bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The plant protein NbP3IP directs degradation of Rice stripe virus p3 silencing suppressor protein to limit virus infection through interaction with the autophagy‐related protein NbATG8
Authors: Jiang Liangliang , Lu Yuwen , Zheng Xiyin , Yang Xue , Chen Ying , Zhang Tianhao , Zhao Xing , Wang Shu , Zhao Xia , Song Xijiao , Zhang Xiangxiang , Peng Jiejun , Zheng Hongying , Lin Lin , MacFarlane Stuart , Liu Yule , Chen Jianping , Yan Fei
Published: September 2020

In plants, autophagy is involved in responses to viral infection. However, the role of host factors in mediating autophagy to suppress viruses is poorly understood.

A previously uncharacterized plant protein, NbP3IP, was shown to interact with p3, an RNA‐silencing suppressor protein encoded by Rice stripe virus (RSV), a negative‐strand RNA virus. The potential roles of NbP3IP in RSV infection were examined.

NbP3IP degraded p3 through the autophagy pathway, thereby affecting the silencing suppression activity of p3. Transgenic overexpression of NbP3IP conferred resistance to RSV infection in Nicotiana benthamiana. RSV infection was promoted in ATG5‐ or ATG7‐silenced plants and was inhibited in GAPC‐silenced plants where autophagy was activated, confirming the role of autophagy in suppressing RSV infection. NbP3IP interacted with NbATG8f, indicating a potential selective autophagosomal cargo receptor role for P3IP. Additionally, the rice NbP3IP homolog (OsP3IP) also mediated p3 degradation and interacted with OsATG8b and p3.

Through identification of the involvement of P3IP in the autophagy‐mediated degradation of RSV p3, we reveal a new mechanism to antagonize the infection of RSV, and thereby provide the first evidence that autophagy can play an antiviral role against negative‐strand RNA viruses.
The Mechanical Efficiency of Harmonic Drives: A Simplified Model
Authors: Gravagno Federico , Mucino Victor H. , Pennestrì Ettore
Published: September 2020

Harmonic drives are widely used devices in robotic and space applications. As for any device transmitting motion, its mechanical efficiency is one of the main concerns for the designer. In this paper, it is proposed a new model to estimate this significant feature. The proposed approach makes use of the kinematic correspondence between the harmonic drive and an epicyclic gear train. Although the authors introduced simple approximations to describe the complex tribological phenomena during harmonic drive teeth meshing, the numerical results match the trend of experimental evidence. In particular, assuming the harmonic drive working at the rated torque, the plots of the mechanical efficiency versus different parameters such as temperature and angular speed have been simulated.
Theoretical and Experimental Research on Designed Bursting Pressure of Ultrahigh Pressure Rupture Disk
Authors: Yang Chao , Hui Hu , Song Xinyi , Huang Song
Published: September 2020

Rupture disk safety device plays an important role as the last safety barrier to prevent catastrophic overpressure in chemical vessels. In this article, a burst pressure calculation method of ultrahigh pressure rupture disk is presented based on “Levy–Mises Increment Theory” and “Torque Theory.” Besides, the calculation result is verified reasonable by numerical simulation and experiment. Thus, the calculation formula can be applied in the design of ultrahigh pressure rupture disk.
Time-Resolved Echo-Particle Image/Tracking Velocimetry Measurement of Interactions Between Native Cardiac Output and Veno-Arterial ECMO Flows
Authors: Zhang Zeng , Zhou Xun , Suarez-Pierre Alejandro , Lui Cecillia , Kearney Sean , Yeung Enoch , Halperin Henry , Choi Chun Woo , Katz Joseph
Published: September 2020

Determination of optimal hemodynamic and pressure–volume loading conditions for patients undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) would benefit from understanding the impact of ECMO flow rates (QE) on the native cardiac output in the admixing zone, i.e., aortic root. This study characterizes the flow in the aortic root of a pig with severe myocardial ischemia using contrast-enhanced ultrasound particle image/tracking velocimetry (echo-PIV/PTV). New methods for data preprocessing are introduced, including autocontouring to remove surrounding tissues, followed by blind deconvolution to identify the centers of elongated bubble traces in images with low signal to noise ratio. Calibrations based on synthetic images show that this procedure increases the number of detected bubbles and reduces the error in their locations by 50%. Then, an optimized echo-PIV/PTV procedure, which integrates image enhancement with velocity measurements, is used for characterizing the time-resolved two-dimensional (2D) velocity distributions. Phase-averaged and instantaneous flow fields show that the ECMO flow rate influences the velocity and acceleration of the cardiac output during systole, and secondary flows during diastole. When QE is 3.0 L/min or higher, the cardiac ejection velocity, phase interval with open aortic valve, velocity-time integral (VTI), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) increase with decreasing QE, all indicating sufficient support. For lower QE, the MAP and VTI decrease as QE is reduced, and the deceleration during transition to diastole becomes milder. Hence, for this specific case, the optimal ECMO flow rate is 3.0 L/min.
Integrating Materials Model-Based Definitions into Design, Manufacturing, and Sustainment: A Digital Twin Demonstration of Incorporating Residual Stresses in the Lifecycle Analysis of a Turbine Disk
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Saikiran , Hartman Nathan W. , Sangid Michael D.
Published: September 2020

Model-based definitions (MBDs) aim to capture both geometric and non-geometric data in digital product definitions using 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models, as a form of product definition baseline, to disseminate product information across different stages of the lifecycle. MBDs can potentially eliminate error-prone information exchange associated with traditional paper-based drawings and improve the fidelity of component details, captured using 3D CAD models. A component’s behavior during its lifecycle stages influences its downstream performance, and if included within the MBD of a part, could be used to forecast performance upfront during the design and explore newer designs to enhance performance. However, current CAD capabilities limit associating behavioral information with the component’s shape definition. This paper presents a CAD-based tool to store and retrieve metadata using point objects within a CAD model, creating linkages to spatial locations within the component. The tool is illustrated for storage and retrieval of bulk residual stresses developed during the manufacturing of a turbine disk acquired from process modeling and characterization. Further, variations in residual stress distribution owing to process model uncertainties have been captured as separate instances of the disk’s CAD models to represent part-to-part variability as an analogy to track individual serialized components for digital twins. The propagation of varying residual stresses from these CAD models within the damage tolerance analysis performed at critical locations in the disk has been demonstrated. The combination of geometric and non-geometric data inside the MBD, via storage of spatial and feature varying information, presents opportunities to create digital twin(s) of actual component(s).
Bionic Flapping Mechanism of the Wings of a Cursorial Dinosaur Robot for Estimating Its Lift and Thrust
Authors: Song Hong-Wei , Talori Yaser Saffar , Zhao Jing-Shan
Published: September 2020

We estimated the lift and thrust of the proto-wings of the dinosaur Caudipteryx, a close relative of birds, using both theoretical and experimental approaches. Our experiments utilized a newly reconstructed flapping wing mechanism in accordance to the fossil specimens of Caudipteryx. To ensure that this reconstructed mechanism could adequately simulate the realistic flapping movements, we investigated the relationships among the flapping angle, twisting angle, and stretching angle of the wing mechanism that was driven by a DC motor. We also used two sensors to measure the lift and thrust forces generated by the flapping movements of the reconstructed wing. Our experiment indicated that both the lift and thrust forces produced by the wings were small but increased at higher flapping frequencies. This study not only contributes to current understanding of the origin of avian flight but also usefully informs the ongoing development of bionic flapping robots.
Finite Element Modeling of Electromagnetic Crimping of Cu-SS Tube-to-Tube Joint Along With Simulation of Destructive Testing for Strength Prediction of the Joint
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Kore Sachin D. , Nandy Arup
Published: September 2020

This work explores the tube-to-tube joining of copper (outer) and stainless steel (inner) using electromagnetic crimping. Stand-off distance is kept constant during all the experiments. ls-dynaTM electromagnetic module, which utilizes finite element method combined with the boundary element method, is used to perform numerical simulations and the model is validated with experimentally observed thinning and radial deformation of the outer tube during electromagnetic crimping. Effect of slit of the field shaper on Lorentz force distribution is studied. It is observed that the slit of the field shaper leads to uneven radial deformation. Furthermore, a novel finite element model has been developed to predict the pull-out and compressive strength of the joint. Results are validated with the experimentally observed data.
An Energy-Based Analysis for Machining Novel AZ91 Magnesium Composite Foam Dispersed With Ceramic Microspheres
Authors: Kannan S. , Pervaiz S. , Klassen R. J. , Huo D. , Haghshenas M.
Published: September 2020

Metal syntactic foams are a novel grade of materials that find potential applications in the manufacture of lightweight structural components and biomedical applications. For these materials to be inducted into industrial applications, it becomes imperative to study their machining behavior. In this article, for the first time in the literature, machining characteristics of AZ91 magnesium foam reinforced with thin-walled hollow alumina ceramic microspheres being studied. Through cutting experiments, it is found that finer the size of hollow microspheres and higher their volume fraction, higher was the magnitude of cutting forces recorded. The failure mechanisms that constituted chip formation during cutting AZ91 foam has been explicated through a mechanistic cutting force model. The proposed force model takes into account key hollow alumina microsphere properties such as wall thickness-to-diameter ratio, average microsphere size, and volume fraction. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed two key modes of failure during cutting metallic foams. Microsphere bursts and fractures control matrix plastic deformation through an effective load transfer mechanism. The transverse matrix cracks, which are initiated as a result of induced shear stress, promote the propagation of longitudinal adhesive cracks. This rapid crack growth takes place along the direction of maximum energy release rate, thus weakening the interfacial strength and reducing effective load transfer. This leads to microsphere separation, and further matrix densification due to the collapse of microsphere cavities leads to chip separation. The developed mechanistic model was in better agreement with experimental results.
Study of Overlapping Adjacent Jets for Effective Laser-Induced Forward Transfer Printing
Authors: Sole-Gras Marc , Xiong Ruitong , Liang Changxiao , Roorda William , Yamaguchi Hitomi , Huang Yong
Published: September 2020

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a well-established, versatile additive manufacturing technology for orifice-free printing of highly viscous solutions and suspensions. In order to improve the efficiency of point-wise LIFT printing, an optical scanner is integrated into the laser printing system to enable the formation of overlapping adjacent jets used for deposition. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ejection behavior and deposition performance under such conditions during LIFT printing for further improvement. The effects of the overlap of adjacent jets are investigated in terms of jet formation and material deposition processes, capturing the jet tilting phenomenon caused by the perturbance induced by previously formed jet(s). The feasibility of optical scanner-assisted LIFT printing of viscous metal-based ink suspension has been successfully demonstrated during conductive line printing with induced overlapping jets. Investigation of various overlap ratios of adjacent jets found that a 30% jet overlap and a 133 µs time interval between laser pulses are optimal, in terms of deposition quality and ejection stability, even when a tilted jet ejection is present for the laser and material system in this study. Furthermore, multilayer polygonal and interdigitated structures are successfully deposited under these identified printing conditions. With the inclusion of an optical scanner, LIFT printing efficiency for viscous inks can be improved as the usage of higher laser frequencies is enabled, providing a faster orifice-free laser printing methodology.
Numerical Modeling of Powder Gas Interaction Relative to Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process
Authors: Li Xuxiao , Tan Wenda
Published: September 2020

The powder motion induced by the gas flow has been identified as one of the critical phenomena in laser powder bed fusion processes that significantly affect the build quality. However, the gas dynamics and its induced driving forces for the powder motions have not been well quantified. A numerical model is developed to investigate such powder-gas interactions. With a combination of computational fluid dynamics and particle tracking techniques, the model is capable of simulating the transient gas flow field surrounding the powder and the forces exerted on powder surfaces. The interaction between metal powders and a free jet is investigated with the current model. In the simulation results, the entrainment and the ejection motions of powders with respect to the free jet can be predicted. It is found that the driving forces of these motions are majorly contributed by the pressure differences in the gas flow surrounding the powder, and the powders can also interact with the jet to significantly alter the flow field. Quantities that are difficult to measure by experiments are quantified by the simulations, such as the velocity/pressure fields in the gas as well as the subjected forces and torques on powders. Such quantitative information provides insights about the mechanisms of the powder-gas interaction in laser powder bed fusion processes.
Study of Droplet Diffusion in Hydrothermal-Assisted Transient Jet Fusion of Ceramics
Authors: Fei Fan , He Li , Kirby Levi , Song Xuan
Published: September 2020

Hydrothermal-assisted transient jet fusion (HTJF) is a powder-based additive manufacturing (AM) method of ceramics, which utilizes a water-mediated hydrothermal mechanism to fuse particles together, eliminating the use of organic binders in forming green bodies and thereby contributing to high green-density parts (>90%) advantageous for fabricating functional materials with high performance. In the HTJF process, a transient solution such as water is selectively deposited into a powder bed in a layer-by-layer fashion followed by a hydrothermal fusion process. Upon the ejection and deposition of a droplet of the transient solution on the surface of the powder bed, the diffusion behavior of the liquid significantly influences the particle fusion and the fabrication accuracy of the HTJF process. Precise control of the liquid diffusion in the powder bed is critical for the fabrication of ceramic structures with both high density and accuracy. In this paper, the dependence of transient solution diffusion on different process parameters (i.e., powder packing density, droplet size, pressure, etc.) in the HTJF process were studied. Both numerical modeling and experimental methods were used to quantify the relationships between processing parameters and diffusion profiles of transient solution droplets (e.g., diffusion width/depth). Optimum processing conditions were identified to mitigate the undesired diffusion of transient solution droplets in the powder bed.
Simple, low degree-of-freedom load-lock and in-vacuum sample transfer
Authors: Schalk Catlin N. , Turner David A. , Gans-Forrest Ashley R. , Jobbins Matthew M. , Kandel S. Alex
Published: September 2020

A mechanism is described for the loading and unloading of samples from an instrument housing in a way that achieves strong mechanical contact between the sample and housing. A single linear–rotary magnetically coupled feedthrough is required to effect transfer. An additional load-lock mechanism requires only a single linear magnetic feedthrough, which remains in the UHV part of the chamber. The load-lock itself has no motion feedthroughs, which simplifies design and maximizes the pump-down speed. 3D-printing technology allows for intricately detailed parts to be used in both the sample transfer and load-lock mechanisms.
Effect of Dark Chocolate Supplementation on Tissue Oxygenation, Metabolism, and Performance in Trained Cyclists at Altitude
Authors: Shaw Keely , Singh Jyotpal , Sirant Luke , Neary J. Patrick , Chilibeck Philip D.
Published: September 2020

Dark chocolate (DC) is high in flavonoids and has been shown to increase nitric oxide in the blood. Increased nitric oxide has the potential to improve delivery of oxygen to muscle, especially in hypoxic conditions, such as altitude. Our aim was to assess the impact of DC supplementation on cycling performance at altitude. Twelve healthy, trained cyclists (n = 2 females, n = 10 males; age = 35 [12] years; height = 177 [7] cm; mass = 75.2 [11.0] kg; VO2max = 55 [6] ml·kg−1·min−1) were randomized to supplement with 60 g of DC or placebo twice per day for 14 days in a double-blind crossover study. After the 2 weeks of supplementation, the participants attended a laboratory session in which they consumed 120 g of DC or placebo and then cycled for 90 min at 50% peak power output, followed immediately by a 10-km time trial (TT) at simulated altitude (15% O2). The plasma concentration of blood glucose and lactate were measured before and at 15, 30, 60, and 90 min during the steady-state exercise and post TT, while muscular and prefrontal cortex oxygenation was measured continuously throughout exercise using near-infrared spectroscopy. DC resulted in a higher concentration of blood glucose (5.5 [0.5] vs. 5.3 [0.9] mmol/L) throughout the trial and lower blood lactate concentration following the TT (7.7 [1.92] vs. 10.0 [4.6] mmol/L) compared with the placebo. DC had no effect on the TT performance (19.04 [2.16] vs. 19.21 ± 1.96 min) or oxygenation status in either the prefrontal cortex or muscle. The authors conclude that, although it provided some metabolic benefit, DC is not effective as an ergogenic aid during TT cycling at simulated altitude.
Facilitating the Transition out of Professional Baseball Following Release: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Raabe Johannes , Bass Andrew D. , McHenry Lauren K. , Zakrajsek Rebecca A.
Published: September 2020

Approximately 90% of players in Minor League Baseball will be released at some point in their career. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the role of individuals’ basic psychological needs during the release from professional baseball and throughout their subsequent transition to a new career. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 former Minor League Baseball players. Thematic analysis generated four themes: (a) The release resulted in immediate but temporary basic psychological need thwarting, (b) the “liberating experience” of the release allowed individuals to perceive autonomy in the transition out of affiliated baseball, (c) perceptions of competence served as the foundation for a positive transition to a new career, and (d) meaningful connections fostered individuals’ perception of relatedness in the transition out of affiliated baseball. The findings suggest that need fulfillment might act as a buffer between potential stressors in the transition process and athletes’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral response.
Diversification of reprogramming trajectories revealed by parallel single-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility sequencing
Authors: Xing Q. R. , El Farran C. A. , Gautam P. , Chuah Y. S. , Warrier T. , Toh C. X. D. , Kang N. Y. , Sugii S. , Chang Y. T. , Xu J. , Collins J. J. , Daley G. Q. , Li H. , Zhang L. F. , Loh Y. H.
Published: September 2020

Integrative single-cell analysis de-constructs the heterogeneity of human reprogramming and uncovers its stage-specific GRNs.
Tailoring of the axon initial segment shapes the conversion of synaptic inputs into spiking output in OFF-α T retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Werginz Paul , Raghuram Vineeth , Fried Shelley I.
Published: September 2020

Intrinsic properties of retinal ganglion cells are tailored to their synaptic inputs to ensure reliable spiking output.
LSD1 represses a neonatal/reparative gene program in adult intestinal epithelium
Authors: Zwiggelaar Rosalie T. , Lindholm Håvard T. , Fosslie Madeleine , Terndrup Pedersen Marianne , Ohta Yuki , Díez-Sánchez Alberto , Martín-Alonso Mara , Ostrop Jenny , Matano Mami , Parmar Naveen , Kvaløy Emilie , Spanjers Roos R. , Nazmi Kamran , Rye Morten , Drabløs Finn , Arrowsmith Cheryl , Arne Dahl John , Jensen Kim B. , Sato Toshiro , Oudhoff Menno J.
Published: September 2020

Early-life intestinal epithelial development is controlled by the epigenetic modifier LSD1.
Mid-infrared polarization-controlled broadband achromatic metadevice
Authors: Ou Kai , Yu Feilong , Li Guanhai , Wang Wenjuan , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Huang Lujun , Wang Peng , Li Tianxin , Li Zhifeng , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei
Published: September 2020

This study presents a platform to realize polarization-controlled broadband achromatic metadevice in mid-wavelength infrared.
How waves and turbulence maintain the super-rotation of Venus’ atmosphere
Authors: Horinouchi Takeshi , Hayashi Yoshi-Yuki , Watanabe Shigeto , Yamada Manabu , Yamazaki Atsushi , Kouyama Toru , Taguchi Makoto , Fukuhara Tetsuya , Takagi Masahiro , Ogohara Kazunori , Murakami Shin-ya , Peralta Javier , Limaye Sanjay S. , Imamura Takeshi , Nakamura Masato , Sato Takao M. , Satoh Takehiko
Published: September 2020

Explaining super-rotation on Venus

The solid surface of Venus rotates very slowly, once every 243 days, but its thick atmosphere circles the planet in just 4 days. This phenomenon, known as super-rotation, requires a continuous input of angular momentum, from an unknown source, to overcome friction with the surface. Horinouchi
et al.
mapped the planet's winds using ultraviolet observations of Venus' clouds from the orbiting Akatsuki spacecraft (see the Perspective by Lebonnois). They incorporated these data into a global model of angular momentum transport in the atmosphere, finding that the super-rotation is maintained through thermal tides driven by solar heating.

Science
, this issue p.
405
; see also p.
363
Sympathetic nervous tone limits the development of myeloid-derived suppressor cells
Authors: Nevin James T. , Moussa Marmar , Corwin William L. , Mandoiu Ion I. , Srivastava Pramod K.
Published: September 2020

Disruption of α-adrenergic signaling promotes development of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulates tumor immunity.
Risk Factors Associated with Carbapenemase-Producing
Enterobacterales
(CPE) Positivity in the Hospital Wastewater Environment
Authors: Park Stacy C. , Parikh Hardik , Vegesana Kasi , Stoesser Nicole , Barry Katie E. , Kotay Shireen M. , Dudley Sarah , Peto Timothy E. A. , Crook Derrick W. , Walker A. Sarah , Mathers Amy J.
Published: September 2020

Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase-producing organisms (KPCOs) are bacteria that are resistant to most antibiotics and thus are challenging to treat when they cause infections in patients. These organisms can be acquired by patients who are hospitalized for other reasons, complicating their hospital stay and even leading to death. Hospital wastewater sites, such as sink drains and toilets, have played a role in many reported outbreaks over the past decade. The significance of our research is in identifying risk factors for environmental positivity for KPCOs, which will facilitate further work to prevent transmission of these organisms to patients from the hospital environment.
Potential Applications of Human Viral Metagenomics and Reference Materials: Considerations for Current and Future Viruses
Authors: Santiago-Rodriguez Tasha M. , Hollister Emily B.
Published: September 2020

Viruses are ubiquitous particles comprising genetic material that can infect bacteria, archaea, and fungi, as well as human and other animal cells. Given that determining virus composition and function in association with states of human health and disease is of increasing interest, we anticipate that the field of viral metagenomics will continue to expand and be applied in a variety of areas ranging from surveillance to discovery and will rely heavily upon the continued development of reference materials and databases.
Intrasession repeatability and intersession reproducibility of peripapillary OCTA vessel parameters in non-glaucomatous and glaucomatous eyes
Authors: Lee Jae Chang , Grisafe Dominic J , Burkemper Bruce , Chang Brenda R , Zhou Xiao , Chu Zhongdi , Fard Ali , Durbin Mary , Wong Brandon J , Song Brian J , Xu Benjamin Y , Wang Ruikang , Richter Grace M
Published: September 2020

Objective

To compare intrasession repeatability versus intersession reproducibility of the peripapillary vessel parameters using optical microangiography–based optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in non-glaucomatous and glaucomatous eyes.

Methods

In an observational, longitudinal study, peripapillary OCTA scans were collected to evaluate intrasession repeatability and intersession reproducibility using within-eye coefficient of variation (CV
W
) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Images were quantified using a custom research–oriented quantification software calculating vessel area density (VAD) and flux and a commercially developed, clinic-oriented quantification software (Cirrus 11.0, Carl Zeiss Meditec) calculating perfusion density (PD) and flux index (FI). Effect of signal strength on the reliability of OCTA parameters was also evaluated.

Results

Among 120 non-glaucomatous eyes, intrasession CV
W
were 4.2% for VAD, 5.3% for flux, 1.5% for PD and 2.0% for FI. The intersession CV
W
were 6.5% for VAD, 8.0% for flux, 2.0% for PD and 3.2% for FI. The intrasession ICC ranged from 0.928 to 0.945, and intersession ICC ranged from 0.811 to 0.866. From 118 glaucomatous eyes, intrasession CV
W
was 9.0% for VAD, 10.3% for flux, 1.7% for PD and 2.3% for FI. The intersession CV
W
was 12.1% for VAD, 14.2% for flux, 2.3% for PD and 3.5% for FI. The intrasession ICC ranged from 0.904 to 0.972, and intersession ICC ranged from 0.855 to 0.955. Signal strength was significantly positively associated with OCTA vessel parameters (p<0.0001) for both groups.

Conclusion

Peripapillary OCTA vessel parameters had greater intrasession repeatability compared to intersession reproducibility in both non-glaucomatous and glaucomatous eyes. The built-in commercially developed quantification software demonstrated greater agreement than the custom research–oriented quantification software.
Prospective study of the association between sport-related concussion and brain morphometry (3T-MRI) in collegiate athletes: study from the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium
Authors: Bobholz Samuel A , Brett Benjamin L , España Lezlie Y , Huber Daniel L , Mayer Andrew R , Harezlak Jaroslaw , Broglio Steven P , McAllister Thomas , McCrea Michael A , Meier Timothy B
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To determine the acute and early long-term associations of sport-related concussion (SRC) and subcortical and cortical structures in collegiate contact sport athletes.

Methods

Athletes with a recent SRC (n=99) and matched contact (n=91) and non-contact sport controls (n=95) completed up to four neuroimaging sessions from 24 to 48 hours to 6 months postinjury. Subcortical volumes (amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus and dorsal striatum) and vertex-wise measurements of cortical thickness/volume were computed using FreeSurfer. Linear mixed-effects models examined the acute and longitudinal associations between concussion and structural metrics, controlling for intracranial volume (or mean thickness) and demographic variables (including prior concussions and sport exposure).

Results

There were significant group-dependent changes in amygdala volumes across visits (p=0.041); this effect was driven by a trend for increased amygdala volume at 6 months relative to subacute visits in contact controls, with no differences in athletes with SRC. No differences were observed in any cortical metric (ie, thickness or volume) for primary or secondary analyses.

Conclusion

A single SRC had minimal associations with grey matter structure across a 6-month time frame.
Seizure prevalence in children aged up to 3 years: a longitudinal population-based cohort study in Japan
Authors: Nishiyama Masahiro , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Ishida Yusuke , Tomioka Kazumi , Takeda Hiroki , Nishimura Noriyuki , Nozu Kandai , Mishina Hiroki , Iijima Kazumoto , Nagase Hiroaki
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of seizures/febrile seizures in children up to 3 years of age and examine the effects of gestational age at birth on the risk for febrile seizures.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal population-based cohort study.

Setting

Kobe City public health center

, Kobe, Japan, from 2010 to 2018.

Participants

Children who underwent a medical check-up at 3 years of age.

Methods

Information regarding seizures was collected from the parents of 96 014 children. We identified the occurrence of seizure/febrile seizure in 74 017 children, whose gestational ages at birth were noted. We conducted a multivariate analysis with the parameter, gestational age at birth, to analyse the risk of seizure. We also stratified the samples by sex and birth weight (<2500 g or not) and compared the prevalence of seizure between those with the term and late preterm births.

Results

The prevalence of seizure was 12.1% (11.8%–12.3%), 13.2% (12.2%–14.4%), 14.6% (12.4%–17.7%) and 15.7% (10.5%–22.8%) in children born at 37–41, 34–36, 28–33 and 22–27 gestational weeks, respectively. The prevalence of febrile seizures was 9.0% (8.8%–9.2%), 10.5% (9.5%–11.5%), 11.8% (9.7%–14.5%) and 11.2% (6.9%–17.7%) in children born at 37–41, 34–36, 28–33 and 22–27 gestational weeks, respectively. Male was an independent risk factor for seizures (OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.20; absolute risk increase 0.014, 95% CI 0.010 to 0.019) and febrile seizures (OR: 1.21, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.28; absolute risk increase 0.016, 95% CI 0.012 to 0.020), respectively. Late preterm birth was not associated with an increased risk of seizure/febrile seizure.

Conclusions

Although very preterm birth may increase the risk of seizure/febrile seizure, the risk associated with late preterm birth is considerably small and less than that associated with male.
Comparative efficacy of traditional non-selective NSAIDs and selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors in patients with acute gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Mengtao , Yu Chen , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess the comparative efficacy of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors in patients with acute gout.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data published as of 4 April 2020.

Methods

We performed meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of traditional non-selective NSAIDs versus cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors and RCTs of various cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors in patients with acute gout. The main outcome measures were mean change in pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and 5-point Likert scale score on days 2–8.

Results

Twenty-four trials involving five drugs were evaluated. For pain Likert scale, etoricoxib was comparable to indomethacin (standardised mean difference (SMD): −0.09, 95% CI: −0.27 to 0.08) but better than diclofenac 50 mg three times a day (SMD: −0.53, 95% CI: −0.98 to 0.09). Regarding pain VAS score, etoricoxib was comparable to diclofenac 75 mg two times per day (SMD: −1.63, 95% CI: −4.60 to 1.34) and diclofenac 75 mg four times a day (SMD: −1.82, 95% CI: −5.18 to 1.53), while celecoxib was comparable to diclofenac 100 mg four times a day (SMD: −2.41, 95% CI: −5.91 to 1.09). Etoricoxib showed similar patients’ global assessment of response (SMD: −0.10, 95% CI: −0.27 to 0.07) and swollen joint count (SMD: −0.25, 95% CI: −0.74 to 0.24), but better investigator’s global assessment of response (SMD: −0.29, 95% CI: −0.46 to 0.11) compared with indomethacin. Etoricoxib showed more favourable pain VAS score than celecoxib (SMD: −2.36, 95% CI: −3.36 to 1.37), but was comparable to meloxicam (SMD: −4.02, 95% CI: −10.28 to 2.24). Etoricoxib showed more favourable pain Likert scale than meloxicam (SMD: −0.56, 95% CI: −1.10 to 0.02). Etoricoxib 120 mg four times a day was more likely to achieve clinical improvement than celecoxib 200 mg two times per day (OR: 4.84, 95% CI: 2.19 to 10.72).

Conclusion

Although cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors and traditional non-selective NSAIDs may be equally beneficial in terms of pain relief, cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors (especially etoricoxib) may confer a greater benefit.
Associations between contextual and compositional characteristics of early childcare facilities with health, health behaviours and well-being among young children aged 06 years: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Hilger-Kolb Jennifer , Schneider Sven , Herr Raphael , Osenbruegge Nina , Hoffmann Stephanie , Herke Max , Pischke Claudia , Sundmacher Leonie , Diehl Katharina
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Early childhood is an important life stage which is crucial for determining health and health inequalities in later life. At the meso-level (institutional-level), early childcare facilities (eg, kindergartens, preschools) are the most important agent of socialisation next to families in young children aged 06 years. In recent years, an increasing amount of studies has focused on contextual and compositional characteristics of early childcare facilities and their association with health (eg, self-rated health), health behaviour (eg, physical activity) and well-being (eg, emotional well-being) in this age group. However, as currently no overview of the available literature on this topic exists, we will conduct a scoping review including various study designs (eg, cross-sectional studies, prospective studies, qualitative studies).

Methods and analysis

We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic search of the following scientific databases will be conducted: PubMed/Medline, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts, Education Resources Information Center and The Cochrane Library. During the selection process, we will follow a two-step process. First, two reviewers will independently screen titles/abstracts of all potentially eligible articles by applying a set of previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After the completion of the title/abstract screening, full texts of the remaining articles will be screened following the same procedure. To determine inter-rater agreement between reviewers, we will calculate Cohen’s Kappa after both steps. Key characteristics (eg, country of origin, sample size, study design) of included articles will be extracted. We will map the evidence available by providing a summary table on the key characteristics extracted and by presenting the associations using various types of illustrations.

Ethics and dissemination

Since no primary data will be collected for this review, ethical approval is not required. Our findings will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.
Health-related quality of life in patients with non-communicable disease: study protocol of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Van Wilder Lisa , Clays Els , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Pype Peter , Boeckxstaens Pauline , Schrans Diego , De Smedt Delphine
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, knowledge about those diseases and predictors with a greater impact on patients’ HRQoL as well as knowledge on the complex relationship between HRQoL and comorbidities is lacking. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of NCDs on patients’ HRQoL, with a focus on multimorbidity and socioeconomic status.

Methods and analysis

A primary care-based cross-sectional study is conducted in Flanders (Belgium). Study participants (≥18 years) are medically diagnosed with at least one of the following diseases: cardiometabolic disorders, mental disorders and musculoskeletal disorders. A minimum of 50 general practitioners will participate to recruit participants (convenient sample) and a total of 531 patients will be enrolled (voluntary response sample). Each participant will complete a paper-based questionnaire to gather research outcomes. Statistical analyses will be performed using multiple linear regression models with HRQoL as main outcome parameter, adjusted for possible confounders. This study will generate new evidence on the key predictors of HRQoL in patients with NCDs, and particularly provide new insights in multimorbidity to improve the quality of care in primary care, to support patients’ self-management and to allocate resources more effectively.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethical Committee of Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium (reference number: B670201939629) prior to the beginning of the recruitment. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
What are the cost-savings and health benefits of improving detection and management for six high cardiovascular risk conditions in England? An economic evaluation
Authors: Thomas Chloe , Brennan Alan , Goka Edward , Squires Hazel Y , Brenner Gilly , Bagguley David , Buckley Woods Helen , Gillett Michael , Leaviss Joanna , Clowes Mark , Heathcote Laura , Cooper Katy , Breeze Penny
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To estimate the cost savings and health benefits of improving detection of individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in England, to determine to which patient subgroups these benefits arise, and to compare different strategies for subsequent management.

Design

An economic analysis using the School for Public Health Research CVD Prevention Model.

Setting

England 2018.

Participants

Adults aged 16 and older with one or more high cardiovascular risk conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol.

Interventions

Detection of 100% of individuals with CVD high risk conditions compared with current levels of detection in England. Detected individuals are assumed to be managed either according to current levels of care or National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

Main outcome measures

Incremental and cumulative costs, savings, quality adjusted life years (QALYs), CVD cases, and net monetary benefit, from a UK NHS and Personal Social Services perspective.

Results

£68 billion could be saved, 4.9 million QALYs gained and 3.4 million cases of CVD prevented over 25 years if all individuals in England with the six CVD high risk conditions were diagnosed and subsequently managed at current levels. Additionally, if all detected individuals were managed according to NICE guidelines, total savings would be £61 billion, 8.1 million QALYs would be gained and 5.2 million CVD cases prevented. Most benefits come from detection of high cholesterol in the short term and diabetes in the long term.

Conclusions

Substantial cost savings and health benefits would accrue if all individuals with conditions that increase CVD risk could be diagnosed, with detection of undiagnosed diabetes producing greatest benefits. Ensuring all conditions are managed according to NICE guidelines would further increase health benefits. Projected cost-savings could be invested in developing acceptable and cost-effective solutions for improving detection and management.
Occupational disparities in survival in Korean women with cancer: a nationwide registry linkage study
Authors: Lee Hye-Eun , KIM Eun-A , Zaitsu Masayoshi , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We sought to examine occupational disparities in survival among Korean women diagnosed with cancer.

Design

Population-based, registry-linkage study.

Setting

South Korea.

Participants

Our study population comprised female workers registered in the Korean national employment insurance programme during 1995–2000 and diagnosed with cancer between 1995 and 2008. A total of 61 110 women with cancer diagnoses was included in analysis. The occupation was categorised into four groups: (1) managers, professionals and technical workers, (2) clerks, (3) service/sales workers and (4) blue-collar workers.

Primary and secondary outcome measure

Study population were linked to the national death registry until 2009. HRs for mortality adjusting for age and year of diagnosis were calculated in the study sample and subgroups with 10 specific cancer sites including thyroid, breast, stomach, cervix, colon or lung cancer using managers, professionals and technical workers as the reference.

Results

Women in service/sales (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.35) and blue-collar occupations (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.44) had poorer survival for all cancer sites combined, while blue-collar workers showed poorer survival for lung (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.77), breast (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.54), cervical cancer (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.06) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.77) compared with women in professional and managerial positions.

Conclusion

We found substantial and significant inequalities in overall survival by the occupational group among Korean women with cancer, even in the context of universal access to cancer screening and treatment.
Cachexia is associated with depression, anxiety and quality of life in cancer patients
Authors: Sun Huihui , Sudip Thapa , Fu Xiaofen , Wen Su , Liu Huiquan , Yu Shiying
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to compare depression, anxiety and quality of life (QoL) between cachexia and non-cachexia patients, and explore the relationship between cachexia and depression, anxiety and QoL in patients with cancer.

Methods

A total of 528 patients from cancer centres of four hospitals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All patients were divided into cachexia and non-cachexia according to international consensus definition of cachexia. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer 30 (QLQ-C30) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety and QoL.

Results

285 patients (53.98%) were classified as cachexia. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, severe depression and severe anxiety in cachexia was 30.2%, 18.6%, 6.7% and 8.4%, respectively, which were significantly higher than in non-cachexia (all p<0.01). Patients with cachexia obviously acquired poorer physical function (PF), role function (RF), cognitive function (CF), emotional function (EF), social function (SF) and overall QoL than non-cachexia patients (all p<0.01). Cachexia was positively associated with depression (unstandardised coefficient (B)=2.123, p<0.001) and anxiety (B=1.123, p=0.024), and had a negative relationship with PF, CF, EF, SF and overall QoL (allB<0, all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Cachexia was associated with greater depression and anxiety and poorer QoL in patients with cancer, which emphasised the importance of timely identification and management of cachexia to improve the psychological problems and QoL among patients with cancer.
Constitutional de novo deletion CNV encompassing REST predisposes to diffuse hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis (HPLN)
Authors: Hyder Zerin , Fairclough Adele , Groom Mike , Getty Joan , Alexander Elizabeth , van Veen Elke M , Makin Guy , Sethuraman Chitra , Tang Vivian , Evans D Gareth , Maher Eamonn R , Woodward Emma R
Published: September 2020

Background

Nephroblastomatosis is a recognised precursor for the development of Wilms tumour (WT), the most common childhood renal tumour. While the majority of WT is sporadic in origin, germline intragenic mutations of predisposition genes such as WT1, REST and TRIM28 have been described in apparently isolated (non-familial) WT.

Despite constitutional CNVs being a well-studied cause of developmental disorders, their role in cancer predisposition is less well defined, so that the interpretation of cancer risks associated with specific CNVs can be complex.

Objective

To highlight the role of a constitutional deletion CNV (delCNV) encompassing the REST tumour suppressor gene in diffuse hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis (HPLN).

Methods/results

Array comparative genomic hybridisation in an infant presenting with apparently sporadic diffuse HPLN revealed a de novo germline CNV, arr[GRCh37] 4q12(57,385,330–57,947,405)x1. The REST tumour suppressor gene is located at GRCh37 chr4:57,774,042–57,802,010.

Conclusion

This delCNV encompassing REST is associated with nephroblastomatosis. Deletion studies should be included in the molecular work-up of inherited predisposition to WT/nephroblastomatosis. Detection of delCNVs involving known cancer predisposition genes can yield insights into the relationship between underlying genomic architecture and associated tumour risk.
Low tolerance for transcriptional variation at cohesin genes is accompanied by functional links to disease-relevant pathways
Authors: Schierding William , Horsfield Julia A , O'Sullivan Justin M
Published: September 2020

Background: The cohesin complex plays an essential role in genome organisation and cell division. A full complement of the cohesin complex and its regulators is important for normal development, since heterozygous mutations in genes encoding these components can be sufficient to produce a disease phenotype. The implication that genes encoding the cohesin subunits or cohesin regulators must be tightly controlled and resistant to variability in expression has not yet been formally tested.

Methods: Here, we identify spatial-regulatory connections with potential to regulate expression of cohesin loci (Mitotic:SMC1A,SMC3,STAG1,STAG2,RAD21/RAD21-AS; Meiotic:SMC1B,STAG3,REC8,RAD21L1), cohesin-ring support genes (NIPBL,MAU2,WAPL,PDS5A,PDS5B) andCTCF, including linking their expression to that of other genes. We searched the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) catalogue for SNPs mapped or attributed to cohesin genes by GWAS (GWAS-attributed) and the GTEx catalogue for SNPs mapped to cohesin genes bycis-regulatory variants in one or more of 44 tissues across the human body (expression quantitative trail locus-attributed).

Results: Connections that centre on the cohesin ring subunits provide evidence of coordinated regulation that has little tolerance for perturbation. We used the CoDeS3D SNP-gene attribution methodology to identify transcriptional changes across a set of genes coregulated with the cohesin loci that include biological pathways such as extracellular matrix production and proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Remarkably, many of the genes that are coregulated with cohesin loci are themselves intolerant to loss-of-function.

Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of robust regulation of cohesin genes and implicate novel pathways that may be important in the human cohesinopathy disorders.