current care. For every clinical question, a narrative or systematic literature review was undertaken, where appropriate. The guideline panel formulated recommendations based on the results of the literature reviews, the values and preferences of patients and clinicians, and the acceptability, feasibility, and costs, as described in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence-to-decision framework.

Results

The eventual guideline describes a comprehensive assessment based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for RA. It also includes a description of yellow and red flags to support direct access. Based on the assessment, 3 treatment profiles are distinguished: (1) education and exercise instructions with limited supervision, (2) education and short-term supervised exercise therapy, and (3) education and intensified supervised exercise therapy. Education includes RA-related information, advice, and self-management support. Exercises are based on recommendations concerning the desired frequency, intensity, type, and time-related characteristics of the exercises (FITT factors). Their interpretation is compliant with the individual patient’s situation and with public health recommendations for health-enhancing physical activity. Recommended measurement instruments for monitoring and evaluation include the Patient-Specific Complaint instrument, Numeric Rating Scales for pain and fatigue, the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, and the 6-minute walk test.

Conclusion

An evidence-based physical therapy guideline was delivered, providing ready-to-use recommendations on the assessment and treatment of patients with RA. An active implementation strategy to enhance its use in daily practice is advised.

Impact

This evidence-based practice guideline guides the physical therapist in the treatment of patients with RA. The cornerstones of physical therapist treatment for patients with RA are active exercise therapy in combination with education. Passive interventions such as massage, electrotherapy, thermotherapy, low-level laser therapy, ultrasound, and medical taping play a subordinate role.