bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel mouse model to evaluate neuropeptide Y–mediated melanocyte pathology
Authors: Anderson Zoya T. , Mehl Julian , Corder Katelynn M. , Dobrunz Lynn E. , Harris Melissa L.
Published: June 2021

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by depigmented patches of skin due to loss of the pigment‐producing melanocytes. No cure exists for vitiligo. The available treatments are inefficient for many patients, suggesting that universal treatment approaches may be inappropriate. Deeper understanding of the mechanistic basis for variability in vitiligo aetiologies is necessary. Genetic mutations in neuropeptide Y (NPY), a widely distributed protein, are associated with increased NPY expression and increased susceptibility for vitiligo. NPY is also upregulated in the circulation and lesional skin of some vitiligo patients. However, the contributions of NPY to melanocyte pathology are not understood, and presently there are no models with which to investigate this possibility. In this study, we employed NPY‐overexpressing mice to explore the role of NPY in melanocyte dysfunction. Our results show that NPY overexpression induces progressive hair greying (depigmentation) due to premature depletion of follicular melanocyte stem cells. Additionally, NPY transcripts and protein are elevated in the skin and melanocytes of these mice, respectively, suggesting that these effects may be mediated locally. Together, these results suggest that supraphysiological levels of NPY in the skin can induce melanocyte dysfunction, thus identifying this mouse line as a novel model to study NPY‐mediated melanocyte pathology.
The specification and function of enteroendocrine cells in Drosophila and mammals: a comparative review
Authors: Guo Xingting , Lv Jiaying , Xi Rongwen
Published: June 2021

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in both invertebrates and vertebrates derive from intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and are scattered along the digestive tract, where they function in sensing various environmental stimuli and subsequently secrete neurotransmitters or neuropeptides to regulate diverse biological and physiological processes. To fulfill these functions, EECs are specified into multiple subtypes that occupy specific gut regions. With advances in single‐cell technology, organoid culture experimental systems, and CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genomic editing, rapid progress has been made toward characterization of EEC subtypes in mammals. Additionally, studies of genetic model organisms—especially Drosophila melanogaster—have also provided insights about the molecular processes underlying EEC specification from ISCs and about the establishment of diverse EEC subtypes. In this review, we compare the regulation of EEC specification and function in mammals and Drosophila, with a focus on EEC subtype characterization, on how internal and external regulators mediate EEC subtype specification, and on how EEC‐mediated intra‐ and interorgan communications affect gastrointestinal physiology and pathology.
Urinary biomarkers of early renal injury in antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐positive persons in Shanghai, China: comparison with the general population
Authors: Le XQ , Liu DP , Chen J , Gong ZY , Xun JN , Wang JR , Sun JJ , Steinhart C , Liu L , Shen YZ , Qi TK , Wang ZY , Zhang X , Tang Y , Song W , Lu HZ , Zhang RF
Published: June 2021

Objectives

People living with HIV (PLWH) have a high risk of kidney injury. Measurement of serum creatinine, along with proteinuria, is not sensitive to detect early kidney injury. Here, we investigated novel urinary biomarkers of early renal injury in PLWH.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of 166 antiretroviral‐naïve PLWH and 99 HIV‐negative persons who all had an estimated glomerular filtration rate > 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. We compared the levels of seven urinary biomarkers between the two groups using the propensity score matching (PSM) approach and explored the risk factors associated with elevated urinary biomarkers in PLWH.

Results

Eighty‐three pairs were successfully matched based on PSM. Compared with the HIV‐negative group, the HIV‐positive group had higher ratios of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG) to urine creatinine (UCr), alpha1‐microglobulin (α1‐M) to UCr, kidney injury marker‐1 (KIM‐1) to UCr, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin to UCr, and epidermal growth factor to UCr, whereas the Tamm–Horsfall protein to UCr ratio and the abnormal albumin to UCr ratio were not significantly different. Positive correlations were observed between HIV RNA level and NAG: UCr (rs = 0.32; P < 0.001) and α1‐M:UCr (rs = 0.24; P = 0.002) ratios, and negative correlations were observed between CD4 cell count and NAG:UCr (rs = –0.34; P < 0.001), KIM‐1:UCr (rs = –0.16; P = 0.042) and α1‐M:UCr (rs = –0.36; P < 0.001) ratios. In multivariate linear regression analyses, older age, lower total cholesterol and higher HIV RNA were independently associated with higher NAG:UCr; older age, lower total cholesterol and lower CD4 cell count were independently associated with higher α1‐M:UCr.

Conclusions

In comparioson with HIV‐negative participants, PLWH were more likely to have tubular injury. Early antiretroviral treatment might mitigate the development of kidney injury.
Anthropometry‐based prediction of body composition in early infancy compared to air‐displacement plethysmography
Authors: Olga Laurentya , van Beijsterveldt Inge A. L. P. , Hughes Ieuan A. , Dunger David B. , Ong Ken K. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. , De Lucia Rolfe Emanuella
Published: June 2021

Background

Anthropometry‐based equations are commonly used to estimate infant body composition. However, existing equations were designed for newborns or adolescents. We aimed to (a) derive new prediction equations in infancy against air‐displacement plethysmography (ADP‐PEA Pod) as the criterion, (b) validate the newly developed equations in an independent infant cohort and (c) compare them with published equations (Slaughter‐1988, Aris‐2013, Catalano‐1995).

Methods

Cambridge Baby Growth Study (CBGS), UK, had anthropometry data at 6 weeks (N = 55) and 3 months (N = 64), including skinfold thicknesses (SFT) at four sites (triceps, subscapular, quadriceps and flank) and ADP‐derived total body fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM). Prediction equations for FM and FFM were developed in CBGS using linear regression models and were validated in Sophia Pluto cohort, the Netherlands, (N = 571 and N = 447 aged 3 and 6 months, respectively) using Bland–Altman analyses to assess bias and 95% limits of agreement (LOA).

Results

CBGS equations consisted of sex, age, weight, length and SFT from three sites and explained 65% of the variance in FM and 79% in FFM. In Sophia Pluto, these equations showed smaller mean bias than the three published equations in estimating FM: mean bias (LOA) 0.008 (−0.489, 0.505) kg at 3 months and 0.084 (−0.545, 0.713) kg at 6 months. Mean bias in estimating FFM was 0.099 (−0.394, 0.592) kg at 3 months and −0.021 (−0.663, 0.621) kg at 6 months.

Conclusions

CBGS prediction equations for infant FM and FFM showed better validity in an independent cohort at ages 3 and 6 months than existing equations.
Novel double‐perovskite Mg2InSbO6:Sm3+ phosphor with excellent heat‐resistant performance and high color purity used in white LEDs
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Shi Wen , Liao Dongliang , Yang Xiongyu , Gao Jing , Ma Zhijiang , Guo Jiang , Gong Ning , Liu Lu , Chang Mingxin , Deng Bin , Yu Ruijin
Published: June 2021

In this study, Sm3+‐doped double‐perovskite Mg2InSbO6 phosphors were synthesized via high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. Mg2InSbO6 belongs to the double‐perovskite family with a space group of R (No.148). The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum illustrates that Mg2InSbO6:0.05Sm3+ phosphor can emit intense orange‐red emission light at 607 nm due to the 4G5/2→6H7/2 transition. The optimum concentration of Mg2InSbO6:xSm3+ is confirmed to 0.05 mol. The asymmetric ratio (4G5/2→6H9/2/4G5/2→6H5/2) of Mg2InSbO6:0.05Sm3+ phosphor is 2.73. The quenching temperature exceeds 500 K, illustrating that Mg2InSbO6:Sm3+ sample has excellent heat resistance. The high color purity and correlated color temperature (CCT) of Mg2InSbO6:Sm3+ phosphors are obtained. Furthermore, a white light‐emitting diode (w‐LED) is successfully fabricated, possessing CCT of 6769 K and high color rendering index (Ra) of 89. Therefore, the orange‐red‐emitting Mg2InSbO6:Sm3+ phosphors exhibit great potential to apply in solid‐state lighting fields.
TMSB10, a potential prognosis prediction biomarker, promotes the invasion and angiogenesis of gastric cancer
Authors: Yan ZhenKun , Yan Qiaomei , Song Yumei , Wang Liqiang
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

The thymosin beta 10 (TMSB10) was originally identified from the thymus, which plays a key role in the development of many cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of TMSB10 involved in GC have not been understood.

Methods

We sought to determine the expression of TMSB10 in human GC tissues and illustrate whether it is correlated with the clinical pathologic characteristics and prognosis in GC patients. Its roles and potential mechanisms in regulating tumor growth, invasion, and angiogenesis were evaluated by TMSB10 knockdown/overexpression of GC cells in vitro and ex vivo.

Results

Marked overexpression of TMSB10 protein expression was observed in GC cells and tissues, which was associated with the advanced tumor stage and lymph nodes (LN) metastasis of GC patients. Furthermore, prognostic analysis showed that GC patients with high TMSB10 expression had a remarkably shorter survival and acted as an important factor for predicting poor overall survival in GC patients. Moreover, TMSB10 overexpression promoted, while TMSB10 knockdown the proliferation, EMT process, and angiogenesis of GC cells.

Conclusion

The study highlights that TMSB10 may hold promise as potential prognosis prediction biomarker for the diagnosis of GC and a potential therapeutic target, which will facilitate the development of a novel therapeutic strategy against GC.
Carbonate tufas as archives of climate and sedimentary dynamic in volcanic settings, examples from Gran Canaria (Spain)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Berriguete Álvaro , Camuera Jon , Alonso‐Zarza Ana Maria
Published: June 2021

Three Holocene tufas from Gran Canaria volcanic island were studied with the aim of deciphering their sedimentary evolution through space and time. Las Temisas tufa (south‐eastern arid part of the island) is dominantly composed of oncoids, intraclasts, phytoclasts, coated stems, minor thin stromatolites, and a high amount of siliciclastics. It was deposited in a fluvial system with variable flow velocities and palustrine conditions areas, which alternated with high energy events. Azuaje tufa (northern humid part of the island) is composed of coated stems, stromatolites, oncoids and phytoclasts, with relatively low amounts of siliciclastics, suggesting slow‐flowing and palustrine conditions and a relatively low incidence of (high energy) floodings. Los Berrazales tufa (north‐west of Gran Ganaria, the most humid one), is mainly composed of coated stems and crystalline crusts, formed in a laminar flow regime. Dominant clastic sedimentation in Las Temisas and high calcite growth rates in Los Berrazales led to a poor development of stromatolites in comparison with Azuaje. Las Temisas and Azuaje deposits have similar upward evolution with decreasing trend in siliciclastics and increasing trend in carbonates. However, Las Temisas has higher siliciclastic and lower phytoclastic contents suggesting a less vegetated area and more arid climate than in the other deposits. Additionally, tufas record local events common in volcanic terrains. Azuaje presents three units bounded by erosive discontinuities, which reveal significant erosion by enhanced runoff that could be caused by loss of vegetation due to wildfires related to volcanic eruptions at headwaters. Las Temisas record a possible interruption in sedimentation represented by aligned boulders due to rockfalls from the hillsides. These deposits formed from waters with similar chemistry providing to the carbonates their similar signals in δ13C–δ18O stable isotopes and 87Sr/86Sr ratios like that of the volcanic rocks. This work shows how, in volcanic areas, tufas are unique archives of the climate, vegetation and volcanic‐related processes, because all imprint the sedimentary regime of tufa deposition.
Neonatal and pediatric blood bank practice in the United States: Results from the AABB pediatric transfusion medicine subsection survey
Authors: Reeves Hollie M. , Goodhue Meyer Erin , Harm Sarah K. , Lieberman Lani , Pyles Ryan , Rajbhandary Srijana , Whitaker Barbee I. , Delaney Meghan
Published: June 2021

Background

There are limited standards guiding the selection and processing of blood components specific for neonatal and pediatric transfusions. Therefore, blood banks (BBs) and transfusion services must create their own policies and procedures.

Study Design and Methods

The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Pediatric Transfusion Medicine Subsection Committee developed a 74‐question survey to capture neonatal and pediatric BB practices in the United States.

Results

Thirty‐five centers completed the survey: a response rate 15.8%. Responses indicated that most carry a mixed inventory of red blood cells (RBCs); 94.2% allow more than one type of RBC product for small‐volume (SV) and large‐volume (LV) transfusions to neonatal and pediatric patients. Many had storage age thresholds for RBCs transfused to neonates (SV = 60%, LV = 67.7%) but not older pediatric patients. The use of Group O for nonurgent RBC transfusion in neonates was common (74.2%). Responses related to special processing of RBCs and platelets indicated that 100% RBC and platelets are leukocyte‐reduced (LR) for neonates and 97% for non‐neonates. Irradiation of RBCs and platelets was commonly performed for neonatal transfusion (88.6%). Providing cytomegalovirus (CMV) seronegative products, volume reduction, and washing were variable. All centers transfused single‐donor apheresis platelets; 20% allowed pathogen reduction (PR). The majority of centers have strategies limiting the amount of incompatible plasma transfused; however, few titrate ABO isoagglutinins in plasma‐containing products (20% for platelets and 9.1% for plasma).

Conclusions

Variability exists in BB practice for neonatal and pediatric transfusion. Future studies are needed to understand and define best BB practices in these patient populations.
A Probabilistic Model for Forging Flaw Crack Nucleation Processes
Authors: Radaelli Francesco , Amann Christian , Aydin Ali , Varfolomeev Igor , Gumbsch Peter , Kadau Kai
Published: June 2021

A probabilistic model for quantifying the number of load cycles for nucleation of forging flaws into a crack has been developed. The model correlates low cycle fatigue (LCF) data, ultrasonic testing (UT) indication data, flaw morphology and type with the nucleation process. The nucleation model is based on a probabilistic LCF model applied to finite element analyses (FEA) of flaw geometries. The model includes statistical size and notch effects. In order to calibrate the model, we conducted experiments involving specimens that include forging flaws. The specimens were machined out from heavy duty steel rotor disks for the energy sector. The large disks, including ultrasonic indications on the millimeter scale, were cut into smaller segments in order to efficiently machine specimens including manufacturing related forging flaws. We conducted cyclic loading experiments at a variety of temperatures and high stresses in order to capture realistic engine operating conditions for flaws as they occur in service. This newly developed model can be incorporated into an existing probabilistic fracture mechanics framework and enables a reliable risk quantification allowing to support customer needs for more flexible operational profiles due to the emergence of renewable energy sources.
Long.Term Reactivity Change and Control: On.Power Refuelling
Authors: Shen Wei , Rouben Benjamin
Published: June 2021

There are 2 concepts related to the “age” of fuel: irradiation (fluence) and fuel burnup.

The fuel irradiation in a given fuel bundle, denoted ω, is defined as the time integral of the thermal flux in the fuel during its residence time in the core. Another term for irradiation is fluence. Irradiation is also known as the thermal-neutron exposure of the fuel. The units of irradiation are neutrons/cm2, or more conveniently, neutrons per kilobarn, n/kb. Since the cut-off of the thermal-energy range may be defined differently in different computer codes, the fuel irradiation may vary from computer code to computer code, and caution must therefore be exercised when comparing irradiation values using different codes. In documents, it has been more and more usual to report values of fuel burnup rather than fuel irradiation, as burnup does not suffer from differences in definition between codes.
You’re Giving Me a Headache: A Political–Cultural Textual Critique of Alt/Far-Right Anti-indigenous Thought on Indigenous Issues in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Simon Hemopereki Hoani
Published: June 2021

This paper will provide a critical critique of Alt/Far-Right Political Thought on Indigenous Issues and History in Aotearoa New Zealand. It examines the preface of the book, “One Treaty, One Nation” entitled, “Some of The Myths on Which The Treaty Industry is Based” by emerging Alt/Far-Right Publisher, Tross Publishing. The author examines supposed ‘myths’ put forward by the authors. An exploration of the relevance of Aboriginal academic Aileen Moreton-Robinson’s White Possesive Doctrine, Histographpobia and Veracini’s Commentary of “On Settling.” This piece ends by providing commentary on the collective future of Aotearoa New Zealand should be based on.
Chapter 7: Selective Integration: Roles for Public Health, Kinesiology, and Physical Education
Authors: Castelli Darla M. , Sales Mitchell Latrice
Published: June 2021

The authors explore the priorities for American physical education in the 21st century and reconsider the role of physical education teacher education.Purpose: This chapter will discuss the potential intersection of kinesiology, physical education, and public health with the assumption that their selective integration has the potential to stimulate the development of innovative pedagogical practices and new program designs.Method:A narrative summary of published works was used to support the rationale for reciprocal selective integration to increase the impact of physical education, kinesiology, and public health efforts to enhance health and well-being.Results:The practices and programs should be specialized and pedagogically focused to advance integrative, community-based approaches designed to achieve the national physical education standards and improve health and well-being. These new approaches are timely and essential in schools and communities, especially those where children and families experience adversity.Discussion/Conclusion: There are many ways in which selective integration can transpire. A redesign of physical education teacher education is warranted and timely.
StenoSCORE: Predicting Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Bloodstream Infections in the Hematologic Malignancy Population
Authors: Karaba Sara M. , Goodman Katherine E. , Amoah Joe , Cosgrove Sara E. , Tamma Pranita D.
Published: June 2021

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
bloodstream infections (BSI) are associated with considerable mortality in the hematologic malignancy population. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the treatment of choice; however, it is not routinely included in empirical treatment regimens, both because of its adverse event profile and the relative rarity of
S. maltophilia
infections.
Utility of Three Nebulizers in Investigating the Infectivity of Airborne Viruses
Authors: Niazi Sadegh , Philp Lisa K. , Spann Kirsten , Johnson Graham R.
Published: June 2021

Viral respiratory tract infections cause millions of lost days of work and physician visits globally, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality. Respiratory droplets and droplet nuclei from infected hosts are the potential carriers of such viruses within indoor environments.
A Complex of LaoA and LaoB Acts as a Tat-Dependent Dehydrogenase for Long-Chain Alcohols in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Panasia Gianna , Drees Steffen L. , Fetzner Susanne , Philipp Bodo
Published: June 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosais a major threat to public health. Its ability to thrive in clinical settings, water distribution systems, or even jet fuel tanks is linked to detoxification and degradation of diverse hydrophobic substrates that are metabolized via alcohol intermediates.
Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Infections after 3 Decades of Hib Protein Conjugate Vaccine Use
Authors: Slack M. P. E. , Cripps A. W. , Grimwood K. , Mackenzie G. A. , Ulanova M.
Published: June 2021

Haemophilus influenzae
serotype b (Hib) was previously the most common cause of bacterial meningitis and an important etiologic agent of pneumonia in children aged <5 years. Its major virulence factor is the polyribosyl ribitol phosphate (PRP) polysaccharide capsule.
Nasal Swab Performance by Collection Timing, Procedure, and Method of Transport for Patients with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Callahan Cody , Lee Rose A. , Lee Ghee Rye , Zulauf Kate , Kirby James E. , Arnaout Ramy
Published: June 2021

The urgent need for large-scale diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 has prompted interest in sample collection methods of sufficient sensitivity to replace nasopharynx (NP) sampling. Nasal swab samples are an attractive alternative; however, previous studies have disagreed over how nasal sampling performs relative to NP sampling.
Human Acanthocephaliasis: a Thorn in the Side of Parasite Diagnostics
Authors: Mathison Blaine A. , Mehta Ninad , Couturier Marc Roger
Published: June 2021

Acanthocephala is a phylum of parasitic pseudocoelomates that infect a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts and can cause zoonotic infections in humans. The zoologic literature is quite rich and diverse; however, the human-centric literature is sparse, with sporadic reports over the past 70 years. Causal agents of acanthocephaliasis in humans are reviewed as well as their biology and life cycle.
Antibodies from Rabbits Immunized with HIV-1 Clade B SOSIP Trimers Can Neutralize Multiple Clade B Viruses by Destabilizing the Envelope Glycoprotein
Authors: van Haaren M. M. , McCoy L. E. , Torres J. L. , Lee W. , Cottrell C. A. , Copps J. L. , van der Woude P. , Yasmeen A. , de Taeye S. W. , Torrents de la Peña A. , Moore J. P. , Burton D. R. , Klasse P. J. , Ward A. B. , Sanders R. W. , van Gils M. J.
Published: June 2021

Roughly 32 million people have died as a consequence of HIV-1 infection since the start of the epidemic, and 1.7 million people still get infected with HIV-1 annually. Therefore, a vaccine to prevent HIV-1 infection is urgently needed.
Intranasal Nanoparticle Vaccination Elicits a Persistent, Polyfunctional CD4 T Cell Response in the Murine Lung Specific for a Highly Conserved Influenza Virus Antigen That Is Sufficient To Mediate Protection from Influenza Virus Challenge
Authors: Nelson Sean A. , Dileepan Thamotharampillai , Rasley Amy , Jenkins Marc K. , Fischer Nicholas O. , Sant Andrea J.
Published: June 2021

Exploiting new, more efficacious strategies to potentiate influenza virus-specific immune responses is important, particularly for at-risk populations. We have demonstrated the promise of direct intranasal protein vaccination to establish long-lived immunity in the lung with CD4 T cells that possess features and positioning in the lung that are associated with both immediate and long-term immunity, as well as demonstrating direct protective potential.
Biochemical and Structural Properties of Entecavir-Resistant Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase with L180M/M204V Mutations
Authors: Nakajima Shogo , Watashi Koichi , Kato Takanobu , Muramatsu Masamichi , Wakita Takaji , Tamura Noriko , Hattori Shin-ichiro , Maeda Kenji , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Yasutake Yoshiaki , Toyoda Tetsuya
Published: June 2021

HBV infects 257 million people in the world, who suffer from elevated risks of liver cirrhosis and cancer. ETV is one of the most potent anti-HBV drugs, and ETV resistance mutations in HBV RT have been extensively studied.
Enhancement of methotrexate resistance and dihydrofolate reductase gene amplification by treatment of mouse 3T6 cells with hydroxyurea
Authors: Brown P C , Tlsty T D , Schimke R T
Published: June 2021

We investigated various parameters associated with the initial selection of mouse 3T6 cells for resistance to single concentrations of methotrexate and characterized resistant colonies for the presence of additional (amplified) copies of the dihydrofolate reductase gene. Our results indicate that the frequency of occurrence of dihydrofolate reductase gene amplification varies with the selecting concentration of methotrexate and is highly variable between clonally derived sublines of mouse 3T6 cells. Second, we increased the frequency of occurrence of cells with amplified dihydrofolate reductase genes by transiently inhibiting DNA synthesis with hydroxyurea before the selection of cells in single concentrations of methotrexate. This effect was dependent on the concentration of hydroxyurea, the time of exposure to the drug, and the time interval between the removal of hydroxyurea and the selection of cells in methotrexate.
Interruption of an alpha-satellite array by a short member of the KpnI family of interspersed, highly repeated monkey DNA sequences
Authors: Thayer R E , Singer M F
Published: June 2021

We describe here the interruption of a cloned African green monkey alpha-satellite array by an 829-base-pair-long nonsatellite DNA segment. Hybridization experiments indicate that the sequences within the interruption are homologous to segments frequently found in the 6-kilobase-pair-long members of the KpnI family of long, interspersed repeats. These data confirm and extend earlier results suggesting that sequences common to the KpnI family can occur independently of one another and in segments of variable lengths. The 829-base-pair-long segment, which is termed KpnI-RET, contains a terminal stretch of adenosine residues preceded by two typical but overlapping polyadenylation sites. KpnI-RET is flanked by direct repeats of a 14-base-pair-long segment of alpha-satellite that occurs only once in the satellite consensus sequence. These structural features suggest that KpnI-RET was inserted into the satellite array as a movable element.
Simian virus 40 early- and late-region promoter functions are enhanced by the 72-base-pair repeat inserted at distant locations and inverted orientations
Authors: Fromm M , Berg P
Published: June 2021

Tandemly repeated 72-base-pair (bp) segments located between nucleotides 107 and 250 of the simian virus 40 genome are essential for early region transcription. The functional requirement for the 72-bp repeat was supplied even when that segment was translocated to several locations distant from, and in different orientation, relative to, the promoter. Regardless of the position of the 72-bp enhancer segment, transcription was initiated at the same locations as with the normal promoter. Translocation of the 72-bp repeat segment to other sites in the genome resulted in the appearance of DNase I hypersensitivity at that site in the intranuclear viral minichromosomes. One of the translocations which did not produce enhancement of early- and late-region expression also failed to create a DNase I-hypersensitive site at the translocated 72-bp segment.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mirabilis Crinkle Mosaic Virus Isolated from Pokeweed in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Takumi , Iwabuchi Nozomu , Tokuda Ryosuke , Matsumoto Oki , Yoshida Tetsuya , Nishikawa Masanobu , Maejima Kensaku , Namba Shigetou , Yamaji Yasuyuki
Published: June 2021

The complete genome sequence of a pokeweed (
Phytolacca americana
L.) isolate of mirabilis crinkle mosaic virus (MiCMV) in Japan was determined.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pandrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa SPA03, Isolated from a Patient with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Pachi Pulusu Chanakya , Khamari Balaram , Lama Manmath , Peketi Arun Sai Kumar , Kumar Prakash , Nagaraja Valakunja , Bulagonda Eswarappa Pradeep
Published: June 2021

The draft genome of pandrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strain SPA03, which belongs to global high-risk sequence type 357 (ST357) and was isolated from a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia, is presented in this report. The genome assembly was generated by combining short-read Illumina HiSeq-X Ten and long-read Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequence data using the Unicycler assembler.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated from Invasive Snails (Arion vulgaris) in Austria in 2019
Authors: Pietzka Ariane , Murer Andrea , Lennkh Anna , Hauser Kathrin , Vötsch Kornelia , Springer Burkhard , Allerberger Franz , Ruppitsch Werner
Published: June 2021

We report the draft genomes of two
Listeria monocytogenes
strains that were isolated from the invasive alien snail species
Arion vulgaris
in Austria in 2019.
Complete Circular Genome Sequence of a
mecB-
and
mecD
-Containing Strain of Macrococcus canis
Authors: Schwendener Sybille , Perreten Vincent
Published: June 2021

The complete genome sequence of
Macrococcus canis
strain 19/EPI0118, isolated from a veterinary clinic environment in Switzerland, was determined using hybrid assembly of Oxford Nanopore and Illumina reads. 19/EPI0118 harbored the methicillin resistance genes
mecB
and
mecD
on a staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element and a
Macrococcus
chromosomal resistance island, respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus chromogenes ATCC 43764, a Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Strain with Antibacterial Potential
Authors: Chin Denny , Deecker Shayna R. , Ensminger Alexander W. , Heinrichs David E.
Published: June 2021

Staphylococcus chromogenes
can cause subclinical mastitis in cows, and some strains have also demonstrated antibacterial activity against pathogens such as methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the
S. chromogenes
type strain ATCC 43764, which secretes the prodrug 6-thioguanine (6-TG), which antagonizes MRSA virulence.
Primer, Pipelines, Parameters: Issues in 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Authors: Abellan-Schneyder Isabel , Matchado Monica S. , Reitmeier Sandra , Sommer Alina , Sewald Zeno , Baumbach Jan , List Markus , Neuhaus Klaus
Published: June 2021

In 16S rRNA gene sequencing, certain bacterial genera were found to be underrepresented or even missing in taxonomic profiles when using unsuitable primer combinations, outdated reference databases, or inadequate pipeline settings. Concerning the last, quality thresholds as well as bioinformatic settings (i.e., clustering approach, analysis pipeline, and specific adjustments such as truncation) are responsible for a number of observed differences between studies.
Supplemental Material: How fast do submarine fans grow? Insights from the Quaternary Golo fans, offshore Corsica
Authors: Sweet Michael , al. et
Published: June 2021

Details of the Golo seismic and coring program, and additional details of the OSL dating process.
National Early Warning Score for predicting intensive care unit admission among elderly patients with influenza infections in the emergency department: an effective disposition tool during the influenza season
Authors: Wang Te-Hao , Jheng Jing-Cheng , Tseng Yen-Ting , Chen Li-Fu , Chung Jui-Yuan
Published: June 2021

Objective

During the influenza epidemic season, the fragile elderlies are not only susceptible to influenza infections, but are also more likely to develop severe symptoms and syndromes. Such circumstances may pose a significant burden to the medical resources especially in the emergency department (ED). Disposition of the elderly patients with influenza infections to either the ward or intensive care unit (ICU) accurately is therefore a crucial issue.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

Elderly patients (≥65 years) with influenza visiting the ED of a medical centre between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015.

Primary outcome measures

Demographic data, vital signs, medical history, subtype of influenza, national early warning score (NEWS) and outcomes (mortality) were analysed. We investigated the ability of NEWS to predict ICU admission via logistic regression and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

We included 409 geriatric patients in the ED with a mean age of 79.5 years and approximately equal sex ratio. The mean NEWS ±SD was 3.4±2.9, and NEWS ≥8 was reported in 11.0% of the total patients. Logistic regression revealed that NEWS ≥8 predicted ICU admission with an OR of 5.37 (95% CI 2.61 to 11.04). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was calculated as 0.95, and the adjusted area under the ROC was 0.72. An NEWS ≥8 is associated with ICU-admission and may help to triage elderly patients with influenza infections during the influenza epidemic season.

Conclusion

The high specificity of NEWS ≥8 to predict ICU admission in elderly patients with influenza infection during the epidemic season may avoid unnecessary ICU admissions and ensure proper medical resource allocation.
Effect of meteorological factors and air pollutants on fractures: a nationwide population-based ecological study
Authors: Kang Taewook , Hong Jinwook , Radnaabaatar Munkhzul , Park Si Young , Jung Jaehun
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the association of meteorological factors and air pollutants (MFAPs) with fracture and to estimate the effect size/time lag.

Design

This is a nationwide population-based ecological study from 2008 to 2017.

Setting

Eight large metropolitan areas in Korea.

Participants

Of 8 093 820 patients with fractures reported in the Korea National Health Insurance database, 2 129 955 were analysed after the data set containing patient data (age, sex and site of fractures) were merged with MFAPs. Data on meteorological factors were obtained from the National Climate Data Center of the Korea Meteorological Administration. Additionally, data on air pollutants (atmospheric particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5), PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide) were obtained from the Air Korea database.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We hypothesised that there would be an association between MFAPs and the incidence of fracture. A generalised additive model was used while factoring in the non-linear relationship between MFAPs and fractures as well as a time lag ≤7 days. Multivariate analysis was performed. Backward elimination with an Akaike information criterion was used to fit the multivariate model.

Results

Overall, in eight urban areas, 2 129 955 patients with fractures were finally analysed. These included 370 344, 187 370, 173 100, 140 358, 246 775, 6501, 228 346, 57 183 and 719 978 patients with hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, ankle, foot and spine fractures, respectively. Various MFAPs (average temperature, daily rain, wind speed, daily snow and PM2.5) showed significant association with fractures, with positive correlations at time lags 7, 5–7, 5–7, 3–7 and 6–7 days, respectively.

Conclusions

Various MFAPs could affect the occurrence of fractures. The average temperature, daily rain, wind speed, daily snow and PM2.5 were most closely associated with fracture. Thus, improved public awareness on these MFAPs is required for clinical prevention and management of fractures.
Association between sleep quality and type 2 diabetes at 20-year follow-up in the Southall and Brent REvisited (SABRE) cohort: a triethnic analysis
Authors: Ong Zhen Ling , Chaturvedi Nishi , Tillin Therese , Dale Caroline , Garfield Victoria
Published: June 2021

Background

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes associated with poor sleep quality is comparable to other lifestyle factors (eg, overweight, physical inactivity). In the UK, these risk factors could not explain the two to three-fold excess risks in South-Asian and African-Caribbean men compared with Europeans. This study investigates (1) the association between mid-life sleep quality and later-life type 2 diabetes risk and (2) the potential modifying effect of ethnicity.

Methods

The Southall and Brent REvisited cohort is composed of Europeans, South-Asians and African-Caribbeans (median follow-up 19 years). Complete-case analysis was performed on 2189 participants without diabetes at baseline (age=51.7±7 SD). Competing risks regressions were used to estimate the HRs of developing diabetes associated with self-reported baseline sleep (difficulty falling asleep, early morning waking, waking up tired, snoring and a composite sleep score), adjusting for confounders. Modifying effects of ethnicity were analysed by conducting interaction tests and ethnicity-stratified analyses.

Results

There were 484 occurrences of incident type 2 diabetes (22%). Overall, there were no associations between sleep exposures and diabetes risk. Interaction tests suggested a possible modifying effect for South-Asians compared with Europeans for snoring only (p=0.056). The ethnicity-stratified analysis found an association with snoring among South-Asians (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.85), comparing those who snored often/always versus occasionally/never. There were no elevated risks for the other sleep exposures.

Conclusion

The association between snoring and type 2 diabetes appeared to be modified by ethnicity, and was strongest in South-Asians.
The role of perceived discrimination in predicting changes in health behaviours among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Forde Allana T. , Sims Mario , Wang Xu , Barber Sharrelle , Diez Roux Ana V.
Published: June 2021

Background

This study examined whether perceived discrimination was associated with health behaviours over time and whether associations of discrimination with behaviours varied by attribution of discrimination.

Methods

Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and CIs for the associations of discrimination (everyday, lifetime, stress from lifetime discrimination) with health behaviours (cigarette smoking, alcohol use) over time among 3050 African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study from visit 1 (2000–2004) to visit 3 (2009–2013). Smoking status was classified as persistent current, persistent former, persistent never, current to former and former/never to current smokers. Alcohol use status was classified as persistent heavy, persistent moderate/none, heavy to moderate/none and moderate/none to heavy alcohol users.

Results

Higher everyday discrimination was associated with persistent current smoking (OR per SD higher discrimination 1.26, 95% CI 1.11,1.43) and with persistent former smoking (high vs low OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02,1.70) relative to persistent never smoking. Similar findings were observed for lifetime discrimination and persistent current smoking (high vs low OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.15,2.95) and with persistent former smoking (high vs low OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06,1.98). Participants reporting lifetime discrimination as very stressful compared with not stressful were more likely to be persistent former smokers (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.04,1.99). Associations did not vary by discrimination attribution.

Conclusion

Discrimination did not predict changes in smoking status or alcohol use. Discrimination was associated with persistent current smoking status, which may provide a plausible mechanism through which discrimination impacts the health of African Americans.
Evidence of cushioning of tobacco tax increases in large retailers in Australia
Authors: Bayly Megan , Scollo Michelle , Wakefield Melanie A
Published: June 2021

Background

Tobacco companies may attempt to minimise the impact of tobacco tax increases on consumers by gradually passing on the price rise over several months. This study examined whether there was evidence of large Australian tobacco retailers engaging in this practice (known as cushioning) over a period including both routine indexation and large annual tobacco excise increases.

Methods

Advertised prices of nine factory-made cigarette (FMC) and nine roll-your-own tobacco (RYO) products were recorded from two stores monthly from December 2016 to December 2019. Per cent change in price from the previous month was analysed for FMC and RYO products, controlling for year, month, tobacco company and supermarket chain.

Results

Significant main effects of month were observed for FMC and RYO products (both p<0.001). Large, significant average increases in per cent change in price were observed in September for FMC (6.51%) and RYO (11.45%) products, the month of the annual excise increase and prices also significantly increased in October (FMC: 3.01%; RYO: 1.91%). Significant increases were also observed in the months after the March annual routine indexation: by 1.10% in May for FMC products and by 1.09% in April for RYO products.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated evidence of cushioning of tax increases of FMC and RYO products in large Australian supermarkets. The monthly per cent change in price significantly increased several months after routine excise indexation and in the 2 months following a large annual excise increase. Further research with a larger sample of products and stores is needed to confirm these findings.
Cohort strength and body size in co-occurring salmonids in a small stream network: variation in space and time
Authors: Letcher Benjamin H. , Nislow Keith H. , O’Donnell Matthew J. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Coombs Jason A. , Dubreuil Todd L.
Published: June 2021

Trout and salmon commonly coexist in stream networks. Exploring similarities and differences among species can help explain coexistence and invasive ability. Here, we describe spatial distribution, cohort strengths and size-at-age of three co-occurring species in a small stream network. Spatial distributions varied dramatically among species; native brook trout (Salvellinus fontinalis) occupied all stream reaches, naturalized brown trout (Salmo trutta) were found in the mainstem and lower portions of tributaries and fry-stocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were limited to the mainstem. Size-at-age also differed among species, Atlantic salmon were consistently the smallest, brook trout were intermediate in size and brown trout were the largest. Despite size differences, mean lengths of brook trout and brown trout were highly correlated among years. Cohort strengths varied considerably across years but were also highly correlated for the two trout species, suggesting strong environmental control on cohort strength and a reduced role for species interactions. At low densities, we observed strong negative effects of density on body sizes and weaker effects otherwise. Overall, these results suggest differences in spatial distribution combined with similarities in response to environmental variation contribute to species coexistence in this small steam network.
Unveiling the impact of weight heterogeneity on random walks in weighted extended tree-like fractals
Authors: Wu Zikai , Xu Guangyao
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we put forward a class of weighted extended tree-like fractals and further use them as test bed to unveil the impact of weight heterogeneity on random walks. Specifically, a family of weighted extended tree-like fractals are first proposed, which are parameterized by a growth parameter [Formula: see text] and weight parameter [Formula: see text]. Then, we explore standard weight-dependent walk on the networks by deploying three traps at initial three nodes. To this end, we derive analytically the average trapping time (ATT) to measure the trapping efficiency and the obtained results show that depending on values of [Formula: see text], ATT may grow sub-linearly, linearly and super-linearly with the network size. Besides, it can also quantitatively impact the leading behavior and pre-factor of ATT simultaneously. Finally, more challenging mixed weight-dependent random walk that takes non-nearest-neighbor hopping is addressed. Analytical solutions of ATT derived under this new scenario imply that weight parameter [Formula: see text] still can qualitatively, quantitatively steer leading behavior and quantitatively affect pre-factor of ATT. As to the stochastic parameter [Formula: see text] controlling mixed random walk, it could only impact the pre-factor of ATT and only have negligible effect on the leading behavior of ATT. In summary, this work could further augment our understanding of random walks on networks.
Breathers and double-pole solutions of coupled mixed derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equations from optical fibers
Authors: Hang Chen , Wu Qing-Lin , Zhang Hai-Qiang
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the coupled mixed derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equations are investigated, which govern the propagation of the femtosecond optical pulse in optical fibers. First of all, based on the soliton solutions in bilinear form, the breathers are constructed by choosing a pair of complex conjugate wave numbers. Then, the interactions between a breather and either an anti-dark soliton or a dark soliton are studied according to the existence conditions of dark and anti-dark solitons. The double-pole solution can also be obtained by a coalescence of two wave numbers. In addition, the influence of physical parameters on the phases and propagation direction of the breathers and double-pole solitons is studied by the qualitative analysis and graphical illustration.
Two-band study on electromagnetic properties of Co-doped superconducting BaFe2As2 thin films
Authors: Ye Chen-Xiao , Che Jian-Tao , Huang Hai
Published: June 2021

Identifying the form of the superconducting order parameter in the Co-doped BaFe2As2 thin film is still an unsolved problem. With the Neumann boundary condition, we study the electromagnetic properties of this thin film based on the two-band Ginzburg–Landau theory. We get the analytic expressions for the upper critical field in arbitrary direction and the temperature dependence of critical supercurrent density through the film. Our theoretical results can fit the experimental data of upper critical field and critical supercurrent density well, which thus strongly suggests the Co-doped BaFe2As2 thin film as a two-gap [Formula: see text]-wave superconductor. Besides, a trijunction experiment is proposed to probe the [Formula: see text]++ or [Formula: see text] pairing symmetry in this material.
SERS and RI sensing properties of heterogeneous dimers of Au and Si nanospheres
Authors: Fu Tian Yi , Du Chao Ling , Chen Yang Xi , Zhang Ru Xin , Sun Lu , Li Xiang , Rong Wang Xu , Shi Da Ning
Published: June 2021

Heterogeneous dimers of Au and Si nanoparticles are expected to exhibit different plasmon properties from that of homogeneous noble metal nanoparticle dimers. It is crucial to unveil the potential applications in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and refractive-index (RI) sensing of the prototype dimer of Au and Si nanospheres. The near-field coupling between the two components within the dimer is revealed to not affect the resonance energy of Si mode in the extinction spectra, but decrease that of Au mode. It also accounts for the plasmon ruler behavior of the fractional shifts of both its dipolar peak wavelength of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and corresponding RI sensitivity factor [Formula: see text], which provide another kind of substitute to estimate the gap distance in between components within the dimer as that of noble metal nanoparticle dimers. Additionally, by tracking the inflection point shift of the corresponding extinction spectra, its [Formula: see text] is revealed to improve 36% than that of traditional one. The maximum [Formula: see text] and SERS enhancement factor [Formula: see text] at 2 nm gap distance are demonstrated to reach 336 nm RIU[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. This work paves a new way for developing efficient SERS and RI sensing substrates by combining noble metal and dielectric nanoparticles.