bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First case series of Polish patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis and systematic review of cases from the 21st century
Authors: Badura‐Stronka Magdalena , Hirschfeld Adam Sebastian , Winczewska‐Wiktor Anna , Budzyńska Edyta , Jakubiuk‐Tomaszuk Anna , Piontek Anita , Steinborn Barbara , Kozubski Wojciech
Published: October 2021

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by recessive variants in the cytochrome P450 CYP27A1 gene. CTX is said to manifest with childhood‐onset chronic diarrhea and the classic triad of juvenile‐onset cataracts, Achilles tendons xanthomas, and progressive ataxia. It is currently one of the few inherited neurometabolic disorders amenable to a specific treatment. The diagnosis may be significantly delayed resulting in permanent neurological impairment. A retrospective review of the clinical characteristics and diagnostic findings in case series of six Polish patients with CTX. Additional retrospective review of symptoms and pathogenic variants of 568 CTX available cases and case series from the past 20 years. To the best of our knowledge, this is the widest review of CTX cases reported in years 2000–2021. We report the largest cohort of Polish patients ever published, with the identification of two hot‐spot mutations. During the review of available 568 cases, we found significant differences in the clinical phenotypes and the localization of variants within the gene between Asian and non‐Asian populations. These findings may facilitate molecular testing in the Polish and Asian populations. Invariably better screening for CTX and wider awareness is needed.
An efficient clinical support system for heart disease prediction using TANFIS classifier
Authors: Sekar Jayachitra , Aruchamy Prasanth , Sulaima Lebbe Abdul Haleem , Mohammed Amin Salih , Khamuruddeen Shaik
Published: October 2021

In today's world, the advancement of telediagnostic equipment plays an essential role to monitor heart disease. The earlier diagnosis of heart disease proliferates the compatibility of treatment of patients and predominantly provides an expeditious diagnostic recommendation from clinical experts. However, the feature extraction is a major challenge for heart disease prediction where the high dimensional data increases the learning time for existing machine learning classifiers. In this article, a novel efficient Internet of Things‐based tuned adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (TANFIS) classifier has been proposed for accurate prediction of heart disease. Here, the tuning parameters of the proposed TANFIS are optimized through Laplace Gaussian mutation‐based moth flame optimization and grasshopper optimization algorithm. The simulation scenario can be carried out using11 different datasets from the UCI repository. The proposed method obtains an accuracy of 99.76% for heart disease prediction and it has been improved upto 5.4% as compared with existing algorithms.
Fisioterapia em crianças com paralisia cerebral no Brasil: uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Furtado Michelle A S , Ayupe Kênnea M A , Christovão Isabella S , Sousa Júnior Ricardo R , Rosenbaum Peter , Camargos Ana C R , Leite Hércules R
Published: October 2021

Objetivo

Identificar e avaliar os estudos publicados sobre fisioterapia em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros com paralisia cerebral (PC), usando o modelo da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF).

Método

Artigos em inglês e português publicados até outubro de 2020, sem restrição de data, foram pesquisados em diferentes bases bibliográficas. Foram extraídos dados sobre as características do estudo, métricas do periódico, características da amostra, domínios da CIF explorados a partir dos componentes e desfechos das intervenções. Para caracterizar as evidências, os estudos foram classificados de acordo com os níveis de evidência do Centro de Medicina Baseada em Evidência de Oxford.

Resultados

Noventa e quatro estudos foram incluídos. Crianças com PC espástica e com menores limitações nas habilidades motoras grossas foram as mais reportadas; 67% dos estudos apresentaram baixos níveis de evidência e foram publicados em periódicos sem fator de impacto. As três intervenções mais frequentes foram o conceito neuroevolutivo Bobath/terapia do neurodesenvolvimento, a terapia com vestes e a estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua. Os componentes das intervenções exploraram estruturas e funções do corpo (73,4%), atividade (59,6%) e ambiente (2,1%). Entretanto não exploraram a participação (0%). Os desfechos investigados abordaram atividade (79,8%), estruturas e funções do corpo (67,0%), participação (1%) e ambiente (0%).

Interpretação

Os estudos de intervenções fisioterapêuticas para crianças e adolescentes brasileiros com PC, apresentam maior foco em minimizar deficiências em estruturas e funções do corpo e limitações de atividades. São necessários mais estudos, com melhor nível de evidência e foco ampliado para a participação e os fatores ambientais.
A test of adaptive divergence in a newly discovered host association of the soapberry bugJadera haematolomaon Mexican buckeye,Ungnadia speciosa
Authors: Comerford Mattheau S. , Carroll Scott P. , Egan Scott P.
Published: October 2021

Host races represent an important step in the speciation process of phytophagous insects as they reflect the maintenance of genetically divergent host‐associated populations in the face of appreciable gene flow. The red‐shouldered soapberry bug,Jadera haematoloma(Herrich‐Schäffer) (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae), is an oligophagous seed predator with a history of host race evolution on plant associations in the (soapberry) family Sapindaceae. Soapberry bugs are a model group for understanding rapid ecological adaptation to their hosts, and hence good candidates for investigating evolutionary divergence in host associations over short timescales. Here, we describe the recent discovery of Mexican buckeye,Ungnadia speciosaEndl., as a host ofJ. haematolomain a region of the Chihuahuan desert including west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, USA. This host differs fromJ. haematoloma’s previously recorded hosts in the Sapindaceae in seed chemistry, ecology, and phylogeny. The tendency toward rapid, host‐associated adaptations by populations ofJ. haematolomaand the unique biology of the newly discoveredUngnadiahost create the opportunity for potential host race formation, as it overlaps geographically with two previously recorded host plants in this region – the native western soapberry tree,Sapindus saponariavar.drummondii(Hook & Arn.), and the non‐native goldenrain tree,Koelreuteria paniculataLaxm. We explore the possibility of host race formation onUngnadia‐associated insects by testing for host‐associated differentiation in morphology and feeding behaviors. We find evidence of differentiation in the length of the mouth parts, which is an ecologically relevant feeding trait between host plant species with larger or smaller seed capsules. This divergence is maintained in the face of potential gene flow by reproductive isolation in the form of habitat isolation, which we detect in host preference trials. Together, our results demonstrate that soapberry bugs associated with this newly discovered host exhibit morphological and behavioral traits consistent with host race formation, but additional work is required to confirm its state along the speciation continuum.
Genomic and environmental influences on resilience in a cold‐water fish near the edge of its range
Authors: Ackiss Amanda S. , Magee Madeline R. , Sass Greg G. , Turnquist Keith , McIntyre Peter B. , Larson Wesley A.
Published: October 2021

Small, isolated populations present a challenge for conservation. The dueling effects of selection and drift in a limited pool of genetic diversity make the responses of small populations to environmental perturbations erratic and difficult to predict. This is particularly true at the edge of a species range, where populations often persist at the limits of their environmental tolerances. Populations of cisco, Coregonus artedi, in inland lakes have experienced numerous extirpations along the southern edge of their range in recent decades, which are thought to result from environmental degradation and loss of cold, well‐oxygenated habitat as lakes warm. Yet, cisco extirpations do not show a clear latitudinal pattern, suggesting that local environmental factors and potentially local adaptation may influence resilience. Here, we used genomic tools to investigate the nature of this pattern of resilience. We used restriction site‐associated DNA capture (Rapture) sequencing to survey genomic diversity and differentiation in southern inland lake cisco populations and compared the frequency of deleterious mutations that potentially influence fitness across lakes. We also examined haplotype diversity in a region of the major histocompatibility complex involved in stress and immune system response. We correlated these metrics to spatial and environmental factors including latitude, lake size, and measures of oxythermal habitat and found significant relationships between genetic metrics and broad and local factors. High levels of genetic differentiation among populations were punctuated by a phylogeographic break and residual patterns of isolation‐by‐distance. Although the prevalence of deleterious mutations and inbreeding coefficients was significantly correlated with latitude, neutral and non‐neutral genetic diversity were most strongly correlated with lake surface area. Notably, differences among lakes in the availability of estimated oxythermal habitat left no clear population genomic signature. Our results shed light on the complex dynamics influencing these isolated populations and provide valuable information for their conservation.
Structural characterization of the thermal unfolding pathway of human VEGFR1 D2 domain
Authors: Diana Donatella , Di Stasi Rossella , García‐Viñuales Sara , De Rosa Lucia , Isernia Carla , Malgieri Gaetano , Milardi Danilo , D’Andrea Luca D. , Fattorusso Roberto
Published: October 2021

Folding stability is a crucial feature of protein evolution and is essential for protein functions. Thus, the comprehension of protein folding mechanisms represents an important complement to protein structure and function, crucial to determine the structural basis of protein misfolding. In this context, thermal unfolding studies represent a useful tool to get a molecular description of the conformational transitions governing the folding/unfolding equilibrium of a given protein. Here, we report the thermal folding/unfolding pathway of VEGFR1D2, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily by means of a high‐resolution thermodynamic approach that combines differential scanning calorimetry with atomic‐level unfolding monitored by NMR. We show how VEGFR1D2 folding is driven by an oxidatively induced disulfide pairing: the key event in the achievement of its functional structure is the formation of a small hydrophobic core that surrounds a disulfide bridge. Such a ‘folding nucleus’ induces the cooperative transition to the properly folded conformation supporting the hypothesis that a disulfide bond can act as a folding nucleus that eases the folding process.
Ecological succession and fine sediment accretion influence local patch dynamics of a pioneer riparian species (Typha minimaHoppe)
Authors: Popoff Nadège , Jaunatre Renaud , Le Bouteiller Caroline , Trinquier Margot , Paillet Yoan , Evette André
Published: October 2021

Changes in environmental variables induced by ecological succession and hydrogeomorphological processes affects riparian vegetation dynamics along rivers. The biotic and abiotic factors driving local patch dynamics of riparian species is little known for early successional stages.

To fill this gap, we examined local patch dynamics and frequency of occurrence of a protected riparian pioneer species (Typha minimaHoppe) and related it to several biotic and abiotic variables along the Isère River (France) from 2016 to 2019.

We monitored biotic and abiotic factors related to ecological succession and sediment accretion. We implemented Linear Mixed and Generalized Mixed Models to analyze how environmental factors affected patch boundary dynamics ofT. minima. Finally, we built a Structural Equation Model to describe potential relationships betweenT. minimafrequency, height above mean water level, vegetation cover and composition.

We found that a thick layer of silt and sand deposits as well as a moderate herbaceous and low shrub cover layer characterizedT. minimapatch progression close to the mean water level.Typha minimastands did not seem to expand on coarser substrates with lower herbaceous cover. Its maintenance was associated with large silt and sand deposits and high cover of herbaceous plants and shrubs well above the mean water level. The variables characterizing patch regression were not clearly identified. Finally, the interaction between bar height, vegetation cover and succession stage did not explain variations inT. minimafrequency.

Our results provide knowledge about the environmental variables associated withT. minimapatch dynamics, which are useful for future conservation and restoration projects. Habitat rejuvenation through restoration of natural river flow regimes could sustain localT. minimatransplantation and large population turnover essential to the conservation of this species.
Warming and elevated CO2 promote rapid incorporation and degradation of plant‐derived organic matter in an ombrotrophic peatland
Authors: Ofiti Nicholas O. E. , Solly Emily F. , Hanson Paul J. , Malhotra Avni , Wiesenberg Guido L. B. , Schmidt Michael W. I.
Published: October 2021

Rising temperatures have the potential to directly affect carbon cycling in peatlands by enhancing organic matter (OM) decomposition, contributing to the release of CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere. In turn, increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration may stimulate photosynthesis, potentially increasing plant litter inputs belowground and transferring carbon from the atmosphere into terrestrial ecosystems. Key questions remain about the magnitude and rate of these interacting and opposing environmental change drivers. Here, we assess the incorporation and degradation of plant‐ and microbe‐derived OM in an ombrotrophic peatland after 4 years of whole‐ecosystem warming (+0, +2.25, +4.5, +6.75 and +9°C) and two years of elevated CO2 manipulation (500 ppm above ambient). We show that OM molecular composition was substantially altered in the aerobic acrotelm, highlighting the sensitivity of acrotelm carbon to rising temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentration. While warming accelerated OM decomposition under ambient CO2, new carbon incorporation into peat increased in warming × elevated CO2 treatments for both plant‐ and microbe‐derived OM. Using the isotopic signature of the applied CO2 enrichment as a label for recently photosynthesized OM, our data demonstrate that new plant inputs have been rapidly incorporated into peat carbon. Our results suggest that under current hydrological conditions, rising temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels will likely offset each other in boreal peatlands.
Long‐term monitoring indicates shifting fall migration timing in monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus)
Authors: Culbertson Katherine A. , Garland Mark S. , Walton Richard K. , Zemaitis Louise , Pocius Victoria M.
Published: October 2021

Eastern North American monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus)embark on a yearly migration between summer breeding grounds in the northern United States and southern Canada and overwintering sites in central Mexico, traveling up to 4300 km. This annual multi‐generational migration cycle, like many seasonal natural phenomena, may be impacted by recent changes in climate and habitat. We investigated long‐term trends in monarch abundance and fall migration timing over a 29‐year period in Cape May, New Jersey, using data collected from daily population surveys designed to track patterns of occurrence during the fall migration period through Cape May (1 Sept–31 Oct). Between 1992 and 2020, the migration midpoint, average peak migration day and first peak migration day shifted between 16 and 19 days later in the season, an average of approximately six days per decade. This observed shift in migration timing is correlated with increasing temperatures in September and October in northeastern monarch breeding grounds over the study period. Our data do not demonstrate a significant directional trend in monarch abundance over the study period, yet population data collected at overwintering sites in Mexico indicate a substantial decline over the same period. Further postponement of fall migration may lead to lower migration success and exacerbate the overall decline of this iconic species.
Community pharmacists' knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health care in Asir region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almaghaslah Dalia , Almanasef Mona , Vasudevan Rajalakshimi , Kandasamy Geetha , Venkatesan Krishnaraju , Batool Sadia , Alqadi Khawlah Awad , Alshehri Rana Dhafer , Alasmari Sumiah awdhah
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To assess community pharmacists' knowledge, attitude and practice towards oral health care in Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was carried out using a self‐administered structured questionnaire, targeting 254 community pharmacies across the Asir region. The questionnaire consisted of four domains: demographics, knowledge, attitudes and practice related to oral health care. Statistical analysis was performed using Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.

Results

Of the 254 pharmacists, 202 respondents completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 79.5%. Almost two‐thirds (66%) of the community pharmacists exhibited good knowledge, 65% possessed a positive attitude, and 55% perceived a good practice towards oral health care. Pharmacists have shown a good understanding on dental care (p < 0.001) and oral conditions. Fifty‐five per cent (n = 119) of pharmacists preferred to have dental‐based subjects in Pharmacy curriculum.

Conclusion

Community Pharmacists possess overall good knowledge and attitude required for the provision of dental care counselling patients. They may participate in oral health development programmes to make a better practice.
Non‐oxide CMC fabricated by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Authors: Abel Johannes , Kunz Willy , Michaelis Alexander , Singh Mrityunjay , Klemm Hagen
Published: October 2021

The present study introduces an approach to additively manufacture non‐oxidic Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) by the Material Extrusion (MEX)‐based Fused Filament Fabrication. Therefore, highly SiC particle filled thermoplastic filaments were developed containing short fibers and/or long fibers to maintain shape during the thermal treatment and exhibiting flaw tolerant behavior. Polymer Infiltration and Pyrolysis (PIP) was applied to densify the microstructure. It is shown that a low content of long fibers of about 5 % can already exhibit damage tolerance comparable to steel reinforced concrete. Thus, the mechanical behavior is different to conventional fiber composites with significant higher fiber volume content. Nevertheless, these results enable new opportunities for producing advanced complex CMC components by means of Additive Manufacturing (AM).
Controllable preparation of microtips array on (100) crystal plane of single‐crystal lanthanum hexaboride ceramic
Authors: Zhou Ning , Zhang Xin , Zhang Wei , Liu Hongliang , Li Yuancheng , Liu Yanqin , Guo Fangtong , Lu Qingmei
Published: October 2021

Single‐crystal lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) is a functional ceramic with a low work function, strong resistance to ion bombardment, reasonable conductivity, and low evaporation rate. This study explored the use of a femtosecond laser combined with electrochemical etching to prepare a microtips array on the (100) crystal plane of a single‐crystal LaB6 ceramic. The ablation threshold of single‐crystal LaB6, processed using a femtosecond laser, was studied in addition to the microstructure and field emission properties of the sample. The study results proved that selecting a peak laser fluence F0 of 9.9 J/cm2 could help avoid the thermal ablation of the microtips array. The phase, crystal structure, and elemental composition of the microtips array on the single‐crystal LaB6 were unchanged. The prepared microtips array of a field emitter had a curvature radius, height, and minimum spacing of 0.4, 8, and 20 μm, respectively. The field emission test results showed that the starting electric field strength and field‐emission current density were 2.45 V/μm and 2.07 A/cm2, respectively, when the applied electric field strength was 5.2 V/μm. In addition, the field enhancement factor was 1493, indicating an excellent field emission stability.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities and synergism with florfenicol from the essential oils of Lippia sidoides and Cymbopogon citratus against Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Felix e Silva Altiery , Pires Isabelle C. , da Costa Mateus M. , Melo José F. B. , Lorenzo Vitor P. , de Melo Fúlvio V. S. T. , Copatti Carlos E.
Published: October 2021

Aims

Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunistic bacterium, with a high capacity for biofilm production, which can cause severe damage in aquaculture. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical compounds of the essential oils of Lippia sidoides (EOLS) and Cymbopogon citratus (EOCC), and to evaluate the biocidal, antibiofilm and synergistic action with the antimicrobial florfenicol of these essential oils (EOs) against A. hydrophila.

Methods and Results

The antibacterial activity of EOLS and EOCC was verified by the minimum bactericidal concentration and by the action of these EOs against both forming and consolidated biofilms. The synergistic activity of EOs with florfenicol was performed using the checkerboard technique. The main component of EOLS and EOCC was carvacrol (44.50%) and α-citral (73.56%), respectively. Both EOs showed weak inhibitory activity (≥3125.00 µg ml−1). Two bacterial isolates were able to produce biofilm, and EOLS and EOCC acted upon the bacterial isolates to prevent biofilm formation. A bactericidal effect was verified for EOLS in the previously consolidated biofilm for both isolates and for EOCC in only one of the isolates. In general, EOLS had a synergistic effect with florfenicol, while EOCF had an additive effect.

Conclusions

Both EOs were able to interfere with biofilm formation and did not have an antagonistic effect in combination with florfenicol. The best results were found for EOLS, which showed a synergistic effect with florfenicol and the ability to interfere in the formation of consolidated biofilm.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study highlights the potential of EOLS and EOCC to interfere in biofilm and act in synergy with florfenicol to reduce the occurrence of A. hydrophila. Development of these compounds may contribute to the development of herbal medicines in aquaculture.
Functional fermented meat products with probiotics—A review
Authors: Munekata Paulo E. S. , Pateiro Mirian , Tomasevic Igor , Domínguez Rubén , da Silva Barretto Andrea C. , Santos Eva M. , Lorenzo José M.
Published: October 2021

Fermentation has been an important strategy in the preservation of foods. The use of starter cultures with probiotic activity has gained the attention of researchers to produce functional fermented meat products. This review aims to overview the main strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of fermented meat products with probiotics. Fermented meat products can be considered as a relevant matrix for the delivery of probiotics with potential health benefits. Moreover, fermented meat products produced by traditional methods are sources of probiotics that can be explored in the production of functional meat products. However, some barriers are limit the progression with these products: the complex selection process to obtain new and tailored probiotic strains, the current perception of healthiness associated with meat and meat products, and the limited application of probiotic to fermented sausages. Promising opportunities to improve the value of functional fermented meat products have been developed by exploring new meat products as functional fermented foods, improving the protection of probiotics with microencapsulation and improving the quality of meat product (reducing nitrate and nitrate salts, adding dietary fibre, and exploring the inherent antioxidant and cardioprotective activity of meat products). Attention to potential threats is also indicated such as the unclear future changes in meat and meat products consumption due to changes in consumer preferences and the presence of competitors (dairy, fruit and vegetable-based products, for instance) in more advanced stages of development and commercialization.

Significance and Impact of Study

This review provides an overview of the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats related to the development of functional fermented meat products with probiotics. Internal and external factors that explain the current scenario and strategies to advance the production are highlighted.
Systematic proteomics analysis of lysine acetylation reveals critical features of placental proteins in pregnant women with preeclampsia
Authors: Shangguan Yu , Wang Yinglan , Shi Wei , Guo Ruonan , Zeng Zhipeng , Hu Wenlong , Cai Wanxia , Yan Qiang , Xu Yong , Tang Donge , Dai Yong
Published: October 2021

Preeclampsia (PE) is a dangerous hypertensive disorder that occurs during pregnancy. The specific aetiology and pathogenesis of PE have yet to be clarified. To better reveal the specific pathogenesis of PE, we characterized the proteome and acetyl proteome (acetylome) profile of placental tissue from PE and normal‐term pregnancy by label‐free quantification proteomics technology and PRM analysis. In this research, 373 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified by proteome analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of DEPs related to angiogenesis and the immune system. COL12A1, C4BPA and F13A1 may be potential biomarkers for PE diagnosis and new therapeutic targets. Additionally, 700 Kac sites were identified on 585 differentially acetylated proteins (DAPs) by acetylome analyses. These DAPs may participate in the occurrence and development of PE by affecting the complement and coagulation cascades pathway, which may have important implications for better understand the pathogenesis of PE. In conclusion, this study systematically analysed the reveals critical features of placental proteins in pregnant women with PE, providing a resource for exploring the contribution of lysine acetylation modification to PE.
Overexpression of methyltransferase‐like 3 and 14 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Shuangjiang , Makeudom Anupong , Sun Xingwang , Li Xiabin , Xu Duo , Sastraruji Thanapat , Lumbikananda Narong , Buranaphatthana Worakanya , Krisanaprakornkit Suttichai
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to determine expressions of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) and METTL14, two enzymes essential for mRNA methylation at the adenosine (m6A), in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to investigate in vitro aggressiveness of their aberrant expressions.

Methods

METTL3 and METTL14 expressions in 50 OSCC and 11 normal oral tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. METTL3 and METTL14 expressions and m6A amounts were determined in three OSCC cell lines, including HN5, HN6, and HN15. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were studied by BrdU, wound healing, and Transwell chamber assays, after silencing of METTL3, METTL14, or both by siRNA transfection.

Results

Immunostaining of METTL3 and METTL14 was localized in cancer cell nuclei. The mean percentages of METTL3‐ and METTL14‐positive cells were significantly increased in OSCC tissues (p < 0.001). The percentages of METTL3‐ and METTL14‐positive cells were correlated with the advanced pTNM stages (p < 0.05) and with the degrees of histopathological differentiation in OSCC (r = 0.564 and r = 0.316, respectively; p < 0.001). By the COX multivariate analysis, both overexpressed METTL3 and METTL14 were significantly associated with short overall survival (p < 0.05). Both METTL3 and METTL14 expressions and the m6A amounts were significantly increased in HN6 (p < 0.05). Silencing of METTL3 and METTL14 in HN6 significantly inhibited cell proliferation (p < 0.01), but it failed to mitigate cell migration or invasion.

Conclusions

METTL3 and METTL14 are overexpressed in OSCC tissues and in the HN6 OSCC cell line that promotes cell proliferation. Overexpressed METTL3 or METTL14 is found to be an independent prognostic factor for short overall survival in patients with OSCC.
Weekly and seasonal variation in the circadian melatonin rhythm in humans: A response
Authors: Zerbini Giulia , Merrow Martha , Winnebeck Eva C
Published: October 2021

We read with interest the commentary by Skeldon and Dijk about our article “Weekly, seasonal and chronotype‐dependent variation of dim light melatonin onset.” The discussion points raised by Skeldon and Dijk are currently among the most hotly debated in human circadian science. What external factors determine human phase of entrainment? How great is the contribution of natural versus artificial light and sun time versus social time? Our intra‐individual data add to the still limited evidence from field studies in this matter. In their commentary, Skeldon and Dijk formulate two either‐or hypotheses, postulating that humans entrain either solely to the natural light‐dark cycle (sun time referenced by midday) (H1) or solely to the light selected by local clock time and social constraints (H2). Neither hypothesis accounts for the effect of season on human light exposure. We interpreted our findings along more complex lines, speculating that the 1‐h earlier melatonin rise in summer found in our sample is likely the combined result of daylight saving time (DST)‐induced behavioral advances and a stronger natural zeitgeber in summer (light exposure determined by social and seasonal factors, Horiginal). Here, we show how the criticism by Skeldon and Dijk is based on two sentences quoted out of context (misrepresenting our hypothesis as H1) and that their hypothesis H2 leaves out important seasonal components in light exposure.
The process by which mothers of children with special healthcare needs evolve their connections with the community
Authors: Kikuhara Mio , Hirakami Kumiko , Tamasaki Akiko , Maegaki Yoshihiro , Hanaki Keiichi
Published: October 2021

Mothers of children with special healthcare needs often face many extra difficulties, such as being isolated in the community. This study, conducted in the San'in region of Japan between December 2017 and February 2019, aimed to clarify how the mothers established and adapted their connections within their communities through a qualitative descriptive design study. Participants were 12 mothers caring for children with special healthcare needs. Verbatim data on adapting to life after hospital discharge was collected through interviews and analyzed by the modified grounded theory approach. The data generated 14 concepts, which were grouped into four categories, as follows: Difficulties in life that arise from caring for children in social isolation; gaining an objective view of the current situation and future of caring for children with special healthcare needs; collaboration based on the understanding of relationships with others; and feeling fulfilled in life. These describe four phases that the mothers went through which are similar to each stage of the transition theory. Providing support via a collaborative partnership may be effective for mothers experiencing anxiety during the transition stages.
Effectiveness of high dose spinal cord stimulation for non‐surgical intractable lumbar radiculopathy ‐ HIDENS Study
Authors: Mehta Vivek , Poply Kavita , Ahmad Alia , Lascelles Joanne , Elyas Amin , Sharma Sanskriti , Ganeshan Balaji , Ellamushi Habib , Nikolic Serge
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is being increasingly used in non‐surgical intractable low back pain. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of high‐dose (HD) SCS utilizing sub‐perception stimulation with higher frequency and pulse width in non‐surgical predominant low‐back pain population at 12 months.

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 patients were recruited (280 screened between March 2017 and July 2018) to undergo percutaneous fluoroscopic‐guided SCS (Medtronic 8 contact standard leads and RestoreR IPG), with T8 and T9 midline anatomical parallel placement. Sixteen patients completed 12 months follow‐up (500 Hz frequency, 500 μs pulse width, and 25% pulse density). Differences in patients’ clinical outcome (NRS back, NRS leg, ODI, PGIC, and PSQ) and medication usage (MQS) at 1, 3, and 12 months from the baseline were assessed using non‐parametric Wilcoxon paired test.

Results

The mean NRS scores for back pain (baseline 7.53) improved significantly at 1, 3, and 12 months; 2.78 (p < 0.001), 4.45 (p = 0.002), and 3.85 (p = 0.002), respectively. The mean NRS score for leg pain (baseline 6.09) improved significantly at 1 and 3 months; 1.86 (p < 0.001) and 3.13 (p = 0.010), respectively. Mean NRS for leg pain at 12 months was 3.85 (p = 0.057). ODI and sleep demonstrated significant improvement as there was consistent improvement in medication particularly opioid usage (MQS) at 12 months.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that anatomical placement of leads with sub‐perception HD stimulation could provide effective pain relief in patients who are not candidates for spinal surgery.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*03:425 allele by two next‐generation sequencing methods
Authors: Walencik Alexandre , Calvo De Olmos Orane , Bonneville Francoise , Blanchet Gaelle , Cesbron‐Gautier Anne
Published: October 2021

The novel HLA‐A*03:425 allele was characterized using two next‐generation sequencing technologies.
Investigation of Stress State During Cement Hardening and Its Effect on Failure of Cement Sheath in Shale Gas Wells
Authors: Zhao Chaojie , Jin Yanxin , Li Jun , Zaman Musharraf , Wang Xue , Miao Yanan
Published: October 2021

Consideration of initial stress state after cement hardening provides a vital basis for the prediction of cement failure, which has been overlooked in previously published methodologies partly due to the difficulties in examining this problem rationally. In the present study, the hoop stress at casing-cement interface during cement hardening is investigated experimentally based on the full-scale casing-cement sheath-formation system (CCFS) facility, which is equipped with the real-time stress-strain measurement capability. The hoop stress at casing-cement interface during cement hardening drops sharply, rather than equating with the initial annulus pressure of cement slurry. It presents a higher drawdown under higher annulus pressure and thinner casing, and a lower drawdown under elastic cement slurry and thicker cement sheath. Furthermore, an analytical model taking the effect of cement hardening into account is developed to predict the integrity of cement sheath. Reliability of the model is verified by comparison with field observations. Excellent agreements are observed. The results illustrate that the tensile cracks are likely to occur at the inner cement (inner surface of cement sheath) by the effect of cement hardening, since the hoop stress at inner cement during cement hardening drops greatly and even becomes tensile. A detailed sensitivity analysis illustrates that an elastic cement slurry with a lower elastic modulus works more effectively, which can resolve the sustained casing pressure (SCP) problem in shale gas wells.
Mechanical and Microstructural Performance Evaluation of Diffusion Bonded Alloy 800H for Very High Temperature Nuclear Service
Authors: Mahajan Heramb P. , Lima Lucas M. A. , Hassan Tasnim
Published: October 2021

Very high temperature reactors (VHTRs) are planned to be operated between 550 and 950∘C and demand a thermally efficient intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) in the heat transport system (HTS). The current technological development of compact heat exchangers (CHXs) for VHTRs is at the “proof of concept” level. A significant development in the CHX technologies is essential for the VHTRs to be efficient, cost-effective, and safe. CHXs have very high thermal efficiency and compactness, making them a prime candidate for IHXs in VHTRs. Photochemically etched plates with the desired channel pattern are stacked and diffusion bonded to fabricate CHXs. All plates are compressed at an elevated temperature over a specified period in the diffusion bonding process, promoting atomic diffusion and grain growth across bond surfaces resulting in a monolithic block. The diffusion bonding process changes the base metal properties, which are unknown for Alloy 800H, a candidate alloy for CHX construction. Hence, developing mechanical response data and understanding failure mechanisms of diffusion bonded Alloy 800H at elevated temperatures is a key step for advancing the technology of IHXs in VHTRs. The ultimate goal of this study is to develop ASME BPVC Section III, Division 5 design rules for CHXs in nuclear service. Toward this goal, mechanical performance and microstructures of diffusion bonded Alloy 800H are investigated through a series of tensile, fatigue, creep, and creep-fatigue tests at temperatures 550 to 760∘C. The test results, failure mechanisms, and microstructures of diffusion bonded Alloy 800H are scrutinized and presented.
Designing Multishape Dual-Gas Initial Conditions for the Study of Hydrodynamic Instabilities
Authors: Rasteiro dos Santos Marta , Bury Yannick , Jamme Stéphane
Published: October 2021

The flow resulting from the rotation of a series of thin plates that initially separate two gases of different densities is analyzed using direct numerical simulations (DNSs). The 90-deg plates' rotation forms a vorticity shear layer and a density interface in between the tips of two neighboring plates. Results of this study show that the shape of these layers strongly depends on the plate's tip-based Reynolds number that can be varied thanks to a parametrization of the plates' opening law. Different regimes are identified corresponding to single- or multimode initial interfaces, with or without the occurrence of starting vortices during the formation of the shear layer. The density interfaces resulting from this procedure are particularly well-suited to serve as initial conditions for the study of the Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) instability-induced mixing. Results of this study also provide a description of vortex formation in stratified flows.
Impact of HBsAg and HBcrAg levels on phenotype and function of HBV-specific T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Aliabadi Elmira , Urbanek-Quaing Melanie , Maasoumy Benjamin , Bremer Birgit , Grasshoff Martin , Li Yang , Niehaus Christian E , Wedemeyer Heiner , Kraft Anke R M , Cornberg Markus
Published: October 2021

Objective

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cells are main effector cells in the control of HBV infection and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is suggested to be a critical factor in the impaired immune response, a hallmark of chronic HBV infection. In addition to HBsAg, other viral markers such as hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) are available, but their potential association with HBV-specific immune responses is not defined yet, which will be important if these markers are used for patient stratification for novel therapies aimed at functional HBV cure.

Design

We analysed T cell responses in 92 patients with hepatitis B e antigen negative chronic HBV infection with different HBsAg and HBcrAg levels. Overlapping peptides were used for in vitro response analyses (n=57), and HBV core18-specific and polymerase (pol)455-specific CD8+T cells were assessed in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02 patients (n=35). In addition, in vitro responsiveness to anti-programmed cell death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) was investigated.

Results

HBV-specific T cell responses were not affected by HBsAg levels, but rather by age and CD4+T cell responses were highest in patients with low HBcrAg levels. The phenotypes and functionality of HBV core18-specific and pol455-specific CD8+T cells differed, but HBsAg and HBcrAg levels did not affect their profiles. Blocking with anti-PD-L1 could restore HBV-specific T cells, but the effect was significantly higher in T cells isolated from patients with low HBsAg and in particular low HBcrAg.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that age and HBcrAg rather than HBsAg, are associated with HBV-specific T cell responses. Finally, very low antigen levels indicated by HBsAg and in particular HBcrAg may influence T cell response to checkpoint inhibition.
AHORA: a Spanish language tool to identify acute stroke symptoms
Authors: Banerjee Paul , Koumans Helene , Weech Madison Danielle , Wilson Maricela , Rivera-Morales Mark , Ganti Latha
Published: October 2021

Objective

To develop a Spanish language tool for acute stroke identification.

Methods

A Spanish language translation of the Balance-Eyes-Face-Arm-Speech-Time tool was developed within our emergency medical services agency.

Results

The authors present a new prehospital stroke tool, Andar, Hablar, Ojos, Rostro and Ambos Brazos o Piernas (AHORA) (which means now in Spanish) to help combat the language barrier and reinforce the necessity to call 9-1-1 as soon as any stroke symptoms are noted.

Conclusion

AHORA is a Spanish language tool that aims to help Spanish-speaking individuals to identify an acute stroke and obtain prompt help.
Cost-effectiveness of direct discharge from the emergency department of patients with simple stable injuries in the Netherlands
Authors: Geerdink Thijs H , Geerdink Niek J , van Dongen Johanna M , Haverlag Robert , Goslings J Carel , van Veen Ruben N
Published: October 2021

Background

Approximately one-third of musculoskeletal injuries are simple stable injuries (SSIs). Direct discharge (DD) from the emergency department (ED) of patients with SSIs reduces healthcare utilization, without compromising patient outcome and experience, when compared with “traditional” care with routine follow-up. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of DD compared with traditional care from a societal perspective.

Methods

Societal costs, including healthcare, work absenteeism, and travel costs, were calculated for patients with an SSI, 6 months before (pre-DD cohort) and after implementation of DD (DD cohort). The pre-DD cohort was treated according to local protocols. The DD cohort was treated using orthoses, discharge leaflet, smartphone application, and telephone helpline, without scheduling routine follow-up. Effect measures included generic health-related quality of life (HR-QoL; EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire); disease-specific HR-QoL (functional outcome, different validated questionnaires, converted to 0–100 scale); treatment satisfaction (Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 1–10); and pain (VAS, 1–10). All data were assessed using a 3-month postinjury survey and electronic patient records. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated and uncertainty was assessed using bootstrapping techniques.

Results

Before DD, 144 of 348 participants completed the survey versus 153 of 371 patients thereafter. There were no statistically significant differences between the pre-DD cohort and the DD cohort for generic HR-QoL (0.03; 95% CI −0.01 to 0.08), disease-specific HR-QoL (4.4; 95% CI −1.1 to 9.9), pain (0.08; 95% CI −0.37 to 0.52) and treatment satisfaction (−0.16; 95% CI −0.53 to 0.21). Total societal costs were lowest in the DD cohort (−€822; 95% CI −€1719 to −€67), including healthcare costs (−€168; 95% CI −€205 to −€131) and absenteeism costs (−€645; 95% CI −€1535 to €100). The probability of DD being cost-effective was 0.98 at a willingness-to-pay of €0 for all effect measures, remaining high with increasing willingness-to-pay for generic HR-QoL, disease-specific HR-QoL, and pain, and decreasing with increasing willingness-to-pay for treatment satisfaction.

Discussion

DD from the ED of patients with SSI seems cost-effective from a societal perspective. Future studies should test generalizability in other healthcare systems and strengthen findings in larger injury-specific cohorts.

Level of evidence

II.
External aerodynamic investigation over Ahmed body for optimal topology selection between upper and under bodywork using ANN approach
Authors: Talele Virendra , Karambali Nitish , Savekar Akshay , Khatod Sarthak , Pawar Sachin
Published: October 2021

Aerodynamic improvements primarily result in decreased fuel usage and carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Numerous governments support ongoing aerodynamics development initiatives as a means of addressing the energy problem and reducing air pollution, Ahmed body investigation helps research to investigate versatile approaches and flexibility of design. This study is carried over a generic design of Ahmed body model. We attempted a passive arrangement system to reduce drag coefficient with a correlation of cases such as in primary objective varying parameter of slant angle from 20∘ to 30∘ proposed to monitor the behavior of drag coefficient. Once we finalized the optimum slant angle, which gives a lower drag coefficient, the next proposed configuration is to vary passive arrangement between lower and upper blend length to see the deflection of the boundary layer in correlation with the drag coefficient. The final topology is selected, which gives the lowest drag coefficient. The post-process correlation study was proposed by using an artificial neural network (ANN) scheme. The ANN model is developed between an achieved set of data from CFD investigation, ANN model indicates a strong correlation between the varying percentage of blend angle and increment percentage of the drag coefficient.
The ground states and the first radially excited states of D-wave vector ρ and ϕ mesons
Authors: Yu Guo-Liang , Wang Zhi-Gang , Wang Xiu-Wu , Wang Hui-Juan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we first derive two QCD sum rules QCDSR I and QCDSR II which are, respectively, used to extract observable quantities of the ground states and the first radially excited states of the D-wave vector [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons. In our calculations, we consider the contributions of vacuum condensates up to dimension-7 in the operator product expansion. The predicted masses for [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] meson and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] meson are consistent well with the experimental data of [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]), respectively. Besides, our analysis indicates that it is reliable to assign the recent reported [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]) state as the [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] meson. Finally, we obtain the decay constants of these states with QCDSR I and QCDSR II. These predictions are helpful not only to reveal the structure of the newly observed [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]) state, but also to establish [Formula: see text] meson and [Formula: see text] meson families.