bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Current, Ex and Non Smokers
Authors: Talpur Subrab Khan , Kumar Mukesh , Abbass Ameer , Jan Naseema Ahmed , Lohano Kheem Chand , Memon Ishtiaque Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Objective: To detect treatment outcomes in current smokers, ex - smokers and nonsmokers, in newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients.

Methodology: This cohort prospective study was conducted in the department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi, with the collaboration of different (DOTS) centers of Pathology Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi. All newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients registered for treatment either of gender were included. The patients were divided into three groups. Group-A: Current smokers, Group-B: Ex-smokers, Group-C: Non-smokers. Patients were followed for 6 months. Outcome was assessed in terms of cured or failure. All the information was enrolled in pre-designed proforma. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20.

Results: In current study mean age of non-smokers was 44.20±17.73, ex-smokers 43.13±15.67 years mean age of smokers was 38.07±15.67 years. Males were in majority in all study groups as in ex-smokers group, males were 98.75%, non-smoker males were 90.0% and in smoker group males were 92.50%. At starting of treatment, mean weight of smoker patients was 55.50±5.41 kg, ex-smoker’s 48.91±9.00 kg and mean weight of non-smokers 48.71±7.04 kg. P-0.001. At starting of treatment, the mean ESR of non-smokers was 89.31±10.02, ex-smoker’s was 82.62±12.18 and smokers ESR average was 80.61±15.83. P-0.001. After 6 month treatment, cured rate was (96.25%) in non-smokers, (90%) in smokers and (93.75%) in ex–smokers.

Conclusion: This study concluded that cured rate was high in non-smokers. Smoking status in individuals greatly affects the tuberculosis treatment outcome with enhance failure rate.
Drug decriminalization measure in Oregon would not increase treatment funding
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2020

Last month, Oregon passed the first statewide drug decriminalization measure in the country, allowing personal‐use possession of illegal drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine, The ballot initiative, Measure 110, which was sponsored mainly by the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), allows people to either pay a $100 fine or go to an “addiction recovery center” that would be funded by the regulated legal marijuana industry in the state.
Case‐by‐case approach in CM rule leaves providers at risk
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2020

The final rule on incentives and contingency management was published last week and goes into effect Jan. 19, 2021. The final rule, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG), applies to the use of contingency management — the only proven method of treatment for stimulant use disorders — and still considers such payments a kickback, and therefore illegal under fraud and abuse statutes (see “CM, only effective treatment for stimulant disorders, on the ropes as methamphetamine surges, ADAW June 8, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.32742 and “HHS doubles down on constraints against contingency management, ADAW August 24, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.32812).
A Stepwise Synthesis of Spiroindoline Compounds via Ring Opening of Aziridines and C−H Activation/Cyclization
Authors: Xing Siyang , Xia Hanyu , Wang Chenyu , Wang Yuhan , Hao Lu , Wang Kui , Zhu Bolin
Published: December 2020

A type of 2,2‐disubstituted N‐sulfonylaziridines bearing OTBS groups and aryl groups at two different substitutions of the aziridine ring has been prepared. Based on them, a stepwise strategy involving ring opening of aziridines and C−H activation/cyclization has been developed for the general synthesis of spiroindoline pyrans and spiroindoline furans.

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Ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for antidoping analyses: Assessment of the inter‐laboratory reproducibility with urine samples
Authors: Losacco Gioacchino Luca , Rentsch Marco , Plachká Kateřina , Monteau Fabrice , Bichon Emmanuelle , Bizec Bruno Le , Nováková Lucie , Nicoli Raul , Kuuranne Tiia , Veuthey Jean‐Luc , Guillarme Davy
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the interlaboratory reproducibility of ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method for routine antidoping analyses. To do so, a set of 21 doping agents, spiked in urine and analyzed after dilute and shoot treatment, was used to assess the variability of their retention times between four different laboratories, all equipped with the same chromatographic system and with the same ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography stationary phase chemistry. The average relative standard deviations (RSD%) demonstrated a good reproducibility of the retention times for 19 out of 21 analytes, with RSD% values below 3.0%. Only for two substances, namely fenbutrazate and niketamide, the retention was not repeatable between laboratories, with RSD% of approximately 15% in both cases. This behaviour was associated with (a) the low organic modifier percentage (around 2‐4%) in the mobile phase at the corresponding retention times, and (b) the influence of the system volume on poorly retained analytes. An analysis on seven “blind” urines was subsequently carried out in the same four laboratories. In these blind samples, either one, two, or none of the 21 doping agents previously analyzed were present at an unknown concentration. Each laboratory had to perform the identification of the compounds in the samples and estimate their concentrations. All laboratories assigned all target analytes correctly in all blind urine samples and provide a comparable estimation of their concentrations.
American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With SARS–CoV‐2 and Hyperinflammation in Pediatric COVID‐19: Version 2
Authors: Henderson Lauren A. , Canna Scott W. , Friedman Kevin G. , Gorelik Mark , Lapidus Sivia K. , Bassiri Hamid , Behrens Edward M. , Ferris Anne , Kernan Kate F. , Schulert Grant S. , Seo Philip , Son Mary Beth F. , Tremoulet Adriana H. , Yeung Rae S. M. , Mudano Amy S. , Turner Amy S. , Karp David R. , Mehta Jay J.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To provide guidance on the management of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS‐C), a condition characterized by fever, inflammation, and multiorgan dysfunction that manifests late in the course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV‐2) infection. Recommendations are also provided for children with hyperinflammation during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), the acute, infectious phase of SARS–CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

The Task Force was composed of 9 pediatric rheumatologists and 2 adult rheumatologists, 2 pediatric cardiologists, 2 pediatric infectious disease specialists, and 1 pediatric critical care physician. Preliminary statements addressing clinical questions related to MIS‐C and hyperinflammation in COVID‐19 were developed based on evidence reports. Consensus was built through a modified Delphi process that involved anonymous voting and webinar discussion. A 9‐point scale was used to determine the appropriateness of each statement (median scores of 1–3 for inappropriate, 4–6 for uncertain, and 7–9 for appropriate). Consensus was rated as low, moderate, or high based on dispersion of the votes. Approved guidance statements were those that were classified as appropriate with moderate or high levels of consensus, which were prespecified before voting.

Results

The first version of the guidance was approved in June 2020, and consisted of 40 final guidance statements accompanied by a flow diagram depicting the diagnostic pathway for MIS‐C. The document was revised in November 2020, and a new flow diagram with recommendations for initial immunomodulatory treatment of MIS‐C was added.

Conclusion

Our understanding of SARS–CoV‐2–related syndromes in the pediatric population continues to evolve. This guidance document reflects currently available evidence coupled with expert opinion, and will be revised as further evidence becomes available.
Cytomegalovirus haemorrhagic colitis complicating COVID‐19 in an immunocompetent critically ill patient: A case report
Authors: Leemans Sophie , Maillart Evelyne , Van Noten Héloïse , Oliveira Dos Santos Lucas , Leahu Laura Maria , Kamgang Prochore , Gallerani Andrea , Clevenbergh Philippe
Published: December 2020

Suspicion threshold for opportunistic coinfections should be lowered in severe COVID‐19. Serum CMV polymerase chain reaction and colonoscopy should be discussed in presence of persistent digestive disturbances.
Long‐term endoscopic findings in pediatric primary intestinal lymphangiectasia
Authors: Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Mizuochi Tatsuki , Koji Azusa , Zhang Yumeng , Sakata Yasuhisa
Published: December 2020

This is the first case report comparing endoscopic images of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) over 10 years. Regular endoscopic examination is essential in PIL because endoscopic findings do not correlate well with clinical manifestations.
Delayed awakening with apnea as a sign of cerebellar hemorrhage after vestibular schwannoma surgery: A case report
Authors: Nakadate Yosuke , Fukasawa Eri , Ikemoto Kodai , Matsukawa Takashi
Published: December 2020

Cerebellar hemorrhage after surgery is a rare but critical complication requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention. However, anesthetics can mask most brain compression signs. Prolonged coma with apnea after tumor resection under general anesthesia may indicate the need for prompt imaging to detect or exclude cerebellar lesions.
Oat mega‐environments in Canada
Authors: Yan Weikai , Mitchell‐Fetch Jennifer , Beattie Aaron , Nilsen Kirby T. , Pageau Denis , DeHaan Brad , Hayes Matthew , Mountain Nathan , Cummiskey Allan , MacEachern Dan
Published: December 2020

Genotype × environment interaction (GE) is a perennial problem in plant breeding and must be dealt with. Dealing with GE starts with differentiation of repeatable GE from unrepeatable GE in a target region. Repeatable GE can be used by dividing the target region into mega‐environments (MEs) and breeding ME‐specific cultivars, and unrepeatable GE must be accommodated by testing adequately within a ME. This study applied LG (location‐grouping) biplot analysis to several datasets from multiyear oat (Avena sativa L.) variety trials conducted at locations across Canada. Analysis showed that the oat growing regions in Canada can be divided into three MEs: the crown rust (Puccinia coronata Corda f. sp. avenae Eriks.) prone regions in southern and eastern Ontario (ME1), other regions in eastern Canada (ME2), and the Canadian Prairies (ME3). In addition, two sub‐MEs existed within ME2. Latitude was shown to be the main factor for the ME differentiation. The results suggest that oat variety trials should be conducted and cultivar recommendation be made according to MEs, as opposed to by administrative regions that are currently in place.
Dispersed spectrum sensing and scheduling in cognitive radio network based on SSOA‐RR
Authors: Dinesh G. , Venkatakrishnan P. , Jeyanthi K. Meena Alias
Published: December 2020

Wireless communication is an emerging technology in recent days which involves the transmission of data or information over a wide range of distance. The wireless network is capable of using the unlicensed spectrum for the transmission of data for various applications like medical, science, and industries. There are cases where the licensed spectrum is not utilized up to the level. In such cases, the cognitive radio network (CRN) technology allows cognitive devices to sense it and further enables the dynamic access of the scarce resource for proper utilization. However, the excessive number of bandwidth access may lead to the occurrence of interferences among the system. This is the major issue faced in all CRNs. To resolve this, effective band scheduling mechanism in CRN has been proposed. In this research, efficient spectrum sensing is performed using stochastic optimization algorithm called Salp Swarm Optimization Algorithm (SSOA). This SSOA algorithm utilizes the best fitness function through three phases such as leaving, contention and joining of bands and provides a list of nonacquired list of bands. From the list of bands, the best band with majority bandwidth has been selected using Round Robin (RR) Algorithm. Here, the load system is allotted dynamically. Based on the load factor, the spectrum is scheduled. As a matter of fact, the whole spectrum scheduling methodology depends primarily on the base contributions made by the operation of spectrum sensing. Finally, the performance analysis is estimated for the throughput, settling time, number of bands occupied by base station (BS), and the bands occupied by each BS. From the performance analysis, the proposed system attains better results than other conventional approaches.
Interacting forces of predation and fishing affect species’ maturation size
Authors: Forestier Romain , Blanchard Julia L. , Nash Kirsty L. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Johnson Craig , Audzijonyte Asta
Published: December 2020

Fishing is a strong selective force and is supposed to select for earlier maturation at smaller body size. However, the extent to which fishing‐induced evolution is shaping ecosystems remains debated. This is in part because it is challenging to disentangle fishing from other selective forces (e.g., size‐structured predation and cannibalism) in complex ecosystems undergoing rapid change.

Changes in maturation size from fishing and predation have previously been explored with multi‐species physiologically structured models but assumed separation of ecological and evolutionary timescales. To assess the eco‐evolutionary impact of fishing and predation at the same timescale, we developed a stochastic physiologically size‐structured food‐web model, where new phenotypes are introduced randomly through time enabling dynamic simulation of species' relative maturation sizes under different types of selection pressures.

Using the model, we carried out a fully factorial in silico experiment to assess how maturation size would change in the absence and presence of both fishing and predation (including cannibalism). We carried out ten replicate stochastic simulations exposed to all combinations of fishing and predation in a model community of nine interacting fish species ranging in their maximum sizes from 10 g to 100 kg. We visualized and statistically analyzed the results using linear models.

The effects of fishing on maturation size depended on whether or not predation was enabled and differed substantially across species. Fishing consistently reduced the maturation sizes of two largest species whether or not predation was enabled and this decrease was seen even at low fishing intensities (F = 0.2 per year). In contrast, the maturation sizes of the three smallest species evolved to become smaller through time but this happened regardless of the levels of predation or fishing. For the four medium‐size species, the effect of fishing was highly variable with more species showing significant and larger fishing effects in the presence of predation.

Ultimately our results suggest that the interactive effects of predation and fishing can have marked effects on species' maturation sizes, but that, at least for the largest species, predation does not counterbalance the evolutionary effect of fishing. Our model also produced relative maturation sizes that are broadly consistent with empirical estimates for many fish species.
Novel biomarkers associated with incident heart failure in 10 106 Finnish men
Authors: Jauhiainen Raimo , Jauhiainen Matti , Vangipurapu Jagadish , Kuulasmaa Teemu , Ala‐Korpela Mika , Laakso Markku , Kuusisto Johanna
Published: December 2020

Aims

There are only a few studies on novel biomarkers for incident heart failure (HF). We investigated the association of multiple circulating biomarkers with incident HF in a large prospective population‐based study.

Methods and results

Conventional risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers were measured, and systemic metabolic measures determined by a high‐throughput serum nuclear magnetic resonance platform in a population‐based Metabolic Syndrome in Men study including 10 106 Finnish men without HF at baseline. During an 8.8 year follow‐up, 172 (1.7%) participants developed HF. Adiponectin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), glycoprotein acetyls, alanine, phenylalanine, glycerol, and pyruvate were associated with incident HF in unadjusted Cox regression analyses, in addition to age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER). After adjustment for age, BMI, diabetes, and statin medication, only adiponectin [hazard ratio (HR) 1.18 (1.10–1.26, P = 4.1E‐08)], pyruvate [HR 1.38 (1.28–1.50, P = 8.2E‐05)], and UAER [HR 1.15 (1.11—1.18, P = 7.8E‐06)] remained statistically significant. In principal component analysis of biomarkers associated with HF in univariate Cox regression analysis, we identified six components, explaining 61.7% of total variance. Four principal components, one with significant loadings on waist, BMI, fasting plasma insulin, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, and hs‐CRP; another on pyruvate, glycoprotein acetyls, alanine, glycerol and HbA1c; third on age and glomerular filtration rate; and fourth on systolic blood pressure, UAER, and adiponectin, significantly associated with incident HF.

Conclusions

Several novel metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers were associated with incident HF, suggesting early activation of respective pathways in the pathogenesis of HF.
Clonal dynamics in a composite chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia‐variant
Authors: Locher Maurus , Jukic Emina , Bohn Jan‐Paul , Untergasser Gerold , Steurer Michael , Cramer Christian Andreas , Schwendinger Simon , Vogi Verena , Verdorfer Irmgard , Witsch‐Baumgartner Martina , Nachbaur David , Gunsilius Eberhard , Wolf Dominik , Zschocke Johannes , Steiner Normann
Published: December 2020

Composite lymphoma is the rare simultaneous manifestation of two distinct lymphomas. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has a propensity for occurring in composite lymphomas, a phenomenon that remains to be elucidated. We applied cytogenetics, droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, and massively parallel sequencing to analyze longitudinally a patient with CLL, who 3 years later showed transformation to a hairy cell leukemia‐variant (HCL‐V). Outgrowth of the IGHV4‐34‐positive HCL‐V clone at the expense of the initially dominant CLL clone with trisomy 12 and MED12 mutation started before CLL‐guided treatment and was accompanied by a TP53 mutation, which was already detectable at diagnosis of CLL. Furthermore, deep sequencing of IGH showed a composite lymphoma with presence of both disease components at all analyzed timepoints (down to a minor clone: major clone ratio of ~1:1000). Overall, our analyses showed a disease course that resembled clonal dynamics reported for malignancies with intratumoral heterogeneity and illustrate the utility of deep sequencing of IGH to detect distinct clonal populations at diagnosis, monitor clonal response to therapy, and possibly improve clinical outcomes.
Revisiting Alice Boer: Site formation processes and dating issues of a supposedly pre‐Clovis site in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: de Mello Araujo Astolfo G. , Feathers James K. , Hartmann Gelvam A. , Ladeira Francisco S. B. , Valezio Éverton V. , Nascimento Diego L. , Ricci Olivia , de Oliveira Marum Victor J. , Ferreira da Trindade Ricardo I.
Published: December 2020

The Alice Boer site, located in Southeastern Brazil, was considered to be one of the oldest sites in the Americas, and a strong candidate for being a pre‐Clovis site. Ages obtained by researchers during the 1970s and 1980s put the site inside a chronological range between 2 and 14 ka, eventually reaching as old as 30 ka or even 130 ka. Between 2010 and 2012, our research team revisited the site to improve the knowledge of Paleoindian occupation in Southeastern Brazil. Here, we present new data of stratigraphy and chronology (luminescence and radiocarbon dating), pedological and magnetic analysis performed at some of the sites. Results show that the site's oldest occupation took place ca. 8 ka, which provides new insight into human occupation in South America. In addition, we show some issues with radiocarbon contamination due to soil humin fraction mobility.
Early Allograft Dysfunction Increases Hospital Associated Costs After Liver Transplantation—A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Moosburner Simon , Sauer Igor M. , Förster Frank , Winklmann Thomas , Gassner Joseph Maria George Vernon , Ritschl Paul V. , Öllinger Robert , Pratschke Johann , Raschzok Nathanael
Published: December 2020

Concepts to ameliorate the continued mismatch between demand for liver allografts and supply include the acceptance of allografts that meet extended donor criteria (ECD). ECD grafts are generally associated with an increased rate of complications such as early allograft dysfunction (EAD). The costs of liver transplantation for the health care system with respect to specific risk factors remain unclear and are subject to change. We analyzed 317 liver transplant recipients from 2013 to 2018 for outcome after liver transplantation and hospital costs in a German transplant center. In our study period, 1‐year survival after transplantation was 80.1% (95% confidence interval: 75.8%‐84.6%) and median hospital stay was 33 days (interquartile rage: 24), with mean hospital costs of €115,924 (SD €113,347). There was a positive correlation between costs and laboratory Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score (rs = 0.48, P < 0.001), and the development of EAD increased hospital costs by €26,229. ECD grafts were not associated with a higher risk of EAD in our cohort. When adjusting for recipient‐associated risk factors such as laboratory Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, recipient age, and split liver transplantation with propensity score matching, only EAD and cold ischemia increased total costs. Conclusion: Our data show that EAD leads to significantly higher hospital costs for liver transplantation, which are primarily attributed to recipient health status. Strategies to reduce the incidence of EAD are needed to control costs in liver transplantation.
Prognostic value of lipid metabolism‐related genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xiong Ying , Si Yu , Feng Yisi , Zhuo Shipei , Cui Bozhen , Zhang Zhigang
Published: December 2020

Background

Altered lipid metabolism is involved in the development of many tumors. However, the role of dissimilar lipid metabolism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is not fully established.

Aims

Here, we sought to determine the prognostic value of lipid metabolism‐related genes in HNSCC.

Methods

RNA‐seq data and clinical features of 545 HNSCC cases were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. A regulatory network of transcription factors‐lipid metabolism genes and a risk prognostic model of lipid metabolism‐related genes was developed using bioinformatics and Cox regression modeling. We used tumor immune estimation resource to analyze immune cell infiltration in patients with HNSCC based on the prognostic index (PI) of lipid metabolism‐related genes.

Results

A total of 136 differentially expressed lipid metabolism genes were identified. Of these, 23 are related to prognosis. In addition to predicting HNSCC prognosis, 11 lipid metabolism‐related genes (ARSI, CYP27B1, CYP2D6, DGKG, DHCR7, LPIN1, PHYH, PIP5K1B, PLA2G2D, RDH16, and TRIB3) also affect HNSCC clinical features (stage, gender, and pathological stage). The PI of lipid metabolism‐related genes embodied the state of HNSCC tumor immune microenvironment.
Educational Progress‐Time and the Proliferation of Dual Enrollment
Authors: Nordquist Brice , Lueck Amy
Published: December 2020

In this commentary, we use the occasion of the proliferation of dual enrollment to examine the discursive construction of difference between high school and college literacies, and its effects on teachers and students. This discursive divide has real, material consequences. It informs (and constrains) literacy practices and pedagogies, becomes a barrier to access (particularly when operationalized in testing procedures), contributes to dropout and attrition, exacerbates unequal power and resources in communities, and justifies hierarchical relations between high school and college faculty and staff. By deconstructing the definitions of high school and college and the metaphors of containment they rely on, we hope to shift the conversation about dual enrollment and related “bridge” programs away from one of transference or articulation between the high school and college to a more dynamic sense of emergence and negotiation as practiced in our programs and classrooms.
Higher-Impact Physical Activity Is Associated With Maintenance of Bone Mineral Density But Not Reduced Incident Falls or Fractures in Older Men: The Concord Health and Aging in Men Project
Authors: Ng Carrie-Anne , Scott David , Seibel Markus J , Cumming Robert G , Naganathan Vasi , Blyth Fiona M , Le Couteur David G , Waite Louise M , Handelsman David J , Hirani Vasant
Published: December 2020

High-impact physical activities with bone strains of high magnitude and frequency may benefit bone health. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal associations between changes in loading intensities and application rates, estimated from self-reported physical activity, with bone mineral density (BMD) changes over 5 years and also with incident falls over 2 years and long-term incident fractures in community-dwelling older men. A total of 1599 men (mean age 76.8 ± 5.4 years) from the Concord Health and Aging in Men Project (CHAMP) were assessed at baseline (2005–2007) and at 2- and 5-year follow-up. At each time point, hip and lumbar spine BMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and physical activity energy expenditure over the past week was self-reported via the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire. Sum effective load ratings (ELRs) and peak force were estimated from the PASE questionnaire, reflecting the total and highest loading intensity and application rate of physical activities, respectively. Participants were contacted every 4 months over 2 years to self-report falls and over 6.0 ± 2.2 years for fractures. Hip fractures were ascertained by data linkage for 8.9 ± 3.6 years. Compared with sum ELR and PASE scores, peak force demonstrated the greatest standardized effect size for BMD maintenance at the spine (β = 9.77 mg/cm2), total hip (β = 14.14 mg/cm2), and femoral neck (β = 13.72 mg/cm2) after adjustment for covariates, including PASE components (all p < .01). Only PASE scores were significantly associated with reduced falls risk (standardized incident rate ratio = 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.81–1.00, p = .04). All physical activity measures were significantly associated with reduced incident fractures in univariate analyses, but none remained significant after multivariable adjustments. Older men who engaged in physical activity of high and rapid impact maintained higher BMD, while higher energy expenditure was associated with reduced falls risk. Coupling traditional physical activity data with bone loading estimates may improve understanding of the relationships between physical activity and bone health. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Fluoride release and remineralizing potential of varnishes in early caries lesions in primary teeth
Authors: Soares‐Yoshikawa Aline Laignier , Varanda Thais , Iwamoto Alexsandra Shizue , Kantovitz Kamila Rosamilia , Puppin‐Rontani Regina Maria , Pascon Fernanda Miori
Published: December 2020

This study evaluated the fluoride (F) release and remineralizing potential of varnishes containing sodium fluoride (5% NaF), 5% NaF with CPP‐ACP and 5% NaF with TCP in early caries lesions in primary teeth. To determine the F release at 1, 4, 6, 24, 72, and 168 hr, strips were covered with the varnishes and immersed in purified water (n = 7). The varnishes and purified water (negative control) were applied on enamel blocks with early caries lesions (n = 16). Enamel blocks were stored in artificial saliva and submitted to a pH‐cycling. The area of enamel hardness loss (ΔS) was analyzed by microhardness, lesion depth by polarized light microscopy (PLM) and the chemical analysis by Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Data were submitted to Shapiro–Wilk, two‐way and one‐way ANOVA, Tukey and paired t‐tests (α = 5%). All varnishes released F, but 5% NaF with CPP‐ACP had the highest release at 4, 6, 24, and 72 hr (p < .05) followed by 5% NaF with TCP and 5% NaF. No significant difference in ΔS was observed among varnishes (5% NaF = 4,098.4 ± 1,407.9; 5% NaF with CPP‐ACP = 4,164.0 ± 1,019.3; 5% NaF with TCP = 4,183.2 ± 1,527.2; p = .999), but all of them differed from the negative control group (6,757.8 ± 2,274.7; p < .001). Lesion depth was lower in varnishes groups compared to negative control (% reduction: 5% NaF = 41.8%, 5% NaF with CPP‐ACP = 38.8%, and 5% NaF with TCP = 36.3%; p < .001). Similar Ca, P, and Ca/P ratio percentages among groups and F was not detected after the treatments. All fluoride varnishes showed potential to enhance remineralization of early caries lesions in primary teeth.
Circ‐PRMT5 promotes breast cancer by the miR‐509‐3p/TCF7L2 axis activating the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Wu Di , Jia Hongyao , Zhang Zhiru , Li Sijie
Published: December 2020

Background

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy occurring in females. In recent years, emerging evidence has suggested that circular RNAs are involved in the development of multiple cancers. Circ‐PRMT5 has recently attracted attention as a tumor‐promoting circular RNA. In the present study, we focused on exploring the biological effects of circ‐PRMT5 in breast cancer.

Methods

A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of circ‐PRMT5 in breast cancer. In vitro experiments, including cell‐counting kit‐8, 5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine, flow cytometry and tube formation assays, were performed to test the effects of circ‐PRMT5 on the cellular progression of breast cancer. Bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter, radioimmunoprecipitation and RNA‐pull down assays were performed to predict the potential microRNAs interacting with circ‐PRMT5 and mRNAs that can be targeted by miR‐509‐3p.

Results

Circ‐PRMT5 is up‐regulated in breast cancer tissues and cells. Importantly, an elevation of circ‐PRMT5 indicates a poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Functionally, knockdown of circ‐PRMT5 suppresses cell proliferation and angiogenesis and increases cell apoptosis in breast cancer. Mechanistically, we identified that circ‐PRMT5 up‐regulates TCF7L2 expression by acting as a miR‐509‐3p sponge. The negative expression correlation between miR‐509‐3p and circ‐PRMT5 or TCF7L2 in clinical tissues was further demonstrated. Rescue assays showed that TCF7L2 overexpression reverses the antitumoral effects of circ‐PRMT5 knockdown on breast cancer cell processes. Additionally, we demonstrated that circ‐PRMT5 activates the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway by up‐regulation of TCF7L2.

Conclusions

Overall, our data indicate that the circ‐PRMT5/miR‐509‐3p/TCF7L2 axis can aggravate the malignant character of breast cancer cells by the regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Long‐term trends in snowfall characteristics and extremes in Japan from 1961 to 2012
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi G.
Published: December 2020

The region of Japan along the Japan Sea is one of the heaviest snowfall regions in the world, and it appears to be increasingly vulnerable to climate variability and global warming. This study investigated the long‐term trends in snowfall characteristics and extremes (i.e., heavy snowfall) over Japan mainly using station observations over 51 years from the 1961/1962 to 2011/2012 winter seasons. Long‐term trends were examined in terms of total precipitation and the ratio of the numbers of snowfall days to precipitation days R(s/p). Our results show statistically significant decreasing trends in seasonally accumulated snowfall at most stations in Japan, except for those in northern Tohoku and Hokkaido Districts and the Pacific side of Japan. These significant decreasing snowfall trends were associated with the long‐term decrease in R(s/p). Although long‐term decreasing trends in R(s/p) were also observed over Tohoku District and Pacific side, increasing trends in precipitation cancelled the decreasing trends there, which indicates long‐term trends in precipitation likely complicated snowfall trends. Over Hokuriku District, a decrease in precipitation enhanced the decrease in snowfall. Moreover, major snowfall events occurred in the first half of the study period, whereas a recent increase in heavy snowfall was not yet evident.
Brain Microglial Activation Increased in Glucocerebrosidase (GBA) Mutation Carriers without Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mullin Stephen , Stokholm Morten Gersel , Hughes Derralyn , Mehta Atul , Parbo Peter , Hinz Rainer , Pavese Nicola , Brooks David J. , Schapira Anthony H.V.
Published: December 2020

Background

Glucocerebrosidase gene mutations are a common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. They exhibit incomplete penetrance. The objective of the present study was to measure microglial activation and dopamine integrity in glucocerebrosidase gene mutation carriers without Parkinson's disease compared to controls.

Methods

We performed PET scans on 9 glucocerebrosidase gene mutation carriers without Parkinson's disease and 29 age‐matched controls. We measured microglial activation as 11C‐(R)‐PK11195 binding potentials, and dopamine terminal integrity with 18F‐dopa influx constants.

Results

The 11C‐(R)‐PK11195 binding potential was increased in the substantia nigra of glucocerebrosidase gene carriers compared with controls (Student t test; right, t = −4.45, P = 0.0001). Statistical parametric mapping also localized significantly increased 11C‐(R)‐PK11195 binding potential in the occipital and temporal lobes, cerebellum, hippocampus, and mesencephalon. The degree of hyposmia correlated with nigral 11C‐(R)‐PK11195 regional binding potentials (Spearman's rank, P = 0.0066). Mean striatal 18F‐dopa uptake was similar to healthy controls.

Conclusions

In vivo 11C‐(R)‐PK11195 PET imaging detects neuroinflammation in brain regions susceptible to Lewy pathology in glucocerebrosidase gene mutation carriers without Parkinson's. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Even if post‐COVID decisions uncertain, CEOs should start communicating plans
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2020

If you're a mental health treatment executive who's undecided about some of the protocols you will put in place when more employees return to on‐site work, you still should be communicating expectations with your staff now, a leading human resources (HR) executive told attendees of a National Council for Behavioral Health “fireside chat” last week.
Confidentiality of counseling at heart of Colorado dispute on M.D. assistance
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2020

Colorado state officials' desire to replace the longtime peer contractor responsible for counseling the state's psychiatrists and other physicians has come under intense criticism from the medical community. Physicians worry that if the now‐stalled effort ultimately prevails, fewer doctors will come forward to seek help for behavioral health problems, a failure that could put patients of struggling doctors at risk.
3D failure envelope of a rigid pile embedded in a cohesive soil using finite element limit analysis
Authors: Graine Noussaiba , Hjiaj Mohammed , Krabbenhoft Kristian
Published: December 2020

In this paper, numerical limit analysis is applied to evaluate the bearing capacity of a single rigid pile embedded in a ponderable homogeneous cohesive‐frictionless soil subjected to vertical, horizontal, and moment (VHM) loading combinations. All loads act in the same plane. Accurate lower and upper bounds are calculated using finite element limit analysis code . As the gap between the bounds hardly exceeds , the average limit load provides a good estimate of the exact ultimate load and can be used with confidence for design purposes. By adopting typical values for the dimensionless pile length‐to‐diameter ratio, most cases of practical interest are treated. The numerical results are compared against failure surfaces predicted by theories from the literature. Comparison shows that previously developed methods can be conservative or slightly overestimates the limit loads. New design charts are provided. The safe loads domain is constructed in the VHM space using the average limit load. Closed‐form expressions are proposed to describe the native and the normalized VMH failure envelope as a function of the pile length‐to‐diameter ratio. In the VH plane, the failure surface is described by an eccentric superellipse, whereas in the MH plane, the limit curve is an inclined ellipse.
A three‐dimensional multiscale damage‐poroelasticity model for fractured porous media
Authors: Eghbalian Mahdad , Pouragha Mehdi , Wan Richard
Published: December 2020

The paper investigates the failure of brittle rocks within a multiscale/multiphysics computational modeling framework so as to explicitly incorporate both microstructural and hydromechanical aspects in their overall (nonlinear) fracture behavior. Herein, the rock is idealized as a microfissured porous medium via a representative elementary volume (REV) containing distributed oblate spheroidal open microcracks and spheroidal nanopores at the lower scales. A two‐scale analytical homogenization procedure is then performed on the REV, assuming a saturated pore space across the scales. The end result is a microstructurally enriched continuum damage‐poroelasticity constitutive model within the generalized Biot's framework that inherits the underlying small‐scale characteristics. A set of damage tensors is derived based on the directional density distribution of microcracks that operate on both the poromechanical and hydraulic properties. Microstructural evolution is modeled following changes in microcrack length, aperture, and number density, including nanoporosity. To this end, a robust localization procedure is used that accurately captures the macroscopic softening due to microcracking events, leading to a nonlinear (but path‐independent) model. To investigate the baseline features of the model, including the salient effects of microcracking on induced anisotropy and deterioration of poroelastic properties, numerical results of material point‐based computations are discussed in detail. Finally, predictions of the current model are validated against experiments on Fontainebleau sandstone.
Frictional interactions for non‐localized beam‐to‐beam and beam‐inside‐beam contact
Authors: Magliulo Marco , Lengiewicz Jakub , Zilian Andreas , Beex Lars A. A.
Published: December 2020

This contribution presents the extensions of beam‐to‐beam and beam‐inside‐beam contact schemes of the same authors towards frictional interactions. Since the schemes are based on the beams' true surfaces (instead of surfaces implicitly deduced from the beams' centroid lines), the presented enhancements are not only able to account for frictional sliding in the beams' axial directions, but also in the circumferential directions. Both the frictional beam‐to‐beam approach as well as the frictional beam‐inside‐beam approach are applicable to shear‐deformable and shear‐undeformable beams, as well as to beams with both circular and elliptical cross‐sections (although the cross‐sections must be rigid). A penalty formulation is used to treat unilateral and frictional contact constraints. FE implementation details are discussed, where automatic differentiation techniques are used to derive the implementations. Simulations involving large sliding displacements and large deformations are presented for both beam‐to‐beam and beam‐inside‐beam schemes. All simulation results are compared with those of the frictionless schemes.
A density‐based boundary evolving method for buckling‐induced design under large deformation
Authors: Deng Hao , To Albert C.
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a density‐based boundary evolving algorithm for continuum‐based topology optimization. The boundary of voids in the design domain is described by RBF (radial basis function) function controlled by RBF knots in polar coordinate, where the voids are projected onto a fixed grid using Heaviside function. For merging overlapped multiple voids, the p‐norm function is introduced to describe composite density field. The differentiability of the projection‐based boundary description algorithm allows for the sensitivity analysis via the chain rule, and therefore, it enables an efficient gradient‐based optimization method. The goal of this paper is to optimize the initial design to generate buckling‐induced mechanism under large deformation, and without loss of generality, the hyperelastic material model is chosen to describe the material behavior. Notably, this method possesses the merit of level set method, where the intermediate density only exists at the boundary of topology shape. At the same time, the proposed method is still in the density‐based optimization framework and standard sensitivity analysis of density‐based methods can be directly derived based on the chain rule. Several numerical examples are presented and discussed in detail to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed density‐based boundary evolving method.
Synthesis and thermodynamic characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate)/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposite
Authors: Cakar Fatih
Published: December 2020

In the first part of this study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite was synthesized by adding carbon nanotube before polymerization with bulk polymerization. Surface morphology of the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite and the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite with Chromosorb W was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface and thermodynamic properties of the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite were investigated by inverse gas chromatography (IGC). The surface acid base character and dispersed surface energy
of the PMMA/MWCNT were determined at infinite dilution. The entropy of adsorption, ∆SS, the specific free energy of adsorption, ∆GS, and the enthalpy of adsorption, ∆HS, of selected polar solvents were determined on the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite. The values of ∆HS were correlated with both the acceptor and donor numbers of the solvents to determine the Lewis acidic constant KA and the Lewis basic constant KD of the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite. The PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite selectivity was investigated using the acetate and alcohol isomers by IGC at temperatures between 393.2 and 403.2 K. Glass transition temperature (Tg) was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and IGC method.

The interactions between the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite and 12 solvents were propped at a temperature range (423.2–448.2 K). The Flory–Huggins interaction parameter,
and the weight fraction activity coefficient,
of the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite solvent system were estimated at temperatures between 423.2 and 448.2 K. The solubility parameter of the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite, δ2, was calculated as 14.0 (cal/cm3)1/2.
Development and Performance Characterization of a Hybrid Dust Suppressant Based on Sodium Ligninsulfonate Modification
Authors: Bao Qiu , Liu Yanghao , Li Chongshan , Jia Lebin , Yan Jiayi , Yuan Mingyue , Zhou Weiwei
Published: December 2020

A naturally occurring macromolecular material (sodium ligninsulfonate) is mixed with acrylic acid to perform grafting copolymerization and generate a sodium ligninsulfonate–acrylic acid graft copolymer. The chemical structure of the product is characterized based on infrared spectroscopy. Using viscosity and surface tension as indicators, the optimal ratio of wetting agents and coagulants is selected for auxiliary materials to prepare a novel hybrid dust suppressant customized for coal mines. The results indicate that, compared with spraying with water alone, this dust suppressant enhances the average anti‐weathering performance of coal samples by 28.34%, 30.13%, and 43.40% at wind speeds of 5–10, 11–15, and 16–20 m s−1, respectively. The hybrid dust suppressant can keep the weathering rate of dust to less than 40% at a wind speed of 19.3 m s−1(i.e., Beaufort scale 8). High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy shows the dust suppressant has a good curing effect. Finally, coal quality analysis experiments show the dust suppressant does not reduce coal quality.
Genetic characterization of a novel recombined porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2 among Nadc30‐like, Jxa1‐like and TJ‐like strains
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zhu Ling , Huang Jianbo , Yang Zexiao , Xu Lei , Gu Sirui , Huang Yao , Zhang Rubo , Sun Xiangang , Zhou Yuancheng , Xu Zhiwen
Published: December 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most economically devastating viral diseases in the global pig industry, including China. Recently, we successfully isolated a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) from lung tissue and peripheral blood of piglets at a farm from Dujiangyan in Sichuan, China, and named it the DJY‐19 strain. The full‐length genome sequence of DJY‐19 shared 86.8%–94.1% nucleotide similarity with NADC30‐like and NADC30 PRRSV strains. We compared the open reading frame (ORF) 5 gene of DJY‐19 with 34 PRRSV strains from Genbank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that DJY‐19 clustered with NADC30 strains, characterized by a predicted 131‐amino‐acid deletion in the nonstructural protein (NSP) 2. The results of homology analysis showed that the homology between DJY‐19 and NADC30 (JN654459.1) strains was the highest (95.9%), whereas homology with other domestic strains was lower (80.9%–92.6%). Furthermore, we identified four recombination breakpoints in the DJY‐19 genome; they separated the DJY‐19 genome into four regions. The 8106–9128 nucleotide (nt) region of DIY‐19 was highly similar to the TJ strain, and the 12106–12580 nt region of DIY‐19 was highly similar to the JXA1‐R strain. Our findings demonstrate that DJY‐19 arose from the recombination of North America NADC30 strain and TJ strain and JXA1‐R in China. The application of multiple attenuated vaccine strains has led to complex recombination of PRRSV strains in China. This study provides a theoretical basis for making a more reasonable PRRS virus control and prevention strategy.
Onset of synchronous and asynchronous convection in modulated nanofluid filled porous media
Authors: Saravanan S. , Kousalya M.
Published: December 2020

A theoretical study of the effect of gravity modulation on a nanofluid filled porous medium subjected to a constant temperature gradient across is made. In particular the onset of convection in water based nanofluids containing conventional metallic and metal oxide particles (‐water, ‐water, ‐water, and ‐water) is investigated. The nanofluid behaves more like a single‐phase fluid rather than a conventional solid–liquid mixture. Darcy's law of flow through porous media and Boussinesq approximation are employed. Stability analysis based on the method of small perturbations is performed using the normal mode assumption. The resulting synchronous and asynchronous, restricted to subharmonic, instability modes are predicted directly through the Mathieu functions for different nanoparticle concentrations. It is found that ‐water nanofluid can be effectively used in applications involving gravity modulation.