bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human γδ T cell sensing of AMPK-dependent metabolic tumor reprogramming through TCR recognition of EphA2
Authors: Harly Christelle , Joyce Stephen Paul , Domblides Charlotte , Bachelet Thomas , Pitard Vincent , Mannat Charlotte , Pappalardo Angela , Couzi Lionel , Netzer Sonia , Massara Layal , Obre Emilie , Hawchar Omar , Lartigue Lydia , Claverol Stéphane , Cano Carla , Moreau Jean-François , Mahouche Isabelle , Soubeyran Isabelle , Rossignol Rodrigue , Viollet Benoit , Willcox Carrie R. , Mohammed Fiyaz , Willcox Benjamin E. , Faustin Benjamin , Déchanet-Merville Julie
Published: July 2021

A γδ TCR senses metabolic tumor reprogramming through recognition of EphA2.
The chemerin-CMKLR1 axis limits thermogenesis by controlling a beige adipocyte/IL-33/type 2 innate immunity circuit
Authors: Lin Yuli , Xiao Liuling , Cai Qian , Zhu Cuisong , Li Shufen , Li Bingji , Liu Ting , Zhang Qiongyue , Wang Yi , Li Yiming , He Xing , Pan Dongning , Tang Qiqun , Wu Xiaohui , Pan Weiqing , Wang Jiqiu , Li Xi , He Rui
Published: July 2021

Chemerin restricts cold-induced IL-33 production by beige adipocytes, impairing beige fat’s ability to dissipate excess energy stores.
Assessment of Course-Based Research Modules Based on Faculty Research in Introductory Biology
Authors: Cole Megan F. , Hickman Meleah A. , Morran Levi , Beck Christopher W.
Published: July 2021

Calls for early exposure of all undergraduates to research have led to the increased use and study of course-based research experiences (CREs). CREs have been shown to increase measures of persistence in the sciences, such as science identity, scientific self-efficacy, project ownership, scientific community values, and networking.
Supplemental Material: The Middle-Late Cretaceous Zagros ophiolites, Iran: Linking of a 3000 km swath of subduction initiation fore-arc lithosphere from Troodos, Cyprus to Oman
Authors: Moghadam H.S. , al et.
Published: July 2021

Table S1: Zircon O and Lu-Hf isotopic composition of the Zagros inner-belt and outer-belt ophiolitic rocks; Table S2: Whole rock major and trace elements analysis of the Zagros inner-belt and outer-belt ophiolitic rocks; Table S3: LA-ICP-MS U-Pb analyses of zircons from the Zagros inner-belt and outer-belt ophiolites; Table S4: SIMS U-Pb analyses of zircon from the Zagros inner-belt and outer-belt ophiolites; Appendix A.
Peripartum considerations and challenges in the management of type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Makam Hazarathamma , Siddiqui Farah , Patwardhan Asmita , Darbar Anil
Published: July 2021

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an uncommon heterogenous autosomal dominant multisystemic connective tissue disorder, which may potentially present with life-threatening emergencies. The prevalence of EDS of all subtypes is from 1 in 10 000 to 1 in 20 000. Pregnancy in women with type IV EDS poses significant challenges, necessitating the care of multidisciplinary team. Potential complications of type IV EDS include arterial dissection, arterial aneurysm, visceral rupture, excessive bleeding, tissue fragility and delayed wound healing. We present an interesting case of a pregnant woman with type IV EDS who had previous cerebrovascular complications and had a successful delivery in our tertiary centre following a collaborative approach to her care.
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura and acute liver injury after COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Hines Adam , Shen Janice Gloria , Olazagasti Coral , Shams Shakil
Published: July 2021

A 26-year-old woman was sent to the emergency room by her primary care physician for a new petechial rash and thrombocytopenia 2 weeks after receiving the Moderna mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Her hospital course was complicated by transaminitis. Her platelet count improved to normal on hospital day 5 after receiving intravenous steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin to treat her suspected diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Extensive workup for her thrombocytopenia and transaminitis was unremarkable including ruling out infectious, autoimmune and toxic causes. A liver biopsy was unrevealing and her transaminitis was improved on discharge. Although not proven, the temporal relationship of her vaccination with thrombocytopenia and abnormal liver enzymes points towards the Moderna mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine as the most likely inciting factor.
Lithium use in a patient on haemodialysis with bipolar affective disorder and lithium-induced nephropathy
Authors: Topp Sam , Salisbury Emma
Published: July 2021

Lithium is an effective mood stabiliser used to treat bipolar affective disorder (BPAD); however, it can also adversely affect the kidneys, causing acute toxic effects, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, chronic renal dysfunction and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in a minority of patients. We describe the case of a man with a 34-year history of BPAD type-1 and a 2-year history of ESKD secondary to lithium-induced nephropathy who experienced a manic relapse. He previously responded well to lithium but, following a deterioration in kidney function, was switched to olanzapine and sodium valproate. This precipitated a period of instability, which culminated in a treatment-resistant manic episode requiring hospital admission. After a multidisciplinary team discussion, lithium therapy was restarted and provided remission. This was achieved safely through a reduced dosing schedule of three times a week post dialysis, slow dose titration and blood level monitoring prior to each dialysis session.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a rare clinical presentation of L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria
Authors: George Jithin , Sandhya Pushpagiri , Sajitha Kizhakethil Velliyatil , Sundaram Soumya
Published: July 2021

L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L2HGA) is a rare autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder caused by the deficiency of L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (L2HGDH) enzyme. Dystonia, ataxia, pyramidal involvement and seizures are the common clinical manifestations. Coexisting behavioural problems and intellectual disability are also seen, however attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as the presenting clinical feature in L2HGA is rarely described. Here, we report a 5-year-old boy with behavioural problems and mild language delay. On clinical assessment, he fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. His MR brain sequences showed classical finding of L2HGA—bilateral symmetrical T2-weighted hyperintensity involving subcortical white matter, basal ganglia and dentate nucleus. Urine analysis showed increased levels of 2-hydroxyglutaric acid and exome sequencing (targeted leukodystrophy panel) revealed homozygous likely pathogenic mutation inL2HGDH. He was started on high dose of riboflavin and levocarnitine and rehabilitative measures with which he had improvement in behavioural symptoms. This case illustrates the pivotol role of MR brain imaging in the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism.
Bilateral pleural effusion and pneumomediastinum: rare complication resulting from punctured left subclavian vein following insertion of PICC line for total parenteral nutrition
Authors: Siddiqui Saquib Navid , Memon Muhammad , Hasan Tanveer
Published: July 2021

This is a rare case of development of bi-lateral chylous pleural effusion (containing parenteral nutrition material) along with pneumomediastinum due to punctured left subclavian vein following insertion of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) line. Parenteral nutrition is usually preferred for patients unable to tolerate enteral feeding. Due to hypertonicity of the total parenteral nutrition material, it is usually administered via internal jugular or subclavian vein which have a rapid blood flow; therefore, resulting in adequate mixing. Literature studies are yet to clearly explain the communications between two pleural cavities; therefore, development of bilateral pleural effusions in association with pneumomediastinum makes this case more intriguing. We present the journey of a 43-year-old woman who required insertion of bilateral chest drains, followed by sternotomy and repair of the left subclavian vein after she was found in hypoxic respiratory failure 2 days following insertion of PICC line into her left subclavian vein.
Preanalytic and analytic factors affecting the measurement of haemoglobin concentration: impact on global estimates of anaemia prevalence
Authors: Larson Leila M , Braat Sabine , Hasan Mohammed Imrul , Mwangi Martin N , Estepa Fernando , Hossain Sheikh Jamal , Clucas Danielle , Biggs Beverley-Ann , Phiri Kamija S , Hamadani Jena Derakhshani , Pasricha Sant-Rayn
Published: July 2021

The accuracy of haemoglobin concentration measurements is crucial for deriving global anaemia prevalence estimates and monitoring anaemia reduction strategies. In this analysis, we examined and quantified the factors affecting preanalytic and analytic variation in haemoglobin concentrations. Using cross-sectional data from three field studies (in children, pregnant and nonpregnant women), we examined the difference in haemoglobin concentration between venous-drawn and capillary-drawn blood measured by HemoCue (ie, preanalytic) and modelled how the bias observed may affect anaemia prevalence estimates in population surveys and anaemia public health severity classification across countries. Using data from an international quality assurance programme, we examined differences due to instrumentation from 16 different haematology analyzers (ie, analytic). Results indicated that capillary and venous haemoglobin concentrations are not in agreement (bias +5.7 g/L (limits of agreement (LoA) −11.2, 22.6) in preschool age children; range from −28 g/L to +20 g/L in pregnant women; bias +8.8 g/L (LoA −5.2, 22.9) in non-pregnant women). The bias observed could introduce changes in population survey estimates of anaemia of up to −20.7 percentage points in children and −28.2 percentage points in non-pregnant women after venous adjustment. Analytic variation was minimal and unlikely to influence the diagnosis of anaemia. These findings suggest that global estimates of anaemia prevalence derived from capillary haemoglobin, as they often are, may be inaccurate and lead to erroneous public health severity classification, but that point-of-care, or other, instruments should not introduce variation if properly used.
Using tailored media as an innovative approach to recruit to global health research
Authors: Gedela Keerti , McHugh Gerri , Saputra Dian , Luis Hendry , McOwan Alan , Wignall Frank Stephen , Sukmaningrum Evi , Whitlock Gary , Nwokolo Nneka , Irwanto Irwanto
Published: July 2021

Digital media has a global reach that includes increasingly marginalised and vulnerable communities. Engaging, empowering media paired with key health messaging can provide education in more effective ways, build trust and bring communities together. An HIV testing and study recruitment film was co-created with a multidisciplinary team of HIV/sexual health physicians, medical and social science researchers from Bali, Jakarta and London, as well as members of the community and commercial film and media creatives. This short film provides a novel and innovative approach to recruit to a social science study and encourage HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Indonesia. This study aims to inform a digital HIV risk reduction tool for a community affected by increasing marginalisation and a fast-growing HIV epidemic.
Developing a core outcome set for traumatic brachial plexus injuries: a systematic review of outcomes
Authors: Miller Caroline , Cross Jane , O'Sullivan Joel , Power Dominic M , Kyte Derek , Jerosch-Herold Christina
Published: July 2021

Objective

To identify what outcomes have been assessed in traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) research to inform the development of a core outcome set for TBPI.

Design

Systematic review.

Method

Medline (OVID), EMBASE, CINAHL and AMED were systematically searched for studies evaluating the clinical effectiveness of interventions in adult TBPIs from January 2013 to September 2018 updated in May 2021. Two authors independently screened papers. Outcome reporting bias was assessed. All outcomes were extracted verbatim from studies. Patient-reported outcomes or performance outcome measures were extracted directly from the instrument. Variation in outcome reporting was determined by assessing the number of unique outcomes reported across all included studies. Outcomes were categorised into domains using a prespecified taxonomy.

Results

Verbatim outcomes (n=1491) were extracted from 138 studies including 32 questionnaires. Unique outcomes (n=157) were structured into 4 core areas and 11 domains. Outcomes within the musculoskeletal domain were measured in 86% of studies, physical functioning in 25%, emotional functioning in 25% and adverse events in 33%. We identified 63 different methods for measuring muscle strength, 16 studies for range of movement and 63 studies did not define how they measured movement. More than two-thirds of the outcomes were incompletely reported in prospective studies.

Conclusion

This review of outcome reporting in TBPI research demonstrated an impairment focus and heterogeneity. A core outcome set would ensure standardised and relevant outcomes are reported to facilitate future systematic review and meta-analysis.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018109843.
Consideration of antimicrobial resistance and contextual factors in infectious disease guidelines: a systematic survey
Authors: Stalteri Mastrangelo Rosa , Santesso Nancy , Bognanni Antonio , Darzi Andrea , Karam Samer , Piggott Thomas , Baldeh Tejan , Schünemann Finn , Ventresca Matthew , Morgano Gian Paolo , Moja Lorenzo , Loeb Mark , Schunemann Holger
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Guidelines that include antimicrobial recommendations should explicitly consider contextual factors that influence antimicrobial resistance and their downstream effects on resistance selection. The objectives were to analyse (1) how, and to what extent, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea and respiratory tract infection guidelines are considering antimicrobial resistance; (2) are of acceptable quality and (3) if they can be easily contextualised to fit the needs of specific populations and health systems.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and searched Ovid MEDLINE and Embase from 1 January 2007 to 7 June 2019 for tuberculosis, gonorrhoea and respiratory tract infection guidelines published in English. We also searched guideline databases, key websites and reference lists. We identified guidelines and recommendations that considered contextual factors including antimicrobial resistance, values, resource use, equity, acceptability and feasibility. We assessed quality of the guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool focusing on the domains scope and purpose, rigour of development, and editorial independence.

Results

We screened 10 365 records, of which 74 guidelines met inclusion criteria. Of these guidelines, 39% (n=29/74) met acceptable quality scores. Approximately two-thirds of recommendations considered antimicrobial resistance at the population and/or outcome level. Five of the 29 guidelines reported all factors required for recommendation contextualisation. Equity was the least considered across guidelines.

Discussion

Relatively few guidelines for highly prevalent infectious diseases are considering resistance at a local level, and many do not consider contextual factors necessary for appropriate antimicrobial use. Improving the quality of guidelines targeting specific regional areas is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020145235.
Self-management challenges following hospital discharge for patients with multimorbidity: a longitudinal qualitative study of a motivational interviewing intervention
Authors: Brandberg Carina , Ekstedt Mirjam , Flink Maria
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe challenges in self-management activities among people with multimorbidity during a 4-week post-discharge period.

Design

This is a longitudinal qualitative study using data from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of motivational interviewing (MI) sessions.

Setting

The RCT was conducted at six wards in two hospitals—one university hospital and one general hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, during 2016–2018.

Participants

Sixteen participants from the intervention group, diagnosed with heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and at least one other chronic condition, were purposively selected for this study.

Interventions

Each participant had four or five post-discharge MI sessions with a trained social worker during a period of approximately 4 weeks. The sessions were recorded digitally and analysed using content analysis. Altogether, 70 recorded sessions were analysed.

Results

Self-management after hospital discharge was a dynamic process with several shifting features that evolved gradually over time. Patients with multimorbidity experienced two major challenges with self-management in the first 4 weeks following hospital discharge: ‘Managing a system-centred care’ and ‘Handling the burden of living with multiple illnesses at home post-discharge’.

Conclusions

Self-management for patients with multimorbidity in the first post-discharge period does not equate to a fixed set of tasks, but varies over the post-discharge period. Self-management challenges include not only the burden of the disease itself, but also that of navigating and understanding the healthcare system. Hence, self-management support post-discharge involves both aiding patients with care coordination and meeting their gradually shifting disease-related needs.

Trial registration number

NCT02823795.
Do chronic heart failure symptoms interact with burden of treatment? Qualitative literature systematic review
Authors: Austin Rosalynn C , Schoonhoven Lisette , Clancy Mike , Richardson Alison , Kalra Paul R , May Carl R
Published: July 2021

Objective

Explore the interaction between patient experienced symptoms and burden of treatment (BoT) theory in chronic heart failure (CHF). BoT explains how dynamic patient workload (self-care) and their capacity (elements influencing capability), impacts on patients’ experience of illness.

Design

Review of qualitative research studies.

Data sources

CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science were searched between January 2007 and 2020.

Eligibility Criteria

Journal articles in English, reporting qualitative studies on lived experience of CHF.

Results

35 articles identified related to the lived experience of 720 patients with CHF. Symptoms with physical and emotional characteristics were identified with breathlessness, weakness, despair and anxiety most prevalent. Identifying symptoms’ interaction with BoT framework identified three themes: (1) Symptoms appear to infrequently drive patients to engage in self-care (9.2% of codes), (2) symptoms appear to impede (70.5% of codes) and (3) symptoms form barriers to self-care engagement (20.3% of codes). Symptoms increase illness workload, making completing tasks more difficult; simultaneously, symptoms alter a patient’s capacity, through a reduction in their individual capabilities and willingness to access external resources (ie, hospitals) often with devasting impact on patients’ lives.

Conclusions

Symptoms appear to be integral in the patient experience of CHF and BoT, predominately acting to impede patients’ efforts to engage in self-care. Symptoms alter illness workload, increasing complexity and hardship. Patients’ capacity is reduced by symptoms, in what they can do and their willingness to ask for help. Symptoms can lower their perceived self-value and roles within society. Symptoms appear to erode a patient’s agency, decreasing self-value and generalised physical deconditioning leading to affective paralysis towards self-care regimens. Together describing a state of overwhelming BoT which is thought to be a contributor to poor engagement in self-care and may provide new insights into the perceived poor adherence to self-care in the CHF population.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017077487.
Trends in healthcare utilisation during COVID-19: a longitudinal study from the UK
Authors: Howarth Ana , Munro Morag , Theodorou Alf , Mills Peter R
Published: July 2021

Objective

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on healthcare utilisation. The aim of this retrospective review was to quantify how utilisation of non-COVID care changed during this time so as to gain insight and inform planning of future services during potential second and subsequent waves.

Methods and analysis

A longitudinal design was used to analyse anonymous private UK health insurer datasets covering the period of January 2018 to August 2020. Taken as a measure of healthcare utilisation in the UK, incidence rates of claims broken down by service area and condition were calculated alongside overall monthly totals and costs. Pre-COVID-19 years were compared with the current year.

Results

Healthcare utilisation during the first wave of COVID-19 decreased by as much as 70% immediately after lockdown measures were implemented. After 2 months, the trend reversed and claims steadily began to increase, but did not reach rates seen from previous years by the end of August 2020. Assessment by service and diagnostic category showed that most areas, especially those highly reliant on in-person treatment, reflected the same pattern (ie, rapid drop followed by a steady recovery). The provision of mental health services differed from this observed trend, where utilisation increased by 20% during the first wave of COVID-19, in comparison to pre-COVID-19 years. The utilisation of maternity services and the treatment of existing cancers also stayed stable, or increased slightly, during this time.

Conclusions

Healthcare utilisation in a UK-based privately insured population decreased dramatically during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, being over 70% lower at its height. However, mental health services remained resilient during this time, possibly due to greater virtualisation of diagnostics and care.
Discovery and 3D imaging of a novel ΔNp63-expressing basal cell type in human pancreatic ducts with implications in disease
Authors: Martens Sandrina , Coolens Katarina , Van Bulck Mathias , Arsenijevic Tatjana , Casamitjana Joan , Fernandez Ruiz Angel , El Kaoutari Abdessamad , Martinez de Villareal Jaime , Madhloum Hediel , Esni Farzad , Heremans Yves , Leuckx Gunter , Heimberg Harry , Bouwens Luc , Jacquemin Patrick , De Paep Diedert Luc , in't Veld Peter , D'Haene Nicky , Bouchart Christelle , Dusetti Nelson , Van Laethem Jean-Luc , Waelput Wim , Lefesvre Pierre , Real Francisco X , Rovira Meritxell , Rooman Ilse
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aggressive basal-like molecular subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) harbours a ΔNp63 (p40) gene expression signature reminiscent of a basal cell type. Distinct from other epithelia with basal tumours, ΔNp63+basal cells reportedly do not exist in the normal pancreas.

Design

We evaluated ΔNp63 expression in human pancreas, chronic pancreatitis (CP) and PDAC. We further studied in depth the non-cancerous tissue and developed a three-dimensional (3D) imaging protocol (FLIP-IT, Fluorescence Light sheet microscopic Imaging of Paraffin-embedded or Intact Tissue) to study formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples at single cell resolution. Pertinent mouse models and HPDE cells were analysed.

Results

In normal human pancreas, rare ΔNp63+cells exist in ducts while their prevalence increases in CP and in a subset of PDAC. In non-cancer tissue, ΔNp63+cells are atypical KRT19+duct cells that overall lack SOX9 expression while they do express canonical basal markers and pertain to a niche of cells expressing gastrointestinal stem cell markers. 3D views show that the basal cells anchor on the basal membrane of normal medium to large ducts while in CP they exist in multilayer dome-like structures. In mice, ΔNp63 is not found in adult pancreas nor in selected models of CP or PDAC, but it is induced in organoids from larger Sox9lowducts. In HPDE, ΔNp63 supports a basal cell phenotype at the expense of a classical duct cell differentiation programme.

Conclusion

In larger human pancreatic ducts, basal cells exist. ΔNp63 suppresses duct cell identity. These cells may play an important role in pancreatic disease, including PDAC ontogeny, but are not present in mouse models.
Mechanisms of regulatory T cell infiltration in tumors: implications for innovative immune precision therapies
Authors: Koyama Shohei , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi
Published: July 2021

With the broad application of cancer immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple cancer types, the immunological landscape in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become enormously important for determining the optimal cancer treatment. Tumors can be immunologically divided into two categories: inflamed and non-inflamed based on the extent of immune cell infiltration and their activation status. In general, immunotherapies are preferable for the inflamed tumors than for non-inflamed tumors. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), an immunosuppressive subset of CD4+ T cells, play an essential role in maintaining self-tolerance and immunological homeostasis. In tumor immunity, Tregs compromise immune surveillance against cancer in healthy individuals and impair the antitumor immune response in tumor-bearing hosts. Tregs, therefore, accelerate immune evasion by tumor cells, leading to tumor development and progression in various types of cancer. Therefore, Tregs are considered to be a crucial therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. Abundant Tregs are observed in the TME in many types of cancer, both in inflamed and non-inflamed tumors. Diverse mechanisms of Treg accumulation, activation, and survival in the TME have been uncovered for different tumor types, indicating the importance of understanding the mechanism of Treg infiltration in each patient when selecting the optimal Treg-targeted therapy. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms leading to Treg abundance in the TME to optimize Treg-targeted therapy. Furthermore, in addition to the conventional strategies targeting cell surface molecules predominantly expressed by Tregs, reagents targeting molecules and signaling pathways specifically employed by Tregs for infiltration, activation, and survival in each tumor type are illustrated as novel Treg-targeted therapies. The effectiveness of immune precision therapy depends on conditions in the TME of each cancer patient.
Food sources of dietary fibre and risk of total knee replacement related to severe osteoarthritis, the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Leung Ying Ying , Jin Aizhen , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Ang Li-Wei , Yuan Jian-Min , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the association between fibre intake and its food sources, and the risk of total knee replacement (TKR) due to severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

We used data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort study that recruited 63 257 participants aged 45–74 years from 1993 to 1998. At baseline, we assessed diet using a validated 165-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, together with body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle factors. Incident TKR cases were identified via record linkage with nationwide hospital discharge database through 2017.

Results

There were 2816 cases of incident TKR due to severe KOA. The total fibre intake at baseline was not associated with the risk of TKR after adjustment for confounders. Among the food sources of fibre, higher intake of legumes was associated with a lower risk of TKR in a dose-dependent manner; compared with those having the lowest quartile intake, HR (95% CI) was 0.86 (0.76, 0.96) for those having the highest quartile intake (p for trend=0.004). This association was consistent after including BMI in the model and homogeneous across BMI categories. The consumption of other fibre sources, namely grain products, nuts and seeds, soy food, fruits and vegetables, was not associated with the risk of TKR.

Conclusion

Intake of legumes, but not total fibre, was associated with a reduced risk of TKR. Further research is needed to replicate our findings and to evaluate possible biological mechanisms that could explain the effect of dietary legumes on pathogenesis or progression of KOA.
On the “Froissaron-maximal Odderon” model
Authors: Petrov Vladimir A.
Published: July 2021

We analyse the basic premises of the “Froissaron-maximal Odderon” (FMO) model which was claimed to be “the only existing model which describes the totality of experimental data”. It is shown that the FMO model suffers from serious theoretical flaws while its quality of the data description is such that the probability that it describes the selected set of data is not satisfactory enough.
Muon anomalous magnetic moment and Higgs potential stability in the 331 model from SU(6)
Authors: Li Tianjun , Pei Junle , Zhang Wenxing
Published: July 2021

We consider a $$SU(3)_c \times SU(3)_L \times U(1)_X$$

S
U

(
3
)

c

×
S
U

(
3
)

L

×
U

(
1
)

X

model from a SU(6) Grand Unified Theory (GUT). In order to explain the anomalous magnetic moments of muon and electron, we introduce two new scalar triplets without vacuum expectation values (VEVs) so that the leading contributions to $$\Delta a_{\mu }$$

Δ

a
μ

and $$\Delta a_{e}$$

Δ

a
e

can avoid the suppression from small muon mass. In addition, the Higgs potential stability of this 331 model is studied by giving a set of sufficient conditions to ensure the boundedness from below of the potential.
Tsallis statistics and generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: Luciano Giuseppe Gaetano
Published: July 2021

It has been argued that non-Gaussian statistics provide a natural framework to investigate semiclassical effects in the context of Planck-scale deformations of the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Here we substantiate this point by considering the Unruh effect as a specific playground. By working in the realm of quantum field theory, we reformulate the derivation of the modified Unruh effect from the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) in the language of the nonextensive Tsallis thermostatistics. We find a nontrivial monotonic relation between the nonextensivity index q and the GUP deformation parameter $$\beta $$
β
, which generalizes an earlier result obtained in quantum mechanics. We then extend our analysis to black hole thermodynamics. We preliminarily discuss our outcome in the broader context of an effective description of Planck-scale gravitational physics based on Tsallis theory.
Cubic–quartic solitons in couplers with optical metamaterials having power law of refractive index
Authors: Zayed Elsayed M. E. , Alngar Mohamed E. M. , Shohib Reham M. A. , Biswas Anjan , Ekici Mehmet , Alshehri Hashim M. , Belic Milivoj R.
Published: July 2021

This paper studies couplers in optical metamaterials that come with power law of nonlinear refractive index. The Kudryashov’s approach reveals bright, singular as well as bright-singular straddled optical soliton solutions. Both twin-core couplers and multiple-core couplers are studied.
Note on Reliability Analysis of Cartesian Product of Networks for Components
Authors: Guo Litao , Ge Jun
Published: July 2021

Connectivity is a critical parameter which can measure the reliability of networks. Let [Formula: see text] be a vertex set of [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] has at least [Formula: see text] components, then [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-component cut of [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]-component connectivity [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the vertex number of a smallest [Formula: see text]-component cut. Cartesian product of graphs is a useful method to construct a large network. We will use Cauchy–Schwarz inequality to determine the component connectivity of Cartesian product of some graphs.
Extensions of several coprime results to good action case
Authors: Ercan Gülı̇n , Güloğlu İsmaı̇l Ş. , Jabara Enrico
Published: July 2021

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be groups where [Formula: see text] acts on [Formula: see text] by automorphisms. We say “the action of [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] is good” if the equality [Formula: see text] holds for any subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and for any [Formula: see text]-invariant subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. It is straightforward that every coprime action is a good action. In this work, we extend some results due to Ward, Gross, Shumyatsky, Jabara and Meng and Guo under coprime action to good action.
PORTRAIT AND HILBERT TRANSFORM METHODS FOR EVALUATING CONTINUOUS RELATIVE PHASE BETWEEN LOWER-LIMB JOINTS IN THE ELDERLY DURING WALKING
Authors: CHOI HYUK-JAE , KIM GYOOSUK , KO CHANG-YONG
Published: July 2021

In order to calculate the continuous relative phase (CRP) between joints, the portrait method based on the joint angle and angular velocity and the Hilbert transform method based on the analytical signal have been widely used. However, there are few comparisons of these methods. Therefore, the aim of this study is to quantitatively compare these methods by calculating the CRP in the lower-limb joints of the elderly during level free walking. Eighteen elderly female adults ([Formula: see text] year-old, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]kg) wearing a Helen Hayes full-body marker set walked 10[Formula: see text]m on level ground at a self-selected velocity. The angles of the hip, knee, and ankle were measured. To calculate the CRP using the portrait method, the angular velocities were measured. Then, the phases between the angle and the angular velocity were calculated. To calculate the CRP using the Hilbert transform method, analytical signals were acquired. Then, the phases between the real and imaginary parts were calculated. A CRP was calculated as the difference between the phase in the proximal joint and the phase in the distal joint. To evaluate the similarity in the shape between the portrait and Hilbert transform methods, the cross-correlation was calculated. Bland–Altman plot analyses were performed to assess the agreement between these methods. For the root mean squares (RMSs) and standard deviations (SDs), a paired [Formula: see text]-test and the Pearson correlation between methods were evaluated. There were similarities in the in-phase or out-of-phase features and in the RMS and SD between the methods. Additionally, a higher cross-correlation and agreement between them were found. These results indicated the similarity between the portrait and Hilbert transform methods for the calculation of the CRP. Therefore, either method can be used to evaluate joint coordination.
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STANDING AND SITTING POSTURES ON NECK PROPRIOCEPTION USING JOINT POSITION ERROR TEST
Authors: KIM HYUN-SUNG , SHIN YOUNG-JUN , KIM SEONG-GIL
Published: July 2021

The proprioceptive sense is a very important function for the body, and joint position error test (JPET) is commonly used to measure it. This study was to analyze the difference of proprioception in standing and sitting postures through the JPET. A total of 60 students (M/F, 12/48) in D University in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea participated in this study. A JPET was performed with the subject’s eyes closed to assess the neck proprioception. The movement of the neck was measured in flexion, extension, and lateral flexion, and separately measured when sitting and standing. The difference in repositioning errors between sitting and standing postures was analyzed using paired [Formula: see text]-test. There was a significant difference in repositioning errors between sitting and standing posture in neck extension. There was no significant difference in repositioning errors between sitting and standing posture in neck flexion and lateral flexion. In conclusion, in a sitting posture, posterior neck muscles are used more than in the standing posture, which may negatively affect the proprioceptive accuracy of the neck and may also increase the neck repositioning errors.
A bound on expectation values and variances of quantum observables via Rényi entropy and Tsallis entropy
Authors: Zhang Sujuan , Li Jing
Published: July 2021

Entropy is a key concept of quantum information theory. The entropy of a quantum system is a measure of its randomness and has many applications in quantum communication protocols, quantum coherence, and so on. In this paper, based on the Rényi entropy and Tsallis entropy, we derive the bounds of the expectation value and variance of a quantum observable. By the maximal value of Rényi entropy, we show an upper bound on the product of variance and entropy. Furthermore, we obtain the reverse uncertainty relation for the product and sum of the variances for [Formula: see text] observables respectively.
The Quad in Relation to China and ASEAN: Geopolitical Irritant, Stabilizing Shock Absorber, or Springboard to the Future?
Authors: Bitas Basil C.
Published: July 2021

This paper traces the evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) from its inception in an ad-hoc manner in 2004 to its current, more formal iteration, beginning in 2017. It asks whether the regional cross-currents, ranging from trade tensions to competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, will give the Quad scope to play a constructive stabilizing role or whether the grouping will simply exacerbate frictions. The interests of the Quad members, together with those of ASEAN and China, are highlighted in assessing the extent to which they can be reconciled or leveraged for the benefit of regional stability, security and development. The paper postulates a continuum running from the Quad as irritant to shock absorber or, ideally, springboard to the future and further explains how a broader mission for the Quad, focusing on (i) operational interests and flexible cooperation among like-minded states rather than (ii) “security” and formal membership per se, may be most consistent with the modern approach to balancing sovereignty and collective action and to advancing in real terms the needs and interests of the region.
Real-world String Comparison
Authors: Ullrich Torsten
Published: July 2021

In many languages a string comparison is a pitfall for beginners. With any Unicode string as input, a comparison often causes problems even for advanced users. The semantic equivalence of different characters in Unicode requires a normalization of the strings before comparing them. This article shows how to handle Unicode sequences correctly. The comparison of two strings for equality often raises questions concerning the difference between comparison by value, comparison of object references, strict equality, and loose equality. The most important aspect is semantic equivalence.
Cognition (and Learning) On the Loose
Authors: Quinn Clark
Published: July 2021

Annie Murphy Paul's new book, "The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain," covers emerging research that extends our understanding of thinking beyond the typical view of "mind in the brain." Illustrated with stories, this book unpacks new recognitions, and provides the implications for the design of learning and instruction.
A Class of Laguerre-Based Generalized Humbert Polynomials
Authors: Batra Saniya , Rai Prakriti
Published: July 2021

Several mathematicians have extensively investigated polynomials, their extensions, and their applications in various other research areas for a decade. Our paper aims to introduce another such polynomial, namely, Laguerre-based generalized Humbert polynomial, and investigate its properties. In particular, it derives elementary identities, recursive differential relations, additional symmetry identities, and implicit summation formulas.
Optimal Showroom Service Strategy and Power Structure for Retailers considering Consumer Return
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Chen Haoran , Hu Jiawei , Ma Chenhao , Shi Wei
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the optimal showroom service strategy and power structure for online and offline retailers considering online consumer return. Combining two service strategies and three competition power structures, six models are constructed to analyze the effects of the showrooming effect and consumer return on retailers’ decisions and consumer surplus. The results show that the SS strategy is the best choice for offline retailers, and it is also an effective way to solve consumer return. Online retailers are suggested to cooperate with offline retailers to implement SS strategy and enhance the showrooming effect. Under the SS strategy, the offline-led power structure is the best choice for online retailers, but the online-led power structure is optimal for offline retailers. We also find that the supply chain and consumers are more likely to implement SS strategy and offline-led power structure. More importantly, we pinpoint that there is no incentive for retailers to implement the Nash power structure. Therefore, it is recommended to revitalize the real economy of offline retailers and implement the strategy SS effectively.
Adaptor Protein Complex 1 Sigma 3 Is Highly Expressed in Glioma and Could Enhance Its Progression
Authors: Ye Tingting , Cheng Yifei , Li Chao
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Glioma is the widely occurring deadly neoplasm induced by glial cell canceration in the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. The function of AP1S3 is special in numerous diseases, but its exact role in glioma remains unknown. Methods. Bioinformatics analysis was performed at the beginning. Based on TCGA database, differentially expressed genes were obtained. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis is performed by STRING. The annotation, visualization, and synthesis (DAVID) discovery database program was used for gene ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curve was plotted to determine the prognostic value of AP1S3 Also, in vitro experiments were conducted in our research. Results. 4370 differentially expressed genes were identified. 215 key genes were screened by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis; AP1S3 had a higher degree. The top five enriched pathways related to AP1S3 contain protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), extracellular matrix receptor (ECM receptor) interaction, focal adhesion, advanced glycation end product (AGE) receptor for AGE (RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and mRNA surveillance pathway. Additionally, the AP1S3 level was dramatically upregulated in glioblastoma (GBM) samples, but greatly reduced in low-grade glioma (LGG) samples when compared to that in normal tissues. The Kaplan-Meier curve data showed that AP1S3 was closely related to the disease-free survival (DFS) of glioma. Our data suggested that the expression of AP1S3 was increased in glioma in comparison with normal tissues, in line with the data of clinical samples. What was more, our data demonstrated that the reduction of AP1S3 in glioma cells could result in the inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Conclusion. Collectively, our results implied that AP1S3 was a promising biomarker of glioma diagnosis and displayed as an oncogene in glioma.
[Retracted] A Permissioned Blockchain‐Based Clinical Trial Service Platform to Improve Trial Data Transparency
Authors: Hang Lei , Kim BumHwi , Kim KyuHyung , Kim DoHyeun
Published: July 2021

The clinical research faces numerous challenges, from patient enrollment to data privacy concerns and regulatory requirements to spiraling costs. Blockchain technology has the potential to overcome these challenges, thus making clinical trials transparent and enhancing public trust in a fair and open process with all stakeholders because of its distinct features such as data immutability and transparency. This paper proposes a permissioned blockchain platform to ensure clinical data transparency and provides secure clinical trial‐related solutions. We explore the core functionalities of blockchain applied to clinical trials and illustrate its general principle concretely. These clinical trial operations are automated using the smart contract, which ensures traceability, prevents a posteriori reconstruction, and securely automates the clinical trial. A web‐based user interface is also implemented to visualize the data from the blockchain and ease the interaction with the blockchain network. A proof of concept is implemented on Hyperledger Fabric in the case study of clinical management for multiple clinical trials to demonstrate the designed approach’s feasibility. Lastly, the experiment results demonstrate the efficiency and usability of the proposed platform.
A New Twofold Bargaining Game Paradigm for Wireless Energy Harvesting Algorithm
Authors: Kim Sungwook
Published: July 2021

Considering the characteristics of radio-frequency-based energy harvesting technology, a number of smart devices are assisted by energy-constrained relays, which need to harvest energy from the hybrid access point (HAP). To design a novel energy harvesting mechanism, we investigate the integration of simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) and wireless powered communication network (WPCN) for dual-hop wireless communications. In our proposed scheme, we design a twofold bargaining game paradigm to adaptively make control decisions for conflicting requirements. According to two different bargaining solutions, we reveal the conflicting relationship of energy harvesting and information transferring and develop two time sharing procedures. In a compact iterative manner, these procedures work together to maximize the dual-hop communication system performance. Through simulation results, we conduct a numerical analysis and prove that our twofold bargaining approach leads to a higher system performance compared with the existing state-of-the-art protocols.
Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Biomedical Application: Nanotoxicology
Authors: Egbuna Chukwuebuka , Parmar Vijaykumar K. , Jeevanandam Jaison , Ezzat Shahira M. , Patrick-Iwuanyanwu Kingsley C. , Adetunji Charles Oluwaseun , Khan Johra , Onyeike Eugene N. , Uche Chukwuemelie Zedech , Akram Muhammad , Ibrahim Mervat S. , El Mahdy Nihal M. , Awuchi Chinaza Godswill , Saravanan Kaliyaperumal , Tijjani Habibu , Odoh Uchenna Estella , Messaoudi Mohammed , Ifemeje Jonathan C. , Olisah Michael C. , Ezeofor Nebechi Jane , Chikwendu Chukwudi Jude , Ibeabuchi Chinwe Gloria
Published: July 2021

Nanoparticles are of great importance in development and research because of their application in industries and biomedicine. The development of nanoparticles requires proper knowledge of their fabrication, interaction, release, distribution, target, compatibility, and functions. This review presents a comprehensive update on nanoparticles’ toxic effects, the factors underlying their toxicity, and the mechanisms by which toxicity is induced. Recent studies have found that nanoparticles may cause serious health effects when exposed to the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact without caution. The extent to which toxicity is induced depends on some properties, including the nature and size of the nanoparticle, the surface area, shape, aspect ratio, surface coating, crystallinity, dissolution, and agglomeration. In all, the general mechanisms by which it causes toxicity lie on its capability to initiate the formation of reactive species, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity, among others.