bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using topsoil translocation from natural wetlands to restore rice field systems
Authors: da Silva Bruna M. , Moreira Leonardo F. B. , Vendramin Daiane , Stenert Cristina , Rocha Odete , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: August 2021

Wetlands provide vital habitat for biodiversity and relevant ecosystem services to human population. The rapid transformation of freshwater wetlands to grow food crops became the wetlands strongly threatened by human activities. Restoration efforts related to wetlands have been widely attempted; however, science‐based guidelines are relatively scarce. Here, we analyzed whether different levels of topsoil addition from natural wetlands in the sediment from rice fields influence the zooplankton communities. Our hypothesis was that the richness and abundance of hatchlings would be higher in treatments with high topsoil addition from natural wetlands, followed by treatments with low addition. In the laboratory, eight field sediment samples were incubated for zooplankton hatching in four treatments: rice fields, rice fields added with low (5%) and medium (30%) quantities of sediment from natural wetlands, and natural wetlands. A total of 4,493 hatchlings belonging to 24 taxa were observed in the experiment. While zooplankton richness and abundance did not differ between sediment treatments, significant differences in species composition associated with topsoil addition were observed. SIMPER analysis showed that topsoil addition from natural wetlands enhanced the abundance of cladocerans and larval copepods. Our results showed that sediments from natural wetlands have a bank of zooplankton dormant eggs that can help the recovery of wetlands disturbed by rice fields. The addition of natural wetland sediments in areas disturbed by rice fields modifies the zooplankton composition of the rice fields, aiding the recovery of disturbed natural wetlands for rice production.
Should I stay or should I go? Embracing causal heterogeneity in the study of pandemic policy and citizen behavior
Authors: Barberia Lorena G , Claro Oliveira Maria Leticia , Junqueira Andrea , Moreira Natália de Paula , Whitten Guy D.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To test for multicausality between government policy, health outcomes, economic performance, and citizen behavior during the COVID‐19 global pandemic.

Methods

We perform Granger‐causality tests to explore the interrelationship between four endogenous variables, social distancing policy, home isolation, balance rate, and average weekly COVID‐19 deaths, in the 26 states of Brazil. As exogenous variables, we included a linear time trend and a dummy for the week in which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID‐19 a global pandemic.

Results

Our analysis of Granger causal ordering between the four variables demonstrates that there is significant heterogeneity across the Brazilian federation. These findings can be interpreted as underscoring that there is no common model applicable to all states, and that the dynamics are context‐dependent.

Conclusion

Our suggested approach allows researchers to account for the complex interrelationship between government policy, citizen behavior, the economy, and COVID‐related health outcomes.
Network organization of the plant immune system: from pathogen perception to robust defense induction
Authors: Delplace Florent , Huard‐Chauveau Carine , Berthomé Richard , Roby Dominique
Published: August 2021

The plant immune system has been explored essentially through the study of qualitative resistance, a simple form of immunity, and from a reductionist point of view. The recent identification of genes conferring quantitative disease resistance revealed a large array of functions, suggesting more complex mechanisms. In addition, thanks to the advent of high‐throughput analyses and system approaches, our view of the immune system has become more integrative, revealing that plant immunity should rather be seen as a distributed and highly connected molecular network including diverse functions to optimize expression of plant defenses to pathogens. Here, we review the recent progress made to understand the network complexity of regulatory pathways leading to plant immunity, from pathogen perception, through signaling pathways and finally to immune responses. We also analyze the topological organization of these networks and their emergent properties, crucial to predict novel immune functions and test them experimentally. Finally, we report how these networks might be regulated by environmental clues. Although system approaches remain extremely scarce in this area of research, a growing body of evidence indicates that the plant response to combined biotic and abiotic stresses cannot be inferred from responses to individual stresses. A view of possible research avenues in this nascent biology domain is finally proposed.
The truncated TNL receptor TN2‐mediated immune responses require ADR1 function
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Na , Gao Chenyang , Rui Lu , Jiang Qiaochu , Chen Shuling , Zhang Qin , Zhong Guitao , Tang Dingzhong
Published: August 2021

The loss of function of exocyst subunit EXO70B1 leads to autoimmunity, which is dependent on TIR‐NBS2 (TN2), a truncated intracellular nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat receptor (NLR). However, how TN2 triggers plant immunity and whether typical NLRs are required in TN2‐activated resistance remain unclear. Through the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system and knockout analysis, we found that the spontaneous cell death and enhanced resistance in exo70B1‐3 were independent of the full‐length NLR SOC3 and its closest homolog SOC3‐LIKE 1 (SOC3‐L1). Additionally, knocking out SOC3‐L1 or TN2 did not suppress the chilling sensitivity conferred by chilling sensitive 1‐2 (chs1‐2). The ACTIVATED DISEASE RESISTANCE 1 (ADR1) family and the N REQUIREMENT GENE 1 (NRG1) family have evolved as helper NLRs for many typical NLRs. Through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing methods, we discovered that the autoimmunity of exo70B1‐3 fully relied on ADR1s, but not NRG1s, and ADR1s contributed to the upregulation of TN2 transcript levels in exo70B1‐3. Furthermore, overexpression of TN2 also led to ADR1‐dependent autoimmune responses. Taken together, our genetic analysis highlights that the truncated TNL protein TN2‐triggered immune responses require ADR1s as helper NLRs to activate downstream signaling, revealing the importance and complexity of ADR1s in plant immunity regulation.
A DNA barcode reference library of Portuguese mosquitoes
Authors: Madeira Sara , Duarte Ana , Boinas Fernando , Costa Osório Hugo
Published: August 2021

Mosquitoes are important biological vectors of pathogens and species identification in all life stages is the first step for effective monitoring and control of mosquito‐borne diseases. Molecular methods for species identification have been developed over the last years to overcome the limitations of the taxonomic identification based on morphology. DNA barcoding, using a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, can be used for species identification but a reliable and comprehensive reference database of verified sequences is required. In this study, we aimed to generate a DNA barcode reference library for the identification of mosquito species from Portuguese mosquito fauna, including most relevant vector species. Mosquitoes captured under the National Vector Surveillance Program (REVIVE) were processed for DNA extraction, COI gene fragment amplification and sequencing. Nighty‐eight barcode sequences were obtained, representing 26 species and 6 genera. Sequences were submitted to GenBank and BOLD and were used for validation of phenetic classification. Barcode Index Number (BIN) assignment and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) were used and clustered COI sequences into twenty‐five molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). This is the first comprehensive study that combines morphological and molecular identification of most mosquito species present in Portugal aiming to offer a reliable framework for mosquito species identification.
The Effect of Multipoles on the Elasto-Plastic Properties of a Crystal: Theory and Three-Dimensional Dislocation Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Siddique Abu Bakar , Lim Hojun , Khraishi Tariq A.
Published: August 2021

Plastic deformation in metals is dominated by the interactions among dislocations and other defects inside the crystal. A large number of dislocation multipoles (dipoles, tripoles, quadrupoles, etc.) can form during plastic deformation. Depending on the relative position and the orientation of the dislocations, interactions in and between multipoles can change the elastoplastic properties of a material. The authors of this article investigate the effect of dislocation multipoles on the elastoplastic properties of a material. This is performed analytically under different multipole configurations (i.e., the distance between active glide planes and the signs of the dislocations) as well as using a three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) code. The simulations show that multipoles exhibit a hardening/softening effect when the sign of the dislocations involved is the same, and a hardening effect only when the dislocations are of opposite sign to nearby ones. The distance between the two neighboring dislocations was also affecting the proportional limit (PL) for the material. Such hardening or flow stress (FS) results, as in this study, can be incorporated into larger-scale modeling work.
Tilt Pad Bearing Distributed Pad Inlet Temperature With Machine Learning—Part I: Static and Dynamic Characteristics
Authors: Yang Jongin , Palazzolo Alan
Published: August 2021

Uncertainty in mixing coefficients (MCs) for estimating pad leading-edge film temperature in tilt pad journal bearings reduces the reliability of predicted characteristics. A three-dimensional hybrid between pad (HBP) model, utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML), is developed to provide the radial and axial temperature distributions at the leading edge. This provides an ML derived, two-dimensional film temperature distribution in place of a single uniform temperature. This has a significant influence on predicted journal temperature, dynamic coefficients, and Morton effect response. An innovative finite volume method (FVM) solver significantly increases computational speed, while maintaining comparable accuracy with CFD. Part I provides methodology and simulation results for static and dynamic characteristics, while Part II applies this to Morton effect response.
Model-Based Approach for Optimizing Ceftobiprole Dosage in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Rubino Christopher M. , Cammarata Anthony P. , Smits Anne , Schröpf Sebastian , Polak Mark , Litherland Karine , Hamed Kamal
Published: August 2021

Ceftobiprole is an advanced-generation cephalosporin for intravenous administration with activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model characterizing the disposition of ceftobiprole in plasma using data from patients in three pediatric studies was developed. Model-based simulations were subsequently performed to assist in dose optimization for the treatment of pediatric patients with hospital-acquired or community-acquired pneumonia.
Impact of Artificial Sputum Medium Formulation on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Secondary Metabolite Production
Authors: Neve Rachel L. , Carrillo Brent D. , Phelan Vanessa V.
Published: August 2021

Different media formulations aiming to replicate
in vivo
infection environments contain different nutrients, which affects interpretation of experimental results. Inclusion of undefined components, such as commercial porcine gastric mucin (PGM), in an otherwise chemically defined medium can alter the nutrient content of the medium in unexpected ways and influence experimental outcomes.
Plasmid-Encoded H-NS Controls Extracellular Matrix Composition in a Modern
Acinetobacter baumannii
Urinary Isolate
Authors: Benomar Saida , Di Venanzio Gisela , Feldman Mario F.
Published: August 2021

The opportunistic human pathogen
Acinetobacter baumannii
displays the highest reported rates of multidrug resistance among Gram-negative pathogens. Many
A. baumannii
strains carry large conjugative plasmids like pAB5.
Supplemental Material: Crustal deformation and exhumation within the India-Eurasia oblique convergence zone: New insights from the Ailao Shan-Red River shear zone
Authors: Zhang B. , al. et
Published: August 2021

S1. Mica 40Ar/39Ar method; S2. Analytical method of AHE; S3. Apatite fission-track (AFT) methods.
Bernard Soulier syndrome: a rare, frequently misdiagnosed and poorly managed bleeding disorder
Authors: Monteiro Manuel , Almeida Luis , Morais Mariana , Dias Luis
Published: August 2021

Bernard Soulier syndrome is a rare, congenital platelet bleeding disorder, with autosomal recessive inheritance. It is characterised by macrothrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction, leading to mucocutaneous bleeding noted in early childhood. This entity poses an important diagnostic challenge, and blood smear and DNA sequencing are paramount for the correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis includes May-Hegglin anomaly, Glanzmann Thrombasthenia and von Willebrand disease; it is also often misdiagnosed as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. We report a 68-year-old man diagnosed with von Willebrand disease for three decades, admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding, anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia. Replacement with von Willebrand factor did not stop the haemorrhage, suggesting another aetiology for the bleeding disorder. Corticosteroids and intravenous immune globulin were also ineffective. Genetic sequencing showed a homozygous mutation inGP1BAgene, thus establishing the correct diagnosis.
Acute oesophageal necrosis in a patient with recent SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mustafa Nada F , Jafri Nadim S , Holtorf Heidi L , Shah Shinil K
Published: August 2021

A 57-year-old Hispanic man with diabetes presented with dyspnoea. He had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR. He was intubated for severe hypoxia and treated with intermittent pressors, methylprednisolone and supportive care. He was extubated on hospital day (HD) 9 and discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) on HD 18. Approximately 1 month later, he presented with melena. Endoscopy revealed two large 1.5–2 cm wide-based distal oesophageal ulcers without active bleeding. Histology showed ulcerated squamous mucosa with extensive necrosis extending to the muscularis propria and coccoid bacterial colonies with rare fungal forms suggestive ofCandida. He was treated with fluconazole and pantoprazole and was discharged to a SNF. Approximately 3 weeks later, he was readmitted for complications. Repeat endoscopy demonstrated improvement and histology revealed chronic inflammation with reactive epithelial changes. Incidentally, SARS-CoV-2 PCR was positive during this visit without any respiratory symptoms.
Biochemically silent phaeochromocytoma presenting with non-specific loin pain
Authors: Montebello Annalisa , Ceci Bonello Etienne , Giordano Imbroll Miriam , Gruppetta Mark
Published: August 2021

A 55-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of right-sided non-specific loin pain and 6 kg weight loss. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed an incidental 4.5 cm right-sided adrenal lesion which was not typical of an adrenal adenoma. This was further confirmed on MRI of the adrenals. Biochemical investigations to investigate for a functional adrenal lesion included serum catecholamines and metanephrines, an aldosterone to renin ratio and an overnight dexamethasone suppression test. These were all negative. A laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in view of the large size of the lesion. Histology was consistent with a phaeochromocytoma, which confirmed the diagnosis of a non-secreting phaeochromocytoma. Non-secreting phaeochromocytomas are rare and usually found in patients with known genetic mutations. Adrenal lesions not related to any mutations similar to our case are even rarer and reported even less in the literature.
Primary hepatic large B-cell lymphoma following direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C
Authors: Zaimi Yosra , Ayari Myriam , Cherifi Walid , Letaief Ksontini Feryel , Ayadi Shema , Bel Hadj Mabrouk Emna , Jrad Myriam
Published: August 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern worldwide, raising important medical and economic issues. HCV-related end-stage liver disease is one of the most common indications for hepatic transplantation. Chronic hepatitis C is also assimilated to a systemic disease because of multiple extrahepatic manifestations, including lymphoproliferative disorders. The revolution of HCV treatment with the advent of direct-acting antivirals has significantly improved the management with high antiviral efficacy and good safety profile compared with old regimens, thus allowing good outcomes on hepatic and extrahepatic symptoms. However, with the widespread use of these new agents, controversial concerns about unexpected increasing cases of hepatocellular carcinoma were reported. We now report the case of a patient presenting with HCV-related cirrhosis, treated with direct-antiviral therapy and diagnosed with primary hepatic lymphoma shortly after the end of the treatment.
Improving professional health literacy in hospitals: study protocol of a participatory codesign and implementation study
Authors: Lubasch Johanna Sophie , Voigt-Barbarowicz Mona , Lippke Sonia , De Wilde Rudy Leon , Griesinger Frank , Lazovic Djordje , Ocampo Villegas Paloma Citlálli , Roeper Julia , Salzmann Daniela , Seeber Gesine H , Torres-de-la-Roche Luz-Angela , Weyhe Dirk , Ansmann Lena , Brütt Anna Levke
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In connection with a hospital stay, patients have to make important health-related decisions. They need to find, understand, assess and apply health-related information, and therefore, require health literacy. Adequately responding to the needs of patients requires promoting the communication skills of healthcare professionals within healthcare organisations. Health-literate healthcare organisations can provide an environment strengthening professionals’ and patients’ health literacy. When developing health-literate healthcare organisations, it has to be considered that implementing organisational change is typically challenging. In this study, a communication concept based on previously evaluated communication training is codesigned, implemented and evaluated in four clinical departments of a university hospital.

Method and analysis

In a codesign phase, focus group interviews among employees and patients as well as a workshop series with employees and hospital management are used to tailor the communication concept to the clinical departments and to patients’ needs. Also, representatives responsible for the topic of health literacy are established among employees. The communication concept is implemented over a 12-month period; outcomes studied are health literacy on the organisational and patient levels. Longitudinal survey data acquired from a control cohort prior to the implementation phase are compared with data of an intervention cohort after the implementation phase. Moreover, survey data from healthcare professionals before and after the implementation are compared. For formative evaluation, healthcare professionals are interviewed in focus groups.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the University of Oldenburg and is in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Study participants are asked to provide written informed consent. The results are disseminated via direct communication within the hospital, publications and conference presentations. If the intervention turns out to be successful, the intervention and implementation strategies will be made available to other hospitals.

Trial registration number

DRKS00019830.
Seroprevalence of COVID-19 IgG antibodies among healthcare workers of Pakistan: a cross-sectional study assessing exposure to COVID-19 and identification of high-risk subgroups
Authors: Batool Hijab , Chughtai Omar , Khan Muhammad Dilawar , Chughtai Akhtar Sohail , Ashraf Shakeel , Khan Muhammad Jamil
Published: August 2021

Objective

In this study, we aimed to find the seroprevalence of healthcare workers (HCWs) of Pakistan involved in the treatment and care of patients with COVID-19.

Setting

This was a cross-sectional study and total of 15 000 HCWs involved in providing services and care to the patients with COVID-19 were randomly selected from all over Pakistan.

Participants

Informed consent was taken from all participants and were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. All testing was done on serum samples for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using Abbott Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. An index of 1.4 was used as a cut-off to mark reactive and non-reactive cases. SPSS V.23.0 was used for data analysis.

Outcome

Immune status of the study population depicting seroprevalence among HCWs.

Results

Out of all the candidates, majority of the HCWs were men (61.9%) and were doctors (62.4%). The mean age of participants was 32.8 years (SD 8.7) and majority were asymptomatic (51.8%). In this study, 33% of the HCWs were reactive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody. Around 44% of the reactive cases were asymptomatic. The symptoms more significantly associated with seropositivity were: fever (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.48), headache (OR 2.43; 95% CI 2.16 to 2.73), cough and shortness of breath (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.91 to 2.31), loss of sense of smell or taste (OR 3.70; 95% CI 3.29 to 4.17) (p<0.001). Factors which showed significant association with the presence of antibodies were professional category (absolute risk (AR) 0.09; OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.36 to 1.56), availability of protective masks (AR 0.02; OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.84 to 0.96), safety goggles (AR 0.02; OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.84 to 0.97) and living arrangements (AR 0.03; OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.20) (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Our study showed a high seropositivity of HCWs dealing with patients with COVID-19 in Pakistan revealing significant association with professional category, nature of work place and precautions taken while performing duties.
Does performance at medical school predict success at the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ellis Ricky , Scrimgeour Duncan S G , Brennan Peter A , Lee Amanda J , Cleland Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Background

Identifying predictors of success in postgraduate examinations can help guide the career choices of medical students and may aid early identification of trainees requiring extra support to progress in specialty training. We assessed whether performance on the educational performance measurement (EPM) and situational judgement test (SJT) used for selection into foundation training predicted success at the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination.

Methods

This was a longitudinal, cohort study using data from the UK Medical Education Database (https://www.ukmed.ac.uk). UK medical graduates who had attempted Part A (n=2585) and Part B (n=755) of the MRCS between 2014 and 2017 were included. χ2and independent t-tests were used to examine the relationship between medical school performance and sociodemographic factors with first-attempt success at MRCS Part A and B. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of MRCS performance.

Results

The odds of passing MRCS increased by 55% for Part A (OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.48 to 1.61)) and 23% for Part B (1.23 (1.14 to 1.32)) for every additional EPM decile point gained. For every point awarded for additional degrees in the EPM, candidates were 20% more likely to pass MRCS Part A (1.20 (1.13 to 1.29)) and 17% more likely to pass Part B (1.17 (1.04 to 1.33)). For every point awarded for publications in the EPM, candidates were 14% more likely to pass MRCS Part A (1.14 (1.01 to 1.28)). SJT score was not a statistically significant independent predictor of MRCS success.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated the EPM’s independent predictive power and found that medical school performance deciles are the most significant measure of predicting later success in the MRCS. These findings can be used by medical schools, training boards and workforce planners to inform evidence-based and contemporary selection and assessment strategies.
Factors affecting healthcare workers’ compliance with social and behavioural infection control measures during emerging infectious disease outbreaks: rapid evidence review
Authors: Brooks Samantha K , Greenberg N , Wessely Simon , Rubin G J
Published: August 2021

Objective

The 2019–2020 outbreak of novel coronavirus has raised concerns about nosocomial transmission. This review’s aim was to explore the existing literature on emerging infectious disease outbreaks to identify factors associated with compliance with infection control measures among healthcare staff.

Methods

A rapid evidence review for primary studies relevant to healthcare workers’ compliance with infection control measures.

Results

Fifty-six papers were reviewed. Staff working in emergency or intensive care settings or with contact with confirmed cases appeared more likely to comply with recommendations. There was some evidence that anxiety and concern about the risk of infection were more associated with compliance, and that monitoring from superiors could improve compliance. Observed non-compliance of colleagues could hinder compliance. Staff identified many barriers to compliance related to personal protective equipment, including availability, perceived difficulty and effectiveness, inconvenience, discomfort and a negative impact on patient care. There were many issues regarding the communication and ease of understanding of infection control guidance.

Conclusion

We recommend provision of training and education tailored for different occupational roles within the healthcare setting, managerial staff ‘leading by example’, ensuring adequate resources for infection control and timely provision of practical evidence-based infection control guidelines.
Cardiac myosin binding protein-C variants in paediatric-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: natural history and clinical outcomes
Authors: Field Ella , Norrish Gabrielle , Acquaah Vanessa , Dady Kathleen , Cicerchia Marcos Nicolas , Ochoa Juan Pablo , Syrris Petros , McLeod Karen , McGowan Ruth , Fell Hannah , Lopes Luis R , Cervi Elena , Kaski Juan Pablo Pablo
Published: August 2021

Background

Variants in the cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene (MYBPC3) are a common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in adults and have been associated with late-onset disease, but there are limited data on their role in paediatric-onset HCM. The objective of this study was to describe natural history and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of children with HCM and pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) MYBPC3 variants.

Methods and results

Longitudinal data from 62 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCM under 18 years of age and carrying at least one P/LP MYBPC3 variant were collected from a single specialist referral centre. The primary patient outcome was a major adverse cardiac event (MACE). Median age at diagnosis was 10 (IQR: 2–14) years, with 12 patients (19.4%) diagnosed in infancy. Forty-seven (75%) were boy and 31 (50%) were probands. Median length of follow-up was 3.1 (IQR: 1.6–6.9) years. Nine patients (14.5%) experienced an MACE during follow-up and five (8%) died. Twenty patients (32.3%) had evidence of ventricular arrhythmia, including 6 patients (9.7%) presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Five-year freedom from MACE for those with a single or two MYBPC3 variants was 95.2% (95% CI: 78.6% to 98.5%) and 68.4% (95% CI: 40.6% to 88.9%), respectively (HR 4.65, 95% CI: 1.16 to 18.66, p=0.03).

Conclusions

MYBPC3 variants can cause childhood-onset disease, which is frequently associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. Clinical outcomes in this cohort vary substantially from aetiologically and genetically mixed paediatric HCM cohorts described previously, highlighting the importance of identifying specific genetic subtypes for clinical management of childhood HCM.
Myasthenia gravis genome-wide association study implicates AGRN as a risk locus
Authors: Topaloudi Apostolia , Zagoriti Zoi , Flint Alyssa Camille , Martinez Melanie Belle , Yang Zhiyu , Tsetsos Fotis , Christou Yiolanda-Panayiota , Lagoumintzis George , Yannaki Evangelia , Zamba-Papanicolaou Eleni , Tzartos John , Tsekmekidou Xanthippi , Kotsa Kalliopi , Maltezos Efstratios , Papanas Nikolaos , Papazoglou Dimitrios , Passadakis Ploumis , Roumeliotis Athanasios , Roumeliotis Stefanos , Theodoridis Marios , Thodis Elias , Panagoutsos Stylianos , Yovos John , Stamatoyannopoulos John , Poulas Konstantinos , Kleopa Kleopas , Tzartos Socrates , Georgitsi Marianthi , Paschou Peristera
Published: August 2021

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Here, we investigate the genetic architecture of MG via a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the largest MG data set analysed to date.

Methods

We performed GWAS meta-analysis integrating three different data sets (total of 1401 cases and 3508 controls). We carried out human leucocyte antigen (HLA) fine-mapping, gene-based and tissue enrichment analyses and investigated genetic correlation with 13 other autoimmune disorders as well as pleiotropy across MG and correlated disorders.

Results

We confirmed the previously reported MG association with TNFRSF11A (rs4369774; p=1.09×10−13, OR=1.4). Furthermore, gene-based analysis revealed AGRN as a novel MG susceptibility gene. HLA fine-mapping pointed to two independent MG loci: HLA-DRB1 and HLA-B. MG onset-specific analysis reveals differences in the genetic architecture of early-onset MG (EOMG) versus late-onset MG (LOMG). Furthermore, we find MG to be genetically correlated with type 1 diabetes (T1D), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), late-onset vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Cross-disorder meta-analysis reveals multiple risk loci that appear pleiotropic across MG and correlated disorders.

Discussion

Our gene-based analysis identifies AGRN as a novel MG susceptibility gene, implicating for the first time a locus encoding a protein (agrin) that is directly relevant to NMJ activation. Mutations in AGRN have been found to underlie congenital myasthenic syndrome. Our results are also consistent with previous studies highlighting the role of HLA and TNFRSF11A in MG aetiology and the different risk genes in EOMG versus LOMG. Finally, we uncover the genetic correlation of MG with T1D, RA, ATD and late-onset vitiligo, pointing to shared underlying genetic mechanisms.
IgG1 pan-neurofascin antibodies identify a severe yet treatable neuropathy with a high mortality
Authors: Fehmi Janev , Davies Alexander J , Walters Jon , Lavin Timothy , Keh Ryan , Rossor Alexander M , Munteanu Tudor , Delanty Norman , Roberts Rhys , Bäumer Dirk , Lennox Graham , Rinaldi Simon
Published: August 2021

Objectives

We aimed to define the clinical and serological characteristics of pan-neurofascin antibody-positive patients.

Methods

We tested serum from patients with suspected immune-mediated neuropathies for antibodies directed against nodal/paranodal protein antigens using a live cell-based assay and solid-phase platform. The clinical and serological characteristics of antibody-positive and seronegative patients were then compared. Sera positive for pan-neurofascin were also tested against live myelinated human stem cell-derived sensory neurons for antibody binding.

Results

Eight patients with IgG1-subclass antibodies directed against both isoforms of the nodal/paranodal cell adhesion molecule neurofascin were identified. All developed rapidly progressive tetraplegia. Cranial nerve deficits (100% vs 26%), autonomic dysfunction (75% vs 13%) and respiratory involvement (88% vs 14%) were more common than in seronegative patients. Four patients died despite treatment with one or more modalities of standard immunotherapy (intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids and/or plasmapheresis), whereas the four patients who later went on to receive the B cell-depleting therapy rituximab then began to show progressive functional improvements within weeks, became seronegative and ultimately became functionally independent.

Conclusions

IgG1 pan-neurofascin antibodies define a very severe autoimmune neuropathy. We urgently recommend trials of targeted immunotherapy for this serologically classified patient group.
Evolving climate network perspectives on global surface air temperature effects of ENSO and strong volcanic eruptions
Authors: Kittel Tim , Ciemer Catrin , Lotfi Nastaran , Peron Thomas , Rodrigues Francisco , Kurths Jürgen , Donner Reik V.
Published: August 2021

Episodically occurring internal (climatic) and external (non-climatic) disruptions of normal climate variability are known to both affect spatio-temporal patterns of global surface air temperatures (SAT) at time-scales between multiple weeks and several years. The magnitude and spatial manifestation of the corresponding effects depend strongly on the specific type of perturbation and may range from weak spatially coherent yet regionally confined trends to a global reorganization of co-variability due to the excitation or inhibition of certain large-scale teleconnectivity patterns. Here, we employ functional climate network analysis to distinguish qualitatively the global climate responses to different phases of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) from those to the three largest volcanic eruptions since the mid-20th century as the two most prominent types of recurrent climate disruptions. Our results confirm that strong ENSO episodes can cause a temporary breakdown of the normal hierarchical organization of the global SAT field, which is characterized by the simultaneous emergence of consistent regional temperature trends and strong teleconnections. By contrast, the most recent strong volcanic eruptions exhibited primarily regional effects rather than triggering additional long-range teleconnections that would not have been present otherwise. By relying on several complementary network characteristics, our results contribute to a better understanding of climate network properties by differentiating between climate variability reorganization mechanisms associated with internal variability versus such triggered by non-climatic abrupt and localized perturbations.
Machine learning based Reynolds averaged simulation of backward-facing step flows at different Reynolds numbers
Authors: Wu Junjie , Li Jiahua , Qiu Xiang , Xie Xilin , Liu Yulu
Published: August 2021

To address the closure problem of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes in numerical simulations of turbulence, the method of solving Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations based on artificial neural network is introduced in this paper. We establish the nonlinear mapping relationship between the average flow field and the steady-state eddy viscosity field. The machine learning (ML) surrogate model for the shear stress transport turbulence model is constructed. The solution process of replacing the original turbulence model equations with the predicted field variables is realized by coupling the ML algorithm with the CFD solver. The classical backward facing step problem is selected in our study to verify the simulation accuracy of the surrogate model. The comparative analysis is carried out on the six backward facing step flows simulations at different Reynolds numbers. The results of simulations show that the testing flows with the Reynolds numbers closest training datasets Reynolds numbers can obtain the best simulation accuracy. Then for the Reynolds number that is lower than the training datasets, the simulation accuracy will decrease as the Reynolds number decreases. On the contrary, the simulation accuracy of the test flow will increase as the Reynolds number increases. These results indicate the feasibility of the ML surrogate model to simulate at higher Reynolds number. It shows the great potential of applying ML algorithms to Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulation (RANS) turbulence model and also provides a new idea for industrial simulations of turbulent flows.
Multi-party quantum secret sharing based on logical GHZ-type states against collective noise
Authors: Xiang Yi , Tang Liang , Bai Ming-Qiang , Mo Zhi-Wen
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we discussed the local preparation methods of two types of multi-qubit logical GHZ-type states using controlled quantum gates, and drew the corresponding quantum circuits. Subsequently, we investigated the measurement-related properties of logical GHZ-type state and thus proposed two multi-party quantum secret sharing schemes against collective-dephasing and collective-rotation noise, respectively. Further, we demonstrated that the schemes can effectively resist some familiar attack strategies. Finally, we analyzed the quantum efficiency of our schemes and made a comprehensive comparison with previous similar schemes.
Lump and rational solutions for weakly coupled generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Wu Hongyu , Fei Jinxi , Ma Wenxiu
Published: August 2021

Through the [Formula: see text]-KP hierarchy, we present a new (3+1)-dimensional equation called weakly coupled generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (wc-gKP) equation. Based on Hirota bilinear differential equations, we get rational solutions to wc-gKP equation, and further we obtain lump solutions by searching for a symmetric positive semi-definite matrix. We do some numerical analysis on the trajectory of rational solutions and fit the trajectory equation of wave crest. Some graphics are illustrated to describe the properties of rational solutions and lump solutions. The method used in this paper to get lump solutions by constructing a symmetric positive semi-definite matrix can be applied to other integrable equations as well. The results expand the understanding of lump and rational solutions in soliton theory.
Sandwich semigroups in diagram categories
Authors: Dolinka Igor , Đurđev Ivana , East James
Published: August 2021

This paper concerns a number of diagram categories, namely the partition, planar partition, Brauer, partial Brauer, Motzkin and Temperley–Lieb categories. If [Formula: see text] denotes any of these categories, and if [Formula: see text] is a fixed morphism, then an associative operation [Formula: see text] may be defined on [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. The resulting semigroup [Formula: see text] is called a sandwich semigroup. We conduct a thorough investigation of these sandwich semigroups, with an emphasis on structural and combinatorial properties such as Green’s relations and preorders, regularity, stability, mid-identities, ideal structure, (products of) idempotents, and minimal generation. It turns out that the Brauer category has many remarkable properties not shared by any of the other diagram categories we study. Because of these unique properties, we may completely classify isomorphism classes of sandwich semigroups in the Brauer category, calculate the rank (smallest size of a generating set) of an arbitrary sandwich semigroup, enumerate Green’s classes and idempotents, and calculate ranks (and idempotent ranks, where appropriate) of the regular subsemigroup and its ideals, as well as the idempotent-generated subsemigroup. Several illustrative examples are considered throughout, partly to demonstrate the sometimes-subtle differences between the various diagram categories.
HERMITE–HADAMARD TYPE LOCAL FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL INEQUALITIES WITH MITTAG-LEFFLER KERNEL FOR GENERALIZED PREINVEX FUNCTIONS
Authors: SUN WENBING
Published: August 2021

In this paper, by using two local fractional integral operators with Mittag-Leffler kernel, we construct some new Hermite–Hadamard type and Hermite–Hadamard–Fejér type local fractional integral inequalities for generalized preinvex functions on Yang’s fractal sets. Finally, three examples are proposed to illustrate the main results. Meanwhile, we also proposed an identity and a bounded estimate for the moments of random variables to illustrate the applications of the results.
Access to Government Support for Innovation — Empirical Evidence From the Ruhr Area in Germany
Authors: Rettberg Fritz , Witt Peter
Published: August 2021

Governments all over the world support innovation activities in private companies with several different programs. Typical measures are R&D subsidies, consulting services, incubator facilities, opportunities for networking, and subsidized loans. From an economic perspective, public support for innovations may help to compensate for market failure. But government support encounters the risk of being neither effective nor efficient. Furthermore, the ability of a company to successfully apply for public innovation support programs depends on the amount of administrative resources it already is equipped with, i.e. its size and its existing relationships with research institutions. In this paper, we look at public support for private companies in one specific German region, the Ruhr area. We use a sample of 74 companies, all of which engage in R&D activities and have already filed patents. Our findings show that firms need a minimum company size to be able to successfully apply for public innovation support. Furthermore, we show that an existing cooperation with research institutions makes access to public support measures easier. We also find that public innovation support indeed improves the patent position of companies.
On n-generalized commutators and Lie ideals of rings
Authors: Danchev Peter V. , Lee Tsiu-Kwen
Published: August 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be an associative ring. Given a positive integer [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text] we define [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-generalized commutator of [Formula: see text]. By an [Formula: see text]-generalized Lie ideal of [Formula: see text] (at the [Formula: see text]th position with [Formula: see text]) we mean an additive subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text] and all [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. In the paper, we study [Formula: see text]-generalized commutators of rings and prove that if [Formula: see text] is a noncommutative prime ring and [Formula: see text], then every nonzero [Formula: see text]-generalized Lie ideal of [Formula: see text] contains a nonzero ideal. Therefore, if [Formula: see text] is a noncommutative simple ring, then [Formula: see text]. This extends a classical result due to Herstein [Generalized commutators in rings, Portugal. Math. 13 (1954) 137–139]. Some generalizations and related questions on [Formula: see text]-generalized commutators and their relationship with noncommutative polynomials are also discussed.
[Retracted] Research on Efficient Deep Learning Algorithm Based on ShuffleGhost in the Field of Virtual Reality
Authors: Huang Bangtong , Zhang Hongquan , Chen Zihong , Li Lingling , Shi Lihua
Published: August 2021

Deep learning algorithms are facing the limitation in virtual reality application due to the cost of memory, computation, and real‐time computation problem. Models with rigorous performance might suffer from enormous parameters and large‐scale structure, and it would be hard to replant them onto embedded devices. In this paper, with the inspiration of GhostNet, we proposed an efficient structure ShuffleGhost to make use of the redundancy in feature maps to alleviate the cost of computations, as well as tackling some drawbacks of GhostNet. Since GhostNet suffers from high computation of convolution in Ghost module and shortcut, the restriction of downsampling would make it more difficult to apply Ghost module and Ghost bottleneck to other backbone. This paper proposes three new kinds of ShuffleGhost structure to tackle the drawbacks of GhostNet. The ShuffleGhost module and ShuffleGhost bottlenecks are utilized by the shuffle layer and group convolution from ShuffleNet, and they are designed to redistribute the feature maps concatenated from Ghost Feature Map and Primary Feature Map. Besides, they eliminate the gap of them and extract the features. Then, SENet layer is adopted to reduce the computation cost of group convolution, as well as evaluating the importance of the feature maps which concatenated from Ghost Feature Maps and Primary Feature Maps and giving proper weights for the feature maps. This paper conducted some experiments and proved that the ShuffleGhostV3 has smaller trainable parameters and FLOPs with the ensurance of accuracy. And with proper design, it could be more efficient in both GPU and CPU side.
Serum KIM-1, NGAL, and NAG Levels and Correlation with the Diagnostic Value in Patients with Fracture Traumatic Shock
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyan , Sui Wei
Published: August 2021

Traumatic shock is the most common cause of serious adverse outcomes in patients with severe traumatic diseases such as fractures, and some studies here have shown that the main cause of death from traumatic shock is the impairment of organ function that occurs after shock. In this study, we explored the role of serum kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatin-related lipid transporter protein (NGAL), and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosidase (NAG) levels in evaluating and diagnosing the condition of patients with fracture traumatic shock based on the goal of contributing to the clinical diagnosis of the patient’s condition as soon as possible and taking measures to alleviate its progress. 96 patients with fracture traumatic shock were included in the study as the observation group and 58 healthy examiners as the control group, and the observation group was divided into 69 cases in the mild-moderate group and 27 cases in the severe group according to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Status Scale (APACHE-II). In this study, we detected and analyzed the differences in serum KIM-1, NGAL, and NAG levels between the observation group and the control group and the observation group with different disease levels. We found that the observation group was significantly higher than the control group, and the severe patients were higher than the mild to moderate patients, and we observed that serum KIM-1, NGAL, and NAG are significantly correlated with the condition of patients with fracture traumatic shock after further analysis using the Pearson model. In addition, the diagnostic value of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the AUC of serum KIM-1 for the diagnosis of fracture traumatic shock was 0.755, the AUC of serum NGAL was 0.750, the AUC of serum NAG was 0.772, and the AUC of the combination of the three indicators was 0.915. The results of this study thus suggest the possibility of serum KIM-1, NGAL, and NAG as clinical indicators for evaluating the condition of patients with fracture traumatic shock and the possibility of a combined test of serum KIM-1, NGAL, and NAG for diagnosing the condition.