bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGFBR3L is an inhibin B co-receptor that regulates female fertility
Authors: Brûlé Emilie , Wang Ying , Li Yining , Lin Yeu-Farn , Zhou Xiang , Ongaro Luisina , Alonso Carlos A. I. , Buddle Evan R. S. , Schneyer Alan L. , Byeon Chang-Hyeock , Hinck Cynthia S. , Mendelev Natalia , Russell John P. , Cowan Mitra , Boehm Ulrich , Ruf-Zamojski Frederique , Zamojski Michel , Andoniadou Cynthia L. , Sealfon Stuart C. , Harrison Craig A. , Walton Kelly L. , Hinck Andrew P. , Bernard Daniel J.
Published: December 2021

Discovery of a novel pituitary protein suggests a new means to enhance fertility.
Robot intelligence and applications are as varied as animal intelligence, so why not treat them the same way?
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: December 2021

Machinehood
and
The New Breed
are reviewed.
Designing an effective graphic abstract
Authors: Kitterman Alice Chen
Published: December 2021

The application of visual and design principles to create graphic abstracts clarifies their visual literacy and message.
An AAV gene therapy computes over multiple cellular inputs to enable precise targeting of multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma in mice
Authors: Angelici Bartolomeo , Shen Linling , Schreiber Joerg , Abraham Anthony , Benenson Yaakov
Published: December 2021

Gene therapy that regulates an antitumor gene via a multi-input biomolecular logic module treats multifocal tumors in a mouse model of liver cancer.
Functional impairment of CD19
+
CD24
hi
CD38
hi
B cells in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is restored by B cell depletion therapy
Authors: Kim Yeseul , Kim So Yeon , Han Sang-Min , Payumo Rosah May , Park Kevin , Kim Ha Eun , Kim Su-Hyun , Hyun Jae-Won , Lee Eunjig , Kim Ho Jin
Published: December 2021

Defective regulatory B cells that contribute to autoimmunity are recovered by B cell depletion therapy in patients with NMOSD.
A Single Vaccine Protects against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Virus in Mice
Authors: Cao Kangli , Wang Xiang , Peng Haoran , Ding Longfei , Wang Xiangwei , Hu Yangyang , Dong Lanlan , Yang Tianhan , Hong Xiujing , Xing Man , Li Duoduo , Zhu Cuisong , He Xiangchuan , Zhao Chen , Zhao Ping , Zhou Dongming , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jianqing
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the severe public health threats of respiratory virus infection and influenza A viruses. The currently envisioned strategy for the prevention of respiratory virus-causing diseases requires the comprehensive administration of vaccines tailored for individual viruses.
SUMOylation of Matrix Protein M1 and Filamentous Morphology Collectively Contribute to the Replication and Virulence of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Mammals
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Jianing , Li Yuanyuan , Li Yanbing , Deng Guohua , Shi Jianzhong , Liu Liling , Chen Hualan , Li Xuyong
Published: December 2021

Identification of the pathogenic mechanism of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in mammals is helpful to develop novel anti-influenza virus strategies. Two amino acid mutations (D30N and A215T) in M1 were found to collectively attenuate H5N1 influenza viruses in mice, but the underlying mechanism remained unknown.
Susceptibility of Human and Murine Dermal Fibroblasts to Herpes Simplex Virus 1 in the Absence and Presence of Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Wirtz Lisa , De La Cruz Nydia C. , Möckel Maureen , Knebel-Mörsdorf Dagmar
Published: December 2021

Dermal fibroblasts are exposed to HSV-1 upon invasion in skin during
in vivo
infection. Thus, fibroblasts represent a widely used experimental tool to understand virus-host cell interactions and are highly susceptible in culture.
Understanding Lactobacillus paracasei and Streptococcus oralis Biofilm Interactions through Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Archambault Linda , Koshy-Chenthittayil Sherli , Thompson Angela , Dongari-Bagtzoglou Anna , Laubenbacher Reinhard , Mendes Pedro
Published: December 2021

We previously discovered a role of the oral commensal
Streptococcus oralis
as an accessory pathogen.
S. oralis
increases the virulence of
Candida albicans
infections in murine oral candidiasis and epithelial cell models through mechanisms which promote the formation of tissue-damaging biofilms.
Lactobacillus
species have known inhibitory effects on biofilm formation of many microbes, including
Streptococcus
species. Agent-based modeling has great advantages as a means of exploring multifaceted relationships between organisms in complex environments such as biofilms.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Studies on the Antibacterial Activity and Safety of a New Antimicrobial Peptide Dermaseptin-AC
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Hao Doudou , Mei Kai , Li Xin , Li Tingting , Ma Chengbang , Xi Xinping , Li Lei , Wang Lei , Zhou Mei , Chen Tianbao , Liu Jia , Wu Qing
Published: December 2021

In this study, we discovered a new antimicrobial peptide, Dermaseptin-AC, and studied its
in vitro
and
in vivo
antimicrobial activity. These studies provide some data for finding new antimicrobial peptides for overcoming antimicrobial resistance.
Patchy Distributions and Distinct Niche Partitioning of Mycoplankton Populations across a Nearshore to Open Ocean Gradient
Authors: Duan Yingbo , Xie Ningdong , Wang Zhao , Johnson Zackary I. , Hunt Dana E. , Wang Guangyi
Published: December 2021

Fungi are an important, but understudied, group of heterotrophic microbes in marine environments. Traditionally, fungi in the coastal ocean were largely assumed to be derived from terrestrial inputs.
Patient-reported outcome measures for knowledge transfer and behaviour modification interventions in type 2 diabetes—the INDICA study: a multiarm cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ramallo-Fariña Yolanda , Rivero-Santana Amado , García-Pérez Lidia , García-Bello Miguel Angel , Wägner Ana Maria , Gonzalez-Pacheco Himar , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Leticia , Kaiser-Girardot Sybille , Monzón-Monzón Guillermo , Guerra-Marrero Carolina , Daranas-Aguilar Carmen , Roldán-Ruano Margarita , Carmona Montserrat , Serrano-Aguilar Pedro G
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study assesses the effectiveness of different interventions of knowledge transfer and behaviour modification to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus patients’ (T2DM) reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in the long-term.Design: open, community-based pragmatic, multicentre, controlled trial with random allocation by clusters to usual care (UC) or to one of the three interventions.

Participants

A total of 2334 patients with uncomplicated T2DM and 211 healthcare professionals were included of 32 primary care centres.

Setting

Primary Care Centers in Canary Islands (Spain).

Intervention

The intervention for patients (PTI) included an educational group programme, logs and a web-based platform for monitoring and automated short message service (SMS). The intervention for professionals (PFI) included an educational programme, a decision support tool embedded into the electronic clinical record and periodic feedback about patients’ results. A third group received both PTI and PFI (combined intervention, CBI).

Outcome measure

Cognitive-attitudinal, behavioural, affective and health-related quality of life (HQoL) variables.

Results

Compared with UC at 24 months, the PTI group significantly improved knowledge (p=0.005), self-empowerment (p=0.002), adherence to dietary recommendations (p<0.001) and distress (p=0.01). The PFI group improved at 24 months in distress (p=0.03) and at 12 months there were improvements in depression (p=0.003), anxiety (p=0.05), HQoL (p=0.005) and self-empowerment (p<0.001). The CBI group improved at 24 months in self-empowerment (p=0.008) and adherence to dietary recommendations (p=0.004) and at 12 months in knowledge (p=0.008), depression (p=0.006), anxiety (p=0.003), distress (p=0.01), HQoL (p<0.001) and neuropathic symptoms (p=0.02). Statistically significant improvements were also observed at 24 months in the proportion of patients who quit smoking for PTI and CBI (41.5% in PTI and 42.3% in CBI vs 21.2% in the UC group).

Conclusions

Assessed interventions to improve PROMs in T2DM attain effectiveness for knowledge, self-empowerment, distress, diet adherence and tobacco cessation. PTI produced the most lasting benefits.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.govNCT01657227(6 August 2012)https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01657227.
Association between auditory system pathology and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): a systematic review
Authors: Dahl Katrine , Andersen Mads , Henriksen Tine Brink
Published: December 2021

Objective

A theory has emerged, suggesting that abnormalities in the auditory system may be associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, current clinical evidence has never been systematically reviewed.

Design

A systematic review was conducted according to the guideline of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched through 7 September 2020.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Only human studies with a reference group were included. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they examined infants exposed to otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), auditory brainstem response (ABR) or had autopsies with brainstem histology of the auditory system. SIDS was the primary outcome, while the secondary outcome was near-miss sudden infant death syndrome episodes.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias, and the quality of evidence. Due to high heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results

Twelve case–control studies were included. Seven studies on OAEs or ABR had a high degree of inconsistency. Contrarily, four out of five studies reporting on brainstem histology found that auditory brainstem abnormalities were more prevalent in SIDS cases than in controls. However, the quality of evidence across all studies was very low.

Conclusion

This systematic review found no clear association between auditory system pathology and SIDS. The higher prevalence of histological abnormalities in the auditory system of SIDS may indicate an association. However, further studies of higher quality and larger study populations are needed to determine whether these findings are valid.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020208045.
Cam morphology is associated with MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears: a case–control study of 237 young adult football players with and without hip and groin pain
Authors: Heerey Joshua , Kemp Joanne , Agricola Rintje , Srinivasan Ramya , Smith Anne , Pizzari Tania , King Matthew , Lawrenson Peter , Scholes Mark , Link Thomas , Souza Richard , Majumdar Sharmila , Crossley Kay
Published: December 2021

Objective

Football players are at risk of developing hip osteoarthritis (OA). Cam morphology (present in almost two of every three football players) may explain this heightened risk, but there is limited research on its role in hip OA development in younger athletes. Knowledge of this relationship will advance our understanding of the aetiology of hip OA in football players. We aimed to study the relationship between cam morphology size and MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears, and if this relationship differs by symptomatic state in young adult football players.

Methods

For this case–control study, 182 (288 hips) symptomatic (hip and/or groin pain >6 months and positive flexion-adduction-internal-rotation (FADIR) test) and 55 (110 hips) pain-free football players (soccer or Australian football) underwent anteroposterior and Dunn 45° radiographs, and 3-Tesla MRI. Cam morphology size was defined using alpha angle, and cartilage defects and labral tears were scored semiquantitatively. Presence, location and score (severity) of cartilage defects and labral tears were determined. Each participant completed the International Hip Outcome Tool 33 and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score.

Results

Greater alpha angle was associated with cartilage defects (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04) and labral tears (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04). Greater alpha angle was associated with superolateral cartilage defects (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05) and superior labral tears (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05). The association of alpha angle with MRI-defined cartilage defects and labral tears was no greater in football players with symptoms than in those without (p=0.189–0.937)

Conclusion

Cam morphology size was associated with cartilage defects and labral tears in young adult football players with and without pain. This study provides evidence that cam morphology may contribute to the high prevalence of hip OA in football players. Prospective studies of football players are now needed to establish if cam morphology causes progression of cartilage defects and labral tears and development of hip OA.
Methods and efficacy of social support interventions in preventing suicide: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hou Xiaofei , Wang Jiali , Guo Jing , Zhang Xinxu , Liu Jiahai , Qi Linmao , Zhou Liang
Published: December 2021

Question

Suicide is a global public and mental health problem. The effectiveness of social support interventions has not been widely demonstrated in the prevention of suicide. We aimed to describe the methods of social support interventions in preventing suicide and examine the efficacy of them.

Study selection and analysis

We searched literature databases and conducted clinical trials. The inclusion criteria for the summary of intervention methods were as follows: (1) studies aimed at preventing suicide through method(s) that directly provide social support; (2) use of one or more method(s) to directly provide social support. The additional inclusion criteria for meta-analysis on the efficacy of these interventions included: (1) suicide, suicide attempt or social support-related outcome was measured; (2) randomised controlled trial design and (3) using social support intervention as the main/only method.

Findings

In total, 22 656 records and 185 clinical trials were identified. We reviewed 77 studies in terms of intervention methods, settings, support providers and support recipients. There was a total of 18 799 person-years among the ten studies measuring suicide. The number of suicides was significantly reduced in the intervention group (risk ratio (RR)=0.48, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.85). In 14 studies with a total of 14 469 person-years, there was no significant reduction of suicide attempts in the overall pooled RR of 0.88 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.07).

Conclusions

Social support interventions were recommended as a suicide prevention strategy for those with elevated suicide risk.
Impact of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and ethnicity on cardiovascular/renal complications in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Norris Tom , Razieh Cameron , Zaccardi Francesco , Yates Thomas , Islam Nazrul , Gillies Clare L , Chudasama Yogini V , Rowlands Alex V , Davies Melanie J , McCann Gerry P , Banerjee Amitava , Lam Carolyn S P , Docherty Annemarie B , Openshaw Peter JM , Baillie J Kenneth , Semple Malcolm Gracie , Lawson Claire Alexandra , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: December 2021

Objective

Using a large national database of people hospitalised with COVID-19, we investigated the contribution of cardio-metabolic conditions, multi-morbidity and ethnicity on the risk of in-hospital cardiovascular complications and death.

Methods

A multicentre, prospective cohort study in 302 UK healthcare facilities of adults hospitalised with COVID-19 between 6 February 2020 and 16 March 2021. Logistic models were used to explore associations between baseline patient ethnicity, cardiometabolic conditions and multimorbidity (0, 1, 2, >2 conditions), and in-hospital cardiovascular complications (heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiac ischaemia, cardiac arrest, coagulation complications, stroke), renal injury and death.

Results

Of 65 624 patients hospitalised with COVID-19, 44 598 (68.0%) reported at least one cardiometabolic condition on admission. Cardiovascular/renal complications or death occurred in 24 609 (38.0%) patients. Baseline cardiometabolic conditions were independently associated with increased odds of in-hospital complications and this risk increased in the presence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity. For example, compared with having no cardiometabolic conditions, 1, 2 or ≥3 conditions was associated with 1.46 (95% CI 1.39 to 1.54), 2.04 (95% CI 1.93 to 2.15) and 3.10 (95% CI 2.92 to 3.29) times higher odds of any cardiovascular/renal complication, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for all-cause death. Compared with the white group, the South Asian (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.29) and black (OR 1.53 to 95% CI 1.37 to 1.72) ethnic groups had higher risk of any cardiovascular/renal complication.

Conclusions

In hospitalised patients with COVID-19, cardiovascular complications or death impacts just under half of all patients, with the highest risk in those of South Asian or Black ethnicity and in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.
Constitutional chromothripsis of the APC locus as a cause of genetic predisposition to colon cancer
Authors: Scharf Florentine , Leal Silva Rafaela Magalhaes , Morak Monika , Hastie Alex , Pickl Julia M A , Sendelbach Kai , Gebhard Christian , Locher Melanie , Laner Andreas , Steinke-Lange Verena , Koehler Udo , Holinski-Feder Elke , Wolf Dieter A
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Approximately 20% of patients with clinical familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) remain unsolved after molecular genetic analysis of the APC and other polyposis genes, suggesting additional pathomechanisms.

Methods

We applied multidimensional genomic analysis employing chromosomal microarray profiling, optical mapping, long-read genome and RNA sequencing combined with FISH and standard PCR of genomic and complementary DNA to decode a patient with an attenuated FAP that had remained unsolved by Sanger sequencing and multigene panel next-generation sequencing for years.

Results

We identified a complex 3.9 Mb rearrangement involving 14 fragments from chromosome 5q22.1q22.3 of which three were lost, 1 reinserted into chromosome 5 and 10 inserted into chromosome 10q21.3 in a seemingly random order and orientation thus fulfilling the major criteria of chromothripsis. The rearrangement separates APC promoter 1B from the coding ORF (open reading frame) thus leading to allele-specific downregulation of APC mRNA. The rearrangement also involves three additional genes implicated in the APC–Axin–GSK3B–β-catenin signalling pathway.

Conclusions

Based on comprehensive genomic analysis, we propose that constitutional chromothripsis dampening APC expression, possibly modified by additional APC–Axin–GSK3B–β-catenin pathway disruptions, underlies the patient’s clinical phenotype. The combinatorial approach we deployed provides a powerful tool set for deciphering unsolved familial polyposis and potentially other tumour syndromes and monogenic diseases.
Evaluation of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment as a screening tool for cognitive dysfunction in SLE
Authors: Raghunath Sudha , Glikmann-Johnston Yifat , Morand Eric , Stout Julie C , Hoi Alberta
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Cognitive dysfunction in SLE is common and associated with significant morbidity but is currently underdetected. Early detection requires the use of screening tests, as formal diagnostic cognitive testing is time-consuming. This study aims to evaluate the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a screening tool for cognitive dysfunction in SLE.

Methods

Patients with SLE (n=95) and demographically matched healthy control participants (n=48) underwent cognitive testing using the 1-hour neuropsychiatric test battery recommended by the American College of Rheumatology for use in SLE and the MoCA. We used regression analyses to determine associations between MoCA and cognitive test scores. We assessed several MoCA cut-offs for predicting cognitive impairment in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Receiver operating curve analyses were used to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the MoCA cut-off thresholds.

Results

We found a significant correlation between MoCA score and 9 of the 10 cognitive endpoints studied (all p<0.001). Receiver operating curve analysis suggested that a MoCA cut-off of <27 had highest diagnostic accuracy across the cognitive impairment definitions (area under the curve 0.76–0.78). Using a screening cut-off of <28, the MoCA had sensitivity of 83%–94% and specificity of 46%–59%, depending on the impairment definition used.

Conclusions

The MoCA correlates strongly with cognitive test results in SLE and has sufficient sensitivity for use as a screening tool with a cut-off of <28 as the optimal threshold. This tool can be incorporated into clinical practice for screening for cognitive dysfunction in SLE.
Robotic-assisted intracranial aneurysm treatment: 1 year follow-up imaging and clinical outcomes
Authors: Cancelliere Nicole Mariantonia , Lynch Jeremy , Nicholson Patrick , Dobrocky Tomas , Swaminathan Saravana Kumar , Hendriks Eef Jacobus , Krings Timo , Radovanovic Ivan , Drake Kaitlyn E , Turner Raymond , Sungur John-Michael , Pereira Vitor M
Published: December 2021

Background

The use of robotics in medicine may enable increased technical accuracy, reduced procedural time and radiation exposure, and remote completion of procedures. We have previously described the first-in-human, robotic-assisted cerebral aneurysm treatment using the CorPath GRX Robotic System. In this report we discuss our early experiences and outcomes using this robotic device for endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms using stent-assisted coil embolization and flow diversion.

Methods

The patient and disease characteristics, procedural details, and follow-up imaging and clinical outcomes of consecutive patients undergoing robotically-assisted intracranial aneurysm embolization between November 2019 and February 2020 are presented.

Results

Six patients underwent robotically-assisted embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Four of the patients were treated with a neck-bridging stent (with or without coiling) and two patients were treated with a flow-diverting stent. Two patients were treated in the subacute period of subarachnoid hemorrhage and four patients were treated electively. All of the procedures could be completed robotically and there was no need for unplanned manual intervention. The technical success rate of the procedures was 100%. There was no morbidity or mortality associated with the procedures. One year follow-up imaging showed that four aneurysms were completely obliterated (Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) class I) and the remaining two were occluded with a residual neck (RROC class II).

Conclusions

The Corpath GRX Robotic System demonstrated a precise control over the microcatheter, wire and stent during aneurysm treatment. Robotic neuro-procedures seem to be safe and effective and demonstrate stable occlusion results in the midterm follow-up.
Incidence and risk factors for dysglycaemia in Asian-Indians: a 10-year population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Jayant Satyam Singh , Rastogi Ashu , Bhadada Sanjay K , Bhansali Anil , Sachdeva Naresh , Ram Sant
Published: December 2021

Background

Diabetes prevalence estimates suggest an increasing trend in South-East Asia region, but studies on its incidence are limited. The current study aims to estimate the incidence of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in a population-based cohort from India.

Methods

A subset of Chandigarh Urban Diabetes Study cohort (n=1878) with normoglycaemia or pre-diabetes at baseline was prospectively followed after a median of 11 (0.5–11) years. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were diagnosed as per WHO guidelines. The incidence with 95% CI was calculated in 1000 person-years and Cox proportional hazard model was used to find the association between the risk factors and progression to pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Results

The incidence of diabetes, pre-diabetes and dysglycaemia (either pre-diabetes or diabetes) was 21.6 (17.8–26.1), 18.8 (14.8–23.4) and 31.7 (26.5–37.6) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04), family history of diabetes (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.25) and sedentary lifestyle (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.17) predicted conversion from normoglycaemia to dysglycaemia, while obesity (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.89) predicted conversion from pre-diabetes to diabetes.

Conclusion

A high incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in Asian-Indians suggests a faster conversion rate to dysglycaemia, which is partly explained by sedentary lifestyle and consequent obesity in these individuals. The high incidence rates call for a pressing need for public health interventions targeting modifiable risk factors.
Association between rectal gonorrhoea and HIV incidence in men who have sex with men: a meta-analysis
Authors: Donnell Deborah , Zewdie Kidist , Ratna Natasha , Miller Veronica , Saunders John Michael , Gill O Noel , Delpech Valerie , Mohammed Hamish
Published: December 2021

Background

Incidence of rectal gonorrhoea (GC) has been hypothesised as a correlate of HIV exposure in prevention trials of men who have sex with men (MSM). High rectal GC incidence in MSM trials of new biomedical prevention drugs may provide supportive evidence for ongoing HIV risk. Empirical evidence of correlation between rectal GC and HIV incidence is needed to assess whether high rectal GC rates reliably correlate with high risk of HIV.

Methods

Rectal GC and HIV are routinely tested in sexual health clinics (SHCs) throughout England. Through routine surveillance data collected at visits to SHCs, we assessed HIV incidence and new rectal GC diagnoses in repeat visits by HIV-negative MSM between 2011 and 2018, predating widespread roll-out of pre-exposure prophylaxis. Meta-analysis regression assessed population-level association between HIV and rectal GC incidence over time.

Findings

Between 2011 and 2018, HIV and rectal GC incidence was assessed in 541 056 HIV-negative MSM attending SHCs in England. HIV incidence among MSM attending SHCs fell from 1.26/100 person-years (PYs) in 2011 to 0.28/100 PYs in 2018. Rectal GC rates increased from 3.5/100 PYs to 11.1/100 PYs over the same period. The rate of HIV incidence decreased by 22.3% for each percent increase in rectal GC (95% CI –30.8 to –14.7, p<0.001).

Interpretation

Among the population of MSM attending SHCs in England, rectal GC rates increased substantially while HIV incidence rates decreased between 2011 and 2018. HIV incidence likely decreased through expanded HIV testing, prompt antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation and increased viral suppression in persons living with HIV, interventions that did not decrease rectal GC. Rectal GC may not be an ideal proxy for HIV incidence in trials, as HIV exposure risk is complex and context dependent, given effective HIV prevention interventions in MSM.

Introduction
Characterization of Lower and Middle Pleistocene tephra beds in the southern plains of western Canada
Authors: Westgate John A. , Naeser Nancy D. , Barendregt René W. , Pearce Nicholas J.G.
Published: December 2021

Wellsch Valley tephra, near Swift Current, southwestern Saskatchewan, and Galt Island tephra, near Medicine Hat, southeastern Alberta, have been referenced in the literature since the 1970s, but little is available on their physical and chemical attributes — necessary information if they are to be recognized elsewhere. This study seeks to remedy this situation. Both have a calc-alkaline rhyolitic composition with hornblende, biotite, plagioclase, pyroxene, and Fe–Ti oxides being dominant. They have a similar composition but are not the same. Wellsch Valley tephra has a glass fission-track age of 0.75 ± 0.05 Ma, a reversed magnetic polarity, and was deposited at the close of the Matuyama Chron. Galt Island tephra has an age of 0.49 ± 0.05 Ma, a normal magnetic polarity, and was deposited during the early Brunhes Chron. Rich fossil vertebrate faunas occur in sediments close to them. Major- and trace-element concentrations in their glass shards indicate a source in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest, USA, but differences in trace-element ratios suggest they are not consanguineous.
Erratum to: Magnetic dominance of axion electrodynamics: photon capture effect and anisotropy of Coulomb potential
Authors: Villalba-Chávez S. , Shabad A. E. , Müller C.
Published: December 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-021-09046-3
Numerical and experimental study in pressure pulsation and vibration of a two-stage centrifugal pump under cavitating condition
Authors: Zhang Shuwei , Tian Ruiqi , Ding Kejin , Chen Hongxun , Ma Zheng
Published: December 2021

Instantaneous cavitating turbulent flow in a two-stage centrifugal pump with diffuser was simulated using a hybrid RANS/LES model and rotating corrected-based cavitation model in this paper. The predicted results of numerical simulation were in good agreement with the experimental results. The mechanism of pressure pulsation in the two-stage centrifugal pump was discussed. Some representative main frequencies of pressure pulsation such as main blade passing frequency, sub-blade passing frequency and intersection frequency of impeller blade and diffuser blade were analyzed systematically. Uncertainty estimation was used to ensure the accuracy of experimental results and it was also used to analyze the variation of pressure pulsation and vibration signals at different positions with the intensification of cavitation degree in the centrifugal pump. According to the results of uncertainty estimation, the center frequency of 1/3 octave band and the root mean square method were used to evaluate the energy change of the pressure pulsation signals and vibration signals at different frequency bands as the cavitation number decreases. The characteristics of pressure pulsation and vibration signals at different positions were analyzed in different frequency bands.
A review of the morphology, physical processes and deposits of modern straits
Authors: Dalrymple Robert W.
Published: December 2021

This study reviews the morphology, hydrodynamics and sedimentology of 33 modern straits, including examples from diverse tectonic and climatic settings. Strait morphology ranges from short, simple straits to long, tortuous passages many hundreds of kilometres long; depths range from 10 m to >1 km. The morphological building block of strait sedimentation is a constriction flanked by open basins; a single strait can contain one or several of these. Currents accelerate through the constrictions and decelerate in the basins, leading to a spatial alternation of high- and low-energy conditions. Currents in a strait can be classified as either ‘persistent’ (oceanic currents or density-driven circulation) or ‘intermittent’ (tidally or meteorologically generated currents). Constrictions tend to be bedload partings, with the development of transport paths that diverge outward. Deposition occurs where the flow decelerates, generating paired subaqueous ‘constriction-related deltas’ that can be of unequal size. Cross-bedding predominates in high-energy settings; muddy sediment waves and contourite drifts are present in some straits. In shallow straits that were exposed during the sea-level lowstand, strait deposits typically occur near or at the maximum flooding surface, and can overlie estuarine and fluvial deposits. The most energetic deposits need not occur at the time of maximum inundation.
Understanding the Performance Guarantee of Physical Topology Design for Optical Circuit Switched Data Centers
Authors: Zhao Shizhen , Cao Peirui , Wang Xinbing
Published: December 2021

As a first step of designing O ptical-circuit-switched D ata C enters (ODC), physical topology design is critical as it determines the scalability and the performance limit of the entire ODC. However, prior works on ODC have not yet paid much attention to physical topology design, and the adopted physical topologies either scale poorly, or lack performance guarantee. We offer a mathematical foundation for the design and performance analysis of ODC physical topologies in this paper. We introduce a new performance metric β(G ) to evaluate the gap between a physical topology G and the ideal physical topology. We develop a coupling technique that bypasses a significant amount of computational complexity of calculating β(G). Using β(G ) and the coupling technique, we study four physical topologies that are representative of those in literature, analyze their scalabilities and prove their performance guarantees. Our analysis may provide new guidance for network operators to design better physical topologies for their ODCs.
Algorithm 1019: A Task-based Multi-shift QR/QZ Algorithm with Aggressive Early Deflation
Authors: Myllykoski Mirko
Published: December 2021

The QR algorithm is one of the three phases in the process of computing the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors of a dense nonsymmetric matrix. This paper describes a task-based QR algorithm for reducing an upper Hessenberg matrix to real Schur form. The task-based algorithm also supports generalized eigenvalue problems (QZ algorithm) but this paper concentrates on the standard case. The task-based algorithm adopts previous algorithmic improvements, such as tightly-coupled multi-shifts and
Aggressive Early Deflation (AED)
, and also incorporates several new ideas that significantly improve the performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the elimination of several synchronization points, the dynamic merging of previously separate computational steps, the shortening and the prioritization of the critical path, and experimental GPU support. The task-based implementation is demonstrated to be multiple times faster than multi-threaded LAPACK and ScaLAPACK in both single-node and multi-node configurations on two different machines based on Intel and AMD CPUs. The implementation is built on top of the StarPU runtime system and is part of the open-source StarNEig library.
Targeting Solid Tumors with Bispecific T Cell Engager Immune Therapy
Authors: Arvedson Tara , Bailis Julie M. , Britten Carolyn D. , Klinger Matthias , Nagorsen Dirk , Coxon Angela , Egen Jackson G. , Martin Flavius
Published: December 2021

T cell engagers (TCEs) are targeted immunotherapies that have emerged as a promising treatment to redirect effector T cells for tumor cell killing. The strong therapeutic value of TCEs, established by the approval of blinatumomab for the treatment of B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has expanded to include other hematologic malignancies, as well as some solid tumors. Successful clinical development of TCEs in solid tumors has proven challenging, as it requires additional considerations such as the selectivity of target expression, tumor accessibility, and the impact of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide a brief history of blinatumomab, summarize learnings from TCEs in hematologic malignancies, and highlight results from recent TCE trials in solid tumors. Additionally, we examine approaches to improve the efficacy and safety of TCEs in solid tumors, including therapeutic combinations to increase the depth and durability of response.
Corrosion Behaviors of SS310 and IN718 Alloys in Molten Carbonate
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Peilin , Zheng Kaiyuan , Yin Huayi , Wang Dihua
Published: December 2021

Long-lasting metallic materials are key to enabling a robust and reliable molten carbonate electrolyzer. In this paper, the corrosion behaviors of SS310 and IN718 in molten Li2CO3-K2CO3-Na2CO3 under CO2-O2 atmosphere were systematically studied. The results show that IN718 had a lower corrosion rate than that of SS310 because of the higher Ni concentration. In addition, increasing the temperature and decreasing the oxygen concentration can reduce the corrosion rate of both SS310 and IN718. As a result, IN718 is a suitable material to be used in molten salt electrolyzers. Overall, engineering the alloy and molten salt compositions as well as manipulating the gas atmosphere can suppress the corrosion of metallic materials, thereby screening durable metallic materials for high-temperature molten carbonate electrolyzers.
Developing Shunt-Current Minimized Soluble-Lead-Redox-Flow-Batteries
Authors: Suman Rathod , Yadav Satya Prakash , Ravikumar M. K. , Patil Satish , Shukla A. K.
Published: December 2021

Shunt currents in membrane-less soluble-lead-redox-flow-batteries (SLRFB) are observed in open-circuit condition and found to depend on size of the stack, manifolds, flow rates and charge/discharge parameters. Ramifications of shunt currents on the performance of membrane-less SLRFB stacks with internal and external manifolds are reported. In the case of stacks with 3, 5 and 7-cells and internal manifold design, the charge current for the middle cell decreases by 3.3%, 6%, and 8.5%, while the discharge current increases by 2.6%, 5.5%, and 6.6%, respectively, for 3 A charge/discharge current. By contrast, no such adverse effect is observed for external manifold design. The current—potential studies show that while the stacks comprising 3 and 5-cells deliver a maximum power density of 35 mW cm−2, which declines to 15 mW cm−2 for the 7-cell stack with internal manifold design, while the power density remains invariant at 50 mW cm−2 for stacks with external manifold design. An 8-cell stack of 12 V, 50 mAh/cm2 specific capacity and 273 Wh energy storage capacity with 64% energy efficiency is also reported which shows good cyclability over 100 cycles with 95% coulombic efficiency when cycled at 20 mA cm−2 current density for 1 h duration.
Improved Capacitive Behavior of Birnessite Type Mn Oxide Coated on Activated Carbon Fibers
Authors: Abedi Zahra , Leistenschneider Desirée , Chen Weixing , Ivey Douglas G.
Published: December 2021

Birnessite type Mn oxide (potassium birnessite hydrate) powder (as-δ-MnO2) with a layered microstructure was prepared via a hydrothermal process. To improve its capacitive performance, the microstructure was thermally modified (annealed) at 400 °C (400-δ-MnO2) in a N2 reducing environment. By removing the hydrated cation (K+) layers inserted between the main layers of birnessite, intercalation/deintercalation of the electrolyte species (Li+1) became more effective. Characterization of the as-δ-MnO2 and 400-δ-MnO2 samples revealed that no phase transformation occurred during the annealing process. The microstructure became less crystalline and the total pore volume increased from 0.20 cm3 g−1 to 0.43 cm3 g−1, while the oxidation state of Mn remained 4+ after annealing the as-δ-MnO2 sample at 400 °C. The 400-δ-MnO2 sample was then coated on asphaltene derived activated carbon fibers (ACF-400-δ-MnO2) to improve the performance by making use of the high electrical conductivity and capacitive behavior of ACF. Coating the 400-δ-MnO2 sample led to a significant increase in the capacitance (328 F g−1 and 195 F g−1 for ACF-400-δ-MnO2 and 400-δ-MnO2 at 0.4 A g−1, respectively), improved energy and power values (∼7 kW kg−1 at ∼4.2 Wh kg−1 for ACF-400-δ-MnO2 and 240 W kg−1 at 2.4 Wh kg−1 for 400-δ-MnO2) and improved cycling behavior.
High-Frequency Features in the Distribution of Relaxation Times Related to Frequency Dispersion Effects in SOFCs
Authors: Fitzek Katharina , de Haart Ute , Fang Qingping , Lehnert Werner
Published: December 2021

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is commonly used for the characterization of electrochemical systems, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In recent years, the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis has attracted increasing interest as a tool for investigating electrochemical loss mechanisms in fuel cells due to its ability to resolve electrochemical features that overlap in complex planes. Among the methods used for the deconvolution of the distribution function of relaxation times, DRTtools is commonly used due to its user-friendly graphical user interface. In this study, we investigate the root cause of the expression of additional DRT features in the high-frequency range and link them to characteristic properties of the processes that contribute to the polarization loss of SOFCs. Identification of the root cause leading to the expression of the features is performed by conducting a simulation study with synthetic EIS spectra that are then analyzed using DRTtools. It has been shown that the constant phase element behavior of high-frequency processes in SOFCs is the root cause of the expression of additional peaks in the high-frequency range of the DRT.
Indirect Differential Pulse Voltammetric Determination of Fluoride Ions at Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Porous and Electroactive Fe3+/Fe2+Based-Metal Organic Frameworks Type MIL-101(Fe)
Authors: Mahmoud Ashraf M. , Mahnashi Mater H. , Abu-Alrub Samer S. , Alkahtani Saad A. , El-Wekil Mohamed M.
Published: December 2021

An innovative and reliable electrochemical sensor was proposed for simple, sensitive and selective determination of F−ions. The sensor based on the fabrication of porous and electroactive Fe-based metal organic frameworks [MIL-101(Fe)]. It was blended with graphite powder and liquid paraffin oil to from carbon paste electrode (CPE). The MIL-101(Fe)@CPE was characterized using different techniques such as scanning electron microscope, powder X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, differential pulse voltammetry. The MIL-101(Fe)@CPE exhibited two redox peaks (anodic and cathodic) corresponding to Fe3+and Fe2+, respectively. The determination of F−ions based on the formation of a stable fluoroferric complex with Fe3+/ Fe2+, decreasing the currents of redox species. It was found that the anodic peak current (Ipa) is linearly proportional to the concentration of F−in the range of 0.67–130μM with a limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.201μM. The electrode exhibited good selectivity towards F-detection with no significant interferences from common anions. The as-fabricated sensor was applied for the determination of F−in environmental water samples with recoveries % and RSDs % in the range of 98.1%–102.4% and 2.4%–3.7%, respectively.
End Plate Effects on the Performance of PEMFCs During Cold Start Process
Authors: Wan Xiongbiao , Zhan Zhigang , Jiang Panxing , Yu Yuan , Wang Chenglong , Zeng Qingxi , Yu Jun , Pan Mu
Published: December 2021

The efficient, fast, and reliable cold start of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is one of the major challenges for their commercialization. In this paper a segmented single cell is used to simulate the end plate effects of the stack and to investigate how the effects work. The results demonstrate that the end cells in the stack have the lowest performance, the reasons of which include the lowest temperature of the cells themselves, and probably also the ice blocking in part area inside the MEA, or in the channels, or in both together. In order to mitigate or even to eliminate the influence of the ice formation in the end cells, the temperature of the end plates should be increased to −10 °C or above when the liquid water is generated. A high inlet gas flow rate facilitates the discharge of supercooled water and is conducive to successful cold start.
Pediatrics Infected with COVID-19: A Case Series Study on Pediatrics Hospitalized in a Referral Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Hashemian Houman , Mansouri Saeid Sadat , Badeli Hamid Reza , Esmaili Ebrahim , Asgharzadeh Majid , Shahraki Tamkin , Ghasemabadi Neda Aligoli , Falahatkar Reza , Mashouf Parham , Jafari Alireza
Published: December 2021

Introduction. COVID-19 infection which is a novel pneumonia associated with coronavirus suddenly broke out in the world. The aim of this study is to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients who were hospitalized in a referral pediatric hospital because of COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods. Twenty-one COVID-19 infection cases confirmed by clinical and laboratory findings who were hospitalized in our center from 20 February to 19 April 2020 were included. Demography information, clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings, and treatment strategies of patients were evaluated. Results. The mean age was

91.5
±
68.38

months (1-225), and there were 12 (57.1%) boys and 9 (42.9%) girls.

Fever
≥

38

°

C

was detected in 11 (52.4%) patients. Eleven (52.3%) patients had tachypnea, and 4 (19%) of them developed tachycardia. Nine CT scans (42.85%) demonstrated a halo sign, and patchy infiltration was seen in CT scan of 7 patients (33.33%). Furthermore, bilateral crazy-paving pattern was seen in CT scan of nine (42.85%) patients. We prescribed chloroquine in 8 (38.1%), oseltamivir in 8 (38.1%), Kaletra in 6 (28.6%), and Ribavirin in 1 (4.8%) of patients. Finally, four (19.04%) patients expired which one of them suffered from ARDS. Conclusions. We found out that boys might develop more severe cases of COVID-19, and this could be more common in school age. Manifestations might be milder than adults, and the most severe cases might be associated with underlying diseases. Also, the effectiveness of drugs in the treatment of this disease needs further study.
The Safety and Efficacy of Standard-Dose versus Low-Dose Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus
Authors: Feng Mingjun , Lin Huaming , He Bin , Wang Binhao , Chen Xiaomin , Chu Huimin
Published: December 2021

Background. Data comparing different doses of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) regarding resolution of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of standard-dose versus low-dose NOACs in patients with nonvalvular AF and LAAT. Methods. Patients with nonvalvular AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before interventional procedures for the detection of LAAT and treated with NOACs from October 2014 to September 2020 in Ningbo First Hospital were retrospectively screened. The study population was divided into two groups according to the doses of NOACs: standard-dose group (dabigatran 150 mg, twice daily; rivaroxaban 20 mg, once daily) and low-dose group (aged ≥75 years, body weight <50 kg, or creatinine clearance <50 mL/min; dabigatran 110 mg, twice daily; rivaroxaban 15 mg, once daily). Repeated TEE was performed 1, 2, and 3 months later. The rate of LAAT completely resolved and incidence of thromboembolic and major bleeding events were compared between the two groups. Results. A total of 24 patients were included, 14 patients in the standard-dose group and 10 in the low-dose group. After 3 months, LAAT was completely resolved in 12 out of 14 (85.7%) and 8 out of 10 (80%) patients treated with standard- and low-dose NOACs, respectively. The rate of LAAT completely resolved was comparable between groups. No thromboembolic or major bleeding events occurred during the follow-up. Conclusion. Low-dose NOACs are a safe and effective option for the treatment of LAAT in some special subset patients. However, the results warrant validation in a prospective study.