bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coleorhiza‐enforced seed dormancy: a novel mechanism to control germination in grasses
Authors: Holloway Thomas , Steinbrecher Tina , Pérez Marta , Seville Anne , Stock David , Nakabayashi Kazumi , Leubner‐Metzger Gerhard
Published: September 2020

How the biophysical properties of overlaying tissues control growth, such as the embryonic root (radicle) during seed germination, is a fundamental question. In eudicot seeds the endosperm surrounding the radicle confers coat dormancy and controls germination responses through modulation of its cell wall mechanical properties. Far less is known for grass caryopses that differ in tissue morphology. Here we report that the coleorhiza, a sheath‐like organ that surrounds the radicle in grass embryos, performs the same role in the grass weed Avena fatua (common wild oat).

We combined innovative biomechanical techniques, tissue ablation, microscopy, tissue‐specific gene and enzyme activity expression with the analysis of hormones and oligosaccharides.

The combined experimental work demonstrates that in grass caryopses the coleorhiza indeed controls germination for which we provide direct biomechanical evidence. We show that the coleorhiza becomes reinforced during dormancy maintenance and weakened during germination. Xyloglucan endotransglycosylases/hydrolases may have a role in coleorhiza reinforcement through cell wall remodelling to confer coat dormancy.

The control of germination by coleorhiza‐enforced dormancy in grasses is an example of the convergent evolution of mechanical restraint by overlaying tissues.
Dynamic voltage threshold adjusted substrate modification technique for complex atypical atrial flutters with varying circuits
Authors: Methachittiphan Nilubon , Akoum Nazem , Gopinathannair Rakesh , Boyle Patrick M , Sridhar Arun R.
Published: September 2020

Background

Atypical atrial flutter (AFL) is common in patients with postsurgical atrial scar, with macro‐ or microscopic channels in the scar acting as substrate for reentry. Heterogeneous atrial scarring can cause varying flutter circuits, which makes mapping and ablation challenging, and recurrences common.

Aim

We hypothesize that dynamically adjusting voltage thresholds can identify heterogeneous atrial scarring, which can then be effectively homogenized to eliminate atypical AFLs.

Methods

We studied consecutive patients who presented to Electrophysiology laboratory for atypical AFL ablation with history of atriotomy and included the patients with multiple, varying flutter circuits during mapping in our study. We excluded patients with stable flutter circuit that was sustained and could be localized using traditional entrainment and activation mapping strategy.

In the included patients, we performed detailed high‐density voltage map of the atrium of interest. We adjusted voltage thresholds as needed to identify heterogeneity and channels in the scarred regions. A thorough scar homogenization was performed with irrigated smart‐touch ablation catheter. Re‐inducibility of tachycardia, and immediate and long‐term outcomes were studied.

Results

Of five studied cases, one was female; age 66 ± 10 years. All five had prior surgical substrate. All the patients had multiple flutter morphologies, which varied as we mapped the AFL. After scar homogenization, tachycardia was not inducible in any patient. No recurrence of flutter was noted during a mean follow‐up duration of 450 ± 27 days.

Conclusion

High‐density voltage mapping and homogenization of the scar can be an effective strategy in eliminating complex scar‐mediated atypical AFL with multiple circuits.
Clinical features in 305 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A single center Turkish Study
Authors: Ozdel Semanur , Baglan Esra , Cakıcı Evrim Kargın , Yazılıtas Fatma , Yücel Hüsniye , Senel Saliha , Bulbul Mehmet
Published: September 2020

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatologic disease of childhood. The various subtypes of JIA differ in clinical features and treatments. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of JIA subtypes, patient demographic and clinical features, as well as the rates of macrophage activation syndrome, uveitis, and remission in Turkish JIA patients treated at a single center, and to compare the findings to those in the literature.

Methods

The files of all JIA patients treated at our pediatric rheumatology department between January 2017 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from the patients’ files and the hospital database.

Results

The study included 305 patients (180 females) with a mean age at onset of 7.83 ± 4.62 years. Among all the JIA subtypes, the most frequent was oligoarthritis (41.6%), followed by enthesitis‐related arthritis (29.2%), rheumatoid factor (RF)‐negative polyarthritis (13.4%), systemic arthritis (9.5%), RF‐positive polyarthritis (2.6%), psoriatic arthritis (2.0%), and undifferentiated arthritis (1.6%). At the time of data collection, 278 patients (91.0%) were in remission, whereas 27 patients (9.0%) had active disease. Macrophage activation syndrome developed in 12 of the 29 (41.0%) systemic arthritis. Uveitis was noted in 32 (10.0%) patients. Biological agents were administered in 142 of the patients.

Conclusions

The available data indicate that JIA as a whole is a heterogeneous disease with significant variability in course and long‐term outcome. As such, each patient should be evaluated according to his / her disease subtype.
In vitro Studies of Antitumor Effect, Toxicity/Cytotoxicity and Skin Permeation/Retention of a Green Fluorescence Pyrene‐based Dye for PDT Application
Authors: de França Bruna Martins , Ghasemishahrestani Zeinab , de Souza Gabriel Ferreira Motta , da Silva Renata Nascimento , Queiroz Daniela Dias , Pierre Maria Bernadete Riemma , Pereira Marcos Dias , Forero Josué Sebastián Bello , Corrêa Rodrigo José
Published: September 2020

Photosensitizers (PS) are compounds that can generate reactive oxygen species under irradiation of appropriate light and are widely used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Currently, topical PDT is an effective treatment for several skin diseases, including bacterial infections, fungal mycoses and psoriasis. In addition, PDT is also used to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer and can be a potential tool for melanoma, associated with other treatments. In this work, we evaluated the antitumor photoactivity of a new pyrene‐based PS (TPPy) by using the murine melanoma cell line (B16F10). The in vitro permeation/retention tests in porcine ear skin were also performed in order to evaluate the potential application of the PS for topical use in skin cancer. Moreover, to determine the toxicity in vivo, we used the Galleria mellonella as an alternative animal model of study. The results showed that TPPy is a promising PS for application in PDT, with potential antitumor photoactivity (IC50 6.5 μmol L‐1), absence of toxicity in the G. mellonella model at higher concentration (70.0 mmol L−1) and the accumulation tendency in the epidermis plus dermis sites (165.20 ± 4.12 ng cm−2).
Cytokine responses to various larval stages of equine strongyles and modulatory effects of the adjuvant G3 in vitro
Authors: Hellman Stina , Tydén Eva , Hjertner Bernt , Nilsfors Frida , Hu Kefei , Morein Bror , Fossum Caroline
Published: September 2020

Aims

To generate different larval stages of Strongylus vulgaris and to study cytokine responses in cultures of eqPBMC exposed to defined larval stages of S. vulgaris and cyathostomins with the aim to understand the early immune reaction to these parasites.

Methods and results

EqPBMC were exposed to S. vulgaris larvae (L3, exsheated L3 and L4) and cyathostomin L3 and analysed for cytokine gene expression. Procedures for decontamination, culturing and attenuation of larvae were established. Transcription of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 was induced by both S. vulgaris and cyathostomin L3. Moulting of S. vulgaris from L3 to L4 stage was accompanied by a shift to high expression of IL‐5 and IL‐9 (exsheated L3 and L4) and IFN‐γ (L4 only). In parallel, the adjuvant G3 modified the cytokine profile induced by both parasites by reducing the expression of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐10 while concomitantly enhancing the expression of IFN‐γ.

Conclusion

The L4 stage of S. vulgaris generated a cytokine profile different from that induced by the earlier L3 stage of S. vulgaris and cyathostomins. This diversity depending on the life cycle stage will have implications for the choice of antigen and adjuvant in future vaccine design.
Natural resources, technological progress, and economic modernization
Authors: Sadik‐Zada Elkhan Richard
Published: September 2020

The present inquiry focuses on the modernization perspectives of the commodity‐exporting countries through the lens of development economics. To this end, the study adopts the Kaldorian framework to address the modernization effects, epitomized in the absorption of surplus labor. To trace the process of economic modernization, the study augments Lewis’s dualistic economy model by the extractive sector. Three different scenarios for the management of resource revenues are scrutinized. An altruistic mode, which implies a pure redistribution of the revenues among the poor swaths of the population, protracts the process of economic modernization, requires a greater amount of capital stock, and harbors a greater risk of a poverty trap. This effect is less pronounced if the modern sector is more capital‐intensive. A productive mode, which elicits full reinvestment of the commodity revenues, in contrast, accelerates the pace of economic modernization. Further, predicated on the scrutiny of a more realistic scenario, a bargaining mode, the study derives the condition for a net positive (or negative) modernization effect. The study identifies technical progress alongside capital accumulation as a further important source of economic modernization.
When Money Matters More: Long‐Term Illness and the Income/Life Satisfaction Slope
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Pisani Fabio
Published: September 2020

We compare the life satisfaction of individuals aged above 50 years reporting or not reporting long‐term illnesses. Our econometric findings show that the positive income/life satisfaction gradient is steeper for individuals with at least one long‐term illness, especially those lacking private insurance or reporting above mean unmet medical needs. We also use the compensating variation approach and show that the marginal utility of income (net of the absolute and relative income effects) for the long‐term ill is significantly larger than the average marginal utility of income in the sample.
Infield optimized route planning in harvesting operations for risk of soil compaction reduction
Authors: Villa‐Henriksen Andrés , Skou‐Nielsen Nick , Munkholm Lars Juhl , Sørensen Claus A. G. , Green Ole , Edwards Gareth T. C.
Published: September 2020

Soil compaction is a major problem in arable farming mainly caused by the intensive traffic of heavy machinery. It affects negatively soil and crop development. Even though the first wheeling is considered the most damaging, repeated traffic deteriorates further the soil and subsoil even up to irreversible conditions. Intelligent infield traffic planning in the form of optimized route planning is one key option to mitigate soil compaction. Currently, no comprehensive evaluation of the benefits of such methods exists. In this paper, a harvest logistics optimization system was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of optimized route planning in reducing traffic by generating simulated operational data and comparing it to a set of six recorded fields ranging in size (2–21 ha) and shape. For the evaluation, simulated and recorded data for each 12 × 12 m grid cell within the fields were compared by analysing three variables, that is, traffic occurrences, accumulated traffic load and maximum traffic load per grid cell. The results showed a reduction of the total number of traffic occurrences with a field size weighted mean of relative differences of 9.8%. A reduction of 5.6% for the accumulated traffic load, and an increase of 4.0% for the maximum traffic load. Repeated traffic was reduced in four of the six fields. Even though optimized route planning is not directly intended for traffic reduction, it can notably contribute to such mitigation efforts and adds an extra element to the overall farm strategy for soil compaction mitigation.
Identification of Seepage Mechanisms for Natural Gas Huff-n-Puff and Flooding Processes in Hydrophilic Reservoirs With Low and Ultra-Low Permeabilities
Authors: Zheng Taiyi , Liu Xiangui , Yang Zhengming , Luo Yutian , Zhang Yapu , Xiao Qianhua , He Ying , Zhao Xinli
Published: September 2020

Hydrocarbon gas flooding/Huff-n-Puff (HNP) can improve the oil recovery in the unconventional reservoirs. Here, the mechanisms accounting for fluid flow in the low-permeability and ultra-low permeability reservoirs were experimentally and theoretically investigated. Core plugs collected from a typical China oilfield were utilized for the experiments. Additionally, methane was used as the injection agent to conduct natural gas HNP/displacement experiments. The results indicated that the use of natural gas as an energy supplement agent and the HNP development method can effectively improve the recovery efficiency of the aforementioned two types of reservoirs. During the HNP process, the oil recovery is effectively enhanced mainly in the first round and second round. Meanwhile, during gas injection and HNP, natural gas can evidently weaken the extraction and reduce the precipitation of heavy components. However, the natural gas injection can establish an effective driving pressure system in low-permeability core plugs, and the interaction between natural gas and oil can change the mobility ratio. Furthermore, it aids in avoiding viscous fingering and premature breakthroughs. Moreover, the oil can be sandwiched between the interface of the gas and water phases to form a slip channel in a hydrophilic core sample, which can quickly produce oil. Finally, a numerical model was developed by considering the reservoir parameters of Changqing Oilfield, China. The oil recovery after eight rounds of CH4 HNP was 80% higher than that achieved via depletion development. Additionally, the oil recovery curves are especially similar in the previous three HNP rounds. These curves show obvious differences from the fourth round onwards, which indicates that the asphaltene deposition and CH4 diffusion slightly affect the oil recovery factor during the initial production period.
A Comparison of Gasoline, Liquid Petroleum Gas, and Hydrogen Utilization in an Spark Ignition Engine in Terms of Environmental and Economic Indicators
Authors: Şöhret Yasin , Gürbüz Habib
Published: September 2020

Research on alternative fuel development gains importance day by day with respect to environmental concerns and issues. Alternative fuel research can yield a revolution for spark ignition (SI) engines due to their being one of the widely used energy systems worldwide. However, most studies miss the environmental impact and economy of alternative fuels, while focusing on performance and emissions characteristics of different alternative fuels. The present paper aims to introduce a novel perspective to evaluate fuels environmentally and economically. For this purpose, exhaust emissions from an SI engine fueled with gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and hydrogen are evaluated at a constant engine speed of 1500 rpm and the same equivalence ratio of 1.0, using the emissions index, power emissions index, energy emissions index, environmental impact, environmental cost, and environmental and social impact cost. At the end of the study, hydrogen is found to be less harmful than other fuels based on its environmental and social impact cost. On the other hand, hydrogen has the highest environmental cost at each ignition timing compared to both LPG and gasoline, whereas gasoline has the best performance from the viewpoint of environmental costs. The current paper is expected to be beneficial in evaluating or comparing different fuels in different engine types to those interested in energy, thermal studies, and environmental sciences.
Dynamic Response of a Conceptual Designed Articulated Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Zhang Pei , Li Yan , Gu Jiayang , Yin Tianchang , Hu Zhiqiang , Tang Yougang
Published: September 2020

Focusing on the 75 m depth offshore area, an articulated foundation is proposed for supporting National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW offshore wind turbine (OWT). Through the overall sensitivity check on hydrostatic performance, the main parameters are set to meet the requirements of stability and economy. An in-house code was programmed to simulate the dynamic response of the articulated offshore wind turbine (AOWT). The aerodynamic load on rotating blades and the wind pressure load on tower are calculated based on the blade element momentum theory and the empirical formula, respectively. The hydrodynamic load is simulated by the three-dimensional potential flow theory. The motions of foundation, the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine, and the loads on the articulated joint are documented in different cases. According to the simulations, the articulated offshore wind turbine shows feasibility to work in the particular area.
Functional nanothin films plasma-deposited from 2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline for biosensor applications
Authors: Chan Kit Man , Amoura Cherine , Whiteley Amelia , Rouget Julien , Safizadeh Shirazi Hanieh , Cavallaro Alex , Vasilev Krasimir , MacGregor Melanie
Published: September 2020

Plasma polymers derived from oxazoline precursors present a range of versatile properties that is fueling their use as biomaterials. However, coatings deposited from commonly used methyl and ethyl oxazoline precursors can be sensitive to the plasma deposition conditions. In this work, we used various spectroscopic methods (ellipsometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) and cell viability assays to evaluate the transferability of deposition conditions from the original plasma reactor developed by Griesser to a new wider, reactor designed for upscaled biosensors applications. The physicochemical properties, reactivity, and biocompatibility of films deposited from 2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline were investigated. Thanks to the availability of an unsaturated pendant group, the coatings obtained from this oxazoline precursor are more stable and reproducible over a range of deposition conditions while retaining reactivity toward ligands and biomolecules. This study identified films deposited at 20 W and 0.012 mbar working pressure as being the best suited for biosensor applications.
Relationship Between Power Output and Speed-Related Performance in Brazilian Wheelchair Basketball Players
Authors: Loturco Irineu , McGuigan Michael R. , Reis Valter P. , Santos Sileno , Yanci Javier , Pereira Lucas A. , Winckler Ciro
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate the association between the optimum power load in the bench press (BP), shoulder press (SP), and prone bench pull (PBP) exercises and acceleration (ACC) and speed performances in 11 National Team wheelchair basketball (WB) players with similar levels of disability. All athletes were previously familiarized with the testing procedures that were performed on the same day during the competitive period of the season. First, athletes performed a wheelchair 20-m sprint assessment and, subsequently, a maximum power load test to determine the mean propulsive power (MPP) in the BP, SP, and PBP. A Pearson product–moment correlation was used to examine the relationships between sprint velocity (VEL), ACC, and the MPP in the three exercises. The significance level was set as p < .05. Large to very large significant associations were observed between VEL and ACC and the MPP in the BP, SP, and PBP exercises (r varying from .60 to .77; p < .05). The results reveal that WB players who produce more power in these three exercises are also able to accelerate faster and achieve higher speeds over short distances. Given the key importance of high and successive ACCs during wheelchair game-related maneuvers, it is recommended that coaches frequently assess the optimum power load in BP, SP, and PBP in WB players, even during their regular training sessions.
Effect of Increased Lumbar Lordosis on Lumbar Multifidus and Longissimus Thoracis Activation During Quadruped Exercise in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: An EMG Study
Authors: Shah Jayshree , Tanwar Tarushi , Iram Iram , Aldabbas Mosab , Veqar Zubia
Published: September 2020

The objective was to investigate the electromyographic activity of the lumbar multifidus (MF) muscle and longissimus thoracis muscle, along with their activity ratio (MF longissimus thoracis ratio), during quadruped stabilization exercise performed with neutral posture and with increased lumbar lordosis in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). A total of 23 patients with CLBP (12 females and 11 males) were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criterion. Each patient performed 4 exercises in random order, with surface electromyography electrodes and an electrogoniometer attached. A cross-sectional study design was used to measure the amplitude of muscle activation (as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction) in each patient across the 2 muscles (MF and longissimus thoracis) during quadruped stabilization exercise with neutral posture and with increased lumbar lordosis. A 2-way analysis of variance was conducted, which demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the recruitment of MF with increased lumbar lordosis in patients with CLBP during quadruped exercise. An increase of 9.7% and 16.9% maximum voluntary contraction in MF electromyographic activity was observed in lumbar lordosis posture during the quadruped leg raise and quadruped leg-arm raise exercise, respectively (P < .01), when compared to the neutral posture. The increased recruitment of MF with lumbar lordosis in the quadruped position has strong implications in the assessment and management of patients with CLBP.
Physical Activity Patterns in Children and Adolescents With Heart Disease
Authors: White David A. , Willis Erik A. , Panchangam Chaitanya , Teson Kelli M. , Watson Jessica S. , Birnbaum Brian F. , Shirali Girish , Parthiban Anitha
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To quantify the differences in daily physical activity (PA) patterns, intensity-specific volumes, and PA bouts in youth with and without heart disease (HD). Methods: Seven-day PA was measured on children/adolescents with HD (n = 34; median age 12.4 y; 61.8% male; 70.6% single ventricle, 17.7% heart failure, and 11.8% pulmonary hypertension) and controls without HD (n = 22; median age 12.3 y; 59.1% male). Mean counts per minute were classified as sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), and bouts of MVPA were calculated. PA was calculated separately for each hour of wear time from 8:00 to 22:00. Multilevel linear mixed modeling compared the outcomes, stratifying by group, time of day, and day part (presented as median percentage of valid wear time [interquartile range]). Results: Compared with the controls, the HD group had more light PA (33.9% [15%] vs 29.6% [9.5%]), less MVPA (1.7% [2.5%] vs 3.2% [3.3%]), and more sporadic bouts (97.4% [5.7%] vs 89.9% [9.2%]), but fewer short (2.0% [3.9%] vs 7.1% [5.7%]) and medium-to-long bouts (0.0% [1.9%] vs 1.6% [4.6%]) of MVPA. The HD group was less active in the late afternoon, between 15:00 and 17:00 (P < .03). There were no differences between groups in sedentary time. Conclusion: Children/adolescents with HD exhibit differences in intensity-specific volumes, PA bouts, and daily PA patterns compared with controls.
Relationship between Microorganisms Inhabiting Alkaline Siliceous Hot Spring Mat Communities and Overflowing Water
Authors: Becraft Eric D. , Jackson Benjamin D. , Nowack Shane , Klapper Isaac , Ward David M.
Published: September 2020

In flowing aquatic systems, cell erosion and deposition are important to the dispersal of cells from one location to another. Very little is known about microbial dispersal and the physical processes that underlie it. This study demonstrates its importance to colonization of downstream surfaces and especially to the recolonization and functioning of disturbed sites. Ecological systems in flowing environments are often, roughly speaking, pseudosteady, in that nutrients enter the system and by-products leave at relatively steady rates. Over time, material inputs and outputs must balance. Measurements of input fluxes (e.g., growth rates and proxies, such as photosynthesis rates) are frequent. However, erosion and deposition of cells are seldom measured and ecological significance is sometimes neglected. The importance of these parameters is immediately evident in any attempt to construct a model of long-time community behavior, as spatial ecological structure is significantly impacted and can be dominated by migration of organisms, even in small numbers.
Influence of Shigella flexneri 2a O Antigen Acetylation on Its Bacteriophage Sf6 Receptor Activity and Bacterial Interaction with Human Cells
Authors: Teh Min Yan , Furevi Axel , Widmalm Göran , Morona Renato
Published: September 2020

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and lack of efficient vaccines have made
Shigella
a priority organism for the World Health Organization (1). Therefore, bacteriophage therapy has received increasing attention as an alternative therapeutic approach. LPS Oag is the most variable part of LPS due to chemical modifications and is the target of bacteriophage Sf6 (
S. flexneri
specific). We dissected the evolution of
S. flexneri
serotype Y to 2a
2
, which revealed a new role for a gene acquired during serotype conversion and furthermore identified new specific forms of LPS receptor for Sf6. Collectively, these results unfold the importance of the acquisition of those Oag modification genes and further our understanding of the relationship between Sf6 and
S. flexneri
.
A Novel Platform Using RNA Signatures To Accelerate Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Hashemi Marjan M. , Ram-Mohan Nikhil , Yang Xi , Andini Nadya , Gessner Nicholas R. , Carroll Karen C. , Wang Tza-Huei , Yang Samuel
Published: September 2020

The rise of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens can be attributed to the lack of a rapid pathogen identification (ID) or antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), resulting in delayed therapeutic decisions at the point of care. Gonorrhea is usually empirically treated, with no AST results available before treatment, thus contributing to the rapid rise in drug resistance. Here, we present a rapid AST platform using RNA signatures for
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) followed by bioinformatic tools was applied to explore potential markers in the transcriptome profile of
N. gonorrhoeae
upon minutes of azithromycin exposure.
Choroidal thickness predicts progression of myopic maculopathy in high myopes: a 2-year longitudinal study
Authors: Li Zhixi , Wang Wei , Liu Ran , Wang Decai , Zhang Jian , Xiao Ou , Guo Xinxing , Jong Monica , Sankaridurg Padmaja , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko , He Mingguang
Published: September 2020

Aim

To prospectively determine the impact of choroidal thickness (CT) on the myopic maculopathy progression.

Methods

This is a prospective, longitudinal, observational study. In total, 434 participants aged 7–70 years with bilateral high myopia (≤-6 D spherical error, range, −6 to −27.0 D) completed follow-up visits for 2 years. The baseline CT centred on the fovea was measured using a swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT). Myopic maculopathy progression was determined by fundus photography. Logistic model was used to examine the impact of CT at baseline on the myopic maculopathy progression. Likelihood ratio test was adopted for model comparison.

Results

The mean baseline age, spherical equivalence and subfoveal CT (SFCT) of the participants were 23.2±12.5 years, −10.50±3.18 D and 153.20±72.76 μm, respectively. Over 2-year’s follow-up, 74 of 434 eyes (17.1%) had myopic maculopathy progression. Baseline SFCT was thinner in eyes with myopic maculopathy progression than those without (67.26±37.67 μm vs 170.95±65.45 μm; mean difference, 99.31 μm; 95% CI 83.61 to 115.01 μm; p<0.001). The same patterns of differences were observed in 7–18 years, 19–39 years and 40–70 years. In multivariate logistic regression model, SFCT was a significant risk factor (adjusted OR=0.97, p<0.005) when age, gender, axial length and baseline myopic maculopathy category were adjusted for. The addition of SFCT significantly improved the predictive discrimination of myopic maculopathy progression in comparison with that included established risk factors alone (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.899 vs 0.942, p<0.001).

Conclusion

CT is an independent predictor for myopic maculopathy progression.
Successful return to professional men’s football (soccer) competition after the COVID-19 shutdown: a cohort study in the German Bundesliga
Authors: Meyer Tim , Mack Dietrich , Donde Katrin , Harzer Oliver , Krutsch Werner , Rössler Annika , Kimpel Janine , von Laer Dorothee , Gärtner Barbara C
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the restart of the German Bundesliga (football (soccer)) during the COVID-19 pandemic from a medical perspective.

Methods

Participants were male professional football players from the two highest German leagues and the officials working closely with them. Our report covers nine match days spread over 9 weeks (May to July 2020). Daily symptom monitoring, PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA twice weekly, and antibody tests (on two occasions—early during the phase in May 2020 and in the week of the last match) were conducted. Target variables were: (1) onset of typical COVID-19 symptoms, (2) positive PCR results, and (3) IgG seroconversion against SARS-CoV-2. All detected seroconversions were controlled by neutralisation tests.

Findings

Suspicious symptoms were reported for one player; an immediate additional PCR test as well as all subsequent diagnostic and antibody tests proved negative for coronavirus. Of 1702 regularly tested individuals (1079 players, 623 officials members), 8 players and 4 officials tested positive during one of the first rounds of PCR testing prior to the onset of team training, 2 players during the third round. No further positive results occurred during the remainder of the season. 694 players and 291 officials provided two serum samples for antibody testing. Nine players converted from negative/borderline to positive (without symptoms); two players who initially tested positive tested negative at the end of the season. 22 players remained seropositive throughout the season. None of the seroconversions was confirmed in the neutralisation test.

Conclusion

Professional football training and matches can be carried out safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. This requires strict hygiene measures including regular PCR testing.
Central fatness and risk of all cause mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 72 prospective cohort studies
Authors: Jayedi Ahmad , Soltani Sepideh , Zargar Mahdieh Sadat , Khan Tauseef Ahmad , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: September 2020

Objective

To quantify the association of indices of central obesity, including waist circumference, hip circumference, thigh circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, body adiposity index, and A body shape index, with the risk of all cause mortality in the general population, and to clarify the shape of the dose-response relations.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed and Scopus from inception to July 2019, and the reference lists of all related articles and reviews.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Prospective cohort studies reporting the risk estimates of all cause mortality across at least three categories of indices of central fatness. Studies that reported continuous estimation of the associations were also included.

Data synthesis

A random effects dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to assess linear trend estimations. A one stage linear mixed effects meta-analysis was used for estimating dose-response curves.

Results

Of 98 745 studies screened, 1950 full texts were fully reviewed for eligibility. The final analyses consisted of 72 prospective cohort studies with 2 528 297 participants. The summary hazard ratios were as follows: waist circumference (10 cm, 3.94 inch increase): 1.11 (95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.13, I2=88%, n=50); hip circumference (10 cm, 3.94 inch increase): 0.90 (0.81 to 0.99, I2=95%, n=9); thigh circumference (5 cm, 1.97 inch increase): 0.82 (0.75 to 0.89, I2=54%, n=3); waist-to-hip ratio (0.1 unit increase): 1.20 (1.15 to 1.25, I2=90%, n=31); waist-to-height ratio (0.1 unit increase): 1.24 (1.12 to 1.36, I2=94%, n=11); waist-to-thigh ratio (0.1 unit increase): 1.21 (1.03 to 1.39, I2=97%, n=2); body adiposity index (10% increase): 1.17 (1.00 to 1.33, I2=75%, n=4); and A body shape index (0.005 unit increase): 1.15 (1.10 to 1.20, I2=87%, n=9). Positive associations persisted after accounting for body mass index. A nearly J shaped association was found between waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio and the risk of all cause mortality in men and women. A positive monotonic association was observed for waist-to-hip ratio and A body shape index. The association was U shaped for body adiposity index.

Conclusions

Indices of central fatness including waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, body adiposity index, and A body shape index, independent of overall adiposity, were positively and significantly associated with a higher all cause mortality risk. Larger hip circumference and thigh circumference were associated with a lower risk. The results suggest that measures of central adiposity could be used with body mass index as a supplementary approach to determine the risk of premature death.
Cognitive impairment in a primary healthcare population: a cross-sectional study on the island of Crete, Greece
Authors: Bertsias Antonios Konstantinos , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Papadakis Sophia , Zaganas Ioannis , Duijker George , Symvoulakis Emmanouil K , Papadokostakis Polyvios , Makri Kornilia , Iatraki Eliza , Tziraki Chariklia , Basta Maria , Panagiotakis Simeon , Boumpas Dimitrios , Moschandreas Joanna , Simos Panagiotis , Vgontzas Alexandros , Lionis Christos
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Cognitive impairment is known to have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals and their caregivers, yet it is often underdiagnosed. The objective of this study is to assess the extent of cognitive impairment among elders visiting primary healthcare (PHC) practice settings, to explore associated risk factors and discuss current care challenges for PHC providers.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2013 and May 2014.

Setting

Fourteen PHC units located in rural and urban areas of the Heraklion district in Crete, Greece.

Participants

Consecutive visitors aged at least 60 years attending selected PHC practices.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to indicate cognitive status. Associations of low MMSE scores (≤23/24, adjusted for education level) with 12 socio-demographic factors, comorbidities and lifestyle factors were assessed.

Results

A total of 3140 PHC patients met inclusion criteria (43.2% male; mean age 73.7±7.8 years). The average MMSE score was 26.0±3.8; 26.7±3.5 in male and 25.4±3.9 in female participants (p<0.0001). Low MMSE scores were detected in 20.2% of participants; 25.9% for females vs 12.8% for males; p<0.0001. Female gender (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.72; 95% CI 2.31 to 3.47), age (AOR=1.11; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.13), having received only primary or no formal education (AOR=2.87; 95% CI 2.26 to 3.65), alcohol intake (AOR=1.19; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.37), reporting one or more sleep complaints (AOR 1.63; 95% CI 1.14 to 2.32), dyslipidaemia (AOR=0.80; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.98) and history of depression (AOR=1.90; 95% CI 1.43 to 2.52) were associated with low MMSE scores.

Conclusions

This study identified a relatively high prevalence of low MMSE scores among persons attending PHC practices in a southern European community setting and associations with several known risk factors.
Associations between vision, hearing and tooth loss and social interactions: the JAGES cross-sectional study
Authors: Igarashi Ayaka , Aida Jun , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Hiratsuka Yoshimune , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: September 2020

Background

Difficulties in communication due to vision, hearing and tooth loss have a serious impact on health. We compared the association between and attribution of each of these factors on social interaction.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined data from the 2016 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (n=22 295) on community-dwelling people aged ≥65 years in Japan. The dependent variable was the frequency of meeting friends as a measure of social interaction, and less-than-monthly was defined as fewer social interactions. The independent variables were self-reported degrees of vision, hearing (5-point Likert scale) and tooth loss (five categories), with ‘poor’ or ‘0 teeth’ defined as the worst category. Sex, age, educational attainment, comorbidity and residential area were used as covariates. Poisson regression analysis with multiple imputations was used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) of fewer social interactions by each status. Subsequently, the population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated to assess the public health impact.

Results

The number of participants with fewer social interactions was 5622 (26.9%). Proportions of fewer social interactions among those with the worst vision, hearing and number of teeth categories were 48.7%, 40.1% and 32.0%, respectively. Their corresponding PRs of fewer social interactions were 1.72 (95% CI 0.97 to 3.05), 1.35 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.85) and 1.23 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.37), respectively. The total PAF for vision, hearing and number of teeth was 8.3%, 5.0% and 6.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Self-reported vision, hearing and tooth loss were associated with fewer social interactions. The magnitude of these impairments was largest in vision, followed by tooth and hearing loss.
Stroke in COVID-19: a single-centre initial experience in a hotspot of the pandemic
Authors: Bach Ivo , Surathi Pratibha , Montealegre Nora , Abu-Hadid Osama , Rubenstein Sara , Redko Sviatoslav , Gupta Siddharth , Hillen Machteld , Patel Pratit , Khandelwal Priyank , Kamel Adham
Published: September 2020

Background

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global pandemic that has been an immense burden on healthcare systems all over the world. These patients may be at higher risk for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We present our experience with AIS in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We reviewed all patients admitted to our hospital during a 6-week period with a positive nasopharyngeal swab test for SARS-CoV-2. Among these patients, we identified AIS. We reviewed the demographics, clinical, laboratory, imaging characteristics, treatments received and outcomes of AIS in patients with COVID-19.

Results

We identified 683 patients admitted with COVID-19 during the study period, of which 20 patients had AIS. Large-vessel occlusion (LVO) was noted in 11 patients (55%). Intravenous alteplase was administered in four patients (20%) and mechanical thrombectomy was performed in five patients (25%). Respiratory symptoms preceded the onset of AIS in most of the patients (70%) by 1 to 21 days. Mortality in patients with AIS was 50% compared with 26% of all COVID-19 admissions. Most of these patients died due to non-neurological causes (70%). Three patients with AIS had clinical and imaging findings consistent with COVID-19, but were negative for multiple nasopharyngeal swab tests.

Interpretation

LVO was more common in patients with AIS and COVID-19. They had more severe disease and higher mortality rates. Most of the patients had respiratory symptoms preceding AIS by days to weeks. This could explain certain patients with clinical picture of COVID-19 but negative nasopharyngeal swab tests.
Das ist der HAMMER: consistent new physics interpretations of semileptonic decays
Authors: Bernlochner Florian U. , Duell Stephan , Ligeti Zoltan , Papucci Michele , Robinson Dean J.
Published: September 2020

Precise measurements of $$b\rightarrow c\tau \bar{\nu }$$

b
→
c
τ

ν

¯

decays require large resource-intensive Monte Carlo (MC) samples, which incorporate detailed simulations of detector responses and physics backgrounds. Extracted parameters may be highly sensitive to the underlying theoretical models used in the MC generation. Because new physics (NP) can alter decay distributions and acceptances, the standard practice of fitting NP Wilson coefficients to SM-based measurements of the $$R(D^{(*)})$$

R
(

D

(

∗
)

)

ratios can be biased. The newly developed software tool enables efficient reweighting of MC samples to arbitrary NP scenarios or to any hadronic matrix elements. We demonstrate how allows avoidance of biases through self-consistent fits directly to the NP Wilson coefficients. We also present example analyses that demonstrate the sizeable biases that can otherwise occur from naive NP interpretations of SM-based measurements. The library is presently interfaced with several existing experimental analysis frameworks and we provide an overview of its structure.
Effect of Duty Cycle on the Lifetime of Single Crystal LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2/Graphite Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Cheng J. H. , Harlow J. E. , Johnson M. B. , Gauthier Roby , Dahn J. R.
Published: September 2020

The effects of different duty cycles, involving mixtures of charge-discharge cycling and open-circuit storage segments, on the lifetime of single crystal NMC532/graphite cells were studied. Charge-discharge cycling was performed at C/3 with open circuit storage times of 0, 12, 84, 180 h or 3 months applied at upper cutoff voltages (UCV) of 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 V. Testing was made at 40 °C for a period of 2.5 years. Cells tested to the same UCV showed similar capacity loss and impedance growth with time, independent of the ratio between the time spent cycling or in storage. Differential voltage analysis showed that the vast majority of the capacity loss stemmed from lithium inventory loss at the negative electrode with little or no loss of active materials. The thickness of the pouch cells after testing increased with the fraction of time spent cycling and the amount of gas generated in the cells increased with fraction of time spent in storage at the UCV. These results show that cycled and stored cells age differently, even though a similar capacity fade rate was observed in the first 2.5 years of cell life, which may cause different failure modes at the end of cell life.
Experimental Study on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of PV‐PVC Composites
Authors: Zhang Lanlan , Zhang Yingying , Wu Meng , Xu Junhao , Xue Jigang
Published: September 2020

Based on BIPV, the idea of flexible amorphous silicon solar cell (PV) and PVC membrane composite was put forward. In this paper, the influence of composite mode and force form is mainly investigated. The mechanical and electrical properties of PV‐PVC composite under uniaxial and cyclic tension are obtained. The main results show that the tensile strength of PV‐PVC composite is basically the same as that of PVC membrane. Compared with PVC membrane, the modulus of elasticity of PV‐PVC composite under cyclic loading is significantly increased, while the residual strain and the area of hysteresis loop are significantly reduced. The difference in mechanical properties of different off‐axis angles is significantly reduced. Under the stress level of common design strength of PVC membrane materials, solar cells can play a good photoelectric effect. This paper provides an important reference for the realization of membrane structure photovoltaic integration.
Effects of Short‐Term Low‐Dose Glucocorticoids for Patients with Mild COVID‐19
Authors: Fu Hai-Yan , Luo Yu , Gao Jian-Peng , Wang Lin , Li Hong-Juan , Li Xiang , Xue Lian , Tang Xiao-Qing , Li Hai-wen , Du Ying-Rong
Published: September 2020

Objectives. To evaluate the role of short‐term low‐dose glucocorticoids in mild COVID‐19 patients. Methods. We conducted a retrospective, cross‐sectional, single‐center study in Kunming, China. A total of 33 mild COVID‐19 cases were divided into two treatment groups (with and without glucocorticoids, methylprednisolone, were used in this setting), and the absolute value of peripheral blood lymphocyte count; CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell counts; and the time to achieve negative transformation of a nucleic acid pharyngeal swab were recorded. Peripheral blood lymphocyte and T cell counts were compared between the treatment group and 25 healthy individuals. At the point of time when there was a 50% accumulation conversion rate (positive to negative nucleic acid on pharyngeal swab), and the nucleic acid turned negative in half of the patients in two groups, the peripheral blood lymphocyte and T cell counts were compared between treatment groups. Results. The mean cumulative time for the 50% negative conversion rate of the nucleic acid in the pharyngeal swab was 17.7 ± 5.1 days and 13.9 ± 5.4 days in the glucocorticoid group and the nonglucocorticoid group, respectively. The absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count and the T cell subset count in the glucocorticoid group were lower than those in the nonglucocorticoid group. When the nucleic acid turned negative in half of the patients, the absolute value of peripheral blood lymphocyte count and CD4+ T cells of the glucocorticoid group and the nonglucocorticoid group was not significantly different; the CD3+ and CD8+ T cells in the glucocorticoid group were lower than those in the nonglucocorticoid group. The absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count, CD3+ T cells, and CD4+ T cells in the glucocorticoid group were lower than those of the healthy group during the whole disease period, and CD8+ T cells returned to normal at 19‐21 days of the disease period. There was no significant difference between the nonglucocorticoid group and the healthy group for absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte and CD8+ T cells; moreover, CD3+ T cells and CD4+ T cells were lower in the nonglucocorticoid group than those in the healthy group from the day of admission to the 18th day and returned to normal at the period of 19‐21 days. The absolute peripheral lymphocyte count (P = 0.048, effect size d = 0.727) and T cell subset count (CD3: P = 0.042, effect size d = 0.655; CD4: P < 0.01, effect size d = 0.599; and CD8: P = 0.034, effect size d = 0.550) in the nonglucocorticoid group were higher than those in the glucocorticoid group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant. Conclusions. This study found that the use of short‐term, low‐dose glucocorticoids does not negatively influence the clinical outcome, without affecting the final clearance of viral nucleic acid in mild COVID‐19 patients.