bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR‐142‐3p regulates synaptopathy‐driven disease progression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: De Vito Francesca , Musella Alessandra , Fresegna Diego , Rizzo Francesca Romana , Gentile Antonietta , Stampanoni Bassi Mario , Gilio Luana , Buttari Fabio , Procaccini Claudio , Colamatteo Alessandra , Bullitta Silvia , Guadalupi Livia , Caioli Silvia , Vanni Valentina , Balletta Sara , Sanna Krizia , Bruno Antonio , Dolcetti Ettore , Furlan Roberto , Finardi Annamaria , Licursi Valerio , Drulovic Jelena , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Fusco Clorinda , Bruzzaniti Sara , Hornstein Eran , Uccelli Antonio , Salvetti Marco , Matarese Giuseppe , Centonze Diego , Mandolesi Georgia
Published: September 2021

Aim

We recently proposed miR‐142‐3p as a molecular player in inflammatory synaptopathy, a new pathogenic hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS) and of its mouse model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), that leads to neuronal loss independently of demyelination. MiR‐142‐3p seems to be unique among potential biomarker candidates in MS, since it is an inflammatory miRNA playing a dual role in the immune and central nervous systems. Here, we aimed to verify the impact of miR‐142‐3p circulating in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients on clinical parameters, neuronal excitability and its potential interaction with disease modifying therapies (DMTs).

Methods and Results

In a cohort of 151 MS patients, we found positive correlations between CSF miR‐142‐3p levels and clinical progression, IL‐1β signalling as well as synaptic excitability measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Furthermore, therapy response of patients with ‘low miR‐142‐3p’ to dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an established disease‐modifying treatment (DMT), was superior to that of patients with ‘high miR‐142‐3p’ levels. Accordingly, the EAE clinical course of heterozygous miR‐142 mice was ameliorated by peripheral DMF treatment with a greater impact relative to their wild type littermates. In addition, a central protective effect of this drug was observed following intracerebroventricular and ex vivo acute treatments of EAE wild type mice, showing a rescue of miR‐142‐3p‐dependent glutamatergic alterations. By means of electrophysiology, molecular and biochemical analysis, we suggest miR‐142‐3p as a molecular target of DMF.

Conclusion

MiR‐142‐3p is a novel and potential negative prognostic CSF marker of MS and a promising tool for identifying personalised therapies.
Changes in health and health care utilization following eviction from public housing
Authors: Biederman Donna J. , Callejo‐Black Peter , Douglas Christian , O'Donohue Heather A. , Daeges Monica , Sofela Olamiji , Brown Ashanti
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study sought to (1) determine the number of persons evicted from the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) over a 5‐year period, (2) explore changes in the number of persons with various medical diagnoses and health care utilization patterns before and after eviction, and (3) examine how many persons evicted from DHA became literally homeless.

Design

This was a pre/post cross‐sectional quantitative study.

Sample

Heads of households evicted from DHA properties from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017 were included in the study.

Measurements

We matched people evicted by the DHA in a university health system electronic health record system to determine changes in diagnoses and health care utilization before and after eviction. We also matched the cohort in the homeless management information system to determine how many persons evicted became literally homeless.

Results

Findings indicate statistically significant increases in persons with medical diagnoses in five of ten categories, total hospital admissions, and emergency department visits after eviction. Of the 152 people included in the study, 34 (22%) became literally homeless.

Conclusions

Health and health care utilization patterns were different before and after eviction. Implications for clinicians are explored.
Ethylene and hydrogen sulphide are essential for mitigating hexavalent chromium stress in two pulse crops
Authors: Husain T. , Suhel M. , Prasad S. M. , Singh V. P.
Published: September 2021

Chromium toxicity to crops is a major scientific problem of the present time. Thus, scientific attempts have been made for reducing chromium toxicity to crop plants.

In this study, we examined the potential of ethylene (ET, 25 µM) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S, 10 µM) to alleviate hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI), 50 µM] stress in two pulse crops, black bean and mung bean, by assessing physiological and biochemical attributes.

Cr(VI) reduced shoot and root length in black bean and mung bean in comparison to the control. Plants had increased accumulation of oxidative stress markers, i.e. superoxide radicals (SOR), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (as malondialdehyde, MDA). The addition of AVG (an inhibitor of ET biosynthesis) and PAG (an inhibitor of H2S biosynthesis) to Cr(VI)‐treated plants further increased Cr(VI) toxicity, suggesting their endogenous levels are important for tolerating Cr(VI) toxicity. However, supplementation with either ET or H2S alleviated Cr(VI) toxicity. Interestingly, ET did not rescue negative effects of PAG under Cr(VI) stress but NaHS rescued negative effect of AVG.

Overall, results indicate that, although both ET and H2S alleviate Cr(VI) stress, endogenous H2S is better. Furthermore, H2S appears to be a downstream signal for ET in alleviating Cr(VI) stress in these two pulse crops
Cypripedium lichiangense (Orchidaceae) mimics a humus‐rich oviposition site to attract its female pollinator, Ferdinandea cuprea (Syrphidae)
Authors: Zheng C. C. , Luo Y. B. , Jiao R. F. , Gao X. F. , Xu B.
Published: September 2021

Most species in the genus Cypripedium (Cypripedioideae) produce trap flowers, making it a model lineage to study deceptive pollination. Floral attractants in most species studied appear to target bee species of different sizes. However, more recent publications report fly pollination in some subalpine species, suggesting novel suites of adaptive floral traits.

Cypripedium lichiangense (section Trigonopedia) is an endangered subalpine species endemic to the Hengduan Mountains, China. We observed and analysed its floral traits, pollinators and breeding systems over 2 years in situ and in the lab.

Cypripedium lichiangense was visited by females of Ferdinandea cuprea (Syrphidae). The pollinia were carried dorsally on the fly thoraces. The eggs of this fly were frequently found in the saccate labellum and on other floral organs, suggesting brood‐site mimesis. The orchid is self‐compatible, but cross‐pollination produces more viable embryos.

We propose a new mode of floral mimesis, humus‐rich oviposition site mimicry, for C. lichiangense. Compared with the mimesis of aphid colonies attracting syrphid pollinators (subfamily Syrphinae), whose larvae are entomophagic, as reported in some Paphiopedilum species (Cypripedioideae), pollination by deceit in C. lichiangense represents a distinct and separate mode of exploitation of another saprophagic (or phytophagic) larvae syrphid lineage in the subfamily Eristalinae and appears to indicate diversity of pollination strategies in Section Trigonopedia of Cypripedium. However, this new brood‐site mimesis seems to be less attractive to pollinators. As a possible adaptation to the weak attracted pollination strategy, this plant species has a long flowering period and extended lifespan of individual flowers to ensure reproductive success.
Dbar‐approach to coupled nonlocal NLS equation and general nonlocal reduction
Authors: Wang Xueru , Zhu Junyi
Published: September 2021

The coupled nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation is studied by virtue of the Dbar‐problem. Two spectral transform matrices are introduced to define two associated Dbar‐problems. The relations between the coupled nonlocal NLS potential and the solution of the Dbar‐problem are constructed. The spatial transform method is extended to obtain the coupled nonlocal NLS equation and its conservation laws. The general nonlocal reduction of the coupled nonlocal NLS equation to the nonlocal NLS equation is discussed in detail. The explicit solutions are derived.
‘Isolated base‐of‐slope aprons’: An oxymoron for shallow‐marine fan‐shaped, temperate‐water, carbonate bodies along the south‐east Salento escarpment (Pleistocene, Apulia, southern Italy)
Authors: Tropeano Marcello , Spalluto Luigi , Meloni Demetrio , Moretti Massimo , Sabato Luisa
Published: September 2021

This paper regards the lower Pleistocene temperate‐water carbonate deposits disconformably overlying an escarpment made up of faulted Cretaceous to Miocene limestones of the Apulia Foreland (southern Italy). Study deposits discontinuously crop out along the present‐day eastern Salento sea cliff, and form isolated fan‐shaped bodies, up to 1 km wide and up to 40 to 50 m thick, each of them covering an area of a few square kilometres. The internal arrangement of beds is represented by up to 25° to 30° lobate, seaward dipping clinobeds thinning and onlapping onto a rocky foreslope in the proximal sector and passing to gently inclined to sub‐horizontal strata in the distal sector. Seven facies were distinguished, mainly composed of coarse‐grained skeletal carbonates made up of a heterozoan association including coralline algae, large and small benthic foraminifera, echinoids, molluscs, bryozoans and serpulids. Since clinobeds were formed thanks to hyperconcentrated density flows (grain flows) bypassing the upper part of the inherited escarpment, these skeletal grains represent ex situ deposits whose shallow‐marine factory was located upward (landward) with respect to the bypassed zone, likely in the almost flat area on top of the Salento Peninsula. Clinobeds are often affected by tens of metres wide and long channel‐like structures interpreted as landslide scars. Inside these gullies, contorted beds (slumps) or matrix‐supported intra‐bioclastic floatstone/rudstone (massive deposits) are present. The occurrence of supercritical‐flow structures (for example, backset‐bedded beds) indicates the development of hydraulic jumps along the steep slope of gullies. Since these clinostratified, fan‐shaped carbonate bodies represent carbonate slopes, and that the latter are known as aprons, normally related to linear sourced sediments, an acceptable oxymoron for studied fan‐shaped carbonate bodies is suggested: ‘isolated base‐of‐slope aprons’.
How do carbonate factories influence carbonate platform morphology? Exploring production−transport interactions with numerical forward modelling
Authors: Sultana Daniel , Burgess Peter , Bosence Dan
Published: September 2021

Understanding how carbonate factories influence platform evolution is either based on qualitative conceptual models or quantitative numerical stratigraphic forward models. This study establishes new production depth profiles for four Cenozoic carbonate factories and uses two‐dimensional stratigraphic forward models to explore how interactions between sediment production and transport within carbonate systems influence carbonate platform development. Newly established production/depth profiles are used to model photozoan and heterozoan carbonate grain associations, and the associated carbonate producing factories, and results are compared with well‐studied outcrop successions. Sediment production from photozoan and heterozoan grain associations is also equalized, so that the total sediment production is the same but the depth/production profiles retain their distinctly different form. Thus, the effect of the different production profiles can be assessed. Ramps form when sediment diffusional transport rates are high relative to production rates and flat‐top steep‐margin platforms form when sediment diffusional transport rates are low relative to production rates, whether they are photozoan or heterozoan grain associations. The control exerted by sediment production and transport is expressed as a sediment transport–production ratio where transport ratio is a diffusional sediment transport in two‐dimensions and production ratio is the total sediment production rate which is the product of a production profile that varies in depth and laterally. The transport–production ratio is a key control on the evolution and geometry of carbonate platforms. This is the case with different production profiles (both euphotic and oligophotic) and in mixed grain‐size and mixed transport‐rate systems. Carbonate producing factories significantly influence the rate of sediment production, the depth distribution of sediment production (production profiles), as well as the type of grain sizes produced (influencing resistance to erosion). Thus, different types of carbonate grain associations, and the associated carbonate producing factories, can produce the critical differences between carbonate platform geometries.
A solution to a linear integral equation with an application to statistics of infinitely divisible moving averages
Authors: Glück Jochen , Roth Stefan , Spodarev Evgeny
Published: September 2021

For a stationary moving average random field, a nonparametric low frequency estimator of the Lévy density of its infinitely divisible independently scattered integrator measure is given. The plug‐in estimate is based on the solution w of the linear integral equation , where are given measurable functions and v is a (weighted) ‐function on . We investigate conditions for the existence and uniqueness of this solution and give ‐error bounds for the resulting estimates. An application to pure jump moving averages and a simulation study round off the paper.
The pattern of DNA methylation alteration, and its association with the changes of gene expression and alternative splicing during phosphate starvation in tomato
Authors: Tian Peng , Lin Zeteng , Lin Dongbo , Dong Shuangyu , Huang Jianzi , Huang Tengbo
Published: September 2021

DNA methylation is changed and associates with gene expression alterations in plant response to phosphate starvation (Pi–), a common stress that impacts plant growth and productivity. However, in the horticultural model species Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), the dynamics of DNA methylation and its relationship with changes in gene transcription and alternative splicing (AS) under Pi– are unknown. Here, we performed integrative methylome and transcriptome analyses of tomato seedlings under Pi‐deficient and ‐sufficient conditions. We found Pi– caused a slight increase in the overall methylation level, with millions of differentially methylated cytosines (DmCs) and a few hundred differentially methylated regions (DMRs). We also identified thousands of differentially expressed (DE) and differential AS (DAS) genes induced by Pi–, and found that DmCs were more abundant in non‐expressed genes than in DE or DAS genes. Moreover, DNA methylation alterations weakly correlated with transcription changes but not with DAS events, and hyper‐CHH‐DMRs overlapping with transposable elements (TEs) were enriched in a subset of Pi starvation response (PSR) genes. We propose that changes in DNA methylation may be associated with the differential expression of some PSR genes, but that most of these changes probably control the expression of nearby TEs, rather than directly affecting the transcription or AS of PSR genes. Besides, the pattern of methylation changes upon Pi– may largely be shaped by TE distributions. Together, our study provides comprehensive insights into the association of DNA methylation with gene transcription and AS under Pi– in tomato and may contribute to unveiling novel roles of epigenetic mechanisms in plant stress response.
Evaluation of the effects of chlorhexidine digluconate with and without cBD103 or cCath against multidrug‐resistant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Kher Lopamudra , Chala Vanessa , Navarro Christelle
Published: September 2021

Background

Because of the increased incidence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria, the use of disinfectants over antibiotics has been encouraged. However, the interactions between disinfectants and host local immunity are poorly understood.

Objective

To assess the effects of chlorhexidine digluconate (Chx), with and without selected host defence peptides (HDPs), against MDR Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MDR‐SP).

Methods and materials

Ten clinical isolates of MDR‐SP were tested, using a modified microbroth dilution method. Four two‐fold dilutions of 2% Chx and 1 μg/mL the HDPs synthetic canine β‐defensin 103 (cBD103) or cathelicidin (cCath) were tested alone or in combination. Colony counts after 5, 15, 30 and 60 min, and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) after 24 h were recorded. Friedman followed by Dunn’s multiple comparison tests with significance of P < 0.05 were used for statistical analysis. Synergy, additivity/neutrality or antagonism were calculated.

Results

Growth was not inhibited by either HDP alone. An MIC of 0.312 μg/mL Chx was achieved for nine of the isolates. One isolate had an MIC of 0.078 μg/mL Chx. A MIC90 (in nine of 10 isolates) of 0.312 µg/mL was seen for Chx in combination with either HDP. Synergy was seen in the combination Chx/cCath used at the highest concentrations of Chx (0.624 µg/mL and 0.312 µg/mL) after 30 and 60 min incubation. Additivity/neutrality was seen for most of the other concentrations and times of incubation.

Conclusions and clinical importance

These results suggest a synergistic/additive effect between Chx and HDPs in dogs. Further studies evaluating the mechanisms behind this effect are needed.
Quantitative assessment of constitutive G protein–coupled receptor activity with BRET-based G protein biosensors
Authors: Schihada Hannes , Shekhani Rawan , Schulte Gunnar
Published: September 2021

BRET sensors that can be used to quantify the constitutive activity of GPCRs are developed.
Nitric Oxide Inhibition of Rickettsia rickettsii
Authors: Fitzsimmons Liam F. , Clark Tina R. , Hackstadt Ted
Published: September 2021

Rickettsia rickettsii
, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, is an enzootic, obligate, intracellular bacterial pathogen. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is a potent antimicrobial component of innate immunity and has been implicated in the control of virulent
Rickettsia
spp. in diverse cell types.
Immunological Profiling of COVID-19 Patients with Pulmonary Sequelae
Authors: Wu Jianghua , Tang Lu , Ma Yanling , Li Yu , Zhang Dongmei , Li Qian , Mei Heng , Hu Yu
Published: September 2021

A considerable proportion of COVID-19 survivors have residual lung lesions such as ground-glass opacity and fiber streak shadow. To determine the relationship between host immunity and residual lung lesions, we performed an extensive analysis of immune responses in convalescent patients with COVID-19 1 year after discharge.
The Genome of the CTG(Ser1) Yeast
Scheffersomyces stipitis
Is Plastic
Authors: Vega-Estévez Samuel , Armitage Andrew , Bates Helen J. , Harrison Richard J. , Buscaino Alessia
Published: September 2021

Genomes contain genes encoding the information needed to build the organism and allow it to grow and develop. Genomes are described as stable structures where genes have specific positions within a chromosome.
Differential Effects of Prostaglandin D
2
Signaling on Macrophages and Microglia in Murine Coronavirus Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Verma Abhishek Kumar , Zheng Jian , Mack Matthias , Ginhoux Florent , Perlman Stanley
Published: September 2021

Current understanding about the roles of microglia versus macrophages in viral encephalitis is limited. We previously showed that the signaling of a single prostaglandin, PGD
2
, through its DP1 receptor on myeloid cells is critical for optimal immune responses in infected mice.
Integrative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Uncover Metabolic Alterations and Pigment Diversity in
Monascus
in Response to Different Nitrogen Sources
Authors: Huang Di , Wang Yuhui , Zhang Jing , Xu Huimin , Bai Jing , Zhang Huijing , Jiang Xiaolong , Yuan Jian , Lu Gege , Jiang Lingyan , Liao Xiaoping , Liu Bin , Liu Huanhuan
Published: September 2021

Natural MPs containing a mixture of red, orange, and yellow pigments are widely used as food coloring agents. MP diversity provides foods with versatile colors and health benefits but, in turn, complicate efforts to achieve maximum yield or desirable combination of pigments during the manufacturing process.
Comparative Genomic Analysis Provides Insights into the Evolution and Genetic Diversity of Community-Genotype Sequence Type 72 Staphylococcus aureus Isolates
Authors: Zhou Wangxiao , Jin Ye , Zhou Yanzi , Wang Yuan , Xiong Luying , Luo Qixia , Xiao Yonghong
Published: September 2021

Understanding the evolution and dissemination of community-genotype ST72
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates is important, as isolates of this lineage have rapidly spread into hospital settings and caused serious health issues. In this study, we first carried out genome-wide analysis of 107 global ST72 isolates to characterize the evolution and genetic diversity of the ST72 lineage.
Interventions to promote access to eyecare for non-dominant ethnic groups in high-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Hamm Lisa M , Yashadhana Aryati , Burn Helen , Black Joanna , Grey Corina , Harwood Matire , Peiris-John Roshini , Burton Matthew J , Evans Jennifer R , Ramke Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

Purpose

People who are distinct from the dominant ethnic group within a country can experience a variety of barriers to accessing eyecare services. We conducted a scoping review to map published interventions aimed at improving access to eyecare for non-Indigenous, non-dominant ethnic groups residing in high-income countries.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health for studies that described an intervention to promote access to eyecare for the target population. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts followed by review of the full text of potentially relevant sources. For included studies, data extraction was carried out independently by two authors. Findings were summarised using a combination of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

We screened 5220 titles/abstracts, of which 82 reports describing 67 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in the USA (90%), attempted to improve access for Black (48%) or Latinx (28%) communities at-risk for diabetic retinopathy (42%) and glaucoma (18%). Only 30% included the target population in the design of the intervention; those that did tended to be larger, collaborative initiatives, which addressed both patient and provider components of access. Forty-eight studies (72%) evaluated whether an intervention changed an outcome measure. Among these, attendance at a follow-up eye examination after screening was the most common (n=20/48, 42%), and directly supporting patients to overcome barriers to attendance was reported as the most effective approach. Building relationships between patients and providers, running coordinated, longitudinal initiatives and supporting reduction of root causes for inequity (education and economic) were key themes highlighted for success.

Conclusion

Although research evaluating interventions for non-dominant, non-Indigenous ethnic groups exist, key gaps remain. In particular, the paucity of relevant studies outside the USA needs to be addressed, and target communities need to be involved in the design and implementation of interventions more frequently.
Investigating and addressing the immediate and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with substance use disorders: a scoping review and evidence map protocol
Authors: Naji Leen , Dennis Brittany , Morgan Rebecca L , Sanger Nitika , Worster Andrew , Paul James , Thabane Lehana , Samaan Zainab
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven unprecedented social and economic reform in efforts to curb the impact of disease. Governments worldwide have legislated non-essential service shutdowns and adapted essential service provision in order to minimise face-to-face contact. We anticipate major consequences resulting from such policies, with marginalised populations expected to bear the greatest burden of such measures, especially those with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Methods and analysis

We aim to conduct (1) a scoping review to summarise the available evidence evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with SUDs, and (2) an evidence map to visually plot and categorise the current available evidence evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on patients with SUDs to identify gaps in addressing high-risk populations.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review as we plan to review publicly available data. This is part of a multistep project, whereby we intend to use the findings generated from this review in combination with data from an ongoing prospective cohort study our team is leading, encompassing over 2000 patients with SUDs receiving medication-assisted therapy in Ontario prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Review of referrals reveal the impact of referral content on the triage and management of ophthalmology wait lists
Authors: Khou Vincent , Ly Angelica , Moore Lindsay , Markoulli Maria , Kalloniatis Michael , Yapp Michael , Hennessy Michael , Zangerl Barbara
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Many chronic eye conditions are managed within public hospital ophthalmology clinics resulting in encumbered wait lists. Integrated care schemes can increase system capacity. In order to direct implementation of a public hospital-based integrated eye care model, this study aims to evaluate the quality of referrals for new patients through information content, assess triage decisions of newly referred patients and evaluate the consistency of referral content for new patients referred multiple times.

Design

A retrospective and prospective review of all referral forms for new patients referred to a public hospital ophthalmology clinic between January 2016 and September 2017, and September 2017 and August 2018, respectively.

Setting

A referral-only public hospital ophthalmology clinic in metropolitan Sydney, Australia.

Participants

418 new patients on existing non-urgent wait lists waiting to be allocated an initial appointment, and 528 patients who were newly referred.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the information content of referrals for new patients. The secondary outcomes were triage outcomes for new incoming referrals, and the number of new patients with multiple referrals.

Results

Of the wait-listed referrals, 0.2% were complete in referral content compared with 9.8% of new incoming referrals (p<0.001). Of new incoming referrals, 56.7% were triaged to a non-urgent clinic. Multiple referrals were received for 49 patients, with no change in the amount of referral content.

Conclusions

Most referrals were incomplete in content, leading to triage based on limited clinical information. Some new patients were referred multiple times with their second referral containing a similar amount of content as their first. Lengthy wait lists could be prevented by improving administrative processes and communication between the referral centre and referrers. The future implementation of an integrated eye care model at the study setting could sustainably cut wait lists for patients with chronic eye conditions.
Identifying factors affecting latent tuberculosis treatment acceptance among healthcare workers: a retrospective analysis in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Bar-Meir Maskit , Pariente Gali , Romem Ayal , Wiener-Well Yonit
Published: September 2021

Objective

Official guidelines recommend tuberculosis (TB) screening programmes for all healthcare workers (HCWs), along with offering treatment when latent TB infection (LTBI) is diagnosed. However, adherence to treatment among HCWs is lower compared with non-HCWs. The aim of the present study was to examine the rate of LTBI treatment acceptance among HCWs and to characterise the factors associated with non-acceptance.

Design and setting

This was a retrospective cohort study. All HCWs diagnosed with LTBI, who had tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion during their work, between 2000 and 2015, in a single tertiary academic medical centre, and who consented to answer a questionnaire, were enrolled.

Results

Overall, 147 of 219 (67%) with TST conversion agreed to participate. Acceptance rate for LTBI treatment was only 16%. The overall completion rate among those who accepted treatment was 87%. HCWs’ recall of discussing the importance of LTBI treatment with their caregiver had the strongest association with LTBI treatment acceptance: 23 of 52 HCWs (44%) who recalled this discussion accepted treatment (adjusted OR=10.2, 95% CI: 2.2 to 47.6, p=0.003). Knowing the risk of developing TB was associated with 3.7 increased odds to accept treatment (95% CI: 1.2 to 11.8, p=0.02).

Conclusions

LTBI acceptance rate was very low among our HCWs. Focusing on educating HCWs is potentially the key step towards an increased rate of LTBI treatment acceptance.
Association between maternal pregestational glucose level and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zeng Mengyao , He Yang , Li Min , Yang Liu , Zhu Qianxi , Liu Jun , Mao Yanyan , Chen Qing , Du Jing , Zhou Weijin
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the association between maternal pregestational blood glucose level and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

This study was conducted in the Chongqing Municipality of China between April 2010 and December 2016.

Participants

A total of 60 222 women (60 360 pregnancies) from all 39 counties of Chongqing who participated in the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project and had pregnancy outcomes were included.

Primary outcome measures

Adverse pregnancy outcomes included spontaneous abortion, induced abortion or labour due to medical reasons, stillbirth, preterm birth (PTB), macrosomia, large for gestational age, low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age.

Results

Of the 60 360 pregnancies, rates of hypoglycaemic, normoglycaemia, impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) and diabetic hyperglycaemic before conception were 5.06%, 89.30%, 4.59% and 1.05%, respectively. Compared with women with normoglycaemia, women with pregestational glucose at the diabetic level (≥7.0 mmol/L) might have a higher rate of macrosomia (6.18% vs 4.16%), whereas pregestational IFG seemed to be associated with reduced risks of many adverse outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, induced abortion due to medical reasons, PTB and LBW. After adjusting for potential confounders, pregestational diabetic hyperglycaemic was remained to be significantly associated with an increased risk of macrosomia (adjusted risk ratio 1.49, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.09). Abnormal maternal glucose levels before pregnancy (either hypoglycaemic or hyperglycaemic) seemed to have no significant negative effect on spontaneous abortion or induced abortion due to medical reasons.

Conclusion

Although without overt diabetes mellitus, women with once diabetic fasting glucose level during their preconception examinations could be associated with an increased risk for macrosomia. Uniform guidelines are needed for maternal blood glucose management during pre-pregnancy care to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Protocol for active safety monitoring of a cohort of patients using a dolutegravir-based antiretroviral regimen in Mozambique
Authors: Mussá Merana , Gaspar Irénio , Namburete Luisa , Sitoie Tânia Vuyeya , Couto Aleny , Paulino Jamal Mario , Lemos Abrao , Vilanculos Stefia , Ogar Comfort Kunak , Namburete Denylson , Seni Eunice Dias , Hafner Tamara , Stergachis Andy
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is increasingly being used as the preferred first-line regimen for the treatment of HIV in low-income and middle-income countries. The National Program for the Control of STI/HIV/AIDS in Mozambique has planned a phased introduction of the tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD) regimen. In 2019, concerns about a potential safety signal identified with dolutegravir identified in the results of the Tsepamo study, conducted in Botswana, led the National Directorate of Pharmacy and the National Program for the Control of STI/HIV/AIDS to establish an active pharmacovigilance surveillance system among newly placed patients on a TLD regimen. This activity aims to establish an active pharmacovigilance system to monitor adverse events in patients on a TLD regimen to support the effectiveness of Mozambique’s public health programmes in improving the process of care and treatment outcomes for people with HIV/AIDS.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, non-interventional, descriptive cohort study to monitor HIV patients managed with TLD at 10 sentinel health centres in Mozambique. The cohort consists of HIV-infected patients commencing treatment with TLD, either as treatment naïve patients or switched from other ART regimens. Patients have monthly routine follow-up visits for the first 3 months after starting HIV treatment with TLD, and subsequently every 3 months for a total period of 1 year. Patients are monitored to identify possible adverse events during the follow-up period. The intended size of the cohort is 3000 patients.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the National Commission on Bioethics in Health in Mozambique. Written informed consent is obtained from each participant who agrees to participate to have their information collected, analysed and stored. Findings will be reported to the Ministry of Health and participating health centres to inform policy and practice as well as disseminated by peer-review publications.
CLinical Assessment of WEB device in Ruptured aneurYSms (CLARYS): results of 1-month and 1-year assessment of rebleeding protection and clinical safety in a multicenter study
Authors: Spelle Laurent , Herbreteau Denis , Caroff Jildaz , Barreau Xavier , Ferré Jean-Christophe , Fiehler Jens , Januel Anne-Christine , Costalat Vincent , Liebig Thomas , Bourcier Romain , Möhlenbruch Markus , Berkefeld Joachim , Weber Werner , Mihalea Cristian , Ikka Léon , Ozanne Augustin , Cognard Christophe , Narata Ana Paula , Bibi Richard Edwige , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Raoult Hélène , Velasco Stéphane , Buhk Jan-Hendrik , Chalumeau Vanessa , Bester Maxim , Desal Hubert , du Mesnil de Rochemont Richard , Bohner Georg , Fischer Sebastian , Biondi Alessandra , Grimaldi Lamiae , Moret Jacques , Byrne James , Pierot Laurent
Published: September 2021

Background

The primary goal of the CLARYS study is to assess the protection against rebleeding when treating ruptured bifurcation aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device.

Methods

The CLARYS study is a prospective, multicenter study conducted in 13 European centers. Patients with ruptured bifurcation aneurysms were consecutively included between February 2016 and September 2017. The primary endpoint was defined as the rebleeding rate of the target aneurysm treated with the WEB within 30 days postprocedure. Secondary endpoints included periprocedural and postprocedural adverse events, total procedure and fluoroscopy times, and modified Rankin Scale score at 1 month and 1 year.

Results

Sixty patients with 60 ruptured bifurcation aneurysms to be treated with the WEB were included. A WEB device was successfully implanted in 93.3%. The rebleeding rate at 1 month and 1 year was 0%. The mean fluoroscopy time was 27.0 min. Twenty-three periprocedural complications were observed in 18 patients and resolved without sequelae in 16 patients. Two of these complications were attributed to the procedure and/or the use of the WEB, leading to a procedure/device-related intraoperative complication rate of 3.3%. Overall mortality at 1 month and 1 year was 1.7% and 3.8%, respectively and overall morbidity at 1 month and 1 year was 15% and 9.6%, respectively. WEB-related 1-month and 1-year morbidity and mortality was 0%.

Conclusions

The interim results of CLARYS show that the endovascular treatment of ruptured bifurcation aneurysms with the WEB is safe and effective and, in particular, provides effective protection against rebleeding. It may induce profound change in the endovascular management of ruptured bifurcation aneurysms.
Relationship between auxins and cytokinins in the growth and organogenesis of Ocimum basilicum L. ‘Grecco a Palla’
Authors: Górski Felipe , Gerotti Geysiane Moreira , Magalhães Hélida Mara
Published: September 2021

The in vitro development of a plant is controlled by factors that promote a series of plant responses, which interfere with tissue organogenesis and morphology. For plants of the family Lamiaceae, these factors remain unknown or poorly understood, hindering in vitro cultivation of these plants. The basil cultivar ‘Grecco a palla’ has attractive chemical properties for medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries; however, its production is limited due to the lack of appropriate cultivation conditions. Two types of explants of this species (nodal segments and stem apexes) were grown in culture media with auxin and cytokinin, and their development was followed for 60 days. During in vitro cultivation, both explants were subjected to higher concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) produced only calluses, without induction of shoots. Small amounts of regulators favored hyperhydricity as nodal segments or stem apexes in the absence of PGRs produced plants with disturbances, including brittle, light green, and thick leaves. In this case, there was an increase in the cell layers of palisade parenchyma, which had large cell spaces and larger cells. This tissue also advanced to spongy parenchyma and compressed it. The stomatal density was low; however, the stomata were larger with additions mainly in the guard cells and the stomatic opening. Therefore, stem apexes in the absence of PGRs produced more vigorous plants, whereas nodal segments with low amounts of cytokinins and auxins developed a well-branched and abundant root system.
On CR singular CR images
Authors: Lebl Jiří , Noell Alan , Ravisankar Sivaguru
Published: September 2021

We say that a CR singular submanifold [Formula: see text] has a removable CR singularity if the CR structure at the CR points of [Formula: see text] extends through the singularity as an abstract CR structure on [Formula: see text]. We study such real-analytic submanifolds, in which case removability is equivalent to [Formula: see text] being the image of a generic real-analytic submanifold [Formula: see text] under a holomorphic map that is a diffeomorphism of [Formula: see text] onto [Formula: see text], what we call a CR image. We study the stability of the CR singularity under perturbation, the associated quadratic invariants, and conditions for removability of a CR singularity. A lemma is also proved about perturbing away the zeros of holomorphic functions on CR submanifolds, which could be of independent interest.
Cordycepin Attenuates Palmitic Acid-Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis of Vascular Endothelial Cells through Mediating PI3K/Akt/eNOS Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ku Chang-Wen , Ho Tsung-Jung , Huang Chih-Yang , Chu Pei-Ming , Ou Hsiu-Chung , Hsieh Pei-Ling
Published: September 2021

A well-known medicinal mushroom in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps sinensis, is a rare natural-occurring entomopathogenic fungus, and it typically grows at high altitudes on the plateau of the Himalayan. Previous studies indicated that cordycepin, the main bioactive chemical of Cordyceps sinensis, has very potent anticancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its protective effects against atherosclerotic changes in vascular endothelial cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we showed that pretreatment with cordycepin significantly attenuated palmitic acid (PA)-induced cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and inflammatory responses. We found that PA decreased phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS, and bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), which in turn activated NF-[Formula: see text]B and the downstream inflammatory responses. All these detrimental events were markedly blocked by pretreatment with cordycepin. Moreover, cordycepin ameliorated destabilization of mitochondrial permeability, cytosolic calcium rises, and apoptotic features caused by PA. In addition, all these anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effects of cordycepin were found to be inhibited by the PI3K and eNOS inhibitor, suggesting that its anti-atherosclerotic effects may partially be mediated by the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.
Investigation of Dielectric Resonator Oscillator Using High-Electron Mobility Transistor at 26GHz for Space Applications
Authors: Ranjan Pinku , Khandare Swati
Published: September 2021

An oscillator is a vital component as the energy source in microwave telecommunication system. Microwave oscillators designed using Gunn diode have poor DC to RF efficiency. IMPact Ionization Avalanche Transit-Time diode (IMPATT) oscillators have the drawback of poor noise performance. The transistorized oscillators have a limitation to the maximum oscillation frequency which means that they cannot be used for oscillators designed for high frequencies. To design negative series feedback Dielectric Resonator Oscillator (DRO), the resonant unit uses a dielectric resonator (DR) since it is small in size, light in weight, has high-Quality ([Formula: see text]) factor, better stability and also it is inexpensive. It has the benefits of low-phase noise, low cost, miniaturization, high stability, applicable for devices designed at high frequencies and had already been widely applied, so the research on microwave dielectric oscillator has also been one of the focus of today’s microwave integrated circuits. DRO is widely used in electronic warfare, missile, radar and communication systems. The DRO incorporates High-Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) as an active device since it offers higher power-added efficiency combined with excellent low-noise figures and performance. The entire circuit of DRO using HEMT at 26[Formula: see text]GHz is designed using Agilent Advanced Design System (ADS) software. In this, DRO different measurements of parameters are done such as output power which is typically [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBm for 26[Formula: see text]GHz DRO, phase noise at 10[Formula: see text]kHz offset for 26[Formula: see text]GHz DRO it is 80[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz. The frequency pushing and frequency pulling for 26[Formula: see text]GHz DRO its typical values are 30[Formula: see text]kHz/V and 1[Formula: see text]MHz, respectively.
Spatial distribution characteristics of loose bodies in Huaishu River levee and their influence on the seepage field
Authors: Gao Shan , Wang Yuan , Liu Sheng
Published: September 2021

At present, many levees contain a large number of loose bodies as a result of poor-quality construction, biological damage and other factors. In this context, loose bodies refer to soil with a relative density less than a specified value. Taking the Huaishu River levee in China as an example, this paper studies the distribution characteristics of loose bodies in the levee using statistical methods. First, ground-penetrating radar and other geophysical exploration methods are used to investigate loose bodies in the levee. The frequency distribution and Shapiro–Wilk method are then employed to study the distribution characteristics of the area and depth of loose bodies. The influence of loose bodies on the seepage field of the levee is then examined considering the spatial distribution of the loose bodies. It was found that the areas of loose bodies in the western and eastern upstream slope obey a logarithmic normal distribution. In the shallow layer (depth 0–1 m), loose bodies appear relatively frequently, and the frequency initially increases with depth before decreasing. The maximum hydraulic gradient of the levee initially increases and then decreases as the depth of the loose body increases.
A levee breach induced by internal erosion in Western Australia
Authors: Davidson Scott , Baker Paul
Published: September 2021

This case study presents a levee breach induced by piping erosion under cyclonic conditions in 2019. The levee is a 2.5 m-high, 500 m-long, mass earth-fill embankment; with no cutoff trench, core or ancillary structures. Located near Port Hedland on the north coast of Western Australia, its purpose is diversionary: to redirect cyclonic surface water away from the nearby Great Northern Highway. The levee was founded directly on alluvium in 1987; it is formed of locally sourced clayey sandy gravel. In 2003, the levee was partially excavated to enable the placement of a buried pipeline through the levee. Following a cyclonic event in 2019, a 27 m length of the levee breached, resulting in significant scour of the foundation and downstream soil. A site visit and investigation were conducted shortly thereafter, where
in situ
testing and laboratory soil tests on the levee and foundation materials were conducted. Analysis of the site observations and laboratory testing data led to the probable failure mechanism being theorized as having been initiated within the foundation by piping erosion within sand-rich beds of alluvium. The large quantity of water ponding upstream of the levee then caused a progressive washout and breach of the levee.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Role of water in destabilizing slopes collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/Role-of-water-in-destabilizing-slopes
SARS-CoV-2 transgressing LncRNAs uncovers the known unknowns
Authors: Shukla Nidhi , Prasad Anchita , Kanga Uma , Suravajhala Renuka , Nigam Vinod Kumar , Kishor P. B. Kavi , Polavarapu Rathnagiri , Chaubey Gyaneshwer , Singh Keshav K. , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 harbors many known unknown regions in the form of hypothetical open reading frames (ORFs). Although the mechanisms underlying the disease pathogenesis are not clearly understood, molecules such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key regulatory role in the viral pathogenesis from endocytosis. We asked whether or not the lncRNAs in the host are associated with the viral proteins and argue that lncRNA-mRNAs molecules related to viral infection may regulate SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Toward the end of the perspective, we provide challenges and insights into investigating these transgression pathways.
A Novel Chaotic Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Latin Square and Random Shift
Authors: Zhang Xuncai , Wu Tao , Wang Yanfeng , Jiang Liying , Niu Ying
Published: September 2021

To realize the safe transmission of images, a chaotic image encryption algorithm based on Latin square and random shift is proposed. The algorithm consists of four parts: key generation, pixel scrambling, pixel replacement, and bit scrambling. Firstly, the key is generated from the plain image to improve the sensitivity of the encryption method. Secondly, each pixel in each row of the image matrix is moved cyclically to the right, in turn, to change the position of the image pixel and realize pixel position scrambling. Then, a 256‐order Latin square matrix composed of a chaotic sequence is used as a lookup table, and the replacement coordinates are calculated based on the image pixel value and the chaotic sequence value, replacing the corresponding coordinate elements in the image matrix. Finally, decompose the bitplane of the image matrix and combine it into two‐bit matrices, scramble the two bit matrices, respectively, with the Latin square matrix, recombine the scrambled two‐bit matrices, and convert them into decimal to obtain the ciphertext image. In the proposed encryption method, all the Latin square matrices used are generated by chaotic sequences, further enhancing the complexity of the generated Latin square matrix and improving the algorithm’s security. Experimental results and security analysis show that the proposed algorithm has good security performance and is suitable for image encryption.