bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated cycles for urban biomass as a strategy to promote a CO2-neutral society – a feasibility study
Authors: Meinusch Nicole , Kramer Susanne , Körner Oliver , Wiese Jürgen , Seick Ingolf , Beblek Anita , Berges Regine , Illenberger Bernhard , Illenberger Marco , Uebbing Jennifer , Wolf Maximilian , Saake Gunter , Benndorf Dirk , Reichl Udo , Heyer Robert
Published: April 2021

Progressive global warming is one of the biggest challenges civilization is facing today. The establishment of a carbon dioxide (CO2)-neutral society based on sustainable value creation cycles is required to stop this development. The Integrated Cycles for Urban Biomass (ICU) concept is a new concept towards a CO2-neutral society. The integration of closed biomass cycles into residential buildings enable efficient resource utilization and avoid transport of biowaste. In this scenario, biowaste is degraded on-site into biogas that is converted into heat and electricity. The liquid fermentation residues are upgraded by nitrification processes (e.g., by a soiling®-process, EP3684909A1) to refined fertilizer, which can be used subsequently in house-internal gardens to produce fresh food for residents.

Whereas this scenario sounds promising, comprehensive evaluations of produced amounts of biogas and food, saved CO2and costs as well as social-cultural aspects are lacking. To assess these points, a feasibility study was performed, which estimated the material and energy flows based on simulations of the biogas process and food production.

The calculations show that a residential complex with 100 persons can generate 21 % of the annual power (electrical and heat) consumption from the accumulated biowaste. The nitrogen (N) in the liquid fermentation residues enables the production of up to 6.3 t of fresh mass of lettuce per year in a 70 m2professional hydroponic production area. The amount of produced lettuce corresponds to the amount of calories required to feed four persons for one year. Additionally, due to the reduction of biowaste transport and the in-house food and fertilizer production, 6 468 kg CO2-equivalent (CO2-eq) per year are saved compared to a conventional building. While the ICU concept is technically feasible, its costs are still 1.5 times higher than the revenues. However, the model predictions show that the ICU concept becomes economically feasible in case food prices further increase and ICU is implemented at larger scale, e.g.; at the district level. Finally, this study demonstrates that the ICU implementation can be a worthwile contribution towards a sustainable CO2-neutral society and enable to decrease the demand for agricultural land.
BAP1 constrains pervasive H2AK119ub1 to control the transcriptional potential of the genome
Authors: Fursova Nadezda A. , Turberfield Anne H. , Blackledge Neil P. , Findlater Emma L. , Lastuvkova Anna , Huseyin Miles K. , Dobrinić Paula , Klose Robert J.
Published: April 2021

Histone-modifying systems play fundamental roles in gene regulation and the development of multicellular organisms. Histone modifications that are enriched at gene regulatory elements have been heavily studied, but the function of modifications found more broadly throughout the genome remains poorly understood. This is exemplified by histone H2A monoubiquitylation (H2AK119ub1), which is enriched at Polycomb-repressed gene promoters but also covers the genome at lower levels. Here, using inducible genetic perturbations and quantitative genomics, we found that the BAP1 deubiquitylase plays an essential role in constraining H2AK119ub1 throughout the genome. Removal of BAP1 leads to pervasive genome-wide accumulation of H2AK119ub1, which causes widespread reductions in gene expression. We show that elevated H2AK119ub1 preferentially counteracts Ser5 phosphorylation on the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II at gene regulatory elements and causes reductions in transcription and transcription-associated histone modifications. Furthermore, failure to constrain pervasive H2AK119ub1 compromises Polycomb complex occupancy at a subset of Polycomb target genes, which leads to their derepression, providing a potential molecular rationale for why the BAP1 ortholog in Drosophila has been characterized as a Polycomb group gene. Together, these observations reveal that the transcriptional potential of the genome can be modulated by regulating the levels of a pervasive histone modification.
MED1 is a lipogenesis coactivator required for postnatal adipose expansion
Authors: Jang Younghoon , Park Young-Kwon , Lee Ji-Eun , Wan Danyang , Tran Nhien , Gavrilova Oksana , Ge Kai
Published: April 2021

MED1 often serves as a surrogate of the general transcription coactivator complex Mediator for identifying active enhancers. MED1 is required for phenotypic conversion of fibroblasts to adipocytes in vitro, but its role in adipose development and expansion in vivo has not been reported. Here, we show that MED1 is not generally required for transcription during adipogenesis in culture and that MED1 is dispensable for adipose development in mice. Instead, MED1 is required for postnatal adipose expansion and the induction of fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis genes after pups switch diet from high-fat maternal milk to carbohydrate-based chow. During adipogenesis, MED1 is dispensable for induction of lineage-determining transcription factors (TFs) PPARγ and C/EBPα but is required for lipid accumulation in the late phase of differentiation. Mechanistically, MED1 controls the induction of lipogenesis genes by facilitating lipogenic TF ChREBP- and SREBP1a-dependent recruitment of Mediator to active enhancers. Together, our ﬁndings identify a cell- and gene-specific regulatory role of MED1 as a lipogenesis coactivator required for postnatal adipose expansion.
Hepatic transcriptional responses to fasting and feeding
Authors: Bideyan Lara , Nagari Rohith , Tontonoz Peter
Published: April 2021

Mammals undergo regular cycles of fasting and feeding that engage dynamic transcriptional responses in metabolic tissues. Here we review advances in our understanding of the gene regulatory networks that contribute to hepatic responses to fasting and feeding. The advent of sequencing and -omics techniques have begun to facilitate a holistic understanding of the transcriptional landscape and its plasticity. We highlight transcription factors, their cofactors, and the pathways that they impact. We also discuss physiological factors that impinge on these responses, including circadian rhythms and sex differences. Finally, we review how dietary modifications modulate hepatic gene expression programs.
Anisotropic poroviscoelastic medium: reflection of inhomogeneous waves at the plane boundary with restricted seepage of pore fluid
Authors: Sharma M. D.
Published: April 2021

An attenuating wave field in an anisotropic poroviscoelastic medium is represented through the three‐dimensional inhomogeneous propagation of four bulk waves. Propagation of each wave is governed by a complex slowness vector, which specifies its phase direction, phase velocity and coefficients for homogeneous/inhomogeneous attenuation. Partially opened surface pores restrict the seepage of pore fluid at the boundary. A generalized reflection phenomenon is illustrated for incidence of inhomogeneous waves at this boundary. Horizontal slowness of this incidence derives the slowness vectors of four inhomogeneous waves reflected into the medium. Slowness vectors and polarizations of incident and reflected waves are used to calculate the amplitudes, phase shifts and energy fluxes of reflected waves in comparison to the incident wave. A particular example illustrates the numerical implementation of the derived mathematical model for anisotropic poroviscoelastic reflection.
An unusual case of suicide: Near decapitation by a modified table saw
Authors: Simon Gábor , Heckmann Veronika
Published: April 2021

Table saws are dangerous tools able to create severe injuries. In accidental injuries, the most commonly injured body parts are fingers (85.9%) while amputations occur in 10% of cases. Accidental neck or head injuries account for only 3.1% of all injuries. Table saws cause nearly half of all saw‐related amputations. There are approximately 30,000 cases of table saw‐related injuries in the United States annually, but only a few table saw‐related suicides have been reported in the scientific literature. In regard to suicides, usually the head or the neck is targeted. Usually, only the soft tissues of the neck are injured because the blade height limits the cutting depth and the victim falls down from the table saw before complete transection. A rare case of suicide committed by a modified table saw that resulted in near decapitation is presented. Previously reported cases of suicides by table saw are also reviewed.
Effects of polymyxin B hemoperfusion in patients with sepsis requiring continuous hemodiafiltration: Analysis of a nationwide administrative database in Japan
Authors: Fujimori Kenji , Tarasawa Kunio , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: April 2021

This study investigated sepsis patients' current status with continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) with or without polymyxin B hemoperfusion (PMX). We identified 17 367 adult sepsis patients treated with CHDF and PMX using the Japanese diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) database from April 2016 to March 2019. More than half of the patients in this category resulted in death in the hospital, which means that patients in this group were critically ill. Among the patients who received CHDF, the 28‐day survival rate of PMX‐treated patients was significantly higher than that of non‐treated patients, after adjusting the patient background by propensity score matching (69.5% vs. 65.4%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the length of hospital stay and intensive care unit stay was significantly shorter in PMX‐treated patients than that of non‐treated patients. These results suggest that PMX may provide benefits to patients with severe sepsis requiring CHDF.
Gut microbiota regulation and anti‐inflammatory effect of β‐carotene in dextran sulfate sodium‐stimulated ulcerative colitis in rats
Authors: Zhu Lingyu , Song Yang , Liu Huilin , Wu Min , Gong Haizhou , Lan Hainan , Zheng Xin
Published: April 2021

β‐Carotene displays antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities and prevents the development of cancer. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease that is accompanied by a certain risk of colon cancer. However, the role of β‐carotene in the modulation of gut microbiota and UC improvement is unclear. In this research, the properties of β‐carotene on anti‐inflammatory and the composition of gut microbiota were evaluated in a rat model of UC induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The results revealed that β‐carotene significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the severity of colitis in rats, as assessed using body weight (6.00 ± 1.73%), colon length (22.23 ± 0.53%), and disease activity index, and improved the structure of the colon damaged. Moreover, colonic levels of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly lower following β‐carotene supplementation. β‐Carotene intervention also lowered the expression levels of phosphorylated p65 (0.60 ± 0.02), p38 (0.57 ± 0.00), Erk (0.63 ± 0.04), and JNK (0.70 ± 0.00). The result of the relative abundance of gut microbiota showed that DSS administration significantly changed the microbial structure at the phylum and genus levels of rats. Furthermore, β‐carotene treatment significantly increased the abundance of Faecalibacterium, the levels of which negatively correlated with the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Faecalibacterium may be a potential target in the alleviation of DSS‐induced UC. β‐Carotene can alleviate DSS‐induced UC through the regulation of gut microbiota. This study provides a reference for the rational use of β‐carotene in the treatment of UC.

Practical Application

β‐Carotene can relieve ulcerative colitis and regulate the gut microbiota; the nutritional intervention of β‐carotene enhancing animal health.
Research on nondestructive identification of grape varieties based on EEMD‐DWT and hyperspectral image
Authors: Xu Min , Sun Jun , Zhou Xin , Tang Ningqiu , Shen Jifeng , Wu Xiaohong
Published: April 2021

Grape varieties are directly related to the quality and sales price of table grapes and consumed products (raisin, wine, grape juice, etc.). To satisfy the identification requirements of rapid, accurate, and nondestructive detection, an improved denoising algorithm based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is proposed to couple with the hyperspectral image (HSI) of grape varieties in this study. First, the hyperspectral data of grape varieties are collected by using HSI instrument, and denoised by the proposed EEMD‐DWT and other denoising algorithms. CARS‐SPA (competitive adaptive reweighed sampling coupled with successive projections algorithm) is introduced to select the effective wavelengths and a discriminative model is constructed by using support vector machine (SVM). Finally, Monte Carlo experiments verified that EEMD‐DWT was an effective and powerful spectra denoising method, and the SVM model constructed by combining with CARS‐SPA had an excellent identification accuracy (99.3125%). The results suggested that the key wavelengths selected by using CARS‐SPA and EEMD‐DWT could be an alternative to the deal with HSI, and its potential to become a method for identifying grape varieties.

Practical Application

Traditional grape varieties identification methods are destructive and time consuming. Therefore, HSI technology is applied to realize fast and nondestructive identification of grape varieties in this study. The research results indicate that it is feasible to combine HSI technology with machine learning algorithm to discriminate grape varieties. It is of great significance for grape grading and the promotion of excellent varieties, and also provides reference for grape industry producers to identify grape varieties quickly and accurately.
The relationship between life‐sustaining treatment limitation and organ donation in Swedish intensive care: A nationwide register study
Authors: Nolin Thomas , Walther Sten
Published: April 2021

Background

Life‐sustaining treatment limitation (LSTL) on the intensive care unit (ICU) may affect the rate of organ donation after brain death (DBD). The primary aim of this study was to examine whether there is a relationship between LSTL and DBD. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the rate of LSTL involved in ICU deaths and to describe technical and procedural characteristics of LSTL on Swedish ICUs.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study on all ICU deaths (n = 13 156) in Sweden between 2014 and 2017. We analysed differences in DBD rates between deaths in ICU with and those without LSTL, using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results

After excluding 1084 deaths on specialised ICUs and units not registering goals of treatment, the study population comprised 12 072 deaths including 615 DBDs, of which 7865 had LSTL, 1706 had no LSTL and 2501 had no stated goals of treatment. The final cohort on which the relationship between DBD and LSTL was analysed comprised 9571 deaths including 419 DBDs. When no LSTL was documented, the rate of organ donation was 9.5% compared to 3.3% when LSTL was documented (P < .001). LSTL was associated with a lower DBD rate after adjusting for patient‐ and ICU‐related factors (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31‐0.53, P < .001).

Conclusion

There was an inverse relationship between LSTL and DBD amongst patients who died on the ICU. This relationship remained after adjusting for factors known to influence organ donation. The reason remains to be determined.
A longitudinal study of the moderating effects of romantic relationships on the associations between alcohol use and trauma in college students
Authors: Smith Rebecca L. , Dick Danielle M. , Amstadter Ananda , Thomas Nathaniel ,   the Spit for Science Working Group, Salvatore Jessica E.
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims

College students report high levels of alcohol use, which can be exacerbated by interpersonal trauma exposure (IPT). Romantic relationships may represent salient contexts for moderating associations between IPT and alcohol use. We examined whether relationship status, partner alcohol use and relationship satisfaction moderated associations between IPT and alcohol use, and whether these associations varied in a sex‐specific manner.

Design

University‐wide longitudinal survey of college students.

Setting

Large, urban public university in mid‐Atlantic United States.

Participants

We used two subsets of participants (n = 5673 and 3195) from the Spit for Science project, a longitudinal study of college students. Participants completed baseline assessments during the autumn of their freshman year and were invited to complete follow‐up assessments every spring thereafter. Participants were included in the present study if they completed surveys at baseline and at least one follow‐up assessment (meanfollow‐ups = 1.70, range = 1–4).

Measurements

Predictors included precollege and college‐onset IPT, relationship status, partner alcohol use, relationship satisfaction and sex. Alcohol consumption was the primary outcome of interest. Pre‐college IPT was measured at baseline and all other measures were assessed at each follow‐up.

Findings

Individuals with pre‐college IPT consumed more alcohol than those without IPT, but this was mitigated for those in relationships (β = −0.15, P = 0.046, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.29, 0.00). Individuals with college‐onset IPT consumed more alcohol than those without IPT, and this was more pronounced for those with higher partner alcohol use (β = −0.18, P = 0.001, 95% CI = −0.29, −0.07). Relationship satisfaction was not a significant moderator of the associations between IPT and alcohol use (Ps > 0.05 and 95% CIs include 0).

Conclusions

Involvement in relationships, but not relationship satisfaction, appears to reduce the effects of interpersonal trauma exposure (IPT) on alcohol use among US college students, while high partner alcohol use appears to exacerbate it. The moderating effects of relationship characteristics depend on the developmental timing of IPT.
3D morphometric study of domestic fowl glomerulus—A scanning electron microscope study of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Hadžiomerović Nedžad , Avdić Rizah , Minnich Bernd , Erlbacher Katharina , Mlaćo Nadžida , Tandir Faruk , Bejdić Pamela
Published: April 2021

Microvascularization of domestic fowl kidneys was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs). Two types of nephrons, mammalian‐type (MT) and reptilian‐type (RT) nephrons and their glomerular structure were analysed quantitatively by 3D morphometry. A significant difference in shape and size between the MT and RT glomeruli was found. The mean diameter of the RT glomeruli was about 56 µm, while that of MT glomeruli was significantly larger, namely about 80 µm. The afferent arterioles in mammalian‐type glomeruli usually bifurcated into two lobular branches and formed a complex glomerular capillary network with numerous loops. Reptilian‐type glomeruli consisted of a single capillary forming few loops and leaving the glomerulus as efferent arteriole. Diameters of afferent and efferent arteriolar replicas were similar in all three kidney divisions of MT and RT nephrons. The absence of the interconnecting branches between the MT nephron capillaries at the gross inspection suggests that the mammalian‐type nephron glomeruli, although more complex than the reptilian type, are not equivalent to those in mammalian kidneys.
Regulatory concepts to guide and promote the accelerated but safe clinical development and licensure of COVID‐19 vaccines in Europe
Authors: Wagner Ralf , Meißner Juliane , Grabski Elena , Sun Yuansheng , Vieths Stefan , Hildt Eberhard
Published: April 2021

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus has affected the health of tens of millions of people worldwide. In particular, in elderly and frail individuals the infection can lead to severe disease and even fatal outcomes. Although the pandemic is primarily a human health crisis its consequences are much broader with a tremendous impact on global economics and social systems. Vaccines are considered the most powerful measure to fight the pandemic and protect people from COVID‐19. Based on the concerted activities of scientists, manufacturers and regulators, the urgent need for effective countermeasures has provoked the development and licensure of novel COVID‐19 vaccines in an unprecedentedly fast and flexible manner within <1 year. To ensure the safety and efficacy of these novel vaccines during the clinical development and the routine use in post‐licensure vaccination campaigns existing regulatory requirements and procedures had to be wisely and carefully adapted to allow for an expedited evaluation without compromising the thoroughness of the regulatory and scientific assessment. In this review, we describe the regulatory procedures, concepts and requirements applied to guide and promote the highly accelerated development and licensure of safe and efficacious COVID‐19 vaccines in Europe.
Purse‐string suture after ligating by endoloop for closing of the appendiceal stump is an alternative for endostapler in selected cases: A propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Okamoto Shuji , Otowa Yasunori , Fujinaka Ryosuke , Arai Keisuke , Murata Koichi , Mii Yasuhiko , Kakinoki Keitaro , Oka Shigeteru , Kanaji Shingo , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Kuroda Daisuke
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The closure of the appendiceal stump is a crucial part of a laparoscopic appendectomy, and an endoloop or endostapler is generally used. The endoloop can be more cost effective than the endostapler. However, reports have shown that the endoloop has a higher postoperative abdominal abscess rate than the endostapler in complicated appendicitis. At our institution, we perform a purse‐string suture after ligating by endoloop to reduce postoperative abdominal abscess risk. This study aimed to clarify whether this method could reduce the incidence of postoperative abdominal abscess compared with the endostapler.

Methods

Patients with acute appendicitis were classified into the purse‐string suture group (n = 149) and the endostapler group (n = 82). Postoperative outcomes were compared after propensity score matching (n = 47).

Results

No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the patient characteristics and postoperative complications, including abdominal abscess. However, the purse‐string suture group had more drain placement and a shorter hospital stay than the endostapler group (P = .04 and P = .02, respectively). In patients with complicated appendicitis, there was less drain placement and a shorter hospital stay in the purse‐string suture group than in the endostapler group (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). This might have reflected the difficulty of the operation. All postoperative abdominal abscesses occurred in complicated appendicitis cases.

Conclusions

Endoloop with additional purse‐string suture had a lower incidence of abscess than previous reports of using endoloop alone. Moreover, the postoperative abdominal abscess rate is similar between the two closure methods.
Fluoroquinolones as a trigger for rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm: A case‐crossover analysis
Authors: Lawaetz Kristensen Katrine , Hallas Jesper , Sanddal Lindholt Jes
Published: April 2021

Fluoroquinolones (FQ) are associated with an increased risk of tendinopathy, including rupture. Our study aimed to investigate whether FQ use triggered the rupture of aortic aneurysms using a self‐controlled design. We hypothesised that the use of FQ was associated with aortic rupture shortly after redeemed FQ prescriptions. Using nationwide data sources, we performed a case‐crossover study of cases with ruptured aortic aneurysms. From 1996 to 2016, 58 persons presented with rupture of an aortic aneurysm and a redeemed prescription for any FQ within 28 days. 67% were men, and the median age was 77 years. Some 82.9% presented with a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. In our conditional regression, the crude OR for having rupture with a recent FQ redemption was 1.36 (CI 1.00‐1.86). After adjusting for potential confounders, the OR was 1.35 (CI 0.98‐1.85). Changing the hazard period to FQ redemption within 60 and 90 days, the OR was 2.16 (CI 1.70‐2.76) and 2.21 (CI 1.78‐2.75), respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated an association between FQ use within 60 and 90 days and a diagnosis of ruptured aortic aneurysm.
Experience predicts the duration of exclusive breastfeeding: The serial mediating roles of attitude and self‐efficacy
Authors: Li Jun‐Yan , Huang Yi , Huang Yi‐Yan , Shen Quan , Zhou Wen‐Bin , Redding Sharon R. , Ouyang Yan‐Qiong
Published: April 2021

Background and aims

The relationship between prior breastfeeding experience and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding is of significant interest, but few studies have explored the mechanisms underlying this relationship. The purpose of this study is to address two hypotheses: (a) that attitude and self‐efficacy mediate the relationship between previous breastfeeding experience and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding; and (b) that attitude and self‐efficacy have serial mediation functions in this relationship.

Methods

The data collection process was divided into two stages. The original stage included 394 women hospitalized after delivery who completed socio‐demographic questionnaires (including previous breastfeeding experience), the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and the Breastfeeding Self‐efficacy Short‐Form Scale (BSES‐SF). Follow‐up data about duration of exclusive breastfeeding were obtained at six months postpartum.

Results

Mediation analysis indicated that previous breastfeeding experience directly affected the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and that the rate of the total indirect effect was 22.878%. Self‐efficacy mediated previous breastfeeding experience and duration of exclusive breastfeeding, whereas attitude and self‐efficacy played the series mediational role between previous breastfeeding experience and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Cluster analysis supported these results.

Conclusions

The duration of exclusive breastfeeding can be promoted by improving breastfeeding attitude and self‐efficacy in women without breastfeeding experience.
Getting ready for transition to adult care: Tool validation and multi‐informant strategy using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire in pediatrics
Authors: Chapados Pascale , Aramideh Jennifer , Lamore Kristopher , Dumont Émilie , Lugasi Tziona , Clermont Marie‐José , Laberge Sophie , Scott Rachel , Laverdière Caroline , Sultan Serge
Published: April 2021

Background

Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare can be challenging and lead to severe consequences if done suboptimally. The Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was developed to assess adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients' transition readiness. In this study, we aimed to (1) document the psychometric properties of the French‐language version of the TRAQ (TRAQ‐FR), (2) assess agreements and discrepancies between AYA patients' and their primary caregivers' TRAQ‐FR scores, and (3) identify transition readiness contributors.

Methods

French‐speaking AYA patients (n = 175) and primary caregivers (n = 168) were recruited from five clinics in a tertiary Canadian hospital and asked to complete the TRAQ‐FR, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The validity of the TRAQ‐FR was assessed using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Agreements and discrepancies were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients and paired‐sample t tests. Contributors of transition readiness were identified using regression analyses.

Results

The five‐factor model of the TRAQ was supported, with the TRAQ‐FR global scale showing good internal consistency for both AYA patients' and primary caregivers' scores (α = .85–.87). AYA patients and primary caregivers showed good absolute agreement on the TRAQ‐FR global scale with AYA patients scoring higher than primary caregivers (ICC = .80; d = .25). AYA patients' age and sex were found to be contributors of transition readiness.

Conclusions

The TRAQ‐FR was found to have good psychometric properties when completed by both AYA patients and primary caregivers. Additional research is needed to explore the predictive validity and clinical use of the TRAQ‐FR.
Eligibility for growth hormone therapy in children born small for gestational age is substantially lower than expected
Authors: Lavi Eran , Shafrir Asher , Halloun Rana , Basel Itai , Eventov Friedman Smadar , Abu‐Libdeh Abdulsalam , Shoob Hanna , Stein‐Zamir Chen , Zangen David Haim
Published: April 2021

Background

Growth hormone therapy is indicated for children who are both born ‘small for gestational age’ (SGA) and do not achieve adequate catch‐up growth (ACUG).

Objective

To evaluate the actual incidence of infants born SGA and their actual ACUG.

Methods

Birth weight data from the newborn registry at two hospitals were analysed during four consecutive years. SGA was defined according to WHO parameters and the corresponding Israeli criteria. Follow‐up measurements of height and weight were abstracted from either the Ministry of Health—child growth follow‐up centres, or their paediatrician clinic. ACUG was declared when the height reached was above −2.5 or −2 standard deviations (SDS) from the mean for age and gender.

Results

Out of 43 307, only 524 babies in the cohort (1.2%) were SGA (52% of expected). This finding was consistent annually. Out of the 446 SGA born children with available growth data (85%) during 4‐8 years, 405 children (90.8%) reached a height greater than −2SDS and 428 (96%!) reached a height greater than –2.5 SDS. Term children had higher rate of ACUG achievement as compared to preterm 97.2% vs 86.8% (P < .001). Birth week and birth weight were also related to achievement of ACUG (P < .001).

Conclusion

This large representative, heterogeneous and Western Caucasian cohort indicates that the actual number of SGA newborns is nearly half of the expected and that the actual prevalence of ACUG is also significantly higher than previously reported. These findings may have an impact on morbidity, health cost planning and growth hormone requirements in SGA babies.
Protection against aerosol droplets from the mouth using the mask plus vinyl bag method during esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic
Authors: Akahoshi Kazuya , Tamura Shinichi , Akahoshi Kazuaki
Published: April 2021

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Urinary dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 protein is increased by linagliptin and is a potential predictive marker of urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Klein Thomas , Tammen Harald , Mark Michael , Benetti Elisa , Delić Denis , Schepers Cornelia , von Eynatten Maximilian
Published: April 2021

Results of a post hoc analysis of urinary dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) protein as a predictor of urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) response to linagliptin treatment based on MARLINA‐T2D trial data are described. MARLINA was a 24‐week, phase 3b, multinational, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, in which patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), HbA1c 6.5%‐10.0% and UACR 30‐3000 mg/g (n = 360) were treated with linagliptin or placebo. After 24 weeks of treatment, linagliptin significantly inhibited urinary DPP‐4 activity and increased urinary DPP‐4 protein. Furthermore, medium urinary DPP‐4 protein levels (between 5.5 and 7.5 natural logarithmic [ln] μg/g creatinine) at baseline allowed for prediction of improved UACR in linagliptin‐treated individuals. In patients with lower or higher levels of urinary DPP‐4 protein at baseline, no association between linagliptin treatment and improved UACR was present. This might suggest a varying degree of importance of DPP‐4 as a pathophysiological factor in T2D‐associated kidney disease. In summary, urinary DPP‐4 might be a useful predictive biomarker for UACR improvement by linagliptin.
EURQ: A New Web Search‐based Uncertainty Index
Authors: Bontempi Maria Elena , Frigeri Michele , Golinelli Roberto , Squadrani Matteo
Published: April 2021

Measuring economic uncertainty is extremely important for evaluating its role in economic activity. Nevertheless, measuring uncertainty is a difficult task since we do not know when economic agents perceive uncertainty and which type of uncertainty affects them. This paper introduces the economic uncertainty related queries (EURQ) index, computed for both the USA and Italy, which measures economic, political and normative uncertainty through large‐scale searches on the internet. We show that the EURQ index captures economic agents’ need for information in response to uncertainty shocks. Moreover, we show that this need for information is not just curiosity triggered by press coverage but rather captures individuals’ genuine interest, particularly in specific topics subject to uncertainty. Hence the EURQ index can be exploited fruitfully to measure the level of uncertainty perceived by economic agents and to assess the role of specific types of uncertainty in economic activity.
Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in pathophysiology of Parkinson disease: Diverse patterns and mechanisms contributing to neurodegeneration
Authors: Dolatshahi Mahsa , Ranjbar Hameghavandi Mohammad Hossein , Sabahi Mohammadmahdi , Rostamkhani Sabra
Published: April 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common movement disorder, comprises several pathophysiologic mechanisms including misfolded alpha‐synuclein aggregation, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and synaptic loss. Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B (NF‐κB), as a key regulator of a myriad of cellular reactions, is shown to be involved in such mechanisms associated with PD, and the changes in NF‐κB expression is implicated in PD. Alpha‐synuclein accumulation, the characteristic feature of PD pathology, is known to trigger NF‐κB activation in neurons, thereby propagating apoptosis through several mechanisms. Furthermore, misfolded alpha‐synuclein released from degenerated neurons, activates several signaling pathways in glial cells which culminate in activation of NF‐κB and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, thereby aggravating neurodegenerative processes. On the other hand, NF‐κB activation, acting as a double‐edged sword, can be necessary for survival of neurons. For instance, NF‐κB activation is necessary for competent mitochondrial function and deficiency in c‐Rel, one of the NF‐κB proteins, is known to propagate DA neuron loss via several mechanisms. Despite the dual role of NF‐κB in PD, several agents by selectively modifying the mechanisms and pathways associated with NF‐κB, can be effective in attenuating DA neuron loss and PD, as reviewed in this paper.
Unilateral brain injury to pregnant rats induces asymmetric neurological deficits in the offspring
Authors: Carvalho Liliana S. , Brito Helena M. , Lukoyanova Elena A. , Maia Gisela H. , Sarkisyan Daniil , Nosova Olga , Zhang Mengliang , Lukoyanov Nikolay , Bakalkin Georgy
Published: April 2021

Effects of environmental factors may be transmitted to the following generation, and cause neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder in the offspring. Enhanced synaptic plasticity induced by environmental enrichment may be also transmitted. We here test the hypothesis that the effects of brain injury in pregnant animals may produce neurological deficits in the offspring. Unilateral brain injury (UBI) by ablation of the hindlimb sensorimotor cortex in pregnant rats resulted in the development of hindlimb postural asymmetry (HL‐PA), and impairment of balance and coordination in beam walking test in the offspring. The offspring of rats with the left UBI exhibited HL‐PA before and after spinal cord transection with the contralesional (i.e., right) hindlimb flexion. The right UBI caused the offspring to develop HL‐PA that however was cryptic and not‐lateralized; it was evident only after spinalization, and was characterized by similar occurrence of the ipsi‐ and contralesional hindlimb flexion. The HL‐PA persisted after spinalization suggesting that the asymmetry was encoded in lumbar spinal neurocircuits that control hindlimb muscles. Balance and coordination were affected by the right UBI but not the left UBI. Thus, the effects of a unilateral brain lesion in pregnant animals may be intergenerationally transmitted, and this process may depend on the side of brain injury. The results suggest the existence of left‐right side‐specific mechanisms that mediate transmission of the lateralized effects of brain trauma from mother to fetus.
Forecasting fish recruitment in age‐structured population models
Authors: Van Beveren Elisabeth , Benoît Hugues P. , Duplisea Daniel E.
Published: April 2021

Recruitment in age‐structured stock assessment models can be forecasted using a variety of algorithms to provide advice on the anticipated consequences of different possible management actions. Selecting one method over another usually involves some subjectivity, yet can be consequential to the provision of advice. Extensive case‐specific testing is not always feasible. We evaluated the forecast skill in 3‐, 5‐ and 10‐year forecasts of 16 recruitment forecasting methods under various circumstances to provide a broad evaluation and general guidelines on the reliability of forecasts. We used 31 operating models based on existing stock assessment models applied to a diversity of stocks with empirical data, which we show to be generally representative of assessed stocks worldwide. Although no single best‐performing method could be identified, we found that time‐series methods were most likely to perform poorly. Both forecast skill across all methods and forecast sensitivity to the selected method were linked to the properties of the stock or assessment: age at maturity and recruitment autocorrelation in 3‐year forecasts and previous long‐term recruitment variability in 10‐year forecasts. In some situations, all forecasting methods resulted in systematic over‐ or underestimation of spawning stock biomass. The simulation approach employed here to assess forecast performance, rooted directly in the predictions of existing stock assessment models, can be a complementary tool to existing simulation approaches which generate alternative sets of population dynamics or observations and we discussed the advantages and limitations.
Body mass index and risk of recurrent falls in community‐dwelling Japanese aged 40–74 years: The Murakami cohort study
Authors: Nakamura Kazutoshi , Kitamura Kaori , Watanabe Yumi , Kabasawa Keiko , Takahashi Akemi , Hinata Aya , Saito Toshiko , Kobayashi Ryosaku , Oshiki Rieko , Takachi Ribeka , Tsugane Shoichiro , Iki Masayuki , Sasaki Ayako , Yamazaki Osamu , Watanabe Kei
Published: April 2021

Aims

A prior meta‐analysis found that obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) was associated with a high fall risk, while being overweight (BMI≥25, <30 kg/m2) was associated with the lowest fall risk. However, whether these associations hold true for East Asians is unknown. This study aimed to assess the association between BMI and incidence of recurrent falls in Japanese aged 40–74 years.

Methods

This 5‐year follow‐up cohort study involved 7538 community‐dwelling individuals who did not experience recurrent falls in the year before the baseline study. Information on demographics, body size, lifestyle, and disease history was obtained using a self‐administered questionnaire. BMI was categorized as <18.5 (underweight), 18.5–20.6 (low‐normal), 20.7–22.7 (mid‐normal, reference), 22.8–24.9 (high‐normal), and ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 (overweight). The outcome was recurrent falls reported, and fall history in the previous year was recorded as none, once, or twice or more (recurrent falls).

Results

Mean BMI was 23.5 kg/m2 (SD 2.9) for men and 22.7 kg/m2 (SD 3.2) for women. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for recurrent falls in the BMI ≥25 group was significantly higher (1.41, 95%CI: 1.02–1.93) than that in the reference group. The adjusted OR in the BMI ≥25 group was significantly higher than that in the reference group for the age ≥ 60 subgroup (1.62, 95%CI: 1.09–2.40), but not for the age < 60 subgroup (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.60–1.80).

Conclusions

Being overweight may be a risk factor for recurrent falls in community‐dwelling older Japanese. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanism. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 498–505.
Labour is not a commodity: The content and meaning of work in the twenty‐first century
Authors: SUPIOT Alain
Published: April 2021

In his valedictory lecture before the Collège de France, Alain Supiot reviews his work on the transformation of labour in the twenty‐first century, highlighting the role of law and institutions in addressing the consequences of the digital revolution and environmental crisis. In his view, the moral, social and environmental bankruptcy of neoliberalism calls for us to reconsider the legal fiction of labour as a commodity and to re‐establish the truly “humane labour regime” envisaged by the preamble to the ILO Constitution, recognizing both the meaning and content of work. He uses the case of scientific research to illustrate his argument.
Analysing the role of a pedagogical agent in psychological and cognitive preparatory activities
Authors: Arguedas Marta , Daradoumis Thanasis
Published: April 2021

There is a lack of studies that examine the role of a pedagogical agent on student development in a specific learning situation that involves psychological and cognitive preparatory activities in high school settings. We examined the effectiveness of pedagogical agent (APT) cognitive and affective feedback on learner motivation and well‐being. We applied an experimental research design, involving 45 fourth‐year high school students, divided in experimental and control groups (APT vs. human tutor). We performed a quantitative analysis to collect and analyse data of students using our APT. APT cognitive feedback had a positive effect on students' motivation for learning by encouraging students' proposals and initiatives and arousing students' interest in the topic. In addition, APT affective feedback fostered an appropriate emotional climate and creative environment for learning by enhancing students' curiosity, creativity and confidence for carrying out the activity, while reducing students' negative emotions such as boredom and anger. This study provided us useful insights about the affective (and cognitive) competencies that a virtual affective pedagogical agent needs to have in order to support students' mental and emotional health throughout a learning situation. Yet, further research is needed to consolidate these findings and make APT more adaptive to different learning situations.
Evidence of feminization in seahorses from a tropical estuary
Authors: Freret‐Meurer Natalie Villar , Vaccani Amanda do Carmo , Cabiró Gabriela dos Santos
Published: April 2021

Intersex has been reported regularly in wild populations of gonochoristic fish. The authors investigated the possible feminization of seahorses in a population of Hippocampus reidi in Brazil, as well as report a case of a brood pouch reduction after reproductive stimuli. The female seahorses of this population showed two kinds of morphological anomalies. The proportion of the animals affected in the study population was consistent and was uncorrelated with the sex ratio. The study indicates the changes in the sexual profile of the individual.
A Model of Endogenous Financial Inclusion: Implications for Inequality and Monetary Policy
Authors: AIT LAHCEN MOHAMMED , GOMIS‐PORQUERAS PEDRO
Published: April 2021

We propose a monetary model with endogenous credit market participation to study the impact of financial inclusion on inequality and welfare. We find that consumption inequality results from differences in agents' decision to access financial services. This heterogeneity generates a pecuniary externality, potentially resulting in some agents overconsuming. Moreover, monetary policy has distributional consequences. To quantify these effects, we calibrate our model to India, accounting for a third of observed consumption inequality. Finally, we analyze various policies aimed at increasing financial inclusion and find that a direct transfer to bank account holders yields the highest welfare and lowest consumption inequality.
Tattoo aftercare management with a dermo‐cosmetic product: Improvement in discomfort sensation and skin repair quality
Authors: Fauger Aurélie , Sonck Säde , Kluger Nicolas , Chavagnac‐Bonneville Marlène , Sayag Michèle
Published: April 2021

Background

A moisturizer application during the healing process after a tattoo session is a common practice to help wound healing and to reduce discomfort sensations. This practice was recently recommended by the standard European guidelines on tattoos, with the use of an adapted ointment to keep the site moist.

Aims

To assess the efficacy and the tolerability of a specific dermo‐cosmetic product (Cicabio Pommade, Laboratoire Bioderma, NAOS, France) in tattoo aftercare.

Patients/Methods

Thirty subjects included in this survey applied the product immediately after the tattoo session for 14 days. The objective symptoms (redness, edema, skin repair quality) were assessed by the tattooist and the subjects. The subjective symptoms, discomfort sensations (pain, itching, burning sensations, tingling), soothing, moisturizing, and undesirable effects were assessed by the tattooed individuals.

Results

After 14 days of application, redness was absent for 100% and 96% of subjects according to the tattoo artist and the subjects, respectively, and edema had completely disappeared for both assessors. Most of the subjects rated the skin quality repair and the aesthetic outcomes as very good to excellent. Soothing and moisturizing effects were observed as early as the first day. The effects were maintained over 14 days. Discomfort sensations were judged absent to slight in 96%–100% of cases after 7 days. They were assessed as absent to slight in all cases for pain, itching, and tingling, and in 96% for burning sensations after 14 days. The product was very well tolerated by 87% of the subjects.

Conclusions

Our survey demonstrates that this dermo‐cosmetic product is suitable for tattooed skin aftercare as it reduced skin discomfort as soon as the first day and led to a good skin quality repair while being well tolerated.
Experimental infection of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) with Burkholderia multivorans
Authors: Peta V. , Pietri J. E.
Published: April 2021

The bacterium Burkholderia multivorans is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen of humans. A previous study reported molecular detection of this bacterium in several specimens of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) collected from an elderly care facility in the U.S.A., raising questions about the possibility of vector‐borne transmission. However, the ability of B. multivorans to colonize bed bugs and the ability of bed bugs to transmit the bacteria both remained untested. To resolve this knowledge gap, here we performed a set of experiments to examine the persistence and shedding of B. multivorans following ingestion by bed bugs in a blood meal. We isolated viable B. multivorans from the bodies of bed bugs for up to 13 days post‐ingestion, but bacterial load substantially diminished over time. By 16 days post‐ingestion, the bacteria could not be isolated. Further, B. multivorans was not shed in the saliva of infected bugs during feeding nor was it transmitted vertically from infected insects to their progeny. Based on these results, significant biological or mechanical transmission of B. multivorans to humans by bed bugs appears unlikely. Nonetheless, some viable bacteria were passively shed into the environment through defecation, a process which could potentially contribute to transmission through indirect contamination under rare circumstances.