bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The long‐standing significance of genetic diversity in conservation
Authors: DeWoody J. Andrew , Harder Avril M. , Mathur Samarth , Willoughby Janna R.
Published: July 2021

Since allozymes were first used to assess genetic diversity in the 1960s and 1970s, biologists have attempted to characterize gene pools and conserve the diversity observed in domestic crops, livestock, zoos and (more recently) natural populations. Recently, some authors have claimed that the importance of genetic diversity in conservation biology has been greatly overstated. Here, we argue that a voluminous literature indicates otherwise. We address four main points made by detractors of genetic diversity's role in conservation by using published literature to firmly establish that genetic diversity is intimately tied to evolutionary fitness, and that the associated demographic consequences are of paramount importance to many conservation efforts. We think that responsible management in the Anthropocene should, whenever possible, include the conservation of ecosystems, communities, populations and individuals, and their underlying genetic diversity.
Prevalence and polymorphism of a mussel transmissible cancer in Europe
Authors: Hammel Maurine , Simon Alexis , Arbiol Christine , Villalba Antonio , Burioli Erika A. V. , Pépin Jean‐François , Lamy Jean‐Baptiste , Benabdelmouna Abdellah , Bernard Ismael , Houssin Maryline , Charrière Guillaume M. , Destoumieux‐Garzon Delphine , Welch John J. , Metzger Michael J. , Bierne Nicolas
Published: July 2021

Transmissible cancers are parasitic malignant cell lineages that have acquired the ability to infect new hosts from the same species, or sometimes related species. First described in dogs and Tasmanian devils, transmissible cancers were later discovered in some marine bivalves affected by a leukaemia‐like disease. In Mytilus mussels, two lineages of bivalve transmissible neoplasia (BTN) have been described to date (MtrBTN1 and MtrBTN2), both of which emerged in a Mytilus trossulus founder individual. Here, we performed extensive screening of genetic chimerism, a hallmark of transmissible cancer, by genotyping 106 single nucleotide polymorphisms of 5,907 European Mytilus mussels. Genetic analysis allowed us to simultaneously obtain the genotype of hosts – Mytilus edulis, M. galloprovincialis or hybrids – and the genotype of tumours of heavily infected individuals. In addition, a subset of 222 individuals were systematically genotyped and analysed by histology to screen for possible nontransmissible cancers. We detected MtrBTN2 at low prevalence in M. edulis, and also in M. galloprovincialis and hybrids although at a much lower prevalence. No MtrBTN1 or new BTN were found, but eight individuals with nontransmissible neoplasia were observed at a single polluted site on the same sampling date. We observed a diversity of MtrBTN2 genotypes that appeared more introgressed or more ancestral than MtrBTN1 and reference healthy M. trossulus individuals. The observed polymorphism is probably due to somatic null alleles caused by structural variations or point mutations in primer‐binding sites leading to enhanced detection of the host alleles. Despite low prevalence, two sublineages divergent by 10% fixed somatic null alleles and one nonsynonymous mtCOI (mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I) substitution are cospreading in the same geographical area, suggesting a complex diversification of MtrBTN2 since its emergence and host species shift.
Simulations of increased glomerular capillary wall strain in the 5/6‐nephrectomized rat
Authors: Richfield Owen , Cortez Ricardo , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: July 2021

Objective

Chronic glomerular hypertension is associated with glomerular injury and sclerosis; however, the mechanism by which increases in pressure damage glomerular podocytes remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that increases in glomerular pressure may deleteriously affect podocyte structural integrity by increasing the strain of the glomerular capillary walls, and that glomerular capillary wall strain may play a significant role in the perpetuation of glomerular injury in disease states that are associated with glomerular hypertension.

Methods

We developed an anatomically accurate mathematical model of a compliant, filtering rat glomerulus to quantify the strain of the glomerular capillary walls in a remnant glomerulus of the 5/6‐nephrectomized rat model of chronic kidney disease. In terms of estimating the mechanical stresses and strains in the glomerular capillaries, this mathematical model is a substantial improvement over previous models which do not consider pressure‐induced alterations in glomerular capillary diameters in distributing plasma and erythrocytes throughout the network.

Results

Using previously reported data from experiments measuring the change of glomerular volume as a function of perfusion pressure, we estimated the Young's modulus of the glomerular capillary walls in both control and 5/6‐nephrectomized conditions. We found that in 5/6‐nephrectomized conditions, the Young's modulus increased to 8.6 MPa from 7.8 MPa in control conditions, but the compliance of the capillaries increased in 5/6‐nephrectomized conditions due to a 23.3% increase in the baseline glomerular capillary diameters. We found that glomerular capillary wall strain was increased approximately threefold in 5/6‐nephrectomized conditions over control, which may deleteriously affect both mesangial cells and podocytes. The magnitudes of strain in model simulations of 5/6‐nephrectomized conditions were consistent with magnitudes of strain that elicit podocyte hypertrophy and actin cytoskeleton reorganization in vitro.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that glomerular capillary wall strain may deleteriously affect podocytes directly, as well as act in concert with other mechanical changes and environmental factors inherent to the in vivo setting to potentiate glomerular injury in severe renoprival conditions.
Stability prediction for asphalt mixture based on evolutional characterization of aggregate skeleton
Authors: Jin Can , Wan Xiaodong , Liu Pengfei , Yang Xu , Oeser Markus
Published: July 2021

The aggregate skeleton significantly influences the deformation resistance of asphalt mixtures. A stable skeleton has good interlocking effects and load transfer ability to resist deformation of mixtures during loading. Therefore, the methodology to accurately evaluate the morphology of aggregate skeleton based on the mechanism of load transfer inside mixtures is of great value to predict the mixture stability. The objective of this study is to predict and validate mixture stability from the perspective of evolutional morphologies of the skeleton. The methodology has three main steps, which are as follows: (1) the initial morphology of the aggregate skeleton is characterized and evaluated; (2) the topological and non‐topological evolutions of the skeleton morphology during external loading are characterized; and (3) the strain energy of the mixture and the stress distribution on contact regions in the skeleton are used to analyze and validate the prediction of the mixture's stability. Simulations of uniaxial displacement‐controlled tests of three cylindrical specimens drilled in a field‐compacted test track were conducted, and 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 s were selected as time points in the simulation to analyze mixture stability. Results indicate that a mixture has a better load‐bearing capacity when its initial skeleton contains more chains with higher evaluation indices, which proves the reliability of the stability prediction using the proposed method.
MYB77 regulates high‐affinity potassium uptake by promoting expression of HAK5
Authors: Feng Cui‐zhu , Luo Yun‐xin , Wang Peng‐dan , Gilliham Matthew , Long Yu
Published: July 2021

In Arabidopsis, the high‐affinity K+ transporter HAK5 is the major pathway for root K+ uptake when below 100 µM; HAK5 responds to Low‐K+ (LK) stress by strongly and rapidly increasing its expression during K+‐deficiency. Therefore, positive regulators of HAK5 expression have the potential to improve K+ uptake under LK.

Here, we show that mutants of the transcription factor MYB77 share a LK‐induced leaf chlorosis phenotype, lower K+ content, and lower Rb+ uptake of the hak5 mutant, but not the shorter root growth, and that overexpression of MYB77 enhanced K+ uptake and improved tolerance to LK stress.

Furthermore, we demonstrated that MYB77 positively regulates the expression of HAK5, by binding to the HAK5 promoter and enhances high‐affinity K+ uptake of roots.

As such, our results reveal a novel pathway for enhancing HAK5 expression under LK stress, and provides a candidate for increasing the tolerance of plants to LK.
Environmental indicators in salmon aquaculture research: A systematic review
Authors: Rector Megan E. , Weitzman Jenny , Filgueira Ramón , Grant Jon
Published: July 2021

The ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA) is a strategy for the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, but the question of how it can be practically implemented remains unclear. Indicators that can be applied at relevant scales of impact and that reflect the environmental status and change offer a means of operationalizing EAA. Therefore, a systematic literature review was carried out to identify environmental indicators referenced in salmon aquaculture literature and review their potential to support EAA. Using the PRISMA method for selecting journal papers, 101 articles that included 531 indicators were reviewed. Indicators were characterized based on the effect of aquaculture they measure, their similarity to other indicators extracted, and the scale at which they were applied. Indicators and their characteristics are presented in a searchable online database. A scoring method for evaluating indicators based on criteria drawn from environmental indicator literature and the potential scalability of indicators to meet the needs of EAA was developed and applied to the most frequently referenced indicators. Overall, near‐field indicators of benthic impacts dominated salmon aquaculture literature. Of the most frequently referenced indicators, those that scored highest based on criteria drawn from environmental indicator literature also scored highest on scalability and therefore their potential contribution to EAA. Overall, results suggest that additional research and application of far‐field environmental indicators in salmon aquaculture will be required to identify a suite of indicators that can be applied as part of EAA practice.
Florida Bay: Modern analogue for Lofer cyclothems?
Authors: Enos Paul , Samankassou Elias
Published: July 2021

Lofer cyclothems of the Alpine Upper Triassic have many features in common with Holocene sediments of Florida Bay. The modal ‘complete’ Lofer cycle is essentially symmetrical, having a deepening and shoaling phase, as does the cycle‐in‐progress in Florida Bay. Lateral discontinuity and thickness variations within members of the Lofer cyclothems indicate syn‐depositional relief, possibly in the form of mud banks, the signature feature of Florida Bay sedimentation. Spatial and temporal dimensions, although poorly constrained, appear comparable. Analogous depositional textures, biota and sedimentary structures, while not unique to either environment, strengthen the inferences that can be made about the Triassic depositional environment and regarding future evolution of the modern environment. The striking similarities between the Holocene icehouse sediments and the Late Triassic greenhouse deposits suggest that sedimentation patterns at the scale of individual cycles or parasequences may be largely independent of the global climate regime.
The social movement for reproductive justice: Emergence, intersectional strategies, and theory building
Authors: Daniel Meghan
Published: July 2021

This article reviews the literature on the reproductive justice social movement and provides an overview of its main theorical and empirical foundations and contributions. It begins by tracing the emergence of reproductive justice, grounding it in longstanding histories of resistance and Black feminist theorizing. It highlights intersectionality as a social movement strategy and tactic embraced by reproductive justice activists, and highlights reproductive justice organizing and scholarship that contributes to our theoretical understandings of the racial politics of reproduction and abolition. In so doing, this piece makes two interrelated contributions. First, it argues reproductive justice generates material and theoretical contributions beyond the scope of what is possible for reproductive health and rights frameworks. Second, it demonstrates that bringing reproductive justice into the focus of sociological inquiry is important for advancing social science scholarship.
Abnormal changes in motor cortical maps in humans with spinal cord injury
Authors: Tazoe Toshiki , Perez Monica A.
Published: July 2021

Key points

The functional role of motor cortical reorganization following spinal cord injury (SCI) remains largely unknown. Here, we tested motor maps in a hand muscle at rest and during voluntary contraction of the hand with and without voluntary contraction of a proximal arm muscle.

Motor map area in participants with SCI decreased during hand voluntary contraction and further decreased during additional contraction of a proximal arm muscle compared with rest. In contrast, motor map area in controls increased during the same motor tasks. Participants with SCI with more severe sensory deficits in the hand showed larger decreases in motor map area.

Ten minutes of hand muscle–tendon vibration increased the motor map area during voluntary contraction in SCI participants.

These novel findings suggest that abnormal changes in motor cortical maps during voluntary contraction after SCI can be reshaped by sensory input, knowledge that can have implications for rehabilitation.

Motor cortical representations reorganize following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The functional role of this reorganization remains largely unknown. Using neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation, we examined motor cortical maps during voluntary contraction in humans with chronic cervical SCI and age‐matched controls. We constructed motor maps in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle at rest and during voluntary contraction of the FDI with and without voluntary contraction of the biceps brachi (BB). The role of sensory input into this reorganization was examined by muscle–tendon vibration. We found that, at rest, motor maps were larger in SCI (22.3 cm2) compared with control (12.6 cm2, P < 0.001) participants. Motor map area increased during voluntary contraction of the FDI (120.7%) and further increased during contraction of the BB (143.9%) compared with rest in control subjects; however, motor map area decreased during voluntary contraction of the FDI (69.5%) and further decreased during contraction of the BB (55.5%) in individuals with SCI. SCI participants with larger decreases in map area during voluntary contraction of the FDI were those with larger sensory deficits in the hand and 10 min of hand muscle–tendon vibration increased motor map area. These results provide the first evidence of abnormal changes in motor cortical maps in humans with chronic SCI during voluntary contraction, suggesting that sensory input can help to reshape this reorganization.
Role of Nominal Stress State on Cyclic Fatigue Durability of SAC305 Grain-Scale Solder Joints
Authors: Deshpande Abhishek , Jiang Qian , Dasgupta Abhijit , Becker Ulrich
Published: July 2021

Solder joints in micro-electronic assemblies experience a multiaxial combination of extensional and shear loads due to combinations of thermal expansion mismatch and flexure of printed circuit assemblies during thermal cycling or during vibrational loading of constrained printed circuit assemblies. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted to study cyclic fatigue failures of solder joints under pure-shear loading, most of the current literature on cyclic tensile loading of solders is on long dog-boned monolithic solder coupons. Unfortunately, such specimens do not capture the critical interactions between key microscale morphological features (such as grain orientation, grain boundaries, intermetallic compounds, and substrates) that are believed to play important roles in the fatigue of functional solder joints under life-cycle loading. Therefore, this paper uses a combination of experiments and finite element analysis to investigate the differences in mechanisms of cyclic fatigue damage in Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) few-grained (oligocrystalline) microscale solder joints under shear, tensile and multiaxial loading modes at room temperature. Cyclic fatigue durability test results indicate that tensile loads are more detrimental compared to shear loads. Tensile versus shear loading modes are found to cause distinctly different combinations of interfacial damage versus internal damage in the bulk of the solder (transgranular and intergranular damage), which correlates with the differences observed in the resulting fatigue durability. The test results also confirm that the traditional approach of assuming a power-law dependence on equivalent deviatoric strain amplitude is inadequate for modeling cyclic fatigue durability of solder interconnects experiencing multiaxial loading. Instead, multiaxial fatigue damage results are seen to be affected not only by the cyclic equivalent strain amplitudes but also by the severity of the stress-triaxiality, as hypothesized in models such as Chaboche model.
Experimental Investigation of Vortex-Induced Vibrations on Yawed and Inclined Flexible Cylinders
Authors: Vieira Daniel P. , Franzini Guilherme R. , Cenci Fredi , Fujarra André L. C.
Published: July 2021

An experimental setup was built to investigate the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) phenomenon on yawed and inclined flexible cylinders, in which five yaw angles θ = 0 deg, 10 deg, 20 deg, 30 deg, and 45 deg and five azimuth angles β = 0 deg, 45 deg, 90 deg, 135 deg, and 180 deg were combined. The experiments were carried out in a towing tank facility at Reynolds numbers from 1800 to 18,000, comprising vibrations up to the eighth natural mode. Time histories of displacements were recorded using a submerged optical system that tracks 17 reflective targets. A modal decomposition scheme based on Galerkin’s method was applied, aiming multimodal behavior investigations. Such an approach allowed the analysis of the modal amplitude throughout time, revealing interesting results for such a class of VIV tests. The flexible cylinder total response is generally a combination of two or more modes. Only for azimuths 0 deg, 90 deg, and 180 deg, a unimodal response was observed for the two first lock-in regimes. The frequency response showed that when the response was multimodal, non-dominant modes can follow the vibration frequency of the dominant one. Assuming a priori the independence principle (IP) valid to define the reduced velocities (Vr), it was observed that the resonance region was restricted to 3 ≤ Vr ≤ ~8 for the tested cases, indicating that the IP can be at least partially applied for flexible structures. As the literature scarcely explores the simultaneous yawed and inclined configurations, the present work may contribute to further code validation and improvements regarding the design of slender offshore structures.
Review on Photovoltaic Power and Solar Resource Forecasting: Current Status and Trends
Authors: Carneiro Tatiane Carolyne , de Carvalho Paulo Cesar Marques , Alves dos Santos Heron , Lima Marcello Anderson Ferreira Batista , Braga Arthur Plinio de Souza
Published: July 2021

Photovoltaic (PV) power intermittence impacts electrical grid security and operation. Precise PV power and solar irradiation forecasts have been investigated as significant reducers of such impacts. Predicting solar irradiation involves uncertainties related to the characteristics of time series and their high volatility due to the dependence on many weather conditions. We propose a systematic review of PV power and solar resource forecasting, considering technical aspects related to each applied methodology. Our review covers the performance analysis of various physical, statistical, and machine learning models. These methodologies should contribute to decision-making, being applicable to different sites and climatic conditions. About 42% of the analyzed articles developed hybrid approaches, 83% performed short-term prediction, and more than 78% had, as forecast goal, PV power, solar irradiance, and solar irradiation. Considering spatial forecast scale, 66% predicted in a single field. As a trend for the coming years, we highlight the use of hybridized methodologies, especially those that optimize input and method parameters without loss of precision and postprocessing methodologies aiming at improvements in individualized applications.
Black-footed albatrosses find a new home across an ocean
Authors: Ortega Rodrigo Pérez
Published: July 2021

International project offers a model for tricky translocation of seabirds threatened by rising sea level.
The plastic eaters
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: July 2021

Bacterial enzymes can digest some plastic waste. Scientists want to harness them for recycling.
A fast link between face perception and memory in the temporal pole
Authors: Landi Sofia M. , Viswanathan Pooja , Serene Stephen , Freiwald Winrich A.
Published: July 2021

What makes familiar faces so special?

Explicit semantic information in the brain is generated by gradually stripping off the specific context in which the item is embedded. A particularly striking example of such explicit representations are face-specific neurons. Landi
et al
. report the properties of neurons in a small region of the monkey anterior temporal cortex that respond to the sight of familiar faces. These cells respond to the internal features of familiar faces but not unknown faces. Some of these responses are very highly selective, reliably responding to only one face out of a vast number of other stimuli. These findings will advance our understanding about where and how semantic memories are stored in the brain. —PRS
Synthesis of thermally stable SBT and SBS/SBT intergrowth zeolites
Authors: Lee Hwajun , Shin Jiho , Lee Kyounghwan , Choi Hyun June , Mayoral Alvaro , Kang Na Young , Hong Suk Bong
Published: July 2021

Stabilizing large pores

Zeolites with very large cages, such as zeolite Y, are rare but extremely useful in processing the large hydrocarbons in petroleum. Lee
et al.
report a route for preparing thermally stable forms of the large-cage phosphate-based molecular sieves UCSB-6 and UCSB-10 (see the Perspective by Xie). They used mainly sodium and cesium ions as inorganic structure-directing agents, along with an organic molecule, in their charge-density mismatch approach. These zeolites were used as diesel-cracking catalysts at 600°C.

Science
, abi7208, this issue p.
104
; see also abj1834, p.
28
When Einstein met Curie
The Soul of Genius: Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and the Meeting that Changed the Course of Science
Jeffrey Orens
Pegasus, 2021. 336 pp.
Authors: Farmelo Graham
Published: July 2021

Historical documents hint at a fulfilling friendship between the two physicists
Director Lander, the time is now
Authors: Eniola-Adefeso Omolola , El-Samad Hana
Published: July 2021

The Biden administration's decision to elevate the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to a cabinet-level position is a win for science. Eric Lander, confirmed in May by the Senate, is now advising the president on the scientific, engineering, and technological policies of the US government. As Dr. Lander carries out this task, we hope that he keeps in mind what President Biden asked him in a letter in January: “How can we guarantee that the fruits of science and technology are fully shared across America and among all Americans?”
Draft Genome Sequence of the Ectomycorrhizal Fungus Astraeus odoratus from Northern Thailand
Authors: Kijpornyongpan Teeratas , Juntachai Weerapong
Published: July 2021

We report the draft genome sequence of
Astraeus odoratus
, an edible ectomycorrhizal fungus from northern Thailand. The assembled genome has a size of 45.1 Mb and 13,403 annotated protein-coding genes. This reference genome will provide a better understanding of the biology of mushroom-forming ectomycorrhizal fungi in the family Diplocystidiaceae.
Complete Genome Sequences of Eight Streptococcus equi subsp.
zooepidemicus
Strains Isolated from Mares in Estrus with Endometritis
Authors: Borlee Grace I. , Lakin Steven M. , Kapuscinski Marylee L. , Abdo Zaid , Stenglein Mark D. , McCue Patrick M. , Borlee Bradley R.
Published: July 2021

Eight isolates of
Streptococcus equi
subsp.
zooepidemicus
were isolated from mares with clinical cases of endometritis.
S. equi
subsp.
zooepidemicus
strains were chosen for sequencing based on differing levels of biofilm production
in vitro
. Using Illumina short-read sequencing in conjunction with MinION sequencing, we report the genomes of eight isolates.
Association of study design features and treatment effects in trials of chronic medical conditions: a meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Wang Zhen , Alahdab Fares , Farah Magdoleen , Seisa Mohamed , Firwana Mohammed , Rajjoub Rami , Saadi Samer , Jawaid Tabinda , Nayfeh Tarek , Murad Mohammad Hassan
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the association of study design features and treatment effects in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating therapies for individuals with chronic medical conditions.

Design

Meta-epidemiological study.

Setting

RCTs from meta-analyses published in the 10 general medical journals with the highest impact factor published between 1 January 2007 and 10 June 2019 and evaluated a drug, procedure or device treatment of chronic medical conditions.

Main outcome measures

The association between trial design features and the effect size, reporting a ratio of ORs (ROR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We included 1098 trials from 86 meta-analyses. The most common outcome in the trials was mortality (52%), followed by disease progression (16%) and adverse events (12%). Lack of blinding of patients and study personnel was associated with a larger treatment effect (ROR 1.12; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.25). There was no statistically significant association with random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of outcome assessors, incomplete outcome data, whether trials were stopped early, study funding, type of interventions or with type of outcomes (objective vs subjective).

Conclusion

The meta-epidemiological study did not demonstrate a clear pattern of association between risk of bias indicators and treatment effects in RCTs in chronic medical conditions. The unpredictability of the direction of bias emphasises the need to make every attempt to adhere to blinding, allocation concealment and reduce attrition bias.

Trial registration number

Not applicable.
Readily accessible risk model to predict in-hospital major adverse cardiac events in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective study of Chinese patients
Authors: Hou Xiaoxia , Du Xin , Wang Guohong , Zhao Xiaoyan , Zheng Yang , Li Yingxue , Xia Eryu , Qin Yong , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Chang-Sheng
Published: July 2021

Objective

Rapid, accurate identification of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at high risk of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) is critical for risk stratification and prompt management. This study aimed to develop a simple, accessible tool for predicting in-hospital MACE in Chinese patients with AMI.

Design

Retrospective review of deidentified medical records.

Setting

38 urban and rural hospitals across diverse economic and geographic areas in China (Beijing, Henan Province and Jilin Province).

Participants

15 009 patients discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of AMI.

Main outcome measure

The primary outcome was MACE occurrence during index hospitalisation. A multivariate logistic regression model (China AMI Risk Model, CHARM) derived using patient data from Beijing (n=7329) and validated with data from Henan (n=4247) and Jilin (n=3433) was constructed to predict the primary outcome using variables of age, white cell count (WCC) and Killip class. C-statistics evaluated discrimination in the derivation and validation cohorts, with goodness-of-fit assessed using Hosmer-Lemeshow statistics.

Results

The CHARM model included age (OR: 1.06 per 1-year increment, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.07, p<0.001), WCC (OR per 109/L increment: 1.10 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.13), p<0.001) and Killip class (class II vs class I: OR 1.34 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.83), p=0.06; class III vs class I: OR 2.74 (95% CI 1.86 to 3.97), p<0.001; class IV vs class I: OR 14.12 (95% CI 10.35 to 19.29), p<0.001). C-statistics were similar between the derivation and validation datasets. CHARM had a higher true positive rate than the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction score and similar to the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE). Hosmer-Lemeshow statistics were 5.5 (p=0.703) for derivation, 41.1 (p<0.001) for Henan, and 103.2 for Jilin (p<0.001) validation sets with CHARM, compared with 119.6, 34.0 and 459.1 with GRACE (all p<0.001).

Conclusions

The CHARM model provides an inexpensive, accurate and readily accessible tool for predicting in-hospital MACE in Chinese patients with AMI.
Health literacy among pregnant women in a lifestyle intervention trial: protocol for an explorative study on the role of health literacy in the perinatal health service setting
Authors: Nawabi Farah , Alayli Adrienne , Krebs Franziska , Lorenz Laura , Shukri Arim , Bau Anne-Madeleine , Stock Stephanie
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Pregnancy is a vulnerable period that affects long-term health of pregnant women and their unborn infants. Health literacy plays a crucial role in promoting healthy behaviour and thereby maintaining good health. This study explores the role of health literacy in the GeMuKi (acronym for ‘Gemeinsam Gesund: Vorsorge plus für Mutter und Kind’—Strengthening health promotion: enhanced check-up visits for mother and child) Project. It will assess the ability of the GeMuKi lifestyle intervention to positively affect health literacy levels through active participation in preventive counselling. The study also explores associations between health literacy, health outcomes, health service use and effectiveness of the intervention.

Methods and analysis

The GeMuKi trial has a hybrid effectiveness–implementation design and is carried out in routine prenatal health service settings in Germany. Women (n=1860) are recruited by their gynaecologist during routine check-up visits before 12 weeks of gestation. Trained healthcare providers carry out counselling using motivational interviewing techniques to positively affect health literacy and lifestyle-related risk factors. Healthcare providers (gynaecologists and midwives) and women jointly agree on Specific, Measurable, Achievable Reasonable, Time-Bound goals. Women will be invited to fill in questionnaires at two time points (at recruitment and 37th−40th week of gestation) using an app. Health literacy is measured using the German version of the Health Literacy Survey-16 and the Brief Health Literacy Screener. Lifestyle is measured with questions on physical activity, nutrition, alcohol and drug use. Health outcomes of both mother and child, including gestational weight gain (GWG) will be documented at each routine visit. Health service use will be assessed using social health insurance claims data. Data analyses will be conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26.0. These include descriptive statistics, tests and regression models. A mediation model will be conducted to answer the question whether health behaviour mediates the association between health literacy and GWG.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the University Hospital of Cologne Research Ethics Committee (ID: 18-163) and the State Chamber of Physicians in Baden-Wuerttemberg (ID: B-F-2018-100). Study results will be disseminated through (poster) presentations at conferences, publications in peer-reviewed journals and press releases.

Trail registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013173). Registered pre-results, 3rd of January 2019,https://www.drks.de
Depressive symptoms among people with HIV/AIDS in Northwest Ethiopia: comparative study
Authors: Mekonen Tesfa , Belete Habte , Fekadu Wubalem
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare depressive symptoms among people with HIV/AIDS and the general population sample. We also assessed the factors associated with depressive symptoms.

Design

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted.

Settings

Antiretroviral therapy clinics in three primary healthcare facilities and semi-urban area in Northwest Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 1115 participants (558 people with HIV/AIDS and 557 comparison group) aged 18 years and above were recruited. A total of 1026 participants (530 people with HIV/AIDS and 496 comparison group) completed the interview. We excluded people with known HIV-positive status from the comparison group.

Outcome measure

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms. The proportion of depressive symptoms was compared between samples of the general population and people with HIV/AIDS using χ2statistics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to examine the associated factors.

Results

The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 13.3% (11.2%–15.4%). The prevalence was significantly higher in people with HIV/AIDS compared with the community sample (16.6% vs 12.3%), p=0.001. The difference was also significant in the multivariable logistic regression (OR 1.7). For the overall sample, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with older age, being single, divorced/widowed marital status, and poor social support.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms were higher in people with HIV/AIDS compared with the general population. It is necessary to include mental healthcare and screening for depression in routine HIV/AIDS care.
The Magnetic Couples Study: protocol for a mixed methods prospective cohort study of HIV-serodifferent heterosexual couples’ perspectives and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Authors: McMahon James M. , Simmons Janie , Haberer Jessica E. , Mannheimer Sharon , Leblanc Natalie M. , Torres Leilani , Quiles Robert , Aedo Guillermo , Javier Anabel , Braksmajer Amy , Harriman Graham , Trabold Nicole , Pouget Enrique R. , Kurth Ann , Smith Martez D. R. , Brasch Judith , Podsiadly Eric J. , Anderson Peter L.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

HIV transmission within serodifferent heterosexual couples plays a key role in sustaining the global HIV pandemic. In the USA, transmission within established mixed-status couples accounts for up to half of all new HIV infections among heterosexuals. Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective prevention method, although underutilised among serodifferent couples. Moreover, there is a dearth of research on US HIV-serodifferent couples’ perspectives and use of PrEP, alone or in combination with other prevention methods. In this paper, we describe the study protocol for the Magnetic Couples Study, designed to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding HIV-serodifferent heterosexual couples’ perspectives, experiences and utilisation of PrEP.

Methods and analysis

The Magnetic Couples Study is a mixed methods prospective cohort study designed to describe temporal patterns and identify determinants at multiple levels (individual, couple, HCF) of PrEP outcomes along the care continuum (PrEP awareness, linkage, uptake, retention and medication adherence) among HIV-serodifferent heterosexual couples residing in New York City. The study will also examine clinical management of PrEP, side effects and changes in sexual-related and substance use–related behaviour. A prospective cohort of 230 mixed-status couples already on oral PrEP was recruited, with quarterly assessments over 18 months; in addition, a cross-sectional sample of 150 mixed-status couples not currently on PrEP was recruited. In-depth semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with a subsample of 25 couples. Actor-partner interdependence modelling using multilevel analysis will be employed for the analysis of longitudinal dyadic data. Framework analysis will be used to analyse qualitative data. A parallel convergent design will be used for mixed methods integration.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the University of Rochester Institutional Review Board (RSRB00052766). Study findings will be disseminated to community members and providers and to researchers and policy makers.
Associations with sight-threatening diabetic macular oedema among Indigenous adults with type 2 diabetes attending an Indigenous primary care clinic in remote Australia: a Centre of Research Excellence in Diabetic Retinopathy and Telehealth Eye and Associated Medical Services Network study
Authors: Brazionis Laima , Keech Anthony , Ryan Christopher , Brown Alex , O'Neal David , Boffa John , Bursell Sven-Erik , Jenkins Alicia
Published: July 2021

Objective

To identify factors associated with sight-threatening diabetic macular oedema (STDM) in Indigenous Australians attending an Indigenous primary care clinic in remote Australia.

Methods and analysis

A cross-sectional study design of retinopathy screening data and routinely-collected clinical data among 236 adult Indigenous participants with type 2 diabetes (35.6% men) set in one Indigenous primary care clinic in remote Australia. The primary outcome variable was STDM assessed from retinal images.

Results

Age (median (range)) was 48 (21–86) years, and known diabetes duration (median (range)) was 8.0 (0–24) years. Prevalence of STDM was high (14.8%) and similar in men and women. STDM was associated with longer diabetes duration (11.7 vs 7.9 years, respectively; p<0.001) and markers of renal impairment: abnormal estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) (62.9 vs 38.3%, respectively; p=0.007), severe macroalbuminuria (>300 mg/mmol) (20.6 vs 5.7%, respectively; p=0.014) and chronic kidney disease (25.7 vs 12.2%, respectively; p=0.035). Some clinical factors differed by sex: anaemia was more prevalent in women. A higher proportion of men were smokers, prescribed statins and had increased albuminuria. Men had higher blood pressure, but lower glycated Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and body mass index, than women.

Conclusion

STDM prevalence was high and similar in men and women. Markers of renal impairment and longer diabetes duration were associated with STDM in this Indigenous primary care population. Embedded teleretinal screening, known diabetes duration-based risk stratification and targeted interventions may lower the prevalence of STDM in remote Indigenous primary care services.

Trial registration number

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN 12616000370404.
Procedural pain in patients with cancer: a Delphi expert management consensus
Authors: Villegas Estévez Francisco J , López Alarcón Maria Dolores , Beato Carmen , Sanz-Yagüe Almudena , Porta-Sales Josep , Morera López Rosa M
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Diagnosis, treatment and care of cancer often involve procedures that may be distressing and potentially painful for patients. The PROCEDIO Study aimed to generate expert-based recommendations on the management of moderate to severe procedural pain in inpatients and outpatients with cancer.

Methods

Using a two-round Delphi method, experts from pain and palliative care units, medical and radiation oncology and haematology departments expressed their agreement on 24 statements using a 9-point Likert scale, which were classified as appropriate (median 7–9), uncertain (4–6) or inappropriate (1–3). Consensus was achieved if at least two-thirds of the panel scored within the range containing the median.

Results

With an overall agreement on the current definition of procedural pain, participants suggested a wider description based on evidence and their clinical experience. A strong consensus was achieved regarding the need for a comprehensive pre-procedural pain assessment and experts emphasised that healthcare professionals involved in procedural pain management should be adequately trained. Most panellists (98.2%) agreed that pharmacological treatment should be chosen considering the duration of the procedure. Transmucosal fentanyl (96.5%) and morphine (71.7%) were recommended as the most appropriate drugs. Oral and nasal transmucosal fentanyl were agreed as the most suitable for both outpatients and inpatients, while consensus was reached for intravenous and subcutaneous morphine for inpatients.

Conclusions

These results provide updated expert-based recommendations on the definition, prevention and treatment of moderate to severe procedural pain, which could inform specialists involved in pain management of patients with cancer.
Association between ibrutinib treatment and hypertension
Authors: Lee Dae Hyun , Hawk Fahad , Seok Kieun , Gliksman Matthew , Emole Josephine , Rhea Isaac B , Viganego Federico , Welter-Frost Allan , Armanious Merna , Shah Bijal , Chavez Juliio C , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier , Schabath Matthew B , Fradley Michael
Published: July 2021

Background

Ibrutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor most commonly associated with atrial fibrillation. However, additional cardiotoxicities have been identified, including accelerated hypertension. The incidence and risk factors of new or worsening hypertension following ibrutinib treatment are not as well known.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 144 patients diagnosed with B cell malignancies treated with ibrutinib (n=93) versus conventional chemoimmunotherapy (n=51) and evaluated their effects on blood pressure at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after treatment initiation. Descriptive statistics were used to compare baseline characteristics for each treatment group. Fisher’s exact test was used to identify covariates significantly associated with the development of hypertension. Repeated measures analyses were conducted to analyse longitudinal blood pressure changes.

Results

Both treatments had similar prevalence of baseline hypertension at 63.4% and 66.7%, respectively. There were no differences between treatments by age, sex and baseline cardiac comorbidities. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly increased over time with ibrutinib compared with baseline, whereas conventional chemoimmunotherapy was not associated with significant changes in blood pressure. Baseline hypertensive status did not affect the degree of blood pressure change over time. A significant increase in systolic blood pressure (defined as more than 10 mm Hg) was noted for ibrutinib (36.6%) compared with conventional chemoimmunotherapy (7.9%) at 1 month after treatment initiation. Despite being hypertensive at follow-up, 61.2% of patients who were treated with ibrutinib did not receive adequate blood pressure management (increase or addition of blood pressure medications). Within the ibrutinib group, of patients who developed more than 20 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure, only 52.9% had hypertension management changes.

Conclusions

Ibrutinib is associated with the development of hypertension and worsening of blood pressure. Cardiologists and oncologists must be aware of this cardiotoxicity to allow timely management of blood pressure elevations.
End-stage renal disease and metalworking fluid exposure
Authors: Shrestha Deepika , Picciotto Sally , LaValley Michael P , Liu Sa , Hammond S Katharine , Weiner Daniel E , Eisen Ellen A , Applebaum Katie M
Published: July 2021

Objective

Despite increasing prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), little attention has been directed to how occupational exposures may contribute to risk. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between metalworking fluids (MWF) and ESRD in a cohort of 36 703 male autoworkers.

Methods

We accounted for competing risk of death, using the subdistribution hazard approach to estimate subhazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% CIs in models with cubic splines for cumulative exposure to MWF (straight, soluble or synthetic).

Results

Based on 501 ESRD cases and 13 434 deaths, we did not observe an association between MWF and ESRD overall. We observed modest associations between MWF and ESRD classification of glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy. For glomerulonephritis, the 60th percentile of straight MWF was associated with an 18% increased subhazard (sHR=1.18, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.41). For diabetic nephropathy, the subhazard increased 28% at the 60th percentile of soluble MWF (sHR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.64). Differences by race suggest that black males may have higher disease rates following MWF exposure.

Conclusions

Exposure to straight and soluble MWF may be related to ESRD classification, though this relationship should be further examined.
Long non-coding RNA SNHG16 regulates E2F1 expression by sponging miR-20a-5p and aggravating proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Guo Chenyu , Chen Yong , Yu Feifei
Published: July 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were reported to be related to microvascular dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy (DR), but the potential mechanism remains unknown. This study was designed to elucidate the effects of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG16) in proliferative DR progression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the levels of SNHG16 and miR-20a-5p from peripheral blood samples of different participants. Pearson’s correlation analysis was applied to the plasma data to detect correlations between SNHG16 and miR-20a-5p. Finally, the interactions of miR-20a-5p and SNHG16 or E2F1 were assessed by luciferase reporter assays. SNHG16 and E2F1 were increased and miR-20a-5p was decreased in proliferative DR both in vivo and in vitro when compared with control or non-proliferative DR. E2F1 was identified as the target of miR-20a-5p. The miR-20a-5p interacted with SNHG16 and E2F1 and was controlled by SNHG16. The regulation of SNHG16 on E2F1 was mediated by miR-20a-5p. Cells transfected with SNHG16 overexpression plasmid markedly increased cell apoptosis and vessel-like formation, whereas the miR-20a-5p mimic partially reversed these effects. Transfection with gene silencing E2F1 plasmid rescued SNHG16 overexpression-aggravated proliferative DR. This study indicated that SNHG16 regulated E2F1 expression by sponging miR-20a-5p and aggravating proliferative DR.
Holographic p-wave superconductivity from higher derivative theory
Authors: Liu Yan , Fu Guoyang , Li Hai-Li , Wu Jian-Pin , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2021

We construct a holographic SU(2) p-wave superconductor model with Weyl corrections. The high derivative (HD) terms do not seem to spoil the generation of the p-wave superconducting phase. We mainly study the properties of AC conductivity, which is absent in holographic SU(2) p-wave superconductor with Weyl corrections. The conductivities in superconducting phase exhibit obvious anisotropic behaviors. Along y direction, the conductivity $$\sigma _{yy}$$

σ

yy

is similar to that of holographic s-wave superconductor. The superconducting energy gap exhibits a wide extension. For the conductivity $$\sigma _{xx}$$

σ

xx

along x direction, the behaviors of the real part in the normal state are closely similar to that of $$\sigma _{yy}$$

σ

yy

. However, the anisotropy of the conductivity obviously shows up in the superconducting phase. A Drude-like peak at low frequency emerges in $$Re\sigma _{xx}$$

R
e

σ

xx

once the system enters into the superconducting phase, regardless of the behaviors in normal state.