bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seven decades of hydrogeomorphological changes in a near‐natural (Sense River) and a hydropower‐regulated (Sarine River) pre‐Alpine river floodplain in Western Switzerland
Authors: Tonolla Diego , Geilhausen Martin , Doering Michael
Published: October 2020

Hydropower alteration of the natural flow and sediment regime can severely degrade hydromorphology, thereby threatening biodiversity and overall ecosystem processes of rivers and their floodplains. Using sequences of aerial images, we quantified seven decades (1938/1942–2013) of spatiotemporal changes in channel and floodplain morphology, as well as changes in the physical habitats, of three floodplain river reaches of the Swiss pre‐Alps, two hydropower‐regulated and one near‐natural. In the Sarine River floodplain, within the first decades of hydropower impairment, the magnitude and frequency of flood events (Q2, Q10, Q30) decreased substantially. As a result, the area of pioneer floodplain habitats that depend on flood activity and sediment dynamic, such as bare sediments, decreased dramatically by approximately 95%. However, by 2013 vegetated areas had generally increased in comparison to the pre‐regulation period in 1943, indicating general vegetative colonization. Between 1943 and 2013, the active channel underwent essential narrowing (up to 62% width reduction in the residual flow reach) and habitat turnover rates were very low (5% of the total floodplain area changed habitat type five to six times). In contrast, from the 1950s onwards, the near‐natural floodplain of the Sense River experienced recurrent narrowing and widening, and frequent changes between bare and vegetated areas, reflecting the shifting habitat mosaic concept typical for natural floodplains. In the three reaches investigated, we found that the active floodplain width and erosion of vegetated areas were primarily controlled by medium to large floods (Q10, Q30), which combined with reduced time intervals between ordinary floods ≥ Q2 most likely mobilized streambed sediments and limited the ability of vegetation to establish itself on bare gravel bars within the parafluvial zone. These findings can contribute to restoration action plans such as controlled flooding and sediment replenishments in the Sarine and other floodplain rivers of the Alps. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical Bioavailability Corrections for Nickel in Freshwaters for Australia and New Zealand Water Quality Guideline Development
Authors: Peters Adam , Merrington Graham , Stauber Jenny , Golding Lisa , Batley Graeme , Gissi Francesca , Adams Merrin , Binet Monique , McKnight Kitty , Schlekat Christian E. , Garman Emily , Middleton Ellie
Published: October 2020

Bioavailability-based approaches have been developed for the regulation of metals in freshwaters in several countries. Empirical multiple linear regression (MLR) models have been developed for nickel that can be applied to aquatic organisms. The MLR models have been compared against the use of previously developed biotic ligand models (BLMs) for the normalization of an ecotoxicity dataset compiled for the derivation of a water quality guideline value that could be applied in Australia and New Zealand. The MLR models were developed from data for a number of specific species and were validated independently to confirm their reliability. An MLR modeling approach using different models for algae, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates performed better than either a pooled MLR model for all taxa or the BLMs, in terms of its ability to correctly predict the results of the tests in the ecotoxicity database based on their water chemistry and a fitted species-specific sensitivity parameter. The present study demonstrates that MLR approaches can be developed and validated to predict chronic nickel toxicity to freshwater ecosystems from existing datasets. The MLR approaches provide a viable alternative to the use of BLMs for taking account of nickel bioavailability in freshwaters for regulatory purposes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:113–126. © 2020 SETAC
Internet of Things backdoors: Resource management issues, security challenges, and detection methods
Authors: Hashemi Soheil , Zarei Mani
Published: October 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) technology is one of the successful and interesting products of ubiquitous wireless networks that beneficiate human life with the make use of smart devices. Many companies have a significant plan to develop and utilize the IoT benefits and futures. Context‐aware computing applications are extensively used anywhere and anytime but they may violate or abuse human privacy. For example, if an IoT healthcare resource like a pacemaker acts as a backdoor on a human body, human life will be in danger. Moreover, targeting the privacy of IoT users is much more catastrophic compared with targeting network security as well as network denial of service. In this article, we review the security vulnerabilities and prerequisite of the IoT resource management by pointing out to the IoT architecture in terms of the principal abstraction layer and summarize the corresponding IoT security terms. Next, we define IoT penetration testing, IoT backdoor types, backdoor severity, backdoor mechanism, and propose the corresponding backdoors detection techniques. Finally, we review the reported IoT backdoors and investigate the limitation of backdoors detection and highlight future directions.
Depositional age, provenance, and tectonic implications of Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the Xiangshan area, South China
Authors: Wang Kai‐Xing , Sun Li‐Qiang , Sun Tao , Huang Hui
Published: October 2020

Detrital zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopes and whole‐rock geochemical compositions of exposed Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the Xiangshan area are determined to discuss provenances and the boundary between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks. Zircon dating results reveal that the exposed Precambrian sedimentary rocks in the Xiangshan area were deposited in the Late Neoproterozoic era. The age spectra and whole‐rock geochemistry show that the detrital materials of the Shenshan Formation originated from the Yangtze Block and that the detritus of the Kuli and Shangshi formations came mainly from the Yangtze Block and partly from the Cathaysia Block. The source for the Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in the Xiangshan area may been intermediate rocks, mainly from a mixture of felsic and mafic rocks in the Yangtze Block. In combination with previous studies, we suggest that the Xiangshan area belonged to the Cathaysia Block before the amalgamation between the Cathaysia and Yangtze blocks and that the real boundary between the two blocks is located in the northern part of the Xiangshan area.
Extracellular clusterin limits the uptake of α‐synuclein fibrils by murine and human astrocytes
Authors: Filippini Alice , Mutti Veronica , Faustini Gaia , Longhena Francesca , Ramazzina Ileana , Rizzi Federica , Kaganovich Alice , Roosen Dorien A. , Landeck Natalie , Duffy Megan , Tessari Isabella , Bono Federica , Fiorentini Chiara , Greggio Elisa , Bubacco Luigi , Bellucci Arianna , Missale Mariacristina , Cookson Mark R. , Gennarelli Massimo , Russo Isabella
Published: October 2020

The progressive neuropathological damage seen in Parkinson's disease (PD) is thought to be related to the spreading of aggregated forms of α‐synuclein. Clearance of extracellular α‐synuclein released by degenerating neurons may be therefore a key mechanism to control the concentration of α‐synuclein in the extracellular space. Several molecular chaperones control misfolded protein accumulation in the extracellular compartment. Among these, clusterin, a glycoprotein associated with Alzheimer's disease, binds α‐synuclein aggregated species and is present in Lewy bodies, intraneuronal aggregates mainly composed by fibrillary α‐synuclein. In this study, using murine primary astrocytes with clusterin genetic deletion, human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived astrocytes with clusterin silencing and two animal models relevant for PD we explore how clusterin affects the clearance of α‐synuclein aggregates by astrocytes. Our findings showed that astrocytes take up α‐synuclein preformed fibrils (pffs) through dynamin‐dependent endocytosis and that clusterin levels are modulated in the culture media of cells upon α‐synuclein pffs exposure. Specifically, we found that clusterin interacts with α‐synuclein pffs in the extracellular compartment and the clusterin/α‐synuclein complex can be internalized by astrocytes. Mechanistically, using clusterin knock‐out primary astrocytes and clusterin knock‐down hiPSC‐derived astrocytes we observed that clusterin limits the uptake of α‐synuclein pffs by cells. Interestingly, we detected increased levels of clusterin in the adeno‐associated virus‐ and the α‐synuclein pffs‐ injected mouse model, suggesting a crucial role of this chaperone in the pathogenesis of PD. Overall, our observations indicate that clusterin can limit the uptake of extracellular α‐synuclein aggregates by astrocytes and, hence, contribute to the spreading of Parkinson pathology.
Socio‐economic predictors of time to care home admission in people living with dementia in Wales: A routine data linkage study
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Hollinghurst Joe , Akbari Ashley , Schnier Christian , Wilkinson Tim , North Laura , Gabbay Mark , Rodgers Sarah
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Limited research has shown that people with dementia (PwD) from lower socio‐economic backgrounds can face difficulties in accessing the right care at the right time. This study examined whether socio‐economic status (SES) and rural versus urban living location are associated with the time between diagnosis and care home admission in PwD living in Wales, UK.

Methods/Design

This study linked routine health data and an e‐cohort of PwD who have been admitted into a care home between 2000 and 2018 living in Wales. Survival analysis explored the effects of SES, living location, living situation, and frailty on the time between diagnosis and care home admission.

Results

In 34,514 PwD, the average time between diagnosis and care home admission was 1.5 (±1.4) years. Cox regression analysis showed that increased age, living alone, frailty, and living in less disadvantaged neighbourhoods were associated with faster rate to care home admission. Living in rural regions predicted a slower rate until care home admission.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to show a link between socio‐economic factors on time to care home admission in dementia. Future research needs to address variations in care needs between PwD from different socio‐economic and geographical backgrounds.
Association of depressive symptoms with health care utilization in older adults: Longitudinal evidence from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Komulainen Kaisla , Gluschkoff Kia , García Velázquez Regina , Airaksinen Jaakko , Szmulewicz Alejandro , Jokela Markus
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Many older adults with depression do not receive adequate treatment. Differences in treatment utilization may reflect the heterogeneous nature of depression, encompassing multiple distinct symptoms. We assessed whether depressive symptoms are differentially associated with subsequent health care utilization with respect to three outcomes as follows: (1) contact with a medical doctor (MD), (2) depression‐specific treatment, and (3) inpatient psychiatric admission.

Methods/Design

Longitudinal analyses were based on data from three follow‐up cycles conducted between 2004 and 2013 among 53,139 participants from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe. Depressive symptoms were self‐reported at baseline of each follow‐up cycle using the 12‐item EURO‐D scale. Health care utilization was self‐reported at the end of each follow‐up cycle.

Results

After adjustment for sex, age, country of interview, follow‐up time, educational attainment, presence of a partner in household, body‐mass index, the number of chronic diseases, disability, average/prior frequency of contact with an MD, and all other depressive symptoms, people with more frequent contact with an MD had most often reported sleep problems (IRR = 1.10) and fatigue (IRR = 1.10), followed by sad/depressed mood, tearfulness, concentration problems, guilt, irritability, and changes in appetite. Those treated for depression had most often reported sad/depressed mood (OR = 2.18) and suicidal ideation (OR = 1.72), but also sleep problems, changes in appetite, fatigue, concentration problems, hopelessness, and irritability. Sad/depressed mood (OR = 2.87) was also associated with psychiatric inpatient admission. Similarly to other outcomes, appetite change, fatigue, and sleep problems were associated with inpatient admission.

Conclusions

Specific symptoms of depression may determine utilization of different types of health care among elderly.
Likelihood of admission to hospital from the emergency department is not universally associated with hospital bed occupancy at the time of admission
Authors: Tolestam Heyman Ellen , Engström Martin , Baigi Amir , Dahlén Holmqvist Lina , Lingman Markus
Published: October 2020

Background

The decision to admit into the hospital from the emergency department (ED) is considered to be important and challenging. The aim was to assess whether previously published results suggesting an association between hospital bed occupancy and likelihood of hospital admission from the ED can be reproduced in a different study population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of attendances at two Swedish EDs in 2015 was performed. Admission to hospital was assessed in relation to hospital bed occupancy together with other clinically relevant variables. Hospital bed occupancy was categorized and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed.

Results

In total 89,503 patient attendances were included in the final analysis. Of those, 29.1% resulted in admission within 24 h. The mean hospital bed occupancy by the hour of the two hospitals was 87.1% (SD 7.6). In both the univariate and multivariate analysis, odds ratio for admission within 24 h from the ED did not decrease significantly with an increasing hospital bed occupancy.

Conclusions

A negative association between admission to hospital and occupancy level, as reported elsewhere, was not replicated. This suggests that the previously shown association might not be universal but may vary across sites due to setting specific circumstances.
Design measures to mitigate the impact of shallow groundwater on hydrologic performance of permeable pavements
Authors: Zhang Kun , Chui Ting Fong May
Published: October 2020

Permeable pavements (PPs) are widely implemented in urban areas to mimic natural hydrologic processes through enhancing infiltration, and reducing, delaying, and retaining surface runoff. However, its performance can be affected by shallow groundwater since high soil moisture may inhibit its infiltration and exfiltration. This study built a numerical model, which was calibrated and validated based on laboratory experiment data, to evaluate the water balance and retention of PP in shallow groundwater conditions. It assessed the impacts of shallow groundwater and the hydrologic effectiveness of different PP design measures (i.e., building a PP with a smaller storage depth, implementing an underdrain at different elevations, and installing an impermeable liner) on relieving the impacts. Shallower groundwater led to larger amounts of surface runoff and underdrain flow, and a higher chance of saturating the PP reservoir. The three design measures had both benefits and drawbacks in mimicking natural hydrologic cycle and retaining the performance of PP under extreme conditions (e.g., areas of very shallow groundwater tables and/or extreme rainfalls). A PP with a smaller storage depth resulted in less underdrain flow but was prone to saturation. It is, thus, more recommended for PP with more‐permeable subsoils, which can avoid frequent pavement saturation. Although a shallower PP corresponds to a smaller storage volume and shorter hydraulic retention time, it can increase the applicability of PP to shallow groundwater areas, which is beneficial to the regional hydrologic environment. Installing an underdrain generated underdrain flow, which is a burden to the downstream drainage system. However, it significantly reduced the surface runoff and the chance of saturating the PP reservoir, which, thus, is more recommended for PP with less‐permeable subsoils. Comparatively, elevating the underdrain is recommended in areas of shallow groundwater because it can reduce the frequency and amount of groundwater‐induced underdrain flow. In addition, a higher underdrain together with an impermeable liner can create a storage depth, increase the retention duration, enhance exfiltration and evaporation without increasing the saturation risk.
GRB10 sustains AR activity by interacting with PP2A in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Hao Jun , Ci Xinpei , Wang Yong , Choi Stephen Yiu Chuen , Sullivan Sarah E. , Xue Hui , Wu Rebecca , Dong Xin , Haegert Anne M. , Collins Colin C. , Lin Dong , Wang Yuzhuo
Published: October 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) progression is driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Unfortunately, androgen‐deprivation therapy and the use of even more potent AR pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) cannot bring about a cure. ARPI resistance (ie, castration‐resistant PCa, CRPC) will inevitably develop. Previously, we demonstrated that GRB10 is an AR transcriptionally repressed gene that functionally contributes to CRPC development and ARPI resistance. GRB10 expression is elevated prior to CRPC development in our patient‐derived xenograft models and is significantly upregulated in clinical CRPC samples. Here, we analyzed transcriptomic data from GRB10 knockdown in PCa cells and found that AR signaling is downregulated. While the mRNA expression of AR target genes decreased upon GRB10 knockdown, AR expression was not affected at the mRNA or protein level. We further found that phosphorylation of AR serine 81 (S81), which is critical for AR transcriptional activity, is decreased by GRB10 knockdown and increased by its overexpression. Luciferase assay using GRB10‐knockdown cells also indicate reduced AR activity. Immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry revealed an interaction between GRB10 and the PP2A complex, which is a known phosphatase of AR. Further validations and analyses showed that GRB10 binds to the PP2Ac catalytic subunit with its PH domain. Mechanistically, GRB10 knockdown increased PP2Ac protein stability, which in turn decreased AR S81 phosphorylation and reduced AR activity. Our findings indicate a reciprocal feedback between GRB10 and AR signaling, implying the importance of GRB10 in PCa progression.
Circulating adipokine concentrations and risk of five obesity‐related cancers: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Dimou Niki L. , Papadimitriou Nikos , Mariosa Daniela , Johansson Mattias , Brennan Paul , Peters Ulrike , Chanock Stephen J. , Purdue Mark , Bishop D. Timothy , Gago‐Dominquez Manuela , Giles Graham G. , Moreno Victor , Platz Elizabeth A. , Tangen Catherine M. , Wolk Alicja , Zheng Wei , Wu Xifeng , Campbell Peter T. , Giovannucci Edward , Lin Yi ,   CCFR, Endometrial Cancer Association Consortium, Gunter Marc J. , Murphy Neil
Published: October 2020

Obesity is considered a chronic inflammatory state characterized by continued secretion of adipokines and cytokines. Experimental and epidemiological evidence indicates that circulating adipokines may be associated with the development of obesity‐related cancers, but it is unclear if these associations are causal or confounded. We examined potential causal associations of specific adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, soluble leptin receptor [sOB‐R] and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 [PAI‐1]) with five obesity‐related cancers (colorectal, pancreatic, renal cell carcinoma [RCC], ovarian and endometrial) using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods. We used summary‐level data from large genetic consortia for 114 530 cancer cases and 245 284 controls. We constructed genetic instruments using 18 genetic variants for adiponectin, 2 for leptin and 4 for both sOB‐R and PAI‐1 (P value for inclusion<5 × 10−8). Causal estimates were obtained using two‐sample MR methods. In the inverse‐variance weighted models, we found an inverse association between adiponectin and risk of colorectal cancer (odds ratio per 1 μg/mL increment in adiponectin concentration: 0.90 [95% confidence interval = 0.84‐0.97]; P = .01); but, evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was detected and the association was not present when this was taken into consideration. No association was found for adiponectin and risks of pancreatic cancer, RCC, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Leptin, sOB‐R and PAI‐1 were also similarly unrelated to risk of obesity‐related cancers. Despite the large sample size, our MR analyses do not support causal effects of circulating adiponectin, leptin, sOB‐R and PAI‐1 concentrations on the development of five obesity‐related cancers.
Managerial ability and idiosyncratic volatility
Authors: Wu Xi , Tong Xinle , Wang Yudong
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates the impact of managerial ability on idiosyncratic volatility from the perspective of corporate information. Using the companies listed on the Shenzhen A‐share Main Board from 2003 through 2017, we test the relationship between managerial ability and the quality of information disclosure. We further explore the internal mechanism by which managerial ability impacts on idiosyncratic volatility. The empirical results show that competent managers reduce idiosyncratic volatility by improving corporate transparency. In other words, corporate transparency plays an intermediary role. Competent managers disclose higher quality information. In turn, reputable management and high‐quality company information attract more attention and information mining. This improves corporate transparency, which can reduce arbitrage space and alleviate the idiosyncratic volatility of the stock price. Our main findings survive a series of robustness tests including an alternative measure of managerial ability, the application of a 2SLS regression and so on.
Nonsubsampledcontourlet transform with cross‐guided bilateral filter for despeckling of medical ultrasound images
Authors: Joel Thapasimuthan , Sivakumar Rajagopal
Published: October 2020

This paper aims to enhance the image quality in ultrasound images. The significant difficulties in the ultrasound image are the presence of speckle noise. Speckle is the granular noise, and this kind of noise produces a lot of challenges during medical diagnosis. Also, these kinds of problems degrade image quality. The proposed work overcomes this kind of issue with nonsubsampled contourlet domain‐based cross‐guided bilateral filtering. Initially, additive speckle noise is introduced with the log‐transformed Rayleigh distribution. This additive speckle noise component is to be decomposed through the non‐subsampled contourlet domain transform. Then the decomposed image is despeckled by the cross‐guided bilateral filter, and the cost function of this filter is minimized through adaptive galactic swarm optimization. The proposed filtering technique despeckles the additive noise in the noisy image. Finally, the decomposed image is reconstructed using the inverse transform of the nonsubsampled decomposition. The implementation of the proposed methodology is carried out in MATLAB simulation platform. Also, the performance of the proposed work is measured by few metrics such as structural similarity index matrix, mean structural similarity index matrix, mean square error, peak signal to noise ratio, Bhattacharyya coefficient, and speckle index. The result of cost function optimization provides less distortion when compared to other techniques.
Nanotized curcumin‐benzothiophene conjugate: A potential combination for treatment of cerebral malaria
Authors: Ghosh Aparajita , Banerjee Tanushree
Published: October 2020

The declining effectiveness of the available antimalarial drugs due to drug resistance requires a continued effort to develop new therapeutic approaches. In this context, combination therapies hold a great promise for developing effective first‐line antimalarial treatments for reducing malaria mortality. The present study explores the antimalarial efficacy of nanotized formulation of curcumin in combination with benzothiophene compound 6 (3‐bromo‐N‐(4‐fluorobenzyl)‐benzo[b]thiophene‐2‐carboxamide) with a view to achieve better efficacy at a very low dose in comparison to that accomplished with monotherapy alone. Herein, we formulated nanotized conjugate of curcumin and compound 6 (cur‐compound 6) in the size range of 30–90 nm as observed via TEM, AFM and DLS analysis in the study. The nanotized preparation was found to be readily dispersible in water, physically and chemically stable and exhibited sustained release profile of both curcumin and compound 6 till 48 hr. Treatment of P. falciparum parasites with the nanotized conjugate for 24 hr resulted in rapid clearance of the parasites. Furthermore, P. berghei infected mice treated with nanotized conjugate formulation survived till 90 days with complete eradication of the parasites from RBC. This improved efficacy of the nanotized formulation was possible because of the increased absorption of the compounds via oral administration owing to enhanced dispersibility of the formulation in aqueous medium. Moreover, an improved oral bioavailability of the nanotized formulation lowered the dosage at which the pharmacological effect was achieved while avoiding any observable adverse harmful side effects.
Building Student Awareness of Literacy Practices: Anthropological Perspectives
Authors: Speciale Teresa Jean , Bartlett Lesley
Published: October 2020

Authors featured in this department share anthropological perspectives and qualitative insights to redefine community in adolescent and adult literacy practice.
High‐Risk Youth and Their Families: A Qualitative Needs Assessment
Authors: Agaskar Vaibhavee R. , Albert Amy , Garcia Venessa
Published: October 2020

This qualitative study of 36 high‐risk youth and their families identified the need for educational/career services, high quality after‐school programs, behavioral health and social services, safety and violence interventions, sports/recreational activities, and sex education.
High‐fluence light emitting diode‐red light inhibits cell cycle progression in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Masub Natasha , Austin Evan , Huang Alisen , Jagdeo Jared
Published: October 2020

Skin fibrosis is a debilitating feature of several systemic and dermatologic diseases. While current treatment options carry significant risk of side effects and recurrence, high‐fluence light emitting diode‐generated red light (LED‐RL) is an alternative therapeutic that is safe, non‐invasive, and accessible. We previously demonstrated LED‐RL decreases fibroblast proliferation, a key pathogenic component of fibrosis. However, the cellular mechanism by which high fluence LED‐RL modulates fibroblast proliferation is unclear. Herein, we explored the effects of high fluence LED‐RL on human dermal fibroblast cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that LED‐RL at 640 J/cm2 induced significant arrest of cells in G0/G1 compared to temperature‐matched control. This was accompanied by a corresponding increase in expression of checkpoint regulator p53 in irradiated cells. These data demonstrate high fluence LED‐RL may exert its anti‐proliferative effect on fibroblasts by inducing G0/G1 arrest. Further, this study provides insight into the molecular mechanism underlying LED‐RL as an anti‐fibrotic therapeutic.
Mental distress among U.S. adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aims to document the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on mental health.

Method

We compared a nationally representative online sample of 2,032 U.S. adults in late April 2020 to 19,330 U.S. adult internet users who participated in the 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) using the Kessler‐6 scale of mental distress in the last 30 days.

Results

Compared to the 2018 NHIS sample, U.S. adults in April 2020 were eight times more likely to fit criteria for serious mental distress (27.7% vs. 3.4%) and three times more likely to fit criteria for moderate or serious mental distress (70.4% vs. 22.0%). Differences between the 2018 and 2020 samples appeared across all demographic groups, with larger differences among younger adults and those with children in the household.

Conclusions

These considerable levels of mental distress may portend substantial increases in diagnosed mental disorders and in their associated morbidity and mortality.
Exploring the relationship between strip clubs and rates of sexual violence and violent crime
Authors: Hipp Tracy N. , Borgman Robyn A. , Gilmore Devin , Swartout Kevin M.
Published: October 2020

Aims

We examined whether (a) the number of strip clubs per capita and (b) the proportion of clubs with “high‐risk characteristics” were significantly associated with rates of sexual violence (SV) and other violent crime at the county level.

Methods

Using large, public data sets, we tested effects across 926 counties (13 U.S. states), controlling for percent below the poverty line and alcohol outlets per capita.

Results

We found that rates of strip clubs were significantly associated with violent crime, but not SV, in all but one model (accounting for Saturday hours). Counties with greater proportions of “high‐risk” strip clubs (i.e., greater days and hours of operation, drink specials, full‐nudity policies, or private rooms) have higher rates of SV. All models, except the full‐nudity policy model, demonstrated increased rates of violent crime.

Conclusions

These results provide information for community‐level violence prevention and equips stakeholders with information to create safer communities.
TRPV4 activity regulates nuclear Ca2+ and transcriptional functions of β‐catenin in a renal epithelial cell model
Authors: Espadas‐Álvarez Heidi , Martínez‐Rendón Jacqueline , Larre Isabel , Matamoros‐Volante Arturo , Romero‐García Tatiana , Rosenbaum Tamara , Rueda Angélica , García‐Villegas Refugio
Published: October 2020

TRPV4 is a nonselective cationic channel responsive to several physical and chemical stimuli. Defects in TRPV4 channel function result in human diseases, such as skeletal dysplasias, arthropathies, and peripheral neuropathies. Nonetheless, little is known about the role of TRPV4 in other cellular functions, such as nuclear Ca2+ homeostasis or Ca2+‐regulated transcription. Here, we confirmed the presence of the full‐length TRPV4 channel in the nuclei of nonpolarized Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells. Confocal Ca2+ imaging showed that activation of the channel increases cytoplasmic and nuclear Ca2+ leading to translocation of TRPV4 out of the nucleus together with β‐catenin, a transcriptional regulator in the Wnt signaling pathway fundamental in embryogenesis, organogenesis, and cellular homeostasis. TRPV4 inhibits β‐catenin transcriptional activity through a direct interaction dependent upon channel activity. This interaction also occurs in undifferentiated osteoblastoma and neuroblastoma cell models. Our results suggest a mechanism in which TRPV4 may regulate differentiation in several cellular contexts.
Exenatide improves random‐pattern skin flap survival via TFE3 mediated autophagy augment
Authors: Li Jiafeng , Chen Huanwen , Lou Junsheng , Bao Guodong , Wu Chenyu , Lou Zhiling , Wang Xingyu , Ding Jian , Li Zhijie , Xiao Jian , Xu Huazi , Gao Weiyang , Zhou Kailiang
Published: October 2020

Random‐pattern skin flaps are widely applied to rebuild and restore soft‐tissue damage in reconstructive surgery; however, ischemia and subsequent ischemia‐reperfusion injury lead to flap necrosis and are major complications. Exenatide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analog, exerts therapeutic benefits for diabetic wounds, cardiac injury, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, Exenatide is a known activator of autophagy, which is a complex process of subcellular degradation that may enhance the viability of random skin flaps. In this study, we explored whether exenatide can improve skin flap survival. Our results showed that exenatide augments autophagy, increases flap viability, enhances angiogenesis, reduces oxidative stress, and alleviates pyroptosis. Coadministration of exenatide with 3‐methyladenine and chloroquine, potent inhibitors of autophagy, reversed the beneficial effects, suggesting that the therapeutic benefits of exenatide for skin flaps are due largely to autophagy activation. Mechanistically, we identified that exenatide enhanced activation and nuclear translocation of TFE3, which leads to autophagy activation. Furthermore, we found that exenatide activates the AMPK–SKP2–CARM1 and AMPK–mTOR signaling pathways, which likely lead to exenatide's effects on activating TFE3. Overall, our findings suggest that exenatide may be a potent therapy to prevent flap necrosis, and we also reveal novel mechanistic insight into exenatide's effect on flap survival.
Improvement of D‐lactic acid production at low pH through expressing acid‐resistant gene IoGAS1 in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhong Wei , Yang Maohua , Hao Xuemi , Sharshar Moustafa Mohamed , Wang Qinhong , Xing Jianmin
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Blending d‐lactic acid (d‐LA) with l‐lactic acid can significantly improve the thermostability of polylactic (PLA). Although microbial production of d‐LA under acidic conditions is beneficial for the reduction of production costs, the yield is low due to the acidic toxicity of the source strains. Herein, an Issatchenkia orientalis glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein IoGas1, which is required for resistance to low pH and salt stress, was expressed in the YIP‐J‐C‐D‐A1 yeast strain. This strain was integrated with Escherichia coli d‐lactate dehydrogenase gene and several attenuated key pathway genes, including pyruvate decarboxylases (PDC1, PDC6), JEN1 (a monocarboxylate transporter), d‐lactate dehydrogenase1 (DLD1), l‐lactate cytochrome‐c oxidoreductase (CYB2) and alcohol dehydrogenase 1(ADH1).

RESULTS

The results revealed that the production of d‐LA by the modified strain YIP‐I‐J‐C‐D‐A1 was remarkably improved and reached 85.3 g L–1 d‐LA, with a yield of 0.71 g g–1 and a productivity of 1.20 g L h–1 in batch‐fed fermentation. The d‐LA production of the YIP‐I‐J‐C‐D‐A1 strain (CGMCC2.5785) was further improved by attenuating the ethanol and glycerol pathways. The resulting strain YIP‐A15G12 (CGMCC2.5803) produced 92.0 g L–1 d‐LA with a yield of 0.70 g g–1 and a productivity of 1.21 g L h–1 in batch‐fed fermentation at a final pH of 3.58.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the expression of the acid‐resistant gene IoGAS1 in a modified yeast strain can significantly improve the efficiency of producing d‐LA at low pH, which may prove beneficial for the industrial production of the biodegradable material, PLA.
Radiomics Approaches for Predicting Liver Fibrosis With Nonenhanced T1‐Weighted Imaging: Comparison of Different Radiomics Models
Authors: Ni Ming , Wang Lili , Yu Haiyang , Wen Xiaoyi , Yang Yinghua , Liu Guangzhen , Hu Yabin , Li Zhiming
Published: October 2020

Background

Liver fibrosis is a common process resulting from various etiologies. Sustained progression of liver fibrosis leads to cirrhosis, even hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis is of clinical importance. Radiomics is an emerging approach for staging liver fibrosis. However, the feature selection methods and classifier models are complicated, and may result in a discrepancy of diagnostic performance owing to different radiomics models.

Purpose

To identify the optimal feature selection and classifier methods for predicting liver fibrosis by using nonenhanced T1‐weighted imaging.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

Wistar rats, total 97.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, 3D T1‐weighted images with fast‐spoiled gradient echo (FSPGR).

Assessment

Liver fibrosis rats were induced via subcutaneous injection of a mixture of carbon tetrachloride. Rats in the control group were injected with saline. Segmentation and feature extraction were performed by 3D slicer and the image biomarker explorer (IBEX) software package. Data preprocessing, feature selection, model building, and model comparative evaluation were conducted with Python. The liver fibrosis stage was determined by pathological examination.

Statistical Tests

Receiver operating characteristic curve, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation.

Results

For discriminating between F0 and F1‐2, F0 and F3‐4, F0 and F1‐4, F0‐1 and F2‐4, F0‐2 and F3‐4, and F0‐3 and F4, the accuracies of 12 radiomics models were 77.27–90.91%, 73.33–86.67%, 80.56–91.67%, 74.07–88.89%, 76.47–88.24%, and 79.49–92.31%, respectively. The AUCs of the radiomics models were 0.86–0.97, 0.85–0.95, 0.89–0.97, 0.81–0.96, 0.82–0.93, and 0.85–0.96, respectively. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator / support vector machine (LASSO‐SVM) model had high AUCs of 0.93–0.97. For discriminating between F0 and F1‐2, F0 and F3‐4, F0 and F1‐4, F0‐1 and F2‐4, and F0‐2 and F3‐4, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation showed that the LASSO‐SVM model had a high fuzzy score/order of 0.087–0.091/1.

Data Conclusion

LASSO‐SVM appears to be the optimal model for predicting liver fibrosis by using nonenhanced T1‐weighted imaging in a rodent model of liver fibrosis.

Level of Evidence

2.

Technical Efficacy Stage

2.
Storm, Stress, Silence: A Focus Group Examination of Mental Health Culture and Challenges Among Graduate Students Currently or Previously Experiencing Depression
Authors: Siegel Jason T. , Keeler Amanda
Published: October 2020

The current study explored depression, help‐seeking, and academic struggles among graduate students. Focus groups were conducted with graduate students who self‐reported currently or previously experiencing depression. Mental health, help‐seeking, and campus mental health culture were discussed. Participants described the emergence or reemergence of mental health challenges. Although some reported feeling comfortable discussing depression with friends, participants noted minimal institutional openness about mental health, being expected to be mentally and physically exhausted, and fear of stigmatization.
Historicity in Advocating Student‐Within‐Environment: Being a Socially Just School Counselor
Authors: Roche Ryan , Hutchison Brian , Lemberger‐Truelove Matthew E.
Published: October 2020

This article examines the advocating student‐within‐environment (ASE) approach to school counseling through the concept of historicity. Acknowledging and assessing how historicity influences students' views of their environment and school system can provide the ASE school counselor a deeper understanding of students' perceptual reality and a point of entry in the therapeutic relationship.
Using Gestalt Techniques to Promote Meaning Making in Trauma Survivors
Authors: Copley Laura , Carney Jolynn
Published: October 2020

Researchers traditionally focus on harmful effects of traumatic events without examining potential transformative outcomes. We highlight posttraumatic growth (PTG) as an outcome, aligning with a humanistic approach that embodies a strength‐based perspective and nurturing of human capacity. We propose a trauma‐informed framework using gestalt techniques to promote correctional experiences and meaning making found in PTG.
Differences in rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot kinematics of normal foot and flatfoot during running
Authors: Takabayashi Tomoya , Edama Mutsuaki , Inai Takuma , Kubo Masayoshi
Published: October 2020

Flatfoot is a common foot deformity, which could contribute to running injuries such as medial tibial stress syndrome. Intrafoot kinematics of flatfoot during walking have often been documented using multisegment foot models. However, the intrafoot kinematics of flatfoot during running remains unclear, despite the possible relationship between flatfoot and running injuries. We aimed to clarify rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot kinematics when running in participants with normal foot and flatfoot. Participants with the normal foot (n = 14) and flatfoot (n = 14) were asked to runover‐ground at their preferred speed. Three‐dimensional kinematics of the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot during running were calculated based on the Rizzoli foot model. A two‐sample t‐test of statistical parametric mapping was performed to determine differences between normal foot and flatfoot in time histories of intrafoot kinematics during running. No differences were found between groups in characteristics and spatiotemporal parameters. In the frontal rearfoot angle, a significantly increased eversion from 24% to 100% (p < .001) was observed in the flatfoot compared to the normal foot. At the midfoot angle, a significantly increased eversion from 0% to 4% (p < .049) and 21% to 100% (p < .001) was observed in the flatfoot compared to the normal foot. At the forefoot angle, a significantly increased inversion from 6% to 17% (p < .047) was observed in the flatfoot compared to the normal foot. These findings may be useful to explain why flatfoot could contribute to running injuries such as medial tibial stress syndrome.
Autophagy‐activated nucleus pulposus cells deliver exosomal miR‐27a to prevent extracellular matrix degradation by targeting MMP‐13
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Chen , Hu Shun‐Qi , Hu An‐Nan , Zhang Tai‐Wei , Jiang Li‐Bo , Li Xi‐Lei
Published: October 2020

Although autophagy may be beneficial for maintaining the metabolic balance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and its vitality under inflammation, the underlying mechanism still remains unclear. A previous study found that autophagy activation stimulated the release of exosomes in normal chondrocytes, which are located in a similar avascular environment and share many common features with those of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). This study explored the protective effect on matrix degradation in the NP by exosomes derived from autophagy‐activated NPCs and exosomal microRNAs. NPCs‐derived exosomes (NPCs‐Exos) were isolated from culture medium of either normal NPCs or rapamycin‐treated NPCs and quantified by nanoparticle tracking analysis. The effect of rapamycin‐treated NPC‐derived exosomes on NPCs were assessed by coculture with interleukin 1β (IL‐1β)‐stimulated NPCs. After examination of six major proteinases of the ECM, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) was chosen for further study. miR‐27a, which targets MMP‐13, was investigated through previous studies and bioinformatics tool. The levels of miR‐27a were upregulated in both rapamycin‐treated NPCs and their exosomes, compared to the control. When exosomal miR‐27a was transferred into NPCs, it alleviated IL‐1β‐induced degradation of the NPC ECM by targeting MMP‐13. Autophagy activation may promote the release of NPCs‐derived exosomes and thereby prevent the NPC matrix from degradation. Autophagy activation also alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), at least partly via exosomal miR‐27a, which restrains MMP‐13 expression under IL‐1β stimulation. Our work elucidates a new mechanism for how autophagy may participate in preventing IDD, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy.
Perioperative Immunonutrition in Elderly Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Impact on Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Gonçalves Thiago José Martins , Gonçalves Sandra Elisa Adami Batista , Nava Natássia , Jorge Valeria Conceição , Okawa Andrea Massone , Rocha Vanessa Azevedo , Forato Luciana Carolina Henrique , Furuya Vicky Akemi Onizuca , Martins Sandra Salvador , Oksman Daniel
Published: October 2020

Background

Arthroplasties in elderly patients are surgeries performed to ensure their quality of life. Perioperative care with specific nutrients can improve nutrition status and metabolic response to orthopedic surgeries, such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

Retrospective study with elderly patients divided into 2 groups: control and immunonutrition. The immunonutrition group was instructed to start oral intake of the nutrition supplement 5 days before and to resume it 5 days after arthroplasty (200 mL, 3 times per day). The following were analyzed as primary and secondary outcomes: length of stay (LOS), infectious and noninfectious complications, need for intensive care unit (ICU), transfusion requirement, and C‐reactive protein.

Results

A total of 3015 elderly patients met the inclusion criteria: control group (n = 1398) and immunonutrition group (n = 1617). Overall, 81.2% were women and mean age was 72.6 ± 6.9 years. Immunonutrition group had a shorter LOS in hours (32.0 ± 19.4 vs 56.0 ± 26.4; P < .001) and lower rates of infectious complications (2.2% vs 4.6%; P < .001). Noninfectious complications and need for ICU also had lower rates in the immunonutrition group. In the logistic regression analysis, immunonutrition reduced the chance of infectious complications by 55% (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; 95% CI, 0.30–0.68; P < .001) even after adjusting for variables (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28–0.71; P < .001).

Conclusion

Perioperative immunonutrition in elderly patients undergoing THA or TKA may shorten postoperative LOS and reduce infectious and noninfectious complications and transfusion requirement.
Prevalence of Malnutrition and 1‐Year All‐Cause Mortality in Institutionalized Elderly Patients Comparing Different Combinations of the GLIM Criteria
Authors: Sanz‐Paris Alejandro , González Fernández Mikel , Perez‐Nogueras Javier , Serrano‐Oliver Antonio , Torres‐Anoro Elena , Sanz‐Arque Alejandro , Arbones‐Mainar Jose M.
Published: October 2020

Background

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) provided a new approach for the diagnosis of malnutrition based on a number of phenotypic and etiologic criteria. However, different diagnostic criteria could potentially lead to heterogeneity in the diagnosis. We identified different subsets of criteria to define malnutrition in a cohort of elder nursing‐home residents and investigated their clinical utility in terms of 1‐year survival.

Methods

Our study included all residents (n = 485) from 3 nursing homes. We proposed 12 GLIM models based on different phenotypic and etiologic criteria. The main outcome was 1‐year all‐cause mortality. We also assessed the sensitivity and specificity for different phenotypic criteria using time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and cutoff values were calculated.

Results

During 1 year of follow‐ups, 94 deaths occurred. The prevalence of malnutrition was 13.5% for models based on reduced food intake (RFI) and 10.45% for models based on inflammation associated with acute disease (IAD). Unadjusted Cox regression analyses showed that malnutrition was associated with a 2.31‐ to 4.64‐fold increase in mortality when diagnosed using IAD‐dependent models or with a 1.37‐ to 1.78‐fold increase in mortality using RFI‐dependent models. Cutoffs associated with mortality for the phenotypic criteria were lower than those recommended in the GLIM criteria.

Conclusion

This study describes the association of several variations of the GLIM model with 1‐year mortality in nursing‐home residents. However, our data suggest a high heterogeneity to fulfill the GLIM criteria and the necessity of finding specific, tailored cutoff points for the studied populations.