bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High phosphate impairs arterial endothelial function through AMPK‐related pathways in mouse resistance arteries
Authors: Hu Weipeng , Jiang Shan , Liao Yixin , Li Jinhong , Dong Fang , Guo Jie , Wang Xiaohua , Fei Lingyan , Cui Yu , Ren Xiaoqiu , Xu Nan , Zhao Liang , Chen Limeng , Zheng Yali , Li Lingli , Patzak Andreas , Persson Pontus B. , Zheng Zhihua , Lai En Yin
Published: December 2020

Aims

In patients with renal disease, high serum phosphate shows a relationship with cardiovascular risk. We speculate that high phosphate (HP) impairs arterial vasodilation via the endothelium and explore potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Isolated vessel relaxation, endothelial function, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), oxidative stress status and protein expression were assessed in HP diet mice. Mitochondrial function and protein expression were assessed in HP‐treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Results

High phosphate (1.3%) diet for 12 weeks impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation in mesenteric arteries, kidney interlobar arteries and afferent arterioles; reduced GFR and the blood pressure responses to acute administration of acetylcholine. The PPARα/LKB1/AMPK/eNOS pathway was attenuated in the endothelium of mesenteric arteries from HP diet mice. The observed vasodilatory impairment of mesenteric arteries was ameliorated by PPARα agonist WY‐14643. The phosphate transporter PiT‐1 knockdown prevented HP‐mediated suppression of eNOS activity by impeding phosphorus influx in HUVECs. Endothelium cytoplasmic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased in HP diet mice. Moreover HP decreased the expression of mitochondrial‐related antioxidant genes. Finally, mitochondrial membrane potential and PGC‐1α expression were reduced by HP treatment in HUVECs, which was partly restored by AMPKα agonist.

Conclusions

HP impairs endothelial function by reducing NO bioavailability via decreasing eNOS activity and increasing mitochondrial ROS, in which the AMPK‐related signalling pathways may play a key role.
Reversal of renal tissue hypoxia during experimental cardiopulmonary bypass in sheep by increased pump flow and arterial pressure
Authors: Lankadeva Yugeesh R. , Evans Roger G. , Cochrane Andrew D. , Marino Bruno , Hood Sally G. , McCall Peter R. , Iguchi Naoya , Bellomo Rinaldo , May Clive N.
Published: December 2020

Aim

Renal tissue hypoxia during cardiopulmonary bypass could contribute to the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury. We tested whether renal tissue hypoxia can be alleviated during cardiopulmonary bypass by the combined increase in target pump flow and mean arterial pressure.

Methods

Cardiopulmonary bypass was established in eight instrumented sheep under isoflurane anaesthesia, at a target continuous pump flow of 80 mL·kg−1 min−1 and mean arterial pressure of 65 mmHg. We then tested the effects of simultaneously increasing target pump flow to 104 mL·kg−1 min−1 and mean arterial pressure to 80 mmHg with metaraminol (total dose 0.25‐3.75 mg). We also tested the effects of transitioning from continuous flow to partially pulsatile flow (pulse pressure ~15 mmHg).

Results

Compared with conscious sheep, at the lower target pump flow and mean arterial pressure, cardiopulmonary bypass was accompanied by reduced renal blood flow (6.8 ± 1.2 to 1.95 ± 0.76 mL·min−1 kg−1) and renal oxygen delivery (0.91 ± 0.18 to 0.24 ± 0.11 mL·O2 min−1 kg−1). There were profound reductions in cortical oxygen tension (PO2) (33 ± 13 to 6 ± 6 mmHg) and medullary PO2 (31 ± 12 to 8 ± 8 mmHg). Increasing target pump flow and mean arterial pressure increased renal blood flow (to 2.6 ± 1.0 mL·min−1 kg−1) and renal oxygen delivery (to 0.32 ± 0.13 mL·O2 min−1kg−1) and returned cortical PO2 to 58 ± 60 mmHg and medullary PO2 to 28 ± 16 mmHg; levels similar to those of conscious sheep. Partially pulsatile pump flow had no significant effects on renal perfusion or oxygenation.

Conclusions

Renal hypoxia during experimental CPB can be corrected by increasing target pump flow and mean arterial pressure within a clinically feasible range.
The FEBS Journal: hidden gems
Authors: Breuer Manuel
Published: December 2020

Every quarter, The FEBS Journal presents some of its ‘hidden gems’ – original research and review‐type articles that provide a significant advance or discuss recent developments in the molecular or cellular life sciences. These articles are of high value to the scientific community and we like to take the opportunity to promote these contributions from previous issues of the journal, as we feel their scientific content merits a boost in exposure.
Dietary DNA metabarcoding reveals seasonal trophic changes among three syntopic freshwater trout species
Authors: Hoenig Brandon D. , Trevelline Brian K. , Nuttle Tim , Porter Brady A.
Published: December 2020

Providing taxonomically precise dietary characterisations for freshwater fish species is critical for gaining a deeper understanding of the trophic dynamics present in freshwater ecosystems. However, our current understanding of freshwater trophic ecology has relied almost entirely upon direct observation of foraging attempts or morphological identification of partially digested prey. Due to the limitations of morphological dietary characterisations of soft‐bodied arthropod prey, these techniques offer dietary descriptions that can lack satisfactory taxonomic resolution and may bias our interpretations of freshwater food webs.

Recent advancements in DNA‐based prey identification have allowed for species‐level prey characterisations for many terrestrial insectivores, although these techniques have seldom been applied to understand the diets of freshwater fish. This study used DNA metabarcoding with high‐throughput, next‐generation sequencing to provide species‐level descriptions of prey composition for three naturally reproducing, syntopic freshwater trout species.

Our study supports previous findings that suggested that brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are generalist predators that display a high degree of seasonal dietary flexibility. Prey composition varied significantly across sampling periods, with detection frequency of terrestrial prey greater in the spring/summer period compared to the autumn period.

Pollution‐sensitive aquatic macroinvertebrates were detected frequently across both sampling periods, highlighting the importance of high‐quality streams that support such arthropod prey. DNA metabarcoding also detected a high richness of soft‐bodied, Lepidoptera prey species, a taxonomic group that has been largely underrepresented in previous trout dietary studies that used traditional morphological techniques.

This study demonstrates the applicability of dietary DNA metabarcoding for the detection and species‐level identification of arthropods found in freshwater fish lavage samples and highlights the importance of taxonomically precise techniques when attempting to better understand trophic interactions within freshwater communities.
G‐quadruplex‐forming nucleic acids interact with splicing factor 3B subunit 2 and suppress innate immune gene expression
Authors: Matsumoto Kyoko , Okamoto Keiji , Okabe Sachiko , Fujii Risa , Ueda Koji , Ohashi Kenichi , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: December 2020

G‐quadruplex (G4), a non‐canonical higher‐order structure formed by guanine‐rich nucleic acid sequences, affects various genetic events in cis, including replication, transcription and translation. Whereas up‐regulation of innate immune/interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) is implicated in cancer progression, G4‐forming oligonucleotides that mimic telomeric repeat‐containing RNA suppress ISG induction in three‐dimensional (3D) culture of cancer cells. However, it is unclear how G4 suppresses ISG expression in trans. In this study, we found that G4 binding to splicing factor 3B subunit 2 (SF3B2) down‐regulated STAT1 phosphorylation and ISG expression in 3D‐cultured cancer cells. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified SF3B2 as a G4‐binding protein. Either G4‐forming oligonucleotides or SF3B2 knockdown suppressed ISG induction, whereas Phen‐DC3, a G4‐stabilizing compound, reversed the inhibitory effect of G4‐forming oligonucleotides on ISG induction. Phen‐DC3 inhibited SF3B2 binding to G4 in vitro. SF3B2‐mediated ISG induction appeared to occur independently of RNA splicing because SF3B2 knockdown did not affect pre‐mRNA splicing under the experimental conditions, and pharmacological inhibition of splicing by pladienolide B did not repress ISG induction. These observations suggest that G4 disrupts the ability of SF3B2 to induce ISGs in cancer. We propose a new mode for gene regulation, which employs G4 as an inhibitory trans‐element.
Mortality analysis of persons with disabilities in Argentina by age, sex and duration of benefit, 2015–16
Authors: Grushka Carlos Oscar , Bramajo Octavio Nicolás , Tibi Luciana
Published: December 2020

This article describes the differential mortality of Argentina’s disability pension beneficiaries during the 2015–16 period, based on National Social Security Administration (Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social – ANSES) payment records. It compares data for those with an assessed disability with overall population data, as well as with available international data (from Canada, Chile, Mexico, and the United States of America). In addition to breaking down mortality rates for people with disabilities by age and sex, it also factors in duration of benefit, establishing an inverse correlation between benefit duration and mortality.
A model for predicting 7‐day pressure injury outcomes in paediatric patients: A machine learning approach
Authors: Chun Xiao , Pan Liyan , Lin Yan , Ye Liyan , Liang Huiying , Tao Jianping , Luo Yi
Published: December 2020

Aims

We sought to explore factors associated with early pressure injury progression and build a model for predicting these outcomes using a machine learning approach.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods

In this study, we recruited paediatric patients, with hospital‐acquired stage I pressure injury or suspected deep tissue injury, who met the inclusion criteria between 1 January 2015–31 October 2018. We divided patients into two groups, namely healing or delayed healing, then followed them up for 7 days. We analysed patient pressure injury characteristics, demographics, treatment, clinical situation, vital signs, and blood test results, then build prediction models using the Random Forest and eXtreme Gradient Boosting approaches.

Results

The best prediction model, trained and tested using Random Forest with 10 variables, achieved an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of 0.82 (SD 0.06), 0.80 (SD 0.08), 0.84 (SD 0.08), and 0.89 (SD 0.06), respectively. The most contributing variables, in order of importance, included serum creatinine, red blood cell, and haematocrit.

Conclusion

An awareness of specific conditions and areas that could lead to delayed healing pressure injury in paediatric patients is needed.

Impact

This evidence‐based prediction model, coupled with the aforementioned clinical indicators, is expected to enhance early prediction of outcomes in paediatric patients thereby improve the quality of care and the outcome of children with PIs.
Caregiver autonomy support: A systematic review of interventions for adults with chronic illness and their caregivers with narrative synthesis
Authors: Stawnychy Michael A. , Teitelman Anne M. , Riegel Barbara
Published: December 2020

Chronic illnesses cause significant mortality in adults. Caregivers (spouses, adult children, friends) support adults with chronic illness in multiple ways, for instance through support of their autonomous decisions about how and why to engage in self‐care.

Aim

To examine interventions designed to improve the health and well‐being of adults with chronic illness by enhancing the autonomy supportive behaviours of caregivers.

Design

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials with narrative synthesis.

Data sources

All available dates of publication through August 2020 conducted in PubMed, Medline, Ageline, PsychInfo, and CINAHL.

Methods

Randomized controlled interventions of adults with chronic illness and their caregivers with content to enhance caregiver autonomy support were included. Interventions involving healthcare personnel, adults without self‐care capacity, or not published in English were excluded. Quality was appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations. Common themes in autonomy support and associated outcomes (e.g., self‐care, social support) were synthesized.

Results

Search identified 1,426 studies with 16 included in review (N = 2,486 dyads). Methodological quality was moderate. Successful interventions were skills‐based, targeted various communication styles, contained in‐person elements, and involved nurses. Half of the interventions assessed autonomy support outcomes; 63% (5 of 8) of these improved autonomy support. Results were generally positive for social support, mixed for self‐care, and null for caregiver burden. Heterogeneity and complexity of studies limited attribution of effects.

Conclusion

Behavioural interventions designed to enhance dyadic caregiver interpersonal communication to be autonomy supportive may positively influence caregiver skills and chronic illness outcomes. Future studies of autonomy support are needed to identify core intervention components.

Impact

This is the first systematic review examining interventions promoting caregiver to care‐receiver autonomy support. Modifying interpersonal communication to be autonomy supportive has potential to improve chronic illness outcomes. Findings can inform how clinicians and investigators enlist caregiver autonomy support to encourage behaviour change.
Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chuan , Chen Kee‐Hsin , Kuo Shu‐Fen , Chen I‐Hui
Published: December 2020

Aims

To systematically summarize and quantify the effects of foot reflexology on improvements in sleep disturbances.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data sources

Datasets including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, CINAHL and two Chinese electronic databases (i.e., AiritiLibrary and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were used to search from their inception to 31 January 2019.

Review methods

Studies which were randomized controlled trials that reported changes in sleep disturbances after the intervention among adults over 18 years old and written in the English or Chinese language were included. Two reviewers’ independently assessed the eligibility, extracted data, and conducted a quality assessment. Based on the extracted data, two separate meta‐analyses were performed.

Results

Forty‐two articles with a total sample of 3,928 participants were included in the systematic review and were eligible for the meta‐analysis. The most commonly employed outcome measurement tool was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, followed by the therapeutic effect between the intervention and control groups (as evaluated by participants with sleep problems compared with those without sleep problems in each group after the intervention). Results revealed that foot reflexology resulted in a greater reduction in the sleep quality score compared with the controls (Hedges’ g = −1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −1.81~‐0.94). As for the therapeutic effect, participants in the intervention group were less likely to have sleep problems than those in the control group (pooled odds ratio = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.19 ~ 0.31).

Conclusion

The findings suggested that foot reflexology produced significant improvements in sleep disturbances.

Impact

Foot reflexology is a non‐invasive and convenient intervention and regularly receiving foot reflexology can be considered complementary therapy to improve the sleep quality of adults with sleep disturbances. Furthermore, healthcare providers can actively press the solar plexus and heart zones to alleviate sleep disturbances when performing foot reflexology.
Trichodysplasia spinulosa: a comprehensive review of the disease and its treatment
Authors: Curman P. , Näsman A. , Brauner H.
Published: December 2020

Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is a rare dermatological disease caused by TS‐associated polyomavirus (TSPyV) in immunosuppressed patients. The seroprevalence of TSPyV in immunocompetent adults is high and the number of immunosuppressed patients developing TS remains low, suggesting that TS is underdiagnosed and/or that additional unknown factors are needed in order to develop TS. There is no well‐established treatment for TS, and to date a majority of reported cases have consequently received ineffective therapies, likely due to the unavailability of reviews and recommendations of treatments for TS. The few treatments reported in case reports to be effective include topical cidofovir 3%, reduction of immunosuppression and oral valganciclovir. In this comprehensive review, we present all published cases to date, together with a summary of all treatments for TS categorized by overall clinical efficacy, thus addressing this rare disease and what appears to be its clinically efficacious treatment.
Newly graduated nurses’ socialisation resulting in limiting inquiry and one‐sided use of knowledge sources—An ethnographic study
Authors: Voldbjerg Siri Lygum , Wiechula Rick , Sørensen Erik Elgaard , Grønkjær Mette
Published: December 2020

Aim

To explore how the socialisation into the clinical setting and interaction between newly graduated nurses and experienced nurses influences the new graduates’ use of knowledge sources.

Background

Newly graduated nurses’ use of knowledge sources in decision‐making has been subject to an increased interest in relation to evidence‐based practice. Despite interventions to strengthen nurses’ competencies required for making reflective clinical decisions within an evidence‐based practice, studies highlight that new graduates only draw on knowledge from research, patients and other components within evidence‐based practice to a limited extent. Research exploring new graduates’ use of knowledge sources calls attention to the experienced nurses’ decisive role as a valued knowledge source. The new graduates’ process of socialisation and their interaction with the experienced nurse raises further questions.

Methods

Ethnography using participant‐observation and individual semi‐structured interviews of nine newly graduated nurses from a University Hospital in Denmark. Data were collected in 2014. The study adheres to COREQ.

Results

Two main structures were found: “Striving for acknowledgment” and “Unintentionally suppressed inquiry.”

Conclusions

New graduates are socialised into limiting their inquiry on clinical practice and unintentionally being restricted to using the experienced nurse as predominant knowledge source. Depending on how the experienced nurse responds to the role as predominant knowledge source, they could either limit or nurture the new graduates’ inquiry into practice and thus the variety of knowledge sources used in clinical decision‐making. Limited inquiry into the complexity of nursing practice indirectly excludes the use of a variety of knowledge sources, which are fundamental to an evidence‐based practice.

Relevance

If clinical practice wishes to benefit from the newly graduated nurses’ inquiring approach and skills within evidence‐based practice, clinical practice will have to greet the nurses with a supportive culture where questioning practice is seen as a strength rather than a sign of insecurity and incompetence.
Prognostic impact of sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients stratified by different severity of portal hypertension
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Bardach Constanze , Hofer Benedikt S. , Scheiner Bernhard , Schwabl Philipp , Asenbaum Ulrika , Ba‐Ssalamah Ahmed , Scharitzer Martina , Bucscis Theresa , Simbrunner Benedikt , Bauer David , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas , Lampichler Katharina
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Portal hypertension (PH) and sarcopenia are common in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). However, the interaction between PH and sarcopenia and their specific and independent impact on prognosis and mortality has yet to be systematically investigated in patients with ACLD.

Methods

Consecutive patients with ACLD and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥10 mm Hg with available CT/MRI imaging were included. Sarcopenia was defined by transversal psoas muscle thickness (TPMT) at <12 mm/m in men and <8 mm/m in women at the level of the third lumbar vertebrae. Hepatic decompensation and mortality was recorded during follow‐up.

Results

Among 203 patients (68% male, age: 55 ± 11, model for end‐stage liver disease [MELD]: 12 [9‐15]), sarcopenia was observed in 77 (37.9%) and HVPG was ≥20 mm Hg in 98 (48.3%). There was no correlation between TPMT and HVPG (r = .031, P = .66), median HVPG was not different between patients with vs without sarcopenia (P = .211). Sarcopenia was significantly associated with first/further decompensation both in compensated (SHR: 3.05, P = .041) and in decompensated patients (SHR: 1.86, P = .021). Furthermore, sarcopenia (SARC) was a significant predictor of mortality irrespective of HVPG (HVPG < 20‐SARC: SHR: 2.25, P = .021; HVPG ≥ 20‐SARC: SHR: 3.33, P = .001). On multivariate analysis adjusted for age, HVPG and MELD, sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for mortality (aHR: 1.99, 95% confidence interval: 1.2‐3.3, P = .007).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia has a major impact on clinical outcomes both in compensated and in decompensated ACLD patients. The presence of sarcopenia doubled the risk for mortality independently from the severity of PH.
Generating liver using blastocyst complementation: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Aravalli Rajagopal N.
Published: December 2020

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only definitive treatment option for many patients with end‐stage liver disease. Current supply of donor livers for OLT is not keeping up with the growing demand. To overcome this problem, a number of experimental strategies have been developed either to provide a bridge to transplant for patients on the waiting list or to bioengineer whole livers for OLT by replenishing them with fresh supplies of hepatic cells. In recent years, blastocyst complementation has emerged as the most promising approach for generating whole organs and, in combination with gene editing technology, it has revolutionized regenerative medicine. This methodology was successful in producing xenogeneic organs in animal hosts. Blastocyst complementation has the potential to produce whole livers in large animals that could be xenotransplanted in humans, thereby reducing the shortage of livers for OLT. However, significant experimental and ethical barriers remain for the production of human livers in domestic animals, such as the pig. This review summarizes the current knowledge and provides future perspectives for liver xenotransplantation in humans.
An Economic Instrument to Address Beach Wrack
Authors: Stenis Jan , Sachpazidou Varvara , Hogland William
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesThis article introduces a practical, economic instrument based on the Naturally Optimised Revenue Demand in Communities, the NORDIC model, to improve the management of beach wrack. Tourism is an important sector in a country’s or region’s economy, as it generates employment and business opportunities. Verifiably, sandy shorelines have served as areas for amusement and as attractions upon which tourism advancement has been based. The accumulations of beach wrack result in a significant decrease in the recreational value of a coastal area. The decomposition of beach wrack emits an unpleasant odor, as it releases essential nitrate, phosphate and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). In this investigation, we provide coastal communities with a powerful tool to address the harmful damage inflicted on their beaches, by marine biomass mounds.MethodsWe adapted the NORDIC model and used a case study to illustrate how the adapted NORDIC model could alleviate the municipalities’ burden, caused by beach wrack.ResultsThe application of a versatile tool, the NORDIC model, by various managers in manage and promote a sustainable use of beach wrack would boost the tourism industry in coastal areas.ConclusionsWe recommend the application of the NORDIC model to beach wrack management in general, and in particular to the tourism sector, to enhance the economic value of attractive shores. Future research should focus on developing additional algorithms for valuation of specific kinds of beach wrack.
Combustion of Torrefied Pellets of Furniture Work Dusts as Blends With Lignite
Authors: Yilgin Melek , Hoş Bedriye , Pehlivan Dursun
Published: December 2020

In this study, torrefaction of pellets formed from furniture work dusts collected as a part of space cleaning actions in the industry has been examined. Burning behavior of torrefied dusts and lignite blends was studied. Torrefaction experiments were done under a nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h at temperatures of 220, 260, and 300 °C which corresponded to light, mild, and severe torrefaction, respectively. Combustion of blend pellets prepared by adding lignite in specific ratios to powders of torrefied pellets was carried out at 700 °C initial temperature using a vertical furnace system through which air was flowing in natural convection. Ignition times of blend pellets were affected by volatile matter and moisture contents. Volatile matter combustion rates were lower than those of raw waste, and accordingly, combustion times were higher. However, no relation between volatile matter combustion rates and times was observed. Blending raw or torrefied furniture work dusts with lignite have significantly influenced volatile matter and carbon combustion periods. There was no relation between carbon combustion rates and times. It was concluded that blend pellets of mild or severe torrefaction products of furniture work dusts and lignite behaved similarly to lignite during combustion.
Adjoint-Based Calculation of Parametric Thermoacoustic Maps of an Industrial Combustion Chamber
Authors: Silva Camilo F. , Prieto Laura , Ancharek Maximiliano , Marigliani Pablo , Mensah Georg A.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is to efficiently calculate parametric thermoacoustic maps of typical combustion chambers. Two configurations are considered: an academic configuration based on a Rijke tube, and an industrial combustion chamber, which is the core of a recently developed microturbine for power generation. Such maps can be understood as the collection of loci of thermoacoustic eigenfrequencies obtained under systematic variations of some defined parameters, while considering the Helmholtz equation as the thermoacoustic model of interest. In this study we consider variations on two parameters: the gain n and time-delay τ associated with a generic flame response model. We also show the feasibility of the proposed approach when considering more realistic flame responses. A straight-forward way to calculate such a thermoacoustic map is by solving the Helmholtz equation, and, thus, the corresponding nonlinear eigenvalue problem (NLEVP), one time per parameter combination. With that approach, the nonlinear eigenvalue problem needs to be solved hundreds or thousands of times if an adequate resolution of the thermoacoustic map is sought. Such a strategy may be computationally unaffordable. In order to overcome this difficulty, this work utilizes an adjoint-based, high-order perturbation method. The actual eigenvalue problem is only solved once at a baseline point. After applying the perturbation equations at that point, a polynomial rational function—the Padé approximant—is obtained to estimate the eigenfrequency drift that results for a small or large perturbation in the flame response. It is demonstrated, for both academic and industrial test cases, that the obtained maps are accurate. Additionally, it is shown that these maps reveal a large variety of thermoacoustic features, such as stability boundaries, intrinsic thermoacoustic modes, and exceptional points. The numerical costs for such calculations are negligible even for the industrial combustion chamber investigated.
Performance-Determining Variables in Long-Distance Events: Should They Be Determined From a Rested State or After Prolonged Submaximal Exercise?
Authors: Noordhof Dionne A. , Øfsteng Sjur J. , Nirenberg Linnea , Hammarström Daniel , Hansen Joar , Rønnestad Bent R. , Sandbakk Øyvind
Published: December 2020

Performance-determining variables are usually measured from a rested state and not after prolonged exercise, specific to when athletes compete for the win in long-distance events. Purpose: (1) To compare cross-country skiing double-poling (DP) performance and the associated physiological and biomechanical performance-determining variables between a rested state and after prolonged exercise and (2) to investigate whether the relationship between the main performance-determining variables and DP performance is different after prolonged submaximal DP than when tested from a rested state. Methods: Male cross-country skiers (N = 26) performed a blood lactate profile test and an incremental test to exhaustion from a rested state on day 1 (D1; all using DP) and after 90-minute submaximal DP on day 2 (D2). Results: The DP performance decreased following prolonged submaximal DP (D1: peak speed = 15.33–20.75 km·h−1, median = 18.1 km·h−1; D2: peak speed = 13.68–19.77 km·h−1, median = 17.8 km·h−1; z = −3.96, P < .001, effect size r = −.77), which coincided with a reduced submaximal gross efficiency and submaximal and peak cycle length, with no significant change in peak oxygen uptake (P = .26, r = .23). The correlation coefficient between D1 cycle length at 12 km·h−1 and D2 performance is significantly smaller than the correlation coefficient between D2 cycle length at 12 km·h−1 and D2 performance (P = .033), with the same result being found for peak cycle length (P < .001). Conclusions: The reduced DP performance after prolonged submaximal DP coincided with a reduced submaximal gross efficiency and shorter peak cycle length. The results indicate that performance-determining variables could be determined after prolonged exercise to gain more valid insight into long-distance DP performance.
Visualizing insulin vesicle neighborhoods in β cells by cryo–electron tomography
Authors: Zhang Xianjun , Carter Stephen D. , Singla Jitin , White Kate L. , Butler Peter C. , Stevens Raymond C. , Jensen Grant J.
Published: December 2020

Multiple distinct tomograms of a single β cell enable investigation of the architecture of insulin vesicle neighborhoods.
High-throughput search for magnetic and topological order in transition metal oxides
Authors: Frey Nathan C. , Horton Matthew K. , Munro Jason M. , Griffin Sinéad M. , Persson Kristin A. , Shenoy Vivek B.
Published: December 2020

Candidate magnetic topological materials are identified with high-throughput computational screening.
Ultrahigh-resolution scanning microwave impedance microscopy of moiré lattices and superstructures
Authors: Lee Kyunghoon , Utama M. Iqbal Bakti , Kahn Salman , Samudrala Appalakondaiah , Leconte Nicolas , Yang Birui , Wang Shuopei , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Altoé M. Virginia P. , Zhang Guangyu , Weber-Bargioni Alexander , Crommie Michael , Ashby Paul D. , Jung Jeil , Wang Feng , Zettl Alex
Published: December 2020

Local conductance behavior of various moiré lattices, moiré superstructures, and Kagome-like moiré are resolved down to sub–5 nm.
Millikelvin-resolved ambient thermography
Authors: Tang Kechao , Dong Kaichen , Nicolai Christopher J. , Li Ying , Li Jiachen , Lou Shuai , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Raulet David H. , Yao Jie , Wu Junqiao
Published: December 2020

Temperature sensitivity of thermography is boosted by over 15 times to achieve millikelvin-resolution near ambient temperature.
Fast and programmable locomotion of hydrogel-metal hybrids under light and magnetic fields
Authors: Li Chuang , Lau Garrett C. , Yuan Hang , Aggarwal Aaveg , Dominguez Victor Lopez , Liu Shuangping , Sai Hiroaki , Palmer Liam C. , Sather Nicholas A. , Pearson Tyler J. , Freedman Danna E. , Amiri Pedram Khalili , de la Cruz Monica Olvera , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: December 2020

Reconfiguring and programming the action of a magnetically driven robot using light.
Enhanced SARS-CoV-2 neutralization by dimeric IgA
Authors: Wang Zijun , Lorenzi Julio C. C. , Muecksch Frauke , Finkin Shlomo , Viant Charlotte , Gaebler Christian , Cipolla Melissa , Hoffmann Hans-Heinrich , Oliveira Thiago Y. , Oren Deena A. , Ramos Victor , Nogueira Lilian , Michailidis Eleftherios , Robbiani Davide F. , Gazumyan Anna , Rice Charles M. , Hatziioannou Theodora , Bieniasz Paul D. , Caskey Marina , Nussenzweig Michel C.
Published: December 2020

Human dimeric IgA antibodies are potent neutralizers of SARS-CoV-2.
In Situ
Rhizosphere Microbiome in Antarctic Vascular Plants, Modulated by Soil Condition
Authors: Rabert Claudia , Larama Giovanni , Fuentes Alejandra , Gutiérrez-Moraga Ana , Tapia-Valdebenito Daisy
Published: December 2020

Antarctic soils are considered young soils; therefore, the microbiota associated with Antarctic vascular plants play a critical role in their productivity. In this research, we compared the microbiota from three different soil conditions using a 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer rRNA gene amplicon approach for bacterial and fungal communities.
Supplemental Material: Creating virtual geologic mapping exercises in a changing world
Authors: Whitmeyer S.J. , Dordevic M.
Published: December 2020

Supplement 1: Links to webinars on using Google Earth for virtual teaching experiences. Supplement 2: Packet of handouts provided to students as references for the SST Blue Ridge field trip. Supplement 3: CSV file of example field data to use with the Symbols tool. Supplement 4: KML file produced by the Symbols tool from the example field data in Supplement 3.
Multimodal imaging in subclinical best vitelliform macular dystrophy
Authors: Parodi Maurizio Battaglia , Arrigo Alessandro , Calamuneri Alessandro , Aragona Emanuela , Bandello Francesco
Published: December 2020

Background

To analyse multimodal imaging alterations in the subclinical form of best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD).

Methods

The study was designed as an observational, cross-sectional case series. Eleven eyes of 7 subclinical patients with BVMD and 12 age-matched and sex-matched controls were included. Multimodal imaging included fundus blue-light autofluorescence, near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF), structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). The quantitative analysis included the calculation of the following parameters: vessel density (VD), vessel tortuosity (VT), vessel dispersion (Vdisp), vessel rarefaction (VR), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, reflectivity of the outer retinal bands and choriocapillaris porosity (CCP).

Results

Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.0±0.0 LogMAR in both groups. The round central hypoautofluorescent alteration on NIR-AF corresponded to a significant reflectivity attenuation of the outer retinal bands on structural OCT (0.55±0.18 vs 0.75±0.08; p<0.001). VD, VT, VR and Vdisp were normal compared with controls (all p>0.05). The FAZ area turned out to be significantly restricted at the level of the deep capillary plexus in subclinical BVMD eyes (p<0.001). Furthermore, quantitative OCTA revealed a significant central increase of CCP, compared with controls (18.25±2.43 vs 4.58±1.36; p<0.001).

Conclusions

The subclinical stage of BVMD is characterised by significant alterations of the outer retinal bands and the choriocapillaris. Quantitative multimodal imaging assessment suggests that subclinical BVMD is affected by the functional impairment of the outer retinal structures, leading to an alteration in melanin and growth factor production.
Estimation of Goldmann applanation tonometer intraocular pressure (IOP) from scleral Schiotz IOP values in eyes with type-1 keratoprostheses
Authors: Senthil Sirisha , Chary Raghava , Ali Mohammed Hasnat , Choudhari Nikhil S , Garudadri Chandra Sekhar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To validate estimation of Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) intraocular pressure (IOP) from scleral Schiotz IOP measurements using a regression model in normal eyes and eyes with type-1 keratoprostheses.

Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional study, cohort-1 had 253 normal anterior segment eyes, and cohort-2 had 100 eyes with type-1 keratoprostheses. Scleral Schiotz IOP measurements were used (in a non-linear model) to predict GAT IOP values for these eyes. Accuracy of predicted GAT IOP values was assessed using actual GAT IOP values for normal eyes, while for type-1 keratoprosthetic eyes, finger tension (FT) IOP assessments by an experienced glaucoma specialist were used. Primary outcome was agreement between FT IOP (assessed by an experienced glaucoma specialist) and predicted GAT IOP-derived clusters.

Results

The actual values of GAT IOP measurements in normal eyes (n=253; mean age ±SD, 51.35±15.56 years) ranged between 6 mm Hg and 62 mm Hg (mean=22±10.05 mm Hg). Estimated and actual GAT IOP values for normal eyes were very similar (mean difference=0.05 mm Hg with limits of agreement: −5.39 to 5.5 by Bland-Altman plot). Of the 100 eyes with type-1 keratoprostheses, 68 were classified as having digitally normal IOP, 28 as borderline and 4 as high. The agreement between classification by FT assessment and model-predicted GAT IOP values was substantial (Kappa=0.81, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.93). The accuracy of the model in assessing IOP was found to be 91% (95% CI 0.84 to 0.96).

Conclusion

Scleral Schiotz IOP values along with our predictive model can be an alternative objective method to FT IOP in assessing IOP in eyes with type-1 keratoprostheses.
Effect of gender affirming hormones on athletic performance in transwomen and transmen: implications for sporting organisations and legislators
Authors: Roberts Timothy A , Smalley Joshua , Ahrendt Dale
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine the effect of gender affirming hormones on athletic performance among transwomen and transmen.

Methods

We reviewed fitness test results and medical records of 29 transmen and 46 transwomen who started gender affirming hormones while in the United States Air Force. We compared pre- and post-hormone fitness test results of the transwomen and transmen with the average performance of all women and men under the age of 30 in the Air Force between 2004 and 2014. We also measured the rate of hormone associated changes in body composition and athletic performance.

Results

Participants were 26.2 years old (SD 5.5). Prior to gender affirming hormones, transwomen performed 31% more push-ups and 15% more sit-ups in 1 min and ran 1.5 miles 21% faster than their female counterparts. After 2 years of taking feminising hormones, the push-up and sit-up differences disappeared but transwomen were still 12% faster. Prior to gender affirming hormones, transmen performed 43% fewer push-ups and ran 1.5 miles 15% slower than their male counterparts. After 1 year of taking masculinising hormones, there was no longer a difference in push-ups or run times, and the number of sit-ups performed in 1 min by transmen exceeded the average performance of their male counterparts.

The 15–31% athletic advantage that transwomen displayed over their female counterparts prior to starting gender affirming hormones declined with feminising therapy. However, transwomen still had a 9% faster mean run speed after the 1 year period of testosterone suppression that is recommended by World Athletics for inclusion in women’s events.
Association of physical activity and sedentary behavior with type 2 diabetes and glycemic traits: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Meisinger Christa , Linseisen Jakob , Leitzmann Michael , Baurecht Hansjoerg , Baumeister Sebastian Edgar
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Observational studies suggest that physical activity lowers and sedentary behavior increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Despite of some supportive trial data for physical activity, it is largely unresolved whether these relations are causal or due to bias.

Objective

We investigated the associations between accelerometer-based physical activity and sedentary behavior with type 2 diabetes and several glycemic traits using two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Research design and methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated at p<5×10−8with accelerometer-based physical activity average accelerations, vigorous physical activity (fraction of accelerations >425 milligravities), and sedentary behavior (metabolic equivalent task ≤1.5) in a genome-wide analysis of the UK Biobank served as instrumental variables.

Outcomes

Type 2 diabetes, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function (HOMA-B), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results

Physical activity and sedentary behavior were unrelated to type 2 diabetes, HbA1c, fasting glucose, HOMA-B, and HOMA-IR. The inverse variance weighted ORs per SD increment for the association between average accelerations and vigorous physical activity with type 2 diabetes were 1.00 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.07, p=0.948) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.23, p=0.357), respectively. These results were confirmed by sensitivity analyses using alternative MR-methods to test the robustness of our findings.

Conclusions

Based on these results, genetically predicted objectively measured average or vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior is not associated with type 2 diabetes risk or with glycemic traits in the general population. Further research is required to deepen the understanding of the biological pathways of physical activity.
Country compliance with WHO-recommended antenatal care guidelines: equity analysis of the 2015–2016 Demography and Health Survey in Myanmar
Authors: Mugo Ngatho Samuel , Mya Kyaw Swa , Raynes-Greenow Camille
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Early access to adequate antenatal care (ANC) from skilled providers is crucial for detecting and preventing obstetric complications of pregnancy. We aimed to assess factors associated with the utilisation of the new WHO ANC guidelines including the recommended number, on time initiation and adequate components of ANC contacts in Myanmar.

Methods

We examined data from 2943 mothers aged 15–49 years whose most recent birth occurred in the last 5 years prior to the 2015–2016 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey. Factors associated with utilisation of the new WHO recommended ANC were explored using multinomial logistic regression and multivariate models. We used marginal standardisation methods to estimate the predicted probabilities of the factors significantly associated with the three measures of ANC.

Results

Approximately 18% of mothers met the new WHO recommended number of eight ANC contacts. About 58% of the mothers received adequate ANC components, and 47% initiated ANC within the first trimester of pregnancy. The predicted model shows that Myanmar could achieve 70% coverage of adequate components of ANC if all women were living in urban areas. Similarly, if ANC was through private health facilities, 63% would achieve adequate components of ANC. Pregnant women from urban areas (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 4.86, 95% CI 2.44 to 9.68) were more than four times more likely to have adequate ANC components compared with women from rural areas. Pregnant women in the highest wealth quintile were three times more likely to receive eight or more ANC contacts (aRR: 3.20, 95% CI 1.61 to 6.36) relative to mothers from the lowest wealth quintile. On time initiation of the first ANC contact was fourfold for mothers aged 30–39 years relative to adolescent mothers (aRR: 4.07, 95% CI 1.53 to 10.84).

Conclusion

The 2016 WHO ANC target is not yet being met by the majority of women in Myanmar. Our results highlight the need to address health access inequity for women who are from lower socioeconomic groups, or are younger, and those living in rural areas.
Making sense of the evidence in population health intervention research: building a dry stone wall
Authors: Ogilvie David , Bauman Adrian , Foley Louise , Guell Cornelia , Humphreys David , Panter Jenna
Published: December 2020

To effectively tackle population health challenges, we must address the fundamental determinants of behaviour and health. Among other things, this will entail devoting more attention to the evaluation of upstream intervention strategies. However, merely increasing the supply of such studies is not enough. The pivotal link between research and policy or practice should be the cumulation of insight from multiple studies. If conventional evidence synthesis can be thought of as analogous to building a wall, then we can increase the supply of bricks (the number of studies), their similarity (statistical commensurability) or the strength of the mortar (the statistical methods for holding them together). However, many contemporary public health challenges seem akin to herding sheep in mountainous terrain, where ordinary walls are of limited use and a more flexible way of combining dissimilar stones (pieces of evidence) may be required. This would entail shifting towards generalising the functions of interventions, rather than their effects; towards inference to the best explanation, rather than relying on binary hypothesis-testing; and towards embracing divergent findings, to be resolved by testing theories across a cumulated body of work. In this way we might channel a spirit of pragmatic pluralism into making sense of complex sets of evidence, robust enough to support more plausible causal inference to guide action, while accepting and adapting to the reality of the public health landscape rather than wishing it were otherwise. The traditional art of dry stone walling can serve as a metaphor for the more ‘holistic sense-making’ we propose.