bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between sensitive skin and sleep disorders, fatigue, dust, sweating, food, tobacco consumption or female hormonal changes: Results from a worldwide survey of 10 743 individuals
Authors: Misery L. , Morisset S. , Séité S. , Brenaut E. , Ficheux A.‐S. , Fluhr J. W. , Delvigne V. , Taieb C.
Published: February 2021

Background

Sensitive skin is related to environmental factors.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the roles of poorly known associated and triggering factors on sensitive skin in a large global population.

Methods

A survey was administrated to a representative sample of the adult population aged 18–75 years in five different countries (Brazil, China, France Russia, and the United States). All participants answered a web‐based questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, sensitive skin and environmental factors.

Results

Among the 10 743 included individuals (5285 men and 5458 women), 48.2% declared that they had sensitive skin. The group with sensitive skin reported significant increases in fatigue, dust or sweating and to a lesser extent food or tobacco consumption. The members of this group also declared that they experienced more sleep disorders than individuals without sensitive skin. Sensitive skin was very frequent in pregnant women, women with painful menstruations or women using contraceptive pills.

Conclusions

This large cohort study identified new factors, including female hormonal status, fatigue, sleep disorders and food, associated with sensitive skin. These associations suggest that sensitive skin is not restricted to an epidermal disorder but may be included in a larger context. The identified factors are potential upstream drivers of neurogenic inflammation in sensitive skin.
Investigation of gamma secretase gene complex mutations in German population with Hidradenitis suppurativa designate a complex polygenic heritage
Authors: Vural S. , Baumgartner M. , Lichtner P. , Eckstein G. , Hariry H. , Chen W.C. , Ruzicka T. , Melnik B. , Plewig G. , Wagner M. , Giehl K.A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting apocrine gland‐bearing skin in the axilla, groin and under the breasts. Mutations of the gamma secretase gene complex, which is essential in the activation of Notch signalling pathways, were shown in some families with HS and in a few sporadic cases. Although an imbalance in Notch signalling is implicated in the pathogenesis, the exact mechanism of HS development is yet unknown.

Objectives

We aim to investigate the genetic basis of HS by determining the presence of mutations of gamma secretase gene complex in a cohort of HS patients and by searching for a disease‐causing pathogenic variant in a multi‐generational HS family using parametric linkage analysis.

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients clinically diagnosed with HS were included in this study. All exons and exon–intron boundaries of the genes encoding gamma secretase complex consisting of six genes: APH1A, APH1B, PSENEN, NCSTN, PSEN1 and PSEN2 were sequenced by Sanger technique. Genetic mapping with parametric linkage analysis for the patients in the family was performed with eight affected and four healthy individuals. The logarithm of odds was calculated.

Results

In a sporadic patient with early‐onset, severe lesions in axilla and groin, a novel single‐nucleotide deletion causing frameshift in exon 1 of the NCSTN gene was identified ((NM_015331.3): c.38delG, p.(Gly13Glufs*15)). The LOD score of 1.5 was never exceeded in any region of the genome, pointing towards intricate multi‐genic inheritance pattern within the affected family.

Conclusions

The gamma secretase gene complex mutations were rare in our cohort (3.2%). Besides, our analysis indicates a possible complex multi‐genic inheritance in a seemingly autosomal dominantly inherited large HS family. Genetics of both familial and sporadic HS may be complicated in most cases, and the role of other potential genes such as autoinflammatory and modifier genes as well as environmental factors may influence the pathogenesis.
High gene flow in polar cod (Boreogadus saida) from West‐Svalbard and the Eurasian Basin
Authors: Maes Sarah M. , Christiansen Henrik , Mark Felix C. , Lucassen Magnus , Van de Putte Anton , Volckaert Filip A.M. , Flores Hauke
Published: February 2021

The current and projected environmental change of the Arctic Ocean contrasts sharply with the limited knowledge of its genetic biodiversity. Polar cod Boreogadus saida (Lepechin, 1774) is an abundant circumpolar marine fish and ecological key species. The central role of polar cod in the Arctic marine food web warrants a better understanding of its population structure and connectivity. In this study, the genetic population structure of 171 juveniles, collected from several fjords off West‐Svalbard (Billefjorden, Hornsund and Kongsfjorden), the northern Sophia Basin and the Eurasian Basin of the Arctic Ocean, was analysed using nine DNA microsatellite loci. Genetic analyses indicated moderate to high genetic diversity, but absence of spatial population structure and isolation‐by‐distance, suggesting ongoing gene flow between the studied sampling regions. High levels of connectivity may be key for polar cod to maintain populations across wide spatial scales. The adaptive capacity of the species will be increasingly important to face challenges such as habitat fragmentation, ocean warming and changes in prey composition. In view of a limited understanding of the population dynamics and evolution of polar cod, a valuable next step to predict future developments should be an integrated biological evaluation, including population genomics, a life‐history approach, and habitat and biophysical dispersal modelling.
Prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia assessed by densitometry in Japanese puerperal women
Authors: Kurabayashi Takumi , Nagai Kazue , Morikawa Kyoko , Kamimura Naomi , Yanase Toru , Hayashi Kunihiko
Published: February 2021

Aim

The aim is to examine the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) (osteoporosis and osteopenia) of lumbar and femoral bones in puerperal women for the prenatal and postnatal care to ensure their optimal bone health.

Methods

We analyzed the first scan data of 1079 Japanese puerperal women without bone fracture (mean age 33.5 ± 4.5 years) who had undergone deliveries at Niigata City General Hospital for 10 years. We measured BMDs of the lumbar spine [LS], femoral neck [FN], and total hip [TH] with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) within 30 days after delivery.

Results

The rates of osteoporosis of LS, FN, TH, and comprehensive diagnosis (CD) were 0.6%, 4.8%, 1.5%, and 5.4%, respectively, and osteopenia were 20.2%, 39.5%, 29.3%, and 44.3%, respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) for body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy reflected significant decreases in risk for low BMD with an OR of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74–0.82) with the 1 kg/m2 increases. In lean women (BMI < 18.5), 71% of them had low BMD.

Conclusions

Approximately 50% of puerperal women had low BMD without bone fracture. BMD measurements at puerperium, especially for lean women, may be very useful for identifying at risk of osteoporosis in future.
Primary spread of caudal blockade in children: the possible limiting role of the lumbar spinal cord enlargement (tumenescence) in combination with the cerebrospinal fluid rebound mechanism
Authors: Castillo Paul , Forestier Jakob , Wiegele Marion , Finnbogasson Throstur , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite being the most frequently used pediatric nerve block, certain aspects of the initial intraspinal spread of local anesthetics when performing a caudal block need further elucidation. The fact that injected volumes of 0.7–1.3 mL kg−1 initially only reach the thoraco‐lumbar junction, with only a few vertebral segments difference despite the huge difference in injected volume, still has no apparent explanation. We hypothesize that the narrowing of the epidural space caused by the lumbar spinal enlargement may provide an anatomical barrier causing this restriction of initial spread, alone or in combination with increased intrathecal pressure caused by the “cerebrospinal fluid rebound mechanism.” The aim of this observational study was to find support for or refute this hypothesis.

Methods

Twenty nine MRI scans of the vertebral column, performed in children 0–6 years of age, was identified from the radiographic imaging computer system and analyzed for the vertebral level of the maximum of the lumbar spinal enlargement (Associated anatomical data related to the spinal canal, the dura mater, and the spinal cord were also recorded.

Results

The maximum of the lumbar spinal enlargement was found at a median vertebral level of Th 11 (IQR 11–11).

Conclusion

The maximum of the lumbar spinal enlargement is located at the Th 11 vertebral level. Although not entirely conclusive, the findings of the present study do support the notion that the lumbar spinal enlargement, in combination with the CSF rebound mechanism, may be the factors limiting the initial spread of a caudal block to the thoraco‐lumbar junction.
Seasonal variability and age‐related risk in youth trampoline injuries
Authors: Williams Brendan A. , Harwood Kathleen , Markiewitz Nathan , Malige Ajith , Baldwin Keith D. , Wells Lawrence
Published: February 2021

Background

The aim of this work was to estimate the difference in severity between musculoskeletal trampoline park injuries (TPIs) and home trampoline injuries (HTI) and identify the factors that might mediate or modify that effect.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was used to identify musculoskeletal home trampoline injuries and TPIs in pediatric patients occurring in the 2009–2017 period. Injury mechanism and body region were inductively coded. The effect of TPI on risk of admission was estimated using a doubly robust logistic regression model for confounding adjustment. Adjustments were made for date, age, gender, injury mechanism, and body region. The comparative importance of injury mechanism and location and the effect modification of patient characteristics was explored using likelihood ratio tests.

Results

Trampoline park injuries were more likely to result in admission even in the model adjusted for injury mechanism and body region (odds ratio (OR) = 2.12 [1.30, 3.45]). Injuries sustained from falling off the trampoline were associated with significantly fewer hospitalizations (OR = 0.119 [0.029, 0.495]) than injuries from falling while on the trampoline. Patient age significantly modified the effect of setting on risk of admission (P = 0.042). Adolescents demonstrated an increased risk at trampoline parks (15 years old OR = 3.23 [1.38, 7.56]), whereas younger children demonstrated a marginally lower risk (5 years old OR = 0.77 [0.44, 1.35]).

Conclusions

Trampoline park musculoskeletal injuries demonstrate an increased risk of admission even after rigorous adjustment for confounding. Injuries to the proximal limbs were associated with a much higher risk of admission than distal injuries. Adolescents face an increased risk of admission after TPI, underscoring the importance of public health interventions that target this age group.
Tissue factor expression and tumor‐infiltrating T lymphocytes in ovarian carcinomas and their association with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Gi Toshihiro , Yamashita Atsushi , Aman Murasaki , Kuwahara Aya , Asada Yujiro , Kawagoe Yasuyuki , Onishi Junji , Sameshima Hiroshi , Sato Yuichiro
Published: February 2021

Ovarian cancer is a known risk factor of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thrombogenic factor expression and lymphocytic infiltrate have been reported in endometriosis and ovarian cancers. We reviewed 30 cases of ovarian carcinomas (high grade serous carcinoma, 10; endometrioid carcinoma, 10; clear cell carcinoma (CCC), 10) and 16 endometriotic lesions. We immunohistochemically investigated the expressions of tissue factor (TF), podoplanin, P‐selectin, and number of CD4 and CD8 positive lymphocytes in cancer tissue and endometriotic lesions, along with their relationship with VTE. The expression of TF was higher in CCC. The TF expression and the number of CD8 positive cells were higher in cancer tissues with VTE than in those without VTE. The podoplanin or P‐selectin expression did not differ among histological types or between cases with and without VTE. Our results demonstrated a high TF expression and intraepithelial CD8 cells in CCC, which were associated with VTE. The results suggest that infiltrating lymphocytes may affect TF expression that, in turn, influences VTE.
Organizational Reputation in the Public Administration: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bustos Edgar O.
Published: February 2021

Despite the increasing number of publications on organizational reputation in the public administration throughout the last two decades, no systematic review has been conducted to synthesize the current state of the literature. This article contributes to this issue by bringing together empirical and theoretical academic research—119 articles and seven books—to analyze five critical aspects of this scholarship: conceptualization, types implemented, antecedents, outcomes, and multidimensionality. This work provides an overview of the field while identifying five critical areas for further research: reputational audiences, public leaders’ impact on reputation, development of typologies based on the characteristics of reputation, the use of standardized methods to conduct more cross‐country studies, and research on a wider variety of cultural and organizational contexts.
Time to rethink trophic levels in aquaculture policy
Authors: Cottrell Richard S. , Metian Marc , Froehlich Halley E. , Blanchard Julia L. , Sand Jacobsen Nis , McIntyre Peter B. , Nash Kirsty L. , Williams David R. , Bouwman Lex , Gephart Jessica A. , Kuempel Caitlin D. , Moran Daniel D. , Troell Max , Halpern Benjamin S.
Published: February 2021

Aquaculture policy often promotes production of low‐trophic level species for sustainable industry growth. Yet, the application of the trophic level concept to aquaculture is complex, and its value for assessing sustainability is further complicated by continual reformulation of feeds. The majority of fed farmed fish and invertebrate species are produced using human‐made compound feeds that can differ markedly from the diet of the same species in the wild and continue to change in composition. Using data on aquaculture feeds, we show that technical advances have substantially decreased the mean effective trophic level of farmed species, such as salmon (mean TL = 3.48 to 2.42) and tilapia (2.32 to 2.06), from 1995 to 2015. As farmed species diverge in effective trophic level from their wild counterparts, they are coalescing at a similar effective trophic level due to standardisation of feeds. This pattern blurs the interpretation of trophic level in aquaculture because it can no longer be viewed as a trait of the farmed species, but rather is a dynamic feature of the production system. Guidance based on wild trophic position or historical resource use is therefore misleading. Effective aquaculture policy needs to avoid overly simplistic sustainability indicators such as trophic level. Instead, employing empirically derived metrics based on the specific farmed properties of species groups, management techniques and advances in feed formulation will be crucial for achieving truly sustainable options for farmed seafood.
The HLA‐B*13:144 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: February 2021

HLA‐B*13:144 differs from HLA‐B*13:01:01:01 in codon 12 in exon 2.
Vulnerable areas to accidents with scorpions in Brazil
Authors: Amado Talita Ferreira , Moura Thais Andrade , Riul Pablo , Lira André Felipe de Araujo , Badillo‐Montaño Raúl , Martinez Pablo Ariel
Published: February 2021

Objective

To identify areas that present a higher risk of exposure to accidents with scorpions in Brazil.

Methods

We used techniques of spatial prioritisation to determine the most vulnerable localities to envenomation by four scorpion species. Our prioritisation integrated ecological niche models with health investment, antivenin availability, access to health care facilities and metrics of human impact data.

Results

The ecological niche models indicated that three scorpion species (Tityus bahiensis, Tityus serrulatus, andTityus stigmurus) are more associated with human population density, whileT. obscurusdemonstrated a strong association with temperature variations during the year. Spatial prioritisation indicated that the areas with higher risk exposure to accidents with scorpions are in northern and northeastern Brazil. Alternatively, more isolated but densely populated areas in the southeastern and central regions also emerged as a priority.

Conclusion

Mapping areas where humans are more likely to interact with scorpions can assist in the design of efficient public health policies.
Comparison of three surgical approaches for zygomatic sialoadenectomy in canine cadavers
Authors: Dörner Judith , Oberbacher Silvia , Dupré Gilles
Published: February 2021

Objective

To compare three surgical approaches for excision of the zygomatic gland in dogs.

Study design

Cadaveric study.

Animals

Cadavers of mesocephalic dogs (n = 20).

Methods

Each skull was assigned to a lateral approach with zygomatic arch ostectomy on the left (n = 20) and one approach without ostectomy on the right, ventral (n = 10) or dorsal (n = 10) to the zygomatic arch. Approaches were evaluated for surgical exposure (rated on a scale of 1‐5 with one optimal exposure), tissue trauma, and completeness of gland removal. Glands from each side were weighed to compare as internal control.

Results

The ostectomy‐based approach offered excellent surgical view and good exposure of the zygomatic gland but caused more tissue trauma. The dorsal nonostectomy approach did not allow complete zygomatic gland extraction in nine of the 10 dogs, whereas the ventral nonostectomy approach enabled complete extraction in all 10 dogs.

Conclusion

The ventral zygomatic approach allowed complete removal of the zygomatic gland, with good surgical overview, while reducing tissue trauma and preserving the zygomatic arch.

Clinical significance

The ventral nonostectomy approach should be considered as an alternative to excise the zygomatic gland in dogs.
Temporal changes in pulmonary gas exchange efficiency when breath‐hold diving below residual volume
Authors: Patrician Alexander , Spajić Boris , Gasho Christopher , Caldwell Hannah G. , Dawkins Tony , Stembridge Michael , Lovering Andrew T. , Coombs Geoff B. , Howe Connor A. , Barak Otto , Drviš Ivan , Dujić Željko , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: February 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

How does deep breath‐hold diving impact cardiopulmonary function, both acutely and over the subsequent 2.5 hours post‐dive?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Breath‐hold diving, to depths below residual volume, is associated with acute impairments in pulmonary gas exchange, which typically resolve within 2.5 hours. These data provide new insight into the behaviour of the lungs and pulmonary vasculature following deep diving.

Breath‐hold diving involves highly integrative and extreme physiological responses to both exercise and asphyxia during progressive elevations in hydrostatic pressure. Over two diving training camps (Study 1 and 2), 25 breath‐hold divers (recreational to world‐champion) performed 66 dives to 57 ± 20 m (range: 18–117 m). Using the deepest dive from each diver, temporal changes in cardiopulmonary function were assessed using non‐invasive pulmonary gas exchange (indexed via the O2 deficit), ultrasound B‐line scores, lung compliance and pulmonary haemodynamics at baseline and following the dive. Hydrostatically induced lung compression was quantified in Study 2, using spirometry and lung volume measurement, enabling each dive to be categorized by its residual volume (RV)‐equivalent depth. From both studies, pulmonary gas exchange inefficiency – defined as an increase in O2 deficit – was related to the depth of the dive (r2 = 0.345; P < 0.001), with dives associated with lung squeeze symptoms exhibiting the greatest deficits. In Study 1, although B‐lines doubled from baseline (P = 0.027), cardiac output and pulmonary artery systolic pressure were unchanged post‐dive. In Study 2, dives with lung compression to ≤RV had higher O2 deficits at 9 min, compared to dives that did not exceed RV (24 ± 25 vs. 5 ± 8 mmHg; P = 0.021). The physiological significance of a small increase in estimated lung compliance post‐dive (via decreased and increased/unaltered airway resistance and reactance, respectively) remains equivocal. Following deep dives, the current study highlights an integrated link between hydrostatically induced lung compression and transient impairments in pulmonary gas exchange efficiency.
Resilient Flocking Control for Connected and Automated Vehicles With Cyber-Attack Threats
Authors: Wang Fengchen , Chen Yan
Published: February 2021

To improve the cybersecurity of flocking control for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), this paper proposes a novel resilient flocking control by specifically considering cyber-attack threats on vehicle tracking errors. Using the vehicle tracking error dynamics model, a dual extended Kalman filter (DEKF) is applied to detect cyber-attacks as an unknown constant on vehicle tracking information with noise rejections. To handle the coupling effects between tracking errors and cyber-attacks, the proposed DEKF consists of a tracking error filter (TEF) and a cyber-attack filter (CAF), which are utilized to conduct the prediction and correction of tracking errors alternatively. Whenever an abnormal tracking error is detected, an observer-based resilient flocking control is enabled. Demonstrated by simulation results, the proposed cyber-attack detection method and resilient flocking control design can successfully achieve and maintain the flocking control of multi-CAV systems by rejecting certain cyber-attack threats.
Evaluation of Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography as a Technique for Quantifying Carpal Motion
Authors: Robinson Sydney , Straatman Lauren , Lee Ting-Yim , Suh Nina , Lalone Emily
Published: February 2021

Delayed diagnosis of dynamic carpal instability often occurs because early changes in bone alignment and movement are difficult to detect and manifest mainly during a dynamic/functional task. Current diagnostic tools are only able to examine the carpal bones under static or sequential-static conditions. Four-dimensional (three dimensions + time) computed tomography (4DCT) enables quantification of carpal mechanics through 3D volume sequences of the wrist in motion. A comprehensive understanding of carpal mechanics is needed to define normal function and structure and provide targets for treatment of carpal injuries. In this study, measurements of scaphoid translation and joint congruency were taken by creating models from the CT scans of the carpals in extreme frames of motion, registering those models to the neutral position, transforming the models into a local coordinate system, and using software to calculate the joint surface areas (JSA). Results indicated that the centroid of the scaphoid translated 6.4 ± 1.3 mm and extended from extreme radial to extreme ulnar deviation. Results are consistent with the literature. An additional study was performed to measure the responsiveness of the 4DCT technique presented. Bone models from each frame of motion for radio ulnar deviation (RUD) and flexion extension (FE) were created and distinct differences between their JSA were measured qualitatively and quantitatively. The results show that there was statistically significantly different JSA within carpal joints between RUD and FE. These studies provide the first step in developing the methodology when using 4DCT scanning to measure subtle abnormalities in the wrist.
Physical Mechanisms Investigation of Sharkskin-Inspired Compressor Cascade Based on Large Eddy Simulations
Authors: Li Zhihui , Jin Yan , Du Juan , Zhang Hongwu , Nie Chaoqun
Published: February 2021

To survive in a complex environment, nature has produced efficient and versatile resource-rich structures. One of the novel drag reduction designs comes from the efficient movement of sharks through microscope riblets aligned along the flow direction. In this paper, the effectiveness of sharkskin-inspired riblets in reducing the aerodynamic loss of compressor cascade flow was investigated using the high-fidelity numerical simulation method. Two key normalized parameters, i.e., s+ and h+, were selected to parameterize various riblet designs, and the corresponding relative change in cascade performance was first investigated based on the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (uRANS) simulations with/without a transition model. Then, the large eddy simulations in conjunction with the wall-adapted local eddy viscosity model were conducted to investigate the cascade flow with the selected riblet design cases. By comparing the flow resistance, transition positions, vortex formations, and turbulence fluctuations of the boundary flow, the flow control mechanisms of the riblets were finally studied. Simulation results show that compared with the prototype case, the total pressure loss can be reduced by up to 20.5% in the fully turbulent environment. This is because the spanwise fluctuation of the turbulent vortices is impeded inside the boundary layer, and the turbulent vortices are lifted above the riblet tip. Low-speed streaks inside the riblet valleys generate relatively low shear stresses, while the high-shear stresses occur only at the riblet tips. However, when considering the transition from laminar to turbulent boundary flow, the aerodynamic performance of compressor cascade strongly depends on the riblet position relative to the transition region on cascade suction side (SS). The total pressure loss can only be reduced by up to 8.1%, and even most riblet designs degrade the cascade performance. The major reason is that the riblets are located upstream of the transition zone, especially at the small incidence angles. Due to the installation of riblets, the contact area between the laminar flow and the wall surface is increased, and the downstream laminar-to-turbulent transition is promoted.
Effect of Boundary Layer Suction on the Corner Separation in a Highly Loaded Axial Compressor Cascade
Authors: Liang Tian , Liu Bo , Spence Stephen
Published: February 2021

Control of corner separation in axial compressor blade rows has attracted much interest due to its potential to improve compressor efficiency and the energy utilization in turbomachinery. This paper investigates the effectiveness and mechanisms of boundary layer suction in controlling the corner separation of a highly loaded axial compressor cascade. Numerical simulations have been carried out to investigate the effect of different suction schemes on the loss downstream of the cascade and the change in incidence characteristics with the variation of the suction flowrate. The results show that the effectiveness of flow suction in controlling the flow separation depends heavily on the proportion of the blade for which it is applied. It was found that suction along part of the blade span on the suction surface could effectively remove the separation at the region of the span influenced by the suction slot. However, this resulted in a deterioration of the flow field at other parts of the span. The full-span suction scheme on the suction surface not only eliminated the separation of the boundary layer in the middle of the blade but also significantly improved the flow uniformity near the end-wall. Despite the improvement in flow uniformity using the full-span suction scheme, a three-dimensional (3D) corner separation still existed due to the strong cross-passage pressure gradient. To improve the flow field uniformity further, two combined suction schemes with one spanwise slot on the suction surface and another slot on the end-wall were designed in order to fully remove both the separated flow on the blade suction surface and the 3D corner separation. It was found that the total pressure loss coefficient was reduced significantly by 63.8% with suction flowrates of 1.88% and 0.82% for the slots on the suction surface and the end-wall, respectively. Further work showed that the behavior of the loss coefficient is different as the combination of suction flowrates is changed for different incidence. The cascade loss at high incidence operation can be more effectively reduced with suction control on the end-wall. When implementing combined suction, it is necessary to determine the best combination of suction flowrate according to the incidence level.
Modeling and Design Exploration of a Tensegrity-Based Twisting Wing
Authors: Pham Nguyen K. , Peraza Hernandez Edwin A.
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a modeling and design exploration study of a novel twisting wing whose motion is enabled by a tensegrity mechanism. The aerodynamic characteristics of the twisting wing, which does not require control surfaces to modulate its shape, are compared with those of a conventional wing having a control surface. It is shown via computational fluid dynamics analyses that the twisting wing displays higher lift-to-drag ratio than the conventional wing and hence the twisting wing is more aerodynamically efficient. Subsequently, the torsional tensegrity mechanism, composed of multiple tensegrity cylindrical cells forming a column along the wingspan, is described. A finite element model of the wing incorporating this mechanism is developed. Using the model, a design of experimental study of the influence of the topological parameters of the torsional tensegrity mechanism on the twist angle, mass, and stress in different components of the wing is performed. A wingspan of 142.24 cm and a chord length of 25.31 cm are assumed, corresponding to those of the Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 Mk II R/C unmanned aerial vehicle. For a wing of such dimensions, the maximum achievable twist angle from root to tip per unit mass without any component exceeding their allowable stress is 5.93 deg/kg, which is sufficiently large to allow for effective modulation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing. The torsional tensegrity mechanism for this design consists of eight cylindrical cells and four sets of actuator wires along the circumference of each cell.
Footprints in Time: Physical Activity Levels and Sociodemographic and Movement-Related Associations Within the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children
Authors: Macniven Rona , Wilson Rachel , Olds Tim , Evans John
Published: February 2021

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that Indigenous children have higher physical activity levels that non-Indigenous children, yet little is known of the factors that influence these levels or how they may be optimized. This study examines correlates of achieving ≥1 hour/day of physical activity among Indigenous Australian children aged 8–13 years. Methods: Data were collected through parental self-report in the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. Proportions of children achieving ≥1 hour/day physical activity, approximating the Australian aerobic physical activity recommendations, were calculated, and associations with sociodemographic, family composition, and movement-related factors were quantified using multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Half of the 1233 children achieved ≥1 hour/day physical activity. Children from families with low parental education and unemployment, remote residence, low socioeconomic status, and without a father in the household were more likely to meet the recommendations. Achieving ≥1 hour/day of physical activity was also associated with low levels of playing electronic games and total screen time. Conclusions: Sociodemographic correlates of physical activity among Indigenous Australian children run counter to those typically found in non-Indigenous Australian children. Further longitudinal examination of the predictors of these associations would provide a greater understanding of Indigenous physical activity determinants, to inform strategies to facilitate participation.
Sperm microRNAs confer depression susceptibility to offspring
Authors: Wang Yanbo , Chen Zhang-Peng , Hu Huanhuan , Lei Jieqiong , Zhou Zhen , Yao Bing , Chen Li , Liang Gaoli , Zhan Shoubin , Zhu Xiaoju , Jin Fangfang , Ma Rujun , Zhang Jun , Liang Hongwei , Xing Ming , Chen Xiao-Rui , Zhang Chen-Yu , Zhu Jing-Ning , Chen Xi
Published: February 2021

Depressive phenotypes induced by paternal stress can be transferred from one generation to the next via small RNAs in the sperm.
Wireless, implantable catheter-type oximeter designed for cardiac oxygen saturation
Authors: Lu Wei , Bai Wubin , Zhang Hao , Xu Chenkai , Chiarelli Antonio M. , Vázquez-Guardado Abraham , Xie Zhaoqian , Shen Haixu , Nandoliya Khizar , Zhao Hangbo , Lee KunHyuck , Wu Yixin , Franklin Daniel , Avila Raudel , Xu Shuai , Rwei Alina , Han Mengdi , Kwon Kyeongha , Deng Yujun , Yu Xinge , Thorp Edward B. , Feng Xue , Huang Yonggang , Forbess Joseph , Ge Zhi-Dong , Rogers John A.
Published: February 2021

A thin, flexible, wireless oximeter probe monitors venous and cardiac oxygenation levels in a patient-friendly mode.
Oxygen consumption of individual cable bacteria
Authors: Scilipoti Stefano , Koren Klaus , Risgaard-Petersen Nils , Schramm Andreas , Nielsen Lars Peter
Published: February 2021

Oxygen reduction in a cable bacterium is condensed in a few terminal cells, while the rest of the filament lives oxygen free.
Transient HCl in the atmosphere of Mars
Authors: Korablev Oleg , Olsen Kevin S. , Trokhimovskiy Alexander , Lefèvre Franck , Montmessin Franck , Fedorova Anna A. , Toplis Michael J. , Alday Juan , Belyaev Denis A. , Patrakeev Andrey , Ignatiev Nikolay I. , Shakun Alexey V. , Grigoriev Alexey V. , Baggio Lucio , Abdenour Irbah , Lacombe Gaetan , Ivanov Yury S. , Aoki Shohei , Thomas Ian R. , Daerden Frank , Ristic Bojan , Erwin Justin T. , Patel Manish , Bellucci Giancarlo , Lopez-Moreno Jose-Juan , Vandaele Ann C.
Published: February 2021

The discovery of chlorine in the martian atmosphere points to its surface origin.
Structural basis for the Mg
2+
recognition and regulation of the CorC Mg
2+
transporter
Authors: Huang Yichen , Jin Fei , Funato Yosuke , Xu Zhijian , Zhu Weiliang , Wang Jing , Sun Minxuan , Zhao Yimeng , Yu Ye , Miki Hiroaki , Hattori Motoyuki
Published: February 2021

Crystal structures of the CorC Mg
2+
transporter revealed the unique Mg
2+
binding site associated with genetic diseases.
Jasmonate biosynthesis arising from altered cell walls is prompted by turgor-driven mechanical compression
Authors: Mielke Stefan , Zimmer Marlene , Meena Mukesh Kumar , Dreos René , Stellmach Hagen , Hause Bettina , Voiniciuc Cătălin , Gasperini Debora
Published: February 2021

Plants with altered cell walls have expanded cells that compress adjacent tissues to stimulate stress hormone production.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus MicroRNA Mutants Modulate Cancer Hallmark Phenotypic Differences in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Gay Lauren A. , Stribling Daniel , Turner Peter C. , Renne Rolf
Published: February 2021

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). The contribution of KSHV microRNAs (miRNAs) to oncogenesis is not fully understood.
Hybrid Nanopore-Illumina Assemblies for Five Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates
Authors: Mattrasingh D. , Hinz A. , Phillips L. , Carroll A. C. , Wong A.
Published: February 2021

Extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(ExPEC) is an important source of multidrug-resistant infections, particularly in hospitals. We report hybrid Nanopore-Illumina assemblies for 5 ExPEC isolates with various drug resistance profiles.
Antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and childhood asthma: a national birth cohort study investigating timing of exposure and mode of delivery
Authors: Uldbjerg Cecilie Skaarup , Miller Jessica E , Burgner David , Pedersen Lars Henning , Bech Bodil Hammer
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate whether antibiotic exposure during pregnancy was associated with childhood asthma and if this relationship was conditional on timing of exposure and mode of delivery.

Design

A cohort study using multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for a priori defined confounders. Pregnant women were recruited from 1996 to 2002.

Setting

The Danish National Birth Cohort.

Patients

Of the 96 832 children in the cohort, 32 651 children were included in the study population.

Main outcome measure

Parent-reported childhood asthma at 11 years.

Results

A total of 5522 (17%) children were born to mothers exposed to antibiotics during pregnancy. In adjusted analyses, children born to exposed mothers had higher odds of asthma (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.24). There was no association with antibiotic exposure in the first trimester (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.26), but higher odds were observed for antibiotic exposure in the second to third trimester (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.28), compared with unexposed children. The overall association between antibiotics during pregnancy and childhood asthma was only observed in vaginally born children (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.28) but not in caesarean section born children (planned caesarean section: OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.37; caesarean emergency: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.28). In exposed vaginally born children, the odds for childhood asthma requiring treatment during the preceding year were 34% higher (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.49), compared with unexposed vaginally born children.

Conclusions

Antibiotic exposure in mid-to-late pregnancy is associated with higher odds of childhood asthma in vaginally born children. Mode of delivery may modify the association.
Sturge-Weber syndrome presenting in late adulthood
Authors: Gough Jennifer , Downes Sean , Hughes Tom
Published: February 2021

A 75-year-old woman presents to the acute medical take with confusion and headache following a road traffic accident. She had previously been fit and well, living alone with no assistance. Following multiple investigations, she was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a rare neurocutaneous disorder that usually presents with seizures in childhood. This case highlights an unusual example of this syndrome, presenting for the first time later in life.
Spurious point-of-care lactate elevation in ethylene glycol intoxication: rediscovering a clinical pearl
Authors: Poirier-Blanchette Laurence , Simard Camille , Schwartz Blair Carl
Published: February 2021

A 76-year-old man was found unresponsive and brought to the emergency department. Initial workup showed profound lactic acidosis on a point-of-care arterial blood gas, without clinical signs of hypoperfusion. Investigations for types A and B lactic acidosis revealed no unifying diagnosis to explain both his altered mental status and profound lactic acidosis. A toxicology workup revealed an increased osmolar gap and an elevated ethylene glycol level. The lactic acidosis and his mental status completely normalised within 8 hours of renal replacement therapy initiation and fomepizole administration. Ethylene glycol metabolites have similar molecular structure with L-lactate. Some blood gas analysers are unable to differentiate them, resulting in an artefactual lactate elevation. Our case highlights the importance of recognising a falsely elevated lactate, which should raise clinical suspicion of ethylene glycol poisoning, as the treatment is time-sensitive to prevent complications and mortality.
Inflammatory cell-derived CXCL3 promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis through a novel myofibroblast-hijacked cancer escape mechanism
Authors: Sun Xiaoting , He Xingkang , Zhang Yin , Hosaka Kayoko , Andersson Patrik , Wu Jing , Wu Jieyu , Jing Xu , Du Qiqiao , Hui Xiaoli , Ding Bo , Guo Ziheng , Hong An , Liu Xuan , Wang Yan , Ji Qing , Beyaert Rudi , Yang Yunlong , Li Qi , Cao Yihai
Published: February 2021

Objective

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal malignancy and lacks effective treatment. We aimed to understand molecular mechanisms of the intertwined interactions between tumour stromal components in metastasis and to provide a new paradigm for PDAC therapy.

Design

Two unselected cohorts of 154 and 20 patients with PDAC were subjected to correlation between interleukin (IL)-33 and CXCL3 levels and survivals. Unbiased expression profiling, and genetic and pharmacological gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were employed to identify molecular signalling in tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblasts (myoCAFs). The role of the IL-33–ST2–CXCL3–CXCR2 axis in PDAC metastasis was evaluated in three clinically relevant mouse PDAC models.

Results

IL-33 was specifically elevated in human PDACs and positively correlated with tumour inflammation in human patients with PDAC. CXCL3 was highly upregulated in IL-33-stimulated macrophages that were the primary source of CXCL3. CXCL3 was correlated with poor survival in human patients with PDAC. Mechanistically, activation of the IL-33–ST2–MYC pathway attributed to high CXCL3 production. The highest level of CXCL3 was found in PDAC relative to other cancer types and its receptor CXCR2 was almost exclusively expressed in CAFs. Activation of CXCR2 by CXCL3 induced a CAF-to-myoCAF transition and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was uniquely upregulated by the CXCL3–CXCR2 signalling. Type III collagen was identified as the CXCL3–CXCR2-targeted adhesive molecule responsible for myoCAF-driven PDAC metastasis.

Conclusions

Our work provides novel mechanistic insights into understanding PDAC metastasis by the TAM-CAF interaction and targeting each of these signalling components would provide an attractive and new paradigm for treating pancreatic cancer.
Adoption of focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor: why so much fuss about FUS?
Authors: Iorio-Morin Christian , Hodaie Mojgan , Lozano Andres M
Published: February 2021

Background

Focused ultrasound (FUS) was approved as a new treatment modality for essential tremor (ET) in 2016. The goal of this study was to quantify FUS adoption for ET and understand its drivers.

Methods

The adoption of the various surgical options for ET was estimated using three measures: the number of presentations on the various surgical treatments for ET at specialised international meetings, the number of original papers published as identified by literature searches and the number of thalamotomy procedures performed worldwide for ET as provided by device manufacturers’ registries.

Results

First, we found that the number of presentations related to lesioning procedures is increasing relative to deep brain stimulation (DBS) at international meetings. Second, there are already more publications on FUS (93) than stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (68) or radiofrequency (43) for ET, although they still lag behind DBS papers (750). Third, the number of annual FUS thalamotomies performed for ET (n>1200 in 2019) in 44 centres has surpassed the annual procedures across 342 Gamma Knife units (n<400, 2018) but is yet to reach the number of DBS cases for ET estimated at over 2400/year.

Conclusion

FUS is being rapidly adopted for the treatment of ET. We hypothesise that its perceived minimally invasive nature coupled with the ability to perform intraoperative clinical assessments, its immediate effects and active marketing efforts are contributing factors. As lesioning modalities for the treatment of ET are reappraised, the superior popularity of FUS over SRS appears to arise for reasons other than differences in clinical outcomes.
Predicting loss of independence and mortality in frontotemporal lobar degeneration syndromes
Authors: Murley Alexander G , Rouse Matthew A , Coyle-Gilchrist Ian T S , Jones P Simon , Li Win , Wiggins Julie , Lansdall Claire , Vázquez Rodríguez Patricia , Wilcox Alicia , Patterson Karalyn , Rowe James B
Published: February 2021

Objective

To test the hypothesis that in syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration, behavioural impairment predicts loss of functional independence and motor clinical features predict mortality, irrespective of diagnostic group.

Methods

We used a transdiagnostic approach to survival in an epidemiological cohort in the UK, testing the association between clinical features, independence and survival in patients with clinical diagnoses of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD n=64), non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA n=36), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA n=25), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP n=101) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS n=68). A principal components analysis identified six dimensions of clinical features. Using Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression, we identified the association between each of these dimensions and both functionally independent survival (time from clinical assessment to care home admission) and absolute survival (time to death). Analyses adjusted for the covariates of age, gender and diagnostic group. Secondary analysis excluded specific diagnostic groups.

Results

Behavioural disturbance, including impulsivity and apathy, was associated with reduced functionally independent survival (OR 2.46, p<0.001), even if patients with bvFTD were removed from the analysis. Motor impairments were associated with reduced absolute survival, even if patients with PSP and CBS were removed from the analysis.

Conclusion

Our results can assist individualised prognostication and planning of disease-modifying trials, and they support a transdiagnostic approach to symptomatic treatment trials in patients with clinical syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
Quality of life in isolated dystonia: non-motor manifestations matter
Authors: Junker Johanna , Berman Brian D , Hall James , Wahba Deena W , Brandt Valerie , Perlmutter Joel S , Jankovic Joseph , Malaty Irene A , Wagle Shukla Aparna , Reich Stephen G , Espay Alberto J , Duque Kevin R , Patel Neepa , Roze Emmanuel , Vidailhet Marie , Jinnah H.A. , Brüggemann Norbert
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and both physical and psychiatric factors in a large, international, multicentre cohort of patients with isolated dystonia, the Dystonia Coalition.

Methods

Natural history data from 603 patients with isolated dystonia (median age 57 years (IQR: 48 to 64 years), 67.0% women) were prospectively acquired and analysed. HR-QoL (RAND 36-Item Health Survey), severity of depressive symptoms, generalised anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and social anxiety (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale) were assessed. Dystonia severity (Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale) and dystonic tremor were examined. Statistical predictors of HR-QoL were calculated using saturated path analysis.

Results

Reduced HR-QoL was strongly associated with the degree of depressive symptoms and generalised and social anxiety (8/8 RAND 36 subscales, p≤0.001). Increased dystonia severity was associated with worse physical functioning, physical and emotional role functioning and social functioning (all p≤0.001). The presence of tremor correlated with worse physical functioning and pain (all p≤0.006). Younger age was associated with reduced emotional well-being and vitality (all p≤0.006). There were no HR-QoL differences between sexes.

Conclusion

HR-QoL in isolated dystonia is strongly associated with psychiatric and physical features. While current standard of care focus on motor aspects of dystonia, comprehensive care should address both physical and mental aspects of health.