bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive diversity assessment of walnut‐associated xanthomonads reveal the occurrence of distinct Xanthomonas arboricola lineages and of a new species (Xanthomonas euroxanthea) within the same tree
Authors: Fernandes Camila , Albuquerque Pedro , Mariz‐Ponte Nuno , Cruz Leonor , Tavares Fernando
Published: February 2021

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj) is the aetiological agent of walnut diseases causing economic losses on walnut production worldwide. This phytopathogen is spread around the world where walnuts are produced and has a considerable genetic diversity. Using a comprehensive sampling methodology, focusing on factors that could influence the diversity of walnut‐colonizing Xaj in Portugal, this work provides new insights on xanthomonad populations on walnut. Genetic diversity was assessed by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and dot blot hybridization patterns on 131 Xanthomonas isolates obtained from 64 walnut trees considering epidemiological metadata such as year of isolation, distinct bioclimatic regions, production regimes, and host‐related features. The results showed that the majority of isolates were split into 17 lineages of Xaj, while the other isolates clustered in four MLSA groups that did not include Xaj strains. These four groups were represented by three lineages of X. arboricola, and 11 lineages of Xanthomonas spp., including strains assigned to the recently proposed new species Xanthomonas euroxanthea. Furthermore, distinct Xaj, X. arboricola, and Xanthomonas spp. were isolated from the same walnut tree, suggesting possible genetic admixture within the same host. Phylogenetic analysis through geoBurst revealed the high diversity of these Xanthomonas spp. populations. Assessment of type III effector genes gave the indication that some Xanthomonas spp. strains were nonpathogenic on walnut, with the exception for X. euroxanthea CPBF 424. Altogether, these findings add to the thorough characterization of walnut‐associated xanthomonads in Portugal, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the current diversity that could contribute to risk assessment analysis and improve phytosanitary control.
What's In It For Us? Benevolence, National Security, and Digital Surveillance
Authors: Degli Esposti Sara , Ball Kirstie , Dibb Sally
Published: February 2021

This article challenges suggestions that citizens should accept digital surveillance technologies (DSTs) and trade their privacy for better security. Drawing on data from nine EU countries, this research shows that citizens’ support for DSTs varies not only depending on the way their data are used but also depending on their views of the security agency operating them. Using an institutional trustworthiness lens, this research investigates three DST cases—smart CCTV, smartphone location tracking, and deep packet inspection—that present escalating degrees of privacy risk to citizens. The findings show that the perceived benevolence of security agencies is essential to acceptability in all three cases. For DSTs with greater privacy risk, questions of competence and integrity enter citizens' assessments.
Levels of education and technical skills in registered nurses working in post‐anaesthesia care units in Sweden
Authors: Dahlberg Karuna , Jaensson Maria , Flodberg Magnus , Månsson Sandra , Nilsson Ulrica
Published: February 2021

Background

Specialized nursing care should be provided by nurses working in post‐anaesthesia care units to ensure safe and successful recovery after surgery and anaesthesia. However, there is no consensus regarding the competence and education needed by nurses working in post‐anaesthesia care units.

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe and compare levels of education and technical skills in registered nurses working in post‐anaesthesia care units in Sweden, as well as the education that post‐anaesthesia care unit nurse managers’ desire for registered nurses working in post‐anaesthesia care units.

Methods

This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted in Sweden between September and December of 2019. A web‐based survey was developed that included questions about the levels of education and technical skills possessed by registered nurses working in Swedish post‐anaesthesia care units and desired by nurse managers for these nurses. The survey was evaluated for content validity by four experts. The survey was distributed to the nurse manager of each studied post‐anaesthesia care unit. All nurse managers received written information and were informed that submitting the survey was considered as consenting to participate in the study.

Results

Most surveyed nurses held a postgraduate diploma in specialist nursing. Registered nurses performed many tasks autonomously; however, there was a significant difference between specialist nurses and registered nurses, with specialist nurses being more autonomous than registered nurses. Most of the nurse managers (n = 31/45) wanted the registered nurses in their units to have education in postoperative care. The relatively low overall response rate of 58% is a study limitation.

Conclusions

Registered nurses working in post‐anaesthesia care units in Sweden must have various technical skills. Some of these skills are only performed by specialist nurses, indicating that postoperative care is an advanced level of nursing care.
Distinct macrophage phenotypes and redox environment during the fin fold regenerative process in zebrafish
Authors: Paredes Lais Cavalieri , Luz Rebeca Bosso dos Santos , Tozzi Ollavo Nogueira , de Carvalho Lucicleide Ângelo Silva Jungles , Calado Sabrina Loise de Morais , Padovani Bárbara Nunes , Fénero Camila Idelí Morales , do Amaral Mariana Abrantes , de Assis Helena Cristina da Silva , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Braga Tarcio Teodoro
Published: February 2021

In contrast to mammals, zebrafish (Danio rerio) has the ability to regenerate injured sites such as different tissues present in the fin. It is known that cells of the innate immune system play essential roles in regeneration; however, some aspects of the molecular mechanisms by which these cells orchestrate regeneration remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the infiltration dynamics of neutrophils and macrophages in the regenerative process of fin fold in regard to the influence of the redox environment and oxidative pathways. Fin fold amputation was performed on transgenic larvae for macrophage‐expressed gene 1 (mpeg1), lysozyme (lyz), myeloperoxidase (mpo) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) at 3 days post‐fertilization, followed by confocal microscopy imaging and measurement of the activities of oxidant and antioxidant enzymes. We observed initially an increase in the number of neutrophils (lyz:DsRed+/mpx:GFP+) and then macrophages (mpeg1+) in the injury site followed by a decrease in neutrophils at 7 days post‐amputation (dpa). Moreover, macrophages switch from a pro‐inflammatory to an anti‐inflammatory profile throughout the process, while the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased at 1 dpa and catalase (CAT) at 5 dpa. Higher levels of lipid peroxidation were also detected during regeneration. Despite oxidative stress, there is, therefore, an antioxidant response throughout the regeneration of the caudal fin. The present work can contribute to future studies on the development of cell therapies, achieving greater effectiveness in the treatment of diseases related to the formation of fibrotic tissue.
Can the G20 serve as a launchpad for a multilateral investment agreement?
Authors: Berger Axel , Liu Wan‐Hsin
Published: February 2021

The international system for the governance of foreign investments is highly fragmented consisting mainly of bilateral agreements. With the adoption of nine guiding principles for global investment policy‐making in 2016, some observers argue that the G20 can actually serve as a launchpad for negotiations of a multilateral investment agreement. This paper provides empirical evidence on the question of whether the contents of international investment agreements (IIAs) have gradually converged to facilitate the multilateralisation of investment rules. We find that IIAs negotiated among non‐G20 countries are more similar to each other than those concluded by G20 countries in general and even more so since 2000 in particular. This result calls into question the premise that the G20 can serve as the most suitable forum to initiate multilateral negotiations on multilateral investment rules. Instead, an extended analysis using different country grouping criteria suggests that the Member States of the European Union may be a more suitable alternative in this regard. Here, the EU can jointly take a leading role in facilitating related negotiations on multilateral investment rules.
Assessing the uncertainty of treatment outcomes in a previous systematic review of venous leg ulcer randomized controlled trials: Additional secondary analysis
Authors: Eckert Kristen A. , Carter Marissa J.
Published: February 2021

In this secondary analysis of a previous systematic review, we assessed randomized controlled trials evaluating treatments of venous leg ulcers in terms of factors that affect risk of bias at the study level and thus uncertainty of outcomes obtained from the interventions. Articles that assessed the wound bed condition in venous leg ulcers and that were published in English between 1998 and May 22, 2018 were previously searched in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Duplicates and retracted articles were excluded. The following data were extracted to assess the risk of bias: treatment groups; primary and secondary endpoints that were statistically tested between groups, including their results and p values; whether blinding of patients and assessors was done; whether allocation concealment was adequate; whether an intention‐to‐treat analysis was conducted; whether an appropriate power calculation was correctly done; and whether an appropriate multiplicity adjustment was made, as necessary. Pre‐ and post‐study power calculations were made. The step‐up Hochberg procedure adjusted for multiplicity. Results were analysed for all studies, pre‐2013 studies, and 2013/post‐2013 studies. We included 142 randomized controlled trials that evaluated 14,141 patients. Most studies lacked blinding (72.5–77.5%) and allocation concealment (88.7%). Only 49.3% of trials provided a power calculation, with 27.5% having an appropriate calculation correctly done. Adequate statistical power of the primary endpoint was found in 27.2% of trials. The lack of multiplicity adjustment in 98.6% of studies affected the uncertainty of outcomes in 20% of studies, with the majority of the secondary endpoints (67.7%) in those studies becoming non‐significant after multiplicity adjustment. Recent studies tended to weakly demonstrate improved certainty of outcomes. Venous leg ulcer randomized controlled trials have a high degree of uncertainty associated with treatment outcomes. Greater attention to trial design and conduct is needed to improve the evidence base.
Solid‐phase silica‐based extraction leads to underestimation of residual DNA in decellularized tissues
Authors: Schmitz Tara C. , Dede Eren Aysegul , Spierings Janne , de Boer Jan , Ito Keita , Foolen Jasper
Published: February 2021

Decellularization of animal tissues is a novel route to obtain biomaterials for use in tissue engineering and organ transplantation. Successful decellularization is required as animal DNA causes inflammatory reactions and contains endogenous retroviruses, which could be transmitted to the patient. One of the criteria for successful decellularization is digestion (fragmentation) and elimination (residual quantity) of DNA from the tissue. Quantification of DNA can be done in many ways, but it has recently been shown that silica‐based solid‐phase extraction methods often do not completely purify in particular small DNA fragments. In the context of decellularization, this means that the measured DNA amount is underestimated, which could compromise safety of the processed tissue for in‐patient use. In this article, we review DNA quantification methods used by researchers and assess their influence on the reported DNA contents after decellularization. We find that underestimation of residual DNA amount after silica‐based solid‐phase extraction may be as large as a factor of ten. We therefore recommend a direct assessment of DNA amount in tissue lysate using dsDNA‐specific binding dyes, such as Picogreen, due to their higher accuracy for small fragment detection as well as ease of use and widespread availability.
MET currents and otoacoustic emissions from mice with a detached tectorial membrane indicate the extracellular matrix regulates Ca2+ near stereocilia
Authors: Jeng Jing‐Yi , Harasztosi Csaba , Carlton Adam J. , Corns Laura F. , Marchetta Philine , Johnson Stuart L. , Goodyear Richard J. , Legan Kevin P. , Rüttiger Lukas , Richardson Guy P. , Marcotti Walter
Published: February 2021

Key points

The aim was to determine whether detachment of the tectorial membrane (TM) from the organ of Corti in Tecta/Tectb−/− mice affects the biophysical properties of cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs).

Tecta/Tectb−/− mice have highly elevated hearing thresholds, but OHCs mature normally.

Mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel resting open probability (Po) in mature OHC is ∼50% in endolymphatic [Ca2+], resulting in a large standing depolarizing MET current that would allow OHCs to act optimally as electromotile cochlear amplifiers.

MET channel resting Po in vivo is also high in Tecta/Tectb−/− mice, indicating that the TM is unlikely to statically bias the hair bundles of OHCs.

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), a readout of active, MET‐dependent, non‐linear cochlear amplification in OHCs, fail to exhibit long‐lasting adaptation to repetitive stimulation in Tecta/Tectb−/− mice.

We conclude that during prolonged, sound‐induced stimulation of the cochlea the TM may determine the extracellular Ca2+ concentration near the OHC's MET channels.

The tectorial membrane (TM) is an acellular structure of the cochlea that is attached to the stereociliary bundles of the outer hair cells (OHCs), electromotile cells that amplify motion of the cochlear partition and sharpen its frequency selectivity. Although the TM is essential for hearing, its role is still not fully understood. In Tecta/Tectb−/− double knockout mice, in which the TM is not coupled to the OHC stereocilia, hearing sensitivity is considerably reduced compared with that of wild‐type animals. In vivo, the OHC receptor potentials, assessed using cochlear microphonics, are symmetrical in both wild‐type and Tecta/Tectb−/− mice, indicating that the TM does not bias the hair bundle resting position. The functional maturation of hair cells is also unaffected in Tecta/Tectb−/− mice, and the resting open probability of the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel reaches values of ∼50% when the hair bundles of mature OHCs are bathed in an endolymphatic‐like Ca2+ concentration (40 μM) in vitro. The resultant large MET current depolarizes OHCs to near –40 mV, a value that would allow optimal activation of the motor protein prestin and normal cochlear amplification. Although the set point of the OHC receptor potential transfer function in vivo may therefore be determined primarily by endolymphatic Ca2+ concentration, repetitive acoustic stimulation fails to produce adaptation of MET‐dependent otoacoustic emissions in vivo in the Tecta/Tectb−/− mice. Therefore, the TM is likely to contribute to the regulation of Ca2+ levels around the stereocilia, and thus adaptation of the OHC MET channel during prolonged sound stimulation.
Modeling of Axial Compressor With Large Tip Clearances
Authors: Evans Simon , Yi Junsok , Nolan Sean , Joseph Liselle , Ni Michael , Kulkarni Sameer
Published: February 2021

In the drive for lower fuel consumption through increased bypass ratio and increased overall pressure ratio (OPR), engine designs for the next generation of single-aisle aircraft will require core sizes below 3 lb/s and OPRs above 50. Traditionally, these core sizes are the domain of centrifugal compressors, but materials limit pressure ratio in these machines to well below 50. An all-axial high-pressure compressor (HPC) at this core size, however, comes with limitations associated with the small blade spans at the back of the HPC, as clearances, fillets, and leading edges do not scale with the core size. The result is a substantial efficiency penalty, driven primarily by the tip leakage flow produced by the larger clearance-to-span ratio, which negates the cycle efficiency benefits of the high OPR. In order to enable small-core, high-OPR, all-axial compressors mitigating technologies need to be developed and implemented to reduce the large clearance-to-span efficiency penalty. However, for this technology development to be successful, it is imperative that predictive design tools accurately model the overall flow physics and trends of the technologies developed. In this paper, we describe an effort to determine whether different modeling standards are required for a large clearance-to-span ratio, and if so, identify criteria for an appropriate solver and/or mesh. Multiple models are run and results compared with data collected in the NASA Glenn Research Center’s low-speed axial compressor. These comparisons show that steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solvers can predict the pressure-rise characteristic to an acceptable level of accuracy, if careful attention is paid to mesh topology in the tip region. However, unsteady tools are necessary to accurately capture radial profiles of blockage and total pressure. The Delayed-Detached Eddy Simulation model was also used to run this geometry, but did not resolve any additional features not captured by the unsteady RANS simulation near stall.
Angular Velocity Control of Pneumatic Soft Robotic Digits
Authors: Shi W. Y. , Wijesundara Muthu B. J.
Published: February 2021

The paper presents an angular velocity controller for the pneumatic soft robotic gloves which are applied to medical hand rehabilitation and performance augmentation. In order to configure the reliable control parameters, linear dynamic second-order state-space models of five robotic digits were identified by the experimental data. Using the identified models, proportional-integral (PI) control parameters were tuned by simulation studies. The tuned PI parameters were verified by experiment, which demonstrates that the system identification and simulation studies are reliable and can reduce the manual tuning time and prevent tuning hardware wear.
Code Verification of Non-Newtonian Fluid Solvers for Single- and Two-Phase Laminar Flows
Authors: Lovato Stefano , Toxopeus Serge L. , Settels Just W. , Keetels Geert H. , Vaz Guilherme
Published: February 2021

The presence of complex fluids in nature and industrial applications combined with the rapid growth of computer power over the past decades has led to an increasing number of numerical studies of non-Newtonian flows. In most cases, non-Newtonian models can be implemented in existing Newtonian solvers by relatively simple modifications of the viscosity. However, due to the scarcity of analytical solutions for non-Newtonian fluid flows and the widespread use of regularization methods, performing rigorous code verification is a challenging task. The method of manufactured solutions (MMS) is a powerful tool to generate analytical solutions for code verification. In this article, we present and discuss the results of three verification exercises based on MMS: (i) steady single-phase flow; (ii) unsteady two-phase flow with a smooth interface; (iii) unsteady two-phase flow with a free surface. The first and second exercises showed that rigorous verification of non-Newtonian fluid solvers is possible both on single- and two-phase flows. The third exercise revealed that “spurious velocities” typical of free-surface calculations with the Volume-of-Fluid model lead to “spurious viscosities” in the non-Newtonian fluid. The procedure is illustrated herein on a second-order finite volume flow solver, using the regularized Herschel-Bulkley fluid model as an example. The same methodology is however applicable to any flow solver and to all the rheological models falling under the class of generalized Newtonian fluid models.
Modeling of Reversed Austenite Formation and Its Effect on Performance of Stainless Steel Components
Authors: Green Sadie Louise , Yeddu Hemantha Kumar
Published: February 2021

The kinetics of reversed austenite formation in 301 stainless steel and its effect on the deformation of an automobile front bumper beam are studied by using modeling approaches at different length scales. The diffusion-controlled reversed austenite formation is studied by using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov (JMAK) model, based on the experimental data. The model can be used to predict the volume fraction of reversed austenite in a temperature range of 650–750 °C. A three-dimensional elastoplastic phase-field model is used to study the diffusionless shear-type reversed austenite formation in 301 steel at 760 °C. The phase-field simulations show that reversion initiates at martensite lath boundaries and proceeds inwards of laths due to the high driving force at such high temperature. The effect of reversed austenite (RA) and martensite on the deformation of a bumper beam subjected to front and side impacts is studied by using finite element (FE) analysis. The FE simulations show that the presence of reversed austenite and martensite increased the critical speed at which the beam yielded and failed. RA fraction also affects the performance of the bumper beam.
Simulation of Flow Through Variable Permeability Darcy–Brinkman Layers
Authors: Alokaily Samer A.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, coupled parallel flow in a triple layer channel is studied numerically. The channel consists of a clear fluid sandwiched between two Darcy–Brinkman permeable layers of variable porousness. A single binary equation is presented, in which, the penetrability within transition porous layers is portrayed by a nth degree objective capacity. However, because of the absence of explanatory arrangement of the issue, direct numerical simulations are performed in order to give a novel knowledge into the fluid dynamics inside permeable media of variable porousness. These simulations are carried out through utilizing a modified steady-state finite volume solver from the open source programing bundle openfoam. After check and approval of the solver and mathematical technique, parametric investigation is acted in which the Darcy number, intensity of the penetrability degree, transition layer thickness, channel depth, fluid viscosity, and pressure gradient vary. The findings of this study show that velocity increases when: first, the Darcy number, the degree, or the channel depth increases; second, when the transition layer thickness decreases. Also, strain rate is almost independent of both Darcy number and degree and nearly doubles when either the thickness of transition layer halves or the channel depth doubles. In addition, velocity and strain rate are found to scale with viscosity and pressure gradient.
Characterization, Design, and Experimentation of a Fabric-Based Wearable Joint Sensing Device on Human Elbow
Authors: Lau Jun Liang , Soh Gim Song
Published: February 2021

The use of conductive fabrics (CFs) in the design of wearables for joint sensing has recently received much interest in a wide range of applications such as robotics, rehabilitation, personal wellness, and sports. However, one key limitation in the existing measurement approach is that the user’s anthropometric information is required to relate the joint parameters to the CF sensor strain reading. This paper seeks to address this limitation by evaluating a new wearable device concept that comprises a CF strain–voltage sensor embedded as part of an inverted slider-crank (ISC) mechanism for joint extension sensing. This benefits from not requiring anthropometric information from the user to relate the joint parameters to the fabric strain readings, as opposed to an existing design. We first characterize the electromechanical property of a commercially available CF. Second, we formulate the joint sensing device’s geometric synthesis procedure as a constrained revolute joint system, where the CF is designed and introduced as an RPR chain to obtain an ISC linkage. Lastly, we designed our wearable sensing device and validated against an ISC linkage fixture representing an elbow joint and an actual healthy human subject’s left elbow. The ISC linkage fixture experimental setup shows that our designed joint sensing device can track the elbow extension motion of 140 deg with a maximum error of 7.66%. The results from our human subject’s left elbow show that it can track the elbow flexion–extension at various angular motion, with error ranges between 8.24 deg and 12.86 deg, and have provided us with an acceptable average Spearman’s coefficient values rs at 0.95.
Impact of Turbine-Strut Clocking on the Performance of a Turbine Center Frame
Authors: Sterzinger P. Z. , Merli F. , Peters A. , Behre S. , Heitmeir F. , Göttlich E.
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have indicated a potential for improving the performance of a turbine center frame (TCF) duct by optimizing the clocking position between the high-pressure turbine (HPT) vanes and TCF struts. To assess the impact of clocking on the performance, a new test vehicle with a clockable ratio of HPT vanes to TCF struts, consisting of an HPT stage (aerodynamically representative of the second-stage HPT engine), a TCF duct with nonturning struts, and a first-stage low-pressure turbine vane, was designed and tested in the transonic test turbine facility (TTTF) at Graz University of Technology. This article quantifies the performance impact of clocking and describes the mechanisms causing TCF flow field changes, leveraging both experimental and numerical data. Other areas in the TCF duct impacted by the choice of the HPT vane circumferential position including the strength of unsteady HPT-TCF interaction modes, TCF strut incidence changes, and carryover effects to the first low-pressure turbine (LPT) vane are additionally highlighted. Five-hole-probe (5HP) area traverses and kielhead-rake traverses were used to assess the flow field at the TCF exit and to calculate the pressure loss. The flow field at the TCF exit shows significant differences depending on the circumferential position of the HPT vane. A relative performance benefit of 5% was achieved. A series of unsteady RANS simulations were performed to support the measured results, understand, and characterize the relevant loss mechanisms. The observed performance improvement was related to interaction between the HPT secondary-flow structures and the TCF struts. The impact of the HPT vane clocking on the unsteady flow field downstream of the TCF was investigated using fast-response aerodynamic pressure probe (FRAPP) area traverses and analyzed by means of modal decomposition. In this way, the individual azimuthal modes were ranked by their amplitude, and a dependency of the clocking position was observed and quantified.
LincRNA-immunity landscape analysis identifies EPIC1 as a regulator of tumor immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance
Authors: Guo Weiwei , Wang Yue , Yang Min , Wang Zehua , Wang Yifei , Chaurasia Smriti , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhang Min , Yadav Ghanshyam Singh , Rathod Sanjay , Concha-Benavente Fernando , Fernandez Christian , Li Song , Xie Wen , Ferris Robert L. , Kammula Udai S. , Lu Binfeng , Yang Da
Published: February 2021

EPIC1-EZH2 axis activation emerges as a targetable mechanism for tumor immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance.
Overfishing and habitat loss drive range contraction of iconic marine fishes to near extinction
Authors: Yan Helen F. , Kyne Peter M. , Jabado Rima W. , Leeney Ruth H. , Davidson Lindsay N.K. , Derrick Danielle H. , Finucci Brittany , Freckleton Robert P. , Fordham Sonja V. , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: February 2021

We used a novel approach to estimate the spatial contraction of sawfish populations and guide recovery efforts.
Mutually unbiased bases and symmetric informationally complete measurements in Bell experiments
Authors: Tavakoli Armin , Farkas Máté , Rosset Denis , Bancal Jean-Daniel , Kaniewski Jedrzej
Published: February 2021

Quantum nonlocality is developed on the basis of the two most celebrated discrete structures in quantum theory.
Molecular characterization of the human kidney interstitium in health and disease
Authors: Barwinska Daria , El-Achkar Tarek M. , Melo Ferreira Ricardo , Syed Farooq , Cheng Ying-Hua , Winfree Seth , Ferkowicz Michael J. , Hato Takashi , Collins Kimberly S. , Dunn Kenneth W. , Kelly Katherine J. , Sutton Timothy A. , Rovin Brad H. , Parikh Samir V. , Phillips Carrie L. , Dagher Pierre C. , Eadon Michael T. ,   for the Kidney Precision Medicine Project
Published: February 2021

The kidney interstitial gene signature is interrogated by laser microdissection, snRNA sequencing, and in situ hybridization.
Mechanisms of stearoyl CoA desaturase inhibitor sensitivity and acquired resistance in cancer
Authors: Oatman Nicole , Dasgupta Nupur , Arora Priyanka , Choi Kwangmin , Gawali Mruniya V. , Gupta Nishtha , Parameswaran Sreeja , Salomone Joseph , Reisz Julie A. , Lawler Sean , Furnari Frank , Brennan Cameron , Wu Jianqiang , Sallans Larry , Gudelsky Gary , Desai Pankaj , Gebelein Brian , Weirauch Matthew T. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Komurov Kakajan , Dasgupta Biplab
Published: February 2021

Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms determine SCD inhibitor sensitivity and acquired resistance through FOSB in cancer.
Complete Genome Sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia Phage Magia
Authors: Gafford-Gaby David , Yao Guichun , Le Tram , Clark James , Gonzalez Carlos , Gill Jason , Liu Mei
Published: February 2021

Burkholderia cenocepacia
is a Gram-negative bacterium that is implicated in respiratory infections. The 44,942-bp genome of Magia, a phage infecting
B. cenocepacia
, does not appear to have strong overall similarity to other known phages. The Magia genome encodes a Cro-like transcriptional regulator, a C2-like immunity repressor, and an integrase, suggesting that it is a temperate phage.
Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas indicatrix DAIF1
Authors: Friedrich Ines , Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Scherf Janna , Weyergraf Judith , Klassen Anna , Poehlein Anja , Hertel Robert , Daniel Rolf
Published: February 2021

We present the complete genome of
Stenotrophomonas indicatrix
DAIF1, which was isolated from an oligotrophic pond in a water protection area. Whole-genome alignments indicated that strain DAIF1 belongs to the species
Stenotrophomonas indicatrix
. The whole genome (4,639,375 bp) harbors 4,108 protein-encoding genes, including 3,029 genes with assigned functions.
Impaired brain fractalkine-CX3CR1 signaling is implicated in cognitive dysfunction in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Kawamura Namiko , Katsuura Goro , Yamada-Goto Nobuko , Novianti Ela , Inui Akio , Asakawa Akihiro
Published: February 2021

Introduction

A diet high in saturated fat is well known to affect neuronal function and contribute to cognitive decline in experimental animals and humans. Fractalkine released from neurons acts on its receptor, CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), in the microglia to regulate several brain functions. The present study addressed whether fractalkine-CX3CR1 signaling in the brain, especially the hippocampus, contributes to the cognitive deficits observed in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice.

Research design and methods

Mice were given 60% high-fat diet for 16 weeks. The expression of fractalkine and CX3CR1 in the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex of DIO mice was analyzed. Cognitive ability in the Y-maze test and hippocampal glutamate receptors and synaptic markers were observed in DIO and CX3CR1 antagonist-treated mice. Regulation of fractalkine and CX3CR1 expression in the hippocampus was examined following administration of a selective insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor inhibitor and a tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) antagonist in normal mice.

Results

DIO mice exhibited significant cognitive deficits in the Y-maze test and decrease in fractalkine and CX3CR1 in the hippocampus and amygdala compared with mice fed a control diet (CD mice). Administration of the CX3CR1 antagonist 18a in normal mice induced significant cognitive deficits in the Y-maze test. DIO mice and CX3CR1 antagonist-treated mice exhibited significant decreases in protein levels of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor subunit (NR2A), AMPA (α-amino-5-methyl-3-hydroxy-4-isoxazole propionate) receptor subunit (GluR1) and postsynaptic density protein 95 in the hippocampus compared with their respective controls. Furthermore, plasma IGF-1 and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor were significantly decreased in DIO mice compared with CD mice. Administration of a selective IGF-1 receptor inhibitor and a TrkB antagonist in normal mice significantly decreased fractalkine and CX3CR1 in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the cognitive decline observed in DIO mice is due, in part, to reduced fractalkine-CX3CR1 signaling in the corticolimbic system.
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health research in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of substantive focus, research volume, geographic distribution and Africa-led inquiry
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Otukpa Emmanuel Oloche , Mwoka Meggie , Kabiru Caroline W. , Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous review studies have not systematically mapped the existing body of knowledge on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Our scoping review addresses this gap by examining how the body of research on ASRH in SSA has evolved over the past decade, and its present profile, in terms of trends in volume, geographic and substantive focus, and Africa-led inquiry.

Methods

We used a three-step search strategy to identify English and French peer-reviewed publications and relevant grey literature on ASRH in SSA published between January 2010 and December 2019. Two reviewers screened the titles, abstracts and full texts of publications for eligibility and inclusion.

Results

A total of 1302 articles were published over the period, rising from 91 in 2010 to 183 in 2015. However, the bulk of the studies (63.9%) focused on six (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia) of the 46 SSA countries. Ten countries had no ASRH papers, while five others each had only one publication. While issues like HIV (17.2%), sexual behaviours (17.4%) and access to sexual and reproductive health services (13.0%) received substantial attention, only a few studies focused on early adolescence (10–14 years), programme interventions, scaling up of interventions and policy evaluation. Just over half of publications had authors with African institutional affiliations as first authors (51.1%) or last author (53.0%). Sixteen per cent of papers did not include any authors from institutions in Africa.

Conclusions

Our review demonstrated that research on ASRH is limited in focus and is unevenly distributed across SSA countries. The identified gaps can guide future research and funding to advance ASRH policies and programmes. It is also vital for stakeholders in the research enterprise, including researchers, donors, ethical review boards, and journal editors and reviewers, to implement measures that foster national investigators’ inclusion.
How do patient feedback systems work in low-income and middle-income countries? Insights from a realist evaluation in Bangladesh
Authors: Mirzoev Tolib , Kane Sumit , Al Azdi Zunayed , Ebenso Bassey , Chowdhury Ayesha Afroz , Huque Rumana
Published: February 2021

Background

Well-functioning patient feedback systems can contribute to improved quality of healthcare and systems accountability. We used realist evaluation to examine patient feedback systems at health facilities in Bangladesh, informed by theories of citizenship and principal–agent relationships.

Methods

We collected and analysed data in two stages, using: document review; secondary analysis of data from publicly available web-portals; in-depth interviews with patients, health workers and managers; non-participant observations of feedback environments; and stakeholder workshops. Stage 1 focused on identifying and articulating the initial programme theory (PT) of patient feedback systems. In stage 2, we iteratively tested and refined this initial theory, through analysing data and grounding emerging findings within substantive theories and empirical literature, to arrive at a refined PT.

Results

Multiple patient feedback systems operate in Bangladesh, essentially comprising stages of collection, analysis and actions on feedback. Key contextual enablers include political commitment to accountability, whereas key constraints include limited patient awareness of feedback channels, lack of guidelines and documented processes, local political dynamics and priorities, institutional hierarchies and accountability relationships. Findings highlight that relational trust may be important for many people to exercise citizenship and providing feedback, and that appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks with clear lines of accountability are critical for ensuring effective patient feedback management within frontline healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

Theories of citizenship and principal–agent relationships can help understand how feedback systems work through spotlighting the citizenship identity and agency, shared or competing interests, and information asymmetries. We extend the understanding of these theories by highlighting how patients, health workers and managers act as both principals and agents, and how information asymmetry and possible agency loss can be addressed. We highlight the importance of awareness raising and non-threatening environment to provide feedback, adequate support to staff to document and analyse feedback and timely actions on the information.
General practitioners’ views and experiences in caring for patients after sepsis: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Gehrke-Beck Sabine , Gensichen Jochen , Turner Katrina M , Heintze Christoph , Schmidt Konrad FR
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients surviving critical illnesses, such as sepsis, often suffer from long-term complications. After discharge from hospital, most patients are treated in primary care. Little is known how general practitioners (GPs) perform critical illness aftercare and how it can be improved. Within a randomised controlled trial, an outreach training programme has been developed and applied.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe GPs’ views and experiences of caring for postsepsis patients and of participating a specific outreach training.

Design

Semistructured qualitative interviews.

Setting

14 primary care practices in the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany.

Participants

14 GPs who had participated in a structured sepsis aftercare programme in primary care.

Results

Themes identified in sepsis aftercare were: continuity of care and good relationship with patients, GP’s experiences during their patient’s critical illness and impact of persisting symptoms. An outreach education as part of the intervention was considered by the GPs to be acceptable, helpful to improve knowledge of the management of postintensive care complications and useful for sepsis aftercare in daily practice.

Conclusions

GPs provide continuity of care to patients surviving sepsis. Better communication at the intensive care unit–GP interface and training in management of long-term complications of sepsis may be helpful to improve sepsis aftercare.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN61744782.
Point-of-care ultrasonography for risk stratification of non-critical COVID-19 patients on admission (POCUSCO): a study protocol of an international study
Authors: Morin François , Douillet Delphine , Hamel Jean-Francois , Rakotonjanahary Josué , Dupriez Florence , Savary Dominique , Aubé Christophe , Riou Jeremie , Dubée Vincent , Roy Pierre-Marie
Published: February 2021

Introduction

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, early identification of patients who are likely to get worse is a major concern. Severity mainly depends on the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with a predominance of subpleural lesions. Lung point-of-care ultrasonography (L-POCUS) is highly effective in detecting pulmonary peripheral patterns and may be appropriate for examining patients with COVID-19. We suggest that L-POCUS performed during the initial examination may identify patients with COVID-19 who are at a high risk of complicated treatment or unfavourable evolution.

Methods and analysis

Point-of-care ultrasonography for risk stratification of non-critical COVID-19 patients on admission is a prospective, multicentre study. Adult patients visiting the emergency department (ED) of participating centres for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are assessed for inclusion. Included patients have L-POCUS performed within 48 hours following ED admission. The severity of lung damage is assessed using the L-POCUS score based on 36 points for ARDS. Apart from the L-POCUS score assessment, patients are treated as recommended by the WHO. For hospitalised patients, a second L-POCUS is performed at day 5±3. A follow-up is carried out on day 14, and the patient’s status according to the Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement for COVID-19 from the WHO is recorded.

The primary outcome is the rate of patients requiring intubation or who are dead from any cause during the 14 days following inclusion. We will determine the area under the ROC curve of L-POCUS.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by the French and Belgian Ethics Committees and is carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The study is funding by a grant from the French Health Ministry, and its findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04338100.
Later life outcomes of women by adolescent birth history: analysis of the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Amongin Dinah , Kågesten Anna , Tunçalp Özge , Nakimuli A , Nakafeero Mary , Atuyambe Lynn , Hanson Claudia , Benova Lenka
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To describe the long-term socioeconomic and reproductive health outcomes of women in Uganda by adolescent birth history.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Uganda.

Participants

Women aged 40–49 years at the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey.

Outcome measures

We compared socioeconomic and reproductive outcomes among those with first birth <18 years versus not. Among those with a first birth <18 years, we compared those with and without repeat adolescent births (another birth <20 years). We used two-sample test for proportions, linear regression and Poisson regression.

Findings

Among the 2814 women aged 40–49 years analysed, 36.2% reported a first birth <18 years and 85.9% of these had a repeat adolescent birth. Compared with women with no birth <18 years, those with first birth <18 years were less likely to have completed primary education (16.3% vs 32.2%, p<0.001), more likely to be illiterate (55.0% vs 44.0%, p<0.001), to report challenges seeking healthcare (67.6% vs 61.8%, p=0.002) and had higher mean number of births by age 40 years (6.6 vs 5.3, p<0.001). Among women married at time of survey, those with birth <18 years had older husbands (p<0.001) who also had lower educational attainment (p<0.001). Educational attainment, household wealth score, total number of births and under-5 mortality among women with one adolescent birth were similar, and sometimes better, than among those with no birth <18 years.

Conclusions

Results suggest lifelong adverse socioeconomic and reproductive outcomes among women with adolescent birth, primarily in the category with repeat adolescent birth. While our results might be birth-cohort specific, they underscore the need to support adolescent mothers to have the same possibilities to develop their potentials, by supporting school continuation and prevention of further unwanted pregnancies.
How do people who use drugs experience treatment? A qualitative analysis of views about opioid substitution treatment in primary care (iCARE study)
Authors: Alves Paula Cristina Gomes , Stevenson Fiona A , Mylan Sophie , Pires Nuno , Winstock Adam , Ford Chris
Published: February 2021

Objective

To understand the most significant aspects of care experienced by people in opioid substitution treatment (OST) in primary care settings.

Design

Semistructured individual interviews were conducted, following the critical incidents technique. Interview transcripts were analysed following a thematic analysis approach.

Participants

Adults aged 18 years or older, receiving OST in UK-based primary care services.

Results

Twenty-four people in OST were interviewed between January and March 2019. Participants reported several aspects which were significant for their treatment, when engaging with the primary care service. These were grouped into 10 major themes: (1) humanised care; (2) individual bond/connection with the professional; (3) professionals’ experience and knowledge; (4) having holistic care; (5) familiarity; (6) professionals’ commitment and availability to help; (7) anonymity; (8) location; (9) collaborative teamwork; and (10) flexibility and changes around the treatment plan.

Conclusions

This study included first-hand accounts of people who use drugs about what supports them in their recovery journey. The key lessons learnt from our findings indicate that people who use drugs value receiving treatment in humanised and destigmatised environments. We also learnt that a good relationship with primary care professionals supports their recovery journey, and that treatment plans should be flexible, tailor-made and collaboratively designed with patients.
Determinants of COVID-19 preventive behaviours among adults with chronic diseases in the USA: an analysis of the nationally representative COVID-19 impact survey
Authors: Islam Jessica Y. , Vidot Denise C. , Camacho-Rivera Marlene
Published: February 2021

Background

Preventive behaviours have been recommended to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Adults with chronic diseases (CDs) are at higher risk of COVID-19-related mortality compared to the general population. Our objective was to evaluate adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviours among adults without CDs compared with those with CDs and identify determinants of non-adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviours.

Study design

Cross-sectional.

Setting and participants

We used data from the nationally representative COVID-19 Impact Survey (n=10 760) conducted in the USA.

Primary measures

Adults with CDs were categorised based on a self-reported diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease/heart attack/stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis or emphysema, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, compromised immune system, or cancer (54%).

Results

Compared with adults without CDs, adults with CDs were more likely to adhere to preventive behaviours including wearing a face mask (χ2-p<0.001), social distancing (χ2-p<0.001), washing or sanitising hands (χ2-p<0.001), and avoiding some or all restaurants (χ2-p=0.002) and public or crowded places (χ2-p=0.001). Adults with a high school degree or below [Adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR):1.82, 95% Confidence interval (CI)1.04 to 3.17], household income <US$50 000 (aPR:2.03, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.72), uninsured (aPR:1.65, 95% CI1.09 to 2.52), employed (aPR:1.48, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.17), residing in rural areas (aPR:1.70, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.85) and without any CD (aPR:1.78, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.55) were more likely to not adhere to COVID-19 preventive behaviours.

Conclusion

Adults with CDs are more likely to adhere to recommended COVID-19 preventive behaviours. Public health messaging targeting specific demographic groups and geographic areas, such as adults without CD or adults living in rural areas, should be prioritised.