bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to a vegetable dietary pattern attenuates the risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in incident type 2 diabetes: The TCLSIH cohort study
Authors: Xia Yang , Cao Limin , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Zhang Shunming , Meng Ge , Wu Hongmei , Gu Yeqing , Sun Shaomei , Wang Xing , Zhou Ming , Jia Qiyu , Song Kun , Wu Qijun , Niu Kaijun , Zhao Yuhong
Published: December 2021

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, no study has investigated whether dietary intake can modify this effect. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of dietary pattern modification on the association between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A large prospective cohort study (n= 24,602) was conducted in China. NAFLD was diagnosed using liver ultrasonography considering alcohol consumption. Dietary data were assessed using a validated self‐administered food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Following a 93,873 person‐year follow‐up, 787 (3.20%) participants developed type 2 diabetes. In a multivariable adjusted model, compared with participants without NAFLD, the HR (95% CI) of incident type 2 diabetes for NAFLD patients was 3.04 (2.51, 3.68). On subgroup analyses, the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) of incident type 2 diabetes for NAFLD patients with low (≤median score) and high (>median score) vegetable pattern intakes were 4.08 (3.05, 5.46) and 2.38 (1.85, 3.07) (pfor interaction <0.01), respectively. Higher vegetable intake was also found to attenuate the risk effect of phenotype groups of NAFLD on incident type 2 diabetes, especially in the lean NAFLD group.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that NAFLD is a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes in the Chinese population. Notably, adherence to a dietary pattern rich in vegetables can attenuate this risk, especially in lean NAFLD patients.
Genome mining andIn‐silicodetermination of secondary metabolites of bacteria againstFusarium oxysporumf. sp.Lycopersici
Authors: Sonkar Preeti , Odumosu Bamidele Tolulope , Kamaluddin
Published: December 2021

Fusarium wilt caused byFusarium oxysporumf. sp.lycopersici(FOL) is a devastating global plant fungal disease particularly in tomatoes leading to serious economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine anin silicoeffective antifungal metabolite against two important FOL proteins. Anin silicoligand–protein interaction was carried out by genome mining and molecular docking of the best ligand‐producing strains of bacteria using AutoDock and antiSMASH tools. The secondary metabolites obtained from different bacteria selected for biocontrol agents (BCA) were docked against SIX and TOM proteins. The selected compounds were docked in the active site of both proteins while random starting positions, torsion angles were established for all ligands. Based on the protein–ligand interactions, the best inhibitor of SIX and TOM protein was xanthobaccine A fromLysobactersp. strain SB‐K88. On the other hand, the best BCAs compound was heat‐stable antifungal factor obtained fromL. enzymogenes, viginiafactin (Pseudomonassp. QS1027), massetolide A (P. fluorescenss5101), bicorlnutin A1 and A2 (Xenorhabdusbudapestensis) which showed similarity scores viz., 1.25 (with domain NRP, Polyketide), 1.09 (NRP domain), 1.06(NRP domain), 1.00 (NRP domain). The results of our findings suggestLysobactersp. as a good biocontrol agent with active biosynthetic gene clusters and as a suitable substitute for agrochemicals. The output of this study will be useful in future management ofF. oxysporumf. sp.lycopersiciwith other plant pathogen and help in crop improvement.
Echocardiographic reference intervals for right ventricular indices, including 3‐dimensional volume and 2‐dimensional strain measurements in healthy dogs
Authors: Feldhütter Elisabeth K. , Domenech Oriol , Vezzosi Tommaso , Tognetti Rosalba , Sauter Nadja , Bauer Alexander , Eberhard Jenny , Friederich Jana , Wess Gerhard
Published: December 2021

Background

There is currently a lack of reference intervals (RIs) for the novel measures like 3‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography or speckle‐tracking strain for assessment of right ventricular (RV) structure and function.

Objectives

To generate RIs and to determine the influence of age, heart rate, and body weight (BW) on various RV function indices using a dedicated RV software for 3D RV end‐diastolic volume (EDV), end‐systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), global and free wall RV longitudinal strain (RVLS), end‐diastolic area (RVEDA), end‐systolic area (RVESA), fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and tissue Doppler imaging (TVI)‐derived systolic myocardial velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (S′).

Animals

Healthy adult client‐owned dogs (n = 211) of various breeds and ages.

Methods

Prospective study. Reference intervals were estimated as statistical prediction intervals using allometric scaling for BW‐dependent variables. Right‐sided (upper limit) or left‐sided (lower limit) 95% RIs were calculated for every variable. Inter‐ and intraobserver variability was determined.

Results

Most variables showed clinically acceptable repeatability with coefficient of variation less than 10. Upper or respectively lower RI after allometric scaling to normalize for different BWs were: EDVn ≤ 2.5 mL/kg0.942, ESVn ≤ 1.2 mL/kg0.962, TAPSEn ≥ 4.5 mm0.285, RVEDAn ≤ 1.4 cm2/kg0.665, RVESAn ≤ 0.8 cm2/kg0.695, and TVI S′n ≥ 5.6 cm/s/kg0.186. The calculated limits for indices without allometric normalization were: EF > 42.1%, FAC > 30.0%, free wall RVLS < −20.8%, and global RVLS < −18.3%.

Conclusions

Echocardiographic RIs for RV structure and function are provided.
Relationship between psychopathic traits and moral sensitivity in a university student sample
Authors: Costa Bárbara de Jesus , Azevedo Maria da Conceição , Relva Inês Carvalho , Simões Alice Margarida
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the relationship between psychopathic traits and moral sensitivity. Theoretically it is said that amoral behaviour characterizes individuals with psychopathy, and it is expected that they do not follow the rules, being devoid of moral sensitivity.

Method

Thus, it was intended to: investigate the differences in psychopathy and moral sensitivity according to gender; analyse the associations between psychopathy and moral sensitivity and explore the relationship between moral sensitivity and psychopathic traits. The sample consisted of 520 university students aged between 17 and 49 years (M = 20.69; SD = 3.67). For data collection, the Self‐Report Psychopathy Scale ‐ III (SRP‐III), the Ethical Sensitivity Scale Questionnaire (ESSQ) and a socio‐demographic questionnaire were used.

Results

It was concluded that psychopathy is negatively associated with moral sensitivity.

Conclusions

It is possible to observe the importance that moral sensitivity plays as it can function as a protective factor in the development of psychopathic traits.
UK Nutrition Research Partnership ‘Hot Topic’ workshop report: A ‘game changer’ for dietary health – addressing the implications of sport sponsorship by food businesses through an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration
Authors: Gokani Nikhil , Garde Amandine , Philpott Matthew , Ireland Robin , Owens Rebecca , Boyland Emma
Published: December 2021

Overweight and obesity is a global concern as a significant risk factor for non‐communicable diseases. Increased energy intake due to greater consumption of energy‐dense food or non‐alcoholic beverages high in fat, saturated fat, sugar or salt (‘HFSS food’) is the main explanation for population weight gain. The principal drivers underlying this consumption are the commercial determinants of health in the food chain, particularly the marketing of HFSS food. In the UK, some rules do regulate certain forms of HFSS food marketing (such as television and online advertising to children) and the government is considering strengthening these. However, although sports sponsorship by ‘HFSS food businesses’ (defined as a business preparing, cooking, storing, handling, distributing, supplying or selling food and whose products are primarily HFSS) is increasingly recognised as linked to HFSS food consumption, it has received little attention. This is all the more concerning in light of the recent proliferation of ‘HFSS food businesses’ and HFSS products partnering with sports organisations. Against this background, we hosted a workshop to focus on the relationship between health, nutrition and the sponsorship of sport and related marketing by ‘HFSS food businesses’ and to consider the implications for obesity prevention strategies in the UK and beyond. This innovative workshop capitalised on, and contributed to, ongoing efforts to conceptually unite existing research by bringing together an interdisciplinary team of experts providing unique and complementary perspectives on how to address sports sponsorship as one of the channels through which ‘HFSS food businesses’ contribute to poor nutrition and diet‐related diseases. This report summarises the structure, participants and discussions from the workshop; the existing evidence base; and the future research and policy opportunities we plan to pursue.
Norway spruce deploys tissue‐specific responses during acclimation to cold
Authors: Vergara Alexander , Haas Julia C. , Aro Tuuli , Stachula Paulina , Street Nathaniel R. , Hurry Vaughan
Published: December 2021

Climate change in the conifer‐dominated boreal forest is expected to lead to warmer but more dynamic winter air temperatures, reducing the depth and duration of snow cover and lowering winter soil temperatures. To gain insight into the mechanisms that have enabled conifers to dominate extreme cold environments, we performed genome‐wide RNA‐Seq analysis from needles and roots of non‐dormant two‐year Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst), and contrasted these response to herbaceous model Arabidopsis We show that the main transcriptional response of Norway spruce needles exposed to cold was delayed relative to Arabidopsis, and this delay was associated with slower development of freezing tolerance. Despite this difference in timing, Norway spruce principally utilizes early response transcription factors (TFs) belonging to the same gene families as Arabidopsis, indicating broad evolutionary conservation of cold response networks. In keeping with their different metabolic and developmental states, needles and root of Norway spruce showed contrasting results. Regulatory network analysis identified both conserved TFs with known roles in cold acclimation (e.g. homologs of ICE1, AKS3, and of the NAC and AP2/ERF superfamilies), but also a root‐specific bHLH101 homolog, providing functional insights into cold stress response strategies in Norway spruce.
Erythematous rash and postinfectious acral desquamation due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis infection in a child
Authors: Soler‐Simón Jose A. , Andina‐Martínez David , Antoñanzas‐Bernar Valeria , Di Campli‐Zaghlul Marianna A. , Villalobos‐Pinto Enrique , Hernández‐Martín Ángela
Published: December 2021

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis infection is an emerging pathogen. Cutaneous and systemic manifestations resemble those of other pyogenic streptococci. However, the rapid group A antigen detection test used to diagnose Streptococcus pyogenes infection is usually negative, making the diagnosis difficult. If clinical suspicion of streptococcal infection is high, a tonsillar culture should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Automated discovery systems, part 1: Historical origins, main research programs, and methodological foundations
Authors: Giza Piotr
Published: December 2021

Automated scientific discovery is a discipline which lies at the boarder of artificial intelligence, natural sciences and philosophy of science, and deals with the application of artificial intelligence methods to scientific discovery. Its origins go back to the end of 1960s when a few AI researchers in the USA turned their attention to a domain often considered the realm of genius–scientific discovery. There have been at least three major research programs in the field, each of them having different objectives, concerns, and methodology: machine learning systems in the Turing tradition, normative theory of scientific discovery formulated by Herbert Simon's group, and the programs called HHNT, proposed by J. Holland, K. Holyoak, R. Nisbett, and P. Thagard. In this paper I briefly analyze those programs to figure out their methodological assumptions, goals, achievements and drawbacks.
Knowing in Aristotle part 1: Epistēmē, Nous, and non‐rational cognitive states
Authors: Cohoe Caleb Murray
Published: December 2021

I present an overview of the features Aristotle attributes to gnōsis (cognition or knowledge), a term Aristotle applies to true cognitive states, whether rational or non‐rational. Gnōsis is being in contact with reality. This, for Aristotle, happens when the soul takes on the form of the object known, which is what makes gnōsis factive. I present Aristotle’s account of non‐rational cognitive states, discussing perception and experience (empeiria) and the role they play in acquiring knowledge. I then cover Aristotle's understanding of belief (hupolēpsis) and opinion (doxa) and lay out why he thinks they cannot be excellences. I conclude with an overview of two of the most important and foundational excellences of reason, nous (comprehension or understanding) and epistēmē (scientific knowledge).
Air pollution and preterm birth: A time‐stratified case‐crossover study in the San Joaquin Valley of California
Authors: Ha Sandie , Martinez Valerie , Chan‐Golston Alec M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Air pollution is linked to preterm birth (PTB), but existing studies are primarily focused on chronic exposures, conducted in areas with moderate pollution, and/or subject to confounding.

Objectives

We investigated short‐term associations between two pollutants [particulate matter <2.5 microns (PM2.5) and ozone] and PTB, and estimated excess PTB cases potentially attributed to these pollutants.

Methods

This time‐stratified case‐crossover study includes 196,970 singleton pregnancies affected by PTB and early term birth from the San Joaquin Valley (SJV), California, USA (2007–2015). Daily ozone and PM2.5 concentrations were estimated by the SJV Air Pollution Control District and geospatially linked to maternal zip code. We used conditional logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between an interquartile range (IQR) increase in pollutants and very preterm (VPTB, 20–34 weeks), moderate preterm (MPTB, 34–36 weeks) and early term births (ETB, 37–38 weeks). We adjusted all models for co‐pollutants and meteorological factors.

Results

During warm seasons (May‐October), an IQR increase in ozone was associated with 9–11% increased odds of VPTB from lag 0 (ORlag0 1.09, 95% CI 1.04,1.16) to lag 7 (ORlag7 1.11, 95% CI 1.04,1.16). Findings were consistent for MPTB and ETB. Ozone was potentially responsible for an excess of 3–6 VPTBs, 7–9 PTBs and 24–42 ETBs per 1,000 singleton deliveries. During cold seasons (November‐April), increased PM2.5 exposure was associated with 5–6% increased odds of VPTB beginning at lag 3 (ORlag3 1.06, 95% CI 1.02,1.11). PM2.5 was associated with an excess of 1–3 VPTBs, 0–3 MPTBs and 6–18 ETBs per 1,000 singleton deliveries.

Conclusions

PM2.5 and ozone are associated with increased risk of VPTB, MPTB and ETB within one week of exposure and are potential contributors to the increasing PTB trend. More research is needed to further understand the role of air pollution on PTB risk.
Wave‐influenced deposition of carbonate‐rich sediment on the insular shelf of Santa Maria Island, Azores
Authors: Zhao Zhongwei , Mitchell Neil C. , Quartau Rui , Moreira Sandra , Rusu Liliana , Melo Carlos S. , Ávila Sérgio P. , Das Diya , Afonso Pedro , Pombo Joaquim , Duarte João , Rodrigues Aurora
Published: December 2021

Formulae for sediment thresholds of motion are commonly based on flume experiments on rounded quartz particles and it is unclear how well they predict thresholds in natural settings. Here, sediment threshold shear stresses were calculated from one such formula using surface grain‐size data from 112 sites around Santa Maria Island, Azores. To compare with those stresses, a Simulating Waves Nearshore model was run for three typical winter months to predict shelf stress maxima due to waves. As wind‐driven and other circulations also increase stresses, the model predictions are under‐estimates. Comparison of the two stress estimates suggests that the whole shelf of the island was mobile during extreme conditions. However, three forms of evidence contradict this. First, 129 rollovers of sandy clinoforms lying in 30 to 200 m water depths around the island were identified from boomer seismic data. It has been suggested that such rollovers mark depths at which hydrodynamic stresses fall beneath the sediment threshold of motion. Second, differences in grain‐size diversity between carbonate‐free and whole sediment indicate where carbonate particle fragmentation occurs. Third, seabed images reveal variations in ripple character and presence. The combined data suggest that deposition has occurred in the middle and outer shelf, overlapping where the model predicts sediment mobilization. However, by decreasing the model bottom shear stress or increasing the shear stress at threshold of motion by a factor of two to three, deposition is predicted to have occurred immediately deeper than the shallow active rollovers. Therefore, in practice, the ratio of wave‐imposed shear stress to stress at threshold of motion is two to three times smaller than predicted. This is speculated to be due to the presence of widespread hard substrates and other features shielding particles between them from wave stresses. Alternatively, the threshold of motion is higher than expected from the formulae for these sediments dominated by bioclastic particles.
Changing Times, Shifting Attitudes: Explaining Americans’ Attitudes Toward Same‐Sex Relations From 1973 to 20181
Authors: Lian Langou
Published: December 2021

Using age‐period‐cohort modeling (APC), scholars suggest that the profound increase in Americans’ acceptance of same‐sex relations is mainly explained by “period” effects, in which people have become more tolerant of same‐sex relations over time regardless of their age or birth cohort. To further explain the patterns of attitude changes, this research situates period effects in the specific sociohistorical boundaries unique to the development of same‐sex issues in the United States. This contextualization of period effects also sheds light on how and why attitudes have shifted at different paces for various sociodemographic groups. Using data from the 1973 to 2018 General Social Survey, the ordered logistical models reveal that significant period effects have emerged only after the height of the AIDS Epidemic. The surge of public acceptance after this period was accompanied by heightened demographic and cultural polarization, with changes in attitudes for black and for politically and religiously conservative individuals shifting at a much slower pace than their nonblack and less conservative counterparts. Such a polarization in attitudes reflects the ever‐changing association between sociodemographic characteristics and mainstream cultural beliefs about same‐sex relations over time.
CMV screening of group‐specific orders—good stewardship of the blood supply
Authors: Francis Tara , Delk Alexander , Gammon Richard R.
Published: December 2021

Background

In addition to antigen‐negative red blood cells (RBC), Immunohematology Reference Laboratories (IRL) must provide RBCs that are cytomegalovirus (CMV) seronegative. Due to high percentage of CMV seropositive individuals, it is challenging to find CMV and antigen‐negative RBC. The IRL selects predominantly group O donors tested for CMV, and these RBC are sometimes needed to fill orders for nongroup O patients. This study evaluated units sent that were out of group to fulfill CMV‐seronegative requests.

Study Design and Methods

Requests for CMV‐seronegative and antigen‐negative RBCs were divided into Period 1 (January 1, 2019–February 29, 2020) before intervention and Period 2 (March 1, 2020–May 31, 2020) post intervention. ABO Rh units requested were compared to ABO Rh units provided.

Results

Period 1: 537 CMV‐seronegative RBC units were provided. 99/188(52.66%) B‐positive requests were fulfilled using O RBCs. 58/504 (11.51%) of D‐negative units were sent to D‐positive patients.

Period 2: 119 CMV‐seronegative RBC units were provided. 18/51 (35.29%) B positive requests were fulfilled using O RBCs. Only 7/113 (6.19%) D‐negative units were sent to D‐positive patients.

Discussion

For 239/656 (36.43%) CMV‐seronegative antigen orders requested for B‐positive patients, more than half of these orders were filled with O RBCs. To decrease group O usage for nongroup O patients, the IRL practice has changed to increase CMV testing for group B donors. Since the change in algorithm, there was a 17.37% decrease group O usage for group B patients.
Diagnostic performance of predicted ionized calcium in dogs with total hypercalcemia and total hypocalcemia
Authors: Lebastard Matthieu , Cuq Benoît , Sharman Mellora J. , Danner Julie , Le Boedec Kevin
Published: December 2021

Background

Abnormal total calcium (tCa) values do not necessarily imply dysregulated ionized calcium.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of predicted ionized calcium (piCa) regarding true calcium status in dogs with abnormal tCa.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional multicenter study. piCa and its prediction interval (PI) were calculated in 114 dogs, from three different hospitals, with either increased (62) or decreased tCa (52), All dogs also had ionized calcium and a biochemical profile available. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and diagnostic discordance of piCa to confirm ionized hypercalcemia (iHyperCa) and ionized hypocalcemia (iHypoCa) were calculated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

iHyperCa was found in 28% and 66% of hyperphosphatemic and non‐hyperphosphatemic dogs with tCa above the reference interval upper limit, respectively. The piCa correctly classified dogs with iHyperCa in 72.2% of those with hyperphosphatemia and 93.2% of those without hyperphosphatemia. Comparatively, elevating the tCa threshold to 12 mg/dL properly classified dogs 50% and 75% of the time in hyperphosphatemic and non‐hyperphosphatemic dogs, respectively. iHypoCa was found in only 31/52 (60%) dogs with decreased tCa. The piCa correctly classified 55.2 to 100% of dogs with iHypoCa depending on the hospital. The PI demonstrated high sensitivity for iHyperCa (100%) and high specificity for both iHyperCa (100%) and iHypoCa (100%).

Conclusions

Evaluating tCa alone does not reliably determine ionized calcium status. Even with hyperphosphatemia, piCa and its PI represent a reliable alternative to interpret abnormal tCa values when ionized calcium measurements are not available. However, if the tCa reference interval is notably different from 7.6 to 11.4 mg/dL, piCa values might be under/overestimated.
Case‐based intensive veterinary radiology clerkship improves students’ radiographic interpretation skills and overall course satisfaction scores
Authors: Gallastegui Aitor , Spoldi Elisa , Billhymer Audrey C. , Stefanou Candice R.
Published: December 2021

The variability in diagnostic imaging caseload, increasing class sizes, high hospital workloads, and the progressive departure of veterinary radiologists from academia can lead to inconsistent and reduced teaching opportunities. This one group pretest, posttest study aimed to compare the learning outcomes of students enrolled in two veterinary radiology clerkship models. Our hypothesis was that the learning and satisfaction scores of students in a case‐based veterinary radiology clerkship would be higher than those in a clinical veterinary radiology clerkship. During the spring and summer semesters of 2019, students were assigned to a clinical (CRC) or case‐based (CBRC) radiology clerkship model, respectively. Prior to starting the clerkship and at the conclusion thereof, all students took identical radiographic interpretation quizzes. Four major areas of learning were assessed: knowledge base (KB), diagnostic test interpretation (DTI), problem prioritization and differential diagnosis (PPDDX), and critical thinking (CrT). A total of 41 of 48 (CRC) and 130 of 151 (CBRC) students enrolled in this study; 15 and 34, respectively, were off‐shore students, while the remainder were in‐house students. In‐house students improved their scores with CRC and CBRC, but achieved better scores in the four areas with CBRC. Off‐shore students only improved their scores with CBRC. In both groups, there was a negative effect of CRC on DTI. Course satisfaction score was 3.21 on CRC and 4.38 on CBRC (range 1‐5). An intensive, case‐based, discussion‐focused veterinary radiology clerkship can improve students’ radiographic interpretation skills and overall course satisfaction scores.
Family and Community Dynamics That Contribute to Female Involvement in Terrorist Activity in Nigeria
Authors: M. Awa Peculiar
Published: December 2021

Since 2013, Boko Haram has significantly contributed to gendered violence against women. This study examines the experiences of 16 women and girls who lived in the Boko Haram camp from 2014-2018 and had varying levels of engagement in the organization's activities. The study employs a qualitative phenomenological in-depth interview methodology. Semi-structured interviews conducted in Nigeria yielded data on the respondents' experiences before, during, and after their times with Boko Haram. Based on the analysis of interview responses and field notes, several themes emerged. Overall findings suggest that family and community dynamics play a significant role in terrorism in Nigeria. More specifically, early child marriage and the lack of access to education increase girls' vulnerability to abductions by Boko Haram, which, in turn, contributes to involvement in terrorism. Boko Haram members take control over the most disadvantaged and vulnerable victims and, through direct threats or non-consensual marriage, force these women to succumb to their pressure. Respondents reported facing barriers to reintegration into the community, although those with more formal education tended to fare better. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research and counter-terrorism efforts in Nigeria.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of H adsorption and intercalation for graphene on 6H-SiC(0001) from first-principles calculations
Authors: Han Yong , Evans James W. , Tringides Michael C.
Published: December 2021

Previous experimental observations for H intercalation under graphene on SiC surfaces motivate the clarification of configuration stabilities and kinetic processes related to intercalation. From first-principles density-functional-theory calculations, we analyze H adsorption and intercalation for graphene on a 6H-SiC(0001) surface, where the system includes two single-atom-thick graphene layers: the top-layer graphene (TLG) and the underling buffer-layer graphene (BLG) above the terminal Si layer. Our chemical potential analysis shows that in the low-H coverage regime (described by a single H atom within a sufficiently large supercell), intercalation into the gallery between TLG and BLG or into the gallery underneath BLG is more favorable thermodynamically than adsorption on top of TLG. However, intercalation into the gallery between TLG and BLG is most favorable. We obtain energy barriers of about 1.3 and 2.3 eV for a H atom diffusing on and under TLG, respectively. From an additional analysis of the energy landscape in the vicinity of a step on the TLG, we assess how readily one guest H atom on the TLG terrace can directly penetrate the TLG into the gallery between TLG and BLG versus crossing a TLG step to access the gallery. We also perform density functional theory calculations for higher H coverages revealing a shift in favorability to intercalation of H underneath BLG and characterizing the variation with H coverage in interlayer spacings.
Step barrier effects during early stages of the kinetic roughening of fcc(111) surfaces
Authors: Wollschläger Joachim , Larsson Mats I.
Published: December 2021

The influence of the additional Ehrlich–Schwoebel step barrier and temperature on the early stages of kinetic roughening and mound formation of fcc(111) surfaces is studied by means of kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Increasing the Ehrlich–Schwoebel barrier, the growth mode develops from nearly layer-by-layer growth to statistical (Poisson) growth mode with the formation of wedding-cake-like shaped mounds. The evolution of the growth morphology is characterized by scaling laws with effective critical exponents. On the one hand, coarsening for growth without step barrier follows exponents neff=0.35 and βeff=0.20 for the characteristic lateral distance (coarsening exponent) and the rms roughness, respectively. On the other hand, coarsening is strongly suppressed for large step barriers (neff=0.05, βeff=0.52, Poisson growth) in agreement with different experimental results, e.g., for the formation of mounds during the homoepitaxy of Ag(111) and Pt(111). The lateral roughness on short distances is governed by the low roughness exponent α=0.58 for all growth conditions independently of the growth mode.
Crafty evasion of antitumor immunity
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: December 2021

Two studies show direct, contact-mediated ways by which tumors suppress infiltrating immune cells.
H3N2 Influenza Viruses with 12- or 16-Amino Acid Deletions in the Receptor-Binding Region of Their Hemagglutinin Protein
Authors: Kong Huihui , Fan Shufang , Takada Kosuke , Imai Masaki , Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: December 2021

The hemagglutinin (HA) protein of influenza viruses serves as the receptor-binding protein and is the principal target of the host immune system. The antigenic epitopes in the receptor-binding region are known to tolerate mutations, but here, we show that even deletions of 12 or 16 amino acids in this region can be accommodated.
Cargo Genes of Tn
7
-Like Transposons Comprise an Enormous Diversity of Defense Systems, Mobile Genetic Elements, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Authors: Benler Sean , Faure Guilhem , Altae-Tran Han , Shmakov Sergey , Zhang Feng , Koonin Eugene
Published: December 2021

Transposons are major vehicles of horizontal gene transfer that, in addition to genes directly involved in transposition, carry cargo genes. However, characterization of these genes is hampered by the difficulty of identification of transposon boundaries.
Changes in Gut Bacterial Translation Occur before Symptom Onset and Dysbiosis in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Murine Colitis
Authors: Taguer M. , Darbinian E. , Wark K. , Ter-Cheam A. , Stephens D. A. , Maurice C. F.
Published: December 2021

Most studies on the gut microbiome focus on the composition of this community and how it changes during disease. However, how the community transitions from a healthy state to one associated with disease is currently unknown.
The Infectious Dose Shapes Vibrio cholerae Within-Host Dynamics
Authors: Gillman Aaron Nicholas , Mahmutovic Anel , Abel zur Wiesch Pia , Abel Sören
Published: December 2021

Determining the rates of bacterial migration, replication, and death during infection is important for understanding how infections progress. Separately measuring these rates is often difficult in systems where multiple processes happen simultaneously.
Different Regulatory Modes of
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 in Response to Photosynthesis Inhibitory Conditions
Authors: Cho Sang-Hyeok , Jeong Yujin , Hong Seong-Joo , Lee Hookeun , Choi Hyung-Kyoon , Kim Dong-Myung , Lee Choul-Gyun , Cho Suhyung , Cho Byung-Kwan
Published: December 2021

Cyanobacteria are a compelling biochemical production platform for their ability to propagate using light and atmospheric CO
2
via photosynthesis. However, the engineering of strains is hampered by limited understanding of photosynthesis under diverse environmental conditions such as high-light and low-temperature stresses.
Omics-Inferred Partitioning and Expression of Diverse Biogeochemical Functions in a Low-O
2
Cyanobacterial Mat Community
Authors: Grim Sharon L. , Voorhies Alexander A. , Biddanda Bopaiah A. , Jain Sunit , Nold Stephen C. , Green Russ , Dick Gregory J.
Published: December 2021

Cyanobacterial mats are dense communities of microorganisms that contain photosynthetic cyanobacteria along with a host of other bacterial species that play important yet still poorly understood roles in this ecosystem. Although such cyanobacterial mats were critical agents of Earth’s biological and chemical evolution through geological time, little is known about how they function under the low-oxygen conditions that characterized most of their natural history.
Franz Unger and plant evolution: Representations of plants through time
Authors: Collins Larry B.
Published: December 2021

This chapter will highlight a series of lithographs produced by Franz Unger and Josef Kuwasseg that emphasize how Unger used plants to represent different periods of earth history. While Henry De la Beche is credited with the first depiction of ancient life through art (Duria antiquior), Unger’s work was the first to illustrate how plants could be used as indicators of changes in life history. In collaboration with artist Josef Kuwasseg, he embarked on a project entitled The Primitive World in Its Different Periods of Formation that consisted of 14 lithographs that were published in 1851. The title was unique in that it combined the concepts of a “primitive world,” or the widely accepted contemporary idea of undifferentiated deep time, with our modern concept of different periods of earth history. Unger selected periods for this project based upon major strata, but his botanical roots led him to emphasize the importance of plants in each lithograph. The series begins with the “Transition Period,” or the strata that contain the most fossil evidence to develop a reconstruction, and ends with a depiction of the arrival of man in a plant-filled world. This series of lithographs offers a unique contribution to the history and philosophy of geology as Unger recognized the importance of plants to our understanding of geology and deep time in the nineteenth century.
Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection: multidisciplinary management, challenges and literature review
Authors: Igbokwe Nnadozie , Gomersall Jess , Ugwoke Sunday Paul , Esmonde Sean
Published: December 2021

A 30-year-old woman in her second pregnancy, which was complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus. She had an uneventful spontaneous vaginal delivery at 38 weeks+3 days of gestation. Day 1 postpartum, she developed sudden chest pain radiating to her jaw and neck. Her observations were normal, and ECG showed lateral ST elevation in keeping with acute myocardial infarction. The troponin-T level was elevated at 21 ng/L at 0 hour, and >10 000 ng/L at 12 hours, respectively. Coronary angiography confirmed spontaneous dissection of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) and proximal circumflex coronary arteries. She became unstable during percutaneous coronary intervention and consequently had a successful coronary artery bypass surgery with left saphenous vein grafts to the first obtuse marginal artery and LAD. Echocardiogram revealed moderate to severe impairment of the left ventricular function postoperatively.
Approach to high intracoronary thrombus burden in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Coy Kevin M , Maryniak Andrii , Blankespoor Thomas , Stys Adam
Published: December 2021

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, several cases have reported extensive multivessel coronary thrombosis as a cardiovascular manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This case describes a patient who developed non-ST elevation myocardial infarction during hospitalization for acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to COVID-19. We review the immediate and delayed revascularisation strategies of culprit and non-culprit lesions in the setting of high intracoronary thrombus burden induced by SARS-CoV-2. Successful percutaneous intervention and stenting of a culprit lesion and resolution of an intracoronary thrombus using a delayed strategy of lesion passivation with adjuvant pharmacotherapy are demonstrated on index and follow-up angiography.
Association of persistent acute kidney injury and renal recovery with mortality in hospitalised patients
Authors: Ozrazgat-Baslanti Tezcan , Loftus Tyler J , Ren Yuanfang , Adiyeke Esra , Miao Shunshun , Hashemighouchani Haleh , Islam Rubab , Mohandas Rajesh , Gopal Saraswathi , Shenkman Elizabeth A , Pardalos Panos , Brumback Babette , Segal Mark S , Bihorac Azra
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects up to one-quarter of hospitalised patients and 60% of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aim to understand the baseline characteristics of patients who will develop distinct AKI trajectories, determine the impact of persistent AKI and renal non-recovery on clinical outcomes, resource use, and assess the relative importance of AKI severity, duration and recovery on survival.

Methods

In this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, 156 699 patients admitted to a quaternary care hospital between January 2012 and August 2019 were staged and classified (no AKI, rapidly reversed AKI, persistent AKI with and without renal recovery). Clinical outcomes, resource use and short-term and long-term survival adjusting for AKI severity were compared among AKI trajectories in all cohort and subcohorts with and without ICU admission.

Results

Fifty-eight per cent (31 500/54 212) had AKI that rapidly reversed within 48 hours; among patients with persistent AKI, two-thirds (14 122/22 712) did not have renal recovery by discharge. One-year mortality was significantly higher among patients with persistent AKI (35%, 7856/22 712) than patients with rapidly reversed AKI (15%, 4714/31 500) and no AKI (7%, 22 117/301 466). Persistent AKI without renal recovery was associated with approximately fivefold increased hazard rates compared with no AKI in all cohort and ICU and non-ICU subcohorts, independent of AKI severity.

Discussion

Among hospitalised, ICU and non-ICU patients, persistent AKI and the absence of renal recovery are associated with reduced long-term survival, independent of AKI severity.

Conclusions

It is essential to identify patients at risk of developing persistent AKI and no renal recovery to guide treatment-related decisions.
Randomised, quadruple blinded, placebo controlled, multicentre trial investigating prophylactic tamsulosin in prevention of postoperative urinary retention in men after endoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (STOP-POUR trial): a study protocol
Authors: Bieri Uwe , Slieker Juliette , Hefermehl Lukas John , Soppe Sebastian , Teufelberger Gerfried , Tedaldi Regula , Graf Nicole , Bieri Marco , Nocito Antonio
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication after inguinal hernia repair with a reported incidence up to 34%. It can be described as the inability to initiate urination or insufficient bladder emptying following surgery. It usually requires the use of catheterisation to empty the bladder in order to prevent further injury to the bladder or kidneys and to relief from pain. Tamsulosin is a medication that is commonly used in men with urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. There is some evidence to suggest that it may also potentially be beneficial for preventing POUR.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, blinded, prospective, phase IV randomised controlled trial with parallel allocation. Six hundred and thirty-four patients scheduled for elective endoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery will be recruited. There will be effective (concealed) randomisation of the subjects to the intervention/control groups. Group assignment will be performed using a covariate-adaptive allocation procedure to provide a balance for selected covariates. The interventional group receives 0.4 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride and the control-group receives one placebo capsule matching the active study drug, both daily, starting from 5 days prior to the day of surgery, at the day of surgery and for 1 day following surgery. The primary outcome is any need for urinary catheterisation postoperatively as a binary outcome. Secondary outcome measures include postoperative pain, change in International Prostate Symptom Score from baseline prior to surgery to after surgery and hospital stay.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Northwestern and Central Switzerland Ethics Committee (2020–00569) and it is being conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and national and international scientific conferences.

Trial registration numbers

SNCTP000003904.NCT04491526.
Association between ambient temperature and cognitive function in a community-dwelling elderly population: a repeated measurement study
Authors: Lo Yuan-Ting C , Su Wei-Peng , Mei Shu-Hsuan , Jou Yann-Yuh , Huang Han-Bin
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Evidence on the associations between short-term and long-term air temperature exposure and cognitive function in older adults, particularly those in Asia, is limited. We explored the relationships of short-term and long-term air temperature exposure with cognitive function in Taiwanese older adults through a repeated measures survey.

Design and setting

We used data the ongoing Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, a multiple-wave nationwide survey.

Participants

We identified 1956, 1700, 1248 and 876 older adults in 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2007, respectively.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Participants’ cognitive function assessment was based on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. We calculated the temperature moving average (TMA) for temperature exposure windows between 1993 and 2007 using data from air quality monitoring stations, depending on the administrative zone of each participant’s residence. Generalised linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of short-term and long-term temperature changes on cognitive function.

Results

Short-term and long-term temperature exposure was significantly and positively associated with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment, with the greatest increase in ORs found for 3-year TMAs (OR 1.247; 95% CI 1.107 to 1.404). The higher the quintiles of temperature exposure were, the higher were the ORs. The strongest association found was in long-term TMA exposure (OR 3.674; 95% CI 2.103 to 6.417) after covariates were controlled for.

Conclusions

The risk of mild cognitive impairment increased with ambient temperature in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.
Resource use and costs associated with epilepsy in the Queensland hospital system: protocol for a population-based data linkage study
Authors: Tulleners Ruth , Blythe Robin , Dionisio Sasha , Carter Hannah
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Epilepsy places a large burden on health systems, with hospitalisations for seizures alone occurring more frequently than those related to diabetes. However, the cost of epilepsy to the Australian health system is not well understood. The primary aim of this study is to quantify the health service use and cost of epilepsy in Queensland, Australia. Secondary aims are to identify differences in health service use and cost across population and disease subgroups, and to explore the associations between health service use and common comorbidities.

Methods and analysis

This project will use data linkage to identify the health service utilisation and costs associated with epilepsy. A base cohort of patients will be identified from the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection. We will select all patients admitted between 2014 and 2018 with a diagnosis classification related to epilepsy. Two comparison cohorts will also be identified. Retrospective hospital admissions data will be linked with emergency department presentations, clinical costing data, specialist outpatient and allied health occasions of service data and mortality data. The level of health service use in Queensland, and costs associated with this, will be quantified using descriptive statistics. Difference in health service costs between groups will be explored using logistic regression. Linear regression will be used to model the associations of interest. The analysis will adjust for confounders including age, sex, comorbidities, indigenous status, and remoteness.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained through the QUT University Human Research Ethics Committee (1900000333). Permission to waive consent has been granted under the Public Health Act 2005, with approval provided by all relevant data custodians. Findings of the proposed research will be communicated through presentations at national and international conferences, presentations to key stakeholders and decision-makers, and publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
Study protocol: Minimum effective low dose: anti-human thymocyte globulin (MELD-ATG): phase II, dose ranging, efficacy study of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) within 6 weeks of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wilhelm-Benartzi Charlotte S , Miller Sarah E , Bruggraber Sylvaine , Picton Diane , Wilson Mark , Gatley Katrina , Chhabra Anita , Marcovecchio M Loredana , Hendriks A Emile J , Morobé Hilde , Chmura Piotr Jaroslaw , Bond Simon , Aschemeier-Fuchs Bärbel , Knip Mikael , Tree Timothy , Overbergh Lut , Pall Jaivier , Arnaud Olivier , Haller Michael J , Nitsche Almut , Schulte Anke M , Mathieu Chantal , Mander Adrian , Dunger David
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease, characterised by progressive destruction of the insulin-producing β cells of the pancreas. One immunosuppressive agent that has recently shown promise in the treatment of new-onset T1D subjects aged 12–45 years is antithymocyte globulin (ATG), Thymoglobuline, encouraging further exploration in lower age groups.

Methods and analysis

Minimal effective low dose (MELD)-ATG is a phase 2, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiarm parallel-group trial in participants 5–25 years diagnosed with T1D within 3–9 weeks of planned treatment day 1. A total of 114 participants will be recruited sequentially into seven different cohorts with the first cohort of 30 participants being randomised to placebo, 2.5 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg ATG total dose in a 1:1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. The next six cohorts of 12–15 participants will be randomised to placebo, 2.5 mg/kg, and one or two selected middle ATG total doses in a 1:1:1:1 or 1:1:1 allocation ratio, as dependent on the number of middle doses, given intravenously over two consecutive days. The primary objective will be to determine the changes in stimulated C-peptide response over the first 2 hours of a mixed meal tolerance test at 12 months for 2.5 mg/kg ATG arm vs the placebo. Conditional on finding a significant difference at 2.5 mg/kg, a minimally effective dose will be sought. Secondary objectives include the determination of the effects of a particular ATG treatment dose on (1) stimulated C-peptide, (2) glycated haemoglobin, (3) daily insulin dose, (4) time in range by intermittent continuous glucose monitoring measures, (5) fasting and stimulated dry blood spot (DBS) C-peptide measurements.

Ethics and dissemination

MELD-ATG received first regulatory and ethical approvals in Belgium in September 2020 and from the German and UK regulators as of February 2021. The publication policy is set in the INNODIA (An innovative approach towards understanding and arresting Type 1 diabetes consortium) grant agreement (www.innodia.eu).

Trial registration number

NCT03936634; Pre-results.