bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of iron polymaltose complex in treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mohd Rosli Ritzzaleena Rosli , Norhayati Mohd Noor , Ismail Shaiful Bahari
Published: January 2021

Background

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is commonly treated with iron formulations. Despite the expanding acceptance of iron polymaltose complex (IPC) among clinicians, there is sparse and contradictory evidence regarding its efficacy in the management of IDA in children. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of IPC in the treatment and prevention of IDA in children.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and Epistemonikos for all randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing oral IPC with standard oral iron supplementation for the treatment or prevention of IDA in children. We independently screened the titles and abstracts of identified trials before the full text of relevant trials was evaluated for eligibility. We then independently extracted data on the methods, interventions, outcomes, and risk of bias from the included trials. A random-effects model was used to estimate the risk ratios and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Eight trials comprising 493 randomized patients were included and analyzed using three comparison groups. The comparison group of which was used to evaluate IPC and ferrous sulphate (FS) for treatment of IDA showed that IPC is less effective in increasing Hb (MD −0.81, 95% CI −1.08 to −0.53; I2 = 48%, P < 0.001; six studies, 368 participants; high certainty of evidence), ferritin (MD −21.24, 95% CI −39.26 to −3.23, random-effects; I2 = 65%, P = 0.020; 3 studies, 183 participants; moderate certainty of evidence) and MCV levels (MD −3.20, 95% CI −5.35 to −1.05; P = 0.003; one study, 103 participants; low certainty of evidence). There was no difference in the occurrence of side effects between IPC and FS group (MD 0.78, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.31; I2 = 4%, P = 0.35; three studies, 274 participants; high certainty of evidence).

Conclusions

There was moderate to high certainty evidence that FS is superior to IPC with a clinically meaningful difference in improving the Hb and ferritin levels in the treatment of IDA in children. There was no difference in the occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects with high certainty evidence between the IPC and FS groups. The body of evidence did not allow a clear conclusion regarding the effectiveness of IPC with iron gluconate and iron bisglycinate in the prevention and treatment of IDA. The certainty of evidence was low. Adequately powered and high-quality trials with large sample sizes that assess both hematological and clinical outcomes are required.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019145020
The association between serum uric acid and diabetic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by gender: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Yimeng , Li Qinge , Min Rui , Deng Yingfeng , Xu Yancheng , Gao Ling
Published: January 2021

Background

The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and several diabetic complications or co-morbidities remains a matter of debate. The study aims to explore the association between SUA levels and the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 2,809 participants (1,784 males and 1,025 females) were included in this cross-sectional study. Clinical characteristics and the prevalence of each of the four diseases were analyzed based on gender-specific quartiles of SUA levels. The Pearson correlation analysis and linear-regression analysis were used to access the correlation between SUA levels and clinical characteristics. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine whether SUA was an independent risk factor for each of the four complications.

Results

SUA levels were positively correlated to BMI, BUN, Scr and TG, but negatively associated with eGFR, HDL, FBG, 2h-PG and HbA1c% for the patients with T2DM. The prevalence of NAFLD and DN, but not DR or DPN, were increased with SUA levels from the first to the fourth quartile. Binary logistic regression further disclosed that SUA was an independent risk factor for NAFLD (ORs Male = 1.002,∗P = 0.0013; ORs Female = 1.002,∗P = 0.015) and DN (ORs Male = 1.006,∗P < 0.001; ORs Female = 1.005,∗P < 0.001), but not for DR and DPN. After adjustment for the confounders, SUA levels were significantly associated with NAFLD within the 3rd (ORs = 1.829,P = 0.004) and 4th quartile (ORs = 2.064,P = 0.001) for women, but not independently associated with SUA for man. On the other hand, our results revealed increased prevalence of DN for SUA quartile 2 (ORs = 3.643,P = 0.039), quartile 3 (ORs = 3.967,P = 0.024) and quartile 4 (ORs = 9.133,P < 0.001) in men; however, SUA quartiles were significantly associated with DN only for quartile 4 (ORs = 4.083,P = 0.042) in women

Conclusion

For patients with T2DM, elevated SUA concentration is an independent risk factor for the prevalence of NAFLD and DN after adjustment for other indicators, but not DR or DPN.
Edith Obra biográfica en cinco escenas
Authors:   Universidad de Chile, Franco Andrea
Published: January 2021

Obra dramática en cinco escenas, fruto del Proyecto de investigación y creación interdisciplinar: “Escenas de la vida de Edith Stein. Relevancia del género biográfico para la transmisión de la fe”, financiado por la VRI y el Programa de Pedagogía en Religión, de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, a través del Concurso: “Id y Enseñad” 2018.
Mediastinal Actinomycosis: A Rare Mediastinal Pseudotumour
Authors: Dubey Aishwarya , Lanjewar Ajay , Ghewade Babaji , Gandhasiri Diti
Published: January 2021

Actinomycosis, once fairly common and often catastrophic, has now become an occasional infection in the era of antibiotics. The infection is caused by a branching Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic microorganism Actinomycetes. Various forms of the diseases in decreasing order of their frequency include cervico-facial form, abdomino-pelvic form and thoracic form. The thoracic involvement occurs in approximately 15% of all cases of actinomycosis. The disease presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms and therefore establishment of a definitive diagnosis with clinical and radiological investigations is difficult. The clinical and radiological picture mimics a number of other pulmonary conditions like cancer, tuberculosis, lung abscess and pneumonia. To reach at a definitive diagnosis one needs to have a high degree of suspicion and carry out histopathological studies in order to look for colonies of Actinomycetes as well as sulphur granules which are pathognomic for the infection. Here is a case of a 48-year-old diabetic male presenting with complaints of pain and swelling of neck, fever, dysphagia, dyspnea and cough with a mediastinal tumour like appearance on chest radiography. The patient underwent various noninvasive and invasive diagnostic modalities that included Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT), Ultrasonography (USG) of thorax and histopathological examination of the cervical lymph nodes (level 2 and 3). The disease process was initially thought to be tubercular or malignant in origin which later turned out to be an actinomycotic lesion which was confirmed on the histopathological study of the lymph node specimen, that responded to antibiotics over a period of few months.
The effectiveness of incorporating metacognitive prompts in collaborative writing on academic English writing skills
Authors: Teng Mark Feng
Published: January 2021

Research shows that acquisition of writing skills can be supported by metacognitive strategy training. However, research on incorporating metacognitive guidance for collaborative writing is scarce. The current study explores the potential effectiveness of incorporating metacognitive prompts, that is, a form of metacognitive guidance, into collaborative writing on academic English writing skills. This study involves four instructional methods, that is, collaborative writing combined with embedded metacognitive guidance (COLL+META), metacognitive training without collaborative writing (META), collaborative writing without metacognitive training (COLL), and individual learning (CG). The dependent variables were students' four academic writing skills, that is, reproduction of text structure knowledge, application of text structure knowledge, reduction of text content, and abstract writing. Participants included 160 students who were learning English as a foreign language (EFL) at a university in mainland China. The participants in each condition received 16 weeks of treatment sessions. The results revealed the improvement from pre‐test to post‐test, supporting the main effects of each learning condition on the four academic writing skills. The results also showed that the COLL+META students demonstrated significantly higher scores in the four academic writing skills than students in the other conditions. This study underlines the importance of incorporating metacognitive strategies for collaborative writing in developing academic writing skills for university EFL students. This study also highlights the potential in applying educational psychology theories for English education.
Research ethics beyond the IRB: Selection bias and the direction of innovation in applied economics
Authors: Michler Jeffrey D. , Masters William A. , Josephson Anna
Published: January 2021

Principles for ethical behavior in the context of research are codified into rules that may change over time to meet peoples’ needs in specific institutions, including universities and professional associations. This paper aims to spark discussion about a set of ethical choices beyond those addressed by an IRB or recent association policy statements. Our specific focus is topic selection and the role of researchers’ interests and incentives in determining the kinds of research that we do. Using the principle of induced innovation, we show how changing incentives can influence the direction of research effort and thereby affect the kinds of policies or technologies that are supported by available evidence. With this paper, we hope to generate discussion among applied economists about selection bias in research and how we can use insights from economics itself to guide topic selection.

JEL CLASSIFICATION

A11; A14; B41; Q00
Study finds neighborhood poverty linked to unfavorable cognitive outcomes
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2021

A recent study has found that children living in poor neighborhoods are more likely to have lower cognitive function than children living in wealthier neighborhoods, regardless of the socioeconomic status (SES) of individual households.
Teen marijuana and nicotine vaping remains high: MTF
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2021

The most recent Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of teen substance use behaviors and attitudes, released late last year by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), found that nicotine and marijuana vaping levels remain markedly high but did not increase between 2019 and early 2020. From 2017 to 2019, the percentage of teenagers who said they vaped nicotine in the past 12 months roughly doubled for eighth graders from 7.5% to 16.5%, for 10th graders from 15.8% to 30.7%, and for 12th graders from 18.8% to 35.3%. In 2020, the rates held steady at a respective 16.6%, 30.7%, and 34.5%, according to the survey results released in December 2020.
Incidence, predictors and outcomes of device‐related thrombus after left atrial appendage closure with the WATCHMAN device—Insights from the EWOLUTION real world registry
Authors: Sedaghat Alexander , Nickenig Georg , Schrickel Jan Wilko , Ince Hüseyin , Schmidt Boris , Protopopov Alexey V. , Betts Timothy R. , Gori Tommaso , Sievert Horst , Mazzone Patrizio , Grygier Marek , Wald Christof , Vireca Elisa , Allocco Dominic , Boersma Lucas V.A ,   the EWOLUTION study group
Published: January 2021

Background

In this analysis of the EWOLUTION registry, we evaluated the incidence, relevance and predictors of device‐related thrombus in a large multi‐center real‐world cohort undergoing LAAc with the WATCHMAN device.

Methods and Results

We analyzed the 835 patients who underwent percutaneous LAA closure with the WATCHMAN device in the EWOLUTION registry in whom at least one TEE follow up was performed. Patients were 74 ± 9 y/o and were at high risk for stroke and bleeding (CHA2DS2‐VASC‐Score 4.3 ± 1.7; HAS‐BLED‐Score 2.3 ± 1.2). Device‐related thrombus was detected in 4.1% (34/835) after a median of 54 days (IQR 42–111 days) with 91.2% (31/34) being detected within 3 months after the procedure or at the time of first TEE. Hereby DRT occurred irrespective of postprocedural anticoagulation. Patients with DRT more frequently had long‐standing, non‐paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (82.4 vs. 64.9%, p < .01), evidence of dense spontaneous echo contrast (26.5 vs. 11.9%, p = .03) and larger LAA diameters at the ostium (22.8 ± 3.5 vs. 21.1 ± 3.5 mm, p < .01) compared to patients without DRT. Left ventricular ejection fraction, device compression ratio and the incidence of renal dysfunction did not differ between the two groups. In a multivariate analysis, only non‐paroxysmal atrial fibrillation identified as an independent predictor of developing DRT. Specific treatment of DRT was initiated in 62% (21/34) of patients whereas resolution was confirmed in 86% (18/21) of cases. Overall, no significant differences in annual rates of stroke/TIA or systemic embolism were observed in patients with or without DRT (DRT 1.7 vs. No‐DRT 2.2%/year, p = .8).

Conclusions

In real‐world patients undergoing LAAc with the WATCHMAN device, DRT is rare. DRT was most frequently detected within the first 3 months after LAAc regardless of post‐procedural regimen and was not associated with an increased risk of stroke or SE. While long‐standing atrial fibrillation was the only independent factor associated with DRT, medical treatment of DRT resulted in a resolution of thrombi in most cases.
Waiting list eradication in secondary care psychology: Addressing a National Health Service blind spot
Authors: Iqbal Zaffer , Airey Nicola D. , Brown Sophie R. , Wright Nat M.J. , Miklova Deborah , Nielsen Victoria , Webb Kathryn , Sajjad Aamer
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Waiting times for secondary care psychological therapy remain a ‘blind spot’ in serious mental illness (SMI) provision, and their reduction is a priority within the National Health Service (NHS) Five Year Forward View. The paper describes the eradication of waiting times within a community‐based NHS service and the effectiveness of strategies whilst examining help‐seeking behaviour, compliance and therapeutic need.

Methods

Analyses are reported for treatment compliance and therapeutic outcomes for 208 waiting‐list cohort individuals seen by the SMI psychology service over an 18‐month period between October 2014 and March 2016.

Results

No significant clinical or demographic differentiation between individuals who successfully completed therapy compared to those who disengaged was observed. Despite an average 2.20‐year waiting time, this alone did not significantly impact engagement with psychological treatment and all psychological therapies provided led to a significant clinical improvement and no individuals who completed therapy required re‐referral at 12‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

If imposed appropriately over a suitable time frame evidence‐based practice coupled with effective operationalization can result in efficient needs‐led psychological provision within SMI and secondary care. Potentially debilitating waiting times for service users and other referring professionals can be avoided, whilst psychology provision retains a flexible, formulation‐based and person‐centred approach.
Beneficial effect and mechanism of walnut oligopeptide on Lactobacillus plantarum Z7
Authors: Ding Ting , Li Yong
Published: January 2021

Prebiotics can stimulate the growth and activity of probiotics and have a variety of physiological functions. However, the study of walnut oligopeptides as prebiotics to promote probiotics is rarely reported. Therefore, in order to explore the beneficial effect of walnut oligopeptide (WOPs) on Lactobacillus plantarum Z7, WOPs was added to the medium of L. plantarum Z7, and the utilization of WOPs, the effect of WOPs on the biofilm, extracellular polymeric substances, and bacterial death were explored. The results showed that the growth‐promoting effect was strengthened with the increasing concentrations of WOPs. The content of bacterial biofilm and EPS increased significantly, and the number of dead bacteria decreased. The beneficial effect of WOPs was probably because that it enhanced the secretion of biofilm which was regulated by bacterial quorum sensing system and promoted the ability of bacteria to resist the adverse environment, thus promoting the growth and reproduction of bacteria.
Heat transfer and irreversibility rate in MHD flow of a hybrid nanofluid with Newton boundary condition, slip flow, and nonlinear thermal radiation
Authors: Puttaswmay Venkatesh , Bijjanal Jayanna Gireesha , Doranalu Onkarappa Soumya
Published: January 2021

The magnetohydrodynamic flow of a water‐based hybrid nanoliquid through a vertical microchannel has been investigated in the presence of collective effects, such as volume fraction of nanoparticle, suction/injection, magnetic field, temperature‐dependent heat source, hydrodynamic slip, and convective boundary conditions. The current mathematical formulations have been worked out numerically by using the fourth‐ and fifth‐order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg scheme. The physical aspects of variation in velocity, temperature, entropy generation, and Bejan number with considered governing parameters have been discussed via corresponding graphs. The obtained numerical results demonstrated that radiation parameter and nanoparticle volume fraction reduce the thermal energy of the hybrid nanofluid. Moreover, entropy generation diminishes with the Hartmann number and permeability parameter, whereas it enhances with the Grashof number and Biot number.
Serum soluble PD‐1 plays a role in predicting infection complications in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yu Xingxing , Pan Yu , Fei Qinglin , Lin Xianchao , Chen Zhijiang , Huang Heguang
Published: January 2021

Background

Most of acute pancreatitis (AP) are mild and self‐limiting, however, 15%–20% of patients develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) or moderately acute pancreatitis (MSAP) with local or systemic complications. Infection complications (ICs) result in 40%–70% morbidity and high mortality rates among SAP and MSAP patients. It is more important to early recognize of ICs of MSAP or SAP. Several studies have indicated that serum soluble programmed cell death protein (sPD‐1) or programmed cell death 1 ligand (sPD‐L1) levels were higher in patients with severe sepsis than in healthy volunteers and have a predictive capacity for mortality. However, the role of serum sPD‐1/sPD‐L1 in AP remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the ICs of AP patients is associated with their sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1 levels, which were determined via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay of peripheral blood samples from 63 MSAP and SAP patients and 30 healthy volunteers.

Results

The serum sPD‐1 levels in AP patients on Days 1, 3, and 10 after onset were significantly increased in a time‐dependent manner compared with that in healthy volunteers. Moreover, the AP patients with ICs had significantly higher serum sPD‐1 levels than the AP without ICs. While serum sPD‐L1 levels in AP were similar to that in healthy volunteers. Besides, serum levels of sPD‐1/sPD‐L1 were negatively correlated with circulating lymphocytes. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that the upregulated serum sPD‐1 level was an independent risk factor for ICs in AP. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve indicated that combination with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and serum sPD‐1 level had a high accuracy in predicting ICs in AP.

Conclusion

Serum sPD‐1/sPD‐L1 may be involved in the immunosuppressive process in AP. Moreover, the serum sPD‐1 level may be an independent risk factor for predicting ICs in AP patients.
Clinical islet transplantation: Current progress and new frontiers
Authors: Marfil‐Garza Braulio A. , Shapiro Andrew Mark James , Kin Tatsuya
Published: January 2021

Islet transplantation (IT) is now a robust treatment for selected patients with type 1 diabetes suffering from recurrent hypoglycemia and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. A global soar of clinical islet transplant programs attests to the commitment of many institutions and researchers to advance IT as a potential cure for this devastating disease. However, many challenges limiting the widespread applicability of clinical IT remain. In this review, we will touch on the milestones in the history of IT and its path to clinical success, discuss the current challenges around IT, propose some possible solutions, and elaborate on the frontiers envisioned in the future of clinical IT.
Pomegranate peel attenuates dextran sulfate sodium‐induced lipid peroxidation in rat small intestine by enhancing the glutathione/glutathione disulfide redox potential
Authors: Al‐Gubory Kaïs H , Laher Ismail , Garrel Catherine
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The peel of the pomegranate fruit is rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties. We investigated the preventive effect of pomegranate peel (PP) powder against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced lipid peroxidation in the small intestine of rats. Rats were allocated to four groups: CONT group, fed a standard rodent diet; DSS group, fed a standard rodent diet and treated with DSS; as well as PP1%+DSS and PP5%+DSS groups, fed a standard rodent diet supplemented with either 1% or 5% of PP powder and treated with DSS. Rats of the four groups consumed their diets for 25 days. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in plasma and MDA contents in the small intestine and liver. Glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) redox status and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined in the small intestine and liver.

RESULTS

MDA content was higher (P < 0.001) in the small intestines of the DSS group compared to the CONT group. MDA content was reduced (P < 0.001) in the small intestines of the PP1%+DSS and PP5%+DSS groups compared to the DSS group. GSH contents and GSH/GSSG ratios were higher (P < 0.001) in the small intestines of the PP5%+DSS group compared to the CONT, DSS and PP1%+DSS groups.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that PP powder protects the small intestine against DSS‐induced lipid peroxidation by enhancing the GSH/GSSG redox potential. Powder of PP is a promising agricultural by‐product containing a mixture of bioactive polyphenols that can be used for the production of functional foods aimed at the prevention of oxidative stress‐induced small intestine pathogenesis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Flame‐retardant, phosphorous‐based polyurethane triazoles via solvent‐free and catalyst‐free azide–alkyne cycloaddition and their cure kinetics
Authors: Sykam Kesavarao , Harika Pothireddy , Donempudi Shailaja
Published: January 2021

A novel class of phosphorous‐containing polyurethane triazoles (PUTs) with self‐extinguishing property is reported. Initially, a set of new urethane diazide monomers were synthesized by reacting diisocyanates (DI) (isophorone (IPDI), hexamethylene (HDI), and toluene (TDI)) with 2‐azidoethanol and characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and ESI‐MS analysis. Later, the corresponding PUTs were synthesized via azide–alkyne cycloaddition of urethane diazides with triprop‐2‐ynyl phosphate under solvent‐free and catalyst‐free conditions at 80°C via thermal polymerization. Cure kinetic study of the thermally induced polymerization of PUTs was performed to correlate with isocyanate functionality. The activation energies (Ea) of the PUTs derived from nonisothermal multiheating rate DSC tests were fitted to Borchardt–Daniels model. The Ea's were found to be proportional to heating rates for all PUTs and confirmed optimum percentage conversion at lower heating rates. The experimental findings were found to corroborate well with Borchardt–Daniels model. The PUTs were characterized by FTIR, TGA, DSC, MCC, LOI, lab‐scale flame tests, and EDX analysis. All PUTs were self‐extinguishable, but TD‐PUT with aromatic functionality (TDI‐based) demonstrated superior extinguishing performance with lowest total heat release (6.11 kJ/g), peak heat release rate (42.04 W/g), heat release capacity (85.59 J/g K), and 31% LOI comparatively. Lab‐scale flame tests on PUTs confirmed their self‐extinguishing property with little or no smoke evolution. Such PUT resins can be blended with conventional polyurethane coatings for fire‐retardant applications.
Stapled ACE2 peptidomimetics designed to target the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein do not prevent virus internalization
Authors: Morgan Danielle C. , Morris Caroline , Mahindra Amit , Blair Connor M. , Tejeda Gonzalo , Herbert Imogen , Turnbull Matthew L. , Lieber Gauthier , Willett Brian J. , Logan Nicola , Smith Brian , Tobin Andrew B. , Bhella David , Baillie George , Jamieson Andrew G.
Published: January 2021

COVID‐19 is caused by a novel coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Virus cell entry is mediated through a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) between the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein and angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). A series of stapled peptide ACE2 peptidomimetics based on the ACE2 interaction motif were designed to bind the coronavirus S‐protein RBD and inhibit binding to the human ACE2 receptor. The peptidomimetics were assessed for antiviral activity in an array of assays including a neutralization pseudovirus assay, immunofluorescence (IF) assay and in‐vitro fluorescence polarization (FP) assay. However, none of the peptidomimetics showed activity in these assays, suggesting that an enhanced binding interface is required to outcompete ACE2 for S‐protein RBD binding and prevent virus internalization.
Altered clozapine bioavailability in patient with feeding tube
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: January 2021

Clozapine is primarily used in patients with treatment‐refractory schizophrenia. Its pharmacokinetic profile reflects variable bioavailability, ranging from 27 to 70%, and complex metabolic pathways, with CYP1A2 as the primary drug‐metabolizing enzyme as well as additional involvement by others (CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4). In addition, enzymatic activity of CYP1A2 is increased by smoking, which is common in patients with schizophrenia.
Confinement on ℝ3 × 𝕊1 and double-string collapse
Authors: Bub Mathew W. , Poppitz Erich , Wong Samuel S.Y.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We study confining strings in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric SU(Nc) Yang-Mills theory in the semiclassical regime on ℝ1,2× 𝕊1. Static quarks are expected to be confined by double strings composed of two domain walls — which are lines in ℝ2 — rather than by a single flux tube. Each domain wall carries part of the quarks’ chromoelectric flux. We numerically study this mechanism and find that double-string confinement holds for strings of all N-alities, except for those between fundamental quarks. We show that, for Nc≥ 5, the two domain walls confining unit N-ality quarks attract and form non-BPS bound states, collapsing to a single flux line. We determine the N-ality dependence of the string tensions for 2 ≤ Nc≤ 10. Compared to known scaling laws, we find a weaker, almost flat N-ality dependence, which is qualitatively explained by the properties of BPS domain walls. We also quantitatively study the behavior of confining strings upon increasing the 𝕊1 size by including the effect of virtual “W-bosons” and show that the qualitative features of double-string confinement persist.
Coupled Boltzmann transport equations of heavy quarks and quarkonia in quark-gluon plasma
Authors: Yao Xiaojun , Ke Weiyao , Xu Yingru , Bass Steffen A. , Müller Berndt
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We develop a framework of coupled transport equations for open heavy flavor and quarkonium states, in order to describe their transport inside the quark-gluon plasma. Our framework is capable of studying simultaneously both open and hidden heavy flavor observables in heavy-ion collision experiments and can account for both, uncorrelated and correlated recombination. Our recombination implementation depends on real-time open heavy quark and antiquark distributions. We carry out consistency tests to show how the interplay among open heavy flavor transport, quarkonium dissociation and recombination drives the system to equilibrium. We then apply our framework to study bottomonium production in heavy-ion collisions. We include ϒ(1S), ϒ(2S), ϒ(3S), χb(1P) and χb(2P) in the framework and take feed-down contributions during the hadronic gas stage into account. Cold nuclear matter effects are included by using nuclear parton distribution functions for the initial primordial heavy flavor production. A calibrated 2 + 1 dimensional viscous hydrodynamics is used to describe the bulk QCD medium. We calculate both the nuclear modification factor RAA of all bottomonia states and the azimuthal angular anisotropy coefficient v2 of the ϒ(1S) state and find that our results agree reasonably with experimental measurements. Our calculations indicate that correlated cross-talk recombination is an important production mechanism of bottomonium in current heavy-ion experiments. The importance of correlated recombination can be tested experimentally by measuring the ratio of RAA(χb(1P)) and RAA(ϒ(2S)).
A novel double-side welding approach for friction stir welding of polypropylene plate
Authors: Nath Rahul Kanti , Jha Vinayak , Maji Pabitra , Barma John Deb
Published: January 2021

In almost every industry, polymer materials are in high demand in recent years due to their lightweight and easy formability. However, eco-friendly, cost-efficient and defect-free joining of polymers is a major concern. In this article, a novel approach is taken for friction stir welding of polypropylene by implementing a double-side welding technique. The effect of tool rotational speed on construction and properties of the welded joints are studied. The torque and forces exerted on the tool during double-side welding are compared with single-side welding. Cross-sectional morphology examination using optical and scanning electron microscope reveals defect-free sound welding by double-side weld with uniform material flow. The molecular bonds of the welded specimens are examined by FTIR analysis. The double-side welding technique yields superior joints in terms of tensile strength and flexural strength than the joints obtained by single-side welding.
A randomized phase 1 single-dose polysomnography study of ASP8062, a GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator
Authors: Walzer Mark , Wu Ruishan , Ahmad Maha , Freeman Jon , Zammit Gary , Marek Gerard J.
Published: January 2021

Rationale

Previous research suggests that sleep polysomnography and EEG endpoints can be used to assess GABAergic activity; however, the impact of GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulators on sleep endpoints remains unclear.

Objectives

This phase 1 study compared a single dose of ASP8062 (35 mg or 70 mg), a GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator, with placebo and paroxetine (40 mg).

Methods

Healthy adult volunteers were randomized to four treatments (35 mg ASP8062, 70 mg ASP8062, paroxetine 40 mg, or matching placebo), each separated by a 14-day washout. Primary endpoints obtained by polysomnography were time in stage N3 or SWS and time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Secondary endpoints included impact on sleep stages and electroencephalography parameters, pharmacokinetics, nighttime growth hormone (GH), and safety/tolerability.

Results

In 20 randomized volunteers, ASP8062 led to a significant and seemingly dose-dependent increase in SWS over the entire night; this increase was mainly observed during the first third of the night. ASP8062 did not impact time in REM sleep. Paroxetine had no effect on SWS but produced a significant reduction in time spent in REM sleep. A dose-dependent trend in increased GH release was also observed with ASP8062. Headache and nausea were the most commonly reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) for ASP8062; most TEAEs were mild in severity.

Conclusions

Single-dose ASP8062 (35 and 70 mg) appeared to result in CNS penetration and enhanced GABAergic activity as measured by increases in slow-wave sleep and growth hormone release.
International recommendations for personalised selective internal radiation therapy of primary and metastatic liver diseases with yttrium-90 resin microspheres
Authors: Levillain Hugo , Bagni Oreste , Deroose Christophe M. , Dieudonné Arnaud , Gnesin Silvano , Grosser Oliver S. , Kappadath S. Cheenu , Kennedy Andrew , Kokabi Nima , Liu David M. , Madoff David C. , Mahvash Armeen , Martinez de la Cuesta Antonio , Ng David C. E. , Paprottka Philipp M. , Pettinato Cinzia , Rodríguez-Fraile Macarena , Salem Riad , Sangro Bruno , Strigari Lidia , Sze Daniel Y. , de Wit van der veen Berlinda J. , Flamen Patrick
Published: January 2021

Purpose

A multidisciplinary expert panel convened to formulate state-of-the-art recommendations for optimisation of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (90Y)-resin microspheres.

Methods

A steering committee of 23 international experts representing all participating specialties formulated recommendations for SIRT with 90Y-resin microspheres activity prescription and post-treatment dosimetry, based on literature searches and the responses to a 61-question survey that was completed by 43 leading experts (including the steering committee members). The survey was validated by the steering committee and completed anonymously. In a face-to-face meeting, the results of the survey were presented and discussed. Recommendations were derived and level of agreement defined (strong agreement ≥ 80%, moderate agreement 50%–79%, no agreement ≤ 49%).

Results

Forty-seven recommendations were established, including guidance such as a multidisciplinary team should define treatment strategy and therapeutic intent (strong agreement); 3D imaging with CT and an angiography with cone-beam-CT, if available, and 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT are recommended for extrahepatic/intrahepatic deposition assessment, treatment field definition and calculation of the 90Y-resin microspheres activity needed (moderate/strong agreement). A personalised approach, using dosimetry (partition model and/or voxel-based) is recommended for activity prescription, when either whole liver or selective, non-ablative or ablative SIRT is planned (strong agreement). A mean absorbed dose to non-tumoural liver of 40 Gy or less is considered safe (strong agreement). A minimum mean target-absorbed dose to tumour of 100–120 Gy is recommended for hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastatic colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma (moderate/strong agreement). Post-SIRT imaging for treatment verification with 90Y-PET/CT is recommended (strong agreement). Post-SIRT dosimetry is also recommended (strong agreement).

Conclusion

Practitioners are encouraged to work towards adoption of these recommendations.
AChRAb and MuSKAb double-seropositive myasthenia gravis: a distinct subtype?
Authors: Zhang Jieni , Chen Yin , Chen Jiaxin , Huang Xin , Wang Haiyan , Li Yan , Liu Weibin , Feng Huiyu
Published: January 2021

Introduction

This study investigated the characteristics of double-seropositive myasthenia gravis (DSP-MG) in southern China for disease subtype classification.

Methods

A case-control study was carried out in which the characteristics of DSP-MG patients (n = 17) were compared to those of muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibody-positive (MuSK)-MG and acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR)-MG patients (n = 8 and 27, respectively). We also performed a literature review of DSP-MG patients.

Results

Compared to AChR-MG, DSP-MG had greater bulbar dysfunction (47.1% vs 18.6%, P = 0.04), higher incidence of myasthenia crisis (41.2% vs 14.8%, P = 0.04), more severe Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification at maximum worsening, greater autoantibody abnormalities (70.6% vs 33.3%, P = 0.015), greater need for immunosuppressant treatment (58.8% vs 3.7%, P < 0.001), and worse prognosis with less remission (11.8% vs 55.6%, P = 0.001). There were no differences between DSP-MG and MuSK-MG patients. DSP-MG described in published reports was comparable to MuSK-MG.

Discussion

DSP-MG in southern China may be a subtype of MuSK-MG.
Applicability and performance of EUCAST’s rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (RAST) on primarily sterile body fluids in blood culture bottles in laboratory routine with total lab automation
Authors: Jasuja Jasmin Kaur , Zimmermann Stefan , Burckhardt Irene
Published: January 2021

Optimisation of microbiological diagnostics in primarily sterile body fluids is required. Our objective was to apply EUCAST’s RAST on primarily sterile body fluids in blood culture bottles with total lab automation (TLA) and to compare results to our reference method Vitek2 in order to report susceptibility results earlier. Positive blood culture bottles (BACTEC™ Aerobic/Anaerobic/PEDS) inoculated with primarily sterile body fluids were semi-automatically subcultured onto Columbia 5% SB agar, chocolate agar, MacConkey agar, Schaedler/KV agar and Mueller-Hinton agar. On latter, cefoxitin, ampicillin, vancomycin, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem and ciprofloxacin were added. After 6 h, subcultures and RAST were imaged and MALDI-TOF MS was performed. Zone sizes were digitally measured and interpreted following RAST breakpoints for blood cultures. MIC values were determined using Vitek2 panels. During a 1-year period, 197 Staphylococcus aureus, 91 Enterococcus spp., 38 Escherichia coli, 11 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 8 Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found. Categorical agreement between RAST and MIC was 96.5%. Comparison showed no very major errors, 2/7 (28.6%) and 1/7 (14.3%) of major errors for P. aeruginosa and meropenem and ciprofloxacin, 1/9 (11.1%) for K. pneumoniae and ciprofloxacin, 4/69 (7.0%) and 3/43 (5.8%) for Enterococcus spp. and vancomycin and ampicillin, respectively. Minor errors for P. aeruginosa and meropenem (1/8; 12.8%) and for E. coli and ciprofloxacin (2/29; 6.5%) were found. 30/550 RAST measurements were within area of technical uncertainty. RAST is applicable and performs well for primarily sterile body fluids in blood culture bottles, partially better than blood-based RAST. Official EUCAST evaluation is needed.
Nocturnal singing by diurnal birds in Afrotropical highlands
Authors: Budka Michał , Skierczyńska Anna , Antczak Marcin , Osiejuk Tomasz S.
Published: January 2021

Most bird species are active by day. However, even typically diurnal species have been observed to sing by night, although the functions and mechanisms of this behaviour are not well understood. In our study, we focused on nocturnal singing by diurnal birds in Afrotropical highlands (Bamenda Highlands, Cameroon). We recorded 48-h soundscapes in 18 random recording sites using autonomous sound recorders to examine the occurrence and intensity of nocturnal singing among diurnal birds. We applied three definitions of night—the time period between: (1) astronomical, (2) nautical and (3) civil dusk and dawn, which may include or exclude beginning of dawn chorus from the night-time period. We recorded 53 bird species, representing seven orders and 27 families. Of 50 typically diurnal species, only three sang by astronomical night, producing in total 10 songs. Applying the nautical night definition did not change the meaning of the results—the same three species produced 12 vocalisations. By civil night, 21 species were recorded singing. From the analysed 2128 vocalisations produced by civil night, 2109 were produced during 25 min period between nautical and civil dawn (22–47 min before sunrise), what suggests that civil night covers the beginning of dawn chorus and should not be considered as a nighttime. Our study reveals that in Afrotropical highlands, unlike in temperate regions, diurnal birds stay silent at night. Using astronomical and nautical definition of night gives similar results. The intensive singing recorded between nautical and civil dawn (included into nautical night), we interpreted as the beginning of dawn chorus rather than true night singing. We suggest that precise definition of nighttime is required to compare the results of different studies and to better understand the phenomenon of night singing by diurnal birds.
Growth hormone transgenesis and feed composition influence growth and protein and amino acid content in transgenic G3 mutiara catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Buwono Ibnu Dwi , Iskandar Iskandar , Grandiosa Roffi
Published: January 2021

Clarias gariepinus growth hormone (CgGH) transgenesis was previously used to develop a population of second-generation (G2) transgenic mutiara catfish (C. gariepinus). The third generation of these fish (1-month old fingerlings) had 2–3 times improvement in growth compared to non-transgenic fish in the commercial feed test for 6 weeks of rearing. We assessed the impact of CgGH transgene expression on growth and protein and amino acid content of the G3 generation of these transgenic mutiara catfish relative to non-transgenic catfish. Since variation in composition of feed mixes can affect protein and amino acid content of fish, we tested three mixtures of commercial feed and boiled tuna (Euthynnus affinis): feed A (50:50 feed to tuna), B (65:35), and C (80:20) to transgenic catfish. Feed A* (50:50) was fed as a control to non-transgenic catfish. Feed efficiency, including feed conversion ratio and protein use efficiency (i.e., protein retention and protein productive value), was assessed. Feed efficiency, protein content, and essential amino acid content in G3 transgenic catfish (feed A and B) were higher than in non-transgenic fish (feed A*). The latter were deficient in lysine and methionine. Transgenic catfish fed with feed C (80:20) showed lysine deficiency and lower growth than fish fed feeds A and B. Feed B (65:35) was the optimal feed mixture utilized; it increased growth, protein levels, and feed conversion efficiency in G3 catfish. The growth of transgenic fish was higher than non-transgenic fish when supported by feeding with balanced nutrients.
Homework and Children in Grades 3–6: Purpose, Policy and Non-Academic Impact
Authors: Holland Melissa , Courtney McKenzie , Vergara James , McIntyre Danielle , Nix Samantha , Marion Allison , Shergill Gagan
Published: January 2021

Background

Increasing academic demands, including larger amounts of assigned homework, is correlated with various challenges for children. While homework stress in middle and high school has been studied, research evidence is scant concerning the effects of homework on elementary-aged children.

Objective

The objective of this study was to understand rater perception of the purpose of homework, the existence of homework policy, and the relationship, if any, between homework and the emotional health, sleep habits, and parent–child relationships for children in grades 3–6.

Method

Survey research was conducted in the schools examining student (n = 397), parent (n = 442), and teacher (n = 28) perception of homework, including purpose, existing policy, and the childrens’ social and emotional well-being.

Results

Preliminary findings from teacher, parent, and student surveys suggest the presence of modest impact of homework in the area of emotional health (namely, student report of boredom and frustration), parent–child relationships (with over 25% of the parent and child samples reporting homework always or often interferes with family time and creates a power struggle), and sleep (36.8% of the children surveyed reported they sometimes get less sleep) in grades 3–6. Additionally, findings suggest misperceptions surrounding the existence of homework policies among parents and teachers, the reasons teachers cite assigning homework, and a disconnect between child-reported and teacher reported emotional impact of homework.

Conclusions

Preliminary findings suggest homework modestly impacts child well-being in various domains in grades 3–6, including sleep, emotional health, and parent/child relationships. School districts, educators, and parents must continue to advocate for evidence-based homework policies that support children’s overall well-being.
Emotional and Behavioral Trajectories of 2 to 9 Years Old Children Born to Opioid-Dependent Mothers
Authors: Jaekel Julia , Kim Hyun M. , Lee Samantha J. , Schwartz Ashlyn , Henderson Jacqueline M. T. , Woodward Lianne J.
Published: January 2021

Maternal opioid use in pregnancy has increased dramatically. Knowledge about children’s longer-term emotional and behavioral development after prenatal opioid exposure is scarce. A regional sample of 89 opioid-exposed and 104 non-exposed comparison children were studied prospectively at ages 2, 4.5, and 9 years using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completed by primary caregivers. Across all childhood assessments, opioid-exposed children obtained significantly higher total difficulties scores than non-exposed comparison children. Growth curve modeling revealed that, relative to their same age peers, opioid-exposed children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties significantly worsened over time. Moreover, fixed effects estimates showed that total difficulties trajectories were poorer for children subject to higher prenatal risk (Est = 1.78, 95% CI = [0.46, 3.09]) who were born to mothers with high levels of social adversity (1.11 [0.51, 1.71]), and were then raised in families characterized by high levels of psychosocial risk (1.94 [0.90, 2.98]) and unstable caregiving (1.91 [0.33, 3.48]). A complex set of pre- and postnatal processes contribute to opioid-exposed children’s emotional and behavioral development. Efforts to mitigate the long-term consequences of opioid use in pregnancy need to consider both children’s and their caregivers’ biopsychosocial risks.