bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Der Stellenwert der Thymektomie ohne Thymom in der Therapie der Myasthenia gravis
Authors: Menghesha Hruy , Schroeter Michael , Doerr Fabian , Schlachtenberger Georg , Heldwein Matthias B. , Chiapponi Costanza , Wahlers Thorsten , Bruns Christiane , Hekmat Khosro
Published: June 2021

Der Stellenwert der Thymektomie in der Therapie der thymomfreien Myasthenia gravis blieb bis vor einiger Zeit umstritten. Die relativ geringe Inzidenz und Prävalenz der Erkrankung, die uneinheitliche Dokumentation in den verschiedenen Studien sowie die notwendige Langzeitbeobachtung zur Erfassung therapeutischer Effekte erschwerten das Generieren valider Daten. Die Veröffentlichung des MGTX-Trials 2016 im New England Journal of Medicine lieferte die ersten randomisiert-kontrollierten Daten, nach denen Patienten mit Acetylcholin-Rezeptor-Antikörper-positiver generalisierter Myasthenia gravis im Alter von 18 bis 65 Jahren von der chirurgischen Resektion des Thymus über eine mediane Sternotomie profitieren. Trotz fehlender Validierung des Vorteils der Thymektomie über minimal-invasive Techniken durch randomisiert-kontrollierte Studien scheinen diese das Outcome bestimmter Patientengruppen in ähnlicher Form positiv zu beeinflussen. So haben videoassistiert-thorakoskopische, roboterassistierte, subxiphoidale und transzervikale Zugangswege nicht nur ästhetische Vorteile, sondern zeigen in der Beeinflussung des Krankheitsverlaufs der Myasthenia gravis keine relevante Unterlegenheit gegenüber der medianen Sternotomie. Doch nicht nur der Nutzen und das ästhetische Ergebnis differieren, sondern auch die Erfolgsaussichten im Hinblick auf die Remission sind bei den Unterformen der Myasthenia gravis unterschiedlich. Die heterogene Gruppe der Myasthenien unterscheidet sich bezüglich des Auftretens von Autoantikörpern, der betroffenen Körperregionen und des Alters der Patienten bei Erstdiagnose. Schließlich ist die Thymektomie eine wirksame kausale Therapie der Myasthenia gravis.
Die Komplikationsrate nach Femurschaftfrakturen im Kindes- und Jugendalter in Abhängigkeit von Patientenfaktoren und Behandlungsmaßnahmen
Authors: Oberthür S. , Piatek S. , Krause H. , Rüther H. , Roch P. J. , Zoch A. , Lehmann W. , Sehmisch S. , Klauser M. R.
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Die Behandlung der Femurschaftfrakturen bei Kindern war in den letzten Jahren einem zunehmenden Wandel unterzogen. Die früher dominierenden Therapieverfahren wurden durch minimal-invasive Techniken (z. B. elastisch stabile intramedulläre Nagelung [ESIN]) weitgehend abgelöst. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war der Vergleich der Komplikationsraten in Abhängigkeit sowohl von Patientenfaktoren als auch von verschiedenen Behandlungsverfahren.

Material und Methoden

Bei der vorliegenden Arbeit handelt es sich um eine retrospektive röntgenmorphometrische Datenauswertung. Es wurden die Patientenakten und Röntgenbilder von 101 Kindern, die an zwei Level-I-Traumazentren behandelt wurden, ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

In 19 % der Fälle wurde eine konservative Therapie durchgeführt. Bei den operativen Verfahren dominierte die ESIN-Technik (n = 60). Revisionspflichtige Komplikationen fanden sich nach konservativer Therapie bei ca. 10 % der Kinder. Bei den operativ behandelten Kindern musste in über 6 % der Fälle eine Revisionsoperation durchgeführt werden. Die ESIN-Stabilisierung zeigte bei den operativen Verfahren mit ca. 3 % die niedrigste Revisionsrate. Wurden im Verhältnis zum Markraumdurchmesser zu dünne ESIN-Drähte verwendet, so zeigte sich eine um 30 % höhere Komplikationswahrscheinlichkeit. Bei Kindern unter 3 Jahren und Adoleszenten war die Komplikationswahrscheinlichkeit erhöht.

Diskussion

In der durchgeführten Studie zeigt sich ein moderates Komplikationsrisiko bei der Behandlung von Femurschaftfrakturen bei Kindern. Das Komplikationsrisiko nach Fixateur-externe-Anlage und konservativer Behandlung war in dieser Studie am höchsten. Die ESIN-Technik zeigt insgesamt das geringste Komplikationsrisiko. Die vorliegende Arbeit konnte die bekannten Limitationen der ESIN-Technik in Abhängigkeit von Alter und Gewicht bestätigen.
Association of BMI with Clinicopathological Features of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: O'Neill R. J. , Abd Elwahab S. , Kerin M. J. , Lowery A. J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common subtype of thyroid cancer. The incidence of PTC is rising in tandem with an obesity epidemic. Associations have been demonstrated between increased body mass index (BMI) and worse oncological outcomes in a number of malignancies. However, research on this topic in PTC to date has been inconsistent, often due to limited data. This study aimed to measure the association between BMI and potentially adverse clinicopathological features of PTC.

Methods

A meta‐analysis of studies reporting outcomes after surgical treatment of PTC was performed. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically to identify studies which provided data on BMI and clinicopathologic features of PTC. Relevant data were extracted and synthesis performed using adjusted odds ratios where available and crude values when not. Data were analysed by inverse variance using random and fixed effects models.

Results

Data on 35,237 patients from 15 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Obesity was associated with larger tumour size (MD = 0.17 cm [0.05, 0.29]), increased rates of multifocality (OR = 1.41 [1.16, 1.70]), extrathyroidal extension (OR = 1.70 [1.39, 2.07]) and nodal spread (OR = 1.18 [1.07, 1.30]). Associations were more pronounced as BMI increased. There was no association between BMI and bilaterality, vascular invasion or metastatic spread.

Conclusion

Increased BMI is significantly associated with multiple potentially adverse features of PTC. The effect on long‐term oncological outcomes requires further evaluation.
Regularization and variable selection in Heckman selection model
Authors: Ogundimu Emmanuel O.
Published: June 2021

Sample selection arises when the outcome of interest is partially observed in a study. A common challenge is the requirement for exclusion restrictions. That is, some of the covariates affecting missingness mechanism do not affect the outcome. The drive to establish this requirement often leads to the inclusion of irrelevant variables in the model. A suboptimal solution is the use of classical variable selection criteria such as AIC and BIC, and traditional variable selection procedures such as stepwise selection. These methods are unstable when there is limited expert knowledge about the variables to include in the model. To address this, we propose the use of adaptive Lasso for variable selection and parameter estimation in both the selection and outcome submodels simultaneously in the absence of exclusion restrictions. By using the maximum likelihood estimator of the sample selection model, we constructed a loss function similar to the least squares regression problem up to a constant, and minimized its penalized version using an efficient algorithm. We show that the estimator, with proper choice of regularization parameter, is consistent and possesses the oracle properties. The method is compared to Lasso and adaptively weighted$$L_{1}$$L1penalized Two-step method. We applied the methods to the well-known Ambulatory Expenditure Data.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with delayed onset and feasibility of the Miethke shunt and sensor reservoir system: a case report
Authors: Liminga Gunnar , Grabowska Anna , Pétursdóttir Dýrleif , Cesarini Kristina G. , Rostami Elham , Ehrstedt Christoffer
Published: June 2021

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated demyelinating central nervous system disorder with predilection for early childhood. Delayed onset of ADEM is rare, and herein we present a previously healthy 5-year-old boy, with an unusual clinical course of ADEM with high intracranial pressure (ICP) and acute visual loss that was at first diagnosed as idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema (IIHWOP). The boy underwent acute neurosurgical intervention with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt using Miethke valve and sensor reservoir system and received high-dose steroid treatment with symptom relieve within days. This is the first case report using this system in such a young child, and we find it feasible and valuable also in younger children when VP shunt with ICP measurement is indicated.
Predictive factors for switching in patients with psoriatic arthritis undergoing anti-TNFα, anti-IL12/23, or anti-IL17 drugs: a 15-year monocentric real-life study
Authors: Lorenzin Mariagrazia , Ortolan Augusta , Cozzi Giacomo , Calligaro Antonia , Favaro Maria , Del Ross Teresa , Doria Andrea , Ramonda Roberta
Published: June 2021

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the (a) potential predictors of first biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) failure and (b) factors associated with failure of multiple therapies in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Materials and methods

We enrolled consecutive PsA patients attending our unit and undergoing bDMARDs during 2004–2020. Disease characteristics, previous/ongoing treatments, comorbidities, and follow-up duration were recorded. Disease activity and functional and clinimetric scores were recorded at baseline and yearly and were compared between switchers and non-switchers, and within switchers according to the reasons for switching. Effectiveness was evaluated over time with descriptive statistics; multivariate Cox and logistic regression models were used to evaluate predictors of response and failure of multiple bDMARDs. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to assess differences in time-to-first bDMARD discontinuation. Infections and adverse events were recorded.

Results

Two hundred sixty-four patients were included (117 (44.32%) females, mean age 56 years, mean PsA duration 15 years); 117 (44.32%) switched bDMARDs at least once. Switchers were mostly females, with higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and worse Health Assessment Questionnaire at baseline. Mean time-to-first bDMARD discontinuation was 72 months; 2-year and 5-year retention rates were 75% and 60%, respectively. Survival curves for anti-TNFα/anti-IL12/23/anti-IL17 were similar (p = 0.66). Main reasons for switching were inefficacy (67.52%) and adverse events (25.7%). Female sex was associated with a higher risk of first bDMARD discontinuation (HR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.50–3.81) and failure of multiple bDMARDs (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.07–3.69); initiating therapy before 2015 was protective (HR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.22–0.73).

Conclusions

Survival rate was good for anti-TNFα and other bDMARDs. Female sex was a predictor of first bDMARD discontinuation, unlike mechanism of action, comorbidities, and BMI.Key Points• Drug survival in PsA patients was confirmed be greater for the first bDMARD administered.• In case of failure of the first bDMARD, switching/swapping proved a good treatment option, as reflected by a persistent satisfactory effectiveness with second-line bDMARDs and so subsequent switches.• Female sex may constitute a predisposing risk factor for flare and therapeutic switches.• Discontinuation or switching of biologics due to mechanism of action, comorbidities tolerability and BMI did not seem to impact first bDMARD withdrawal.
Mechanisms of passivation and chloride-induced corrosion of mild steel in sulfide-containing alkaline solutions
Authors: Mundra Shishir , Provis John L.
Published: June 2021

The pore fluid within many concretes is highly alkaline and rich in reduced sulfur species, but the influence of such alkaline-sulfide solutions on the surface film formed on steel reinforcement is poorly understood. This study investigates the critical role of HS− in defining mild steel passivation chemistry. The surface film formed on the steel in alkaline-sulfide solutions contains Fe(OH)2 and Fe–S complexes, and the critical chloride concentration to induce corrosion increases at high sulfide concentration. However, this behavior is dependent on the duration of exposure of the steel to the electrolyte, and the nature of the sulfidic surface layer.
Measuring service quality at an online university: using PLS-SEM with archival data
Authors: Schijns Jos M. C.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to analyze, evaluate and validate the NSE (National Student Enquiry) as a service quality measure helping both higher education institutions (HEIs) and students in their decision making. Every year the Dutch foundation ‘Studiekeuze123’ sends out a survey (the NSE) to collect data on service quality regarding education at HEIs in the Netherlands. We used the 2019 NSE-data from the only e-learning university in the Netherlands, the Open Universiteit (OUNL), containing a sample of 1287 students. PLS-SEM was used to analyze a conceptual model in order to understand the service quality factors that promote students’ level of satisfaction and willingness to recommend the HEI. Overall, the findings reveal that the quality of the NSE is sufficient to be used for performance analysis. Nine out of twelve service components taken into account for the OUNL are found statistically significant affecting students’ satisfaction and willingness to recommend. The results help HEIs promoting and managing students’ perceptions of the quality of education and support students in their decision making process. Since many HEIs had to make a transition from onsite to online education within a short period of time, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, service quality became a major concern for HEIs. As online learning systems are expected to stay, analyzing the service quality of the OUNL as a reputed online HEI can help other HEIs getting their online learning systems on track.
Density Functional Theory Study into the Reaction Mechanism of Isonitrile Biosynthesis by the Nonheme Iron Enzyme ScoE
Authors: Ali Hafiz Saqib , Ghafoor Sidra , de Visser Sam P.
Published: June 2021

The nonheme iron enzyme ScoE catalyzes the biosynthesis of an isonitrile substituent in a peptide chain. To understand details of the reaction mechanism we created a large active site cluster model of 212 atoms that contains substrate, the active oxidant and the first- and second-coordination sphere of the protein and solvent. Several possible reaction mechanisms were tested and it is shown that isonitrile can only be formed through two consecutive catalytic cycles that both use one molecule of dioxygen and α-ketoglutarate. In both cycles the active species is an iron(IV)-oxo species that in the first reaction cycle reacts through two consecutive hydrogen atom abstraction steps: first from the N–H group and thereafter from the C–H group to desaturate the NH-CH2 bond. The alternative ordering of hydrogen atom abstraction steps was also tested but found to be higher in energy. Moreover, the electronic configurations along that pathway implicate an initial hydride transfer followed by proton transfer. We highlight an active site Lys residue that is shown to donate charge in the transition states and influences the relative barrier heights and bifurcation pathways. A second catalytic cycle of the reaction of iron(IV)-oxo with desaturated substrate starts with hydrogen atom abstraction followed by decarboxylation to give isonitrile directly. The catalytic cycle is completed with a proton transfer to iron(II)-hydroxo to generate the iron(II)-water resting state. The work is compared with experimental observation and previous computational studies on this system and put in a larger perspective of nonheme iron chemistry.
Deep Transfer Learning for Improved Detection of Keratoconus using Corneal Topographic Maps
Authors: Al-Timemy Ali H. , Ghaeb Nebras H. , Mosa Zahraa M. , Escudero Javier
Published: June 2021

Clinical keratoconus (KCN) detection is a challenging and time-consuming task. In the diagnosis process, ophthalmologists must revise demographic and clinical ophthalmic examinations. The latter include slit-lamb, corneal topographic maps, and Pentacam indices (PI). We propose an Ensemble of Deep Transfer Learning (EDTL) based on corneal topographic maps. We consider four pretrained networks, SqueezeNet (SqN), AlexNet (AN), ShuffleNet (SfN), and MobileNet-v2 (MN), and fine-tune them on a dataset of KCN and normal cases, each including four topographic maps. We also consider a PI classifier. Then, our EDTL method combines the output probabilities of each of the five classifiers to obtain a decision based on the fusion of probabilities. Individually, the classifier based on PI achieved 93.1% accuracy, whereas the deep classifiers reached classification accuracies over 90% only in isolated cases. Overall, the average accuracy of the deep networks over the four corneal maps ranged from 86% (SfN) to 89.9% (AN). The classifier ensemble increased the accuracy of the deep classifiers based on corneal maps to values ranging (92.2% to 93.1%) for SqN and (93.1% to 94.8%) for AN. Including in the ensemble-specific combinations of corneal maps’ classifiers and PI increased the accuracy to 98.3%. Moreover, visualization of first learner filters in the networks and Grad-CAMs confirmed that the networks had learned relevant clinical features. This study shows the potential of creating ensembles of deep classifiers fine-tuned with a transfer learning strategy as it resulted in an improved accuracy while showing learnable filters and Grad-CAMs that agree with clinical knowledge. This is a step further towards the potential clinical deployment of an improved computer-assisted diagnosis system for KCN detection to help ophthalmologists to confirm the clinical decision and to perform fast and accurate KCN treatment.
A Protection-Motivation Perspective to Explain Intention to Use and Continue to Use Mobile Warning Systems
Authors: Fischer-Preßler Diana , Bonaretti Dario , Fischbach Kai
Published: June 2021

Mobile emergency warning apps are essential for effective emergency communication – of course, provided the population intends to use them. Drawing on protection motivation theory, the study validated a psychometric model to explain what motivates individuals to install a warning app for the first time and to keep using it over time. Multi-group covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to model the answers to a survey that measured the drivers of intention to begin using or intention to continue using a warning app. The model shows that, for both non-users and users, trust, social influence, and response efficacy positively and maladaptive rewards negatively affect intention to use and intention to continue use warning apps. However, perceived vulnerability influences only intention to use, whereas response cost and self-efficacy affect continued use intention. Hence, this study enhances the theoretical understanding of technology-enabled protection behaviors and provides practitioners with a list of factors to consider for pushing the adoption and continued use of emergency warning applications.
Risk for Venous Thromboembolism in Transgender Patients Undergoing Cross-Sex Hormone Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kotamarti Vasanth S. , Greige Nicolas , Heiman Adee J. , Patel Ashit , Ricci Joseph A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Feminizing and masculinizing hormone treatments are established components of management in transgender patients. Exogenous hormones have been associated with hemostatic effects, which are well-studied in cis-gender individuals on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Unfortunately, comprehensive understanding of their effects on venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in the transgender population is lacking.

Aim

This manuscript aims to identify the risk of VTE among transgender individuals undergoing cross-sex hormone therapy.

Methods

A Systematic review of the literature was performed in March 2020 for studies reporting VTE rates in transgender patients undergoing hormone treatment and rates in cis-gender patients on HRT. Data regarding demographics, hormone therapy, and VTE incidence were collected and pooled for analysis.

Outcome

The primary outcome of interest was the development of a VTE event in association with concurrent hormone administration.

RESULTS

Overall, 22 studies were included with 11 reporting VTE rates among transgender patients, 6 in cis-female patients, and 5 in cis-male patients. Data from 9,180 transgender patients (6,068 assigned male at birth [AMAB] and 3,112 assigned female at birth [AFAB]) undergoing hormone treatment and 103,713 cis-gender patients (18,748 female and 84,965 male) undergoing HRT were pooled. The incidence of VTE was higher in AMAB patients compared to AFAB patients (42.8 vs 10.8 VTE per 10,000 patient years; P = .02). The rate of VTE incidences in AMAB patients appears similar or higher than the rate demonstrated in cis-females on HRT. VTE incidence in AFAB patients, however, is similar to the published rates in cis-males on HRT.

Clinical Implications

AMAB patients on hormone therapy have higher VTE rates than AFAB patients. AMAB and AFAB patients may have similar VTE incidence to cis-female and cis-male patients on hormone replacement therapy, respectively.

Strengths & Limitations

This is the first study to aggregate and quantify the development of VTE events in association with hormone therapy in transgender patients. It places these values in the context of rates published in more widely studied populations. It is limited by its retrospective data and heterogenic data.

CONCLUSION

Surgical planning regarding perioperative and postoperative VTE prophylaxis or cessation of hormone therapy should take into account each patient’s Caprini risk assessment and the nature of each intervention.
Trends in racial and ethnic disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes among nursing home residents
Authors: Li Yue , Cai Xueya , Mao Yunjiao , Cheng Zijing , Temkin-Greener Helena
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

To evaluate trends in racial and ethnic disparities in weekly cumulative rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths in Connecticut nursing homes.

Design:

Longitudinal analysis of nursing-home COVID-19 reports and other databases. Multivariable negative binomial models were used to estimate disparities in COVID-19 incidence and fatality rates across nursing-home groups with varying proportions of racial and ethnic minority residents, defined as low-, medium-, medium-high-, and high-proportion groups. Trends in such disparities were estimated from week 1 (April 13) to week 10 (ending on June 19, 2020).

Setting:

The study was conducted across 211 nursing homes.

Results:

The average number of cases ranged from 6.1 cases per facility for the low-proportion group to 11.7 cases per facility for the high-proportion group in week 1, and from 26.7 to 58.5 cases per facility in week 10. Compared to the low-proportion group, the adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for the high-proportion group were 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–1.80; P > .10) in week 1 and 1.54 (95% CI, 1.05–2.25; P < .05) in week 10, showing a 30% (95% CI, 5%–62%) relative increase (P < .05). The average weekly number of COVID-19–related deaths ranged from 0 to 0.3 deaths per facility for different groups in week 1, and from 7.6 to 13.3 deaths per facility in week 10. Adjusted disparities in fatalities similarly increased over time.

Conclusions:

Connecticut nursing homes caring for predominately racial and ethnic minority residents tended to have higher COVID-19 incidence and fatality rates. These across-facility disparities increased during the early periods of the pandemic.
An asymptotic theory for the high-Reynolds-number flow past a shear-free circular cylinder
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Rehman Nidhil M.A. , Giri Pritam , Shukla Ratnesh K.
Published: June 2021

We present an asymptotic theory for analytical characterization of the high-Reynolds-number incompressible flow of a Newtonian fluid past a shear-free circular cylinder. The viscosity-induced modifications to this flow are localized and except in the neighbourhood of the rear stagnation point, behave like a linear perturbation of the inviscid flow. Our theory gives a highly accurate description of these modifications by including the contribution from the most significant viscous term in a correctional perturbation expansion about an inviscid base state. We derive the boundary layer equation for the flow and deduce a similarity transformation that leads to a set of infinite, shear-free-condition-incompatible, self-similar solutions. By suitably combining members from this set, we construct an all-boundary-condition-compatible solution to the boundary layer equation. We derive the governing equation for vorticity transport through the narrow wake region and determine its closed-form solution. The near and far-field forms of our wake solution are desirably consistent with the boundary layer solution and the well-known, self-similar planar wake solution, respectively. We analyse the flow in the rear stagnation region by formulating an elliptic partial integro-differential equation for the distortion streamfunction that specifically accounts for the fully nonlinear and inviscid dynamics of the viscous correctional terms. The drag force and its atypical logarithmic dependence on Reynolds number, deduced from our matched asymptotic analysis, are in remarkable agreement with the high-resolution simulation results. The logarithmic dependence gives rise to a critical Reynolds number below which the viscous correction term, counterintuitively, reduces the net dissipation in the flow field.
Olfactory response of Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) to volatiles induced by transgenic maize
Authors: Nascimento P. T. , Fadini M. A. M. , Rocha M. S. , Souza C. S. F. , Barros B. A. , Melo J. O. F. , Von Pinho R. G. , Valicente F. H.
Published: June 2021

Plants not only respond to herbivorous damage but adjust their defense system after egg deposition by pest insects. Thereby, parasitoids use oviposition-induced plant volatiles to locate their hosts. We investigated the olfactory behavioral responses of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) to volatile blends emitted by maize (Zea mays L.) with singular and stacked events after oviposition by Spodoptera frugiperda Smith, 1797 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) moths. Additionally, we examined possible variations in gene expression and on oviposition-induced volatiles. We used a Y-tube olfactometer to test for the wasp responses to volatiles released by maize plants oviposited by S. frugiperda and not-oviposited plants. Using the real-time PCR technique (qRT-PCR), we analyzed the expression of lipoxygenase and three terpene synthases genes, which are enzymes involved in the synthesis of volatile compounds that attract parasitoids of S. frugiperda. Olfactometer tests showed that T. pretiosum is strongly attracted by volatiles from transgenic maize emitted by S. frugiperda oviposition (VTPRO 3, more than 75% individuals were attracted). The relative expression of genes TPS10, LOX e STC was higher in transgenic hybrids than in the conventional (isogenic line) hybrids. The GC-MS analysis revealed that some volatile compounds are released exclusively by transgenic maize. This study provides evidence that transgenic hybrids enhanced chemical cues under oviposition-induction and helped to increase T. pretiosum efficiency in S. frugiperda control. This finding shows that among the evaluated hybrids, genetically modified hybrids can improve the biological control programs, since they potentialize the egg parasitoid foraging, integrating pest management.
The effect of laryngeal elevation training on swallowing function in patients with dysphagia
Authors: Sugaya N , Goto F , Seino Y , Nishiyama K , Okami K
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of laryngeal elevation training without highly loaded head lifting on swallowing function in patients with dysphagia.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients with dysphagia (36 men; mean age, 78.5 ± 11.4 years) were included. All participants performed the swallowing forehead exercise and the chin push–pull manoeuvre for two months. Videoendoscopy to assess swallowing function, the peak expiratory flow test and the hand grip strength test were performed at the initial visit (time 1) and two months after the start of the intervention (time 2). We used the Hyodo score, a scoring method for videoendoscopic assessment, for evaluation of swallowing function.

Results

The linear mixed model showed a significant main effect of time (the Hyodo score at time 1 was greater than the score at time 2). The effects of the co-variates were not significant.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated the significant effect of laryngeal elevation training without head lifting on the Hyodo score.
Turning Over a New Leaf: A Subnational Analysis of ‘Coca Yes, Cocaine No’ in Bolivia
Authors: Brewer-Osorio Susan
Published: June 2021

International pressure to suppress cocaine trafficking sustained decades of harsh drug laws in Bolivia against cocaleros (coca producers), thus affecting coca production for traditional consumption and for manufacturing illicit cocaine. These harsh drug laws caused social unrest in cocalero communities outside traditional coca zones. President Evo Morales, leader of the Movimiento al Socialismo (Movement toward Socialism, MAS) party, implemented ‘Coca Yes, Cocaine No’ (CYCN), a harm-reduction strategy that authorised ‘non-traditional’ farmers to cultivate legal coca and self-police production. This article compares CYCN outcomes in Bolivia's traditional and non-traditional coca regions and finds that strong cocalero organisations were vital to CYCN success in non-traditional areas. In contrast, organised resistance in traditional zones restricted CYCN success and added to regime instability in the lead-up to Morales’ forced resignation in 2019. Hence, while Morales harnessed state power to change drug policy, he was constrained by the rural grassroots organisations that brought him to power.
Collision-Free Motion Planning for an Aligned Multiple-turret System Operating in Extreme Environment
Authors: Yerlikaya Ümit , Balkan R.Tuna
Published: June 2021

Instead of using the tedious process of manual positioning, an off-line path planning algorithm has been developed for military turrets to improve their accuracy and efficiency. In the scope of this research, an algorithm is proposed to search a path in three different types of configuration spaces which are rectangular-, circular-, and torus-shaped by providing three converging options named as fast, medium, and optimum depending on the application. With the help of the proposed algorithm, 4-dimensional (D) path planning problem was realized as 2-D + 2-D by using six sequences and their options. The results obtained were simulated and no collision was observed between any bodies in these three options.
An insight into the quality of sacred groves – an island habitat – using leaf-litter ants as an indicator in a context of urbanization
Authors: Rajesh T.P. , Unni Anjana P. , Prashanth Ballullaya U. , Manoj K. , Sinu Palatty Allesh
Published: June 2021

Sacred groves (SGs) of India are islets of forests providing ecosystem and spiritual services to man. Studies suggest that SGs are deteriorating on their quality due to urbanization, invasive species, land-use change, and religious modernization. We explored diversity, community, and abundance of overall and different functional groups of litter ants, including Anoplolepis gracilipes – an invasive ant – on paired SG-neighbouring home garden (HG) sites in rural and urban landscape to (a) assess the quality of SGs and (b) examine whether the variation in ant community of the two habitats was predicted by urbanization and abundance of A. gracilipes. We considered species and local contribution to β-diversity to identify species and sites crucial for conservation of sites. Abundance and richness of overall ants, proportional trap incidence of species, and abundance of A. gracilipes were similar on SG and HG, but species diversity and abundance of certain ant functional groups were higher on SG. Ant community of SG was different from HG, but was not affected by urbanization. A. gracilipes and rural SGs contributed the most to β diversity. A. gracilipes gave little pressure on native ant community. The study concludes that SGs, despite invaded by A. gracilipes, have potential for conserving biodiversity.
Hippocampal Volumes in Amnestic and Non-Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Types Using Two Common Methods of MCI Classification
Authors: Emmert Natalie A. , Reiter Katherine E. , Butts Alissa , Janecek Julie K , Agarwal Mohit , Franczak Malgorzata , Reuss James , Klein Andrew , Wang Yang , Umfleet Laura Glass
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) types may have distinct neuropathological substrates with hippocampal atrophy particularly common in amnestic MCI (aMCI). However, depending on the MCI classification criteria applied to the sample (e.g., number of abnormal test scores considered or thresholds for impairment), volumetric findings between MCI types may change. Additionally, despite increased clinical use, no prior research has examined volumetric differences in MCI types using the automated volumetric software, Neuroreader™.

Methods:

The present study separately applied the Petersen/Winblad and Jak/Bondi MCI criteria to a clinical sample of older adults (N= 82) who underwent neuropsychological testing and brain MRI. Volumetric data were analyzed using Neuroreader™ and hippocampal volumes were compared between aMCI and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI).

Results:

T-tests revealed that regardless of MCI classification criteria, hippocampal volumez-scores were significantly lower in aMCI compared to naMCI (p’s < .05), and hippocampal volumez-scores significantly differed from 0 (Neuroreader™ normative mean) in the aMCI group only (p’s < .05). Additionally, significant, positive correlations were found between measures of delayed recall and hippocampalz-scores in aMCI using either MCI classification criteria (p’s < .05).

Conclusions:

We provide evidence of correlated neuroanatomical changes associated with memory performance for two commonly used neuropsychological MCI classification criteria. Future research should investigate the clinical utility of hippocampal volumes analyzed via Neuroreader™ in MCI.
Measuring Distinct Social Skills via Multiple Speed Assessments
Authors: Breil Simon M. , Forthmann Boris , Back Mitja D.
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Social skills (e.g., persuading others, showing compassion, staying calm) are of key importance in work and education settings. Accordingly, the goal of many selection processes is to identify candidates who excel in desired skills. For this, high-fidelity simulations such as assessment centers (ACs) are regarded as ideal procedures because they can be used to evoke, observe, and evaluate candidates’ actual behavior. However, research has repeatedly shown that observed performance differences in ACs are not sufficiently driven by the specific skill dimensions that are defined for assessment. Building on multiple speed assessments and incorporating insights from behavioral personality science, we offer an alternative approach for the reliable and valid assessment of distinct social skills. We hereby (a) selected skills on the basis of a bottom-up analysis of observable and distinguishable interpersonal behaviors and (b) specifically designed exercises around these skills (i.e., one skill per exercise, multiple exercises per skill). Here, we present the initial results of this newly developed procedure across three samples in a high-stakes selection context ( N = 589). Generalizability theory analyses showed that a substantial amount of variance in assessor ratings could be attributed to the selected skills. This underlines the importance of more behaviorally focused selection procedures.
Vestiges of a Volcanic Arc Hidden Within Chicxulub Crater
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: June 2021

Scientists discovered magmatic remnants of a volcanic arc by dating granitic rocks of the middle crust excavated by, and hidden within, the Chicxulub impact crater.
Predicting Water Temperature Dynamics of Unmonitored Lakes With Meta‐Transfer Learning
Authors: Willard Jared D. , Read Jordan S. , Appling Alison P. , Oliver Samantha K. , Jia Xiaowei , Kumar Vipin
Published: June 2021

Most environmental data come from a minority of well‐monitored sites. An ongoing challenge in the environmental sciences is transferring knowledge from monitored sites to unmonitored sites. Here, we demonstrate a novel transfer‐learning framework that accurately predicts depth‐specific temperature in unmonitored lakes (targets) by borrowing models from well‐monitored lakes (sources). This method, meta‐transfer learning (MTL), builds a meta‐learning model to predict transfer performance from candidate source models to targets using lake attributes and candidates' past performance. We constructed source models at 145 well‐monitored lakes using calibrated process‐based (PB) modeling and a recently developed approach called process‐guided deep learning (PGDL). We applied MTL to either PB or PGDL source models (PB‐MTL or PGDL‐MTL, respectively) to predict temperatures in 305 target lakes treated as unmonitored in the Upper Midwestern United States. We show significantly improved performance relative to the uncalibrated PB General Lake Model, where the median root mean squared error (RMSE) for the target lakes is 2.52°C. PB‐MTL yielded a median RMSE of 2.43°C; PGDL‐MTL yielded 2.16°C; and a PGDL‐MTL ensemble of nine sources per target yielded 1.88°C. For sparsely monitored target lakes, PGDL‐MTL often outperformed PGDL models trained on the target lakes themselves. Differences in maximum depth between the source and target were consistently the most important predictors. Our approach readily scales to thousands of lakes in the Midwestern United States, demonstrating that MTL with meaningful predictor variables and high‐quality source models is a promising approach for many kinds of unmonitored systems and environmental variables.
Phosphatidylserine externalized on the colonic capillaries as a novel pharmacological target for IBD therapy
Authors: Zhang Xuerui , Song Lulu , Li Lin , Zhu Banghui , Huo Lina , Hu Zhaoqing , Wang Xinran , Wang Jie , Gao Mengyue , Zhang Jing , Hua Zichun
Published: June 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing disorder for many people associated with poor health. Although there are some clinical drugs for IBD treatment, the development of effective therapeutics on IBD patients has always been necessary. Here, we show that externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) is observed on the surface of colonic capillaries. Annexin A5 (ANXA5) with high affinity for PS has a good targeting to the colon and effectively alleviates experimental colitis. In contrast, ANXA5 mutant (A5m) lacking the PS-binding ability, has no accumulation in the colon and no therapeutic effects on colitis. Mechanistic investigations indicate that ANXA5 reduces the inflammatory cell infiltration by inhibiting endothelial cell activation dependent on PS-binding ability. With the increasing of PS exposure on activated HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells), ANXA5 binding induces the internalization of TLR4 via PS-dependent endocytosis. We provide new insights on the molecular mechanism of ANXA5 for its anti-inflammatory effect. Our data suggest that PS-externalization is a potential target of ANXA5 aiming at targeted drug delivery (TDD) for IBD treatment.
Clobetasol promotes neuromuscular plasticity in mice after motoneuronal loss via sonic hedgehog signaling, immunomodulation and metabolic rebalancing
Authors: Vicario Nunzio , Spitale Federica M. , Tibullo Daniele , Giallongo Cesarina , Amorini Angela M. , Scandura Grazia , Spoto Graziana , Saab Miriam W. , D’Aprile Simona , Alberghina Cristiana , Mangione Renata , Bernstock Joshua D. , Botta Cirino , Gulisano Massimo , Buratti Emanuele , Leanza Giampiero , Zorec Robert , Vecchio Michele , Di Rosa Michelino , Li Volti Giovanni , Lazzarino Giuseppe , Parenti Rosalba , Gulino Rosario
Published: June 2021

Motoneuronal loss is the main feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although pathogenesis is extremely complex involving both neural and muscle cells. In order to translationally engage the sonic hedgehog pathway, which is a promising target for neural regeneration, recent studies have reported on the neuroprotective effects of clobetasol, an FDA-approved glucocorticoid, able to activate this pathway via smoothened. Herein we sought to examine functional, cellular, and metabolic effects of clobetasol in a neurotoxic mouse model of spinal motoneuronal loss. We found that clobetasol reduces muscle denervation and motor impairments in part by restoring sonic hedgehog signaling and supporting spinal plasticity. These effects were coupled with reduced pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrogliosis, reduced muscle atrophy, and support of mitochondrial integrity and metabolism. Our results suggest that clobetasol stimulates a series of compensatory processes and therefore represents a translational approach for intractable denervating and neurodegenerative disorders.
Osteocrin, a novel myokine, prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy via restoring proteasomal activity
Authors: Zhang Xin , Hu Can , Yuan Xiao-Pin , Yuan Yu-Pei , Song Peng , Kong Chun-Yan , Teng Teng , Hu Min , Xu Si-Chi , Ma Zhen-Guo , Tang Qi-Zhu
Published: June 2021

Proteasomal activity is compromised in diabetic hearts that contributes to proteotoxic stresses and cardiac dysfunction. Osteocrin (OSTN) acts as a novel exercise-responsive myokine and is implicated in various cardiac diseases. Herein, we aim to investigate the role and underlying molecular basis of OSTN in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Mice received a single intravenous injection of the cardiotrophic adeno-associated virus serotype 9 to overexpress OSTN in the heart and then were exposed to intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg) for consecutive 5 days to generate diabetic models. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and stimulated with high glucose to verify the role of OSTN in vitro. OSTN expression was reduced by protein kinase B/forkhead box O1 dephosphorylation in diabetic hearts, while its overexpression significantly attenuated cardiac injury and dysfunction in mice with STZ treatment. Besides, OSTN incubation prevented, whereas OSTN silence aggravated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and injury upon hyperglycemic stimulation in vitro. Mechanistically, OSTN treatment restored protein kinase G (PKG)-dependent proteasomal function, and PKG or proteasome inhibition abrogated the protective effects of OSTN in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, OSTN replenishment was sufficient to prevent the progression of pre-established DCM and had synergistic cardioprotection with sildenafil. OSTN protects against DCM via restoring PKG-dependent proteasomal activity and it is a promising therapeutic target to treat DCM.
Structural basis for late maturation steps of the human mitoribosomal large subunit
Authors: Cipullo Miriam , Gesé Genís Valentín , Khawaja Anas , Hällberg B. Martin , Rorbach Joanna
Published: June 2021

Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) synthesize a critical set of proteins essential for oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, mitoribosomal function is vital to the cellular energy supply. Mitoribosome biogenesis follows distinct molecular pathways that remain poorly understood. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structures of mitoribosomes isolated from human cell lines with either depleted or overexpressed mitoribosome assembly factor GTPBP5, allowing us to capture consecutive steps during mitoribosomal large subunit (mt-LSU) biogenesis. Our structures provide essential insights into the last steps of 16S rRNA folding, methylation and peptidyl transferase centre (PTC) completion, which require the coordinated action of nine assembly factors. We show that mammalian-specific MTERF4 contributes to the folding of 16S rRNA, allowing 16 S rRNA methylation by MRM2, while GTPBP5 and NSUN4 promote fine-tuning rRNA rearrangements leading to PTC formation. Moreover, our data reveal an unexpected involvement of the elongation factor mtEF-Tu in mt-LSU assembly, where mtEF-Tu interacts with GTPBP5, similar to its interaction with tRNA during translational elongation.
Limited survival and impaired hepatic fasting metabolism in mice with constitutive Rag GTPase signaling
Authors: de la Calle Arregui Celia , Plata-Gómez Ana Belén , Deleyto-Seldas Nerea , García Fernando , Ortega-Molina Ana , Abril-Garrido Julio , Rodriguez Elena , Nemazanyy Ivan , Tribouillard Laura , de Martino Alba , Caleiras Eduardo , Campos-Olivas Ramón , Mulero Francisca , Laplante Mathieu , Muñoz Javier , Pende Mario , Sabio Guadalupe , Sabatini David M. , Efeyan Alejo
Published: June 2021

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) integrates cellular nutrient signaling and hormonal cues to control metabolism. We have previously shown that constitutive nutrient signaling to mTORC1 by means of genetic activation of RagA (expression of GTP-locked RagA, or RagAGTP) in mice resulted in a fatal energetic crisis at birth. Herein, we rescue neonatal lethality in RagAGTP mice and find morphometric and metabolic alterations that span glucose, lipid, ketone, bile acid and amino acid homeostasis in adults, and a median lifespan of nine months. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses of livers from RagAGTP mice reveal a failed metabolic adaptation to fasting due to a global impairment in PPARα transcriptional program. These metabolic defects are partially recapitulated by restricting activation of RagA to hepatocytes, and revert by pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1. Constitutive hepatic nutrient signaling does not cause hepatocellular damage and carcinomas, unlike genetic activation of growth factor signaling upstream of mTORC1. In summary, RagA signaling dictates dynamic responses to feeding-fasting cycles to tune metabolism so as to match the nutritional state.
Two-dimensional ferroelasticity in van der Waals β’-In2Se3
Authors: Xu Chao , Mao Jianfeng , Guo Xuyun , Yan Shanru , Chen Yancong , Lo Tsz Wing , Chen Changsheng , Lei Dangyuan , Luo Xin , Hao Jianhua , Zheng Changxi , Zhu Ye
Published: June 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit remarkable mechanical properties, enabling their applications as flexible and stretchable ultrathin devices. As the origin of several extraordinary mechanical behaviors, ferroelasticity has also been predicted theoretically in 2D materials, but so far lacks experimental validation and investigation. Here, we present the experimental demonstration of 2D ferroelasticity in both exfoliated and chemical-vapor-deposited β’-In2Se3 down to few-layer thickness. We identify quantitatively 2D spontaneous strain originating from in-plane antiferroelectric distortion, using both atomic-resolution electron microscopy and in situ X-ray diffraction. The symmetry-equivalent strain orientations give rise to three domain variants separated by 60° and 120° domain walls (DWs). Mechanical switching between these ferroelastic domains is achieved under ≤0.5% external strain, demonstrating the feasibility to tailor the antiferroelectric polar structure as well as DW patterns through mechanical stimuli. The detailed domain switching mechanism through both DW propagation and domain nucleation is unraveled, and the effects of 3D stacking on such 2D ferroelasticity are also discussed. The observed 2D ferroelasticity here should be widely available in 2D materials with anisotropic lattice distortion, including the 1T’ transition metal dichalcogenides with Peierls distortion and 2D ferroelectrics such as the SnTe family, rendering tantalizing potential to tune 2D functionalities through strain or DW engineering.