bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among high-risk populations in Lomé (Togo) in 2020
Authors: Halatoko Wemboo Afiwa , Konu Yao Rodion , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi Adjidossi , Sadio Arnold Junior , Tchankoni Martin Kouame , Komlanvi Koffi Segbeaya , Salou Mounerou , Dorkenoo Ameyo Monique , Maman Issaka , Agbobli Amétépé , Wateba Majesté Ihou , Adjoh Komi Séraphin , Akue Edem Goeh , Kao Yem-bla , Kpeto Innocent , Pana Paul , Kinde-Sossou Rebecca , Tamekloe Agbeko , Nayo-Apetsianyi Josée , Assane Simon-Pierre Hamadi , Prince-David Mireille , Awoussi Sossinou Marcel , Djibril Mohaman , Mijiyawa Moustafa , Dagnra Anoumou Claver , Ekouevi Didier Koumavi
Published: August 2020

Objective

This survey aims at estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in high risk populations in Lomé.

Methods

From April 23rd to May 8th 2020, we recruited a random sample of participants from five sectors: healthcare, air transport, police, road transport and informal. We collected oropharyngeal swab for direct detection through real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), and blood for antibodies detection by serological tests. The overall prevalence (current and past) of infection was defined by positivity for both tests.

Results

A total of 955 participants with a median age of 36 (IQR 32-43) were included and 71.6% (n=684) were men. Around 22.1% (n=212) were from the air transport sector, 20.5% (n=196) in the police, and 38.7% (n=370) in the health sector. Seven participants (0.7%, 95% CI: 0.3-1.6%) had a positive rRT-PCR at the time of recruitment and nine (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.4-1.8%) were seropositive for IgM or IgG against SARS-CoV-2. We found an overall prevalence of 1.6% (n=15), 95% CI: 0.9-2.6%.

Conclusion

The prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection among high-risk populations in Lomé was relatively low and could be explained by the various measures taken by the Togolese government. Therefore, we recommend targeted screening.
Public health participation in alcohol licensing decisions in England: the importance of navigating “contested space”
Authors: Somerville Linda , Thom Betsy , Herring Rachel
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of Public Health in licensing following The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act of 2011, which added ‘health bodies’ as responsible authorities in licensing; in practice, Directors of Public Health undertook this role in England. Despite this legislation facilitating the inclusion of public health in partnerships around licensing, wide variations in involvement levels by public health professionals persist.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the findings from interviews that explored the experiences of public health professionals engaging with local established partnerships around alcohol licensing. Qualitative data were collected through 21 interviews in a purposeful sample of London boroughs. These data were combined with analyses of relevant area documentation and observations of 14 licensing sub-committee meetings in one London borough over a seven-month period. Thematic analysis of all data sources was conducted to identify emerging themes.

Findings

This study highlighted the importance of successful navigation of the “contested space” (Hunter and Perkins, 2014) surrounding both public health practice and licensing partnerships. In some instances, contested spaces were successfully negotiated and public health departments achieved an increased level of participation within the partnership. Ultimately, improvements in engagement levels of public health teams within licensing could be achieved.

Originality/value

The paper explores a neglected aspect of research around partnership working and highlights the issues arising when a new partner attempts to enter an existing partnership.
Social work assessments for people with advanced dementia in “the new normal”
Authors: Wilson Hilary
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Social work involves working directly with people who are experiencing a crisis. An assessment is carried out to establish the best way forward and then reviewed after a period of time to measure success or recalibrate the service. The current pandemic restrictions have all but ruled out meeting with people face-to-face. Now, professionals are usually required to don some form of personal protective equipment (PPE) when meeting with people and their families. Talking to an unknown professional who is behind a mask or on the telephone, about a personal issue is hard for everyone, but it is particularly difficult for people who may be further on in their dementia journey.

Design/methodology/approach

Critique

Findings

These impediments impact the social work assessment and review, meaning people may not have the quality of service they need and may end up paying for unnecessary provision. If admission to a care home is deemed necessary, the stakes rise considerably. A care home admission means contributing towards fees with pensions, savings and assets, including housing. Now, it comes with an additional health risk.

Originality/value

COVID-19 infection has impacted on the older population but residents in care homes with frailer physical health, cognitive impairment and delirium are at particularly high risk of dying.
Thermosensitive period for sex determination of the tropical freshwater turtle Malayemys macrocephala
Authors: PEWPHONG Rangsima , KITANA Jirarach , KITANA Noppadon
Published: August 2020

Many egg‐laying reptiles possess temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD) in which outcome of gonadogenesis is determined by incubation temperature during a temperature‐sensitive period of development. Prior studies on Malayemys macrocephala showed that incubation temperatures influence gonadal development and suggested that M. macrocephala exhibits TSD. However, information on the temperature‐sensitivity period in this species was unknown until the current study. Turtle eggs were collected from rice fields in central Thailand from December 2016 to February 2017. In the laboratory, eggs were incubated at male‐biased temperature (26 °C) and shifted to female‐biased temperature (32 °C), or vice versa. Single shift experiments were performed systematically during embryonic stages 13–21. After hatching, sex of individual turtles was determined by histological analysis. We found that the sex determination of M. macrocephala is affected by temperature up to stage 16 of embryonic development.
Synthetic community with six Pseudomonas strains screened from garlic rhizosphere microbiome promotes plant growth
Authors: Zhuang Lubo , Li Yan , Wang Zhenshuo , Yu Yue , Zhang Nan , Yang Chang , Zeng Qingchao , Wang Qi
Published: August 2020

The rhizosphere microbiome plays an important role in the growth and health of many plants, particularly for plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Although the use of PGPR could improve plant production, real‐world applications are still held back by low‐efficiency methods of finding and using PGPR. In this study, the structure of bacterial and fungal rhizosphere communities of Jinxiang garlic under different growth periods (resume growth, bolting and maturation), soil types (loam, sandy loam and sandy soil) and agricultural practices (with and without microbial products) were explored by using amplicon sequencing. High‐efficiency top‐down approaches based on high‐throughput technology and synthetic community (SynCom) approaches were used to find PGPR in garlic rhizosphere and improve plant production. Our findings indicated that Pseudomonas was a key PGPR in the rhizosphere of garlic. Furthermore, SynCom with six Pseudomonas strains isolated from the garlic rhizosphere were constructed, which showed that they have the ability to promote plant growth.
Identifying sarcopenia in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients using skeletal muscle CT radiomics and machine learning
Authors: Dong Xing , Dan Xu , Yawen Ao , Haibo Xu , Huan Li , Mengqi Tu , Linglong Chen , Zhao Ruan
Published: August 2020

Background

Sarcopenia has been confirmed as a poor prognostic indicator of lung cancer. However, the lack of abdominal computed tomography (CT) hindered the application to assess the status of sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of chest CT radiomics combined with machine learning classifiers to identify sarcopenia in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed CT images of 99 patients with NSCLC. Skeletal muscle radiomics were extracted from a single axial slice of the chest CT scan at the 12th thoracic vertebrae level. In total, 854 radiomic and clinical features were obtained from each patient. Feature selection was conducted with FeatureSelector module, optimal key features were fed into the lightGBM classifier for model construction, and Bayesian optimization was adopted to tune hyperparameters. The model's performance was evaluated by specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, F1‐score, Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC), Cohen's kappa coefficient (Kappa), and AUC.

Results

A total of 40 patients were found to have sarcopenia. Five optimal features were selected. In the base lightGBM model, the specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, F1‐score, AUC, MCC, Kappa of validation set were 0.889, 0.750, 0.833, 0.818, 0.783, 0.819, 0.649, 0.648, respectively. After Bayesian hyperparameter tuning, the optimized lightGBM model achieved better prediction performance, and the corresponding values were 0.944, 0.833, 0.900, 0.909, 0.870, 0.889, 0.791, 0.789, respectively.

Conclusions

Chest CT‐based radiomics has the potential to identify sarcopenia in NSCLC patients with the lightGBM classifier, and the optimal lightGBM model via Bayesian hyperparameter tuning demonstrated better performance.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Our study demonstrates that chest CT‐based radiomics combined with lightGBM classifier has the ability to identify sarcopenia in NSCLC patients.

What this study adds

Skeletal muscle radiomics would be a potential biomarker for sarcopenia identity in NSCLC patients.
Value of 3Tesla MRI in the preoperative staging of mid‐low rectal cancer and its impact on clinical strategies
Authors: Xu Liping , Zhang Chi , Zhang Zhaoyue , Qin Qin , Sun Xinchen
Published: August 2020

Background

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative T/N stage with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in lower and middle rectal cancer patients and the impacts on clinical decision‐making.

Patients and methods

A total of 211 patients were recruited from October 2015 to March 2017 in this retrospective study. High‐resolution MRI was performed within 2 weeks before surgery. Histopathologic results were evaluated for the postoperative T/N stage and the diagnostic accuracy of MRI was assessed according to the postoperative histopathologic results. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were evaluated for T/N staging and κ values were used to evaluate MRI consistent analysis compared with postoperative histopathologic staging.

Results

The overall MRI diagnostic accuracy was 79.62% for T1‐4 staging and 54.50% for N0‐2 staging. The κ values were 0.619 and 0.255 for T1‐4 and N0‐2 staging, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for treatment decision‐making was 80.57%.

Conclusion

MRI allows a highly accurate preoperative assessment of T stage but only a fairly accurate preoperative assessment of N stage for rectal cancer. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for treatment decision‐making is promising, but additional studies are needed to validate these findings in a larger sample size from multiple centers.
Managing the front‐line treatment for diffuse large B cell lymphoma and high‐grade B cell lymphoma during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: de la Cruz‐Benito Beatriz , Lázaro‐del Campo Paula , Ramírez‐López Andrés , de Soto‐Álvarez Teresa , Sánchez‐Vadillo Irene , García‐Pérez Eduardo , Dos Santos‐Ortas Abel , Humala‐Barbier Karem , López‐de la Guía Ana , Casado‐Abad Gema , Jiménez‐Yuste Victor , Canales‐Albendea Miguel
Published: August 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has dramatically challenged care for cancer patients, especially those with active treatment who represent a vulnerable population for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Aggressive lymphoid neoplasms, such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma and high‐grade B cell lymphoma, need to be treated without delay in order to get the best disease outcome. Because of that, our clinical practice was changed to minimise the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection while continuing haematological treatment. In this report, we analyse the management of front‐line therapy in 18 patients during the COVID‐19 outbreak, as well as the results of the implemented measures in their outcome.
Review: The effectiveness of Theraplay for children under 12 – a systematic literature review
Authors: Money Rebecca , Wilde Sarah , Dawson David
Published: August 2020

Background

Theraplay is a relationship‐focused model of treatment based on attachment theory involving both adult and child. The study aims to review the quality of Theraplay research and Theraplay’s effectiveness for children aged 12 years and under with a range of presenting difficulties, to inform future practice and identify areas for further research.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Quantitative studies using Theraplay only as a treatment for children aged 12 years and under with any presenting difficulty were identified. Additional manual searching was conducted, including eligible studies’ reference lists. Critical appraisal tools were used to provide a narrative synthesis of Theraplay’s effectiveness and research quality.

Results

Only six eligible articles were identified, meaning there was a lack of rigorous evidence eligible to offer conclusions into Theraplay’s effectiveness. The review highlighted the small evidence base, mixed quality research methodology and high levels of heterogeneity in how Theraplay is practiced and evaluated. Of the eligible studies, Theraplay was found promising in its effectiveness when used with internalising and externalising difficulties, dual diagnoses and developmental disabilities.

Conclusions

Theraplay is regularly practiced across the world; however, the evidence base of rigorous research to inform Theraplay’s effectiveness and mechanisms of change is lacking. Firm conclusions could not be offered, although Theraplay was shown to be promising intervention for some presentations. Further research into Theraplay’s effectiveness and key mechanisms of change are recommended to enhance the quality and depth of Theraplay literature.
Effects of build direction on tensile and creep properties of 316L stainless steel produced by selective laser melting
Authors: Yoon Kee Bong , Dao Van Hung , Yu Jong Min
Published: August 2020

The influence of build direction on the mechanical properties of SS316L produced by selective laser melting was investigated. The tensile tests were performed at room temperature for vertical and horizontal specimens. Large crater‐like voids were found, which are believed to be responsible for the reduced strength and premature failure of the vertical specimens, whereas the nano‐sized dimples were detected on the fracture surface of the horizontal specimens. Creep tests were also conducted at 650°C in the applied stress range of 149 to 226 MPa in vertical and horizontal directions. The vertical direction specimen showed better creep resistance. The micro‐cracks were delayed compared with the horizontal case. Optical micrographs of the tip of the creep rupture specimens along the cross‐sectional area were observed. The micro‐cracks located at grain boundaries. The grain shapes orientated in the applied stress direction for the vertical specimens, and perpendicular to the applied stress direction for the horizontal specimens.
Discovering the women ‘Foundation Fellows’ of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Authors: Storey Catherine E.
Published: August 2020

When the Royal Australasian College of Physicians incorporated in 1938, the names of 232 Foundation Fellows entered the first fellows’ register. In histories of the College, there is no mention that five of these pioneers were women. The achievements of these extraordinary women appear to have been overlooked or ignored. This is a brief account of what they achieved and the times in which they lived.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Hindi version of Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11‐14) in school children
Authors: Jain Vishal , Agarwal Nidhi , Jabin Zohra , Singh Shilpi , Anand Ashish , Jain Meena
Published: August 2020

Background

There is a need to validate OHRQoL measures in Hindi to assess the OHRQoL of Indian children.

Aim

To develop a Hindi version of the CPQ11–14 and to appraise its validity and reliability for use among North Indian children aged 11‐14 years.

Design

The cross‐culturally adapted Hindi version of CPQ11‐14 was achieved by forward translation, backward translation, committee review, and pretesting. A total of 1000 children were recruited from schools, chosen by two‐stage cluster random sampling technique. After completing the self‐administered questionnaire CPQ11‐14 by the child, oral examination was conducted using decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index, malocclusion index, and Dean's fluorosis index. Test‐retest reliability was checked on 100 participants after one week.

Results

The floor effect was present in 3.6% individuals, and there was no ceiling effect. Cronbach's alpha for the overall CPQ11‐14 scale was 0.963. Intra‐class correlation (ICC) coefficient was 0.952 for the entire scale. Cronbach's alpha value for test‐retest was 0.918. There was a non‐significant change in domain‐level and overall median CPQ11‐14 scores with an increase in DMFT scores. For malocclusion and fluorosis, there was a statistically significant increase in overall and domain‐level scores with increased severity scores. CPQ11‐14 and individual domains significantly correlated with both the global questions.

Conclusion

Hindi version of CPQ11‐14 is a reliable scale to assess OHRQoL in Hindi speaking 11‐ to 14‐year‐old children.
Dielectric response and electromagnetic wave absorption of novel macroporous short carbon fibers/mullite composites
Authors: Long Lan , Xu Jianxiong , Luo Heng , Xiao Peng , Zhou Wei , Li Yang
Published: August 2020

For wider‐band and stronger electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption, macroporous short carbon fibers/mullite matrix (Cf/Mu) composites were prepared via introducing short carbon fibers (0, 0.7, and 1.3 vol%) with length of 2‐3 mm into macroporous mullite ceramic by gel‐casting. The density of as‐prepared Cf/Mu composites decreases from 2.93 g/cm3 to 2.74 g/cm3, while the porosity increases from 3.32% to 10.76% with the rise in carbon fibers content. The diameter of macropores in Cf/Mu composites is ranging from several microns to tens of microns. Complex permittivity and dielectric loss of the prepared composites in X‐band (8.2‐12.4 GHz) are significantly enhanced with increased carbon fibers content. The best EM wave absorption performance is obtained in the macroporous Cf/Mu composites containing only 0.7 vol% carbon fibers (Cf/Mu‐0.7). The maximum absorption loss of Cf/Mu‐0.7 is −38.3 dB at 12.08 GHz at the thickness of 2.1 mm, and effective absorption bandwidth below −10 dB (over 90% of EM wave absorption) covers the whole X band with the thickness of 2.35 mm. The results suggest that the Cf/Mu composites can be promising high‐performance EM wave absorbing materials.
Can the chronic exclusion‐resignation link be broken? An analysis of support groups within prisons
Authors: Aureli Nicolas , Marinucci Marco , Riva Paolo
Published: August 2020

Social exclusion, especially when prolonged over time––has a strong impact on the individuals’ health and wellbeing. According to the Temporal Need‐Threat Model (Williams, 2009), the experience of chronic social exclusion inescapably leads to a condition ofresignation, characterized by feelings of alienation, depression, helplessness, and unworthiness. However, few empirical studies have tested this prediction and its potential moderating factors. In this research, we identified the prison as a prototypical condition of chronic social exclusion, and aimed at (a) empirically testing the link between chronic exclusion and the resignation stage, (b) investigating whether situational factors—such as attending a support group in prison—can reduce the adverse outcomes of the resignation, and (c) exploring the role of individual differences (e.g., psychological flexibility) in mediating the effect of the support group on the resignation. The study involved 136 participants—68 detainees (31 of them participated in a support group) and 68 free citizens. Results showed that prisoners without the support group showed the highest levels of feelings of resignation. By contrast, prisoners in the support group were no different from nonprisoners in terms of resignation stage outcomes, and this beneficial effect of the support group was mediated by higher levels of perceived social support and psychological flexibility. Overall, this study suggests that the link between chronic exclusion and the resignation stage could be moderated by intervening social factors, highlighting the potential benefits of group‐based interventions to tackle the negative consequences of chronic exclusion in chronically excluded populations.
Unmasking hypertension in children and adolescents with sickle/beta‐thalassemia
Authors: Stabouli Stella , Antza Christina , Papadopoulou Eleni , Teli Aikaterini , Kotsis Vasilios , Economou Marina
Published: August 2020

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, although blood pressure (BP) levels have been reported to be lower in SCD patients compared to general population. Aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of BP phenotypes and levels of arterial stiffness in pediatric patients with SCD and to assess the differences with children at risk for hypertension. We included in the study 16 pediatric SCD (HbS/β‐thalassemia, S/β‐thal) patients and 16 consecutive children at risk for hypertension referred to our hypertension clinic that served as high‐risk controls. All patients underwent ambulatory BP monitoring and measurement of carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). S/β‐thal patients had lower office systolic BP than the high‐risk control group (115.43 ± 10.03 vs 123.37 ± 11.92, P = .05) but presented similar levels of day and night ambulatory BP. Office hypertension was found in 12.5% of the S/β‐thal patients and in 43.8% of the high‐risk controls (P = .06), while 18.8% of the S/β‐thal patients and 25% of the high‐risk controls presented hypertension by ambulatory BP levels (P = .21). All of the S/β‐thal patients with ambulatory hypertension had night hypertension (one combined night and day hypertension) with office normotension (masked hypertension). S/β‐thal patients and high‐risk controls presented equal prevalence of masked hypertension (18.8%). Children and adolescents with S/β‐thal present similar prevalence of BP phenotypes and levels of PWV with children at risk for hypertension. A significant number of children and adolescents with S/β‐thal may have masked nighttime hypertension despite normal office BP levels.
Automated pulse wave velocity assessment using a professional oscillometric office blood pressure monitor
Authors: Kollias Anastasios , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos G. , Gravvani Areti , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Stergiou George S.
Published: August 2020

Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is the gold standard method for assessing arterial stiffness. This study evaluated automated brachial‐ankle PWV (baPWV) taken by a professional oscillometric blood pressure monitor (Microlife WatchBP Office Vascular) versus reference cfPWV (Complior device). Subjects recruited from a hypertension outpatient clinic had duplicate baPWV and cfPWV measurements (randomized crossover design) and carotid ultrasonography. Of 102 subjects recruited, 101 had valid baPWV measurements. Four subjects were excluded and 97 were analyzed (age 58.3 ± 11.4 years, men 70%, hypertensives 76%, diabetics 17%, cardiovascular disease 10%, smokers 23%). The mean difference between baPWV (13.1 ± 1.8 m/s) and cfPWV (9.1 ± 1.8 m/s) was 4.0 ± 1.4 m/s (P < .01) with close association between them (r = 0.70, P < .01). baPWV and cfPWV were correlated with age (r 0.54/0.49 respectively), systolic blood pressure (0.45/0.50), carotid intima‐media thickness (0.31/0.44), and carotid distensibility coefficient (−0.47/−0.34) (all P < .05; no difference between the two methods, z test). There was reasonable agreement (77%) between the two methods in identifying subjects at the top quartile of their distributions (kappa 0.39, P < .01). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the identification of carotid plaques were comparable for cfPWV and baPWV (0.79 and 0.74 respectively, P = NS). Automated baPWV measurement by a professional oscillometric blood pressure monitor is feasible and observer‐independent. baPWV values differ from those by cfPWV, yet they are closely correlated, have reasonable agreement in detecting increased arterial stiffness and give similar associations with carotid stiffness and atherosclerosis.
A new rheophilic South American darter (Crenuchidae: Characidium) from the rio Juruena basin, Brazil, with comments on morphological adaptations to life in fast‐flowing waters
Authors: Zanata Angela M. , Ohara Willian M. , Oyakawa Osvaldo T. , Dagosta Fernando C. P.
Published: August 2020

Characidium iaquira, a new species from the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Brazil, is described. The new species can be promptly distinguished from all congeners by having a unique v‐shaped dark mark lying along the caudal‐fin extension, in medium‐ and large‐sized specimens, and a remarkable iridescent green colouration in life. Characidium iaquira is closely related to Characidium crandellii and Characidium declivirostre by sharing unambiguous synapomorphies such as branchiostegal membranes united to each other across the isthmus, a scaleless area extending from the isthmus to the pectoral girdle, and dermal flaps surrounding anterior and posterior naris independent, but touching each other distally. Morphological specializations of the paired fins in the three riffle‐dwellers species are discussed, including the wing‐like shape, robustness, and inclination of the pectoral fin.
Survival of Cast Gold and Ceramic Onlays Placed in a School of Dentistry: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Irusa Karina , Al‐rawi Bassam , Donovan Terrence , Alraheam Islam Abd
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study was done to compare the survival rates of cast gold and ceramic onlays placed in a dental school setting.

Material and Methods

An electronic search was conducted in the patient records at Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for onlay codes that were in the database (From 1998 until 2018). Progress notes and radiographs were scrutinized to establish the survival time of the restorations. Any complications that occurred during the life time of the restorations were noted. The survival was summarized by categorization based on ranges of survival time in years; group 1: 1 to 5 years, group 2: 6 to 22 years. The mean survival time and standard deviation were calculated. One‐way ANOVA was used to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in the survival times between gold and ceramic onlays.

Results

The mean survival rate of cast gold onlays (86.6%) was comparable to that of ceramic onlays (81.1%). The gold onlays in Group 1 had a higher mean survival time (2.43 years) than the ceramic onlays (2.03 years). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). The ceramic onlays in Group 2 had a mean survival time of 19.75 years while gold onlays had a mean survival time of 17.63 years. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.91).

Conclusion

It was concluded that while the survival rate of ceramic onlays (81.1%) was inferior to that of cast gold onlays (86.6%), it was comparable
Placement of ureteral stents in three rabbits for the treatment of obstructive ureterolithiasis
Authors: Rembeaux H. , Langlois I. , Burdick S. , McCleery B. , Dunn M.
Published: August 2020

Management of ureteral obstruction with stenting is often associated with a lower rate of complications than ureterotomy in domestic carnivores, but this treatment has not been previously evaluated in rabbits. Three rabbits (7, 6 and 10 years old) were diagnosed with unilateral obstructive ureterolithiasis associated with hydronephrosis and hydroureter on abdominal ultrasound. Decreased overall renal function was confirmed in all three cases. Ureteral stents were placed retrogradely via cystotomy without complication in two cases and anterogradely via nephrostomy in the third case. Survival after stent placement was 30, 3 and 8 months, with encrustation of the stent and re‐obstruction occurring 18, 1 and 6 months after stent placement in successive cases. Ureteral stenting can be considered for short‐term management of ureterolithiasis in rabbits to improve renal function and maintain quality of life. Ultrasound or radiographic monitoring is recommended to detect encrustation of the stent. Studies comparing ureteral stenting to ureterotomy in rabbits are needed to determine the effectiveness of these techniques.
Low concordance of short‐term and long‐term selection responses in experimental Drosophila populations
Authors: Langmüller Anna Maria , Schlötterer Christian
Published: August 2020

Experimental evolution is becoming a popular approach to study the genomic selection response of evolving populations. Computer simulation studies suggest that the accuracy of the signature increases with the duration of the experiment. Since some assumptions of the computer simulations may be violated, it is important to scrutinize the influence of the experimental duration with real data. Here, we use a highly replicated Evolve and Resequence study in Drosophila simulans to compare the selection targets inferred at different time points. At each time point, approximately the same number of SNPs deviates from neutral expectations, but only 10% of the selected haplotype blocks identified from the full data set can be detected after 20 generations. Those haplotype blocks that emerge already after 20 generations differ from the others by being strongly selected at the beginning of the experiment and display a more parallel selection response. Consistent with previous computer simulations, our results demonstrate that only Evolve and Resequence experiments with a sufficient number of generations can characterize complex adaptive architectures.
Rapid evolutionary changes in gene expression in response to climate fluctuations
Authors: Hamann Elena , Pauli Christopher S. , Joly‐Lopez Zoé , Groen Simon C. , Rest Joshua S. , Kane Nolan C. , Purugganan Michael D. , Franks Steven J.
Published: August 2020

There is now abundant evidence of rapid evolution in natural populations, but the genetic mechanisms of these changes remain unclear. One possible route to rapid evolution is through changes in the expression of genes that influence traits under selection. We examined contemporary evolutionary gene expression changes in plant populations responding to environmental fluctuations. We compared genome‐wide gene expression, using RNA‐seq, in two populations of Brassica rapa collected over four time points between 1997 and 2014, during which precipitation in southern California fluctuated dramatically and phenotypic and genotypic changes occurred. By combining transcriptome profiling with the resurrection approach, we directly examined evolutionary changes in gene expression over time. For both populations, we found a substantial number of differentially expressed genes between generations, indicating rapid evolution in the expression of many genes. Using existing gene annotations, we found that many changes occurred in genes involved in regulating stress responses and flowering time. These appeared related to the fluctuations in precipitation and were potentially adaptive. However, the evolutionary changes in gene expression differed across generations within and between populations, indicating largely independent evolutionary trajectories across populations and over time. Our study provides strong evidence for rapid evolution in gene expression, and indicates that changes in gene expression can be one mechanism of rapid evolutionary responses to selection episodes. This study also illustrates that combining resurrection studies with transcriptomics is a powerful approach for investigating evolutionary changes at the gene regulatory level, and will provide new insights into the genetic basis of contemporary evolution.
The roles of climate, geography and natural selection as drivers of genetic and phenotypic differentiation in a widespread amphibian Hyla annectans (Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Wei Shichao , Li Zitong , Momigliano Paolo , Fu Chao , Wu Hua , Merilä Juha
Published: August 2020

The role of geological events and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations as drivers of current patterns of genetic variation in extant species has been a topic of continued interest among evolutionary biologists. Nevertheless, comprehensive studies of widely distributed species are still rare, especially from Asia. Using geographically extensive sampling of many individuals and a large number of nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we studied the phylogeography and historical demography of Hyla annectans populations in southern China. Thirty‐five sampled populations were grouped into seven clearly defined genetic clusters that closely match phenotype‐based subspecies classification. These lineages diverged 2.32–5.23 million years ago (Ma), a timing that closely aligns with the rapid and drastic uplifting of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and adjacent southwest China. Demographic analyses and species distribution models indicate that different populations of this species have responded differently to past climatic changes. In the Hengduan Mountains, most populations experienced a bottleneck, whereas the populations located outside of the Hengduan Mountains have gradually declined in size since the end of the last glaciation. In addition, the levels of phenotypic and genetic divergence were strongly correlated across major clades. These results highlight the combined effects of geological events and past climatic fluctuations, as well as natural selection, as drivers of contemporary patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation in a widely distributed anuran in Asia.
On the roots of nitrogen uptake
Authors: Rahikainen Moona , Kangasjärvi Saijaliisa
Published: August 2020

This article is a Commentary on Jacquot et al. (2020), 228: 1038–1054.
Long non‐coding RNA TUG1 participates in LPS‐induced periodontitis by regulating miR‐498/RORA pathway
Authors: Huang Nannan , Li Chanxiu , Sun Wenjuan , Wu Jian , Xiao Feng
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study was aimed to investigate the role of TUG1 in LPS‐stimulated hPDLCs and to evaluate the potential functions of TUG1 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Methods

LPS‐stimulated hPDLCs were established as the cell model. CCK‐8 assay was performed to assess cell proliferation ability. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell cycle distribution, and quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blotting were conducted to measure gene expressions. ELISA kits were used to evaluate the production of inflammatory cytokines. The putative binding site between TUG1 and miR‐498 was verified using luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.

Results

TUG1 was downregulated upon LPS stimulation in hPDLCs. TUG1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation through regulating the cell cycle distribution, along with the decreased expression of p21 and increased expression of CDK2 and cyclin D1. Besides, TUG1 overexpression decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines. The effects were opposite upon TUG1 knockdown. TUG1 negatively regulated its target miR‐498, and influenced the expression of RORA, the direct target of miR‐498. Simultaneous TUG1 overexpression and miR‐498 reversed the effect of TUG1 overexpression alone on alleviating LPS‐induced cell injury and inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, which was further changeover after co‐overexpression with RORA.

Conclusion

Therefore, TUG1 could protect against periodontitis via regulating miR‐498/RORA mediated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.
Guidance for diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis with biopsy tissues
Authors: Notohara Kenji , Kamisawa Terumi , Fukushima Noriyoshi , Furukawa Toru , Tajiri Takuma , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Aishima Shinichi , Fukumura Yuki , Hirabayashi Kenichi , Iwasaki Eisuke , Kanno Atsushi , Kasashima Satomi , Kawashima Atsuhiro , Kojima Motohiro , Kubota Kensuke , Kuraishi Yasuhiro , Mitsuhashi Tomoko , Naito Yoshiki , Naitoh Itaru , Nakase Hiroshi , Nishino Takayoshi , Ohike Nobuyuki , Sakagami Junichi , Shimizu Kyoko , Shiokawa Masahiro , Uehara Takeshi , Ikeura Tsukasa , Kawa Shigeyuki , Okazaki Kazuichi
Published: August 2020

The biopsy‐based diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is difficult but is becoming imperative for pathologists due to the increased amount of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biopsy tissue. To cope with this challenge, we propose guidance for the biopsy diagnosis of type 1 AIP. This guidance is for pathologists and comprises three main parts. The first part includes basic issues on tissue acquisition, staining, and final diagnosis, and is intended for gastroenterologists as well. The second part is a practical guide for diagnosing type 1 AIP based on the AIP clinical diagnostic criteria 2018. Inconsistent histological findings, tips for evaluating IgG4 immunostaining and key histological features including the ductal lesion and others are explained. Storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis are diagnostic hallmarks but are sometimes equivocal. Storiform fibrosis is defined as spindle‐shaped cells, inflammatory cells and fine collagen fibers forming a flowing arrangement. Obliterative phlebitis is defined as fibrous venous obliteration with inflammatory cells. Examples of each are provided. The third part describes the differentiation of AIP from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), focusing on histological features of acinar‐ductal metaplasia in AIP, which is an important mimicker of PDAC. This guidance will help standardize pathology reports of pancreatic biopsies for diagnosing type 1 AIP.
Insights into the toll‐like receptors in sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Yadav Sonal , Verma Vivek , Singh Dhanda Rakesh , Yadav Manisha
Published: August 2020

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are like soldiers of an innate immune system, which protects vital biological processes against invading pathogens. TLR signalling pathways help in the removal of pathogens and mediate well‐established inflammatory processes. However, these processes may also aid in the development or augmentation of an infection or an autoimmune disease. Recent studies have delineated TLR polymorphism's role in the loss of function, making hosts more resistant or vulnerable to the development of an infection. In this review, we have discussed the association of TLRs with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially to the pathogen‐specific ligands. We have also assessed the impact on TLR downstream signalling and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis during immune responses. Besides, we have discussed the role of TLRs single nucleotide polymorphisms in various STIs. Since TLRs are known to play a part in defence mechanisms and in aiding infections therefore, a thorough understanding of TLRs structure and molecular mechanisms is required to explain how they can influence the outcome of an STI. Such a strategy may lead to the development of novel and useful immunotherapeutic approaches to control pathogen progression and prevent transmission.
Productivity of core infrastructure investment in China: An input–output approach
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Wu Guiying Laura , Feng Qu
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the productivity effect of two categories of core infrastructure investment in China, by matching a panel of manufacturing firm‐level production data with province‐level infrastructure investment data. Cross‐industry variation in infrastructure reliance using input–output table information is employed to address potential endogeneity issues. We find that firms in an industry that relies more heavily on infrastructure in production experience higher productivity growth from more infrastructure investment. On average, the annual rate of return to core infrastructure investment in China is about 23% during 1998–2007.
Sensitivity Analysis of N Undistinguishable Photovoltaic Thermal Compound-Parabolic-Concentrator Collectors (Partly Covered, 50%) Integrated Single-Slope Solar Distiller Unit
Authors: Singh Desh B. , Bansal Gagan , Prasad Haridwar , Mallick Ashis , Kumar Navneet , Sharma Sanjeev K.
Published: August 2020

In the current research, the sensitivity analysis of N alike in parts covered photovoltaic thermal compound parabolic concentrator collectors integrated single-slope solar distiller unit is performed and examined. The analysis is done using computational programming in matlab (month: May and location: New Delhi). The parametric values of potable water and DC electric power outputs have been figured for different values of mass flow rate (MFR), number of collectors (N), packing factor (PF), and water depth (WD). Elaborative observations says that the value of potable water output declines and DC electric power output increases with the increase in MFR for the considered values of N, PF, and WD. Also the values of DC electric power increases by 81.63% if packing factor is increased from 0.4 to 0.6 for the considered values of MFR, N, and WD. Based on the results of all the analysis, sensible and effective conclusions are made.
Assessment of Performance of Tesla Turbine in Water Distribution Systems for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Hadi Fatemeh , Yang Haoping , Traum Matthew J.
Published: August 2020

This article composes a systematic design methodology to obtain optimal parameters of the Tesla turbine, which is applicable in water distribution systems, faced with the need to supply power for wireless sensors and other components used in smart water networks and the challenges associated with the feasibility of Tesla turbine in a small scale. The optimal geometric model is sought by using a theoretical model relating turbine physical properties and flow conditions to power output by solving Navier–Stokes equations for steady laminar incompressible flow between adjacent disks. The model shows that the proposed design with dimensions and flow conditions relevant to water pipe networks can achieve a power output of 1.55 mW using a 2.5-cm diameter turbine given a pressure difference of 140 Pa. At 70 Pa using a 1-cm diameter turbine, a power output of 0.17 mW can be obtained. This study shows a great potential in application of Tesla turbine for energy harvesting in water distribution systems.
Numerical Modeling and Simulation of a Volumetric Resistance Blower Using Porous Rotor
Authors: Girhe Sanket , Cardenas Ruander , MacDonald Mark , Bhattacharya Anandaroop
Published: August 2020

This paper presents an experimentally validated modeling methodology for a new type of blower design known as volumetric resistance blower (VRB). It replaces the traditional centrifugal blower fan blades with a continuous porous medium disk and has been reported to be capable of providing a lower acoustic noise for the same output flow compared to a traditional blower. A three-dimensional transient numerical model of VRB is developed which incorporates the movement of a porous rotor using experimentally determined foam parameters to characterize the porous drag effect and a sliding mesh to simulate the rotation effect. The numerical results are validated with experimentally determined fan curve over broad range of operating conditions. The effect of the foam resistance parameters on the flow characteristics is investigated which serves the rationale for the optimization of these parameters. The model is used to study the sensitivity of the VRB performance to foam parameters using different types of commercially available open-cell reticulated foam.
Multifunctional bioactive Nd-Ca-Si glasses for fluorescence thermometry, photothermal therapy, and burn tissue repair
Authors: Ma Lingling , Zhou Yanling , Zhang Zhaowenbin , Liu Yaqin , Zhai Dong , Zhuang Hui , Li Qin , Yuye Jianding , Wu Chengtie , Chang Jiang
Published: August 2020

A multifunctional Nd-Ca-Si biomaterial is designed for fluorescence thermometry, photothermal therapy, and burn tissue repair.
Biomolecule-guided cation regulation for dendrite-free metal anodes
Authors: Zhi Jian , Li Shengkai , Han Mei , Chen P.
Published: August 2020

Collagen hydrolysate can stabilize Zn and Li electrodeposition in metal ion batteries.
Longitudinal Assessment of the Dynamics of Escherichia coli, Total Coliforms,
Enterococcus
spp., and
Aeromonas
spp. in Alternative Irrigation Water Sources: a CONSERVE Study
Authors: Solaiman Sultana , Allard Sarah M. , Callahan Mary Theresa , Jiang Chengsheng , Handy Eric , East Cheryl , Haymaker Joseph , Bui Anthony , Craddock Hillary , Murray Rianna , Kulkarni Prachi , Anderson-Coughlin Brienna , Craighead Shani , Gartley Samantha , Vanore Adam , Duncan Rico , Foust Derek , Taabodi Maryam , Sapkota Amir , May Eric , Hashem Fawzy , Parveen Salina , Kniel Kalmia , Sharma Manan , Sapkota Amy R. , Micallef Shirley A.
Published: August 2020

Increasing demands for fresh fruit and vegetables, a variable climate affecting agricultural water availability, and microbial food safety goals are pressing the need to identify new, safe, alternative sources of irrigation water. Our study generated microbial data collected over a 2-year period from potential sources of irrigation (rivers, ponds, and reclaimed water sites). Pond water was found to comply with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) microbial standards for irrigation of fruit and vegetables. Bacterial counts in reclaimed water, a resource that is not universally allowed on fresh produce in the United States, generally met microbial standards or needed minimal mitigation. We detected the most seasonality and the highest microbial loads in river water, which emerged as the water type that would require the most mitigation to be compliant with established FSMA standards. This data set represents one of the most comprehensive, longitudinal analyses of alternative irrigation water sources in the United States.