bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The landscape of extrapulmonary manifestations of human parainfluenza viruses: A systematic narrative review
Authors: Farahmand Mohammad , Shatizadeh Malekshahi Somayeh , Jabbari Mohammad Reza , Shayestehpour Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) infection is associated with every kind of respiratory tract illnesses, including the common cold, laryngotracheobronchitis (i.e. croup), tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, in both children and adults. Although HPIVs are common respiratory pathogens, there are increasing reports about extrapulmonary manifestations of HPIVs infection. Each of the HPIVs could produce infection of other organs (central nervous system, heart, myocardium, etc.) in all age groups who are either immunocompetent or immunocompromised. This review aimed at summarizing the available data on clinical manifestations of HPIV infection outside the respiratory tract from 1961 to 2020. The findings support the possibility of extrapulmonary infections that were thought to be due to rare host genetic or immunologic defects in infected patients. These findings highlight the fact that extrapulmonary dissemination of HPIV can occur, but the association is not clearly demonstrated. Our data support the hypothesis that HPIV infection is one of the possible causes of these alterations and may even be the direct cause in some cases.
Interferon III‐related IL28RA variant is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus and specific disease sub‐phenotypes
Authors: Drehmer Manuela Nunes , Castro Gabriel Vaisam , Pereira Ivanio Alves , de Souza Ilíada Rainha , Löfgren Sara Emelie
Published: December 2020

Background

The interferon pathways have been commonly implicated in autoimmune disease development but the identity of the genes involved has not yet been fully clarified. Variation in genes involved in interferon pathways is expected to have a role in the etiology of these diseases.

Methods

The potential association of a polymorphism in the IL28RA gene, involved in these pathways, with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and disease‐related phenotypes was investigated in 603 Brazilian individuals (354 well‐characterized SLE and RA patients, and 249 controls). IL28RA (rs4649203) variant was genotyped by TaqMan assay. Statistical analysis was performed including both diseases and a comprehensive list of patient clinical manifestations.

Results

The rs4649203‐G (minor) allele was associated with SLE and RA occurrence and was shown to be a risk factor for serositis and anemia among SLE patients as well as a protective factor for rheumatoid vasculitis and rheumatoid nodules in RA patients, suggesting an association with a milder form of the disease.

Conclusions

The IL28RA gene may contribute to SLE and RA susceptibility and to specific clinical manifestations of the diseases.
Phase II open‐label multicenter study to assess the antitumor activity of afatinib in lung cancer patients with activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutation from circulating tumor DNA: Liquid‐Lung‐A
Authors: Park Cheol‐Kyu , Lee Sung‐Yong , Lee Jae Cheol , Choi Chang‐Min , Lee Shin Yup , Jang Tae‐Won , Oh In‐Jae , Kim Young‐Chul
Published: December 2020

Background

Mutation analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is used for diagnosing lung cancer. This trial aimed to assess the efficacy of afatinib in treatment‐naïve patients with lung cancer harboring epidermal growth factor receptor mutations (EGFRm, exon 19 deletions or exon 21 point mutations) detected based on ctDNA.

Methods

The primary objective was the objective response rate (ORR) in the response evaluable (RE) population. EGFRm analysis of ctDNA was performed using PANA Mutype. Of the 331 patients screened, ctDNA was positive in 21% (68/331) in the detection of activating EGFRm. Among 81 subjects with tumor EGFRm, 48 showed matched EGFRm in their ctDNA (59% sensitivity).

Results

Therapy with afatinib 40 mg was initiated in 21 (female, 17; adenocarcinoma, 20) patients (intention‐to‐treat, ITT); dose modifications were made in 15 (71%). The ORR was 74% in the RE population (14/19); 11 patients showed EGFRm only in ctDNA (Group A), whereas 10 exhibited the same EGFRm in their ctDNA and tumor DNA (Group B). There was no significant difference in ORR between Groups A and B (80% and 67% RE, respectively). Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 12.0 months, and no significant difference was observed according to the final afatinib dose, type of EGFRm, and Group A versus B. After progression, T790M mutation was found in 40% (6/15) of patients, and osimertinib was used as a second‐line treatment.

Conclusions

Afatinib showed similar ORR and PFS in patients with lung cancer harboring EGFRm in their ctDNA regardless of tumor EGFRm results.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Afatinib showed favorable ORR and PFS regardless of the tumor EGFR mutation status results, similar to the findings of previous trials assessing afatinib as first‐line treatment of EGFR‐mutated non‐small cell lung cancer based on tumor genotyping.

What this study adds

Our findings emphasize that the survival benefit of afatinib treatment can be achieved not only by appropriate dose reduction with frequent and detailed monitoring of toxicities, but also by using noninvasive (ctDNA) assays in a real‐world setting.
Re‐Assessing Elite‐Public Gaps in Political Behavior
Authors: Kertzer Joshua D.
Published: December 2020

Political scientists often criticize psychological approaches to the study of politics on the grounds that many psychological theories were developed on convenience samples of college students or members of the mass public, whereas many of the most important decisions in politics are made by elites, who are presumed to differ systematically from ordinary citizens. This paper proposes an overarching framework for thinking about differences between elites and masses, presenting the results of a meta‐analysis of 162 paired treatments from paired experiments on political elites and mass publics, as well as an analysis of 12 waves of historical elite and mass public opinion data on foreign policy issues over a 43 year period. It finds political scientists both overstate the magnitude of elite‐public gaps in decision‐making, and misunderstand the determinants of elite‐public gaps in political attitudes, many of which are due to basic compositional differences rather than to elites' domain‐specific expertise.
Mitochondrial quality surveillance as a therapeutic target in myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhu Hang , Toan Sam , Mui David , Zhou Hao
Published: December 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As mitochondrial dysfunction critically contributes to the pathogenesis of MI, intensive research is focused on the development of therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis. Mitochondria possess a quality control system which maintains and restores their structure and function by regulating mitochondrial fission, fusion, biogenesis, degradation and death. In response to slight damage such as transient hypoxia or mild oxidative stress, mitochondrial metabolism shifts from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, in order to reduce oxygen consumption and maintain ATP output. Mitochondrial dynamics are also activated to modify mitochondrial shape and structure, in order to meet cardiomyocyte energy requirements through augmenting or reducing mitochondrial mass. When damaged mitochondria cannot be repaired, poorly structured mitochondria will be degraded through mitophagy, a process which is often accompanied by mitochondrial biogenesis. Once the insult is severe enough to induce lethal damage in the mitochondria and the cell, mitochondrial death pathway activation is an inevitable consequence, and the cardiomyocyte apoptosis or necrosis program will be initiated to remove damaged cells. Mitochondrial quality surveillance is a hierarchical system preserving mitochondrial function and defending cardiomyocytes against stress. A failure of this system has been regarded as one of the potential pathologies underlying MI. In this review, we discuss the recent findings focusing on the role of mitochondrial quality surveillance in MI, and highlight the available therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial quality surveillance during MI.
Mesangial cells regulate the single nephron GFR and preserve the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier: An intravital multiphoton microscopy study
Authors: Ziegler Vera , Fremter Katharina , Helmchen Julia , Witzgall Ralph , Castrop Hayo
Published: December 2020

Aim

The intraglomerular mesangial cells are located between the glomerular capillaries. Here we hypothesized that mesangial cells regulate the single nephron glomerular filtration rate (snGFR) and that mesangial cells support the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier.

Methods

We assessed the function of mesangial cells in vivo by multiphoton microscopy. Mesangial cells were depleted in Munich Wistar Froemter rats using the Thy1.1 antibody model.

Results

The Thy1.1 antibody caused the cell‐specific loss of 82 ± 3% of mesangial cells. After mesangial cell depletion, the baseline snGFR was reduced to 12.0 ± 1.2 vs 32.4 ± 3.2 nL/min in controls. In control rats, the snGFR decreased after angiotensin II infusion by 61 ± 3% (P = .004), whereas it remained unchanged in Thy1.1‐treated rats. The changes in the snGFR after angiotensin II infusion in control rats were accompanied by the marked rotation of the capillary loops within Bowman's space. This phenomenon was absent in anti‐Thy1.1‐treated rats. The glomerular sieving coefficient (GSCA) for albumin, used as a measure of the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier, was low in control rats (0.00061 ± 0.00004) and increased after angiotensin II infusion (0.00121 ± 0.00015). In Thy1.1‐treated rats, the GSC was elevated (0.0032 ± 0.00059) and did not change in response to angiotensin II. Electron microscopy revealed the increased thickness of the glomerular basement membrane after mesangial cell depletion.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that mesangial cells actively contribute to the regulation of the snGFR. Furthermore, mesangial cells are crucially involved in maintaining the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier, in part by modulating the thickness of the glomerular basement membrane.
Factors associated with the preventive healthcare service use among older adults in Korea: Focusing on age variation
Authors: Park Jane , Kahng Sang Kyoung
Published: December 2020

The importance of preventive health examinations for older adults has been well emphasized due to an increase in chronic diseases associated with age. In this study, we estimated the preventive health examination participation rate and its associated factors among the elderly with specific focuses on the moderating effects between age and socioeconomic status. We used data drawn from the first to sixth waves (4164 people) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging for the elderly aged 65 and over. A generalized linear model was used to address research questions. The results showed that the participation rate decreased as older adults age. The interaction between age and education was also significant, indicating that older adults with higher education were more likely to use a preventive health examination compared to those with lower education. There were no significant interaction effects between income and age. Based on the findings, implications for theory and practice were discussed with specific focuses on age‐specific approaches in preventive healthcare services for older adults.
Rural resilience: The role of birth centers in the United States
Authors: Jolles Diana , Stapleton Susan , Wright Jennifer , Alliman Jill , Bauer Kate , Townsend Carla , Hoehn‐Velasco Lauren
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To explore the role of the birth center model of care in rural health and maternity care delivery in the United States.

Methods

All childbearing families enrolled in care at an American Association of Birth Centers Perinatal Data RegistryTM user sites between 2012 and 2020 are included in this descriptive analysis.

Findings

Between 2012 and 2020, 88 574 childbearing families enrolled in care with 82 American Association of Birth Centers Perinatal Data RegistryTM user sites. Quality outcomes exceeded national benchmarks across all geographic regions in both rural and urban settings. A stable and predictable rate of transfer to a higher level of care was demonstrated across geographic regions, with over half of the population remaining appropriate for birth center level of care throughout the perinatal episode of care. Controlling for socio demographic and medical risk factors, outcomes were as favorable for clients in rural areas compared with urban and suburban communities.

Conclusions

Rural populations cared for within the birth center model of care experienced high‐quality outcomes.

Health Policy Implications

A major focus of the United States maternity care reform should be the expansion of access to birth center models of care, especially in underserved areas such as rural communities.
The hallmarks of myotonic dystrophy type 1 muscle dysfunction
Authors: Ozimski Lauren L. , Sabater‐Arcis Maria , Bargiela Ariadna , Artero Ruben
Published: December 2020

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most prevalent form of muscular dystrophy in adults and yet there are currently no treatment options. Although this disease causes multisystemic symptoms, it is mainly characterised by myopathy or diseased muscles, which includes muscle weakness, atrophy, and myotonia, severely affecting the lives of patients worldwide. On a molecular level, DM1 is caused by an expansion of CTG repeats in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the DM1 Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene which become pathogenic when transcribed into RNA forming ribonuclear foci comprised of auto complementary CUG hairpin structures that can bind proteins. This leads to the sequestration of the muscleblind‐like (MBNL) family of proteins, depleting them, and the abnormal stabilisation of CUGBP Elav‐like family member 1 (CELF1), enhancing it. Traditionally, DM1 research has focused on this RNA toxicity and how it alters MBNL and CELF1 functions as key splicing regulators. However, other proteins are affected by the toxic DMPK RNA and there is strong evidence that supports various signalling cascades playing an important role in DM1 pathogenesis. Specifically, the impairment of protein kinase B (AKT) signalling in DM1 increases autophagy, apoptosis, and ubiquitin–proteasome activity, which may also be affected in DM1 by AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) downregulation. AKT also regulates CELF1 directly, by affecting its subcellular localisation, and indirectly as it inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), which stabilises the repressive form of CELF1 in DM1. Another kinase that contributes to CELF1 mis‐regulation, in this case by hyperphosphorylation, is protein kinase C (PKC). Additionally, it has been demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor‐inducible 14 (Fn14) is induced in DM1 and is associated with downstream signalling through the nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathways, associating inflammation with this disease. Furthermore, MBNL1 and CELF1 play a role in cytoplasmic processes involved in DM1 myopathy, altering proteostasis and sarcomere structure. Finally, there are many other elements that could contribute to the muscular phenotype in DM1 such as alterations to satellite cells, non‐coding RNA metabolism, calcium dysregulation, and repeat‐associated non‐ATG (RAN) translation. This review aims to organise the currently dispersed knowledge on the different pathways affected in DM1 and discusses the unexplored connections that could potentially help in providing new therapeutic targets in DM1 research.
Admission avoidance in tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess: A prospective national audit during the initial peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors:   INTEGRATE (The UK ENT Trainee Research Network)
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To report changes in practice brought about by COVID‐19 and the implementation of new guidelines for the management of tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess (PTA), and to explore factors relating to unscheduled re‐presentations for patients discharged from the emergency department (ED).

Design

Prospective multicentre national audit over 12 weeks from 6 April 2020.

Setting

UK secondary care ENT departments.

Participants

Adult patients with acute tonsillitis or PTA.

Main outcome measures

Re‐presentation within 10 days for patients discharged from the ED.

Results

83 centres submitted 765 tonsillitis and 416 PTA cases. 54.4% (n = 410) of tonsillitis and 45.3% (187/413) of PTAs were discharged from ED. 9.6% (39/408) of tonsillitis and 10.3% (19/184) of PTA discharges re‐presented within 10 days, compared to 9.7% (33/341) and 10.6% (24/224) for those admitted from ED. The subsequent admission rate of those initially discharged from ED was 4.7% for tonsillitis and 3.3% for PTAs.

IV steroids and antibiotics increased the percentage of patients able to swallow from 35.8% to 72.5% for tonsillitis (n = 270/754 and 441/608) and from 22.3% to 71.0% for PTA (n = 92/413 and 265/373).

77.2% of PTAs underwent drainage (n = 319/413), with no significant difference in re‐presentations in those drained vs not‐drained (10.6% vs 9.5%, n = 15/142 vs 4/42, P = .846).

Univariable logistic regression showed no significant predictors of re‐presentation within 10 days.

Conclusions

Management of tonsillitis and PTA changed during the initial peak of the pandemic, shifting towards outpatient care. Some patients who may previously have been admitted to hospital may be safely discharged from the ED.
Illegal fisheries, environmental crime, and the conservation of marine resources
Authors: Aceves‐Bueno Eréndira , Read Andrew J. , Cisneros‐Mata Miguel A.
Published: December 2020

The illegal harvest of marine species within exclusive economic zones can have a strong impact on the function of local ecosystems and livelihoods of coastal communities. The complexity of these problems is often overlooked in the development of solutions, leading to ineffective and sometimes harmful social and environmental outcomes. One‐dimensional, oversimplified perspectives can lead to conservation prescriptions that exacerbate social stressors. This is particularly critical in the case of international illegal trade of endangered, high‐value species, which generate a value chain in which artisanal fishers are the first operational and often the weakest link of an intricate web. We examined 2 illegal fisheries, totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) and sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotusandHolothuria floridana), in Mexico. Although these are 2 separate and independent fisheries, important ecological (resource condition, fishery impacts at the ecosystem level) and social (governance, markets) similarities improve understanding of their complexity. Our findings are relevant globally and show the need for interdisciplinary decision‐making groups, community engagement, and the development of demand reduction measures.
Development of pluripotent stem cell‐based human tenocytes
Authors: Nakajima Taiki , Ikeya Makoto
Published: December 2020

Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are used as a platform for therapeutic purposes such as cell transplantation therapy and drug discovery. Another motivation for studying PSCs is to understand human embryogenesis and development. All cell types that make up the body tissues develop through defined trajectories during embryogenesis. For example, paraxial mesoderm is considered to differentiate into several cell types including skeletal muscle cells, chondrocytes, osteocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and tenocytes. Tenocytes are fibroblast cells that constitute the tendon. The step‐wise narrowing fate decisions of paraxial mesoderm in the embryo have been modeled in vitro using PSCs; however, deriving tenocytes from human‐induced PSCs and their application in cell therapy have long been challenging. PSC‐derived tenocytes can be used for a source of cell transplantation to treat a damaged or ruptured tendon due to injury, disorder, or aging. In this review, we discuss the latest research findings on the use of PSCs for studying the biology of tenocyte development and their application in therapeutic settings.
Association of weight loss and weight loss maintenance following diabetes diagnosis by screening and incidence of cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality: An observational analysis of the ADDITION‐Europe trial
Authors: Strelitz Jean , Sharp Stephen J. , Khunti Kamlesh , Vos Rimke C. , Rutten Guy E. H. M. , Webb David R. , Witte Daniel R. , Sandbæk Annelli , Wareham Nicholas J. , Griffin Simon J.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Short‐term weight loss may lead to remission of type 2 diabetes but the effect of maintained weight loss on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unknown. We quantified the associations between changes in weight 5 years following a diagnosis of diabetes, and incident CVD events and mortality up to 10 years after diagnosis.

Materials and methods

Observational analysis of the ADDITION‐Europe trial of 2730 adults with screen‐detected type 2 diabetes from the UK, Denmark and the Netherlands. We defined weight change based on the maintenance at 5 years of weight loss achieved during the year after diabetes diagnosis, and as 5‐year overall change in weight. Incident CVD events (n = 229) and all‐cause mortality (n = 225) from 5 to 10 years follow‐up were ascertained from medical records.

Results

Gaining >2% weight during the year after diabetes diagnosis was associated with higher hazard of all‐cause mortality versus maintaining weight [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.18 (1.30‐7.82)]. Losing ≥5% weight 1 year after diagnosis was also associated with mortality, whether or not weight loss was maintained at 5 years: 2.47 (0.99‐6.21) and 2.72 (1.17‐6.30), respectively. Losing ≥10% weight over 5 years was associated with mortality among those with body mass index <30 kg/m2 [4.62 (1.87‐11.42)]. Associations with CVD incidence were inconclusive.

Conclusions

Both weight loss and weight gain after screen‐detected diabetes diagnosis were associated with higher mortality, but not CVD events, particularly among participants without obesity. The clinical implications of weight loss following a diagnosis of diabetes probably depend on its magnitude and timing, and may differ by body mass index status. Personalization of weight loss advice and support may be warranted.
The effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors on kidney outcomes
Authors: O'Hara Daniel V. , Parkhill Thomas R. , Badve Sunil V. , Jun Min , Jardine Meg J. , Perkovic Vlado
Published: December 2020

Aims

To summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors on kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for RCTs comparing DPP‐4 inhibitors with a placebo, active comparator or standard care, with at least 500 person‐years follow‐up in patients with T2DM and with reporting of kidney outcomes. Treatment effects were summarized using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

Ten trials including 47 955 patients (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 71 mL/min/1.73m2, mean follow‐up 10 762 patient‐years per trial) were eligible for inclusion. DPP‐4 inhibitors were compared with placebo (five trials), active comparator (three trials), and standard care (two trials). Overall, treatment with DPP‐4 inhibitors was associated with a greater decline in eGFR than treatment with the comparators (weighted mean difference −1.12 mL/min/1.73m2, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.61, −0.62; high‐certainty evidence). There were no detectable effects of DPP‐4 inhibitors on rates of doubling serum creatinine (risk ratio [RR] 1.10, 95% CI 0.90, 1.34; high‐certainty evidence), end‐stage kidney disease (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.77, 1.23; high‐certainty evidence), death from kidney causes (RR 1.81, 95% CI 0.67, 4.93; low‐certainty evidence), or all‐cause mortality (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95, 1.09; high‐certainty evidence). DPP‐4 inhibitors significantly reduced the risks of the surrogate kidney outcome of new albuminuria (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.8, 0.98; moderate‐certainty evidence) and worsening albuminuria (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82, 0.94; moderate‐certainty evidence). There was no difference in the safety outcome of acute kidney injury (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.57, 1.87; high‐certainty evidence).

Conclusions

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors are associated with a greater decline in eGFR, despite reducing the development and progression of albuminuria, and have no clear effect on other key kidney outcomes.
Cardiac hemangioma in a difficult anatomical location presented with ventricular tachycardia. A rare case report
Authors: Topel Çağdaş , Sevinç Samet , Onan Burak , Yıldız Mustafa , Güler Gamze Babur
Published: December 2020

Cardiac hemangioma is a benign and rare primary tumor of the heart. Though it has benign histopathological features, its complications can be life‐threatening. We report a young adult male without any prior structural heart disease or medical history who presented with ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Echocardiography revealed an echogenic mass located intramurally in the left lateral ventricle and its distinctive characteristics were revealed with further imaging modalities. Though simple complete removal of the mass is the preferred treatment, its firm texture and thinned encircling myocardium prevented the total excision. In this case report, we discussed cardiac hemangioma, its potential complications and treatment options.
Tooth autotransplantation using an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation in a young patient: Case report with 7‐year follow‐up
Authors: Velozo Christianne , Nogueira Luiz Ricardo , Nogueira Filho Luiz Ricardo , Capistrano Anderson , de Albuquerque Diana Santana
Published: December 2020

This case report demonstrates the possibility of functional and aesthetic rehabilitation using an interdisciplinary approach in a child following avulsion of a tooth. Autotransplantation after the development of calcific metamorphosis of the pulp and acute apical periodontitis provided satisfactory repair after root canal treatment. A 7‐year‐old white boy avulsed the right maxillary central incisor (tooth 11). The extra‐alveolar time exceeded 60 minutes, and this triggered external replacement resorption of the avulsed tooth. At 11 years of age, the child underwent tooth autotransplantation. After 4 years of follow‐up, intraoral clinical and radiographic examination led to the diagnosis of calcific metamorphosis of the pulp and acute apical periodontitis. The patient had minimally invasive root canal treatment, orthodontic treatment and esthetic rehabilitation with a porcelain crown. Control periapical radiography and tomography of the autotransplanted tooth after 7 years revealed bone repair in the periapical region. This case report indicates that tooth autotransplantation can be used to replace anterior teeth after avulsion followed by replacement resorption. Interdisciplinary management helped to maintain the esthetics and function of the rehabilitated area.
Verification of a cohesive model‐based extended finite element method for ductile crack propagation
Authors: Li Huan , Li Lei , Fan Jiangkun , Yue Zhufeng
Published: December 2020

In this study, an approach utilizing a conjunction of the extended finite element method (XFEM) and the Gurson‐Tvergaard‐Needleman (GTN) micromechanical damage model is proposed for predicting the ductile crack propagation of a mill‐annealed Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy. The cohesive model‐based XFEM approach is used to capture the continuous crack propagation process, and the GTN model is applied to describe the constitutive behaviour of the material. Simulations are conducted by using the standard finite element code ABAQUS following a Newton–Raphson algorithm solution with employing the user material subroutine of the GTN model. In comparison with the experimentalresults of the smooth, notched and cracked titanium specimens, this approach is shown to be an efficient method for simulating the ductile crack propagation process under different stress triaxialities.
The Cartagena Refugee Definition and Venezuelan Displacement in Latin America1
Authors: Freier Luisa Feline , Berganza Isabel , Blouin Cécile
Published: December 2020

The displacement of Venezuelan citizens represents an important test for Latin American refugee policies. In mid‐2020, over 5 million people in need of international protection had left Venezuela, and there have been repeated calls for their recognition as refugees. Although fifteen countries in Latin America have included the refugee definition of the Cartagena Declaration into their domestic laws, only Mexico and Brazil have applied this definition to Venezuelan citizens. After a brief discussion of the history and scope of the Cartagena Declaration refugee definition and its incorporation into domestic legislation across Latin America, in this article, we provide a systematic legal analysis of its applicability to Venezuelan displacement. We conclude with policy recommendations and suggestions for further research.
Adsorption behaviors and mechanism of heavy metals onto attapulgite functionalized by polyamine silane
Authors: Xue Ailian , Zou Xiuyang , Zhou Shouyong , Li Meisheng , Zhu Liwen , Zhao Yijiang , Xing Weihong , Chen Chenglung
Published: December 2020

Pollution from heavy‐metal ions has become a major challenge to the global fight against environmental pollution. Given the availability of various low‐cost and environmentally friendly adsorbents, adsorption has become the most efficient technology for the removal of heavy metals from water. In this study, attapulgite (ATP) was directly functionalized by coupling with an aminosilane agent. Analysis showed this maneuver provided a suitable adsorbent for the removal of lead ion (Pb2+) from an aqueous solution. The effects of several parameters including solution pH, contacting time, adsorbent dosage, and initial Pb2+ ion concentration were investigated. Batch sorption results showed that the adsorption process was rapid and over 98% of Pb2+ was removed within 30 min at the optimal pH 4.0. The maximum adsorption capacity at 25°C, calculated by the Langmuir isotherm, was 82.17, 78.80, 61.13, and 28.56 mg/g for γ‐divinyltriaminepropyl‐methyldimethoxylsilane‐grafted attapulgite (KH‐103‐ATP), γ‐aminopropyl‐methyldiethoxysilane‐grafted attapulgite (KH‐912‐ATP), N‐(β‐aminoethyl‐γ‐aminopropyl)‐methyl‐dimethoxysilane‐grafted attapulgite (KH‐602‐ATP), and ATP, respectively. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations of adsorption behaviors of heavy‐metal ions at attapulgite surfaces (010) modified by aminosilane agents were carried out. Both the PMF value and diffusion coefficient of metal ions suggest that KH‐103‐ATP owns the highest rate constant and capacity compared with the other two. And the analysis of free energy and results of XPS characterization revealed that Pb2+ formed covalent bonds with the nitrogen atom of aminosilane agents.
The effect of oral nutritional supplement on muscle fitness of patients undergoing dialysis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Yue , Wang Yu‐jie , Lu Qian
Published: December 2020

Aim

To summarize evidence regarding the effects of oral nutritional supplement on muscle fitness of patients undergoing dialysis.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Review sources

Five English databases (CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, and Web of Science) and four Chinese databases (CNKI, WanFang, SinoMed, and VIP) were searched from inception to 31 July 2019 and only randomized controlled trials were included.

Review methods

Two reviewers independently searched these databases, selected trials, conducted bias assessment, extracted the data. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the effect size. The predetermined subgroup included type of oral nutritional supplement (a mixture of macronutrients, whey protein, essential amino‐acids, and other nutrients) and intervention duration (over and less than 48 weeks). The subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore source of heterogeneity and robustness of results.

Results

Sixteen studies (910 participants) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and included in this systematic review. Subgroup analysis showed that supplying a mixture of macronutrients (MD [MD] = 2.36 kg, 95% CI [0.45, 4.26], I2 = 0.00%), an intervention duration of 48 weeks (MD = 4.05 kg, 95% CI [1.43, 6.67], I2 = 0.00%) had some effects on increasing lean body mass. No effects of oral nutritional supplement were found on improving muscle strength or physical performance.

Conclusion

A mixture of macronutrients and an intervention duration as long as 48 weeks had some significant effects on improving lean body mass of patients undergoing dialysis. No effect of oral nutritional supplement on muscle strength or physical performance were found but with limited evidence.

Impact

No existing reviews have ever focused on improving muscle fitness of patients undergoing dialysis. This systematic review and meta‐analysis provided evidence of oral nutritional supplement on keeping muscle fitness of these patients and suggested possible type of oral nutritional supplement and intervention duration for clinical practice.
Distinguishing between dispersal and vicariance: A novel approach using anti‐tropical taxa across the fish Tree of Life
Authors: Ludt William B. , Myers Corinne E.
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aim

Anti‐tropical taxa are species split by the tropics into disjunct northern and southern populations. These distributions occur throughout the Tree of Life, but the mechanisms proposed to drive this pattern are debated and generally fit into two categories: dispersal and vicariance. Here, we quantitatively test the prevalence of dispersal and vicariance as plausible drivers of anti‐tropical marine distributions using intraspecific anti‐tropical marine fishes as a model system.

Location

Primarily Indo‐Pacific.

Taxon

Marine fishes.

Methods

To test between dispersal and vicariance in latitudinally disjunct marine fishes, we used an ecological niche modelling framework to predict the spatio‐temporal suitability of tropical habitats during contemporary and glacial time periods. Three different model configurations were used per species to test: (a) presence of contemporary tropical suitable habitat for northern populations, (b) the same for southern populations and (c) presence of tropical suitable habitat during the last glacial maximum for the entire species. These models were examined in an evolutionary context to determine if there was any phylogenetic signal in biogeographic predictions. Additionally, we tested if life history traits could account for biogeographic predictions.

Results

Our analyses resulted in 87 strongly supported models for 29 anti‐tropical fishes across the fish Tree of Life (northern population model, southern population model, and full species model for each taxon). Model projections consistently matched predictions of vicariance in 13 fishes and 10 fishes matched predictions of dispersal regardless of thresholding approach. We failed to find any phylogenetic signal for anti‐tropicality in general, or for dispersal and vicariant species specifically. Furthermore, dispersal and vicariant tendencies were not found to be correlated with life history traits.

Main conclusions

These data quantitatively support both dispersal and vicariance as active mechanisms driving disjunct distributions in marine systems and suggest that they occur stochastically across the fish Tree of Life. This novel approach for examining dispersal and vicariance hypotheses supports the species‐specific nature of biogeographic mechanisms structuring distributions, and that a “one‐size‐fits‐all” prediction for current and future species’ responses to environmental change is unlikely to be informative.
miR‐15a‐5p and miR‐21‐5p contribute to chemoresistance in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia by targeting PDCD4, ARL2 and BTG2
Authors: Vandewalle Virginie , Essaghir Ahmed , Bollaert Emeline , Lenglez Sandrine , Graux Carlos , Schoemans Hélène , Saussoy Pascale , Michaux Lucienne , Valk Peter J. M. , Demoulin Jean‐Baptiste , Havelange Violaine
Published: December 2020

Cytarabine and daunorubicin are old drugs commonly used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Refractory or relapsed disease because of chemotherapy resistance is a major issue. microRNAs (miRNAs) were incriminated in resistance. This study aimed to identify miRNAs involved in chemoresistance in AML patients and to define their target genes. We focused on cytogenetically normal AML patients with wild‐type NPM1 without FLT3‐ITD as the treatment of this subset of patients with intermediate‐risk cytogenetics is not well established. We analysed baseline AML samples by small RNA sequencing and compared the profile of chemoresistant to chemosensitive AML patients. Among the miRNAs significantly overexpressed in chemoresistant patients, we revealed miR‐15a‐5p and miR‐21‐5p as miRNAs with a major role in chemoresistance in AML. We showed that miR‐15a‐5p and miR‐21‐5p overexpression decreased apoptosis induced by cytarabine and/or daunorubicin. PDCD4, ARL2 and BTG2 genes were found to be targeted by miR‐15a‐5p, as well as PDCD4 and BTG2 by miR‐21‐5p. Inhibition experiments of the three target genes reproduced the functional effect of both miRNAs on chemosensitivity. Our study demonstrates that miR‐15a‐5p and miR‐21‐5p are overexpressed in a subgroup of chemoresistant AML patients. Both miRNAs induce chemoresistance by targeting three pro‐apoptotic genes PDCD4, ARL2 and BTG2.
Encapsulation of Anguillicola crassus reduces the abundance of adult parasite stages in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Bracamonte Seraina E. , Knopf Klaus , Monaghan Michael T.
Published: December 2020

Encapsulation of the parasitic nematode Anguillicola crassus Kuwahara, Niimi & Hagaki is commonly observed in its native host, the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica Temminck & Schlegel). Encapsulation has also been described in a novel host, the European eel (A. anguilla L.), and there is evidence that encapsulation frequency has increased since the introduction of A. crassus. We examined whether encapsulation of A. crassus provides an advantage to its novel host in Lake Müggelsee, NE Germany. We provide the first evidence that encapsulation was associated with reduced abundance of adult A. crassus. This pattern was consistent in samples taken 3 months apart. There was no influence of infection on the expression of the two metabolic genes studied, but the number of capsules was negatively correlated with the expression of two mhc II genes of the adaptive immune response, suggesting a reduced activation. Interestingly, eels that encapsulated A. crassus had higher abundances of two native parasites compared with non‐encapsulating eels. We propose that the response of A. anguilla to infection by A. crassus may interfere with its reaction to other co‐occurring parasites.
High resolution three‐dimensional imaging and measurement of lung, heart, liver, and diaphragmatic development in the fetal rat based on micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT)
Authors: Markel Moritz , Ginzel Marco , Peukert Nicole , Schneider Hartmut , Haak Rainer , Mayer Steffi , Suttkus Anne , Lacher Martin , Kluth Dietrich , Gosemann Jan‐Hendrik
Published: December 2020

Understanding of normal fetal organ development is crucial for the evaluation of the pathogenesis of congenital anomalies. Various techniques have been used to generate imaging of fetal rat organogenesis, such as histological dissection with 3‐dimensional reconstruction and scanning electron microscopy. However, these techniques did not imply quantitative measurements of developing organs (volumes, surface areas of organs). Furthermore, a partial or total destruction of the embryos prior to analysis was inevitable. Recently, micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) has been established as a novel tool to investigate embryonic development in non‐dissected embryos of rodents. In this study, we used the micro‐CT technique to generate 4D datasets of rat embryos aged between embryonic day 15–22 and newborns. Lungs, hearts, diaphragms, and livers were digitally segmented in order to measure organ volumes and analyze organ development as well as generate high‐resolution 3D images. These data provide objective values compiling a 4D atlas of pulmonary, cardiac, diaphragmatic, and hepatic development in the fetal rat.
Tobacco smoking confers risk for severe COVID‐19 unexplainable by pulmonary imaging
Authors: Li J. , Long X. , Zhang Q. , Fang X. , Li N. , Fedorova B. , Hu S. , Li Jh. , Xiong N. , Lin Z.
Published: December 2020

Background

COVID‐19 is a new pneumonia. It has been hypothesized that tobacco smoking history may increase severity of this disease in the patients once infected by the underlying coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 because smoking and COVID‐19 both cause lung damage. However, this hypothesis has not been tested.

Objective

Current study was designed to focus on smoking history in patients with COVID‐19 and test this hypothesis that tobacco smoking history increases risk for severe COVID‐19 by damaging the lungs.

Methods and results

This was a single‐site, retrospective case series study of clinical associations, between epidemiological findings and clinical manifestations, radiographical or laboratory results. In our well‐characterized cohort of 954 patients including 56 with tobacco smoking history, smoking history increased the risk for severe COVID‐19 with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.5 (95% CI: 3.1–9.9; P = 7.3 × 10−8). Meta‐analysis of ten cohorts for 2891 patients together obtained an OR of 2.5 (95% CI: 1.9–3.3; P < 0.00001). Semi‐quantitative analysis of lung images for each of five lobes revealed a significant difference in neither lung damage at first examination nor dynamics of the lung damage at different time‐points of examinations between the smoking and nonsmoking groups. No significant differences were found either in laboratory results including D‐dimer and C‐reactive protein levels except different covariances for density of the immune cells lymphocyte (P = 3.8 × 10−64) and neutrophil (P = 3.9 × 10−46).

Conclusion

Tobacco smoking history increases the risk for great severity of COVID‐19 but this risk is achieved unlikely by affecting the lungs.
Management Research that Makes a Difference: Broadening the Meaning of Impact
Authors: Wickert Christopher , Post Corinne , Doh Jonathan P. , Prescott John E. , Prencipe Andrea
Published: December 2020

The world is undergoing dramatic transformations. Many of the grand societal challenges we currently face underscore the need for scholarly research – including management studies – that can help us best sort out and solve them. Yet, management scholars struggle to produce concrete solutions or to communicate how their research can help to tackle these grand societal challenges. With this editorial, we want to help scholars seeking to ‘make a difference’ by broadening our understanding of what constitutes impactful research. We examine five forms of impact – scholarly, practical, societal, policy, and educational – outlining how scholars can systematically extend or enlarge their research agenda or projects to amplify their impact on the challenges societies face. We suggest that each of these forms of impact has intrinsic value in advancing the scientific enterprise and, together, can help to address key societal problems that reach beyond the immediate and traditional context of business management. With concrete suggestions for getting started on these forms of impact, and possible outputs for each, we hope to stimulate management and organization scholars to think more broadly about the opportunities for making an impact with their research and to begin doing so more often.
Quantification of Fetal Gyrogenesis in the Third Trimester. A Novel Algorithm for Evaluating Fetal Sulci Development
Authors: Ginsberg Yuval , Ganor‐Ariav Oryan , Hussein Hadeel , Adam Dan , Khatib Nizar , Weiner Zeev , Beloosesky Ron , Goldstein Israel
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The fetal brain changes significantly throughout gestation. From a smooth (lissencephalic) cortex, it transforms into its convolved (gyrencephalic) state. Despite its importance, the diagnosis of delay in brain gyrogenesis is a challenge for many sonographers. This study presents a novel semiautomatic image processing algorithm for simple quantification of sagittal sulci maturation in the third trimester.

METHODS

Mid‐sagittal fetal brain ultrasound images were obtained during routine third trimester scans. Fetal brain sulci length measurements were performed using a novel semiautomatic image processing algorithm followed by manual measurements. Correlations between the total length of the sulci, gestational age, and fetal biometry were examined.

RESULTS

The study included 64 patients. A significant positive linear correlation was found between total sulci length and gestational age (r = .658 for automated measurement, r = .7 for manual measurement, P < .0001). A similar relationship was found comparing total sulci length and fetal head circumference (r = .694 for automated measurement, r = .74 for manual measurement; P < .0001). A significant correlation was observed between automated and manual measurements (r = .947).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that fetal gyrogenesis is linear throughout the third trimester of pregnancy. The use of a computer algorithm to measure fetal sulci can be used as a simple prenatal screening test for delayed gyral maturation of the fetal brain.
A Digital Method to Fabricate the Ocular Portion of An Orbital Prosthesis with A Smartphone Camera, Color Calibration and Digital Printing
Authors: Jauregui Ulloa Jaccare , Salazar‐Gamarra Rodrigo , Mesquita Alfredo Mikail M. , Aguirre Felipe , Dib Luciano Lauria
Published: December 2020

Conventional techniques described in the literature for the manufacture of ocular prostheses are time‐consuming since they involve manual work. The use of technologies could improve this laborious process, providing better esthetic outcomes. This technique describes how to manufacture the ocular portion of an orbital prosthesis using a smartphone camera, color calibration with a tooth shade guide, and digital printing. This method allows clinicians to fabricate customized ocular prosthesis by using a photograph of the patient's eye, thus eliminating the need for hand‐painting and manual work, and reducing fabrication time.